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Firacative C, Meyer W, Castañeda E. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes in Latin America: A Map of Molecular Types, Genotypic Diversity, and Antifungal Susceptibility as Reported by the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040282. [PMID: 33918572 PMCID: PMC8069395 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis, is caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. In Latin America, cryptococcal meningitis is still an important health threat with a significant clinical burden. Analysis of publicly available molecular data from 5686 clinical, environmental, and veterinary cryptococcal isolates from member countries of the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group showed that, as worldwide, C. neoformans molecular type VNI is the most common cause of cryptococcosis (76.01%) in HIV-infected people, followed by C. gattii molecular type VGII (12.37%), affecting mostly otherwise healthy hosts. These two molecular types also predominate in the environment (68.60% for VNI and 20.70% for VGII). Among the scarce number of veterinary cases, VGII is the predominant molecular type (73.68%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed that, in Latin America, the C. neoformans population is less diverse than the C. gattii population (D of 0.7104 vs. 0.9755). Analysis of antifungal susceptibility data showed the presence of non-wild-type VNI, VGI, VGII, and VGIII isolates in the region. Overall, the data presented herein summarize the progress that has been made towards the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcal isolates in Latin America, contributing to the characterization of the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of these globally spreading pathogenic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-297-0200 (ext. 3404)
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Research and Education Network Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School-Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia;
| | - Elizabeth Castañeda
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
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Ferrara G, Panizo MM, Urdaneta E, Alarcón V, García N, Moreno X, Capote AM, Reviakina V, Dolande M. Characterization by PCR-RFLP of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complex in Venezuela. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.22209/ic.v59n1a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Firacative C, Lizarazo J, Illnait-Zaragozí MT, Castañeda E. The status of cryptococcosis in Latin America. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e170554. [PMID: 29641639 PMCID: PMC5888000 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760170554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection caused by the encapsulated
yeasts Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii,
acquired from the environment. In Latin America, as occurring
worldwide, C. neoformans causes more than 90% of the cases of
cryptococcosis, affecting predominantly patients with HIV, while C.
gattii generally affects otherwise healthy individuals. In this
region, cryptococcal meningitis is the most common presentation, with
amphotericin B and fluconazole being the antifungal drugs of choice. Avian
droppings are the predominant environmental reservoir of C.
neoformans, while C. gattii is associated with
several arboreal species. Importantly, C. gattii has a high
prevalence in Latin America and has been proposed to be the likely origin of
some C. gattii populations in North America. Thus, in the
recent years, significant progress has been made with the study of the basic
biology and laboratory identification of cryptococcal strains, in understanding
their ecology, population genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and the clinical
epidemiology of this important mycosis in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Westmead Hospital, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jairo Lizarazo
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz, Universidad de Pamplona, Cúcuta, Colombia
| | - María Teresa Illnait-Zaragozí
- Diagnosis and Reference Centre, Bacteriology-Mycology Department Research, Tropical Medicine Institute Pedro Kourí, Havana, Cuba
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Enoch DA, Yang H, Aliyu SH, Micallef C. The Changing Epidemiology of Invasive Fungal Infections. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1508:17-65. [PMID: 27837497 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6515-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are an emerging problem worldwide with invasive candidiasis and candidemia responsible for the majority of cases. This is predominantly driven by the widespread adoption of aggressive immunosuppressive therapy among certain patient populations (e.g., chemotherapy, transplants) and the increasing use of invasive devices such as central venous catheters (CVCs). The use of new immune modifying drugs has also opened up an entirely new spectrum of patients at risk of IFIs. While the epidemiology of candida infections has changed in the last decade, with a gradual shift from C. albicans to non-albicans candida (NAC) strains which may be less susceptible to azoles, these changes vary between hospitals and regions depending on the type of population risk factors and antifungal use. In certain parts of the world, the incidence of IFI is strongly linked to the prevalence of other disease conditions and the ecological niche for the organism; for instance cryptococcal and pneumocystis infections are particularly common in areas with a high prevalence of HIV disease. Poorly controlled diabetes is a major risk factor for invasive mould infections. Environmental factors and trauma also play a unique role in the epidemiology of mould infections, with well-described hospital outbreaks linked to the use of contaminated instruments and devices. Blastomycosis is associated with occupational exposure (e.g., forest rangers) and recreational activities (e.g., camping and fishing).The true burden of IFI is probably an underestimate because of the absence of reliable diagnostics and lack of universal application. For example, the sensitivity of most blood culture systems for detecting candida is typically 50 %. The advent of new technology including molecular techniques such as 18S ribosomal RNA PCR and genome sequencing is leading to an improved understanding of the epidemiology of the less common mould and dimorphic fungal infections. Molecular techniques are also providing a platform for improved diagnosis and management of IFI.Many factors affect mortality in IFI, not least the underlying medical condition, choice of therapy, and the ability to achieve early source control. For instance, mortality due to pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-seronegative individuals is now higher than in seropositive patients. Of significant concern is the progressive increase in resistance to azoles and echinocandins among candida isolates, which appears to worsen the already significant mortality associated with invasive candidiasis. Mortality with mould infections approaches 50 % in most studies and varies depending on the site, underlying disease and the use of antifungal agents such as echinocandins and voriconazole. Nevertheless, mortality for most IFIs has generally fallen with advances in medical technology, improved care of CVCs, improved diagnostics, and more effective preemptive therapy and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Enoch
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Cambridge Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 236, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QW, UK.
| | - Huina Yang
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Cambridge Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 236, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QW, UK
| | - Sani H Aliyu
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Cambridge Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 236, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QW, UK
| | - Christianne Micallef
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, Cambridge Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Box 236, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QW, UK
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Figueiredo TP, Lucas RCD, Cazzaniga RA, França CN, Segato F, Taglialegna R, Maffei CML. ANTIFUNGAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING AND GENOTYPING CHARACTERIZATION OF Cryptococcus neoformans AND gattii ISOLATES FROM HIV-INFECTED PATIENTS OF RIBEIRÃO PRETO, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:69. [PMID: 27680174 PMCID: PMC5048640 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a leading invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients.
Considering the high prevalence and severity of these infections in immunocompromised
patients attended at HC-FMRP-USP, the present research aimed to characterize the
clinical isolates of Cryptococcus strains by biochemical and
molecular methods and evaluate antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates. Fifty
isolates from 32 HIV-positive patients were obtained at HC-FMRP-USP. Most of the
isolates (78.1%) were identified as C. neoformans, and 100% of
C. neoformans and C. gattii strains were
susceptible to amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole. All isolates were
classified as serotype A (grubbii variety) by PCR and most of them
were characterized in mating type MATa. PCR analysis of specific M13 microsatellite
sequence revealed that VNI type was predominant among C. neoformans,
while VGII was predominant among C. gattii. The strains did not show
a significant resistance to the antifungals tested, and Canavanine-Glycine-Bromthymol
Blue Agar (CGB) proved to be a reliable test presenting a good correlation with the
molecular characterization. C. neoformans isolated from disseminated
infections in the same patient showed molecular identity when different anatomical
sites were compared; besides, the studied strains did not present a significant
increase in resistance to antifungal agents. In addition, the homogeneity of the
molecular types and detection of the mating types suggested a low possibility of
crossing among the strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Pandini Figueiredo
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Clínica Médica. 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mail: .,Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Núcleo de Inovação Tecnológica, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Rosymar Coutinho de Lucas
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Bioquímica. 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mail: .,Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia. 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mail:
| | | | - Carolina Nunes França
- Universidade de Santo Amaro, UNISA, Pós Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. E-mail: .,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Departamento de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Fernando Segato
- , Escola de Engenharia de Lorena, Departamento de Biotecnologia. 12602-810, Lorena, SP,Universidade de São Paulo Brazil. E-mail:
| | - Rafael Taglialegna
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos. 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mails: ;
| | - Claudia Maria Leite Maffei
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia Celular, Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos. 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. E-mails: ;
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Abstract
Understanding of the taxonomy and phylogeny of Cryptococcus gattii has been advanced by modern molecular techniques. C. gattii probably diverged from Cryptococcus neoformans between 16 million and 160 million years ago, depending on the dating methods applied, and maintains diversity by recombining in nature. South America is the likely source of the virulent C. gattii VGII molecular types that have emerged in North America. C. gattii shares major virulence determinants with C. neoformans, although genomic and transcriptomic studies revealed that despite similar genomes, the VGIIa and VGIIb subtypes employ very different transcriptional circuits and manifest differences in virulence phenotypes. Preliminary evidence suggests that C. gattii VGII causes severe lung disease and death without dissemination, whereas C. neoformans disseminates readily to the central nervous system (CNS) and causes death from meningoencephalitis. Overall, currently available data indicate that the C. gattii VGI, VGII, and VGIII molecular types more commonly affect nonimmunocompromised hosts, in contrast to VGIV. New, rapid, cheap diagnostic tests and imaging modalities are assisting early diagnosis and enabling better outcomes of cerebral cryptococcosis. Complications of CNS infection include increased intracranial pressure, severe neurological sequelae, and development of immune reconstitution syndrome, although the mortality rate is low. C. gattii VGII isolates may exhibit higher fluconazole MICs than other genotypes. Optimal therapeutic regimens are yet to be determined; in most cases, initial therapy with amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine is recommended.
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Hagen F, Khayhan K, Theelen B, Kolecka A, Polacheck I, Sionov E, Falk R, Parnmen S, Lumbsch HT, Boekhout T. Recognition of seven species in the Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. Fungal Genet Biol 2015; 78:16-48. [PMID: 25721988 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Phylogenetic analysis of 11 genetic loci and results from many genotyping studies revealed significant genetic diversity with the pathogenic Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. Genealogical concordance, coalescence-based, and species tree approaches supported the presence of distinct and concordant lineages within the complex. Consequently, we propose to recognize the current C. neoformans var. grubii and C. neoformans var. neoformans as separate species, and five species within C. gattii. The type strain of C. neoformans CBS132 represents a serotype AD hybrid and is replaced. The newly delimited species differ in aspects of pathogenicity, prevalence for patient groups, as well as biochemical and physiological aspects, such as susceptibility to antifungals. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry readily distinguishes the newly recognized species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferry Hagen
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Basidiomycete and Yeast Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kantarawee Khayhan
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Basidiomycete and Yeast Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Bart Theelen
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Basidiomycete and Yeast Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kolecka
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Basidiomycete and Yeast Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Itzhack Polacheck
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Edward Sionov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Food Quality & Safety, Institute for Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Rama Falk
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nir-David, Israel
| | - Sittiporn Parnmen
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Teun Boekhout
- CBS-KNAW Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Basidiomycete and Yeast Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Gullo FP, Rossi SA, Sardi JDCO, Teodoro VLI, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco-Almeida AM. Cryptococcosis: epidemiology, fungal resistance, and new alternatives for treatment. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2013; 32:1377-91. [PMID: 24141976 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-013-1915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an important systemic mycosis and the third most prevalent disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. The incidence of cryptococcosis is high among the 25 million people with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), with recent estimates indicating that there are one million cases of cryptococcal meningitis globally per year in AIDS patients. In Cryptococcus neoformans, resistance to azoles may be associated with alterations in the target enzyme encoded by the gene ERG11, lanosterol 14α-demethylase. These alterations are obtained through mutations, or by overexpressing the gene encoding. In addition, C. gattii and C. neoformans present a heteroresistance phenotype, which may be related to increased virulence. Other species beyond C. neoformans and C. gattii, such as C. laurentii, have been diagnosed mainly in patients with immunosuppression. Infections of C. albidus have been isolated in cats and marine mammals. Recent evidence suggests that the majority of infections produced by this pathogen are associated with biofilm growth, which is also related with increased resistance to antifungal agents. Therefore, there is a great need to search for alternative antifungal agents for these fungi. The search for new molecules is currently occurring from nanoparticle drugs of plant peptide origin. This article presents a brief review of the literature regarding the epidemiology of cryptococcosis, as well as fungal resistance and new alternatives for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F P Gullo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Araraquara, Department of Clinical Analysis, Laboratory of Clinical Mycology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), R. Expedicionários do Brasil, 1621, 14801-902, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
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Loyse A, Dromer F, Day J, Lortholary O, Harrison TS. Flucytosine and cryptococcosis: time to urgently address the worldwide accessibility of a 50-year-old antifungal. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 68:2435-44. [PMID: 23788479 PMCID: PMC3797641 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Current, widely accepted guidelines for the management of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) recommend amphotericin B combined with flucytosine (5-FC) for ≥2 weeks as the initial induction treatment of choice. However, access to flucytosine in Africa and Asia, where disease burden is greatest, is inadequate at present. While research into identifying effective and well-tolerated antifungal combinations that do not contain flucytosine continues, an ever-increasing body of evidence from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies points to the benefits of flucytosine in the treatment of CM in both intravenous combinations with amphotericin B and oral combinations with high-dose fluconazole. This article provides an up-to-date review of this evidence, and the current issues and challenges regarding increasing access to this key component of combination antifungal therapy for cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Loyse
- Cryptococcal Meningitis Group, Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Sciences, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
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De Oliveira R, Barbosa L, Jeunon T, Silva J, Dib C. Ulcerated plaque in the nasal dorsum in a patient with multiple myeloma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2013; 38:678-80. [PMID: 23659657 DOI: 10.1111/ced.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R De Oliveira
- Department of Dermatology, Federal Hospital of Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Matos CS, de Souza Andrade A, Oliveira NS, Barros TF. Microbiological characteristics of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus spp. in Bahia, Brazil: molecular types and antifungal susceptibilities. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 31:1647-52. [PMID: 22278291 PMCID: PMC3364408 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine the profiles of susceptibility to antifungal and the genotypes of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus in Bahia, Brazil, 62 isolates were collected from cases of meningitis in the period from 2006 to 2010. Their susceptibilities to fluconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine were determined by the broth microdilution technique described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and genotyping of the URA5 gene was accomplished by restriction fragment length polymorphism. C. neoformans accounted for 79% of the identified yeast and C. gattii represented the remaining 21%. Evaluation of the genotypes determined that 100% of the C. gattii isolates belong to the VGII genotype, and 98% of the C. neoformans isolates belong to the VNI genotype. Determination of susceptibility revealed isolates resistant to fluconazole (4.8%), 5-flucytosine (1.6%) and amphotericin B (3.2%); the stratification of sensitivity results for each species showed significant differences in susceptibility to azoles. This study is the first to describe the susceptibility profiles of molecular and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus in Bahia, Brazil. The high percentage of C. gattii isolates belonging to the VGII genotype and its lower susceptibility to antifungal agents highlight the importance of knowing which species are involved in cryptococcal infections in northeastern Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. S. Matos
- Graduate Program in Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | - A. de Souza Andrade
- Program for Scientific Initiation, Faculty of Pharmacy, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - T. F. Barros
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Street Barão de Jeremoabo, University Campus of Ondina, Ondina, Salvador, Bahia Brazil CEP 40170-290
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12
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Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii species complex: an international study of wild-type susceptibility endpoint distributions and epidemiological cutoff values for amphotericin B and flucytosine. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3107-13. [PMID: 22391546 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06252-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical breakpoints (CBPs) are not available for the Cryptococcus neoformans-Cryptococcus gattii species complex. MIC distributions were constructed for the wild type (WT) to establish epidemiologic cutoff values (ECVs) for C. neoformans and C. gattii versus amphotericin B and flucytosine. A total of 3,590 amphotericin B and 3,045 flucytosine CLSI MICs for C. neoformans (including 1,002 VNI isolates and 8 to 39 VNII, VNIII, and VNIV isolates) and 985 and 853 MICs for C. gattii, respectively (including 42 to 259 VGI, VGII, VGIII, and VGIV isolates), were gathered in 9 to 16 (amphotericin B) and 8 to 13 (flucytosine) laboratories (Europe, United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, and South Africa) and aggregated for the analyses. Additionally, 442 amphotericin B and 313 flucytosine MICs measured by using CLSI-YNB medium instead of CLSI-RPMI medium and 237 Etest amphotericin B MICs for C. neoformans were evaluated. CLSI-RPMI ECVs for distributions originating in ≥3 laboratories (with the percentages of isolates for which MICs were less than or equal to ECVs given in parentheses) were as follows: for amphotericin B, 0.5 μg/ml for C. neoformans VNI (97.2%) and C. gattii VGI and VGIIa (99.2 and 97.5%, respectively) and 1 μg/ml for C. neoformans (98.5%) and C. gattii nontyped (100%) and VGII (99.2%) isolates; for flucytosine, 4 μg/ml for C. gattii nontyped (96.4%) and VGI (95.7%) isolates, 8 μg/ml for VNI (96.6%) isolates, and 16 μg/ml for C. neoformans nontyped (98.6%) and C. gattii VGII (97.1%) isolates. Other molecular types had apparent variations in MIC distributions, but the number of laboratories contributing data was too low to allow us to ascertain that the differences were due to factors other than assay variation. ECVs may aid in the detection of isolates with acquired resistance mechanisms.
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Chowdhary A, Randhawa HS, Sundar G, Kathuria S, Prakash A, Khan Z, Sun S, Xu J. In vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles and genotypes of 308 clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii serotype B from north-western India. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:961-967. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.029025-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 11007, India
| | - Harbans Singh Randhawa
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 11007, India
| | - Gandhi Sundar
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 11007, India
| | - Shallu Kathuria
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 11007, India
| | - Anupam Prakash
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi 11007, India
| | - Ziauddin Khan
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Sheng Sun
- Institute of Infectious Disease Research, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, and Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Institute of Infectious Disease Research, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, and Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
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Soares BM, Alves OA, Ferreira MVL, Amorim JCF, Sousa GR, Silveira LDB, Prates RA, Avila TV, Baltazar LDM, de Souza DDG, Santos DA, Modolo LV, Cisalpino PS, Pinotti M. Cryptococcus gattii: in vitro susceptibility to photodynamic inactivation. Photochem Photobiol 2010; 87:357-64. [PMID: 21114500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-1097.2010.00868.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococus gattii is an emergent primary human pathogen that causes meningismus, papilledema, high intracranial pressure and focal involvement of the central nervous system in immunocompetent hosts. Prolonged antifungal therapy is the conventional treatment, but it is highly toxic, selects for resistant strains, contributes to therapy failure and has a poor prognosis. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) offers a promising possibility for the alternative treatment of cryptococcosis. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of toluidine blue O (TBO) and light-emitting diode (LED) against C. gattii strains with distinct susceptibility profile to antifungal drugs (amphotericin B: 0.015-1.0 μg mL(-1); itraconazole: 0.015-2 μg mL(-1); fluconazole: 4-64 μg mL(-1)). Using 25 μM (6.76 μg mL(-1)) TBO and LED energy density of 54 J cm(-2) these fungal isolates presented variable susceptibility to PDI. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/peroxynitrite was determined, and the catalase and peroxidase activities were measured. After PDI, high amounts of ROS/peroxynitrite are produced and higher catalase and peroxidase activities could be correlated with a lower susceptibility of C. gattii isolates to PDI. These results indicate that PDI could be an alternative to C. gattii growth inhibition, even of isolates less susceptible to classical antifungal drugs, also pointing to mechanisms related to their variable susceptibility behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betânia Maria Soares
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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15
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Moretti ML, Resende MR, Lazéra MDS, Colombo AL, Shikanai-Yasuda MA. [Guidelines in cryptococcosis--2008]. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2009; 41:524-44. [PMID: 19009203 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822008000500022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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16
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Khan ZU, Randhawa HS, Chehadeh W, Chowdhary A, Kowshik T, Chandy R. Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A and Cryptococcus gattii serotype B isolates differ in their susceptibilities to fluconazole and voriconazole. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2009; 33:559-63. [PMID: 19195846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 11/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study presents antifungal susceptibility data for environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A (n=32) and Cryptococcus gattii serotype B (n=18) to fluconazole and voriconazole employing disc diffusion and Etest methods. The disc diffusion test was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). For comparison, the disc diffusion test and Etest were also performed on RPMI-1640 agar supplemented with 2% glucose. The plates were incubated at 35 degrees C and read after 48h. Comparison of geometric mean inhibition zone diameters revealed that C. gattii isolates were significantly less susceptible than C. neoformans isolates to fluconazole (P=0.001) and voriconazole (P<0.0001). Similar results were obtained on RPMI agar by disc diffusion test and Etest, showing significantly reduced susceptibility for C. gattii isolates. Notwithstanding differences in the susceptibilities of the two species to fluconazole and voriconazole, they appeared susceptible according to the CLSI breakpoints recommended for some Candida spp. To what extent these differences in the susceptibilities of C. neoformans and C. gattii impact on the therapeutic management of cryptococcosis is unclear, although some studies have reported less favourable response in cases caused by the latter species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z U Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
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17
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Results from the ARTEMIS DISK Global Antifungal Surveillance Study, 1997 to 2007: 10.5-year analysis of susceptibilities of noncandidal yeast species to fluconazole and voriconazole determined by CLSI standardized disk diffusion testing. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 47:117-23. [PMID: 19005141 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01747-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluconazole in vitro susceptibility test results determined by the CLSI M44-A disk diffusion method for 11,240 isolates of noncandidal yeasts were collected from 134 study sites in 40 countries from June 1997 through December 2007. Data were collected for 8,717 yeast isolates tested with voriconazole from 2001 through 2007. A total of 22 different species/organism groups were isolated, of which Cryptococcus neoformans was the most common (31.2% of all isolates). Overall, Cryptococcus (32.9%), Saccharomyces (11.7%), Trichosporon (10.6%), and Rhodotorula (4.1%) were the most commonly identified genera. The overall percentages of isolates in each category (susceptible, susceptible dose dependent, and resistant) were 78.0%, 9.5%, and 12.5% and 92.7%, 2.3%, and 5.0% for fluconazole and voriconazole, respectively. Less than 30% of fluconazole-resistant isolates of Cryptococcus spp., Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus laurentii, Trichosporon beigelii/Trichosporon cutaneum, Rhodotorula spp., Rhodotorula rubra/Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and Rhodotorula glutinis remained susceptible to voriconazole. Emerging resistance to fluconazole was documented among isolates of C. neoformans from the Asia-Pacific, Africa/Middle East, and Latin American regions but not among isolates from Europe or North America. This survey documents the continuing broad spectrum of activity of voriconazole against opportunistic yeast pathogens but identifies several of the less common species with decreased azole susceptibility. These organisms may pose a future threat to optimal antifungal therapy and emphasize the importance of prompt and accurate species identification.
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Gomez-Lopez A, Zaragoza O, Dos Anjos Martins M, Melhem M, Rodriguez-Tudela J, Cuenca-Estrella M. In vitro susceptibility of Cryptococcus gattii clinical isolates. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14:727-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02021.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii: serotypes in Venezuela. Mycopathologia 2008; 166:149-53. [PMID: 18512129 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-008-9132-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2007] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is one of the medically important yeast-like fungi. C. neoformans var. gatti has been made a species: C. gatti. In our country, there are few studies about these two species and their serotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of C. neoformans and C. gattii, and their serotypes in Venezuelan clinical isolates. One hundred and twenty C. neoformans and 12 C. gattii clinical isolates were identified by L-canavanine, glycine, and bromothymol blue agar media (CGB). These were investigated by agglutination and adsorption studies with anticryptococcal sera, which were produced by rabbit immunization. Of the 132 isolates 59.8% were typed serotype A (C. neoformans), followed by 25.8% serotype D (C. neoformans), 5.3% serotype AD (C. neoformans), and 5.3% were typed serotype C (var. gattii). Additionally 3.8% were serotype B (C. gattii).
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20
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Esposto MC, Cogliati M, Tortorano AM, Viviani MA. Electrophoretic karyotyping of Cryptococcus neoformans AD-hybrid strains. Mycoses 2008; 52:16-23. [PMID: 18498305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01532.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the differences in genome structure between haploid serotype A and D isolates and AD-hybrid strains of Cryptococcus neoformans, and the correlation between the karyotype of A and D strains with their mating ability. The electrophoretic karyotyping of 16 AD-hybrid, eight haploid serotype-A MATalpha, and eight haploid serotype-D MATalphaC. neoformans isolates was performed. These 32 isolates presented, two by two, the same genotype and flow cytometry profile. Five clusters were identified, each including VNI (serotype A), VNIV (serotype D) haploid strains and VNIII AD hybrids. Similarly, mating types were also randomly distributed in the five clusters. In addition, AD-hybrid isolates, with double content of DNA, showed only a slight increase in both the number of chromosomal bands and the calculated genome size compared with haploid isolates. Data support the hypothesis that hybrid isolates are aneuploids (2n+x) rather than eudiploids (2n). In addition, a set of six mating type a strains were karyotyped and then used for mating experiments carried out crossing the haploid isolates with similar or different karyotype profile strains. Isolates with completely different karyotype were able to mate confirming that meiosis occurred even in the presence of chromosomes of different lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmela Esposto
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Microbiologia, Virologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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21
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Martins MA, Pappalardo MCSM, Melhem MSC, Pereira-Chioccola VL. Molecular diversity of serial Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from AIDS patients in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2007; 102:777-84. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762007000700001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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22
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Khan ZU, Randhawa HS, Kowshik T, Chowdhary A, Chandy R. Antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolates from decayed wood of trunk hollows of Ficus religiosa and Syzygium cumini trees in north-western India. J Antimicrob Chemother 2007; 60:312-6. [PMID: 17553813 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkm192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We present antifungal susceptibility data on environmental isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans (serotype A, n=117) and Cryptococcus gattii (serotype B, n=65) cultured from decayed wood of trunk hollows of Ficus religiosa and Syzygium cumini trees. METHODS Susceptibilities to amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole were determined by using Etest. The MICs were read after 48 h as per the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. RESULTS The MIC90s and susceptibility ranges for C. neoformans isolates were as follows: 0.094 (0.004-0.25) mg/L for amphotericin B, 4 (0.032-12) mg/L for fluconazole, 0.094 (0.004-0.75) mg/L for itraconazole, 0.064 (0.002-0.19) mg/L for ketoconazole, and 0.047 (0.006-0.125) mg/L for voriconazole, whereas for C. gattii isolates these were 0.125 (0.023-0.5) mg/L for amphotericin B, 8 (0.032-16) mg/L for fluconazole, 0.75 (0.006-2) mg/L for itraconazole, 0.125 (0.003-0.19) mg/L for ketoconazole, and 0.094 (0.004-0.125) mg/L for voriconazole. A comparison of the geometric means of MICs (mg/L) revealed that C. gattii was less susceptible than C. neoformans to amphotericin B (0.075 versus 0.051, P=0.0003), fluconazole (2.912 versus 2.316, P=0.003), itraconazole (0.198 versus 0.0344, P<0.0001), ketoconazole (0.072 versus 0.037, P<0.0001), and voriconazole (0.045 versus 0.023, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The antifungal susceptibility data obtained in this study indicate that the occurrence of primary resistance among environmental isolates of C. neoformans serotype A and C. gattii serotype B is rare, and serotype B isolates are less susceptible than serotype A isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zia U Khan
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
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23
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Matsumoto MT, Fusco-Almeida AM, Baeza LC, Melhem MDSC, Medes-Giannini MJS. Genotyping, serotyping and determination of mating-type of Cryptococcus neoformans clinical isolates from São Paulo State, Brazil. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2007; 49:41-7. [PMID: 17384819 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652007000100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2006] [Accepted: 08/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The basidiomycetous yeast Cryptococcus neoformans is an important fungal pathogen mainly in immunocompromised patients. In this study, 47 clinical isolates of C. neoformans from regions of São Paulo State were studied serologically by using the Crypto Check Iatron RM 304-K kit, their genetic diversity was estimated by PCR-fingerprinting with a microsatellite-specific sequence (GACA)4, RAPD with primer 6 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the phospholipase B gene (PLB1) digested with AvaI and mating type analysis by PCR. All 47 strains isolated from HIV positive patients included in this study were serotype A and MATalpha. The majority of the isolates (45/47) were VNI and only two were VNII by PCR-fingerprinting and PCR-RFLP analysis. High degree of homogeneity was observed when (GACA)4 was used, being highly correlated (> 0.9). In contrast, the RAPD analysis was more heterogeneous with higher number of molecular profiles. By PCR-RFLP, no new molecular type was found, enhancing the suggestion that the differences based on conserved gene as PLB1, can be resultant of ongoing divergent evolution within the C. neoformans complex, into the current eight subtypes. Our results furnish new information on the molecular epidemiology of C. neoformans in the southeast region of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Teruyuki Matsumoto
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brasil
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24
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Almeida AMF, Matsumoto MT, Baeza LC, de Oliveira E Silva RB, Kleiner AAP, Melhem MDSC, Mendes Giannini MJS. Molecular typing and antifungal susceptibility of clinical sequential isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from Sao Paulo State, Brazil. FEMS Yeast Res 2007; 7:152-64. [PMID: 17311593 DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2006.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The antifungal susceptibility profiles and the genetic variability of 83 sequential clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans, including four Cryptococcus gattii isolates, obtained from 38 Sao Paulo AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis were assessed by electrophoretic karyotyping and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. The majority of the Cryptococcus neoformans isolates were highly susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole. Twenty percent of the minimum inhibitory concentration values for amphotericin B varied from 0.5 to 1 micro g mL(-1). For fluconazole, 22% occurred in the range 8-16 mug mL(-1). Sequential isolates from nine patients showed a trend towards lower susceptibility to fluconazole, flucytosine, itraconazole and amphotericin B. The results of molecular typing by electrophoretic karyotyping and RAPD analysis showed the presence of 22 electrophoretic karyotypes (EK) and 15 RAPD profiles that were highly correlated. Our results provided evidence for the occurrence of genetic changes in some strains associated with microevolution during the course of infection. We also observed both microevolution and simultaneous coinfection with two distinct Cryptococcus neoformans strains in one patient. In some patients, we found changed EK- and RAPD patterns in association with increased MIC values.
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25
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Morgan J, McCarthy KM, Gould S, Fan K, Arthington-Skaggs B, Iqbal N, Stamey K, Hajjeh RA, Brandt ME. Cryptococcus gattii infection: characteristics and epidemiology of cases identified in a South African province with high HIV seroprevalence, 2002-2004. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43:1077-80. [PMID: 16983624 DOI: 10.1086/507897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe 46 Cryptococcus gattii-infected persons identified by population-based surveillance conducted in South Africa. Most patients with C. gattii infection presented with meningitis. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 36%. We found no significant differences between persons with and persons without C. gattii infection with regard to clinical presentation, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosis, concomitant conditions, or prior opportunistic infections. C. gattii isolates had low MICs to the tested antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Morgan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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26
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Dannaoui E, Abdul M, Arpin M, Michel-Nguyen A, Piens MA, Favel A, Lortholary O, Dromer F. Results obtained with various antifungal susceptibility testing methods do not predict early clinical outcome in patients with cryptococcosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2006; 50:2464-70. [PMID: 16801427 PMCID: PMC1489793 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01520-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The in vitro susceptibilities of Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from consecutive human immunodeficiency virus-positive and -negative patients to the antifungal agents fluconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine were determined by different techniques, including the CLSI method, Etest, and broth microdilution in yeast nitrogen base (YNB) medium, during a multicenter prospective study in France. The relationship between the in vitro data and the clinical outcome 2 weeks after the initiation of antifungal therapy was assessed. In addition, the correlation between the strain serotype and the in vitro activities of the antifungals was determined, and the susceptibility results obtained with the different techniques were also compared. Thirty-seven patients received a combination of amphotericin B with flucytosine as first-line therapy, 22 were treated with amphotericin B alone, and 15 received fluconazole alone. Whatever the antifungal tested, there was no trend toward higher MICs for strains isolated from patients who failed to respond to a given therapy compared to those from patients who did not with either the CLSI method, Etest, or broth microdilution in YNB medium. The MICs obtained by the CLSI or Etest method were significantly lower for serotype D strains than for serotype A strains for both fluconazole and amphotericin B, while flucytosine MICs were not different according to serotype. These findings suggest that the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of C. neoformans, as determined with the techniques used, is not able to predict the early clinical outcome in patients with cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dannaoui
- Centre National de Référence Mycologie et Antifongiques, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS FRE2849, Institut Pasteur, 25, rue du Dr. Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.
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27
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Tay ST, Tanty Haryanty T, Ng KP, Rohani MY, Hamimah H. In vitro susceptibilities of Malaysian clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and Cryptococcus gattii to five antifungal drugs. Mycoses 2006; 49:324-30. [PMID: 16784448 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2006.01242.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro susceptibilities of Malaysian clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii and C . gattii to five antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole) were determined using the Etest method. None of the Malaysian isolates was resistant to amphotericin B and ketoconazole. Isolates resistant to flucytosine, fluconazole and itraconazole were observed in this study. Minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of > or = 32 microg ml(-1) against flucytosine, > or = 64 microg ml(-1) against fluconazole and > or = 1 microg ml(-1) against itraconazole were noted in four (8.3%), two (4.2%) and one (2.1%) isolates respectively. There was no significant difference in the MICs for both Cryptococcus species (P > 0.05), indicating that C. gattii was as susceptible as var. grubii to all the antifungal drugs tested. No significant difference in the MICs for both Cryptococcus species collected from 1980 to 1990 and 2002 to 2004 were observed (P > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Tay
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.
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28
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Abegg MA, Cella FL, Faganello J, Valente P, Schrank A, Vainstein MH. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Isolated from the Excreta of Psittaciformes in a Southern Brazilian Zoological Garden. Mycopathologia 2006; 161:83-91. [PMID: 16463091 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-005-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2005] [Accepted: 08/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans, a major pathogen in immunocompromised patients, is a ubiquitous free-living fungus that can be isolated from soils, avian excreta and plant material. To further study potential saprophytic sources of this yeast in the Southern Brazilian State Rio Grande do Sul, we analyzed fecal samples from 59 species of captive birds kept in cages at a local Zoological Garden, belonging to 12 different orders. Thirty-eight environmental isolates of C. neoformans were obtained only from Psittaciformes (Psittacidae, Cacatuidae and Psittacula). Their variety and serotype were determined, and the genetic structure of the isolates was analyzed by use of the simple repetitive microsatellite specific primer M13 and the minisatellite specific primer (GACA)(4) as single primers in the PCR. The varieties were confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Thirty-three isolates (87%) were from the var. grubii, serotype A, molecular type VNI and five (13%) were Cryptococcus gattii, serotype B, molecular type VGI. All the isolates were mating type alpha. Isolates were screened for some potential virulence factors. Quantitative urease production by the environmental isolates belonging to the C. gattii was similar to the values usually obtained for clinical ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwel Adriano Abegg
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, P. O. Box 15005, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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29
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Jain N, Wickes BL, Keller SM, Fu J, Casadevall A, Jain P, Ragan MA, Banerjee U, Fries BC. Molecular epidemiology of clinical Cryptococcus neoformans strains from India. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:5733-42. [PMID: 16272511 PMCID: PMC1287776 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.11.5733-5742.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular epidemiology of the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans in India, a country now in the midst of an epidemic of AIDS-related cryptococcosis. We studied 57 clinical isolates from several regions in India, of which 51 were C. neoformans var. grubii, 1 was C. neoformans var. neoformans, and 5 were C. neoformans var. gattii. This strain set included 18 additional sequential isolates from 14 patients. Strains were characterized phenotypically by measuring the polysaccharide capsule and by determining the MICs of standard antifungals. Molecular typing was performed by a PCR-based method using the minisatellite-specific core sequence (M13), by electrophoretic karyotyping, by restriction fragment length polymorphisms with the C. neoformans transposon 1 (TCN-1), and by URA5 DNA sequence analysis. Overall, Indian isolates were less heterogeneous than isolates from other regions and included a subset that clustered into one group based on URA5 DNA sequence analysis. In summary, our results demonstrate (i) differences in genetic diversity of C. neoformans isolates from India compared to isolates from other regions in the world; (ii) that DNA typing with the TCN-1 probe can adequately distinguish C. neoformans var. grubii strains; (iii) that TCN-1 sequences are absent in many C. neoformans var. gattii strains, supporting previous studies indicating that these strains have a limited geographical dispersal; and (iv) that human cryptococcal infection can be associated with microevolution of the infecting strain and by simultaneous coinfection with two distinct C. neoformans strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Jain
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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30
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Diaz MR, Fell JW. Use of a suspension array for rapid identification of the varieties and genotypes of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:3662-72. [PMID: 16081894 PMCID: PMC1233893 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.8.3662-3672.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen known to cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. The disease, cryptococcosis, is mostly acquired by inhalation and can result in a chronic meningoencephalitis, which can be fatal. Here, we describe a molecular method to identify the varieties and genotypic groups within the C. neoformans species complex from culture-based assays. The method employs a novel flow cytometer with a dual laser system that allows the simultaneous detection of different target sequences in a multiplex and high-throughput format. The assay uses a liquid suspension hybridization format with specific oligonucleotide probes that are covalently bound to the surface of fluorescent color-coded microspheres. Biotinylated target amplicons, which hybridized to their complementary probe sequences, are quantified by the addition of the conjugate, streptavidin R-phycoerythrin. In this study we developed and validated eight probes derived from sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer region of the rRNA gene region. The assay proved to be specific and sensitive, allowed discrimination of a 1-bp mismatch with no apparent cross-reactivity, and detected 10(1) to 10(3) genome copies. The described protocol, which can be used directly with yeast cells or isolated DNA, can be undertaken in less than 1 h following PCR amplification and permits identification of species in a multiplex format. In addition to a multiplex capability, the assay allows the simultaneous detection of target sequences in a single reaction. The accuracy, speed, flexibility, and sensitivity of this technology are a few of the advantages that will make this assay useful for the diagnosis of human cryptococcal infections and other pathogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara R Diaz
- Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33149, USA.
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Delgado ACN, Taguchi H, Mikami Y, Myiajy M, Villares MCB, Moretti ML. Human cryptococcosis: relationship of environmental and clinical strains of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans from urban and rural areas. Mycopathologia 2005; 159:7-11. [PMID: 15750727 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-004-9618-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2003] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Forty-five clinical and 55 environmental strains of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans from São Paulo, Brazil, were tested for their susceptibilities to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and flucytosine by the broth microdilution method according to the National Committee of Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. Electrophoretic karyotypes analysis by counter-clamped homogeneous electrophoresis was used to compare their genetic relatedness. Molecular typing revealed three clinical profiles very similar to two environmental profiles and an identical environmental and clinical profile. The results showed that human cryptococcosis can be acquired from environmental strains, which had similar minimum inhibitory concentration values to clinical strains, for antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C N Delgado
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Trilles L, Fernández-Torres B, Lazéra MDS, Wanke B, Guarro J. In vitro antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus gattii. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 42:4815-7. [PMID: 15472349 PMCID: PMC522305 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.42.10.4815-4817.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have determined the in vitro susceptibilities of 57 strains of Cryptococcus gattii to nine antifungal agents and have compared the MICs for these strains with those for C. neoformans. MICs were determined by a microdilution reference method. Albaconazole and ravuconazole (MICs of 0.04 and 0.05 microg/ml, respectively) showed the best activities. Micafungin showed no activity (MIC of >128 microg/ml). In general, C. gattii was less susceptible than C. neoformans to all drugs tested, with the exception of amphotericin B and flucytosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Trilles
- Serviçio de Micología Médica, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Pappalardo MCSM, Melhem MSC. Cryptococcosis: a review of the Brazilian experience for the disease. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2004; 45:299-305. [PMID: 14762626 DOI: 10.1590/s0036-46652003000600001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. The disease occurs in patients with cellular immunodeficiency. The incidence of cryptococcosis arises with aids, and mycosis is one of the opportunistic infections that defines AIDS. After the HAART era the occurrence of cryptococcosis decreased all over the world, but it still continues to be a prevalent disease in Brazil. Thus, we consider this paper to be very important as a result of our reviewing of Brazilian literature regarding some relevant aspects of that disease.
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de F L Fernandes O, Passos XS, Souza LKH, Miranda ATB, Cerqueira CHPV, Silva MDRR. In vitro susceptibility characteristics of Cryptococcus neoformans varieties from AIDS patients in Goiânia, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2003; 98:839-41. [PMID: 14595465 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000600022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sixty clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from AIDS from Goiânia, state of Goiás, Brazil, were characterized according to varieties, serotypes and tested for antifungal susceptibility. To differentiate the two varieties was used L-canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue medium and to separate the serotypes was used slide agglutination test with Crypto Check Iatron. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B were determined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards macrodilution method. Our results identified 56 isolates as C. neoformans var. neoformans serotype A and 4 isolates as C. neoformans var. gattii serotype B. MIC values for C. neoformans var. gattii were higher than C. neoformans var. neoformans. We verified that none isolate was resistant to itraconazole and to amphotericin B, but one C. neoformans var. neoformans and three C. neoformans var. gattii isolates were resistant to fluconazole. The presence of C. neoformans var. gattii fluconazole resistant indicates the importance of determining not only the variety of C. neoformans infecting the patients but also measuring the MIC of the isolate in order to properly orient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orionalda de F L Fernandes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74605-050 Goiânia, GO, Brasil.
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Casali AK, Goulart L, Rosa e Silva LK, Ribeiro AM, Amaral AA, Alves SH, Schrank A, Meyer W, Vainstein MH. Molecular typing of clinical and environmental Cryptococcus neoformans isolates in the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul. FEMS Yeast Res 2003; 3:405-15. [PMID: 12748052 DOI: 10.1016/s1567-1356(03)00038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, 4.5% of the AIDS-related opportunistic infections are caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. This pathogen is a ubiquitous environmental basidiomycetous encapsulated yeast, commonly found in soil and avian excreta. The present study investigates further the population structure of clinical and environmental C. neoformans isolates from south Brazil. One hundred five clinical and 19 environmental (pigeon excreta and Eucalyptus spp.) isolates from the Brazilian state Rio Grande do Sul were characterized based on morphological, biochemical, molecular and serological data. The majority of the clinical and environmental isolates analyzed belonged to C. neoformans var. grubii serotype A (89.5 and 52.6%, respectively), were mating type alpha (98.1 and 94.7%, respectively) and were phospholipase-positive (94.3 and 73.7%, respectively). PCR-fingerprinting with the microsatellite-specific primer M13 and the minisatellite-specific primer (GACA)(4) grouped the majority of the isolates into the molecular type VNI (89.5 of the clinical and 52.6% of the environmental isolates). Our results add considerable new information to the few available data on ecology, molecular biology and epidemiology of C. neoformans in the southern region of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Kiesling Casali
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, P.O. Box 15005, 91501-970 RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2001; 18:1357-64. [PMID: 11571760 DOI: 10.1002/yea.690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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