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Liu XF, Karunarathna SC, Tibpromma S, Chethana KWT, Hyde KD, Elgorban AM, Suwannarach N, Kumla J, Mortimer PE, Hughes AC. Understanding the role of bats as fungal vectors in the environment. IMA Fungus 2024; 15:28. [PMID: 39232794 PMCID: PMC11373111 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-024-00161-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bats (Chiroptera), the second largest group of mammals, are known for their unique immune system and their ability to act as vectors for various zoonoses. Bats also act as important carriers of fungi, which include plant, animal, and human pathogens. Their roosting areas, foraging behaviors, and even migration routes make bats ideal vectors for fungi. We isolated 75 culturable fungal species from bats in Yunnan Province, China, with 36 species representing known pathogens of plants, animals, and humans, while 39 species are non-pathogenic fungi. Among these species, 77% (58 species) belonged to Ascomycota, 9% (seven species) belonged to Basidiomycota, and 13% (10 species) belonged to Mucoromycota. Even though several taxonomic studies on fungi associated with bats have been published, studies exploring the role of bats as fungal vectors are lacking. This study discusses the fungi host-specific traits and pathogenicity and the impact and ecological significance of bats as fungal vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Fu Liu
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, 655011, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Samantha Chandranath Karunarathna
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, 655011, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
- National Institute Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Kandy, Sri Lanka
| | - Saowaluck Tibpromma
- Center for Yunnan Plateau Biological Resources Protection and Utilization, College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, 655011, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - K W Thilini Chethana
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Kevin D Hyde
- School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
| | - Abdallah M Elgorban
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research (CEBR), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Center of Excellence in Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Peter E Mortimer
- Centre for Mountain Futures, Kunming Institute of Botany, Kunming, 650201, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, South Africa.
| | - Alice C Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, 999077, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
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Hurieva B, Kumar DK, Morag R, Lupo O, Carmi M, Barkai N, Jonas F. Disordered sequences of transcription factors regulate genomic binding by integrating diverse sequence grammars and interaction types. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:8763-8777. [PMID: 38908024 PMCID: PMC11347154 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) guide transcription factors (TFs) to their genomic binding sites, raising the question of how structure-lacking regions encode for complex binding patterns. We investigated this using the TF Gln3, revealing sets of IDR-embedded determinants that direct Gln3 binding to respective groups of functionally related promoters, and enable tuning binding preferences between environmental conditions, phospho-mimicking mutations, and orthologs. Through targeted mutations, we defined the role of short linear motifs (SLiMs) and co-binding TFs (Hap2) in stabilizing Gln3 at respiration-chain promoters, while providing evidence that Gln3 binding at nitrogen-associated promoters is encoded by the IDR amino-acid composition, independent of SLiMs or co-binding TFs. Therefore, despite their apparent simplicity, TF IDRs can direct and regulate complex genomic binding patterns through a combination of SLiM-mediated and composition-encoded interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Hurieva
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Divya Krishna Kumar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Rotem Morag
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Offir Lupo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Miri Carmi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Naama Barkai
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Felix Jonas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
- School of Science, Constructor University, 28759 Bremen, Germany
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Dottor CA, Iosue CL, Loshnowsky AM, Hopkins RA, Stauffer PL, Ugras JM, Spagnuola JC, Kraut DA, Wykoff DD. Regulation of thiamine and pyruvate decarboxylase genes by Pdc2 in Nakaseomyces glabratus (Candida glabrata) is complex. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae132. [PMID: 38861404 PMCID: PMC11304959 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for glucose catabolism. In the yeast species, Nakaseomyces glabratus (formerly Candida glabrata) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Pdc2 (with Thi3 and Thi2) upregulates pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) genes and thiamine biosynthetic and acquisition (THI) genes during starvation. There have not been genome-wide analyses of Pdc2 binding. Previously, we identified small regions of Pdc2-regulated genes sufficient to confer thiamine regulation. Here, we performed deletion analyses on these regions. We observed that when the S. cerevisiae PDC5 promoter is introduced into N. glabratus, it is thiamine starvation inducible but does not require the Thi3 coregulator. The ScPDC5 promoter contains a 22-bp duplication with an AT-rich spacer between the 2 repeats, which are important for regulation. Loss of the first 22-bp element does not eliminate regulation, but the promoter becomes Thi3 dependent, suggesting cis architecture can generate a Thi3-independent, thiamine starvation inducible response. Whereas many THI promoters only have 1 copy of this element, addition of the first 22-bp element to a Thi3-dependent promoter confers Thi3 independence. Finally, we performed fluorescence anisotropy and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Pdc2 and Thi3 bind to regions that share similarity to the 22-bp element in the ScPDC5 promoter and previously identified cis elements in N. glabratus promoters. Also, while Pdc2 binds to THI and PDC promoters, neither Pdc2 nor Thi3 appears to bind the evolutionarily new NgPMU3 promoter that is regulated by Pdc2. Further study is warranted because PMU3 is required for cells to acquire thiamine from environments where thiamine is phosphorylated, such as in the human bloodstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory A Dottor
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Christine L Iosue
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | | | - Rachael A Hopkins
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Peyton L Stauffer
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Julia M Ugras
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Jack C Spagnuola
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Daniel A Kraut
- Department of Chemistry, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
| | - Dennis D Wykoff
- Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA
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Beardsley J, Kim HY, Dao A, Kidd S, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Sorrell TC, Tacconelli E, Chakrabarti A, Harrison TS, Bongomin F, Gigante V, Galas M, Siswanto S, Dagne DA, Roitberg F, Sati H, Morrissey CO, Alffenaar JW. Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata): A systematic review of clinical and microbiological data from 2011 to 2021 to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae041. [PMID: 38935913 PMCID: PMC11210615 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recognising the growing global burden of fungal infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) established an advisory group consisting of experts in fungal diseases to develop a Fungal Priority Pathogen List. Pathogens were ranked based on their research and development needs and perceived public health importance using a series of global surveys and pathogen characteristics derived from systematic reviews. This systematic review evaluates the features and global impact of invasive disease caused by Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata). PubMed and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting on mortality, morbidity (hospitalization and disability), drug resistance (including isolates from sterile and non-sterile sites, since these reflect the same organisms causing invasive infections), preventability, yearly incidence, diagnostics, treatability, and distribution/emergence in the last 10 years. Candida glabrata (N. glabrata) causes difficult-to-treat invasive infections, particularly in patients with underlying conditions such as immunodeficiency, diabetes, or those who have received broad-spectrum antibiotics or chemotherapy. Beyond standard infection prevention and control measures, no specific preventative measures have been described. We found that infection is associated with high mortality rates and that there is a lack of data on complications and sequelae. Resistance to azoles is common and well described in echinocandins-in both cases, the resistance rates are increasing. Candida glabrata remains mostly susceptible to amphotericin and flucytosine. However, the incidence of the disease is increasing, both at the population level and as a proportion of all invasive yeast infections, and the increases appear related to the use of antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aiken Dao
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Tania C Sorrell
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, London, and MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Valeria Gigante
- Impact Initiatives and Research Coordination Unit, Global Coordination and Partnership Department, Antimicrobial Resistance Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marcelo Galas
- Antimicrobial Resistance Special Program, Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Siswanto Siswanto
- World Health Organization, South East Asia Region Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Daniel Argaw Dagne
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Felipe Roitberg
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hatim Sati
- Impact Initiatives and Research Coordination Unit, Global Coordination and Partnership Department, Antimicrobial Resistance Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Orla Morrissey
- Alfred Health/ Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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5
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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 PMCID: PMC11332356 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H. T. Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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6
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Saha D, Gregor JB, Hoda S, Eastman KE, Navarrete M, Wisecaver JH, Briggs SD. Candida glabrata maintains two Hap1 homologs, Zcf27 and Zcf4, for distinct roles in ergosterol gene regulation to mediate sterol homeostasis under azole and hypoxic conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.20.599910. [PMID: 38979343 PMCID: PMC11230168 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.599910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida glabrata exhibits innate resistance to azole antifungal drugs but also has the propensity to rapidly develop clinical drug resistance. Azole drugs, which target Erg11, is one of the three major classes of antifungals used to treat Candida infections. Despite their widespread use, the mechanism controlling azole-induced ERG gene expression and drug resistance in C. glabrata has primarily revolved around Upc2 and/or Pdr1. In this study, we determined the function of two zinc cluster transcription factors, Zcf27 and Zcf4, as direct but distinct regulators of ERG genes. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed C. glabrata Zcf27 and Zcf4 as the closest homologs to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hap1. Hap1 is a known zinc cluster transcription factor in S. cerevisiae in controlling ERG gene expression under aerobic and hypoxic conditions. Interestingly, when we deleted HAP1 or ZCF27 in either S. cerevisiae or C. glabrata, respectively, both deletion strains showed altered susceptibility to azole drugs, whereas the strain deleted for ZCF4 did not exhibit azole susceptibility. We also determined that the increased azole susceptibility in a zcf27Δ strain is attributed to decreased azole-induced expression of ERG genes, resulting in decreased levels of total ergosterol. Surprisingly, Zcf4 protein expression is barely detected under aerobic conditions but is specifically induced under hypoxic conditions. However, under hypoxic conditions, Zcf4 but not Zcf27 was directly required for the repression of ERG genes. This study provides the first demonstration that Zcf27 and Zcf4 have evolved to serve distinct roles allowing C. glabrata to adapt to specific host and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott D. Briggs
- Department of Biochemistry
- Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research
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Kane A, Dinh H, Campbell L, Cain AK, Hibbs D, Carter D. Spectrum of activity and mechanisms of azole-bisphosphonate synergy in pathogenic Candida. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0012124. [PMID: 38695556 PMCID: PMC11237636 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00121-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis places a significant burden on human health and can range from common superficial vulvovaginal and oral infections to invasive diseases with high mortality. The most common Candida species implicated in human disease is Candida albicans, but other species like Candida glabrata are emerging. The use of azole antifungals for treatment is limited by increasing rates of resistance. This study explores repositioning bisphosphonates, which are traditionally used for osteoporosis, as antifungal synergists that can improve and revitalize the use of azoles. Risedronate, alendronate, and zoledronate (ZOL) were tested against isolates from six different species of Candida, and ZOL produced moderate antifungal activity and strong synergy with azoles like fluconazole (FLC), particularly in C. glabrata. FLC:ZOL combinations had increased fungicidal and antibiofilm activity compared to either drug alone, and the combination prevented the development of antifungal resistance. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that the synergy was mediated by the depletion of squalene, resulting in the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and a compromised membrane structure. In C. glabrata, synergy compromised the function of membrane-bound multidrug transporters and caused an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which may account for its acute sensitivity to FLC:ZOL. The efficacy of FLC:ZOL in vivo was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model, where combinations improved the survival of larvae infected with C. albicans and C. glabrata to a greater extent than monotherapy with FLC or ZOL, and at reduced dosages. These findings demonstrate that bisphosphonates and azoles are a promising new combination therapy for the treatment of topical candidiasis. IMPORTANCE Candida is a common and often very serious opportunistic fungal pathogen. Invasive candidiasis is a prevalent cause of nosocomial infections with a high mortality rate, and mucocutaneous infections significantly impact the quality of life of millions of patients a year. These infections pose substantial clinical challenges, particularly as the currently available antifungal treatment options are limited in efficacy and often toxic. Azoles are a mainstay of antifungal therapy and work by targeting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. However, there are rising rates of acquired azole resistance in various Candida species, and some species are considered intrinsically resistant to most azoles. Our research demonstrates the promising therapeutic potential of synergistically enhancing azoles with non-toxic, FDA-approved bisphosphonates. Repurposing bisphosphonates as antifungal synergists can bypass much of the drug development pipeline and accelerate the translation of azole-bisphosphonate combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Kane
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hue Dinh
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leona Campbell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amy K. Cain
- School of Natural Sciences, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Hibbs
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Fattouh N, Husni R, Finianos M, Bitar I, Khalaf RA. Adhesive and biofilm-forming Candida glabrata Lebanese hospital isolates harbour mutations in subtelomeric silencers and adhesins. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13750. [PMID: 38813959 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Candida glabrata healthcare-associated infections is on the rise worldwide and in Lebanon, Candida glabrata infections are difficult to treat as a result of their resistance to azole antifungals and their ability to form biofilms. OBJECTIVES The first objective of this study was to quantify biofilm biomass in the most virulent C. glabrata isolates detected in a Lebanese hospital. In addition, other pathogenicity attributes were evaluated. The second objective was to identify the mechanisms of azole resistance in those isolates. METHODS A mouse model of disseminated systemic infection was developed to evaluate the degree of virulence of 41 azole-resistant C. glabrata collected from a Lebanese hospital. The most virulent isolates were further evaluated alongside an isolate having attenuated virulence and a reference strain for comparative purposes. A DNA-sequencing approach was adopted to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) leading to amino acid changes in proteins involved in azole resistance and biofilm formation. This genomic approach was supported by several phenotypic assays. RESULTS All chosen virulent isolates exhibited increased adhesion and biofilm biomass compared to the isolate having attenuated virulence. The amino acid substitutions D679E and I739N detected in the subtelomeric silencer Sir3 are potentially involved- in increased adhesion. In all isolates, amino acid substitutions were detected in the ATP-binding cassette transporters Cdr1 and Pdh1 and their transcriptional regulator Pdr1. CONCLUSIONS In summary, increased adhesion led to stable biofilm formation since mutated Sir3 could de-repress adhesins, while decreased azole susceptibility could result from mutations in Cdr1, Pdh1 and Pdr1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Fattouh
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Department of Biology, Saint George University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rola Husni
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese American University Medical Center, Rizk Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marc Finianos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ibrahim Bitar
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Roy A Khalaf
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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9
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Arun N, Kumar S, Prasad N, Rajpal K. Changing Paradigm of Yeast Isolates in HIV-Seropositive Patients with Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC). Cureus 2024; 16:e62454. [PMID: 39022508 PMCID: PMC11251931 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is a common fungal infection in HIV-seropositive patients. Understanding the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective management. This study aimed to determine the yeast isolates, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and associated factors in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. Material and methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 350 HIV-seropositive patients attending an Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, Bihar. Yeast isolates from oropharyngeal lesions were identified, and their antifungal susceptibility was determined by automated method VITEK 2. Demographic characteristics, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) status, and CD4+ cell count categories were analyzed for associations. Results This study of 350 HIV-seropositive patients revealed that 100 tested positive for Candida, with distinct differences between HAART (n=67) and non-HAART (n=33) groups. HAART patients had a younger age distribution and higher median CD4+ cell counts (350 vs. 250 cells/mm³, U = 175, p < 0.05) compared to non-HAART patients. Candida albicans was the most common species in both groups, but significant variations in species distribution (χ² = 9.23, p < 0.05) and antifungal susceptibility were noted. Specifically, susceptibility differences were significant for flucytosine (χ² = 7.21, p = 0.027) and voriconazole (χ² = 8.64, p = 0.013), emphasizing the influence of HAART on managing immune function and antifungal resistance in HIV patients. Conclusion This study provides insights into the spectrum of yeast isolates and their antifungal susceptibility patterns in HIV-seropositive patients with OPC. The findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple factors, such as Candida species, HAART status, and individual patient characteristics, in treatment decisions. The results will aid in the development of evidence-based management protocols for this vulnerable population. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing antifungal susceptibility and optimize treatment strategies for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitali Arun
- Microbiology, Radha Devi Jageshwari Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur, IND
| | - Shailesh Kumar
- Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Nidhi Prasad
- Virology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Kamlesh Rajpal
- Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
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10
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Sahu MS, Purushotham R, Kaur R. The Hog1 MAPK substrate governs Candida glabrata-epithelial cell adhesion via the histone H2A variant. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011281. [PMID: 38743788 PMCID: PMC11125552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
CgHog1, terminal kinase of the high-osmolarity glycerol signalling pathway, orchestrates cellular response to multiple external stimuli including surplus-environmental iron in the human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata (Cg). However, CgHog1 substrates remain unidentified. Here, we show that CgHog1 adversely affects Cg adherence to host stomach and kidney epithelial cells in vitro, but promotes Cg survival in the iron-rich gastrointestinal tract niche. Further, CgHog1 interactome and in vitro phosphorylation analysis revealed CgSub2 (putative RNA helicase) to be a CgHog1 substrate, with CgSub2 also governing iron homeostasis and host adhesion. CgSub2 positively regulated EPA1 (encodes a major adhesin) expression and host adherence via its interactor CgHtz1 (histone H2A variant). Notably, both CgHog1 and surplus environmental iron had a negative impact on CgSub2-CgHtz1 interaction, with CgHTZ1 or CgSUB2 deletion reversing the elevated adherence of Cghog1Δ to epithelial cells. Finally, the surplus-extracellular iron led to CgHog1 activation, increased CgSub2 phosphorylation, elevated CgSub2-CgHta (canonical histone H2A) interaction, and EPA1 transcriptional activation, thereby underscoring the iron-responsive, CgHog1-induced exchange of histone partners of CgSub2. Altogether, our work mechanistically defines how CgHog1 couples Epa1 adhesin expression with iron abundance, and point towards specific chromatin composition modification programs that probably aid fungal pathogens align their adherence to iron-rich (gut) and iron-poor (blood) host niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Sagar Sahu
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate studies, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Rajaram Purushotham
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, India
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11
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Sobel JD. Treatment of vaginitis caused by non-albicans Candida species. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:289-296. [PMID: 38720183 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2347953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the face of increased frequency of non-albicans Candida vulvovaginitis (VVC) reported worldwide, there is a paucity of effective oral and topical antifungal drugs available. Drug selection is further handicapped by an absence of data of clinical efficacy of available antifungal drugs for these infections. AREAS COVERED In this review, attention is directed at the cause of drug shortage as well as increased frequency of non-albicans Candida (NAC) vulvovaginitis. There is widespread recognition of reduced in vitro azole drug susceptibility in NAC species. Moreover, antifungal susceptibility tests have not been standardized or validated for NAC isolates, hence clinicians rely on an element of empiricism especially given the absence of randomized controlled comparative studies targeting NAC species. Clinical spectrum of NAC species isolates is highly variable with ongoing difficulty in determining a causal role in symptomatic patients. EXPERT OPINION We have entered the era of demand for Candida species-specific therapy and although consensus treatment guidelines are emerging, new antifungal agents that target these multiple-azole resistant or relatively resistant vaginal NAC species are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack D Sobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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12
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Salimi M, Javidnia J, Faeli L, Moslemi A, Hedayati M, Haghani I, Aghili S, Moazeni M, Badiee P, Roudbari M, Zarrinfar H, Mohammadi R, Lotfali E, Nouripour‐Sisakht S, Seyedmousavi S, Shokohi T, Abastabar M. Molecular Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile in Nakaseomyces glabrata Species Complex: A 5-Year Countrywide Study. J Clin Lab Anal 2024; 38:e25042. [PMID: 38775102 PMCID: PMC11137845 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.25042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aimed to identify Iranian Nakaseomyces (Candida) glabrata complex species in the clinical isolates and determine their antifungal susceptibility profile. METHODS In total, 320 N. glabrata clinical isolates were collected from patients hospitalized in different geographical regions of Iran. The initial screening was performed by morphological characteristics on CHROMagar Candida. Each isolate was identified by targeting the D1/D2 rDNA using a multiplex-PCR method. To validate the mPCR method and determine genetic diversity, the ITS-rDNA region was randomly sequenced in 40 isolates. Additionally, antifungal susceptibility was evaluated against nine antifungal agents following the CLSI M27-A4 guidelines. RESULTS All clinical isolates from Iran were identified as N. glabrata. The analysis of ITS-rDNA sequence data revealed the presence of eight distinct ITS clades and 10 haplotypes among the 40 isolates of N. glabrata. The predominant clades identified were Clades VII, V, and IV, which respectively accounted for 22.5%, 17.5%, and 17.5% isolates. The widest MIC ranges were observed for voriconazole (0.016-8 μg/mL) and isavuconazole (0.016-2 μg/mL), whereas the narrowest ranges were seen with itraconazole and amphotericin B (0.25-2 μg/mL). CONCLUSION Haplotype diversity can be a valuable approach for studying the genetic diversity, transmission patterns, and epidemiology of the N. glabrata complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salimi
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Leila Faeli
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Azam Moslemi
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Iman Haghani
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Seyed Reza Aghili
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Maryam Moazeni
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Parisa Badiee
- Clinical Microbiology Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Maryam Roudbari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of MedicineIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Allergy Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Seyedmojtaba Seyedmousavi
- Microbiology Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical CenterNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Tahereh Shokohi
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases InstituteMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
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Balakrishnan D, Lee CI. Photodynamic impact of curcumin enhanced silver functionalized graphene nanocomposites on Candida virulence. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:71. [PMID: 38683264 PMCID: PMC11058173 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-024-04017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Candida species are escalating resistance to conventional antifungal treatments, intensifying their virulence, and obstructing the effectiveness of antifungal medications. Addressing this challenge is essential for effectively managing Candida infections. The overarching objective is to advance the development of more efficient and precise therapies tailored to counter Candida infections. This study focuses on developing antifungal combined drugs using curcumin-enhanced silver-functionalized graphene nanocomposites (Cur-AgrGO) to effectively target key virulence factors of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata (Candida spp.). The green reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using bioentities and active molecules makes this approach cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques. Combining Cur-AgrGO with photodynamic therapy (PDT) demonstrated effective antifungal and antibiofilm activity with delayed growth and metabolism. The nanocomposites effectively suppressed hyphal transition and reduced key virulence factors, including proteinases, phospholipases, ergosterol levels, and cell membrane integrity. The findings suggest that Cur-AgrGO + PDT has potential as a treatment option for Candida infections. This innovative approach holds promise for treating Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheng-I Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
- Center for Nano Bio-Detections, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
- Center for Innovative Research On Aging Society (CIRAS), National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
- Advanced Institute of Manufacturing With High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
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14
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Kumar K, Pareek A, Kaur R. SWI/SNF complex-mediated chromatin remodeling in Candida glabrata promotes immune evasion. iScience 2024; 27:109607. [PMID: 38632999 PMCID: PMC11022050 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion is critical for fungal virulence. However, how the human opportunistic pathogen Candida glabrata (Cg) accomplishes this is unknown. Here, we present the first genome-wide nucleosome map of the macrophage-internalized Cg consisting of ∼12,000 dynamic and 70,000 total nucleosomes. We demonstrate that CgSnf2 (SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex-ATPase subunit)-mediated chromatin reorganization in macrophage-internalized Cg upregulates and downregulates the immunosuppressive seven-gene mannosyltransferase-cluster (CgMT-C) and immunostimulatory cell surface adhesin-encoding EPA1 gene, respectively. Consistently, EPA1 overexpression and CgMT-C deletion elevated IL-1β (pro-inflammatory cytokine) production and diminished Cg proliferation in macrophages. Further, Cgsnf2Δ had higher Epa1 surface expression, and evoked increased IL-1β secretion, and was killed in macrophages. Akt-, p38-, NF-κB- or NLRP3 inflammasome-inhibition partially reversed increased IL-1β secretion in Cgsnf2Δ-infected macrophages. Importantly, macrophages responded to multiple Candida pathogens via NF-κB-dependent IL-1β production, underscoring NF-κB signaling's role in fungal diseases. Altogether, our findings directly link the nucleosome positioning-based chromatin remodeling to fungal immunomodulatory molecule expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundan Kumar
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India
| | - Aditi Pareek
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India
- Graduate studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Laboratory of Fungal Pathogenesis, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad 500039, India
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15
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Bharti S, Singh B, Kumar S, Kumar R, Kumar J. Synthesis of bio-stabilized silver nanoparticles using Roccella montagnei, their anticandidal capacities & potential to inhibit the virulence factors in fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:158. [PMID: 38592601 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-03928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida species is the causative agent in approximately 80% of invasive mycoses and drug-resistant Candida albicans is among the four strains of 'critical priority group' framed by WHO. Lichens are endowed with some rare phytochemicals and a plethora of therapeutics viz. antifungal capacities of Roccella montagnei. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using lichen could offer an eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative against emerging 'microbial resistance.' Therefore, the objective was to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (Rm-AgNPs) using a Hydro-alcoholic (1:1) extract of R. montagnei to develop a potent anticandidal agent against Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans NBC099. UV-Spectroscopy identified AgNPs specific-peak of Rm-AgNPs at 420-440 nm and FTIR revealed the presence of amines, alcohol, aromatic compounds, and acids. SEM and TEM analysis indicated that Rm-AgNPs are spherical shaped with a size range of 10-50 nm. Zetasizer analysis indicated that particles are highly stable and have a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 116 nm with a zeta potential charge of - 41 mV. XRD analysis suggested face centered cubic crystal lattice structure. Results indicated that Rm-AgNPs strongly inhibited the growth of NBC099 at a minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ≤ 15 µg. C. albicans culture treated with Rm-AgNPs at concentrations below IC50, down-regulates the production of different virulence factors in NBC099, viz. hyphal formation (> 85%), biofilms production (> 80%), phospholipase, esterase, proteinase activity. The apoptosis assay demonstrated the Rm-AgNPs induced apoptosis in NBC099 cells via oxidative stress. Interestingly, Rm-AgNPs showed negligible cytotoxicity (< 6%) in murine RAW 246.7 macrophage cells at a concentration above 15 µg/mL. Therefore, Rm-AgNPs have been offered as an anti-candida alternative that can be utilized to improve the efficacy of already available medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Bharti
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Balwant Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India
| | - Sanket Kumar
- Department of Botany, School of Sciences, IFTM University, Moradabad, 244102, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Lucknow, India
| | - Jatinder Kumar
- CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
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16
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Maroc L, Shaker H, Shapiro RS. Functional genetic characterization of stress tolerance and biofilm formation in Nakaseomyces ( Candida) glabrata via a novel CRISPR activation system. mSphere 2024; 9:e0076123. [PMID: 38265239 PMCID: PMC10900893 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00761-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of genes frequently arises in Nakaseomyces (formerly Candida) glabrata via gain-of-function mutations, gene duplication, or aneuploidies, with important consequences on pathogenesis traits and antifungal drug resistance. This highlights the need to develop specific genetic tools to mimic and study genetic amplification in this important fungal pathogen. Here, we report the development, validation, and applications of the first clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) activation (CRISPRa) system in N. glabrata for targeted genetic overexpression. Using this system, we demonstrate the ability of CRISPRa to drive high levels of gene expression in N. glabrata, and further assess optimal guide RNA targeting for robust overexpression. We demonstrate the applications of CRISPRa to overexpress genes involved in fungal pathogenesis and drug resistance and detect corresponding phenotypic alterations in these key traits, including the characterization of novel phenotypes. Finally, we capture strain variation using our CRISPRa system in two commonly used N. glabrata genetic backgrounds. Together, this tool will expand our capacity for functional genetic overexpression in this pathogen, with numerous possibilities for future applications.IMPORTANCENakaseomyces (formerly Candida) glabrata is an important fungal pathogen that is now the second leading cause of candidiasis infections. A common strategy that this pathogen employs to resist antifungal treatment is through the upregulation of gene expression, but we have limited tools available to study this phenomenon. Here, we develop, optimize, and apply the use of CRISPRa as a means to overexpress genes in N. glabrata. We demonstrate the utility of this system to overexpress key genes involved in antifungal susceptibility, stress tolerance, and biofilm growth. This tool will be an important contribution to our ability to study the biology of this important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Maroc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Hajer Shaker
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Ouchi C, Hasebe A, Sakata KI, Sato J, Yamazaki Y, Ohga N, Kitagawa Y. Genotypes and virulence-related activities of Candida albicans derived from oral cavity of patients in Hokkaido. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 157:105827. [PMID: 37918303 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to elucidate the difference in virulence of Candida albicans derived from oral candidiasis and non-oral candidiasis patients, and its genotype differences in Hokkaido to obtain a clue of a platform to develop new approaches for diagnosis and treatment. DESIGN C. albicans strains were collected from patients who visited the Hokkaido University Hospital Dental Center. Each strain was examined to i) identify the Candida albicans genotype by PCR, ii) measure the strain's extracellular secretory enzyme activity, iii) determine the strain's ability to induce the production of interleukin-8, and iv) determine the strain's ability to induce cell death. RESULTS Certain virulence-related protease activities and cytotoxicity were higher in strains derived from patients with oral candidiasis compared with strains derived from patients without oral candidiasis. This is the first report on genotypes and the virulence-related activities, such as some protease secretion, IL-8 induction and cytotoxicity of C. albicans in Hokkaido. CONCLUSIONS The virulence-related activities of the fungal strain may influence the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis, such as production of secreted aspartyl protease and cytotoxicity. In addition, C. albicans genotype C may be important for pathogenicity in Hokkaido, because the ratio of genotype C was increased in strains derived from oral candidiasis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisato Ouchi
- Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Oral Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akira Hasebe
- Department of Oral Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Ken-Ichiro Sakata
- Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jun Sato
- Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yamazaki
- Gerodontology, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Noritaka Ohga
- Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Kitagawa
- Oral Diagnosis and Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Wang Y, Xu J, Ben Abid F, Salah H, Sundararaju S, Al Ismail K, Wang K, Sara Matthew L, Taj-Aldeen S, Ibrahim EB, Tang P, Perez-Lopez A, Tsui CKM. Population genomic analyses reveal high diversity, recombination and nosocomial transmission among Candida glabrata ( Nakaseomyces glabrata) isolates causing invasive infections. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001179. [PMID: 38226964 PMCID: PMC10868614 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a commensal yeast of the gastrointestinal tract and skin of humans. However, it causes opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, and is the second most common Candida pathogen causing bloodstream infections. Although there are many studies on the epidemiology of C. glabrata infections, the fine- and large-scale geographical nature of C. glabrata remain incompletely understood. Here we investigated both the fine- and large-scale population structure of C. glabrata through genome sequencing of 80 clinical isolates obtained from six tertiary hospitals in Qatar and by comparing with global collections. Our fine-scale analyses revealed high genetic diversity within the Qatari population of C. glabrata and identified signatures of recombination, inbreeding and clonal expansion within and between hospitals, including evidence for nosocomial transmission among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. In addition to signatures of recombination at the population level, both MATa and MATα alleles were detected in most hospitals, indicating the potential for sexual reproduction in clinical environments. Comparisons with global samples showed that the Qatari C. glabrata population was very similar to those from other parts of the world, consistent with the significant role of recent anthropogenic activities in shaping its population structure. Genome-wide association studies identified both known and novel genomic variants associated with reduced susceptibilities to fluconazole, 5-flucytosine and echinocandins. Together, our genomic analyses revealed the diversity, transmission patterns and antifungal drug resistance mechanisms of C. glabrata in Qatar as well as the relationships between Qatari isolates and those from other parts of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fatma Ben Abid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Communicable Disease Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Husam Salah
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Khalil Al Ismail
- Communicable Disease Centre, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kun Wang
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Saad Taj-Aldeen
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Emad B. Ibrahim
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Tang
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andres Perez-Lopez
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Clement K. M. Tsui
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratory, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Sivagamasundari S, Mahadevan K, Rai R, Lavanya S. A prospective observational study on species differentiation and antifungal susceptibility pattern in patients with genital candidiasis. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2024; 45:11-14. [PMID: 38989096 PMCID: PMC11233061 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_58_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Candidial balanitis, balanoposthitis and vulvovaginitis can be diagnosed by direct microscopy, culture and treated with antifungals. Resistance to antifungals is emerging. Hence, we conducted a study to identify the causative species and antifungal susceptibility. Aim To observe the species differentiation and antifungal susceptibility pattern in patients with genital candidiasis. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study was carried out that included 54 patients of age group (18-60 years) diagnosed clinically and direct microscopically (KOH) for genital candidiasis. Culture was done using Sabouraud dextrose agar. Species identification and antifungal susceptibility were tested. Descriptive data were expressed in the form of frequency and percentage. Results Out of 54 patients, 41 had culture positive candidiasis. Among the isolated species, 68.3% were Candida albicans (28/41) and 31.7% were non- albicans Candida spp. Among non-albicans Candida species (13/41), Candida glabrata (19.5%), Candida tropicalis (7.3%), Candida guilliermondii (2.4%), Candida parapsilosis (2.4%) were identified. Antifungal susceptibility was tested for fluconazole (FLU), clotrimazole (CLTZ), itraconazole (ITZ), ketoconazole (KTZ), voriconazole (VOR), amphotericin-B (AMPH-B). Except C. glabrata and C.parapsilosis, all other species were sensitive to all tested antifungals. All isolated species were sensitive to KTZ, VOR, AMPH-B, and CLTZ. Nearly 22% of isolates were resistant to fluconazole. Conclusion C. glabrata causes complicated, severe recurrent vulvovaginitis which is fluconazole resistant. Drug sensitivity prior prescribing antifungal agent identifies appropriate drug, decreases patient's disease morbidity and cross resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Sivagamasundari
- Department of Dermatology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K. Mahadevan
- Department of Dermatology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reena Rai
- Department of Dermatology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sriramajayam Lavanya
- Department of Microbiology, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Acuna E, Ndlovu E, Molaeitabari A, Shahina Z, Dahms TES. Carvacrol-Induced Vacuole Dysfunction and Morphological Consequences in Nakaseomyces glabratus and Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2915. [PMID: 38138059 PMCID: PMC10745442 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
With the prevalence of systemic fungal infections caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans species and their resistance to classical antifungals, there is an urgent need to explore alternatives. Herein, we evaluate the impact of the monoterpene carvacrol, a major component of oregano and thyme oils, on clinical and laboratory strains of C. albicans and Nakaseomyces glabratus. Carvacrol induces a wide range of antifungal effects, including the inhibition of growth and hyphal and biofilm formation. Using biochemical and microscopic approaches, we elucidate carvacrol-induced hyphal inhibition. The significantly reduced survival rates following exposure to carvacrol were accompanied by dose-dependent vacuolar acidification, disrupted membrane integrity, and aberrant morphology. Germ tube assays, used to elucidate the relationship between vacuolar dysfunction and hyphal inhibition, showed that carvacrol significantly reduced hyphal formation, which was accompanied by a defective C. albicans morphology. Thus, we show a link between vacuolar acidification/disrupted vacuole membrane integrity and compromised candidal morphology/morphogenesis, demonstrating that carvacrol exerts its anti-hyphal activity by altering vacuole integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zinnat Shahina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 1P4, Canada; (E.A.)
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Li X, Li L, Zhang H, Chi X, Jiang Y, Ni T. Discovery of novel thiosemicarbazone derivatives with potent and selective anti- Candida glabrata activity. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:2202362. [PMID: 37080774 PMCID: PMC10120463 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2202362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of 21 novel compounds containing a thiosemicarbazone moiety were designed and synthesised based on hit compound 1 from our in-house compound library screening. Most compounds showed potent antifungal activity in vitro against seven common pathogenic fungi. Notably, all compounds showed high potency against Candida glabrata 537 (MIC = ≤0.0156-2 µg/mL). Of note, compounds 5j and 5r displayed excellent antifungal activity against Candida krusei 4946 and Candida auris 922. Additionally, compounds 5j and 5r also showed high potency against 15 C. glabrata isolates with MIC values ranging from 0.0625 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL, with compound 5r being slightly superior to 5j. Moreover, compound 5r has certain effect against biofilm formation of C. glabrata. Furthermore, compound 5r has minimal cytotoxicity against HUVECs with an IC50 value of 15.89 µg/mL and no haemolysis at 64 µg/mL. Taken together, these results suggest that promising lead compound 5r deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianru Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiaochen Chi
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingjunhong Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Czajka KM, Venkataraman K, Brabant-Kirwan D, Santi SA, Verschoor C, Appanna VD, Singh R, Saunders DP, Tharmalingam S. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Antifungal Resistance in Pathogenic Candida Species. Cells 2023; 12:2655. [PMID: 37998390 PMCID: PMC10670235 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidiasis is a highly pervasive infection posing major health risks, especially for immunocompromised populations. Pathogenic Candida species have evolved intrinsic and acquired resistance to a variety of antifungal medications. The primary goal of this literature review is to summarize the molecular mechanisms associated with antifungal resistance in Candida species. Resistance can be conferred via gain-of-function mutations in target pathway genes or their transcriptional regulators. Therefore, an overview of the known gene mutations is presented for the following antifungals: azoles (fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and itraconazole), echinocandins (caspofungin, anidulafungin and micafungin), polyenes (amphotericin B and nystatin) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). The following mutation hot spots were identified: (1) ergosterol biosynthesis pathway mutations (ERG11 and UPC2), resulting in azole resistance; (2) overexpression of the efflux pumps, promoting azole resistance (transcription factor genes: tac1 and mrr1; transporter genes: CDR1, CDR2, MDR1, PDR16 and SNQ2); (3) cell wall biosynthesis mutations (FKS1, FKS2 and PDR1), conferring resistance to echinocandins; (4) mutations of nucleic acid synthesis/repair genes (FCY1, FCY2 and FUR1), resulting in 5-FC resistance; and (5) biofilm production, promoting general antifungal resistance. This review also provides a summary of standardized inhibitory breakpoints obtained from international guidelines for prominent Candida species. Notably, N. glabrata, P. kudriavzevii and C. auris demonstrate fluconazole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina M. Czajka
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
| | - Krishnan Venkataraman
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | | | - Stacey A. Santi
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Chris Verschoor
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Vasu D. Appanna
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
| | - Ravi Singh
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Deborah P. Saunders
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Medical Sciences Division, NOSM University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada; (K.M.C.); (K.V.); (C.V.); (R.S.); (D.P.S.)
- School of Natural Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada;
- Health Sciences North Research Institute, Sudbury, ON P3E 2H2, Canada; (D.B.-K.); (S.A.S.)
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23
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Ndlovu E, Malpartida L, Sultana T, Dahms TES, Dague E. Host Cell Geometry and Cytoskeletal Organization Governs Candida-Host Cell Interactions at the Nanoscale. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37888912 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Candida is one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens in humans. Its adhesion to the host cell is required in parasitic states and is important for pathogenesis. Many studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing candidiasis when normal tissue barriers are weakened or when immune defenses are compromised, for example, during cancer treatment that induces immunosuppression. The mechanical properties of malignant cells, such as adhesiveness and viscoelasticity, which contribute to cellular invasion and migration are different from those of noncancerous cells. To understand host invasion and its relationship with host cell health, we probed the interaction of Candida spp. with cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines using atomic force microscopy in the single-cell force spectroscopy mode. There was significant adhesion between Candida and human cells, with more adhesion to cancerous versus noncancerous cell lines. This increase in adhesion is related to the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells, which have a disorganized cytoskeleton and lower rigidity. Altered geometry and cytoskeletal disruption of the human cells impacted adhesion parameters, underscoring the role of cytoskeletal organization in Candida-human cell adhesion and implicating the manipulation of cell properties as a potential future therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Easter Ndlovu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Lucas Malpartida
- National Centre for Scientific Research, Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, BP 54200, Toulouse cedex 4 31031, France
| | - Taranum Sultana
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Tanya E S Dahms
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina S4S 0A2, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Etienne Dague
- National Centre for Scientific Research, Laboratory for Analysis and Architecture of Systems (LAAS), 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, BP 54200, Toulouse cedex 4 31031, France
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24
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Liang J, Tang H, Snyder LF, Youngstrom CE, He BZ. Divergence of TORC1-mediated stress response leads to novel acquired stress resistance in a pathogenic yeast. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011748. [PMID: 37871123 PMCID: PMC10621968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired stress resistance (ASR) enables organisms to prepare for environmental changes that occur after an initial stressor. However, the genetic basis for ASR and how the underlying network evolved remain poorly understood. In this study, we discovered that a short phosphate starvation induces oxidative stress response (OSR) genes in the pathogenic yeast C. glabrata and protects it against a severe H2O2 stress; the same treatment, however, provides little benefit in the low pathogenic-potential relative, S. cerevisiae. This ASR involves the same transcription factors (TFs) as the OSR, but with different combinatorial logics. We show that Target-of-Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1) is differentially inhibited by phosphate starvation in the two species and contributes to the ASR via its proximal effector, Sch9. Therefore, evolution of the phosphate starvation-induced ASR involves the rewiring of TORC1's response to phosphate limitation and the repurposing of TF-target gene networks for the OSR using new regulatory logics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinye Liang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Hanxi Tang
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Lindsey F. Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | | | - Bin Z. He
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
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25
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Jaradat N. Qualitative and Quantitative Comparison of Aromatic Oil Components and Antifungal Effects of Cymbopogon flexuosus Obtained with Supercritical CO 2, Microwave-Ultrasonic, Steam Distillation, and Hydrodistillation Extraction Techniques. Molecules 2023; 28:6870. [PMID: 37836713 PMCID: PMC10574671 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cymbopogon flexuosus is a highly valued botanical species with significant applications in the food and food supplement industries, medicine, and cosmetics. The effects of four extraction techniques, supercritical CO2, microwave-ultrasonic, steam distillation, and hydrodistillation techniques, on the yield, phytochemical constituents, and antifungal activity against nine fungal species of Cymbopogon flexuosus aromatic oil (AO) were explored in this investigation. Gas chromatography connected with a mass spectrometry apparatus was employed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of the investigated plant AOs. In addition, using the broth microdilution method, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were calculated for several fungi species. The supercritical CO2 method gave the highest yield of AO (11.62 ± 0.03 (w/w)) followed by the microwave-ultrasonic method (1.55 ± 0.05% (w/w)) and the steam distillation method (1.24 ± 0.04% (w/w)), while the hydrodistillation methods gave the lowest yield (1.17 ± 0.01 (w/w)). In addition, eighteen molecules were specified in the AOs obtained with the supercritical CO2, microwave-ultrasonic, steam distillation, and hydrodistillation techniques, which constituted 99.36, 98.6, 98.21, and 98.31% (v/v) of the total oils, respectively. Additionally, linalyl acetate was the trending molecule in the microwave-ultrasonic and steam distillation methods, representing 24.61 and 24.34% (v/v), respectively, while geranial was the dominant molecule in the AOs extracted with the hydrodistillation and supercritical CO2 extraction techniques (27.01 and 25.6% (v/v), respectively). The antifungal screening results revealed that the tested C. flexuosus AOs have potential antifungal effects against all the screened fungi species. The antifungal effect of the AOs extracted with the steam distillation and microwave-ultrasonic methods was remarkable compared with that of the commercial antifungal drug Fluconazole. However, the AOs extracted with these two methods have a more potent antifungal effect against Candida parapsilosis than that of Fluconazole with MICs of 3.13 ± 0.01, 3.13 ± 0.01, and 6.25 ± 0.91 µg/mL, respectively. The same effects were also observed against Trichophyton rubrum with MICs of 6.25 ± 0.91 µg/mL, respectively. The results of this investigation demonstrated that the steam distillation and microwave-ultrasonic methods are promising processes for the extraction of C. flexuosus AO with a potent antifungal effect. This may be an advantage for the utilization of C. flexuosus AO over some antifungal synthetic agents commonly utilized as medicines, preservatives, food additives, cosmetics, and nutrient supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidal Jaradat
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine
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26
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Romo JA, Tomihiro M, Kumamoto CA. Pre-colonization with the fungus Candida glabrata exacerbates infection by the bacterial pathogen Clostridioides difficile in a murine model. mSphere 2023; 8:e0012223. [PMID: 37358292 PMCID: PMC10449511 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00122-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The contributions of commensal fungi to human health and disease are not well understood. Candida species such as C. albicans and C. glabrata are opportunistic pathogenic fungi and common colonizers of the human intestinal tract. They have been shown to affect the host immune system and interact with the gut microbiome and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, Candida species could be expected to play important ecological roles in the host gastrointestinal tract. Previously, our group demonstrated that pre-colonization of mice with C. albicans protected them against lethal C. difficile infection (CDI). Here, we show that mice pre-colonized with C. glabrata succumbed to CDI more rapidly than mice that were not pre-colonized suggesting an enhancement in C. difficile pathogenesis. Further, when C. difficile was added to pre-formed C. glabrata biofilms, an increase in matrix and overall biomass was observed. These effects were also shown with C. glabrata clinical isolates. Interestingly, the presence of C. difficile increased C. glabrata biofilm susceptibility to caspofungin, indicating potential effects on the fungal cell wall. Defining this intricate and intimate relationship will lead to an understanding of the role of Candida species in the context of CDI and novel aspects of Candida biology. IMPORTANCE Most microbiome studies have only considered the bacterial populations while ignoring other members of the microbiome such as fungi, other eukaryotic microorganisms, and viruses. Therefore, the role of fungi in human health and disease has been significantly understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts. This has generated a significant gap in knowledge that has negatively impacted disease diagnosis, understanding, and the development of therapeutics. With the development of novel technologies, we now have an understanding of mycobiome composition, but we do not understand the roles of fungi in the host. Here, we present findings showing that Candida glabrata, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, can impact the severity and outcome of a Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a murine model. These findings bring attention to fungal colonizers during CDI, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús A. Romo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Makenzie Tomihiro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carol A. Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Chesdachai S, Yetmar ZA, Ranganath N, Everson JJ, Wengenack NL, Abu Saleh OM. Antifungal Susceptibility Pattern of Candida glabrata from a Referral Center and Reference Laboratory: 2012-2022. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:821. [PMID: 37623592 PMCID: PMC10455611 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of invasive candidiasis caused by non-Candida albicans has rapidly increased. Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata) is an important pathogen associated with substantial mortality. Our study examined the antifungal temporal susceptibility of C. glabrata and cross-resistance/non-wild-type patterns with other azoles and echinocandins. Laboratory data of all adult patients with C. glabrata isolated from clinical specimens at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from 2012 to 2022 were collected. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) breakpoints were used. We obtained 1046 C. glabrata isolates from 877 patients. Using CLSI and EUCAST breakpoints, 187 (17.9%) isolates and 256 (24.5%) isolates were fluconazole-resistant, respectively. Focusing on C. glabrata bloodstream infections, fluconazole-resistance ranged from 16 to 22%. Among those 187 fluconazole-resistant isolates, 187 (100%) and 184 (98.4%) isolates were also voriconazole and posaconazole non-wild-type, respectively, with 97 (51.9%) isolates deemed non-wild type for itraconazole. The fluconazole susceptibility pattern has not changed over the past decade. The proportion of fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata is relatively high, which could be due to the complexity of patients and fluconazole exposure. Itraconazole appears to be a compelling step-down therapy for fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata, given the high proportion of wild-type isolates. Further research to examine clinical outcomes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supavit Chesdachai
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (Z.A.Y.); (N.R.); (O.M.A.S.)
| | - Zachary A. Yetmar
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (Z.A.Y.); (N.R.); (O.M.A.S.)
| | - Nischal Ranganath
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (Z.A.Y.); (N.R.); (O.M.A.S.)
| | - Jenna J. Everson
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (J.J.E.); (N.L.W.)
| | - Nancy L. Wengenack
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (J.J.E.); (N.L.W.)
| | - Omar M. Abu Saleh
- Division of Public Health, Infectious Diseases and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (Z.A.Y.); (N.R.); (O.M.A.S.)
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28
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Liang X, Menon S, Vartak R, Gaida R, Wojaczyńska E, Patel K, Billack B. Nanoformulation of a novel potent ebselen analog for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1195-1206. [PMID: 37724540 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is primarily caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans). Here, a novel organoselenium compound (G20) was synthesized and evaluated for anti-Candida activity. Methods: Growth-inhibition studies and medium acidification assays to assess the inhibition of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase (Pma1p) were carried out in vitro using G20. A self-nanoemulsifying formulation (SNEP) of G20 was prepared and evaluated for antimycotic activity in a mouse model. Results: G20 inhibited the growth of C. albicans through a mechanism that, at least in part, involves the inhibition of Pma1p. The G20-SNEP formulation significantly reduced vaginal colonization and vaginal inflammation relative to yeast-infected but untreated control mice. Conclusion: G20-SNEP exhibits potent antimycotic activity in a mouse model of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyi Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Suvidha Menon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Richa Vartak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Radosław Gaida
- Wrocław University of Science & Technology, Wrocław, 50-370, Poland
| | | | - Ketankumar Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Blase Billack
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
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29
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Qi W, Ren Y, Wang H, Wan Y, Pan H, Yao J. Candida parapsilosis-Caused Arthritis with Rice Body Formation: A Case Presentation and Literature Review. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4123-4135. [PMID: 37396064 PMCID: PMC10312336 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s416990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A 68-year-old male patient came to the orthopedics department because of swelling and pain in his left shoulder joint. He received more than 15 intraarticular steroid injections in the shoulder joint at a local private hospital. MRI showed that the synovial membrane of the joint capsule was thickened and swollen, and there were extensive "rice body-like" low T2 signal shadows filling. Arthroscopic removal of rice bodies and subtotal bursectomy were performed. The observation channel was placed through the posterior approach, and a large amount of rice bodies in yellow bursa fluid were observed to flow out. Rice bodies with a diameter of approximately 1-5 mm filled the joint cavity were seen in the observation channel. The histopathological examination of the rice body showed that it was mainly composed of fibrin without a clear tissue structure. Bacterial and fungal cultures of synovial fluid suggested Candida parapsilosis infection, so the patient received antifungal treatment. However, the shoulder swelled again after three weeks, MRI revealed that there was significant fluid accumulation in the subacromial-subdeltoid region with necrotic synovial tissue floating and ultrasound examination showed joint cavity effusion, synovial hyperplasia, and some synovium looked like "floating weeds". After 2 weeks, there were recurrent rice bodies in the articular cavity. Arthroscopic surgery was performed again to clean the joint and a catheter was placed for irrigation and drainage, and a large amount of necrotic synovial tissue floating as seen in ultrasound. Finally, patient received sensitive antifungal treatment and did not relapse within 6 months. During the recurrence in the current case, we recorded the process of rice body formation, which has for the first time been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihui Qi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Ding Qiao Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanyun Ren
- Department of Stomatology No. 903 Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Ding Qiao Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Stomatology No. 903 Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Ding Qiao Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hangzhou Ding Qiao Hospital, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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30
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Ginestra G, Gervasi T, Mancuso F, Bucolo F, De Luca L, Gitto R, Barreca D, Mandalari G. Evaluation of the In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Novel Arylsulfonamides against Candida spp. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1522. [PMID: 37375025 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The antifungal activity of molecules belonging to the arylsulfonamide chemotype has previously been demonstrated. Here, we screened arylsulfonamide-type compounds against a range of Candida spp. and further established the structure-activity relationship based on a "hit compound". A series of four sulfonamide-based compounds, N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) biphenyl-4-carboxamide (3), 2,2-diphenyl-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) acetamide (4), N-(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) biphenyl-4-carboxamide (5) and 2,2-diphenyl-N-(4-sulfamoylphenethyl) acetamide (6), were tested against the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical strains of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata. Based on the fungistatic potential of prototype 3, a further subset of compounds, structurally related to hit compound 3, was synthesized and tested: two benzamides (10-11), the related amine 4-[[(4-4-((biphenyl-4-ylmethylamino)methyl) benzenesulfonamide (13) and the corresponding hydrochloride, 13.HCl. Both amine 13 and its hydrochloride salt had fungicidal effects against Candida glabrata strain 33 (MFC of 1.000 mg/mL). An indifferent effect was detected in the association of the compounds with amphotericin B and fluconazole. The cytotoxicity of the active compounds was also evaluated. This data could be useful to develop novel therapeutics for topical use against fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ginestra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Gervasi
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Bucolo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Laura De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gitto
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Barreca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
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Rai MN, Rai R, Sethiya P, Parsania C. Transcriptome analysis reveals a common adaptive transcriptional response of Candida glabrata to diverse environmental stresses. Res Microbiol 2023:104073. [PMID: 37100335 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Candida glabrata, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, causes superficial and life-threatening infections in humans. In the host microenvironment, C. glabrata encounters a variety of stresses, and its ability to cope with these stresses is crucial for its pathogenesis. To gain insights into how C. glabrata adapts to adverse environmental conditions, we examined its transcriptional landscape under heat, osmotic, cell wall, oxidative, and genotoxic stresses using RNA sequencing and reveal that C. glabrata displays a diverse transcriptional response involving ∼75% of its genome for adaptation to different environmental stresses. C. glabrata mounts a central common adaptation response wherein ∼25% of all genes (n = 1370) are regulated in a similar fashion at different environmental stresses. Elevated cellular translation and diminished mitochondrial activity-associated transcriptional signature characterize the common adaptation response. Transcriptional regulatory association networks of common adaptation response genes revealed a set of 29 transcription factors acting as potential activators and repressors of associated adaptive response genes. Overall, the current work delineates the adaptive responses of C. glabrata to diverse environmental stresses and reports the existence of a common adaptive transcriptional response upon prolonged exposure to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maruti Nandan Rai
- Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, IL, USA.
| | - Rikky Rai
- Citrus Research and Education Center, University of Florida, FL, USA.
| | - Pooja Sethiya
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145 NSW, University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Chirag Parsania
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Faculty of medicine and health, University of Sydney, Australia.
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Nouri N, Mohammadi SR, Beardsley J, Aslani P, Ghaffarifar F, Roudbary M, Rodrigues CF. Thymoquinone Antifungal Activity against Candida glabrata Oral Isolates from Patients in Intensive Care Units-An In Vitro Study. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040580. [PMID: 37110238 PMCID: PMC10143056 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of Candida spp. infections and drug resistance are dramatically increasing worldwide, particularly among immunosuppressed patients, and it is urgent to find novel compounds with antifungal activity. In this work, the antifungal and antibiofilm activity of thymoquinone (TQ), a key bioactive constituent of black cumin seed Nigella sativa L., was evaluated against Candida glabrata, a WHO 'high-priority' pathogen. Then, its effect on the expression of C. glabrata EPA6 and EPA7 genes (related to biofilm adhesion and development, respectively) were analyzed. Swab samples were taken from the oral cavity of 90 hospitalized patients in ICU wards, transferred to sterile falcon tubes, and cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Chromagar Candida for presumptive identification. Next, a 21-plex PCR was carried out for the confirmation of species level. C. glabrata isolates underwent antifungal drug susceptibility testing against fluconazole (FLZ), itraconazole (ITZ), amphotericin B (AMB), and TQ according to the CLSI microdilution method (M27, A3/S4). Biofilm formation was measured by an MTT assay. EPA6 and EPA7 gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. From the 90 swab samples, 40 isolates were identified as C. glabrata with the 21-plex PCR. Most isolates were resistant to FLZ (n = 29, 72.5%), whereas 12.5% and 5% were ITZ and AMB resistant, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of TQ against C. glabrata was 50 µg/mL. Importantly, TQ significantly inhibited the biofilm formation of C. glabrata isolates, and EPA6 gene expression was reduced significantly at MIC50 concentration of TQ. TQ seems to have some antifungal, antibiofilm (adhesion) effect on C. glabrata isolates, showing that this plant secondary metabolite is a promising agent to overcome Candida infections, especially oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Nouri
- Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115111, Iran
| | - Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115111, Iran
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, NSW Health, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Peyman Aslani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1411718541, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115111, Iran
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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33
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Genetic Diversity of Human Fungal Pathogens. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-023-00188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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34
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Chia RX, Naidu K, Fadia M, Liang X. Inferior mesenteric vein pylethrombophlebitis as the predominant presentation of diverticulitis. ANZ J Surg 2023; 93:386-388. [PMID: 35651278 DOI: 10.1111/ans.17824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xian Chia
- Department of General Surgery, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Krishanth Naidu
- Department of General Surgery, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Mitali Fadia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - XiaoMing Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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35
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Stefanini I, Stoakes E, Wu HHT, Xu-McCrae L, Hussain A, Moat J, Dowson CG, David MD, Constantinidou C. Genomic Assembly of Clinical Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata) Isolates Reveals within-Species Structural Plasticity and Association with In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0182722. [PMID: 36354359 PMCID: PMC9769630 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01827-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic human pathogen Candida glabrata has become an increasingly important threat to human health, with infections globally characterized by high mortality rates and multidrug resistance. To face this threat, more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are required, underpinning research to help define the intraspecies epidemiology, genetic variability, and therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic target stability. Previous comparative genetics studies conducted on limited numbers of strains only revealed partial resolution of chromosomal settings. In this study, by combining short- and long-read genome sequencing, phenotypic characterization, and comparative genomics over a large set of strains, we detected strict relationships between large chromosomal rearrangements and phylogenetic clades, genes subjected to different selective pressures, and new sets of genes associated with resistance to antifungals. Overall, these results not only provide a fundamental contribution to our knowledge of C. glabrata evolution and epidemiology but may also lay the foundations for the future development of tailored therapeutic approaches. IMPORTANCE The human pathogen Candida glabrata has become a global threat to human health, with infections characterized by high mortality and multidrug resistance. We have obtained nine fully assembled genomes from clinical isolates through a combination of short- and long-read sequencing approaches. The quality and completeness of such genomes and their subsequent comparison to the broadest set of genomes so far allowed us to pinpoint chromosomal rearrangements in several genomes and detect phylogenetic clades that were not associated with geographic location or isolation source. We identified a new set of genes associated with resistance to antifungals coding for adhesin or adhesin-like proteins, suggesting C. glabrata resists antifungals by forming aggregates or adhering to the host tissue. These results, which provide a fundamental contribution to our knowledge of C. glabrata evolution and epidemiology, may initiate the development of precision medicine interventions for patients with suspected or proven invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Stefanini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emily Stoakes
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Houdini H. T. Wu
- UK Health Security Agency Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Li Xu-McCrae
- UK Health Security Agency Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abid Hussain
- UK Health Security Agency Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - John Moat
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | | | - Miruna D. David
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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36
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Rush TA, Tannous J, Lane MJ, Gopalakrishnan Meena M, Carrell AA, Golan JJ, Drott MT, Cottaz S, Fort S, Ané JM, Keller NP, Pelletier DA, Jacobson DA, Kainer D, Abraham PE, Giannone RJ, Labbé JL. Lipo-Chitooligosaccharides Induce Specialized Fungal Metabolite Profiles That Modulate Bacterial Growth. mSystems 2022; 7:e0105222. [PMID: 36453934 PMCID: PMC9764981 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01052-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) are historically known for their role as microbial-derived signaling molecules that shape plant symbiosis with beneficial rhizobia or mycorrhizal fungi. Recent studies showing that LCOs are widespread across the fungal kingdom have raised questions about the ecological function of these compounds in organisms that do not form symbiotic relationships with plants. To elucidate the ecological function of these compounds, we investigate the metabolomic response of the ubiquitous human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus to LCOs. Our metabolomics data revealed that exogenous application of various types of LCOs to A. fumigatus resulted in significant shifts in the fungal metabolic profile, with marked changes in the production of specialized metabolites known to mediate ecological interactions. Using network analyses, we identify specific types of LCOs with the most significant effect on the abundance of known metabolites. Extracts of several LCO-induced metabolic profiles significantly impact the growth rates of diverse bacterial species. These findings suggest that LCOs may play an important role in the competitive dynamics of non-plant-symbiotic fungi and bacteria. This study identifies specific metabolomic profiles induced by these ubiquitously produced chemicals and creates a foundation for future studies into the potential roles of LCOs as modulators of interkingdom competition. IMPORTANCE The activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) for the identification and characterization of novel fungal secondary metabolites is a perpetual motion in natural product discoveries. Here, we demonstrated that one of the best-studied symbiosis signaling compounds, lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs), play a role in activating some of these BGCs, resulting in the production of known, putative, and unknown metabolites with biological activities. This collection of metabolites induced by LCOs differentially modulate bacterial growth, while the LCO standards do not convey the same effect. These findings create a paradigm shift showing that LCOs have a more prominent role outside of host recognition of symbiotic microbes. Importantly, our work demonstrates that fungi use LCOs to produce a variety of metabolites with biological activity, which can be a potential source of bio-stimulants, pesticides, or pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás A. Rush
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joanna Tannous
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthew J. Lane
- Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Alyssa A. Carrell
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jacob J. Golan
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Milton T. Drott
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sylvain Cottaz
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, Grenoble, France
| | - Sébastien Fort
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CERMAV, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Michel Ané
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dale A. Pelletier
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daniel A. Jacobson
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - David Kainer
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul E. Abraham
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Richard J. Giannone
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jesse L. Labbé
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
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Hidradenitis suppurativa: bacteriological study in surgical treatment. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2022; 39:1101-1105. [PMID: 36686013 PMCID: PMC9837599 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2022.119008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory chronic disease of the hair follicles that presents with different lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the human body. There are many possible factors for HS. Acne inversa is not primarily considered to be an infectious disease. A variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been found from the lesions sporadically. Aim To assess the bacteriological profile of HS before surgical treatment. Material and methods We collected specimens for aerobic microbiological testing from 18 patients before surgical treatment in our hospital. The specimens were obtained from abscesses, directly from skin fistulas, on day 1 of hospitalisation. Results The most common bacteria in HS lesions were Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. In 4 patients we found multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MLSB, MRSA and A. baumannii). Conclusions Long-term antibiotic treatment can cause multi-drug resistance in strains collected in HS lesions.
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38
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Wright JR, Ly TT, Brislawn CJ, Chen See JR, Anderson SLC, Pellegrino JT, Peachey L, Walls CY, Bess JA, Bailey AL, Braun KE, Shope AJ, Lamendella R. cleanSURFACES® intervention reduces microbial activity on surfaces in a senior care facility. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1040047. [PMID: 36439229 PMCID: PMC9682068 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1040047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the top public health challenges outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), estimates report that hospital acquired infections (HAIs) claim the lives of 99,000 Americans and cost healthcare providers over $28 billion each year. In addition to underlying conditions related to age, elderly patients in long-term care facilities are at an elevated risk of acquiring HAIs. A large percentage of HAIs is attributable to contaminated surfaces and medical devices. To that end, this study utilized a metatranscriptomic sequencing workflow (CSI-Dx™) to profile active microbial communities from surfaces in the HJ Heinz Community Living Center, a long-term care facility in the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System. Swabs were collected from high-touch surfaces (Keyboard, Ledge, Workstation on Wheels, Worksurfaces) before (Baseline) and after cleanSURFACES® were installed at 4 timepoints (Day 1, Day 7, Day 14, and Day 30). Microbial richness was significantly reduced after cleanSURFACES® intervention (Wilcoxon test with Holm correction, p=0.000179). Beta diversity results revealed distinct clustering between Baseline and Post-intervention samples (Adonis, p<0.001). Reduction in bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis) and fungal (Malassezia restricta, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida orthopsilosis) expression of opportunistic pathogens was observed. Additionally, a subset of taxa (Corynebacterium, Cutibacterium acnes, and Ralstonia pickettii) was present in specific Post-intervention timepoints and surface types. This study revealed decreased microbial activity, highlighting the potential for the combinatorial application of cleanSURFACES® and regular decontamination practices to reduce the prevalence of microbes causing HAIs.
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39
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Kadam VR, Vaughn A. A Case of Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis With Palatal Fistulas. Cureus 2022; 14:e30938. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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40
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Erdogan Eliuz EA, Yabalak E, Gökşen G, Ayas D. Chemical composition, antifungal activity, antifungal mechanism and interaction manner of the fatty acid of Prunus mahaleb L. with fluconazole. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2337-2349. [PMID: 34382873 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1963686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The interaction manner of Prunus mahaleb L. (P. mahaleb) seed oil (MSO) and fluconazole (FLC: antimycotic) combinations (MSO*FLC) against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were evaluated using the microdilution technique. The most representative compounds of mahaleb oil were found to be conjugated linolenic acid (34.39%), oleic acid (31.76%), and linoleic acid (25.54%) by GC-MS. In antimicrobial activity study, P. mahaleb had an inhibition zone (IZ) of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis with 6.89 mm and 11.39 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with 35.3 µgmL-1 and 23.9 µgmL-1, respectively. The strongest indifferent effect was observed as 57.14% for C. albicans and 100% for C. parapsilosis in fluconazole-mahaleb oil combinations. An increase in DNA and protein leakage was observed when yeast was exposed to the FA. The destruction on the cell surface was visualized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Ayşe Erdogan Eliuz
- Department of Food Technology, Mersin University, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Erdal Yabalak
- Department of Chemistry, Mersin University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mersin, Turkey
- Department of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gülden Gökşen
- Department of Food Engineering, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Deniz Ayas
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
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41
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Jafarian H, Hardani AK, Asnafi AA, Zarei Mahmoudabadi A. Enzymatic and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida glabrata isolates from pediatric patients and their genetic diversity based on microsatellite length polymorphism. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 75:1569-1578. [PMID: 36087054 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect different genotypes of Candida glabrata isolates in pediatric patients with and without neutropenia utilizing microsatellite length polymorphism (MLP) and its correlation with drug resistance and enzymatic activity were assessed. Samples from neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients were collected from November 2020 to November 2021. Thirty-six C. glabrata strains were isolated and identified using classical and molecular methods. Then, C. glabrata isolates were genotyped by the MLP technique, and their antifungal susceptibility was performed based on the CLSI M27 guideline. Eighteen different multi-loci genotypes (G1 - G18) were detected based on MLP analysis. Analysis of molecular variance revealed high genetic variation within populations (94%) and low genetic differentiation among populations (6%). Also, 40% (n=4) of isolates from neutropenic patients were non-wild-type for posaconazole, and 30% (n=3) were resistant to caspofungin. Very strong hemolytic and proteinase activity were seen in 97.2 and 86.1% of isolates. Candida glabrata strains from neutropenic patients were genetically divergent from other populations. The minimum spanning tree shows that observed genotypes were mainly related to previously reported genotypes from Iran, Spain, and China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Jafarian
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Kamal Hardani
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Abuzar Children Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Amin Asnafi
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Zarei Mahmoudabadi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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42
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Donders G, Sziller IO, Paavonen J, Hay P, de Seta F, Bohbot JM, Kotarski J, Vives JA, Szabo B, Cepuliené R, Mendling W. Management of recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: Narrative review of the literature and European expert panel opinion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:934353. [PMID: 36159646 PMCID: PMC9504472 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.934353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) is a chronic, difficult to treat vaginal infection, caused by Candida species, which affects women of all ages and ethnic and social background. A long-term prophylactic maintenance regimen with antifungals is often necessary. In most clinical practice guidelines, oral fluconazole is recommended as the first-line treatment. Although clinical resistance to antifungal agents remains rare, overexposure to azoles may increase the development of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strains. In addition, non-albicans Candida species are frequently dose-dependent susceptible or resistant to fluconazole and other azoles, and their prevalence is rising. Available therapeutic options to treat such fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and low susceptibility non-albicans strains are limited. Ten experts from different European countries discussed problematic issues of current RVVC diagnosis and treatment in two audiotaped online sessions and two electronic follow-up rounds. A total of 340 statements were transcribed, summarized, and compared with published evidence. The profile of patients with RVVC, their care pathways, current therapeutic needs, and potential value of novel drugs were addressed. Correct diagnosis, right treatment choice, and patient education to obtain adherence to therapy regimens are crucial for successful RVVC treatment. As therapeutic options are limited, innovative strategies are required. Well- tolerated and effective new drugs with an optimized mechanism of action are desirable and are discussed. Research into the impact of RVVC and treatments on health-related quality of life and sex life is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Donders
- Femicare VZW, Clinical Research for Women, Tienen, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Hospital Tienen, Tienen, Belgium
| | - István Oszkár Sziller
- Dél-budai Centrumkórház, Szent Imre Egyetemi Oktatókórház, Szülészet és Nőgyógyászati Osztály, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jorma Paavonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Phillip Hay
- Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco de Seta
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, University of Trieste, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Jean Marc Bohbot
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Institut Alfred Fournier, Paris, France
| | - Jan Kotarski
- Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jordi Antoni Vives
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hospital CIMA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bela Szabo
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology, Targu-Mures, Romania
| | | | - Werner Mendling
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionen in Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
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Gut Non-Bacterial Microbiota: Emerging Link to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090596. [PMID: 36136534 PMCID: PMC9503233 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) significantly affects personal health and imposes a substantial economic burden on society, but the current understanding of its occurrence and treatment is still inadequate. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, but most studies focus on the bacteria and neglect other communities of the microbiota, including fungi, viruses, archaea, and other parasitic microorganisms. This review summarizes the latest findings that link the nonbacterial microbiota with IBS. IBS patients show less fungal and viral diversity but some alterations in mycobiome, virome, and archaeome, such as an increased abundance of Candida albicans. Moreover, fungi and methanogens can aid in diagnosis. Fungi are related to distinct IBS symptoms and induce immune responses, intestinal barrier disruption, and visceral hypersensitivity via specific receptors, cells, and metabolites. Novel therapeutic methods for IBS include fungicides, inhibitors targeting fungal pathogenic pathways, probiotic fungi, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Additionally, viruses, methanogens, and parasitic microorganisms are also involved in the pathophysiology and treatment. Therefore, the gut nonbacterial microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of IBS, which provides a novel perspective on the noninvasive diagnosis and precise treatment of this disease.
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New N-Alkylated Heterocyclic Compounds as Prospective NDM1 Inhibitors: Investigation of In Vitro and In Silico Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070803. [PMID: 35890102 PMCID: PMC9322059 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A new family of pyrazole-based compounds (1–15) was synthesized and characterized using different physicochemical analyses, such as FTIR, UV-Visible, 1H, 13C NMR, and ESI/LC-MS. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activities against several fungal and bacterial strains. The results indicate that some compounds showed excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. freundii, and L. monocytogenes strains. In contrast, none of the compounds had antifungal activity. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) map analyses and inductive and mesomeric effect studies were performed to study the relationship between the chemical structure of our compounds and the biological activity. In addition, molecular docking and virtual screening studies were carried out to rationalize the antibacterial findings to characterize the modes of binding of the most active compounds to the active pockets of NDM1 proteins.
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Ploidy Variation and Spontaneous Haploid-Diploid Switching of Candida glabrata Clinical Isolates. mSphere 2022; 7:e0026022. [PMID: 35727043 PMCID: PMC9429935 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00260-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata is phylogenetically closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model eukaryotic organism. Unlike S. cerevisiae, which has both haploid and diploid forms and a complete sexual cycle, C. glabrata has long been considered a haploid and asexual species. In this study, we analyzed the ploidy states of 500 clinical isolates of C. glabrata from four Chinese hospitals and found that approximately 4% of the isolates were in or able to spontaneously switch to an aneuploid (genomic DNA, 1N-2N), diploid (2N), or hyperdiploid (>2N) form under in vivo or in vitro conditions. Stable diploid cells were identified in 3% of the isolates (15/500). Of particular interest, one clinical strain existed only in the diploid form. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assays revealed two major genetic clusters (A and B) of C. glabrata isolates. Most of the isolates (70%) from China belonged to the A cluster, whereas most of the isolates from other countries (such as Iran, Japan, United States, and European countries) belonged to the B cluster. Further investigation indicated that C. glabrata cells of different ploidy forms differed in a number of respects, including morphologies, antifungal susceptibility, virulence, and global gene expression profiles. Additionally, C. glabrata could undergo spontaneous switching between the diploid and haploid forms under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Given the absence of an apparent sexual phase, one would expect that the ploidy shifts could function as an alternative strategy that promotes genetic diversity and benefits the ability of the fungus to rapidly adapt to the changing environment. IMPORTANCE The human fungal pathogen Candida glabrata has long been thought to be a haploid organism. Here, we report the population structure and ploidy states of 500 clinical isolates of C. glabrata from China. To our surprise, we found that the ploidy of a subset of clinical isolates varied dramatically. Some isolates were in or able to switch to an aneuploid, diploid, or hyperdiploid form. C. glabrata cells with different ploidy differed in a number of biological respects, including morphology, antifungal susceptibility, virulence, and global gene expression profile. Given the absence of an apparent sexual phase in this fungus, we propose that ploidy switching could be a strategy for rapid adaptation to environmental changes and could function as an alternative to sexual reproduction.
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Faria-Gonçalves P, Oliveira AS, Gaspar C, Rodrigues L, Palmeira-de-Oliveira R, Martinez-de-Oliveira J, Gonçalves T, Palmeira-de-Oliveira A, Rolo J. Vulvovaginal Candida albicans Clinical Isolates’ Resistance to Phagocytosis In-Vitro. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060838. [PMID: 35743869 PMCID: PMC9225182 DOI: 10.3390/life12060838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have revealed that Candida albicans isolates involved in chronic vulvovaginal candidosis (cVVC) phenotypically express less virulent traits than clinical isolates involved in sporadic infections. In this study, we aimed to further explore this finding by studying the behaviour of those same clinical isolates in in-vitro models of infection. Eighteen clinical Candida albicans isolates were collected from women suffering sporadic (eight isolates) or chronic infections (ten isolates). Adhesion to HeLa cells (human cervical cancer epithelial cell line) and resistance to phagocytosis by RAW 264.7 cells (murine macrophages cell line) were tested in-vitro. In addition, phenotypic expression of virulence factors related with either adhesion or resistance to phagocytosis was tested in-vitro. Results indicated that yeast isolates involved in sporadic infection adhered in a higher proportion of HeLa cells than those of chronic infections, which was related with their ability to produce biofilm (p < 0.05). The ability to evade phagocytosis was related to an elevated production of proteases (p < 0.05) by chronic isolates, while sporadic isolates’ resistance to phagocytosis was related to a higher hydrophobicity of cell walls (p < 0.05). We conclude that the evasion of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis related to the production of proteases might be an important factor involved in the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidosis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faria-Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- FMUMN—Faculty of Medicine, University Mandume Ya Ndemufayo, Lubango 3FJP+27X, Angola
| | - Ana Sofia Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Carlos Gaspar
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (T.G.)
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - José Martinez-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.R.); (T.G.)
- FMUC—Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Palmeira-de-Oliveira
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- FCS-UBI—Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Labfit-HPRD—Health Products Research and Development Lda, 6200-284 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Joana Rolo
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.F.-G.); (A.S.O.); (C.G.); (R.P.-d.-O.); (J.M.-d.-O.); (A.P.-d.-O.)
- Correspondence:
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Castanheira M, Deshpande LM, Davis AP, Carvalhaes CG, Pfaller MA. Azole Resistance in Candida glabrata Clinical Isolates from Global Surveillance is Associated with Efflux Overexpression. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2022; 29:371-377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Shantal CJN, Juan CC, Lizbeth BUS, Carlos HGJ, Estela GPB. Candida glabrata is a successful pathogen: an artist manipulating the immune response. Microbiol Res 2022; 260:127038. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Dong P, Zhan Y, Jusuf S, Hui J, Dagher Z, Mansour MK, Cheng J. Photoinactivation of Catalase Sensitizes Candida albicans and Candida auris to ROS-Producing Agents and Immune Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104384. [PMID: 35119220 PMCID: PMC8981478 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbes have developed their own specific strategies to cope with reactive oxygen species (ROS). Catalase, a heme-containing tetramer expressed in a broad range of aerobic fungi, shows remarkable efficiency in degrading hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) for fungal survival and host invasion. Here, it is demonstrated that catalase inactivation by blue light renders fungal cells highly susceptible to ROS attack. To confirm catalase as a major molecular target of blue light, wild type Candida albicans are systematically compared with a catalase-deficient mutant strain regarding their susceptibility to ROS through 410 nm treatment. Upon testing a wide range of fungal species, it is found that intracellular catalase can be effectively and universally inactivated by 410 nm blue light. It is also found that photoinactivation of catalase in combination with ROS-generating agents is highly effective in total eradication of various fungal species, including multiple Candida auris strains, the causative agent of the global fungal epidemic. In addition, photoinactivation of catalase is shown to facilitate macrophage killing of intracellular Candida albicans. The antifungal efficacy of catalase photoinactivation is further validated using a C. albicans-induced mouse model of skin abrasion. Taken together, the findings offer a novel catalase-photoinactivation approach to address multidrug-resistant Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu‐Ting Dong
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
- Photonics CenterBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
- Photonics CenterBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
| | - Sebastian Jusuf
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
- Photonics CenterBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
| | - Jie Hui
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
- Photonics CenterBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
| | - Zeina Dagher
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA02114USA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Michael K. Mansour
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMA02114USA
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Ji‐Xin Cheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
- Photonics CenterBoston UniversityBostonMA02215USA
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Perrine-Walker F. Caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans: genetic factors and synergistic compounds for combination therapies. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1101-1113. [PMID: 35352319 PMCID: PMC9433586 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin and other echinocandins have been used for the treatment of human infections by the opportunistic yeast pathogen, Candida albicans. There has been an increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida auris in clinical or hospital settings. This is problematic to public health due to the increasing prevalence of echinocandin resistant species/strains. This review will present a summary on various studies that investigated the inhibitory action of caspofungin on 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, on cell wall structure, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. It will highlight some of the issues linked to caspofungin resistance or reduced caspofungin sensitivity in various Candida species and the potential benefits of antimicrobial peptides and other compounds in synergy with caspofungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Perrine-Walker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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