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Ramli AH, Jayathilaka EHTT, Dias MKHM, Abdul Malek E, Jain N, An J, Churchill DG, Rukayadi Y, Swain P, Kim CH, de Zoysa M, Mohd Faudzi SM. Antifungal activity of synthetic xanthenone against fluconazole-resistant Candida auris and its mechanism of action. Microb Pathog 2024; 194:106797. [PMID: 39029597 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106797] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen discovered in Japan in 2009, poses a significant global health threat, with infections reported in about 25 countries. The escalation of drug-resistant strains underscores the urgent need for new treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal potential of 2,3,4,4a-tetrahydro-1H-xanthen-1-one (XA1) against C. auris, as well as its mechanism of action and toxic profile. The antifungal activity of XA1 was first evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), time-kill kinetics and biofilm inhibition. In addition, structural changes, membrane permeability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and in vitro and in vivo toxicity of C. auris after exposure to XA1 were investigated. The results indicated that XA1 exhibited an MIC of 50 μg/mL against C. auris, with time-kill kinetics highlighting its efficacy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed structural damage in XA1-treated cells, supported by increased membrane permeability leading to cell death. Furthermore, XA1 induced ROS production and significantly inhibited biofilm formation. Importantly, XA1 exhibited low cytotoxicity in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT), with a cell viability of over 90 % at 6.25 μg/mL. In addition, an LD50 of 17.68 μg/mL was determined in zebrafish embryos 24 h post fertilization (hpf), with developmental delay observed at prolonged exposure at 6.25 μg/mL (48-96 hpf). These findings position XA1 as a promising candidate for further research and development of an effective antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Hani Ramli
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - E H T Thulshan Jayathilaka
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Emilia Abdul Malek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Neha Jain
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Logic Gate Laboratory, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkeol An
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Logic Gate Laboratory, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - David G Churchill
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Logic Gate Laboratory, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yaya Rukayadi
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Puspanjali Swain
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahanama de Zoysa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
- Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Dakalbab S, Hamdy R, Holigová P, Abuzaid EJ, Abu-Qiyas A, Lashine Y, Mohammad MG, Soliman SSM. Uniqueness of Candida auris cell wall in morphogenesis, virulence, resistance, and immune evasion. Microbiol Res 2024; 286:127797. [PMID: 38851008 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127797] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris has drawn global attention due to its alarming multidrug resistance and the emergence of pan resistant strains. C. auris poses a significant risk in nosocomial candidemia especially among immunocompromised patients. C. auris showed unique virulence characteristics associated with cell wall including cell polymorphism, adaptation, endurance on inanimate surfaces, tolerance to external conditions, and immune evasion. Notably, it possesses a distinctive cell wall composition, with an outer mannan layer shielding the inner 1,3-β glucan from immune recognition, thereby enabling immune evasion and drug resistance. This review aimed to comprehend the association between unique characteristics of C. auris's cell wall and virulence, resistance mechanisms, and immune evasion. This is particularly relevant since the fungal cell wall has no human homology, providing a potential therapeutic target. Understanding the complex interactions between the cell wall and the host immune system is essential for devising effective treatment strategies, such as the use of repurposed medications, novel therapeutic agents, and immunotherapy like monoclonal antibodies. This therapeutic targeting strategy of C. auris holds promise for effective eradication of this resilient pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salam Dakalbab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Science and Engineering (RISE), University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | | | - Eman J Abuzaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ameera Abu-Qiyas
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasmina Lashine
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammad G Mohammad
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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Martinez M, Garsin DA, Lorenz MC. Vertebrate and invertebrate animal infection models of Candida auris pathogenicity. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102506. [PMID: 38925077 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102506] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen with several concerning qualities. First recognized in 2009, it has arisen in multiple geographically distinct genomic clades nearly simultaneously. C. auris strains are typically multidrug resistant and colonize the skin much better than most other pathogenic fungi; it also persists on abiotic surfaces, enabling outbreaks due to transmission in health care facilities. All these suggest a biology substantially different from the 'model' fungal pathogen, Candida albicans and support intensive investigation of C. auris biology directly. To uncover novel virulence mechanisms in this species requires the development of appropriate animal infection models. Various studies using mice, the definitive model, are inconsistent due to differences in mouse and fungal strains, immunosuppressive regimes, doses, and outcome metrics. At the same time, developing models of skin colonization present a route to new insights into an aspect of fungal pathogenesis that has not been well studied in other species. We also discuss the growing use of nonmammalian model systems, including both vertebrates and invertebrates, such as zebrafish, C. elegans, Drosophila, and Galleria mellonella, that have been productively employed in virulence studies with other fungal species. This review will discuss progress in developing appropriate animal models, outline current challenges, and highlight opportunities in demystifying this curious species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Martinez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, USA
| | - Danielle A Garsin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, USA
| | - Michael C Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, USA.
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Kim JS, Cha H, Bahn YS. Comprehensive Overview of Candida auris: An Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Fungal Pathogen. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1365-1375. [PMID: 38881183 PMCID: PMC11294645 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2404.04040] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The rise of Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, across more than 40 countries, has signaled an alarming threat to global health due to its significant resistance to existing antifungal therapies. Characterized by its rapid spread and robust drug resistance, C. auris presents a critical challenge in managing infections, particularly in healthcare settings. With research on its biological traits and genetic basis of virulence and resistance still in the early stages, there is a pressing need for a concerted effort to understand and counteract this pathogen. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, biology, genetic manipulation, pathogenicity, diagnostics, and resistance mechanisms of C. auris, and discusses future directions in research and therapeutic development. By exploring the complexities surrounding C. auris, we aim to underscore the importance of advancing research to devise effective control and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Seok Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Cha
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Fayed B, Shakartalla SB, Sabbah H, Dalle H, Tannira M, Senok A, Soliman SSM. Transcriptome Analysis of Human Dermal Cells Infected with Candida auris Identified Unique Pathogenesis/Defensive Mechanisms Particularly Ferroptosis. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:65. [PMID: 38990436 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00868-9] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging multi-drug resistant yeast that can cause life-threatening infections. A recent report clarified the ability of C. auris to form a biofilm with enhanced drug resistance properties in the host skin's deep layers. The formed biofilm may initiate further bloodstream spread and immune escape. Therefore, we propose that secreted chemicals from the biofilm may facilitate fungal pathogenesis. In response to this interaction, the host skin may develop potential defensive mechanisms. Comparative transcriptomics was performed on the host dermal cells in response to indirect interaction with C. auris biofilm through Transwell inserts compared to planktonic cells. Furthermore, the effect of antifungals including caspofungin and fluconazole was studied. The obtained data showed that the dermal cells exhibited different transcriptional responses. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Reactome analyses identified potential defensive responses employed by the dermal cells and potential toxicity induced by C. auris. Additionally, our data indicated that the dominating toxic effect was mediated by ferroptosis; which was validated by qRT-PCR, cytotoxicity assay, and flow cytometry. On the other hand, the viability of C. auris biofilm was enhanced and accompanied by upregulation of MDR1, and KRE6 upon interaction with dermal cells; both genes play significant roles in drug resistance and biofilm maturation, respectively. This study for the first-time shed light on the dominating defensive responses of human dermal cells, microbe colonization site, to C. auris biofilm and its toxic effects. Further, it demonstrates how C. auris biofilm responds to the defensive mechanisms developed by the human dermal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sarra B Shakartalla
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, P.O.Box. 21111, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | - Hassan Sabbah
- AbbVie BioPharmaceuticals, P.O. Box 118052, Dubai, UAE
| | - Hala Dalle
- AbbVie BioPharmaceuticals, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Building 14 Dubai Healthcare City, P.O.Box 505055, Dubai, UAE
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
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Rhodes J, Jacobs J, Dennis EK, Manjari SR, Banavali N, Marlow R, Rokebul MA, Chaturvedi S, Chaturvedi V. What makes Candida auris pan-drug resistant? Integrative insights from genomic, transcriptomic, and phenomic analysis of clinical strains resistant to all four major classes of antifungal drugs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.18.599548. [PMID: 38948750 PMCID: PMC11212996 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.18.599548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The global epidemic of drug-resistant Candida auris continues unabated. We do not know what caused the unprecedented appearance of pan-drug resistant (PDR) Candida auris strains in a hospitalized patient in New York; the initial report highlighted both known and unique mutations in the prominent gene targets of azoles, amphotericin B, echinocandins, and flucytosine antifungal drugs. However, the factors that allow C. auris to acquire multi-drug resistance and pan-drug resistance are not known. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, and phenomic analysis to better understand PDR C. auris . Among 1,570 genetic variants in drug-resistant C. auris , 299 were unique to PDR strains. The whole genome sequencing results suggested perturbations in genes associated with nucleotide biosynthesis, mRNA processing, and nuclear export of mRNA. Whole transcriptome sequencing of PDR C. auris revealed two genes to be significantly differentially expressed - a DNA repair protein and DNA replication-dependent chromatin assembly factor 1. Of 59 novel transcripts, 12 candidate transcripts had no known homology among expressed transcripts found in other organisms. We observed no fitness defects among multi-drug resistant (MDR) and PDR C. auris strains grown in nutrient-deficient or - enriched media at different temperatures. Phenotypic profiling revealed wider adaptability to nitrogenous nutrients with an uptick in the utilization of substrates critical in upper glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Structural modelling of 33-amino acid deletion in the gene for uracil phosphoribosyl transferase suggested an alternate route in C. auris to generate uracil monophosphate that does not accommodate 5-fluorouracil as a substrate. Overall, we find evidence of metabolic adaptations in MDR and PDR C. auris in response to antifungal drug lethality without deleterious fitness costs.
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Jakab Á, Kovács F, Balla N, Nagy-Köteles C, Ragyák Á, Nagy F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Comparative transcriptional analysis of Candida auris biofilms following farnesol and tyrosol treatment. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0227823. [PMID: 38440972 PMCID: PMC10986546 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02278-23] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is frequently associated with biofilm-related invasive infections. The resistant profile of these biofilms necessitates innovative therapeutic options, where quorum sensing may be a potential target. Farnesol and tyrosol are two fungal quorum-sensing molecules with antifungal effects at supraphysiological concentrations. Here, we performed genome-wide transcript profiling with C. auris biofilms following farnesol or tyrosol exposure using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Since transition metals play a central role in fungal virulence and biofilm formation, levels of intracellular calcium, magnesium, and iron were determined following farnesol or tyrosol treatment using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Farnesol caused an 89.9% and 73.8% significant reduction in the calcium and magnesium content, respectively, whereas tyrosol resulted in 82.6%, 76.6%, and 81.2% decrease in the calcium, magnesium, and iron content, respectively, compared to the control. Genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy were primarily affected in treated cells. To prove ergosterol quorum-sensing molecule interactions, microdilution-based susceptibility testing was performed, where the complexation of farnesol, but not tyrosol, with ergosterol was impeded in the presence of exogenous ergosterol, resulting in a minimum inhibitory concentration increase in the quorum-sensing molecules. This study revealed several farnesol- and tyrosol-specific responses, which will contribute to the development of alternative therapies against C. auris biofilms. IMPORTANCE Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, which is frequently associated with biofilm-related infections. Candida-derived quorum-sensing molecules (farnesol and tyrosol) play a pivotal role in the regulation of fungal morphogenesis and biofilm development. Furthermore, they may have remarkable anti-biofilm effects, especially at supraphysiological concentrations. Innovative therapeutic approaches interfering with quorum sensing may be a promising future strategy against C. auris biofilms; however, limited data are currently available concerning farnesol-induced and tyrosol-related molecular effects in C. auris. Here, we detected several genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy, which were primarily influenced following farnesol or tyrosol exposure. Moreover, calcium, magnesium, and iron homeostasis were also significantly affected. These results reveal those molecular and physiological events, which may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches against C. auris biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Nagy-Köteles
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Wang TW, Sofras D, Montelongo-Jauregui D, Paiva TO, Carolus H, Dufrêne YF, Alfaifi AA, McCracken C, Bruno VM, Van Dijck P, Jabra-Rizk MA. Functional Redundancy in Candida auris Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4077218. [PMID: 38562859 PMCID: PMC10984083 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4077218/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for C. auris strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during in vitro and in vivo grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection. Phenotypic and functional evaluations of generated null mutants demonstrated crucial roles for the adhesins Als5 and Scf1 in mediating cell-cell adherence, coaggregation and biofilm formation. While individual mutants were largely non-aggregative, in combination cells were able to co-adhere and aggregate, as directly demonstrated by measuring cell adhesion forces using single-cell atomic force spectroscopy. This co-adherence indicates their role as complementary adhesins, which despite their limited similarity, may function redundantly to promote cell-cell interaction and biofilm formation. Functional diversity of cell wall proteins may be a form of regulation that provides the aggregative phenotype of C. auris with flexibility and rapid adaptation to the environment, potentially impacting persistence and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan W. Wang
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Dimitrios Sofras
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel Montelongo-Jauregui
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Telmo O. Paiva
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Hans Carolus
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves F. Dufrêne
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Areej A. Alfaifi
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Carrie McCracken
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Vincent M. Bruno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Wang TW, Sofras D, Montelongo-Jauregui D, Paiva TO, Carolus H, Dufrêne YF, Alfaifi AA, McCracken C, Bruno VM, Van Dijck P, Jabra-Rizk MA. Functional Redundancy in Candida auris Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586120. [PMID: 38562758 PMCID: PMC10983922 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for C. auris strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during in vitro and in vivo grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection. Phenotypic and functional evaluations of generated null mutants demonstrated crucial roles for the adhesins Als5 and Scf1 in mediating cell-cell adherence, coaggregation and biofilm formation. While individual mutants were largely non-aggregative, in combination cells were able to co-adhere and aggregate, as directly demonstrated by measuring cell adhesion forces using single-cell atomic force spectroscopy. This co-adherence indicates their role as complementary adhesins, which despite their limited similarity, may function redundantly to promote cell-cell interaction and biofilm formation. Functional diversity of cell wall proteins may be a form of regulation that provides the aggregative phenotype of C. auris with flexibility and rapid adaptation to the environment, potentially impacting persistence and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan W. Wang
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Dimitrios Sofras
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel Montelongo-Jauregui
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Telmo O. Paiva
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Hans Carolus
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves F. Dufrêne
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud, 4-5, L7.07.07, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Areej A. Alfaifi
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Carrie McCracken
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Vincent M. Bruno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Shivarathri R, Chauhan M, Datta A, Das D, Karuli A, Jenull S, Kuchler K, Thangamani S, Chowdhary A, Desai JV, Chauhan N. The Candida auris Hog1 MAP kinase is essential for the colonization of murine skin and intradermal persistence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585572. [PMID: 38562863 PMCID: PMC10983919 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris , a multidrug-resistant human fungal pathogen, was first identified in 2009 in Japan. Since then, systemic C. auris infections have now been reported in more than 50 countries, with mortality rates of 30-60%. A major contributing factor to its high inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission is that C. auris, unlike most Candida species, displays unique skin tropism and can stay on human skin for a prolonged period. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for C. auris skin colonization, intradermal persistence, and systemic virulence are poorly understood. Here, we report that C. auris Hog1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is essential for efficient skin colonization, intradermal persistence, as well as systemic virulence. RNA-seq analysis of wildtype parental and hog1 Δ mutant strains revealed marked down-regulation of genes involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell-wall rearrangement, and pathogenesis in hog1 Δ mutant compared to the wildtype parent. Consistent with these data, we found a prominent role for Hog1 in maintaining cell-wall architecture, as the hog1 Δ mutant demonstrated a significant increase in cell-surface β-glucan exposure and a concomitant reduction in chitin content. Additionally, we observed that Hog1 was required for biofilm formation in vitro and fungal survival when challenged with primary murine macrophages and neutrophils ex vivo . Collectively, these findings have important implications for understanding the C. auris skin adherence mechanisms and penetration of skin epithelial layers preceding bloodstream infections. Importance Candida auris is a World Health Organization (WHO) fungal priority pathogen and an urgent public health threat recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). C. auris has a unique ability to colonize human skin. It also persists on abiotic surfaces in healthcare environments for an extended period of time. These attributes facilitate the inter- and intrahospital clonal transmission of C. auris . Therefore, understanding C. auris skin colonization mechanisms are critical for infection control, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. However, despite its profound clinical relevance, the molecular and genetic basis of C. auris skin colonization mechanisms are poorly understood. Herein, we present data on the identification of the Hog1 MAP kinase as a key regulator of C. auris skin colonization. These findings lay foundation for further characterization of unique mechanisms that promote fungal persistence on human skin.
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Angiolella L, Rojas F, Giammarino A, Bellucci N, Giusiano G. Identification of Virulence Factors in Isolates of Candida haemulonii, Candida albicans and Clavispora lusitaniae with Low Susceptibility and Resistance to Fluconazole and Amphotericin B. Microorganisms 2024; 12:212. [PMID: 38276197 PMCID: PMC10819056 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010212] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging life-threatening multidrug-resistant (MDR) species such as the C. haemulonii species complex, Clavispora lusitaniae (sin. C. lusitaniae), and other Candida species are considered as an increasing risk for human health in the near future. (1) Background: Many studies have emphasized that the increase in drug resistance can be associated with several virulence factors in Candida and its knowledge is also essential in developing new antifungal strategies. (2) Methods: Hydrophobicity, adherence, biofilm formation, lipase activity, resistance to osmotic stress, and virulence 'in vivo' on G. mellonella larvae were studied in isolates of C. haemulonii, C. albicans, and C. lusitaniae with low susceptibility and resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B. (3) Results: Intra- and interspecies variability were observed. C. haemulonii showed high hydrophobicity and the ability to adhere to and form biofilm. C. lusitaniae was less hydrophobic, was biofilm-formation-strain-dependent, and did not show lipase activity. Larvae inoculated with C. albicans isolates displayed significantly higher mortality rates than those infected with C. haemulonii and C. lusitaniae. (4) Conclusions: The ability to adhere to and form biofilms associated with their hydrophobic capacity, to adapt to stress, and to infect within an in vivo model, observed in these non-wild-type Candida and Clavispora isolates, shows their marked virulence features. Since factors that define virulence are related to the development of the resistance of these fungi to the few antifungals available for clinical use, differences in the physiology of these cells must be considered to develop new antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Angiolella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (N.B.)
| | - Florencia Rojas
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia 3500, Argentina; (F.R.); (G.G.)
| | - Andrea Giammarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (N.B.)
| | - Nicolò Bellucci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza”, University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.G.); (N.B.)
| | - Gustavo Giusiano
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, CONICET, Resistencia 3500, Argentina; (F.R.); (G.G.)
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12
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Elgammal Y, Salama EA, Seleem MN. Enhanced antifungal activity of posaconazole against Candida auris by HIV protease inhibitors, atazanavir and saquinavir. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1571. [PMID: 38238403 PMCID: PMC10796399 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant Candida auris represents a serious global threat. The emergence of pan-resistant C. auris exhibiting resistance to all three classes of antifungals magnifies the need for novel therapeutic interventions. We identified that two HIV protease inhibitors, atazanavir and saquinavir, in combination with posaconazole exhibited potent activity against C. auris in vitro and in vivo. Both atazanavir and saquinavir exhibited a remarkable synergistic activity with posaconazole against all tested C. auris isolates and other medically important Candida species. In a time-kill assay, both drugs restored the fungistatic activity of posaconazole, resulting in reduction of 5 and 5.6 log10, respectively. Furthermore, in contrast to the individual drugs, the two combinations effectively inhibited the biofilm formation of C. auris by 66.2 and 81.2%, respectively. Finally, the efficacy of the two combinations were tested in a mouse model of C. auris infection. The atazanavir/posaconazole and saquinavir/posaconazole combinations significantly reduced the C. auris burden in mice kidneys by 2.04- (99.1%) and 1.44-log10 (96.4%) colony forming unit, respectively. Altogether, these results suggest that the combination of posaconazole with the HIV protease inhibitors warrants further investigation as a new therapeutic regimen for the treatment of C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehia Elgammal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Ehab A Salama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Mohamed N Seleem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1410 Prices Fork Rd, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Chow EWL, Song Y, Chen J, Xu X, Wang J, Chen K, Gao J, Wang Y. The transcription factor Rpn4 activates its own transcription and induces efflux pump expression to confer fluconazole resistance in Candida auris. mBio 2023; 14:e0268823. [PMID: 38014938 PMCID: PMC10746192 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02688-23] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Candida auris is a recently emerged pathogenic fungus of grave concern globally due to its resistance to conventional antifungals. This study takes a whole-genome approach to explore how C. auris overcomes growth inhibition imposed by the common antifungal drug fluconazole. We focused on gene disruptions caused by a "jumping genetic element" called transposon, leading to fluconazole resistance. We identified mutations in two genes, each encoding a component of the Ubr2/Mub1 ubiquitin-ligase complex, which marks the transcription regulator Rpn4 for degradation. When either protein is absent, stable Rpn4 accumulates in the cell. We found that Rpn4 activates the expression of itself as well as the main drug efflux pump gene CDR1 by binding to a PACE element in the promoter. Furthermore, we identified an amino acid change in Ubr2 in many resistant clinical isolates, contributing to Rpn4 stabilization and increased fluconazole resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve W. L. Chow
- Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yabing Song
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinxin Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianbin Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Infectious Diseases Labs, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Malavia-Jones D, Farrer RA, Stappers MH, Edmondson MB, Borman AM, Johnson EM, Lipke PN, Gow NA. Strain and temperature dependent aggregation of Candida auris is attenuated by inhibition of surface amyloid proteins. Cell Surf 2023; 10:100110. [PMID: 37559873 PMCID: PMC10407437 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2023.100110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a multi-drug resistant human fungal pathogen that has become a global threat to human health due to its drug resistant phenotype, persistence in the hospital environment and propensity for patient to patient spread. Isolates display variable aggregation that may affect the relative virulence of strains. Therefore, dissection of this phenotype has gained substantial interest in recent years. We studied eight clinical isolates from four different clades (I-IV); four of which had a strongly aggregating phenotype and four of which did not. Genome analysis identified polymorphisms associated with loss of cell surface proteins were enriched in weakly-aggregating strains. Additionally, we identified down-regulation of chitin synthase genes involved in the synthesis of the chitinous septum. Characterisation of the cells revealed no ultrastructural defects in cytokinesis or cell separation in aggregating isolates. Strongly and weakly aggregating strains did not differ in net surface charge or in cell surface hydrophobicity. The capacity for aggregation and for adhesion to polystyrene microspheres were also not correlated. However, aggregation and extracellular matrix formation were all increased at higher growth temperatures, and treatment with the amyloid protein inhibitor Thioflavin-T markedly attenuated aggregation. Genome analysis further indicated strain specific differences in the genome content of GPI-anchored proteins including those encoding genes with the potential to form amyloid proteins. Collectively our data suggests that aggregation is a complex strain and temperature dependent phenomenon that may be linked in part to the ability to form extracellular matrix and cell surface amyloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Rhys A. Farrer
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mark H.T. Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Matt B. Edmondson
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infection Services, UKHSA South West Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Infection Services, UKHSA South West Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Peter N. Lipke
- Biology Department, Brooklyn College of City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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15
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Rapti V, Iliopoulou K, Poulakou G. The Gordian Knot of C. auris: If You Cannot Cut It, Prevent It. Pathogens 2023; 12:1444. [PMID: 38133327 PMCID: PMC10747958 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121444] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its first description in 2009, Candida auris has, so far, resulted in large hospital outbreaks worldwide and is considered an emerging global public health threat. Exceptionally for yeast, it is gifted with a profoundly worrying invasive potential and high inter-patient transmissibility. At the same time, it is capable of colonizing and persisting in both patients and hospital settings for prolonged periods of time, thus creating a vicious cycle of acquisition, spreading, and infection. It exhibits various virulence qualities and thermotolerance, osmotolerance, filamentation, biofilm formation and hydrolytic enzyme production, which are mainly implicated in its pathogenesis. Owing to its unfavorable profile of resistance to diverse antifungal agents and the lack of effective treatment options, the implementation of robust infection prevention and control (IPC) practices is crucial for controlling and minimizing intra-hospital transmission of C. auris. Rapid and accurate microbiological identification, adherence to hand hygiene, use of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of catheters and implantable devices, contact isolation, periodical environmental decontamination, targeted screening, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs and communication between healthcare facilities about residents' C. auris colonization status are recognized as coherent strategies for preventing its spread. Current knowledge on C. auris epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and its mechanisms of pathogenicity are summarized in the present review and a comprehensive overview of IPC practices ensuring yeast prevention is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Rapti
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria General Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Garyfallia Poulakou
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sotiria General Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
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16
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Erturk Sengel B, Ekren BY, Sayin E, Cerikcioglu N, Sezerman U, Odabasi Z. Identification of Molecular and Genetic Resistance Mechanisms in a Candida auris Isolate in a Tertiary Care Center in Türkiye. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:929-936. [PMID: 37639054 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00787-1] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that causes nosocomial outbreaks and high mortality. We conducted this study to investigate the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in our clinical isolate of C. auris with a high level of resistance to three main classes of antifungals. MATERIAL AND METHODS A clinical C. auris isolate was identified by MALDI-TOF MS and antifungal susceptibilities were determined by the Sensititre YeastOne YO10 panel. After sequencing the whole genome of the microorganism with Oxford Nanopore NGS Technologies, a phylogenetic tree was drawn as a cladogram to detect where the C. auris clade to this study's assembly belongs. RESULTS The C. auris isolate in this study (MaCa01) was determined to be a part of the clade I (South Asian). The resistance-related genes indicated that MaCa01 would most likely be highly resistant to fluconazole (CDR1, TAC1b, and ERG11), none or little resistant to amphotericin B (AmpB) and echinocandins, and sensitive to flucytosine. The mutations found in the above-mentioned genes in the Türkiye C. auris isolate reveals an antifungal resistance pattern. This molecular resistance pattern was found consistent with the interpretation of MIC values of the antifungals according to CDC tentative breakpoints. CONCLUSION We detected the well-known antifungal resistance mutations, responsible for azole resistance in C. auris. Despite no ERG2, ERG6, and FKS mutation identified, the isolate was found to be resistant to AmpB and caspofungin based on the CDC tentative breakpoints which could be related to unidentified mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buket Erturk Sengel
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Berkay Yekta Ekren
- Department of Bioistatistics and Medical Informatics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Elvan Sayin
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nilgun Cerikcioglu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ugur Sezerman
- Department of Bioistatistics and Medical Informatics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Zekaver Odabasi
- Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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17
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Lockhart SR, Chowdhary A, Gold JAW. The rapid emergence of antifungal-resistant human-pathogenic fungi. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:818-832. [PMID: 37648790 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00960-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During recent decades, the emergence of pathogenic fungi has posed an increasing public health threat, particularly given the limited number of antifungal drugs available to treat invasive infections. In this Review, we discuss the global emergence and spread of three emerging antifungal-resistant fungi: Candida auris, driven by global health-care transmission and possibly facilitated by climate change; azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, driven by the selection facilitated by azole fungicide use in agricultural and other settings; and Trichophyton indotineae, driven by the under-regulated use of over-the-counter high-potency corticosteroid-containing antifungal creams. The diversity of the fungi themselves and the drivers of their emergence make it clear that we cannot predict what might emerge next. Therefore, vigilance is critical to monitoring fungal emergence, as well as the rise in overall antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn R Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Medical Mycology Unit, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Jeremy A W Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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18
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Baz A, Bakri A, Butcher M, Short B, Ghimire B, Gaur N, Jenkins T, Short RD, Riggio M, Williams C, Ramage G, Brown JL. Staphylococcus aureus strains exhibit heterogenous tolerance to direct cold atmospheric plasma therapy. Biofilm 2023; 5:100123. [PMID: 37138646 PMCID: PMC10149328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The global clinical and socioeconomic impact of chronic wounds is substantial. The main difficulty that clinicians face during the treatment of chronic wounds is the risk of infection at the wound site. Infected wounds arise from an accumulation of microbial aggregates in the wound bed, leading to the formation of polymicrobial biofilms that can be largely resistant to antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is essential for studies to identify novel therapeutics to alleviate biofilm infections. One innovative technique is the use of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) which has been shown to possess promising antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Here, different clinically relevant biofilm models will be treated with cold atmospheric plasma to assess its efficacy and killing effects. Biofilm viability was assessed using live dead qPCR, and morphological changes associated with CAP evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that CAP was effective against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both as mono-species biofilms and when grown in a triadic model system. CAP also significantly reduced viability in the nosocomial pathogen, Candida auris. Staphylococcus aureus Newman exhibited a level of tolerance to CAP therapy, both when grown alone or in the triadic model when grown alongside C. albicans and P. aeruginosa. However, this degree of tolerance exhibited by S. aureus was strain dependent. At a microscopic level, biofilm treatment led to subtle changes in morphology in the susceptible biofilms, with evidence of cellular deflation and shrinkage. Taken together, these results indicate a promising application of direct CAP therapy in combatting wound and skin-related biofilm infections, although biofilm composition may affect the treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Baz
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Bakri
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Butcher
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Bhagirath Ghimire
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Nishtha Gaur
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Jenkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. Short
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Marcello Riggio
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Williams
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
- Microbiology Department, Lancaster Royal Infirmary, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L. Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author. Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK.
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Horton MV, Holt AM, Nett JE. Mechanisms of pathogenicity for the emerging fungus Candida auris. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011843. [PMID: 38127686 PMCID: PMC10735027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011843] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris recently emerged as an urgent public health threat, causing outbreaks of invasive infections in healthcare settings throughout the world. This fungal pathogen persists on the skin of patients and on abiotic surfaces despite antiseptic and decolonization attempts. The heightened capacity for skin colonization and environmental persistence promotes rapid nosocomial spread. Following skin colonization, C. auris can gain entrance to the bloodstream and deeper tissues, often through a wound or an inserted medical device, such as a catheter. C. auris possesses a variety of virulence traits, including the capacity for biofilm formation, production of adhesins and proteases, and evasion of innate immune responses. In this review, we highlight the interactions of C. auris with the host, emphasizing the intersection of laboratory studies and clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark V. Horton
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Holt
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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20
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Bonincontro G, Scuderi SA, Marino A, Simonetti G. Synergistic Effect of Plant Compounds in Combination with Conventional Antimicrobials against Biofilm of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1531. [PMID: 38004397 PMCID: PMC10675371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111531] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and fungal biofilm has increased antibiotic resistance and plays an essential role in many persistent diseases. Biofilm-associated chronic infections are difficult to treat and reduce the efficacy of medical devices. This global problem has prompted extensive research to find alternative strategies to fight microbial chronic infections. Plant bioactive metabolites with antibiofilm activity are known to be potential resources to alleviate this problem. The phytochemical screening of some medicinal plants showed different active groups, such as stilbenes, tannins, alkaloids, terpenes, polyphenolics, flavonoids, lignans, quinones, and coumarins. Synergistic effects can be observed in the interaction between plant compounds and conventional drugs. This review analyses and summarises the current knowledge on the synergistic effects of plant metabolites in combination with conventional antimicrobials against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The synergism of conventional antimicrobials with plant compounds can modify and inhibit the mechanisms of acquired resistance, reduce undesirable effects, and obtain an appropriate therapeutic effect at lower doses. A deeper knowledge of these combinations and of their possible antibiofilm targets is needed to develop next-generation novel antimicrobials and/or improve current antimicrobials to fight drug-resistant infections attributed to biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziana Bonincontro
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Andreana Marino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 98100 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Simonetti
- Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy;
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Biswas B, Gangwar G, Nain V, Gupta I, Thakur A, Puria R. Rapamycin and Torin2 inhibit Candida auris TOR: Insights through growth profiling, docking, and MD simulations. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8445-8461. [PMID: 36264093 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2134927] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The fungus Candida auris is a pathogen of utmost concern due to its rapid emergence across the globe, acquired antifungal drug tolerance, thermotolerance, and ability to survive in hospital settings and preserved foods. Recent incidences of comorbidity of corona patients with its infection in hospital settings highlighted the importance of understanding the pathobiology and drug tolerance of this fungus on priority. The Target of rapamycin (TOR) is a central regulator of growth across eukaryotes with an illustrated role in fungal pathology. The role of the TOR signalling pathway in the growth of C. auris is yet to be described. In-silico, analysis revealed the presence of highly conserved Tor kinase, components of TORC, and key downstream components in C. auris. Rapamycin and Torin2, the specific inhibitors of Tor reduce the growth of C. auris. An inhibition of Tor leads to cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase with a defect in cytokinesis. Interestingly, with an insignificant difference in growth at 30 and 37 °C, a sharp decline in growth is seen with Torin2 at 37 °C. The heterogeneous response emphasizes the importance of physiology-based differential cellular response at different temperatures. In addition, the inhibition of Tor suppresses the biofilm formation. In silico studies through docking and simulations showed rapamycin and torin2 as specific inhibitors of C. auris Tor kinase (CauTor kinase) and hence can be exploited for a thorough understanding of the TOR signalling pathway in pathobiology and drug tolerance of C. auris. HIGHLIGHTSConservation of TOR signalling pathway in Candida aurisRapamycin and torin2 are specific inhibitors of Cau TorUnderstanding of the role of TOR signalling pathway through the use of inhibitors rapamycin and torin2.Heterogenous response of C. auris to torin2 at different physiological conditions.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswambhar Biswas
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, 3rd Milestone Gurgaon-Faridabad Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Garima Gangwar
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vikrant Nain
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ishaan Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anil Thakur
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, 3rd Milestone Gurgaon-Faridabad Expressway, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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22
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Santana DJ, Anku JAE, Zhao G, Zarnowski R, Johnson CJ, Hautau H, Visser ND, Ibrahim AS, Andes D, Nett JE, Singh S, O'Meara TR. A Candida auris-specific adhesin, Scf1 , governs surface association, colonization, and virulence. Science 2023; 381:1461-1467. [PMID: 37769084 PMCID: PMC11235122 DOI: 10.1126/science.adf8972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen responsible for health care-associated outbreaks that arise from persistent surface and skin colonization. We characterized the arsenal of adhesins used by C. auris and discovered an uncharacterized adhesin, Surface Colonization Factor (Scf1), and a conserved adhesin, Iff4109, that are essential for the colonization of inert surfaces and mammalian hosts. SCF1 is apparently specific to C. auris, and its expression mediates adhesion to inert and biological surfaces across isolates from all five clades. Unlike canonical fungal adhesins, which function through hydrophobic interactions, Scf1 relies on exposed cationic residues for surface association. SCF1 is required for C. auris biofilm formation, skin colonization, virulence in systemic infection, and colonization of inserted medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darian J Santana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Juliet A E Anku
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Guolei Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Chad J Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Haley Hautau
- Division of Infectious Disease, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Noelle D Visser
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Disease, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jeniel E Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shakti Singh
- Division of Infectious Disease, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Teresa R O'Meara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract
Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that presents a serious threat to global human health. Since the first reported case in 2009 in Japan, C. auris infections have been reported in more than 40 countries, with mortality rates between 30% and 60%. In addition, C. auris has the potential to cause outbreaks in health care settings, especially in nursing homes for elderly patients, owing to its efficient transmission via skin-to-skin contact. Most importantly, C. auris is the first fungal pathogen to show pronounced and sometimes untreatable clinical drug resistance to all known antifungal classes, including azoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins. In this review, we explore the causes of the rapid spread of C. auris. We also highlight its genome organization and drug resistance mechanisms and propose future research directions that should be undertaken to curb the spread of this multidrug-resistant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India;
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kusum Jain
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India;
| | - Neeraj Chauhan
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
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Cobrado L, Ricardo E, Ramalho P, Fernandes AR, Rodrigues AG. Does repeated exposure to hydrogen peroxide induce Candida auris resistance? Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:92. [PMID: 37674229 PMCID: PMC10483791 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01281-5] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To minimize environmental colonization by microorganisms that may persist and thrive in healthcare settings, thus reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), new insights over already known biocides are certainly of relevance. Although the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) against the emergent yeast Candida auris is moderately documented, concerns over the potential induction of resistance after repeated exposure do persist. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the hypothetical induction of Candida auris resistance following 30 days of consecutive exposure to lethal and sublethal concentrations of H2O2. Furthermore, the authors aimed to elucidate about the rank of efficacy of H2O2 against C. auris comparing to other Candida species and whether different strains of C. auris may display different susceptibilities to H2O2. METHODS During the induction of resistance assays, both type strains and clinical isolates of Candida auris, Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis were exposed repeatedly to defined concentrations of H2O2, for 30 days. RESULTS After that period, no significant differences were found when comparing the minimal inhibitory concentration values of H2O2 in case of the induced strains versus each respective positive control. Moreover, H2O2 displayed similar effectiveness against all the tested Candida species and no differences were demonstrated among the distinct strains of C. auris. CONCLUSIONS The adoption of H2O2 solutions in routine protocols in order to promote disinfection standards against Candida auris, improving patient safety and reducing healthcare costs, is certainly welcomed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Cobrado
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200 - 319, Portugal.
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research / Rede de Investigação em Saúde, CINTESIS / RISE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Burn Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Elisabete Ricardo
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200 - 319, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research / Rede de Investigação em Saúde, CINTESIS / RISE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Ramalho
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200 - 319, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research / Rede de Investigação em Saúde, CINTESIS / RISE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Angela Rita Fernandes
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200 - 319, Portugal
| | - Acacio Goncalves Rodrigues
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, 4200 - 319, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research / Rede de Investigação em Saúde, CINTESIS / RISE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Burn Unit, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Center of São João, Porto, Portugal
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Biswas B, Rana A, Gupta N, Gupta I, Puria R, Thakur A. A Novel Robust Method Mimicking Human Substratum To Dissect the Heterogeneity of Candida auris Biofilm Formation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0089223. [PMID: 37439683 PMCID: PMC10434199 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00892-23] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a pathogen of urgent threat level as marked by the CDC. The formation of biofilms is an essential property of this fungus to establish infection and escape drug treatment. However, our understanding of pathogenesis through biofilm is hampered by heterogeneity in C. auris biofilms observed in different studies. It is imperative to replicate in vivo conditions for studying C. auris biofilm formation in vitro. Different methods are standardized, but the surface used to form biofilms lacks consistency as well as the architecture of a typical biofilm. Here, we report an in vitro technique to grow C. auris biofilms on gelatin-coated coverslips. Interestingly, C. auris cells grown on gelatin-coated coverslips either on modified synthetic sweat media or RPMI 1640 resulted in similar multilayer biofilm formation with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). This method is also consistent with the biofilm formation of other Candida species, such as Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Biofilms of C. glabrata developed through this method show pseudohyphae and EPS. This method can be used to understand the molecular basis of biofilm formation, associated pathogenesis, and drug tolerance. The technique is cost-effective and would thus serve in rightful screening and repurposing drug libraries for designing new therapeutics against the less-studied high-alarm pathogen C. auris. IMPORTANCE Heterogeneity is seen when multidrug-resistant C. auris biofilm is cultured using different reported methods. Biofilm formed on the gelatin surface mimics the condition of a host environment that has multilayers and EPS. This method has feasibility for drug screening and analyzing biofilms through three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. This in vitro biofilm formation technique is also exploited to study the formation of biofilm of other Candida species. The biofilms of C. glabrata and C. albicans can also be correctly mimicked using gelatin in the biofilm-forming environment. Thus, the novel in vitro method for biofilm formation reported here can be widely used to understand the mechanism of biofilm formation, related virulence properties, and drug tolerance of C. auris and other Candida species. This simple and low-cost technique is highly suitable for screening novel inhibitors and repurposed libraries and to design new therapeutics against Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswambhar Biswas
- Laboratory of Protein Translation and Fungal Pathogenesis, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Aishwarya Rana
- Laboratory of Protein Translation and Fungal Pathogenesis, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Laboratory of Protein Translation and Fungal Pathogenesis, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ishaan Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anil Thakur
- Laboratory of Protein Translation and Fungal Pathogenesis, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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26
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Balla N, Jakab Á, Kovács F, Ragyák Á, Tóth Z, Balázsi D, Forgács L, Bozó A, Al Refai F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Total transcriptome analysis of Candida auris planktonic cells exposed to tyrosol. AMB Express 2023; 13:81. [PMID: 37532970 PMCID: PMC10397170 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01586-z] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosol, a secondary metabolite of Candida species, regulates fungal morphogenesis, and its application may represent a novel innovative therapy against emerging multi-resistant fungal superbug such as Candida auris. In the current study, the effects of tyrosol on growth, redox homeostasis, intracellular microelement contents and activities of virulence-related enzymes released by C. auris were examined. To gain further information about the effect of tyrosol exposure, we revealed gene transcriptional changes using total transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). At a concentration of 15 mM, tyrosol significantly decrease the growth of fungal cells within 2 h of its addition (5.6 × 107±1.2 × 107 and 2.5 × 107±0.6 × 107 colony forming unit/mL for control and tyrosol-treated cells, respectively). Furthermore, it enhanced the release of reactive oxygen species as confirmed by a dichlorofluorescein (DCF) assay (7.3 ± 1.8 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1] versus 16.8 ± 3.9 [nmol DCF (OD640)-1]), which was coincided with elevated superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Tyrosol exerted in a 37%, 25%, 34% and 55% decrease in intracellular manganese, iron, zinc and copper contents, respectively, compared to control cells. The tyrosol treatment led to a 142 and 108 differentially transcripted genes with at least a 1.5-fold increase or decrease in transcription, respectively. Genes related to iron and fatty acid metabolism as well as nucleic acid synthesis were down-regulated, whereas those related to the antioxidative defence, adhesion and oxoacid metabolic processes were up-regulated. This study shows that tyrosol significantly influences growth, intracellular physiological processes and gene transcription in C. auris, which could highly support the development of novel treatment approaches against this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Tóth
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Dávid Balázsi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Lajos Forgács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Aliz Bozó
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Farah Al Refai
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health England, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
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Fayed B, Lazreg IK, AlHumaidi RB, Qasem MAAA, Alajmy BMGN, Bojbarah FMAM, Senok A, Husseiny MI, Soliman SSM. Intra-clade Heterogeneity in Candida auris: Risk of Management. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:295. [PMID: 37486431 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03416-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a significant nosocomial fungal pathogen with a high risk of pathogenicity. Since the initial detection of C. auris in 2009, it gained lots of attention with a recent alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its high infectivity and drug resistance. Several studies showed the capability of C. auris to secrete lytic enzymes, germinate, and form a biofilm that eventually results in interactions with the host cells, leading to serious infections. Other studies demonstrated a decrease in susceptibility of C. auris strains to available antifungals, which may be caused by mutations within the target genes, or the drug efflux pumps. However, the contribution of C. auris heterogeneity in pathogenicity and drug resistance is not well studied. Here, we shed light on the factors contributing to the development of heterogeneity in C. auris. These include phenotypic changes, biofilm formation, mechanisms of drug resistance, host invasion, mode of transmission, and expression of virulence factors. C. auris exhibits different phenotypes, particularly aggregative, and non-aggregative forms that play an important role in fungal heterogeneity, which significantly affects drug resistance and pathogenicity. Collectively, heterogeneity in C. auris significantly contributes to ineffective treatment, which in turn affects the fungal pathogenicity and drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying reasons for C. auris heterogeneity and applying effective antifungal stewardship could play a major role in controlling this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imene K Lazreg
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Razan B AlHumaidi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Maryam A A A Qasem
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Bashayir M Gh N Alajmy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatemh M A M Bojbarah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Building 14 Dubai Healthcare City, P.O.Box 505055, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mohamed I Husseiny
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Translational Research & Cellular Therapeutics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
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Mayorga-Ramos A, Zúñiga-Miranda J, Carrera-Pacheco SE, Barba-Ostria C, Guamán LP. CRISPR-Cas-Based Antimicrobials: Design, Challenges, and Bacterial Mechanisms of Resistance. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1283-1302. [PMID: 37347230 PMCID: PMC10353011 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is a source of public health concern across the globe. As the discovery of new conventional antibiotics has stalled significantly over the past decade, there is an urgency to develop novel approaches to address drug resistance in infectious diseases. The use of a CRISPR-Cas-based system for the precise elimination of targeted bacterial populations holds promise as an innovative approach for new antimicrobial agent design. The CRISPR-Cas targeting system is celebrated for its high versatility and specificity, offering an excellent opportunity to fight antibiotic resistance in pathogens by selectively inactivating genes involved in antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, pathogenicity, virulence, or bacterial viability. The CRISPR-Cas strategy can enact antimicrobial effects by two approaches: inactivation of chromosomal genes or curing of plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance. In this Review, we provide an overview of the main CRISPR-Cas systems utilized for the creation of these antimicrobials, as well as highlighting promising studies in the field. We also offer a detailed discussion about the most commonly used mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas delivery: bacteriophages, nanoparticles, and conjugative plasmids. Lastly, we address possible mechanisms of interference that should be considered during the intelligent design of these novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Mayorga-Ramos
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Johana Zúñiga-Miranda
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- Escuela
de Medicina, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud Quito, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Quito 170902, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guamán
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias
de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad
UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
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29
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Zeng H, Stadler M, Abraham WR, Müsken M, Schrey H. Inhibitory Effects of the Fungal Pigment Rubiginosin C on Hyphal and Biofilm Formation in Candida albicans and Candida auris. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:726. [PMID: 37504715 PMCID: PMC10381533 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070726] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The two fungal human pathogens, Candida auris and Candida albicans, possess a variety of virulence mechanisms. Among them are the formation of biofilms to protect yeast against harsh conditions through the development of (pseudo)hyphae whilst also facilitating the invasion of host tissues. In recent years, increased rates of antifungal resistance have been associated with C. albicans and C. auris, posing a significant challenge for the effective treatment of fungal infections. In the course of our ongoing search for novel anti-infectives, six selected azaphilones were tested for their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects as well as for their inhibitory activity against biofilm and hyphal formation. This study revealed that rubiginosin C, derived from stromata of the ascomycete Hypoxylon rubiginosum, effectively inhibited the formation of biofilms, pseudohyphae, and hyphae in both C. auris and C. albicans without lethal effects. Crystal violet staining assays were utilized to assess the inhibition of biofilm formation, while complementary microscopic techniques, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy, were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Rubiginosin C is one of the few substances known to effectively target both biofilm formation and the yeast-to-hyphae transition of C. albicans and C. auris within a concentration range not affecting host cells, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic intervention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxuan Zeng
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover/Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marc Stadler
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover/Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Wolf-Rainer Abraham
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover/Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mathias Müsken
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Hedda Schrey
- Department of Microbial Drugs, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover/Braunschweig, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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Watchaputi K, Jayasekara LACB, Ratanakhanokchai K, Soontorngun N. Inhibition of cell cycle-dependent hyphal and biofilm formation by a novel cytochalasin 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q in Candida albicans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9724. [PMID: 37322086 PMCID: PMC10272203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36191-4] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-mediated drug resistance is a key virulence factor of pathogenic microbes that cause a serious global health threat especially in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we investigated the antihyphal and antibiofilm activity of 19,20‑epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), a cytochalasin actin inhibitor isolated from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC1067 against Candida albicans. Remarkably, 256 µg/ml of ECQ inhibited over 95% of C. albicans hyphal formation after 24 h-treatment. Combined ECQ and lipid-based biosurfactant effectively enhanced the antihyphal activity, lowering required ECQ concentrations. Hyphal fragmentation and reduction of biofilm biomass, shown by SEM and AFM visualization of ECQ-treated biofilms, were well corelated to the reduced metabolic activities of young and 24 h-preformed C. albicans biofilms. Induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) also occurred in accompany with the leakage of shrunken cell membrane and defective cell wall at increasing ECQ concentrations. Transcriptomic analyses via RNA-sequencing revealed a massive change (> 1300 genes) in various biological pathways, following ECQ-treatment. Coordinated expression of genes, associated with cellular response to drugs, filamentous growth, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, cytoskeleton organization, cell division cycle, lipid and cell wall metabolisms was confirmed via qRT-PCR. Protein-protein association tool identified coupled expression between key regulators of cell division cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdc19/28) and a gamma-tubulin (Tub4). They coordinated ECQ-dependent hyphal specific gene targets of Ume6 and Tec1 during different phases of cell division. Thus, we first highlight the antihyphal and antibiofilm property of the novel antifungal agent ECQ against one of the most important life-threatening fungal pathogens by providing its key mechanistic detail in biofilm-related fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanrutai Watchaputi
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - L A Channa Bhathiya Jayasekara
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Khanok Ratanakhanokchai
- Excellent Center of Enzyme Technology and Microbial Utilization, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand
| | - Nitnipa Soontorngun
- Excellent Research Laboratory for Yeast Innovation, Division of Biochemical Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Bangkok, 10150, Thailand.
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Amann V, Kissmann AK, Mildenberger V, Krebs I, Perez-Erviti JA, Martell-Huguet EM, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Morales-Vicente F, Rodríguez-Castaño GP, Firacative C, Rodríguez A, Ständker L, Weil T, Spellerberg B, Stenger S, Rosenau F. Cm-p5 Peptide Dimers Inhibit Biofilms of Candida albicans Clinical Isolates, C. parapsilosis and Fluconazole-Resistant Mutants of C. auris. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9788. [PMID: 37372935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising class of therapeutic biomolecules that show antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms, including life-threatening pathogens. In contrast to classic AMPs with membrane-disrupting activities, new peptides with a specific anti-biofilm effect are gaining in importance since biofilms could be the most important way of life, especially for pathogens, as the interaction with host tissues is crucial for the full development of their virulence in the event of infection. Therefore, in a previous study, two synthetic dimeric derivatives (parallel Dimer 1 and antiparallel Dimer 2) of the AMP Cm-p5 showed specific inhibition of the formation of Candida auris biofilms. Here we show that these derivatives are also dose-dependently effective against de novo biofilms that are formed by the widespread pathogenic yeasts C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. Moreover, the activity of the peptides was demonstrated even against two fluconazole-resistant strains of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Amann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Mildenberger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Imke Krebs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Julio A Perez-Erviti
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Ernesto M Martell-Huguet
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anselmo J Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Fidel Morales-Vicente
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Gina P Rodríguez-Castaño
- Vidarium Nutrition, Health and Wellness Research Center, Grupo Nutresa, Calle 8 sur #50-67, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - Armando Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Spellerberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Spoladori LFDA, Andriani GM, Castro IMD, Suzukawa HT, Gimenes ACR, Bartolomeu-Gonçalves G, Ishida K, Nakazato G, Pinge-Filho P, Machado RRB, Nakamura CV, Andrade G, Tavares ER, Yamauchi LM, Yamada-Ogatta SF. Synergistic Antifungal Interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV Strain Metabolites and Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles against Candida auris. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12050861. [PMID: 37237764 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12050861] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has been found to be a persistent colonizer of human skin and a successful pathogen capable of causing potentially fatal infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This fungal species is usually resistant to most antifungal agents and has the ability to form biofilms on different surfaces, representing a significant therapeutic challenge. Herein, the effect of metabolites of Pseudomonas aeruginosa LV strain, alone and combined with biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (bioAgNP), was evaluated in planktonic and sessile (biofilm) cells of C. auris. First, the minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentration values of 3.12 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively, were determined for F4a, a semi-purified bacterial fraction. Fluopsin C and indolin-3-one seem to be the active components of F4a. Like the semi-purified fraction, they showed a time- and dose-dependent fungicidal activity. F4a and bioAgNP caused severe changes in the morphology and ultrastructure of fungal cells. F4a and indolin-3-one combined with bioAgNP exhibited synergistic fungicidal activity against planktonic cells. F4a, alone or combined with bioAgNP, also caused a significant decrease in the number of viable cells within the biofilms. No cytotoxicity to mammalian cells was detected for bacterial metabolites combined with bioAgNP at synergistic concentrations that presented antifungal activity. These results indicate the potential of F4a combined with bioAgNP as a new strategy for controlling C. auris infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriella Maria Andriani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Isabela Madeira de Castro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Helena Tiemi Suzukawa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Ramos Gimenes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Bartolomeu-Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiopatologia Clínica e Laboratorial, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86038-350, Brazil
| | - Kelly Ishida
- Laboratório de Quimioterapia Antifúngica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Gerson Nakazato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Básica e Aplicada, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Phileno Pinge-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Experimental, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Rayanne Regina Beltrame Machado
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica no Desenvolvimento de Fármacos e Cosméticos, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Celso Vataru Nakamura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica no Desenvolvimento de Fármacos e Cosméticos, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá CEP 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Galdino Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia Microbiana, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Eliandro Reis Tavares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Lucy Megumi Yamauchi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
| | - Sueli Fumie Yamada-Ogatta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86057-970, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Fisiopatologia Clínica e Laboratorial, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina CEP 86038-350, Brazil
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Mora-Montes HM. Current Progress in Sporothrix brasiliensis Basic Aspects. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050533. [PMID: 37233242 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is known as a subacute or chronic infection, which is caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. It is a cosmopolitan infection, which is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and can affect both humans and other mammals. The main etiological agents causing this disease are Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa, which have been recognized as members of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade. Within this clade, S. brasiliensis is considered the most virulent species and represents an important pathogen due to its distribution and prevalence in different regions of South America, such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, and Central American countries, such as Panama. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis has been of great concern due to the number of zoonotic cases that have been reported over the years. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on this pathogen and its different aspects will be carried out, including its genome, pathogen-host interaction, resistance mechanisms to antifungal drugs, and the caused zoonosis. Furthermore, we provide the prediction of some putative virulence factors encoded by the genome of this fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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Oremefetse D, Aijaz A, Sanelisiwe D, Mrudula P. Survival of Candida auris on environmental surface material and low-level resistance to disinfectant. J Hosp Infect 2023:S0195-6701(23)00120-2. [PMID: 37116661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris persist in the environment despite disinfection. The survival on various environmental surfaces and the effect of sub-lethal concentrations of disinfectants on C. auris has not been studied. AIM This study investigated the survival of C. auris on environmental surfaces and the effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of disinfectants. METHODS Surface material blocks were fabricated, artificially contaminated with C. auris, and for 3 weeks viable counts were assessed. In addition, C. auris cells were pulsed daily with disinfectants for 15 days and MICs were determined. Ergosterol quantities and efflux pump assays were also performed on disinfectant exposed strains using standard methods. RESULTS C. auris survived on all the surfaces for more than 3 weeks with the lowest count of 2.3 log cfu regardless of wet and dry conditions. Wet wood supported growth of C. auris with a one log increase in contrast to the dry condition which inhibited this organism (both p <0.01). In the biofilm form, C. auris flourished on all the surfaces. Although the MICs increased in sodium dichloroisocyanurate and benzalkonium chloride pulsed C. auris cells, only the benzalkonium chloride exposed cells showed decreased ergosterol content and an activated efflux pump. CONCLUSIONS Although C. auris survived on all the tested surfaces, survival on wet wood was remarkable. Benzalkonium chloride pulsed C. auris developed some degree of tolerance to disinfectant and showed efflux pump activation, suggesting the development of low-level resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dire Oremefetse
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Ahmad Aijaz
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
| | - Duze Sanelisiwe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Patel Mrudula
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa.
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Smoak RA, Snyder LF, Fassler JS, He BZ. Parallel expansion and divergence of an adhesin family in pathogenic yeasts. Genetics 2023; 223:iyad024. [PMID: 36794645 PMCID: PMC10319987 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad024] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic yeast pathogens arose multiple times in the Saccharomycetes class, including the recently emerged, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida auris. We show that homologs of a known yeast adhesin family in Candida albicans, the Hyr/Iff-like (Hil) family, are enriched in distinct clades of Candida species as a result of multiple, independent expansions. Following gene duplication, the tandem repeat-rich region in these proteins diverged extremely rapidly and generated large variations in length and β-aggregation potential, both of which are known to directly affect adhesion. The conserved N-terminal effector domain was predicted to adopt a β-helical fold followed by an α-crystallin domain, making it structurally similar to a group of unrelated bacterial adhesins. Evolutionary analyses of the effector domain in C. auris revealed relaxed selective constraint combined with signatures of positive selection, suggesting functional diversification after gene duplication. Lastly, we found the Hil family genes to be enriched at chromosomal ends, which likely contributed to their expansion via ectopic recombination and break-induced replication. Combined, these results suggest that the expansion and diversification of adhesin families generate variation in adhesion and virulence within and between species and are a key step toward the emergence of fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Smoak
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lindsey F Snyder
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jan S Fassler
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bin Z He
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Khari A, Biswas B, Gangwar G, Thakur A, Puria R. Candida auris biofilm: a review on model to mechanism conservation. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:295-308. [PMID: 36755419 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2179036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is included in the fungal infection category 'critical' by WHO because of associated high drug tolerance and spread at an alarming rate which if remains untouched may result in serious outbreaks. Since its discovery in 2009, several assiduous efforts by mycologists across the world have deciphered its biology including growth physiology, drug tolerance, biofilm formation, etc. The differential response of various strains from different clades poses a hurdle in drawing a final conclusion. AREAS COVERED This review provides brief insights into the understanding of C. auris biofilm. It includes information on various models developed to understand the biofilms and conservation of different signaling pathways. Significant development has been made in the recent past with the generation of relevant in vivo and ex vivo models. The role of signaling pathways in the development of biofilm is largely unknown. EXPERT OPINION The selection of an appropriate model system is a must for the accuracy and reproducibility of results. The conservation of major signaling pathways in C. auris with respect to C. albicans and S. cerevisiae highlights that initial inputs acquired from orthologs will be valuable in getting insights into the mechanism of biofilm formation and associated pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsha Khari
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | | | | | - Anil Thakur
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
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Rabaan AA, Eljaaly K, Alfouzan WA, Mutair AA, Alhumaid S, Alfaraj AH, Aldawood Y, Alsaleh AA, Albayat H, Azmi RA, AlKaabi N, Alzahrani SJ, AlBahrani S, Sulaiman T, Alshukairi AN, Abuzaid AA, Garout M, Ahmad R, Muhammad J. Psychogenetic, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in Candida auris: Role in drug resistance. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:257-263. [PMID: 36608452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, we are facing the challenge of drug resistance emergence in fungi. The availability of limited antifungals and development of multi-drug resistance in fungal pathogens has become a serious concern in the past years in the health sector. Although several cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms have been proposed to explain the drug resistance mechanism in fungi, but a complete understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms is still lacking. Besides the genetic mechanism, epigenetic mechanisms are pivotal in the fungal lifecycle and disease biology. However, very little is understood about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the emergence of multi-drug resistance in fungi, especially in Candida auris (C. auris). The current narrative review summaries the clinical characteristics, genomic organization, and molecular/genetic/epigenetic mechanisms underlying the emergence of drug resistance in C. auris. A very few studies have attempted to evaluate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in C. auris. Furthermore, advanced genetic tools such as the CRISP-Cas9 system can be utilized to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms and their role in the emergence of multi-drug resistance in C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan.
| | - Khalid Eljaaly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Pharmacy Practice and Science Department, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Wadha A Alfouzan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait; Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratories, Farwania Hospital, Farwania 85000, Kuwait
| | - Abbas Al Mutair
- Research Center, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Al-Ahsa 36342, Saudi Arabia; College of Nursing, Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia; School of Nursing, Wollongong University, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; Nursing Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran 33048, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhumaid
- Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Al-Ahsa Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Aldawood
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmonem A Alsaleh
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, Dammam 34222, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawra Albayat
- Infectious Disease Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 7790, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reyouf Al Azmi
- Infection Prevention and Control, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal AlKaabi
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Abu Dhabi, 51900, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samira J Alzahrani
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran 31932, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma AlBahrani
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran 31932, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tarek Sulaiman
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer N Alshukairi
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmonem A Abuzaid
- Medical Microbiology Department, Security Forces Hospital Programme, Dammam 32314, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Garout
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care for Pilgrims, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rafiq Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
| | - Javed Muhammad
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan.
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Chávez-Santiago JO, Mora-Montes HM. Candida haemulonii Complex and Candida auris: Biology, Virulence Factors, Immune Response, and Multidrug Resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1455-1470. [PMID: 36942024 PMCID: PMC10024503 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s402754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There is worldwide concern about the constant increase in infections caused by Candida species that are multiresistant to antifungal drugs. The most common candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans, however, the species of the Candida haemulonii complex and Candida auris are emerging opportunistic pathogens, which isolation from clinical samples has significantly increased in the past years. The special interest in the study of these species lies in their ability to evade the action of antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B, azoles, and echinocandins. In addition, the phenotypic changes of these species have given them the ability to easily adapt to environmental changes, including the host milieu and immunity. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on the C. haemulonii complex and C. auris is shown, analyzing aspects such as biology, immune response, putative virulence factors, infection, treatment, and the current strategies for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
- Correspondence: Manuela Gómez-Gaviria; Héctor M Mora-Montes, Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato, Gto, C. P. 36050, México, Tel +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8193, Fax +52 473-7320006 Ext. 8153, Email ;
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Joaquín O Chávez-Santiago
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Gto, México
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Synergistic Interaction of Caspofungin Combined with Posaconazole against FKS Wild-Type and Mutant Candida auris Planktonic Cells and Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111601. [PMID: 36421245 PMCID: PMC9686983 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111601] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a potential multidrug-resistant pathogen able to cause biofilm-associated outbreaks, where frequently indwelling devices are the source of infections. The number of effective therapies is limited; thus, new, even-combination-based strategies are needed. Therefore, the in vitro efficacy of caspofungin with posaconazole against FKS wild-type and mutant Candida auris isolates was determined. The interactions were assessed utilizing the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs), the Bliss model, and a LIVE/DEAD assay. Planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations (pMICs) for the caspofungin-posaconazole combination showed a 4- to 256-fold and a 2- to 512-fold decrease compared to caspofungin and posaconazole alone, respectively. Sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations (sMICs) for caspofungin and posaconazole in combination showed an 8- to 128-fold and a 4- to 512-fold decrease, respectively. The combination showed synergy, especially against biofilms (FICIs were 0.033-0.375 and 0.091-0.5, and Bliss cumulative synergy volumes were 6.96 and 32.39 for echinocandin-susceptible and -resistant isolates, respectively). The caspofungin-exposed (4 mg/L) C. auris biofilms exhibited increased cell death in the presence of posaconazole (0.03 mg/L) compared to untreated, caspofungin-exposed and posaconazole-treated biofilms. Despite the favorable effect of caspofungin with posaconazole, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential of this combination in C. auris-associated infections.
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Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2599136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Štefánek M, Černáková L, Dekkerová J, Bujdáková H. Photodynamic Inactivation Effectively Eradicates Candida auris Biofilm despite Its Interference with the Upregulation of CDR1 and MDR1 Efflux Genes. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1137. [PMID: 36354904 PMCID: PMC9697027 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris, in recent years, has emerged as a dangerous nosocomial pathogen. It represents a challenge for effective treatment because of its multiresistance. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising way to solve problems with a wide range of resistant microorganisms. This study aimed to use PDI for the eradication of C. auris biofilms. Moreover, the regulation of the CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 resistance genes was studied. Experiments were performed on 24 h biofilms formed by three clinical isolates of C. auris in vitro. PDI was performed in the presence of the photosensitizer methylene blue (0.25 mM) and samples were irradiated with a red laser (λ = 660 nm, 190 mW/cm2) for 79, 120, and 300 s. To confirm the PDI effect, confocal laser scanning microscopy was performed after treatment. Effective PDI was achieved in all strains. The highest inhibition was observed after 300 s irradiation, with over 90% inhibition compared with the non-irradiated control sample. PDI was observed to upregulate the expression of the CDR1 gene, but mainly the MDR1 gene. Despite this observation, PDI significantly decreased the survival of C. auris biofilm cells and proved to have great potential for the eradication of problematic resistant yeasts.
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Zhao S, Martin-Vicente A, Colabardini AC, Pereira Silva L, Rinker DC, Fortwendel JR, Goldman GH, Gibbons JG. Genomic and Molecular Identification of Genes Contributing to the Caspofungin Paradoxical Effect in Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0051922. [PMID: 36094204 PMCID: PMC9603777 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00519-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a deadly opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for ~100,000 annual deaths. Azoles are the first line antifungal agent used against A. fumigatus, but azole resistance has rapidly evolved making treatment challenging. Caspofungin is an important second-line therapy against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a severe A. fumigatus infection. Caspofungin functions by inhibiting β-1,3-glucan synthesis, a primary and essential component of the fungal cell wall. A phenomenon termed the caspofungin paradoxical effect (CPE) has been observed in several fungal species where at higher concentrations of caspofungin, chitin replaces β-1,3-glucan, morphology returns to normal, and growth rate increases. CPE appears to occur in vivo, and it is therefore clinically important to better understand the genetic contributors to CPE. We applied genomewide association (GWA) analysis and molecular genetics to identify and validate candidate genes involved in CPE. We quantified CPE across 67 clinical isolates and conducted three independent GWA analyses to identify genetic variants associated with CPE. We identified 48 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with CPE. We used a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to generate gene deletion mutants for seven genes harboring candidate SNPs. Two null mutants, ΔAfu3g13230 and ΔAfu4g07080 (dscP), resulted in reduced basal growth rate and a loss of CPE. We further characterized the dscP phosphatase-null mutant and observed a significant reduction in conidia production and extremely high sensitivity to caspofungin at both low and high concentrations. Collectively, our work reveals the contribution of Afu3g13230 and dscP in CPE and sheds new light on the complex genetic interactions governing this phenotype. IMPORTANCE This is one of the first studies to apply genomewide association (GWA) analysis to identify genes involved in an Aspergillus fumigatus phenotype. A. fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes hundreds of thousands of infections and ~100,000 deaths each year, and antifungal resistance has rapidly evolved in this species. A phenomenon called the caspofungin paradoxical effect (CPE) occurs in some isolates, where high concentrations of the drug lead to increased growth rate. There is clinical relevance in understanding the genetic basis of this phenotype, since caspofungin concentrations could lead to unintended adverse clinical outcomes in certain cases. Using GWA analysis, we identified several interesting candidate polymorphisms and genes and then generated gene deletion mutants to determine whether these genes were important for CPE. Two of these mutant strains (ΔAfu3g13230 and ΔAfu4g07080/ΔdscP) displayed a loss of the CPE. This study sheds light on the genes involved in clinically important phenotype CPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhao
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lilian Pereira Silva
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David C. Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gustavo Henrique Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - John G. Gibbons
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Aldossary HA, Rehman S, Jermy BR, AlJindan R, Aldayel A, AbdulAzeez S, Akhtar S, Khan FA, Borgio JF, Al-Suhaimi EA. Therapeutic Intervention for Various Hospital Setting Strains of Biofilm Forming Candida auris with Multiple Drug Resistance Mutations Using Nanomaterial Ag-Silicalite-1 Zeolite. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102251. [PMID: 36297684 PMCID: PMC9611151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging multidrug-resistant microorganism, with limited therapeutical options, is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. The current study includes 19 C. auris strains collected from King Fahd Hospital of the University and King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam, identified by 18S rRNA gene and ITS region sequencing. Drug-resistance-associated mutations in ERG11, TAC1B and FUR1 genes were screened to gain insight into the pattern of drug resistance. Molecular identification was successfully achieved using 18S rRNA gene and ITS region and 5 drug-resistance-associated missense variants identified in the ERG11 (F132Y and K143R) and TAC1B (H608Y, P611S and A640V) genes of C. auris strains, grouped into 3 clades. The prophylactic and therapeutic application of hydrothermally synthesized Ag-silicalite-1 (Si/Ag ratio 25) nanomaterial was tested against the 3 clades of clinical C. auris strains. 4wt%Ag/TiZSM-5 prepared using conventional impregnation technique was used for comparative study, and nano formulations were characterized using different techniques. The antibiofilm activity of nanomaterials was tested by cell kill assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Across all the clades of C. auris strains, 4 wt%Ag/TiZSM-5 and Ag-silicalite-1 demonstrated a significant (p = 1.1102 × 10-16) inhibitory effect on the biofilm's survival rate: the lowest inhibition value was (10%) with Ag-silicalite-1 at 24 and 48 h incubation. A profound change in morphogenesis in addition to the reduction in the number of C.auris cells was shown by SEM and light microscopy. The presence of a high surface area and the uniform dispersion of nanosized Ag species displays enhanced anti-Candida activity, and therefore it has great potential against the emerging multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan A. Aldossary
- Master Program of Biotechnology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suriya Rehman
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - B. Rabindran Jermy
- Department of Nano-Medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem AlJindan
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 40017, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afra Aldayel
- Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam 32253, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed AbdulAzeez
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Akhtar
- Department of Biophysics Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Firdos Alam Khan
- Department of Stem Cell Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - J. Francis Borgio
- Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.F.B.); (E.A.A.-S.)
| | - Ebtesam Abdullah Al-Suhaimi
- Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (J.F.B.); (E.A.A.-S.)
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Watkins RR, Gowen R, Lionakis MS, Ghannoum M. Update on the Pathogenesis, Virulence, and Treatment of Candida auris. Pathog Immun 2022; 7:46-65. [PMID: 36329818 PMCID: PMC9620957 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i2.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multi-drug resistant fungal pathogen that causes considerable morbidity and mortality. First identified in Japan in 2009, it has since been reported in more than 40 countries. C. auris can persist for long periods on different environmental surfaces as well as the skin. Clinical isolates are typically resistant to commonly prescribed antifungal drugs. Increasingly recognized as a cause of infections and outbreaks in nosocomial settings, C. auris is difficult to identify using traditional microbiological methods. One of the main reasons for the ongoing spread of C. auris is the multitude of virulence factors it possesses and uses against its human host that enables fungal persistence on the skin surface. Yet, many of the virulence mechanisms are unknown or remain incompletely understood. In this review, we summarize the evolution of virulence of C. auris, offer recommendations for combating this important human pathogen, and suggest directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard R. Watkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Richard R. Watkins, MD, MS, FACP, FIDSA, FISAC;
| | - Rachael Gowen
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michail S. Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mahmoud Ghannoum
- Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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Zapata-Zapata C, Loaiza-Oliva M, Martínez-Pabón MC, Stashenko EE, Mesa-Arango AC. In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils Distilled from Colombian Plants against Candidaauris and Other Candida Species with Different Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27206837. [PMID: 36296428 PMCID: PMC9606955 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant species such as Candida auris are a global health threat. This scenario has highlighted the need to search for antifungal alternatives. Essential oils (EOs), or some of their major compounds, could be a source of new antifungal molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of EOs and some terpenes against C. auris and other Candida spp. The eleven EOs evaluated were obtained by hydro-distillation from different Colombian plants and the terpenes were purchased. EO chemical compositions were obtained by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antifungal activity was evaluated following the CLSI standard M27, 4th Edition. Cytotoxicity was tested on the HaCaT cell line and fungal growth kinetics were tested by time–kill assays. Candida spp. showed different susceptibility to antifungals and the activity of EOs and terpenes was strain-dependent. The Lippia origanoides (thymol + p-cymene) chemotype EO, thymol, carvacrol, and limonene were the most active, mainly against drug-resistant strains. The most active EOs and terpenes were also slightly cytotoxic on the HaCaT cells. The findings of this study suggest that some EOs and commercial terpenes can be a source for the development of new anti-Candida products and aid the identification of new antifungal targets or action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Zapata-Zapata
- Grupo de Investigación Dermatológica, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Manuela Loaiza-Oliva
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Oral, Periodoncia y Cirugía Alveólo-Dentaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - María C. Martínez-Pabón
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Oral, Periodoncia y Cirugía Alveólo-Dentaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Elena E. Stashenko
- CROM-MASS-CENIVAM-Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 68002, Colombia
| | - Ana C. Mesa-Arango
- Grupo de Investigación Dermatológica, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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Ali SG, Jalal M, Ahmad H, Sharma D, Ahmad A, Umar K, Khan HM. Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Camellia sinensis and Its Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect against Clinical Isolates. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:6978. [PMID: 36234319 PMCID: PMC9570907 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The green synthesis method of was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Camellia sinensis (green tea). The Camellia sinensis silver nanoparticles (CS-AgNPs) were characterized using different techniques, including UV-Vis (ultra violet-visible), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), and XRD (X-ray diffraction). The average size of the CS-AgNPs was 52 nm, according to TEM. The CS-AgNPs showed excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) against bacterial isolates varied from 31.25 to 62.5 µg/mL, whereas for fungal isolates, the MIC varied from 125 to 250 µg/mL. The presence of a zone in the well diffusion assay showed the antimicrobial nature of CS-AgNPs. Further, CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy) showed that CS-AgNPs possess antibiofilm activity. The interaction of CS-AgNPs with the Candidal cells was analyzed using TEM, and it was revealed that CS-AgNPs entered the cell and disrupted the cell machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Ghazanfar Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Mohammad Jalal
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Hilal Ahmad
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai 603203, India
| | - Diwakar Sharma
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
| | - Akil Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Humanities in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Umar
- School of Chemical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Malaysia
| | - Haris Manzoor Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India
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Genomic landscape of the DHA1 family in Candida auris and mapping substrate repertoire of CauMdr1. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7085-7097. [PMID: 36184687 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12189-2] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed the rise of an extremely threatening healthcare-associated multidrug-resistant non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, Candida auris. Since besides target alterations, efflux mechanisms contribute maximally to antifungal resistance, it is imperative to investigate their contributions in this pathogen. Of note, within the major facilitator superfamily (MFS) of efflux pumps, drug/H+ antiporter family 1 (DHA1) has been established as a predominant contributor towards xenobiotic efflux. Our study provides a complete landscape of DHA1 transporters encoded in the genome of C. auris. This study identifies 14 DHA1 transporters encoded in the genome of the pathogen. We also construct deletion and heterologous overexpression strains for the most important DHA1 drug transporter, viz., CauMdr1 to map the spectrum of its substrates. While the knockout strain did not show any significant changes in the resistance patterns against most of the tested substrates, the ortholog when overexpressed in a minimal background Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, AD1-8u-, showed significant enhancement in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against a large panel of antifungal molecules. Altogether, the present study provides a comprehensive template for investigating the role of DHA1 members of C. auris in antifungal resistance mechanisms. KEY POINTS: • Fourteen putative DHA1 transporters are encoded in the Candida auris genome. • Deletion of the CauMDR1 gene does not lead to major changes in drug resistance. • CauMdr1 recognizes and effluxes numerous xenobiotics, including prominent azoles.
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Spruijtenburg B, Badali H, Abastabar M, Mirhendi H, Khodavaisy S, Sharifisooraki J, Armaki MT, de Groot T, Meis JF. Confirmation of fifth Candida auris clade by whole genome sequencing. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2405-2411. [PMID: 36154919 PMCID: PMC9586689 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2125349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged globally as a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing outbreaks in health care facilities. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis has identified four major clades, while earlier WGS data from a single Iranian isolate suggested the existence of a potential fifth clade. Here, we confirm the existence of this fifth clade by providing WGS data of another four Iranian isolates. These clade V isolates differed less than 100 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between each other, while they were separated from the other clades by more than 200,000 SNPs. Two of these isolates were resistant to fluconazole and were found to harbour mutations in the TAC1b and ERG11 genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands .,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Joobin Sharifisooraki
- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Taghizadeh Armaki
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands .,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands .,Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands .,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Lopes MER, Bitencourt TA, Sanches PR, Martins MP, Oliveira VM, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM. Alternative Splicing in Trichophyton rubrum Occurs in Efflux Pump Transcripts in Response to Antifungal Drugs. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:878. [PMID: 36012866 PMCID: PMC9410333 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermatophytes are challenging to treat because they have developed many strategies to neutralize the stress triggered by antifungals. Drug tolerance is achieved by mechanisms such as drug efflux and biofilm formation, and cellular efflux is a consequence of the synergistic and compensatory regulation of efflux pumps. Alternative splicing (AS) has also been considered as a mechanism that enhances fungal adaptive responses. We used RNA-seq data from the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum exposed to undecanoic acid (UDA) to search for and validate AS in genes encoding efflux pumps. The magnitude of this phenomenon was evaluated using UDA and other antifungals (caspofungin, itraconazole, and terbinafine) in planktonic and biofilm cultures. In addition to the conventional isoforms, the efflux pump encoded by TERG_04309 presented two intron-retained isoforms. Biofilms trigger the simultaneous production of at least two isoforms. The intron-retained isoforms showed short lengths and topologically different organization. Furthermore, we identified the putative interaction of efflux pumps (TERG_04309 and TERG_04224). Co-expression of these genes suggests a synergistic action in antifungal resistance. Our data provide new insights into drug tolerance related to differential isoform usage and the co-expression of stress-responsive genes, which may lead to higher antifungal resistance, mainly in biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nilce M. Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, USP, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
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50
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Tu J, Liu N, Huang Y, Yang W, Sheng C. Small molecules for combating multidrug-resistant superbug Candida auris infections. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4056-4074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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