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Arboleda A, Ta CN. Overview of Mycotic Keratitis. Cornea 2024; 43:1065-1071. [PMID: 39102310 PMCID: PMC11300963 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Keratomycosis is a serious corneal infection associated with high ocular morbidity that can lead to severe vision loss. It is estimated to affect more than 1 million patients annually, most commonly occurring in tropical climates, and represents a growing threat to patients worldwide. Despite aggressive medical management, fungal infections have a higher rate of perforation requiring surgical intervention compared with other infectious etiologies. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are keys to preserving vision and saving patients' eyes.Timely diagnosis of fungal keratitis helps minimize corneal damage and scarring and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Studies have shown that correct identification of fungal infections is often delayed up to 2 to 3 weeks after initial presentation. This leads to incorrect or ineffective treatment for many patients. Diagnostic techniques explored in this study include corneal scrapings with staining and culture, visualization with in vivo confocal microscopy, molecular diagnostic techniques including polymerase chain reaction, and recently developed omics-based technologies.Treatment of fungal keratitis begins with topical antifungals. Medical management has been proven to be effective, but with limitations including poor drug penetration and low bioavailability. Cases that do not respond to topical therapy require more invasive and novel treatments to control the infection. We review the clinical trials that have shaped current practice patterns, with focus on the efficacy of topical natamycin as the primary therapy for filamentous fungal keratitis. We explore additional management strategies such as localized intrastromal and intracameral injections of antifungal medications, photodynamic therapy, and surgical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Arboleda
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Christopher N. Ta
- Byers Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
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Wang Y, Ge H, Chen P, Wang Y. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in corneal epithelium development, homeostasis, and pathobiology. Exp Eye Res 2024; 246:110022. [PMID: 39117134 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.110022] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium is located on the most anterior surface of the eyeball and protects against external stimuli. The development of the corneal epithelium and the maintenance of corneal homeostasis are essential for the maintenance of visual acuity. It has been discovered recently via the in-depth investigation of ocular surface illnesses that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is necessary for the growth and stratification of corneal epithelial cells as well as the control of endothelial cell stability. In addition, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is directly linked to the development of common corneal illnesses such as keratoconus, fungal keratitis, and corneal neovascularization. This review mainly summarizes the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the development, homeostasis, and pathobiology of cornea, hoping to provide new insights into the study of corneal epithelium and the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Huanhuan Ge
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China; Institute of Stem Cell Regeneration Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Ye Wang
- Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Medical Group), Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China.
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Duran-Ospina JP, de la Hoz-M J, Maddela NR, Lapo-Talledo GJ, Siteneski A, Montes-Escobar K. Global research on keratomycosis: New insights from latent Dirichlet allocation and HJ-Biplot-driven knowledge mapping study. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116442. [PMID: 39024935 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116442] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keratomycosis is a form of infectious keratitis, an infection of the cornea, which is caused by fungi. This disease is a leading cause of ocular morbidity globally with at least 60 % of the affected individuals becoming monocularly blind. OBJECTIVE This bibliometric analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the existing body of literature, providing insights of the evolution of keratomycosis research by identifying key themes and research gaps. METHODS This work used the modeling method Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify and interpret scientific information on topics concerning existing categories in a set of documents. The HJ-Biplot method was also used to determine the relationship between the analyzed topics, taking into consideration the years under study. RESULTS This bibliometric analysis was performed on a total of 2,599 scientific articles published between 1992 and 2022. The five leading countries with more scientific production and citations on keratomycosis were The United States of America, followed by India, China, United Kingdom and Australia. The top five topics studied were Case Reports and Corneal Infections, which exhibited a decreasing trend; followed by Penetrating Keratoplasty and Corneal Surgery, Ocular Effects of Antifungal Drugs, Gene Expression and Inflammatory Response in the Cornea and Patient Data which have been increasing throughout the years. However Filamentous Fungi and Specific Pathogens, and Antifungal Therapies research has been decreasing in trend. CONCLUSION Additional investigation into innovative antifungal drug therapies is crucial for proactively tackling the potential future resistance to antifungal agents in scientific writing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naga Raju Maddela
- Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo 130105, Ecuador.
| | | | - Aline Siteneski
- Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo 130105, Ecuador
| | - Karime Montes-Escobar
- Departamento de Matemáticas y Estadística, Faculta de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo 130105, Ecuador
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Storr J, Zapp D, Bleidißel N, Mayer CS, Maier MM, Rothe K. Treatment Strategies for Filamentous Fungi Keratitis. Adv Ther 2024; 41:3316-3327. [PMID: 38958844 PMCID: PMC11263407 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-024-02929-3] [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: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This research aims to describe clinical findings, epidemiology and treatment outcomes in patients with filamentous fungi keratitis of a tertiary centre in Germany over a 7-year period and to compare the efficacy of different antifungal treatments and the effect of additive topical steroids. METHODS This retrospective study included 25 eyes of 23 patients from October 2013 to December 2020 with cultural isolates of filamentous fungi and corresponding keratitis. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), clinical signs, symptoms, risk factors and outcome were extracted from medical records. RESULTS Improvement of BVCA was noted in 68% of eyes. Mean BCVA of the study population increased from 0.75 logMAR [median 0.40, standard deviation (SD) 0.82, range 0-2.3] to 0.48 logMAR (median 0.10, SD 0.88, range - 0.1 to 3). The most commonly used antifungal topical treatment was a combination of natamycin 5% and voriconazole 2% (44% of eyes), followed by voriconazole 2% in 36% of cases. An antiinflammatory topical steroid was applied in 52%. In 16% of the eyes, penetrating keratoplasty (pKP) was performed. CONCLUSION Diagnosis of filamentous fungi keratitis is often difficult or delayed. Outcomes can be poor even with intensive treatment because of high resistance to common antifungals. Access to natamycin 5% seems to lead to favourable outcomes in filamentous fungi keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Storr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
| | - Daniel Zapp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Bleidißel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian S Mayer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ortenau Klinikum Offenburg-Kehl, Offenburg, Germany
| | - Mathias M Maier
- Department of Ophthalmology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich (TUM), Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Rothe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
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Marinelli T, Kim HY, Halliday CL, Garnham K, Bupha-Intr O, Dao A, Morris AJ, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Colombo A, Rickerts V, Perfect J, Denning DW, Nucci M, Hamers RL, Cassini A, Oladele R, Sorrell TC, Ramon-Pardo P, Fusire T, Chiller TM, Wahyuningsih R, Forastiero A, Al-Nuseirat A, Beyer P, Gigante V, Beardsley J, Sati H, Alffenaar JW, Morrissey CO. Fusarium species,Scedosporium species, and Lomentospora prolificans: A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization priority list of fungal pathogens. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad128. [PMID: 38935914 PMCID: PMC11210614 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recognizing the growing global burden of fungal infections, the World Health Organization established a process to develop a priority list of fungal pathogens (FPPL). In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of infections caused by Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., and Lomentospora prolificans to inform the first FPPL. PubMed and Web of Sciences databases were searched to identify studies published between January 1, 2011 and February 23, 2021, reporting on mortality, complications and sequelae, antifungal susceptibility, preventability, annual incidence, and trends. Overall, 20, 11, and 9 articles were included for Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., and L. prolificans, respectively. Mortality rates were high in those with invasive fusariosis, scedosporiosis, and lomentosporiosis (42.9%-66.7%, 42.4%-46.9%, and 50.0%-71.4%, respectively). Antifungal susceptibility data, based on small isolate numbers, showed high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)/minimum effective concentrations for most currently available antifungal agents. The median/mode MIC for itraconazole and isavuconazole were ≥16 mg/l for all three pathogens. Based on limited data, these fungi are emerging. Invasive fusariosis increased from 0.08 cases/100 000 admissions to 0.22 cases/100 000 admissions over the time periods of 2000-2009 and 2010-2015, respectively, and in lung transplant recipients, Scedosporium spp. and L. prolificans were only detected from 2014 onwards. Global surveillance to better delineate antifungal susceptibility, risk factors, sequelae, and outcomes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Marinelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah Yejin Kim
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catriona L Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine Garnham
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Olivia Bupha-Intr
- Department of Infection Services, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Aiken Dao
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
- Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Arthur J Morris
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Auckland City Hospital, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnaldo Colombo
- Departamento de Medicina, Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - John Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Marcio Nucci
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and Grupo Oncoclinicas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raph L Hamers
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Indonesia, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alessandro Cassini
- Infectious Diseases Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Public Health Department, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rita Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tania C Sorrell
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pilar Ramon-Pardo
- Department of Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Terence Fusire
- South East Asia Region Office, World Health Organization, New Delhi, India
| | - Tom M Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Agustina Forastiero
- Department of Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control and Elimination, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Adi Al-Nuseirat
- Department of Health Systems, World Health Organization, Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Peter Beyer
- Global Antibiotics Research and Development Partnership, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valeria Gigante
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hatim Sati
- AMR Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jan-Willem Alffenaar
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Mpakosi A, Kaliouli-Antonopoulou C. Immune Mechanisms of Filamentous Fungal Keratitis. Cureus 2024; 16:e61954. [PMID: 38855487 PMCID: PMC11162199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungal keratitis is a particularly serious eye infection that often results in ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. The cornea acts as a natural barrier against harmful agents due to the close connection of its epithelial cells. In addition, on its surface, there is a large number of substances with anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, such as secretory IgA and mucin glycoproteins, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) and LL-37, which are especially increased in filamentous fungal keratitis. The interaction between pathogenic fungi and the host's immune mechanisms is a complex process: pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules (chitin, β-glucan, and mannan) found in the fungal cell wall are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (toll-like receptors {TLRs}, C-type lectin receptors {CLRs}, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors {NLRs}, and scavenger receptors {SR}) found in host defense cells, triggering the secretion of various types of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), and chemokines, which recruit macrophages and neutrophils to migrate to the site of infection and activate inflammatory responses. In addition, the interaction of hyphae and corneal epithelial cells can activate cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells and induce secretion of T-helper (Th)-type cytokines 2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mpakosi
- Department of Microbiology, General Hospital of Nikaia "Agios Panteleimon", Piraeus, GRC
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Hu L, Chen Q, Chen X. Characterization of Humicola pulvericola First Isolated from a Patient with Keratitis Clinical Case. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:2183-2188. [PMID: 38832107 PMCID: PMC11146340 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s468800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection caused by the Humicola sp is extremely rare. We report the first case of fungal keratitis caused by Humicola pulvericola (H. pulvericola) in a 63-year-old man with a history of exposed to hot oil two weeks ago who developed keratitis. Direct examination of confocal microscopy and corneal scrapings showed fungal hyphae and isolates were identified by morphology and by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA. The in vitro antifungal susceptibilities of the case strain were tested for five antifungal agents. The results showed that the infectious agent was resistant towards fluconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B; itraconazole and voriconazole were highly effective against H. pulvericola. He was diagnosed with H. pulvericola keratitis and treated with oral itraconazole and natamycin eyedrops. After one month of treatment, the lesion gradually improved, with the best-corrected visual acuity improving to 0.8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyang Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, 530016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, 530016, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xingchun Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, 530016, People’s Republic of China
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Anitha V, Madkaikar A, Patwardhan V, Ravindran M. Fulminant keratomycosis caused by Cylindrocarpon lichenicola- A case report. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:NP8-NP12. [PMID: 38178787 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231223542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical features, phylogenetic characteristics, microbiological characteristics, and the management of the rare emerging fungal species Cylindrocarpon lichenicola. METHODS A 55-year-old male farmer presented with a history of pain, redness, and defective vision. The corneal scrapings revealed septate hyphae macroconidia and multi-celled chlamydospores with lactophenol cotton blue mount. In addition, the culture revealed velvety to floccose, white growth with a pinkish-brown rim on the Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The growth was suggestive of the rare fungus Cylindrocarpon lichenicola. RESULTS The course of the infection was rapidly progressive, involving the entire cornea with descemetocele and impending perforation. Reinfection with the rapid spread of disease to the sclera was noted; finally, evisceration with scleral frill excision was done. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first case report of Fulminant Sclero Keratomycosis caused by Cylindrocarpon lichenicola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal Anitha
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Aditee Madkaikar
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veena Patwardhan
- Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Meenakshi Ravindran
- Paediatric and Strabismus Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
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Rudhra O, Gnanam H, Sivaperumal S, Namperumalsamy V, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D. Melanin depletion affects Aspergillus flavus conidial surface proteins, architecture, and virulence. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:291. [PMID: 38592509 PMCID: PMC11004046 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13107-4] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Melanin is an Aspergillus flavus cell wall component that provides chemical and physical protection to the organism. However, the molecular and biological mechanisms modulating melanin-mediated host-pathogen interaction in A. flavus keratitis are not well understood. This work aimed to compare the morphology, surface proteome profile, and virulence of melanized conidia (MC) and non-melanized conidia (NMC) of A. flavus. Kojic acid treatment inhibited melanin synthesis in A. flavus, and the conidial surface protein profile was significantly different in kojic acid-treated non-melanized conidia. Several cell wall-associated proteins and proteins responsible for oxidative stress, carbohydrate, and chitin metabolic pathways were found only in the formic acid extracts of NMC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the conidial surface morphology difference between the NMC and MC, indicating the role of melanin in the structural integrity of the conidial cell wall. The levels of calcofluor white staining efficiency were different, but there was no microscopic morphology difference in lactophenol cotton blue staining between MC and NMC. Evaluation of the virulence of MC and NMC in the Galleria mellonella model showed NMC was less virulent compared to MC. Our findings showed that the integrity of the conidial surface is controlled by the melanin layer. The alteration in the surface protein profile indicated that many surface proteins are masked by the melanin layer, and hence, melanin can modulate the host response by preventing the exposure of fungal proteins to the host immune defense system. The G. mellonella virulence assay also confirmed that the NMC were susceptible to host defense as in other Aspergillus pathogens. KEY POINTS: • l-DOPA melanin production was inhibited in A. flavus isolates by kojic acid, and for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed morphological differences between MC and NMC of A. flavus strains • Proteome profile of non-melanized conidia showed more conidial surface proteins and these proteins were mainly involved in the virulence, oxidative stress, and metabolism pathways • Non-melanized conidia of A. flavus strains were shown to be less virulent than melanised conidia in an in vivo virulence experiment with the G. melonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondippili Rudhra
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hariharan Gnanam
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivaramakrishnan Sivaperumal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Warnnissorn P, Sawatdiwithayayong J, Surit P. Efficacy and Rapidity of Potassium Hydroxide Mount and Modified Chicago Sky Blue 6B Stain with Potassium Hydroxide in Fungal Keratitis Detection. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 38:98-104. [PMID: 38351488 PMCID: PMC11016681 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare the efficacy and rapidity of direct microscopic detection of fungal elements from corneal ulcers between 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 1% Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB) in 10% KOH (CSB-KOH). METHODS Thirty patients with clinically suspected fungal keratitis were recruited. Participants with impending corneal perforation were excluded. Two slides were smeared with corneal ulcer scrapings from the ulcer's edge and base for comparison of fungal staining solutions. One slide was infused with KOH, and the other slide was filled with CSB-KOH. Additional scraping was collected for inoculation on Sabouraud dextrose agar for fungal culture. The sensitivity, specificity and rapidity of both stainings were analyzed. RESULTS The sensitivity of fungal culture, KOH, and CSB-KOH were 43.75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.75%-70.12%), 62.50% (95% CI, 35.43%-84.80%), and 87.50% (95% CI, 61.65%-98.45%), respectively. The specificity were 100% (95% CI, 69.15%-100%) of both stainings and fungal culture which analyzed from 16 fungal keratitis cases by laboratory and clinical diagnosis. Mean CSB-KOH examination time was quicker than KOH with the mean time difference of 5.6 minutes (95% CI, 3.22-7.98 minutes) and p-value < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS CSB-KOH was more effective and faster than KOH in detecting fungal elements from corneal ulcers. Therefore, CSB-KOH may be beneficial in diagnosing fungal keratitis and preventing blindness. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first use of CSB stain in fungal keratitis detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateep Warnnissorn
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok,
Thailand
| | | | - Phrutthinun Surit
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok,
Thailand
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Gu L, Lin J, Wang Q, Meng F, Niu G, Lin H, Chi M, Feng Z, Zheng H, Li D, Zhao G, Li C. Mesoporous zinc oxide-based drug delivery system offers an antifungal and immunoregulatory strategy for treating keratitis. J Control Release 2024; 368:483-497. [PMID: 38458571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.006] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is a refractory eye disease that is prone to causing blindness. Fungal virulence and inflammatory responses are two major factors that accelerate the course of fungal keratitis. However, the current antifungal drugs used for treatment usually possess transient residence time on the ocular surface and low bioavailability deficiencies, which limit their therapeutic efficacy. In this work, natamycin (NATA)-loaded mesoporous zinc oxide (Meso-ZnO) was synthesized for treating Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis with excellent drug-loading and sustained drug release capacities. In addition to being a carrier for drug delivery, Meso-ZnO could restrict fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and the transcriptome analysis of fungal hyphae indicated that it inhibited the mycotoxin biosynthesis, oxidoreductase activity and fungal cell wall formation. Meso-ZnO also promoted cell migration and exhibited anti-inflammatory role during fungal infection by promoting the activation of autophagy. In mouse models of fungal keratitis, Meso-ZnO/NATA greatly reduced corneal fungal survival, alleviated tissue inflammatory damage, and reduced neutrophils accumulation and cytokines expression. This study suggests that Meso-ZnO/NATA can be a novel and effective treatment strategy for fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Fanyue Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Geng Niu
- School of Science, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, PR China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Menghui Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Zhuhui Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Hengrui Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Daohao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-fibers and Eco-textiles, Institute of Marine Biobased Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, PR China.
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
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12
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Tuft S, Stone NRH, Burton MJ, Johnson EM, Borman AM. Antifungal susceptibility profiles for fungal isolates from corneas and contact lenses in the United Kingdom. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:529-536. [PMID: 37684376 PMCID: PMC10858215 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02719-1] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the identification and results of susceptibility testing for fungal isolates from the cornea or contact lens care systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective epidemiological study, we searched the results of fungal cultures from cornea or contact lens systems referred for identification and susceptibility testing to the United Kingdom National Mycology Reference Laboratory between October 2016 and March 2022. For each fungal isolate, we recorded the genus and species of the fungus and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to six antifungal agents available to treat corneal infection (amphotericin, econazole, itraconazole, natamycin, posaconazole, and voriconazole). RESULTS There were 600 isolates from 585 patients, comprising 374 (62%) from corneal samples and 226 from contact lenses and care systems, of which 414 (69%) isolates were moulds (filamentous fungi) and 186 (31%) were yeasts. The most frequent moulds isolated were Fusarium spp (234 isolates, 39%) and Aspergillus spp (62, 10%). The most frequent yeasts isolated were Candida spp (112, 19%), predominantly Candida parapsilosis (65, 11%) and Candida albicans (33, 6%), with 35 isolates (6%) of Meyerozyma guilliermondii. In vitro susceptibility was greatest for natamycin (347 moulds tested, mode 4 mg/L, range 0.25-64 mg/L; 98 yeasts tested, mode 4 mg/L, range 0.5-32 mg/L), with susceptibility for 94% for moulds and 99% yeasts. Of the 16 isolates interpreted as highly resistant to natamycin (MIC ≥16 mg/L), 13 were Aspergillus flavus complex. CONCLUSIONS In vitro susceptibility supports the use of natamycin for the empiric treatment of fungal keratitis in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tuft
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK.
| | - Neil R H Stone
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - Matthew J Burton
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency South-West, Bristol, and MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Andrew M Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency South-West, Bristol, and MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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13
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Ghenciu LA, Faur AC, Bolintineanu SL, Salavat MC, Maghiari AL. Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches in Fungal Keratitis: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:161. [PMID: 38257986 PMCID: PMC10820712 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010161] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis represents a potentially sight-threatening infection associated with poor prognosis, as well as financial burden. Novel diagnostic methods include polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based approaches, metagenomic deep sequences, in vivo confocal microscopy, and antifungal susceptibility testing. The ideal therapeutic approaches and outcomes have been widely discussed in recent times, with early therapy being of the utmost importance for the preservation of visual acuity, minimizing corneal damage and reducing the scar size. However, combination therapy can be more efficacious compared to monotherapy. Understanding the pathogenesis, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies can be of great importance. In this narrative, we discuss the recent progress that may aid our understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mycotic keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andreea Ghenciu
- Department III Functional Sciences, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department IX Surgery, Discipline of Ophtalmology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Corina Faur
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Sorin Lucian Bolintineanu
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
| | - Madalina Casiana Salavat
- Department IX Surgery, Discipline of Ophtalmology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Anca Laura Maghiari
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, E. Murgu Sq., no. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.L.B.); (A.L.M.)
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14
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Eleiwa TK, Youssef GH, Elsaadani IA, Abdelrahman SN, Khater AA. Debulking corneal biopsy with tectonic amniotic membrane transplantation in refractory clinically presumed fungal keratitis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:521. [PMID: 38177182 PMCID: PMC10767135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50987-4] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of fungal keratitis (FK) is challenging due to the subacute indolent course, and initial misdiagnosis. In this retrospective case series, we highlight both the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of corneal biopsy together with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in patients with refractory clinically presumed FK. Debulking biopsy and tectonic AMT were performed during the initial presentation. Biopsy specimens were sent for KOH smears and cultures. After KOH smears confirmed the presence of fungal elements, topical voriconazole 1% was prescribed for the first 72 h then tailored according to the clinical response and the culture results. The outcome measures were complete resolution of infection and restoration of corneal integrity. Cases associated with culture proven bacterial keratitis were excluded. Twelve cases were included in the study. KOH smears confirmed the presence of fungal growth in all specimens. Cultures grew Aspergillus in 6/12 cases, sensitive to voriconazole (5/6) and amphotericin (3/6); Fusarium (4/12), sensitive to both voriconazole and amphotericin; and no growth in 2/12 cases. Amphotericin 0.15% eye drops were added to the 7 cases with proven sensitivity and to the remaining 2 culture negative cases. Gradual resolution of infection was seen in all cases after 35.6 ± 7.8 days. In FK, a debulking biopsy simultaneously with AMT help decrease the microbial load, suppress the inflammatory process, support the corneal integrity, confirm the presence of fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taher K Eleiwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospitals, Benha University, Al-Sahaa Street, Diverted From Farid Nada St., Benha, 13511, Egypt.
| | - Gehad H Youssef
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospitals, Benha University, Al-Sahaa Street, Diverted From Farid Nada St., Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abdelkhalik Elsaadani
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospitals, Benha University, Al-Sahaa Street, Diverted From Farid Nada St., Benha, 13511, Egypt
| | - Samar N Abdelrahman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Benha University Hospitals, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Khater
- Department of Ophthalmology, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University Hospitals, Benha University, Al-Sahaa Street, Diverted From Farid Nada St., Benha, 13511, Egypt
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15
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Zhang F, Zhang J, Zhang W. Recent advances in nanotechnology for the treatment of fungal keratitis. Eur J Ophthalmol 2024; 34:18-29. [PMID: 37198915 DOI: 10.1177/11206721231174653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious pathogenic disease usually associated with serious ocular complications. The current mainstay of treatment for FK is topical eye drops; however, poor corneal penetration, low bioavailability of the drug and the need to administer high and frequent doses due to the presence of an effective clearance mechanism in the eye result in poor patient compliance. Nanocarriers can extend the duration of drug action through sustained and controlled release of the drug, protect the drug from ocular enzymes and help overcome ocular barriers. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs, the theoretical basis for the treatment of FK, and recent advances in the clinical treatment of FK. We have summarized the results of research into the most promising nanocarriers for ocular drug delivery and highlight their efficacy and safety in the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, PR China
- Shandong Engineering Researh Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- College of Basic Medical, Qingdao Binhai University, Qingdao, P.R. China
| | - Weifen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, PR China
- Shandong Engineering Researh Center for Smart Materials and Regenerative Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, PR China
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16
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Moon JY, Suh W, Jun RM, Han KE. Toxicity of simultaneous intrastromal and intracameral injection of voriconazole on corneal endothelium in a rabbit model. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2023; 42:144-150. [PMID: 37350680 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2023.2226714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the toxicity of repeated simultaneous intrastromal and intracameral injections of voriconazole in corneal endothelial cells in a rabbit model. METHODS Thirty-six eyes of 18 New Zealand white rabbits (six eyes per group) were divided into 6 groups according to the concentration of voriconazole (Group A, 0%; Group B, 0.05%; Group C, 0.1%; Group D, 0.25%; Group E, 0.5%; Group F, 1%). A combination of intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole injections were administrated to the eyes of each group three times on days 0, 3, and 7. Corneal clouding grades and central corneal thickness (CCT) were examined on days 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14. The endothelial cell counts (ECC) were measured on days 0 and 14. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed on day 14. RESULTS Group F (1%) showed more severe corneal clouding than the other groups (Groups A-E) from day 7 (p < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in CCT and ECC among the six groups at any time point (p > 0.05, respectively). SEM revealed blurring of the cell border and loss of microvilli at concentrations ≥0.25% (Groups D-F). TEM revealed microstructural changes in endothelial cells at concentrations ≥0.1% (Groups C-F), and multiple vacuoles were observed at a concentration of 1% voriconazole (Group F). CONCLUSIONS Repeated simultaneous intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole injections at a concentration of 0.1% or higher induced microstructural endothelial damage in rabbit corneal endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Moon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wool Suh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Roo Min Jun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Eun Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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17
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Ali D, Vijayan A, Shenoy K, Antony AT, Ramachandran R. Challenges in the diagnosis and management of atypical fungal keratitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case series. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:acmi000570.v3. [PMID: 37691845 PMCID: PMC10484319 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000570.v3] [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: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is a time-sensitive ocular infection that often requires a high index of suspicion followed by intensive medical/surgical interventions to achieve a successful clinical outcome. COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, necessitated the modification of conventional protocols and guidelines associated with the treatment of keratomycosis. We report four cases of atypical fungal keratitis with poorly differentiated clinical characteristics. The challenges faced during their management were (1) the dilemma of clinically differentiating fungal (Scedosporium and Purpureocillium lilacinum) and bacterial keratitis; (2) treatment of Scedosporium and Trichosporon keratitis with natamycin monotherapy; (3) mixed infection of Candida albicans and Aureobasidium pullulans and continuing medications before rescraping the corneal ulcer against the recommended treatment guidelines; (4) phenotypic identification and differentiation among morphologically resembling fungi; and (5) decision making arising out of disparities between KOH and fungal culture results. Three patients responded well to conservative treatments. The fourth patient underwent therapeutic keratoplasty but was lost to follow-up due to travel-related pandemic restrictions. This case series seeks to broaden the clinician's knowledge of rare and emerging moulds as presumptive aetiologies of keratomycosis. It also intends to emphasize the significance of early microbiological investigations, (direct microscopy and culture), in resource-limited settings, for initiating empirical treatment for a better visual prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dideeya Ali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, India
| | - Ajith Vijayan
- Department of Microbiology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, India
| | - Kashinatha Shenoy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, India
| | - Ann Tresa Antony
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, India
| | - Reshmi Ramachandran
- Department of Microbiology, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Thiruvalla, India
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18
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Yu F, Jiang W, Zhang L, Jiang N. IDO Regulates Macrophage Functions by Inhibiting the CCL2/CCR2 Signaling Pathway in Fungal Keratitis. Cornea 2023; 42:1005-1015. [PMID: 37155343 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003309] [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: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) on macrophage polarization, phagocytosis, and killing through regulation of the CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. METHODS In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted in mice and mouse peritoneal macrophages after infection with A. fumigatus . Clinical scoring, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the fungal keratitis lesions, macrophage-related cytokines, and macrophage recruitment. The expression of CCL2 and CCR2 was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot after pretreatment with or without an IDO inhibitor (1-MT). After pretreatment with 1-MT, a CCR2 antagonist, a CCL2 neutralizing antibody, an IDO agonist (IFNG), and recombinant CCL2 protein (CCL2), the flow cytometry and colony-forming unit counts were used to detect the polarization, phagocytosis, and killing function. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the infected eyes showed increased clinical scores, macrophage-related cytokine expression, and macrophage recruitment. 1-MT pretreatment increased the expression of CCL2 and CCR2 and the proportion of CD206+/CD86+ macrophages; macrophages polarized toward the M2 type, with enhanced killing function. CCR2 antagonists and CCL2 neutralizing antibodies reversed the effects of 1-MT. Compared with the infected group, IFNG pretreatment decreased the proportion of CD206+/CD86+ macrophages, and macrophages polarized toward the M1 type, with decreased phagocytosis and impaired killing function. CCL2 reversed the effect of IFNG. CONCLUSIONS IDO can promote the polarization of macrophages to the M1 type by blocking the CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathway, inhibiting the phagocytosis and killing function of macrophages, and mediating the protective immune role of A. fumigatus .
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hiser Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China; and
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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19
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Bagga B, Das S, Tawde Y, Singh S, Shaw T, Sharma S, Ghosh A. Fusarium Keratitis From a Comprehensive Eye Health Care Facility in South India: Molecular Characterization by MALDI-TOF Versus PCR Sequencing, Species Complex Distribution, and Clinical Correlation. Cornea 2023; Publish Ahead of Print:00003226-990000000-00304. [PMID: 37267470 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fusarium keratitis possesses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Medically relevant Fusaria belong to various species complexes and show prominent differences in their antifungal susceptibility profile which may influence the clinical outcome. Rapid diagnostic methods are warranted for precise identification of species complexes for prompt initiation of correct antifungals. The aim of the study was to compare between matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and PCR sequencing for correct species-level identification and to analyze the clinical outcome among different Fusarium species complexes. METHODS Twenty-nine culture-proven Fusarium keratitis cases were included in this study. A phylogenetic tree was constructed after TEF1α gene sequencing and isolates were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS, followed by database expansion and identification. Clinical outcome and risk association among species complexes were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS Maximum likelihood phylogeny categorized 68.9% isolates as Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC), 17.2% as Fusarium dimerum species complex (FDSC), followed by 13.7% as Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC). With extended database, MALDI-TOF MS could correctly speciate 96.5% (28/29) isolates. Previous antibiotic usage (P = 0.034) and preoperative antifungal treatment with natamycin, voriconazole, or ketoconazole (P = 0.025) were significantly higher in the FSSC group. The patients in the FFSC group had a significantly longer duration of symptoms at the time of clinical presentation to the clinic (15 days vs. 5 days, P = 0.030). Among 11 patients with a clinically poor outcome, 9 (31%) had FSSC infection. CONCLUSIONS Patients infected with the FSSC had more aggressive infection with poor prognosis. MALDI-TOF MS can serve as the best alternative method to conventional molecular identification with reduced turnaround time, which may help the ophthalmologists to consider the appropriate antifungals or early surgical intervention for improved outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhupesh Bagga
- Department of Cornea and Anterior Segment, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Mycology Division), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yamini Tawde
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Mycology Division), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shreya Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Dr B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS Mohali), Chandigarh, India
| | - Tushar Shaw
- Department of Life and Allied Health Sciences, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; and
| | - Savitri Sharma
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Anup Ghosh
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Mycology Division), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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20
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Ayilam Ramachandran R, Sanches JM, Robertson DM. The roles of autophagy and mitophagy in corneal pathology: current knowledge and future perspectives. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1064938. [PMID: 37153108 PMCID: PMC10160402 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1064938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea is the clear dome that covers the front portion of the globe. The primary functions of the cornea are to promote the refraction of light and to protect the eye from invading pathogens, both of which are essential for the preservation of vision. Homeostasis of each cellular layer of the cornea requires the orchestration of multiple processes, including the ability to respond to stress. One mechanism whereby cells respond to stress is autophagy, or the process of "self-eating." Autophagy functions to clear damaged proteins and organelles. During nutrient deprivation, amino acids released from protein breakdown via autophagy are used as a fuel source. Mitophagy, a selective form of autophagy, functions to clear damaged mitochondria. Thus, autophagy and mitophagy are important intracellular degradative processes that sustain tissue homeostasis. Importantly, the inhibition or excessive activation of these processes result in deleterious effects on the cell. In the eye, impairment or inhibition of these mechanisms have been associated with corneal disease, degenerations, and dystrophies. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge on autophagy and mitophagy at all layers in the cornea in both non-infectious and infectious corneal disease, dystrophies, and degenerations. It further highlights the critical gaps in our understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction, with implications for novel therapeutics in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Marcos Sanches
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Danielle M Robertson
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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21
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Chi M, Gu L, Zhang L, Lin J, Xu Q, Jiang N, Wang Y, Qi Y, Diao W, Yi W, Zhao G, Li C. Pentoxifylline treats Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis by reducing fungal burden and suppressing corneal inflammation. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175607. [PMID: 36822458 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a blinding ocular disease, which mainly results from fungal damage and excessive inflammation. Pentoxifylline, a kind of methylxanthine, has been discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties in various infectious diseases, hinting a potential therapeutic effect on treating corneal fungal infection. Whereas, the therapeutic impact of pentoxifylline on fungal keratitis is still uncertain. This study investigated the antifungal capability against Aspergillus fumigatus and the anti-inflammatory role of pentoxifylline by activating nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase1 (HO1) pathway in the process of FK. In our research, we demonstrated that pentoxifylline could effectively inhibit fungal growth and inflammatory reaction. Pentoxifylline reduced the production of pro-inflammatory factors by stimulating the Nrf2/HO1 pathway. Although there was no statistical difference between the curative efficacy of pentoxifylline and natamycin application to FK, pentoxifylline could promote corneal epithelial repair and was less toxicity to the ocular surface than natamycin. In conclusion, pentoxifylline performs antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects by lessening the fungus burden and activating the Nrf2/HO1 pathway, hinting that it has the potential to be a new therapeutic medication for Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Chi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Yinghe Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Weilin Diao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Wendan Yi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China.
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China.
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22
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Sun T, Zhang BW, Xiong R, Zhou WT, Qiu JJ. Clinical Observation of Low-Temperature Plasma Ablation Combined with Drug Therapy in the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:1895-1904. [PMID: 37020797 PMCID: PMC10069428 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s399715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To observe the efficacy and prognosis of low-temperature plasma ablation + drug therapy in the treatment of fungal corneal ulcers. Methods The present paper presents a retrospective clinical study with a subject base of 34 eyes. Patients with a fungal corneal ulcer who visited the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University between August 2019 and December 2021 were selected as the study participants. They were found to have highly reflective fungal hyphae in the corneal stroma layer via confocal microscope examination, which were revealed to be positive on etiology examination, with the ulcer and infiltration depths ≤1/2 of the corneal thickness. The efficacy and prognosis were observed after treatment with low-temperature plasma ablation + drug therapy. Results A total of 34 cases (34 eyes) had clinical manifestations of corneal infiltration and corneal ulcer formation, with a corneal lesion diameter of 1.31-8.64 mm (average = 4.79 ± 2.03 mm). The average healing time of corneal ulcers was 6.2 ± 1.7 days. Among a total of 34 cases (34 eyes) in patients with fungal keratitis, the infection was controlled and the ulcers gradually healed after treatment with low-temperature plasma system + drug therapy in a total of 30 cases (30 eyes, 88%). A total of three cases (3 eyes, 9%) exhibited no clear improvement after the treatment, and the patients underwent conjunctival flap covering surgery. One case (one eye, 3%) exhibited no clear improvement after further treatment, with the patient experiencing corneal perforation and ultimately undergoing penetrating keratoplasty. Conclusion Low-temperature plasma ablation + drug therapy can effectively control the progression of fungal keratitis infection, as well as significantly shorten the ulcer healing time, and is, therefore, an effective method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo-Wen Zhang
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tian Zhou
- Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmic Disease, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Research Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Jing Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jing-Jing Qiu, Department of Ophthalmology of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330006, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15070001118, Email
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Wang L, Yan H, Chen X, Lee J, Sun J, Liu G, Yang H, Lu D, Liu W, Che C. Caspase-8 is involved in pyroptosis, necroptosis and the maturation and release of IL-1β in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109275. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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24
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Lv L, Peng M, Wang X, Wu Y. Multi-scale information fusion network with label smoothing strategy for corneal ulcer classification in slit lamp images. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:993234. [PMID: 36507358 PMCID: PMC9729873 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.993234] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal ulcer is the most common symptom of corneal disease, which is one of the main causes of corneal blindness. The accurate classification of corneal ulcer has important clinical importance for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. To achieve this, we propose a deep learning method based on multi-scale information fusion and label smoothing strategy. Firstly, the proposed method utilizes the densely connected network (DenseNet121) as backbone for feature extraction. Secondly, to fully integrate the shallow local information and the deep global information and improve the classification accuracy, we develop a multi-scale information fusion network (MIF-Net), which uses multi-scale information for joint learning. Finally, to reduce the influence of the inter-class similarity and intra-class diversity on the feature representation, the learning strategy of label smoothing is introduced. Compared with other state-of-the-art classification networks, the proposed MIF-Net with label smoothing achieves high classification performance, which reaches 87.07 and 83.84% for weighted-average recall (W_R) on the general ulcer pattern and specific ulcer pattern, respectively. The proposed method holds promise for corneal ulcer classification in fluorescein staining slit lamp images, which can assist ophthalmologists in the objective and accurate diagnosis of corneal ulcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linquan Lv
- Anhui Finance and Trade Vocational College, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Linquan Lv,
| | - Mengle Peng
- Department of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Anhui Finance and Trade Vocational College, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanjun Wu
- Anhui Finance and Trade Vocational College, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Ashraf MJ, Shamsizadeh F, Morovati H, Hejazinia S, Kord M, Ansari S, Pakshir K, Shekarkhar G, Zomorodian K. Accompanying a semi‐nested
PCR
assay to support histopathology findings of fungal keratitis in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded corneal samples. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24764. [DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Foroogh Shamsizadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Safoora Hejazinia
- Department of Pathology Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Kord
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Keyvan Pakshir
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Golsa Shekarkhar
- Department of Pathology Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
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26
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Filamentous Fungal Keratitis in Greece: A 16-Year Nationwide Multicenter Survey. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:439-453. [PMID: 36178544 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00666-1] [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: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In a multicenter, prospective study of filamentous fungal keratitis in Greece, predisposing factors, etiology, treatment practices, and outcome, were determined. Corneal scrapings were collected from patients with clinical suspicion of fungal keratitis, and demographic and clinical data were recorded. Fungal identification was based on morphology, molecular methods, and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass-spectrometry. A total of 35 cases were identified in a 16-year study period. Female to male ratio was 1:1.7 and median age 48 years. Corneal injury by plant material, and soft contact lens use were the main risk factors (42.8% and 31.4%, respectively). Trauma was the leading risk factor for men (68.1%), contact lens use (61.5%) for women. Fusarium species were isolated more frequently (n = 21, 61.8%). F. solani was mostly associated with trauma, F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum with soft contact lens use. Other fungi were: Purpureocillium lilacinum (14.7%), Alternaria (11.8%), Aspergillus (8.8%), and Phoma foliaceiphila, Beauveria bassiana and Curvularia spicifera, one case each. Amphotericin B and voriconazole MIC50s against Fusarium were 2 mg/L and 4 mg/L respectively. Antifungal therapy consisted mainly of voriconazole locally or both locally and systemically, alone or in combination with liposomal AmB. Cure/improvement rate with antifungal therapy alone was 52%, keratoplasty was required in 40% of cases, and enucleation in 8%. In conclusion, filamentous fungal keratitis in Greece is rare, but with considerable morbidity. A large proportion of cases resulted in keratoplasty despite appropriate antifungal treatment.Kindly confirm the given name and family name are correctly identified for all authros.ConfirmedJournal instruction requires a city and country for affiliations; however, these are missing in affiliations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 13. Please verify if the provided city and country are correct and amend if necessary.All provided cities and countries are correct.
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Atta S, Perera C, Kowalski RP, Jhanji V. Fungal Keratitis: Clinical Features, Risk Factors, Treatment, and Outcomes. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090962. [PMID: 36135687 PMCID: PMC9504427 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090962] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) can be challenging to diagnose and treat. In this retrospective case series, FK cases presenting at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA, from 2015 to 2021 were reviewed for ocular risk factors, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Twenty-eight cases of FK were included. The median presenting age was 58.5 (18.5) years, and the median symptom duration prior to presentation was 10 (35.8) days. Predisposing ocular risk factors included contact lens use (67.9%), recent ocular trauma/abrasion (42.9%), and history of ocular surgery (42.9%). The median presenting visual acuity (VA) was 1.35 (1.72) LogMAR. About half presented with a central ulcer (42.9%), large infiltrate (6.7 (6.3) mm2), corneal thinning (50.0%), and hypopyon (32.1%). The majority of isolated fungal species were filamentous (75.0%). Most common antifungal medications included topical voriconazole (71.4%) and natamycin (53.6%) drops and oral voriconazole (64.3%). Surgical management was necessary in 32.1% of cases and enucleation in one case. Defect resolution occurred in 42.5 (47.0) days, and median final VA was 0.5 (1.84) LogMAR. Features associated with poor final visual outcomes included poor initial VA (p < 0.001) and larger defect size (p = 0.002). In conclusion, unlike prior studies in the northeast region of the USA, FK was commonly caused by filamentous fungi, and antifungal management most often consisted of topical and oral voriconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Atta
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Chandrashan Perera
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Regis P. Kowalski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- The Charles T. Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vishal Jhanji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- The Charles T. Campbell Ophthalmic Microbiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Correspondence:
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28
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Sanap SN, Kedar A, Bisen AC, Agrawal S, Bhatta RS. A recent update on therapeutic potential of vesicular system against fungal keratitis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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29
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Dark Mold Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00436-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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30
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Comparison of Accelerated and Standard Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Treatments in Experimental Fungal Keratitis for Aspergillus fumigatus. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:1085692. [PMID: 35909462 PMCID: PMC9329025 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1085692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. To compare accelerated and standard corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatments in experimental Aspergillus keratitis models. Methods. Twenty-six New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups: a 1% voriconazole combined with standard CXL group, and a 1% voriconazole combined with accelerated CXL group. The ulcer area, corneal opacity, and corneal neovascularization score were measured via slit-lamp imaging, and the corneal and corneal epithelial thickness and ulcer depth were measured via anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The duration of the hyphae was observed via in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and the cornea was taken for pathological examination after modeling and at the end of the study to determine the hyphae and corneal repair. The observation times were as follows: at successful modeling (day 0) and at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the intervention. Results. The area and depth of the ulcer decreased in both groups after CXL (all
). Interestingly, the ulcer area in the accelerated CXL group still tended to increase on the first day after CXL although the difference was not statistically significant (
). On the 21st and 28th days after CXL, the ulcer area and depth of the standard CXL group were larger and deeper than those of the accelerated CXL group (all
). The ulcer healing time in the accelerated CXL group was 18.67 ± 6.21 days, while that in the standard CXL group was 23.55 ± 4.72 days, and the difference was statistically significant (
). Conclusions. Both accelerated and standard CXL can significantly inhibit the progression of Aspergillus keratitis corneal ulcers and promote ulcer healing. The accelerated CXL was superior to the standard CXL, which could control infection faster and promote ulcer healing. However, it is important to note that there may be a risk of early deterioration of the ulcer with accelerated CXL.
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31
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Fakhim H, Badali H, Dannaoui E, Nasirian M, Jahangiri F, Raei M, Vaseghi N, Ahmadikia K, Vaezi A. Trends in the Prevalence of Amphotericin B-Resistance (AmBR) among Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus Species. J Mycol Med 2022; 32:101310. [PMID: 35907396 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The challenges of the invasive infections caused by the resistant Aspergillus species include the limited access to antifungals for treatment and high mortality. This study aimed to provide a global perspective of the prevalence of amphotericin B resistance (AmBR), geographic distribution, and the trend of AmBR from 2010 to 2020. To analyze the prevalence of in vitro AmBR in clinical Aspergillus species, we reviewed the literature and identified a total of 72 articles. AmBR was observed in 1128 out of 3061 Aspergillus terreus (36.8%), 538 out of 3663 Aspergillus flavus (14.9%), 141 out of 2691 Aspergillus niger (5.2%), and 353 out of 17,494 Aspergillus fumigatus isolates (2.01%). An increasing trend in AmB-resistant isolates of A. fumigatus and a decreasing trend in AmB-resistant A. terreus and A. flavus isolates were observed between 2016 and 2020. AmB-resistant A. terreus and A. niger isolates, accounting for 40.4% and 20.9%, respectively, were the common AmB-resistant Aspergillus species in Asian studies. However, common AmB-resistant Aspergillus species reported by European and American studies were A. terreus and A. flavus isolates, accounting for 40.1% and 14.3% in 31 studies from Europe and 25.1% and 11.7% in 14 studies from America, respectively. The prevalence of AmB-resistant A. niger in Asian isolates was higher than in American and European. We found a low prevalence of A. terreus in American isolates (25.1%) compared to Asian (40.4%) and European (40.1%). Future studies should focus on analyzing the trend of AmBR on a regional basis and using the same methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - 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
| | - Eric Dannaoui
- Université de Paris, Faculté de Médecine, APHP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie, Paris, France
| | - Maryam Nasirian
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center; and Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Health School, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fateme Jahangiri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Raei
- Faculty of medicine, Sari branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Narges Vaseghi
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsane Vaezi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Zhao Z, Chen X, Shao Y, Shao T. Comparison of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking and Voriconazole Treatments in Experimental Fungal Keratitis for Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:869429. [PMID: 35836944 PMCID: PMC9273744 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.869429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AimsTo compare the antifungal efficacy of corneal cross-linking (CXL) and voriconazole in experimental Aspergillus keratitis models.MethodsThirty-nine New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: a control group, a voriconazole group (M group), and a voriconazole combined with CXL group (CXL-M group). The ulcer area was measured via slit lamp imaging, the corneal and corneal epithelial thickness, and ulcer depth was measured via anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The existence time of the hyphae was observed via in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and the cornea was taken for pathological examination after modeling and at the end of the study to determine the hyphae and corneal repair. The observation times were as follows: at successful modeling and at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after intervention.ResultsIn the CXL-M group, ulcer area and depth decreased continuously from Day 4 to Day 28 after CXL (all P < 0.05). In the CXL-M group, ulcer area and depth were smaller than those in the other two groups from Day 4 to Day 21 after CXL (all P < 0.05, except ulcer area in the CXL-M vs. M group on Day 21). The duration of hyphae in the CXL-M group was significantly shorter than in the other two groups (P = 0.025). On Day 28, in CXL-M group, corneal thickness was thicker than baseline (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, in CXL-M group, corneal and corneal epithelial thickness were significantly thinner than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The CXL-M group had no complications, such as corneal perforation, at the end of the study.ConclusionsVoriconazole combined with CXL is effective in treating Aspergillus-infected keratitis. Combined therapy could effectively inhibit Aspergillus, accelerate corneal repair, and shorten the course of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Zhao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia Fudan University, Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueli Chen
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia Fudan University, Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Yi Shao
| | - Tingting Shao
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia Fudan University, Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tingting Shao
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33
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Trinh T, Emami S, Gould J, Mimouni M, Cohen E, Rootman DS, Slomovic AR, Chan CC. Clinical and microbiological analysis of fungal keratitis in Toronto, Canada: A 20-year study. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6617597. [PMID: 35749577 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac047] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is a devastating and difficult-to-treat ocular infection with high morbidity. Understanding geographic microbiological and clinical trends helps to guide rapid and effective treatment. We therefore report the characteristics and outcomes of fungal keratitis in Toronto, Canada over a twenty-year period. An electronic search of microbiology records at University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada identified all patients with positive corneal fungal culture over a 20-year period seen at our tertiary referral cornea practice. Review of corresponding patient charts identified demographic and microbiological details, clinical course, treatment regimen, and final outcomes associated with each episode of culture-positive fungal keratitis. Forty-six patients with fifty-one discrete fungal keratitis episodes were included. Five patients experienced recurrent fungal keratitis. Candida species accounted for 60.8% of positive fungal cultures, followed by Filamentous species at 35.3%. Preferred initial anti-fungal treatment was topical amphotericin at 36.7% followed by topical voriconazole at 32.6%. Surgical intervention was required in 48.9% with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty being the most common procedure (22.4%). Final visual acuity (VA) of < 20/200 was attributed to 58% of patients in this study. Risk factors for poor outcomes included poor VA, topical steroid use at presentation, Candida involvement, history of ocular surface disease, organic ocular trauma, or prior corneal transplantation. Candida is the most frequent keratomycotic pathogen in Toronto. Risk factors for poor visual outcome include prior corneal transplantation, ocular surface disease/trauma, or pre-existing topical steroid use. Early suspicion, diagnosis and treatment are paramount for best clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Trinh
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada.,Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Seema Emami
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Michael Mimouni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus affiliated with the Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eyal Cohen
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - David S Rootman
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - Allan R Slomovic
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clara C Chan
- The University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Toronto, Canada
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34
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Pei Y, Chen X, Tan Y, Liu X, Duan F, Wu K. Microbiological Profiles of Ocular Fungal Infection at an Ophthalmic Referral Hospital in Southern China: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3267-3276. [PMID: 35769550 PMCID: PMC9234316 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s367083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhui Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Fang Duan, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yan-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Kaili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Kaili Wu, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yan-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Effect of Voriconazole on Biofilm of Filamentous Species Isolated from Keratitis. ARCHIVES OF CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/archcid-122452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Biofilm formation is a vital feature of the pathogenesis in filamentous fungi. Objectives: Herein, we investigated in vitro antifungal pattern of biofilm of filamentous species keratitis isolates, and the effect of different concentrations of voriconazole on biofilm morphology changes using scanning electron microscopy. Methods: Here 25 ocular fungal isolates were included (Fusarium solani; (n = 15) and Aspergillus flavus; (n = 10). We determined the biofilm formation of isolates in terms of their susceptibilities to different antifungals on sessile cells. This procedure was performed according to CLSI-M38-3rd. Biofilm morphology changes revealed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Twelve F. solani strains displayed the capacity to form biofilms from patients wearing contact lenses, while 8 A. flavus strains were recovered from cornea scrapings of trauma. Itraconazole, posaconazole and natamycin had the maximum activity against biofilms of all tested filamentous strains (MIC ranging from 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL, 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL and 2 - 4 µg/mL), respectively. Three F. solani and one A. flavus strains showed the high MIC values against voriconazole (MIC ≥ 1 µg/mL). Posaconazole revealed the lowest MIC values against biofilms of two strains (MIC ranging from 0.031 - 0.25 µg/mL); however, no significant difference was observed for itraconazole (P > 0.05). The efficacy of 16 µg/mL and 4 µg/mL of voriconazole was confirmed for biofilm of F. solani and A. flavus, respectively. The considerable changes in the morphologies of improved biofilms were seen by SEM. Conclusions: For the successful treatment of fungal biofilm infections, it was necessary to have knowledge of the mechanism of action, penetration rates, and therapeutic concentrations of drugs.
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Wang Z, Liu M, Liu L, Li L, Tan L, Sun Y. The Synergistic Effect of Tacrolimus (FK506) or Everolimus and Azoles Against Scedosporium and Lomentospora Species In Vivo and In Vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:864912. [PMID: 35493742 PMCID: PMC9046971 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.864912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium and Lomentospora infections in humans are generally chronic and stubborn. The use of azoles alone cannot usually inhibit the growth of these fungi. To further explore the combined effect of multiple drugs and potential mechanisms of action, we tested the antifungal effects of tacrolimus (FK506) and everolimus in combination with azoles in vitro and in vivo on 15 clinical strains of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species and detected the level of Rhodamine 6G, ROS activity, and apoptosis. The in vitro results showed that the combinations of tacrolimus with itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole showed synergistic effects on 9 strains (60%), 10 strains (73%), and 7 strains (47%), respectively, and the combinations of everolimus with itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole showed synergistic effects on 8 strains (53%), 8 strains (53%), and 7 strains (47%), respectively. The synergistic effects might correspond to the elevated ROS activity (the tacrolimus + itraconazole group compared to the itraconazole group, (P < 0.05)), early apoptosis (itraconazole (P < 0.05) and voriconazole (P < 0.05) combined with everolimus), and late apoptosis (the tacrolimus + itraconazole group compared to the itraconazole group, (P < 0.01); the tacrolimus + posaconazole group compared to the posaconazole group, (P < 0.05)), but not inhibition of efflux pump activity. Our in vitro results suggested that a combination of tacrolimus or everolimus and azoles have a synergistic effect against Scedosporium/Lomentospora. The synergistic mechanisms of action might be triggering excessive ROS activity and apoptosis. In vivo, the survival rate of G. mellonella (sixth instar larvae) was significantly improved by tacrolimus alone, everolimus alone, azoles alone, and tacrolimus and everolimus combined with azoles separately (P < 0.05 for the tacrolimus group; P < 0.01 for the everolimus group and the itraconazole group; P = 0.0001 for the tacrolimus and posaconazole group; P < 0.0001 for other groups except the everolimus and itraconazole group, everolimus and posaconazole group, and tacrolimus and itraconazole group). From the results, we infer that the combination of tacrolimus or everolimus with azoles has obvious synergistic effect on Scedosporium/Lomentospora, and might enhance the level of apoptosis and necrosis. However, the synergistic effects were not related to the efflux pump. In conclusion, from our in vitro and in vivo study, tacrolimus and everolimus combined with azoles may have a synergistic effect in the treatment against Scedosporium/Lomentospora, improving the drug activity of azoles and promoting a better prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikuo Wang
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Jingzhou, China
| | - Luyao Liu
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Linyun Li
- Clinical Lab, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lihua Tan
- Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Candidate Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Sun,
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Wang LM, Yang H, Yan HJ, Ge RF, Wang YX, Xue SS, Li L, Lyu LY, Che CY. Thymol Protects against Aspergillus Fumigatus Keratitis by Inhibiting the LOX-1/IL-1β Signaling Pathway. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:620-628. [PMID: 35292873 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of action of thymol in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. METHODS The minimum inhibitory concentration of thymol against A. fumigatus was detected. To characterize the anti-inflammatory effects of thymol, mouse corneas and human corneal epithelial cells were pretreated with thymol or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before infection with A. fumigatus spores. Slit-lamp microscopy, immunohistochemistry, myeloperoxidase detection, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting were used to assess infection. Neutrophil and macrophage recruitment, in addition to the secretion of LOX-1 and IL-1β, were quantified to evaluate the relative contribution of thymol to the inflammatory response. RESULTS We confirmed that the growth of A. fumigatus was directly inhibited by thymol. In contrast with the DMSO group, there was a lower degree of inflammation in the mouse corneas of the thymol-pretreated group. This was characterized by significantly lower clinical scores, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and lower expression of LOX-1 and IL-1β. Similarly, in vitro experiments indicated that the production of LOX-1 and IL-1β was significantly inhibited after thymol treatment, in contrast with the DMSO-pretreated group. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that thymol exerted a direct fungistatic activity on A. fumigatus. Furthermore, thymol played a protective role in fungal keratitis by inhibiting LOX-1/IL-1β signaling pathway and reducing the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Mei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Hai-Jing Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Rui-Feng Ge
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yun-Xiao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Sha-Sha Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Le-Yu Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Cheng-Ye Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Bakken IM, Jackson CJ, Utheim TP, Villani E, Hamrah P, Kheirkhah A, Nielsen E, Hau S, Lagali NS. The use of in vivo confocal microscopy in fungal keratitis - Progress and challenges. Ocul Surf 2022; 24:103-118. [PMID: 35278721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious and sight-threatening corneal infection with global reach. The need for prompt diagnosis is paramount, as a delay in initiation of treatment could lead to irreversible vision loss. Current "gold standard" diagnostic methods, namely corneal smear and culture, have limitations due to diagnostic insensitivity and their time-consuming nature. PCR is a newer, complementary method used in the diagnosis of fungal keratitis, whose results are also sample-dependent. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a promising complementary diagnostic method of increasing importance as it allows non-invasive real-time direct visualization of potential fungal pathogens and manifesting infection directly in the patient's cornea. In numerous articles and case reports, FK diagnosis by IVCM has been evaluated, and different features, approaches, sensitivity/specificity, and limitations have been noted. Here, we provide an up-to-date, comprehensive review of the current literature and present the authors' combined recommendations for fungal identification in IVCM images, while also looking to the future of FK assessment by IVCM using artificial intelligence methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild M Bakken
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway
| | - Catherine J Jackson
- Ifocus Eye Clinic, Haugesund, Norway; Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor P Utheim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway; Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Health and Nursing Science, The Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Edoardo Villani
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Italy; Eye Clinic San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Multimedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Pedram Hamrah
- Cornea Service, New England Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad Kheirkhah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Esben Nielsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Scott Hau
- Department of External Disease, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil S Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Arendal, Norway; Division of Ophthalmology, Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Diagnosing Fungal Keratitis and Simultaneously Identifying Fusarium and Aspergillus Keratitis with a Dot Hybridization Array. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010064. [PMID: 35050004 PMCID: PMC8777873 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is one of the most common microbial keratitis, which often leads to poor prognosis as a result of delayed diagnosis. Several studies implied that early differentiation of the two major FK, Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis, could be helpful in selecting effective anti-fungal regimens. Therefore, a novel dot hybridization array (DHA) was developed to diagnose FK and differentiate Fusarium and Aspergillus keratitis in this study. One hundred forty-six corneal scrapes obtained from one hundred forty-six subjects impressed with clinically suspected FK were used to evaluate the performance of the DHA. Among these patients, 107 (73.3%) patients had actual FK confirmed by culture and DNA sequencing. We found that the DHA had 93.5% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity in diagnosing FK. In addition, this array had 93.2% sensitivity and 93.8% specificity in diagnosing Fusarium keratitis, as well as 83.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity in diagnosing Aspergillus keratitis. Furthermore, it had 83.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity in identifying Fusarium solani keratitis. Thus, this newly developed DHA will be beneficial to earlier diagnosis, more precise treatment, and improve prognosis of FK, by minimizing medical refractory events and surgical needs.
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Schrecker J, Seitz B, Berger T, Daas L, Behrens-Baumann W, Auw-Hädrich C, Schütt S, Kerl S, Rentner-Andres S, Hof H. Malignant Keratitis Caused by a Highly-Resistant Strain of Fusarium Tonkinense from the Fusarium Solani Complex. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121093. [PMID: 34947075 PMCID: PMC8707679 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium spp. are moulds ubiquitously distributed in nature and only occasionally pathogenic for humans. Species of the Fusarium solani complex are the predominant keratitis-inducing pathogens, because they are endowed with proper virulence factors. These fungi can adhere to the cornea creating a biofilm and, with the help of enzymes and cytotoxins, penetrate the cornea. Whereas an intact cornea is hardly able to be invaded by Fusarium spp. in spite of appropriate virulence factors, these opportunistic fungi may profit from predisposing conditions, for example mechanical injuries. This can lead to a progressive course of corneal infection and may finally affect the whole eye up to the need for enucleation. Here, we present and discuss the clinical, microbiological and histopathological aspects of a particular case due to Fusarium tonkinense of the Fusarium solani complex with severe consequences in a patient without any obvious predisposing factors. A broad portfolio of antifungal agents was applied, both topically and systemically as well as two penetrating keratoplasties were performed. The exact determination of the etiologic agent of the fungal infection proved likewise to be very challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Schrecker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Virchow Klinikum Glauchau, Virchowstraße 18, D-08371 Glauchau, Germany;
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergstr. 100, D-66424 Homburg, Germany; (B.S.); (T.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Tim Berger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergstr. 100, D-66424 Homburg, Germany; (B.S.); (T.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Loay Daas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergstr. 100, D-66424 Homburg, Germany; (B.S.); (T.B.); (L.D.)
| | - Wolfgang Behrens-Baumann
- Emeritus, Department of Ophthalmology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Eckenbornweg 5j, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Claudia Auw-Hädrich
- Eye Center, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Kilianstr. 5, D-79106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
| | - Sabine Schütt
- MVZ Labor Limbach and Colleagues, Im Breitspiel 16, D-69126 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sabine Kerl
- MVZ Labor Limbach and Colleagues, Im Breitspiel 16, D-69126 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (S.K.)
| | - Sascha Rentner-Andres
- Limbach Analytics GmbH, Arotop Laboratories, Dekan-Laiststr. 9, D-55129 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Herbert Hof
- MVZ Labor Limbach and Colleagues, Im Breitspiel 16, D-69126 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221-34-32-342
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Szaliński M, Zgryźniak A, Rubisz I, Gajdzis M, Kaczmarek R, Przeździecka-Dołyk J. Fusarium Keratitis-Review of Current Treatment Possibilities. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235468. [PMID: 34884170 PMCID: PMC8658515 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In many parts of the world, fungi are the predominant cause of infectious keratitis; among which, Fusarium is the most commonly isolated pathogen. The clinical management of this ophthalmic emergency is challenging. Due to the retardation of the first symptoms from an injury and the inability to differentiate fungal from bacterial infections based on clinical symptoms and difficult microbial diagnostics, proper treatment, in many cases, is postponed. Moreover, therapeutical options of Fusarium keratitis remain limited. This paper summarizes the available treatment modalities of Fusarium keratitis, including antifungals and their routes of administration, antiseptics, and surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Szaliński
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland; (M.S.); (M.G.); (R.K.); (J.P.-D.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Zgryźniak
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Izabela Rubisz
- Okulus Ophthalmology Clinic, ul. Śródmiejska 34, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Gajdzis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland; (M.S.); (M.G.); (R.K.); (J.P.-D.)
| | - Radosław Kaczmarek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland; (M.S.); (M.G.); (R.K.); (J.P.-D.)
- Clinic of Ophthalmology, University Teaching Hospital, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Przeździecka-Dołyk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wroclaw Medical University, ul. Borowska 213, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland; (M.S.); (M.G.); (R.K.); (J.P.-D.)
- Department of Optics and Photonics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Fungal Keratitis in the United Kingdom 2011-2020: A 10-Year Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110966. [PMID: 34829253 PMCID: PMC8624743 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ocular infection that often poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. This study aimed to examine the causes, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of FK in the UK. All culture-positive and culture-negative presumed FK (with complete data) that presented to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, and the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, between 2011 and 2020 were included. We included 117 patients (n = 117 eyes) with FK in this study. The mean age was 59.0 ± 19.6 years (range, 4–92 years) and 51.3% of patients were female. Fifty-three fungal isolates were identified from 52 (44.4%) culture-positive cases, with Candida spp. (33, 62.3%), Fusarium spp. (9, 17.0%), and Aspergillus spp. (5, 9.4%) being the most common organisms. Ocular surface disease (60, 51.3%), prior corneal surgery (44, 37.6%), and systemic immunosuppression (42, 35.9%) were the three most common risk factors. Hospitalisation for intensive treatment was required for 95 (81.2%) patients, with a duration of 18.9 ± 16.3 days. Sixty-six (56.4%) patients required additional surgical interventions for eradicating the infection. Emergency therapeutic/tectonic keratoplasty was performed in 29 (24.8%) cases, though 13 (44.8%) of them failed at final follow-up. The final corrected-distance-visual-acuity (CDVA) was 1.67 ± 1.08 logMAR. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated increased age, large infiltrate size (>3 mm), and poor presenting CDVA (<1.0 logMAR) as significant negative predictive factors for poor visual outcome (CDVA of <1.0 logMAR) and poor corneal healing (>60 days of healing time or occurrence of corneal perforation requiring emergency keratoplasty; all p < 0.05). In conclusion, FK represents a difficult-to-treat ocular infection that often results in poor visual outcomes, with a high need for surgical interventions. Innovative treatment strategies are urgently required to tackle this unmet need.
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Li C, Wu M, Gu L, Yin M, Li H, Yuan W, Lin J, Wang Q, Xu Q, Jiang N, Zhao G. α- MSH plays anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal role in Aspergillus Fumigatus keratitis. Curr Eye Res 2021; 47:343-351. [PMID: 34766863 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.2006235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal role of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in Aspergillus Fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. METHOD Corneas of C57BL/6 mice were infected with A. Fumigatus. α-MSH (5 ul, 1x10-4mmol/ml) was given by subconjunctival injection from day 1 to day 3 post infection (p.i.). After 3 days p.i., clinical score was recored and HE staining was tested. Fungal load in mice corneas was observed by plate counting. Pro-inflammatory mediators and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) were detected. The numbers of neutrophils and macrophages were tested by immunofluorescence staining. The role of α-MSH in RAW264.7 cells after A. fumigatus stimulation were evaluated by PCR and Western blot, and MPKA protein levels including total-JNK (T-JNK), phosphorylated-JNK (P-JNK), total-ERK (T-ERK) and phosphorylated-ERK (P-ERK) were tested via Western blot with or without α-MSH treatment. RESULTS Compared with PBS control group, α-MSH treatment alleviated disease response and decreased clinical score at 3 days p.i. HE staining showed less infiltration in corneal tissue after α-MSH treatment. Plate counting experiment showed that number of viable fungus in corneas of α-MSH treated group was less than control group. mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-2, LOX-1, Dectin-1 and iNOS were decreased. Protein levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and Dectin-1 were decreased. α-MSH treatment also decreased the infiltrating neutrophils and macrophages. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Dectin-1 and LOX-1 stimulated by A. fumigatus, were also suppressed by pretreatment of α-MSH in RAW264.7 cells. The ratio of P-JNK/T-JNK and P-ERK/T-ERK were down regulated in α-MSH group compared with PBS control group. CONCLUSION α-MSH alleviates the severity and decreases fungal load of A. fumigatus keratitis in mice. Migration of neutrophils and macrophages are restrained. α-MSH downregulates the expression of dectin-1 and the ratio of P-JNK/T-JNK and P-ERK/T-ERK in A. fumigatus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Mengqi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Min Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Wu Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Qingdao, China, 266003
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Fungal Keratitis: Diagnostic Characteristics of the Potassium Hydroxide Preparation With Calcofluor White in Northern California. Cornea 2021; 41:347-352. [PMID: 34743097 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of fungal keratitis demonstrates significant geographic and climatic variation. We report on the characteristics of the potassium hydroxide/calcofluor white (KOH-CFW) preparation observed at a tertiary center in Northern California, a region with a low incidence of fungal keratitis. METHODS Culture-proven cases of microbial keratitis during a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The sensitivity, specificity, and posttest probabilities were determined for the KOH-CFW assay. These results were compared with documented clinical impression and values reported in the literature. RESULTS Three hundred three of 368 episodes of microbial keratitis during the study period documented the results of a fungal culture, KOH-CFW assay, and a clinical impression. Twenty-one (6.9%) of these cultures were positive for fungal organisms. The sensitivity and specificity of the KOH-CFW test were 29% and 93%, respectively. Clinicians' initial clinical impression based solely on patients' history and examination, without the aid of any histopathologic or biochemical test results, demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 33% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The observed sensitivity and specificity of the KOH-CFW preparation are significantly lower than many previously reported values. In regions with low incidence of fungal keratitis, the KOH-CFW preparation may have diagnostic performance similar to that of the clinical impression formed only on the basis of history and physical examination.
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Raj N, Vanathi M, Ahmed NH, Gupta N, Lomi N, Tandon R. Recent Perspectives in the Management of Fungal Keratitis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110907. [PMID: 34829196 PMCID: PMC8621027 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycotic keratitis is common in warm, humid regions with a varying profile of pathogenic fungi according to geographical origin, socioeconomic status, and climatic condition. Clinical diagnosis can be challenging in difficult cases and those refractory to treatment. Fungal hyphae on microscopic examination and culture isolation have been the gold standard in the laboratory diagnosis of fungal keratitis. A culture isolate of the aetiological fungus is essential to perform antifungal susceptibility testing. As the culture isolation of fungi is time-consuming, causing delays in the initiation of treatment, newer investigative modalities such as in vivo confocal microscopy and molecular diagnostic methods have recently gained popularity. Molecular diagnostic techniques now help to obtain a rapid diagnosis of fungal keratitis. Genomic approaches are based on detecting amplicons of ribosomal RNA genes, with internal transcribed spacers being increasingly adopted. Metagenomic deep sequencing allows for rapid and accurate diagnosis without the need to wait for the fungus to grow. This is also helpful in identifying new emerging strains of fungi causing mycotic keratitis. A custom-tear proteomic approach will probably play an important diagnostic role in future in the management of mycotic keratitis. Positive repeat cultures are being suggested as an important gauge indicative of a poor prognosis. Positive repeat fungal cultures help to modify a treatment regimen by increasing its frequency, providing the addition of another topical and oral antifungal agent along with close follow-up for perforation and identifying need for early therapeutic keratoplasty. The role of collagen crosslinking in the treatment of fungal keratitis is not convincingly established. Rapid detection by multiplex PCR and antifungal susceptibility testing of the pathogenic fungi, adopted into a routine management protocol of fungal keratitis, will help to improve treatment outcome. Early therapy is essential in minimizing damage to the corneal tissue, thereby providing a better outcome. The role of conventional therapy with polyenes, systemic and targeted therapy of antifungal agents, newer azoles and echinocandins in fungal keratitis has been widely studied in recent times. Combination therapy can be more efficacious in comparison to monotherapy. Given the diversity of fungal aetiology, the emergence of new corneal pathogenic fungi with varying drug susceptibilities, increasing the drug resistance to antifungal agents in some genera and species, it is perhaps time to adopt recent molecular methods for precise identification and incorporate antifungal susceptibility testing as a routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimmy Raj
- Cornea, Lens & Refractive Surgery Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (N.R.); (N.G.); (N.L.); (R.T.)
| | - Murugesan Vanathi
- Cornea, Lens & Refractive Surgery Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (N.R.); (N.G.); (N.L.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-11-26593010; Fax: +91-11-26588919
| | - Nishat Hussain Ahmed
- Ocular Microbiology Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Noopur Gupta
- Cornea, Lens & Refractive Surgery Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (N.R.); (N.G.); (N.L.); (R.T.)
| | - Neiwete Lomi
- Cornea, Lens & Refractive Surgery Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (N.R.); (N.G.); (N.L.); (R.T.)
| | - Radhika Tandon
- Cornea, Lens & Refractive Surgery Services—Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute for Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (N.R.); (N.G.); (N.L.); (R.T.)
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Halim I, Singh P, Sarfraz A, Kokkayil P, Pati BK, Thakuria B, Raj A. Fungal Keratitis Due to Fusarium lichenicola: A Case Report and Global Review of Fusarium lichenicola Keratitis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110889. [PMID: 34829178 PMCID: PMC8620856 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium species are among the most commonly isolated causes of fungal keratitis. Most species of the genus Fusarium belong to Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). Fusarium lichenicola, a member of the FSSC complex, is a well-established plant and human pathogen. However, reports of fungal keratitis due to Fusarium lichenicola have not been frequently reported. To the best of our knowledge, only twelve cases of Fusarium lichenicola keratitis have been reported in the past fifty years. Clinical cases of Fusarium lichenicola may have most likely been misidentified because of the lack of clinical and microbiological suspicion, as well as inadequate diagnostic facilities in many tropical countries where the burden of the disease may be the highest. We report a case of fungal keratitis caused by Fusarium lichenicola and present a global review of the literature of all cases of fungal keratitis caused by this potentially blinding fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isra Halim
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (I.H.); (P.K.); (B.K.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Prabhakar Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (P.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Asim Sarfraz
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (I.H.); (P.K.); (B.K.P.); (B.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-995-5360-903
| | - Prathyusha Kokkayil
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (I.H.); (P.K.); (B.K.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Binod Kumar Pati
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (I.H.); (P.K.); (B.K.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Bhaskar Thakuria
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (I.H.); (P.K.); (B.K.P.); (B.T.)
| | - Amit Raj
- Department of Ophthalmology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna 801507, India; (P.S.); (A.R.)
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Ratitong B, Pearlman E. Pathogenic Aspergillus and Fusarium as important causes of blinding corneal infections - the role of neutrophils in fungal killing, tissue damage and cytokine production. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:195-203. [PMID: 34419783 PMCID: PMC10492570 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi Aspergillus and Fusarium species are major causes of visual impairment and blindness in immune competent individuals. Once conidia penetrate the corneal epithelium and enter the stroma, they undergo germination, and exposure of cell wall components induces a pronounced neutrophil-rich cellular infiltrate. In this review, we discuss Aspergillus and novel Fusarium virulence factors that are required for corneal infection, and describe the multiple functions of neutrophils in limiting hyphal growth in the cornea. This review will also discuss the role of neutrophils as an important source of cytokines in fungal keratitis, and highlight recent studies identifying unique characteristics of neutrophil secretion of IL-1α and IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Ratitong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
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First Report of a Case of Ocular Infection Caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum in Poland. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10081046. [PMID: 34451510 PMCID: PMC8399755 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This report describes the first case of an ocular infection induced by Purpureocillium lilacinum in Poland. The patient was a 51-year-old immunocompetent contact lens user who suffered from subacute keratitis and progressive granulomatous uveitis. He underwent penetrating keratoplasty for corneal perforation, followed by cataract surgery due to rapid uveitic cataract. A few weeks later, intraocular lens removal and pars plana vitrectomy were necessary due to endophthalmitis. The patient was treated with topical, systemic, and intravitreal voriconazole with improvement; however, the visual outcome was poor. The pathogen was identified by MALDI-TOF MS.
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Hung N, Shih AKY, Lin C, Kuo MT, Hwang YS, Wu WC, Kuo CF, Kang EYC, Hsiao CH. Using Slit-Lamp Images for Deep Learning-Based Identification of Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis: Model Development and Validation with Different Convolutional Neural Networks. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11071246. [PMID: 34359329 PMCID: PMC8307675 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11071246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to develop a deep learning model for identifying bacterial keratitis (BK) and fungal keratitis (FK) by using slit-lamp images. We retrospectively collected slit-lamp images of patients with culture-proven microbial keratitis between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019 from two medical centers in Taiwan. We constructed a deep learning algorithm consisting of a segmentation model for cropping cornea images and a classification model that applies different convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to differentiate between FK and BK. The CNNs included DenseNet121, DenseNet161, DenseNet169, DenseNet201, EfficientNetB3, InceptionV3, ResNet101, and ResNet50. The model performance was evaluated and presented as the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curves. A gradient-weighted class activation mapping technique was used to plot the heat map of the model. By using 1330 images from 580 patients, the deep learning algorithm achieved the highest average accuracy of 80.0%. Using different CNNs, the diagnostic accuracy for BK ranged from 79.6% to 95.9%, and that for FK ranged from 26.3% to 65.8%. The CNN of DenseNet161 showed the best model performance, with an AUC of 0.85 for both BK and FK. The heat maps revealed that the model was able to identify the corneal infiltrations. The model showed a better diagnostic accuracy than the previously reported diagnostic performance of both general ophthalmologists and corneal specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Hung
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (N.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (W.-C.W.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Andy Kuan-Yu Shih
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (A.K.-Y.S.); (C.L.); (C.-F.K.)
| | - Chihung Lin
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (A.K.-Y.S.); (C.L.); (C.-F.K.)
| | - Ming-Tse Kuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 123, Dapi Rd, Niaosong, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (N.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (W.-C.W.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (N.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (W.-C.W.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Fu Kuo
- Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (A.K.-Y.S.); (C.L.); (C.-F.K.)
| | - Eugene Yu-Chuan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (N.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (W.-C.W.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.Y.-C.K.); (C.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-3-3281200 (E.Y.-C.K. & C.-H.H.)
| | - Ching-Hsi Hsiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, No. 5 Fu-Hsin Rd, Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (N.H.); (Y.-S.H.); (W.-C.W.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, No. 261, Wenhua 1st Rd., Kweishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (E.Y.-C.K.); (C.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-3-3281200 (E.Y.-C.K. & C.-H.H.)
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Fungal Keratitis in Northern Thailand: Spectrum of Agents, Risk Factors and Putative Virulence Factors. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060475. [PMID: 34208353 PMCID: PMC8231135 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ocular infection that can result in various degrees of vision loss, including blindness. The aim of the study was to identify and retrospectively review all FK cases diagnosed between August 2012 and December 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand with a specific focus on epidemiologic features, including season, patient sex and age, the spectrum of pathogens, and presence of certain putative virulence factors. Of 1237 patients with corneal ulcers, 294 (23.8%) were confirmed by direct microscopic examination and/or fungal culture. For the positive cases, direct examinations of Calcofluor white (CW) stains and KOH mounts were found in 97.3% (286/294) and 76.5% (225/294), respectively (p < 0.05). Of the cases diagnosed by microscopy and culture, fungi were isolated in 152 (51.7%), with Fusarium spp. being the most frequently identified (n = 69, 45.5%) followed by dematiaceous fungi (n = 45, 29.6%) and Aspergillus spp. (n = 18, 11.8%). The incidence of FK was higher in the rainy season of July to October. The mean age was 54.4 ± 14.4 (SD) years, with a range of 9–88 years. Males (75.8%) were affected significantly more than females (24.2%) (p < 0.05). Of 294 patients, 132 (44.9%) were middle-aged adults (41–60 years) and 107 (36.4%) were older than 60 years. Trauma to the eye by soil or vegetative matter were the most common preceding factors (188/294; 64.0%). We assessed two virulence factors. First, 142 of the 152 culture-positive FK cases were due to molds, indicating that hyphal morphogenesis is extremely important in disease. We also demonstrated that fungal melanization occurs in the molds during the course of FK by applying a melanin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) that labeled fungal elements in corneal samples of patients, and melanin particles derived from the hyphae were also recovered after treatment of the samples with proteolytic enzymes, denaturant and hot concentrated acid. In summary, we demonstrate that northern Thailand has a high rate of FK that is influenced by season and males engaged in outside activities are at highest risk for disease. Moulds are significantly more commonly responsible for FK, in part due to their capacity to form hyphae and melanins. Future studies will examine models of fungal corneal interactions and assess additional factors of virulence, such as secreted enzymes, to more deeply decipher the pathogenesis of FK.
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