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Weiser R, Ronchetti K, Tame JD, Hoehn S, Jurkowski TP, Mahenthiralingam E, Forton JT. The fungal diversity in the lungs of children with cystic fibrosis captured by sputum-induction and bronchoalveolar lavage. J Cyst Fibros 2024:S1569-1993(24)00797-5. [PMID: 39095260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of fungi in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections is poorly understood and studies have focused on adult patients. We investigated the fungal diversity in children with CF using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and induced sputum (IS) samples to capture multiple lung niches. METHODS Sequencing of the fungal ITS2 region and molecular mycobiota diversity analysis was performed on 25 matched sets of BAL-IS samples from 23 children collected as part of the CF-SpIT study (UKCRN14615; ISRCTNR12473810). RESULTS Aspergillus and Candida were detected in all samples and were the most abundant and prevalent genera, followed by Dipodascus, Lecanicillium and Simplicillium. The presumptive CF pathogens Exophiala, Lomentospora and Scedosporium were identified at variable abundances in 100 %, 64 %, and 24 % of sample sets, respectively. Fungal pathogens observed at high relative abundance (≥40 %) were not accurately diagnosed by routine culture microbiology in over 50 % of the cohort. The fungal communities captured by BAL and IS samples were similar in diversity and composition, with exception to C. albicans being significantly increased in IS samples. The respiratory mycobiota varied greatly between individuals, with only 13 of 25 sample sets containing a dominant fungal taxon. In 11/25 BAL sample sets, airway compartmentalisation was observed with diverse mycobiota detected from different lobes of the lung. CONCLUSIONS The paediatric mycobiota is diverse, complex and inadequately diagnosed by conventional microbiology. Overlapping fungal communities were identified in BAL and IS samples, showing that IS can capture fungal genera associated with the lower airway. Compartmentalisation of the lower airway presents difficulties for consistent mycobiota sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Weiser
- Microbiomes, Microbes and Informatics Group, Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Katherine Ronchetti
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK; Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jo-Dee Tame
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK; Department of Paediatric Physiotherapy, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK; School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Sven Hoehn
- Molecular Biosciences Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tomasz P Jurkowski
- Molecular Biosciences Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eshwar Mahenthiralingam
- Microbiomes, Microbes and Informatics Group, Organisms and Environment Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Park Place, Cardiff, UK
| | - Julian T Forton
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales, Cardiff, UK; School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK.
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Ramage G, Borghi E, Rodrigues CF, Kean R, Williams C, Lopez-Ribot J. Our current clinical understanding of Candida biofilms: where are we two decades on? APMIS 2023; 131:636-653. [PMID: 36932821 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13310] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinically we have been aware of the concept of Candida biofilms for many decades, though perhaps without the formal designation. Just over 20 years ago the subject emerged on the back of progress made from the bacterial biofilms, and academic progress pace has continued to mirror the bacterial biofilm community, albeit at a decreased volume. It is apparent that Candida species have a considerable capacity to colonize surfaces and interfaces and form tenacious biofilm structures, either alone or in mixed species communities. From the oral cavity, to the respiratory and genitourinary tracts, wounds, or in and around a plethora of biomedical devices, the scope of these infections is vast. These are highly tolerant to antifungal therapies that has a measurable impact on clinical management. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overight of our current clinical understanding of where these biofilms cause infections, and we discuss existing and emerging antifungal therapies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Medical School, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Célia Fortuna Rodrigues
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- LEPABE-Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário-CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ryan Kean
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Williams
- Study Group for Biofilms (ESGB), European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease, Basel, Switzerland
- Microbiology Department, Morecambe Bay NHS Trust, Lancaster, UK
| | - Jose Lopez-Ribot
- Department of Biology and the South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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3
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Puerner C, Vellanki S, Strauch JL, Cramer RA. Recent Advances in Understanding the Human Fungal Pathogen Hypoxia Response in Disease Progression. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:403-425. [PMID: 37713457 PMCID: PMC11034785 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032521-021745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Fungal-mediated disease progression and antifungal drug efficacy are significantly impacted by the dynamic infection microenvironment. At the site of infection, oxygen often becomes limiting and induces a hypoxia response in both the fungal pathogen and host cells. The fungal hypoxia response impacts several important aspects of fungal biology that contribute to pathogenesis, virulence, antifungal drug susceptibility, and ultimately infection outcomes. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the hypoxia response in the most common human fungal pathogens, discuss potential therapeutic opportunities, and highlight important areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Puerner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA;
| | - Sandeep Vellanki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA;
| | - Julianne L Strauch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA;
- Department of Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA;
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4
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Dot Immunobinding Assay for the Rapid Serodetection of Scedosporium/ Lomentospora in Cystic Fibrosis Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020158. [PMID: 36836272 PMCID: PMC9959861 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of Scedosporium/Lomentospora is still based on non-standardized low-sensitivity culture procedures. This fact is particularly worrying in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), where these fungi are the second most common filamentous fungi isolated, because a poor and delayed diagnosis can worsen the prognosis of the disease. To contribute to the discovery of new diagnostic strategies, a rapid serological dot immunobinding assay (DIA) that allows the detection of serum IgG against Scedosporium/Lomentospora in less than 15 min was developed. A crude protein extract from the conidia and hyphae of Scedosporium boydii was employed as a fungal antigen. The DIA was evaluated using 303 CF serum samples (162 patients) grouped according to the detection of Scedosporium/Lomentospora in the respiratory sample by culture, obtaining a sensitivity and specificity of 90.48% and 79.30%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values of 54.81% and 96.77%, and an efficiency of 81.72%. The clinical factors associated with the results were also studied using a univariate and a multivariate analysis, which showed that Scedosporium/Lomentospora positive sputum, elevated anti-Aspergillus serum IgG and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were significantly associated with a positive result in DIA, while Staphylococcus aureus positive sputum showed a negative association. In conclusion, the test developed can offer a complementary, rapid, simple and sensitive method to contribute to the diagnosis of Scedosporium/Lomentospora in patients with CF.
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Soil bacteria protect fungi from phenazines by acting as toxin sponges. Curr Biol 2022; 32:275-288.e5. [PMID: 34813731 PMCID: PMC8792240 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Many environmentally and clinically important fungi are sensitive to toxic, bacterially produced, redox-active molecules called phenazines. Despite being vulnerable to phenazine assault, fungi inhabit microbial communities that contain phenazine producers. Because many fungi cannot withstand phenazine challenge but some bacterial species can, we hypothesized that bacterial partners may protect fungi in phenazine-replete environments. From a single soil sample, we were able to co-isolate several such physically associated pairings. We discovered the novel species Paraburkholderia edwinii and demonstrated it can protect a co-isolated Aspergillus species from phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) by sequestering it, acting as a toxin sponge; in turn, it also gains protection. When challenged with PCA, P. edwinii changes its morphology, forming aggregates within the growing fungal colony. Further, the fungal partner triggers P. edwinii to sequester PCA and maintains conditions that limit PCA toxicity by promoting an anoxic and highly reducing environment. A mutagenic screen of P. edwinii revealed this protective program depends on the stress-inducible transcriptional repressor HrcA. We show that one relevant stressor in response to PCA challenge is fungal acidification and that acid stress causes P. edwinii to behave as though the fungus were present. Finally, we reveal this phenomenon as widespread among Paraburkholderia with moderate specificity among bacterial and fungal partners, including plant and human pathogens. Our discovery suggests a common mechanism by which fungi can gain access to phenazine-replete environments and provides a tractable model system for its study. These results have implications for how microbial communities in the rhizosphere as well as in plant and human infection sites negotiate community membership via a chemical dialectic.
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6
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Wagner Mackenzie B, Dassi C, Vivekanandan A, Zoing M, Douglas RG, Biswas K. Longitudinal analysis of sinus microbiota post endoscopic surgery in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis: a pilot study. Respir Res 2021; 22:106. [PMID: 33849523 PMCID: PMC8045235 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01697-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis is a debilitating, autosomal recessive disease which results in chronic upper and lower airway infection and inflammation. In this study, four adult patients presenting with cystic fibrosis and chronic rhinosinusitis were recruited. Culture and molecular techniques were employed to evaluate changes in microbial profiles, host gene expression and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the upper respiratory tract over time. METHODS Swab samples from the sinonasal cavity were collected at the time of surgery and at follow-up clinics at regular time intervals for up to 18 months. Nucleic acids were extracted, and DNA amplicon sequencing was applied to describe bacterial and fungal composition. In parallel, RNA was used to evaluate the expression of 17 AMR genes and two inflammatory markers (interleukins 6 and 8) using custom qPCR array cards. Molecular results were compared with routine sinus and sputum culture reports within each patient. RESULTS Bacterial amplicon sequencing and swab culture reports from the sinonasal cavity were mostly congruent and relatively stable for each patient across time. The predominant species detected in patients P02 and P04 were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus in patient P03, and a mixture of Enterobacter and S. aureus in patient P01. Fungal profiles were variable and less subject specific than bacterial communities. Increased expressions of interleukins 6 and 8 were observed in all patients throughout the sampling period compared with other measured genes. The most prevalent AMR gene detected was ampC. However, the prevalence of AMR gene expression was low in all patient samples across varying time-points. CONCLUSIONS We observed a surprising degree of stability of sinonasal microbial composition, and inflammatory and AMR gene expression across all patients post sinus surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Wagner Mackenzie
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Camila Dassi
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anitha Vivekanandan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melissa Zoing
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard G Douglas
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kristi Biswas
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, 1023, Auckland, New Zealand
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Magee LC, Louis M, Khan V, Micalo L, Chaudary N. Managing Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Challenges in Clinical Practice. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:1141-1153. [PMID: 33790585 PMCID: PMC7998013 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s267219] [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: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Impairment of the CFTR protein in the respiratory tract results in the formation of thick mucus, development of inflammation, destruction of bronchial tissue, and development of bacterial or fungal infections over time. CF patients are commonly colonized and/or infected with fungal organisms, Candida albicans or Aspergillus fumigatus, with prevalence rates ranging from 5% to 78% in the literature. Risk factors for acquiring fungal organisms include older age, coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, prolonged use of oral and inhaled antibiotics, and lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1). There are limited data available to differentiate between contamination, colonization, and active infection. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of colonization is variable in the literature as some studies report a decline in lung function associated with fungal colonization whereas others showed no difference. Limited data are available for the eradication of fungal colonization and the treatment of active invasive aspergillosis in adult CF patients. In this review article, we discuss the challenges in clinical practice and current literature available for laboratory findings, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options for fungal infections in adult CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Magee
- Department of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mariam Louis
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Vaneeza Khan
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lavender Micalo
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nauman Chaudary
- Division of Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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8
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Choi P, Bauler L, Gregoire‐Bottex MM. Fighting diagnostic confirmation bias: Cystic fibrosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillus, or both? Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:1379-1382. [PMID: 33768849 PMCID: PMC7981717 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.3781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As diagnostic algorithms for cystic fibrosis (CF) continue to evolve, education of general practitioners is essential to prevent delayed diagnosis of CF and allow prompt referral to CF centers. For patients suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), CF should be at the top of the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Choi
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent MedicineWestern Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineKalamazooMIUSA
- Present address:
Department of Internal MedicineSpectrum Health/Michigan State UniversityGrand RapidsMIUSA
| | - Laura Bauler
- Department of Biomedical SciencesWestern Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineKalamazooMIUSA
| | - M. Myrtha Gregoire‐Bottex
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent MedicineWestern Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineKalamazooMIUSA
- Present address:
Department of PediatricsUniversity of MiamiMiller School of MedicineMiamiFLUSA
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9
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Margalit A, Carolan JC, Kavanagh K. Bacterial Interactions with Aspergillus fumigatus in the Immunocompromised Lung. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020435. [PMID: 33669831 PMCID: PMC7923216 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020435] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunocompromised airways are susceptible to infections caused by a range of pathogens which increases the opportunity for polymicrobial interactions to occur. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are the predominant causes of pulmonary infection for individuals with respiratory disorders such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The spore-forming fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is most frequently isolated with P. aeruginosa, and co-infection results in poor outcomes for patients. It is therefore clinically important to understand how these pathogens interact with each other and how such interactions may contribute to disease progression so that appropriate therapeutic strategies may be developed. Despite its persistence in the airways throughout the life of a patient, A. fumigatus rarely becomes the dominant pathogen. In vitro interaction studies have revealed remarkable insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive agonistic and antagonistic interactions that occur between A. fumigatus and pulmonary bacterial pathogens such as P. aeruginosa. Crucially, these studies demonstrate that although bacteria may predominate in a competitive environment, A. fumigatus has the capacity to persist and contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-708-3859; Fax: +353-1-708-3845
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10
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A simple preservation method for the storage of Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium apiospermum filamentous fungi isolated from the sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). J Microbiol Methods 2020; 177:106052. [PMID: 32911036 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106052] [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: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A novel method is described for the laboratory storage of the filamentous fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium apiospermum. These fungi were isolated directly from the sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) on previously described Medium B+ fungal selective agar. Medium B+ plates containing heavy growths of filamentous fungi were air dried to completeness and the resulting dehydrated agar containing fungi were hermetically sealed within A4 plastic lamination sheets using a domestic paper laminator. Fungi were successfully recovered and recultured post lamination. This method is simple, inexpensive, versatile and widely adaptable and requires minimum preparation/handling/processing, thereby encouraging the routine archiving of fungal isolates. Laminated fungal sheets may be catalogued and stored safely and securely in fireproof lockable filing cabinets in laboratories, thereby saving valuable bench- or freezer space.
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Costantini C, Puccetti M, Pariano M, Renga G, Stincardini C, D'Onofrio F, Bellet MM, Cellini B, Giovagnoli S, Romani L. Selectively targeting key inflammatory pathways in cystic fibrosis. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 206:112717. [PMID: 32823008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a defect in the ion channel Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR), resulting in ionic imbalance of surface fluid. Although affecting multiple organs, the progressive deterioration of respiratory function by recurrent infections and chronic inflammation represents the main cause of morbidity and mortality in CF patients. The development of modulators targeting the basic defect of CFTR has represented a major breakthrough in CF therapy, but the impact on inflammation has remained enigmatic. The emerging scenario taking hold in the field points to inflammation as a major, somehow missed, therapeutic target for prevention of lung decline. Not surprisingly, the development of anti-inflammatory drugs is taking its share in the drug development pipeline. But the path is not straightforward and targeting inflammation should be balanced with the increased risk of infection. The strategy to restore the homeostatic regulation of inflammation to efficiently respond to infection while preventing lung damage needs to be based on identifying and targeting endogenous immunoregulatory pathways that are defective in CF. We herein provide an overview of anti-inflammatory drugs currently approved or under investigation in CF patients, and present our recent studies on how the knowledge on defective immune pathways in CF may translate into innovative and selective anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Through the discovery of naturally occurring molecules or their synthetic mimics, this review emphasizes the critical importance of selectively targeting key inflammatory pathways to preserve immunocompetence in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Costantini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Matteo Puccetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Giorgia Renga
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Claudia Stincardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Fiorella D'Onofrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Marina M Bellet
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Barbara Cellini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovagnoli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, 06132, Italy.
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