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Amaeze NJ, Akinbobola AB, Kean R, Ramage G, Williams C, Mackay W. Transfer of micro-organisms from dry surface biofilms and the influence of long survival under conditions of poor nutrition and moisture on the virulence of Staphylococcusaureus. J Hosp Infect 2024; 150:34-39. [PMID: 38823646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.023] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biofilms on dry hospital surfaces can enhance the persistence of micro-organisms on dry harsh clinical surfaces and can potentially act as reservoirs of infectious agents on contaminated surfaces. AIM This study was conducted to quantify the transfer of viable Staphylococcus aureus cells from dry biofilms through touching and to investigate the impact of nutrient and moisture deprivation on virulence levels in S. aureus. METHODS Dry biofilms of S. aureus ATCC 25923 and a defective biofilm-forming ability mutant, S. aureus 1132, were formed in 24-well plates under optimized conditions mimicking dry biofilm formation on clinical surfaces. Microbial cell transfer was induced through the touching of the dry biofilms, which were quantified on nutrient agar. To investigate the impact of nutrient and moisture deprivation on virulence levels, dry and standard biofilms as well as planktonic cells of S. aureus ATCC 25923 were inoculated into Galleria mellonella and their kill rates compared. FINDINGS Results of this study showed that viable cells from dry biofilms of S. aureus ATCC 25923 were significantly more virulent and readily transferrable from dry biofilms through a touch test, therefore representing a greater risk of infection. The biofilm-forming capability of S. aureus strains had no significant impact on their transferability with more cells transferring when biofilm surfaces were wet. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that dry biofilms on hospital surfaces may serve as a reservoir for the dissemination of pathogenic micro-organisms in hospitals, thus highlighting the importance of regular cleaning and adequate disinfection of hospital surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Amaeze
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, UK
| | - A B Akinbobola
- Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
| | - R Kean
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - G Ramage
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Williams
- University Hospitals of Morecambe NHS Foundation Trust, Kendal, UK
| | - W Mackay
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of West of Scotland, Lanarkshire Campus, South Lanarkshire, UK.
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2
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Short B, Delaney C, Johnston W, Litherland GJ, Lockhart JC, Williams C, Mackay WG, Ramage G. Informed development of a multi-species biofilm in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. APMIS 2024; 132:336-347. [PMID: 38379455 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence indicates that microbial biofilm aggregates inhabit the lungs of COPD patients and actively contribute towards chronic colonization and repeat infections. However, there are no contextually relevant complex biofilm models for COPD research. In this study, a meta-analysis of the lung microbiome in COPD was used to inform development of an optimized biofilm model composed of genera highly associated with COPD. Bioinformatic analysis showed that although diversity matrices of COPD microbiomes were similar to healthy controls, and internal compositions made it possible to accurately differentiate between these cohorts (AUC = 0.939). Genera that best defined these patients included Haemophilus, Moraxella and Streptococcus. Many studies fail to account for fungi; therefore, Candida albicans was included in the creation of an interkingdom biofilm model. These organisms formed a biofilm capable of tolerating high concentrations of antimicrobial therapies with no significant reductions in viability. However, combined therapies of antibiotics and an antifungal resulted in significant reductions in viable cells throughout the biofilm (p < 0.05). This biofilm model is representative of the COPD lung microbiome and results from in vitro antimicrobial challenge experiments indicate that targeting both bacteria and fungi in these interkingdom communities will be required for more positive clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn Short
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Christopher Delaney
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - William Johnston
- Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gary J Litherland
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
- Hamilton International Technology Park, Glasgow, UK
| | - John C Lockhart
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
- Hamilton International Technology Park, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Williams
- Microbiology Department, Lancaster Royal Infirmary, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, UK
| | - William G Mackay
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
- Hamilton International Technology Park, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS), University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention (SHIP) Research Group, Research Centre for Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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Oliveira LT, Marcos CM, Cabral AKLF, Medina-Alarcón KP, Pires RH, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Paracoccidioides spp.: the structural characterization of extracellular matrix, expression of glucan synthesis and associated genes and adhesins during biofilm formation. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1354140. [PMID: 38516014 PMCID: PMC10955377 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1354140] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccidioides includes Paracoccidioides lutzii and the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, which comprises four phylogenetic species. A key feature distinguishing planktonic growth from biofilm is the presence of a 3D extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, in this study, we analyzed biofilm formation in different species of Paracoccidioides yeast phase, characterized the structural elements of the matrix of P. brasiliensis (Pb18), P. lutzii (Pl01 and 8334) and P. restrepiensis (339 and 192) and evaluated the expression of glucan genes, according to the stage of biofilm evolution for P. brasiliensis. The strains were cultivated in planktonic and biofilm form for 24-144 h. The fungi biomass and metabolic activity were determined by crystal violet and tetrazolium salt reduction (XTT) tests and colony-forming unit (CFU) by plating. The biofilm structure was designed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii biofilms was extracted by sonication, and polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA) were quantified. The RNA was extracted with the Trizol® reagent and quantified; then, the cDNA was synthesized to analyze the enolase expression, 14-3-3, FKS1, AGS1, GEL3, and KRE6 genes by real-time PCR. All strains of Paracoccidioides studied form a biofilm with more significant metabolic activity and biomass values in 144 h. The extracellular matrix of P. brasiliensis and P. lutzii had a higher content of polysaccharides in their composition, followed by proteins and eDNA in smaller quantities. The P. brasiliensis biofilm kinetics of formation showed greater expression of genes related to glucan's synthesis and its delivery to the external environment in addition adhesins during the biofilm's adhesion, initiation, and maturation. The GEL3 and enolase genes increased in expression within 24 h and during the biofilm maturation period, there was an increase in 14-3-3, AGS1, and FKS1. Furthermore, at 144 h, there was a decrease in KRE6 expression and an increase in GEL3. This study highlights the potential for biofilm formation for three species of Paracoccidioides and the main components of the extracellular matrix that can contribute to a better understanding of biofilm organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lariane Teodoro Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Caroline Maria Marcos
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana Karla Lima Freire Cabral
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas-UFAM, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Kaila Petronila Medina-Alarcón
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Regina Helena Pires
- Laboratory of Mycology and Environmental Diagnosis, University of Franca, Franca, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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Baz A, Bakri A, Butcher M, Short B, Ghimire B, Gaur N, Jenkins T, Short RD, Riggio M, Williams C, Ramage G, Brown JL. Staphylococcus aureus strains exhibit heterogenous tolerance to direct cold atmospheric plasma therapy. Biofilm 2023; 5:100123. [PMID: 37138646 PMCID: PMC10149328 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The global clinical and socioeconomic impact of chronic wounds is substantial. The main difficulty that clinicians face during the treatment of chronic wounds is the risk of infection at the wound site. Infected wounds arise from an accumulation of microbial aggregates in the wound bed, leading to the formation of polymicrobial biofilms that can be largely resistant to antibiotic therapy. Therefore, it is essential for studies to identify novel therapeutics to alleviate biofilm infections. One innovative technique is the use of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) which has been shown to possess promising antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Here, different clinically relevant biofilm models will be treated with cold atmospheric plasma to assess its efficacy and killing effects. Biofilm viability was assessed using live dead qPCR, and morphological changes associated with CAP evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that CAP was effective against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both as mono-species biofilms and when grown in a triadic model system. CAP also significantly reduced viability in the nosocomial pathogen, Candida auris. Staphylococcus aureus Newman exhibited a level of tolerance to CAP therapy, both when grown alone or in the triadic model when grown alongside C. albicans and P. aeruginosa. However, this degree of tolerance exhibited by S. aureus was strain dependent. At a microscopic level, biofilm treatment led to subtle changes in morphology in the susceptible biofilms, with evidence of cellular deflation and shrinkage. Taken together, these results indicate a promising application of direct CAP therapy in combatting wound and skin-related biofilm infections, although biofilm composition may affect the treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Baz
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Bakri
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Butcher
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Bhagirath Ghimire
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Nishtha Gaur
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Jenkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. Short
- Department of Chemistry and Material Science Institute, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YB, United Kingdom
| | - Marcello Riggio
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Williams
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
- Microbiology Department, Lancaster Royal Infirmary, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L. Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author. Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ, UK.
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Singh P, Srivastava S, Malhotra R, Mathur P. Identification of Candida auris by PCR and assessment of biofilm formation by crystal violet assay. Indian J Med Microbiol 2023; 46:100421. [PMID: 37945115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2023.100421] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is a notorious pathogen capable of forming biofilms on devices as well as host tissues, often culminating in infections. We evaluated characteristics of infections and the methods to diagnose C. auris over a period of three years in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS Patients admitted between 2018 and 2020, who had candidemia due to C. auris were included in the study. Identification was performed using HiCrome™ Candida Differential Agar, Vitek 2 (BioMérieux, Inc., Marcy-l'Etoile, France) and MALDI-TOF, Vitek-MS. Identification was confirmed by detection of rDNA region covering part of 5.8S, entire of ITS2, and part of 28S by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Biofilm formation was assessed by crystal violet staining. RESULTS Presence of central line and broad spectrum antimicrobials were noted in all patients whereas total parenteral nutrition was given in 82.1% of these patients. Identification by Vitek2 v8.1 correlated with MALDI-TOF MS. PCR products of length 163 bp were obtained in all isolates as visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis. The biofilm quantity measured as A560 of the twenty-eight C. auris isolates ranged from 0.16 to 0.80 compared to C. albicans. CONCLUSIONS C. auris can be identified by PCR targeting specific rDNA region. Biofilm formation and quantification can be achieved by growing C. auris isolates in Mueller-Hinton broth over a duration of 48 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
| | | | - Rajesh Malhotra
- Department of Orthopaedics & Chief, Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
| | - Purva Mathur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Trauma Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.
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Amann V, Kissmann AK, Mildenberger V, Krebs I, Perez-Erviti JA, Martell-Huguet EM, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Morales-Vicente F, Rodríguez-Castaño GP, Firacative C, Rodríguez A, Ständker L, Weil T, Spellerberg B, Stenger S, Rosenau F. Cm-p5 Peptide Dimers Inhibit Biofilms of Candida albicans Clinical Isolates, C. parapsilosis and Fluconazole-Resistant Mutants of C. auris. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9788. [PMID: 37372935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising class of therapeutic biomolecules that show antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms, including life-threatening pathogens. In contrast to classic AMPs with membrane-disrupting activities, new peptides with a specific anti-biofilm effect are gaining in importance since biofilms could be the most important way of life, especially for pathogens, as the interaction with host tissues is crucial for the full development of their virulence in the event of infection. Therefore, in a previous study, two synthetic dimeric derivatives (parallel Dimer 1 and antiparallel Dimer 2) of the AMP Cm-p5 showed specific inhibition of the formation of Candida auris biofilms. Here we show that these derivatives are also dose-dependently effective against de novo biofilms that are formed by the widespread pathogenic yeasts C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. Moreover, the activity of the peptides was demonstrated even against two fluconazole-resistant strains of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Amann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Vanessa Mildenberger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Imke Krebs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Julio A Perez-Erviti
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Ernesto M Martell-Huguet
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anselmo J Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Fidel Morales-Vicente
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana 10600, Cuba
| | - Gina P Rodríguez-Castaño
- Vidarium Nutrition, Health and Wellness Research Center, Grupo Nutresa, Calle 8 sur #50-67, Medellín 050023, Colombia
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - Armando Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara Spellerberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1211. [PMID: 37317186 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is primarily caused by Candida albicans, is an infection that affects up to 75% of all reproductive-age women worldwide. Recurrent VVC (RVVC) is defined as >3 episodes per year and affects nearly 8% of women globally. At mucosal sites of the vagina, a delicate and complex balance exists between Candida spp., host immunity and local microbial communities. In fact, both immune response and microbiota composition play a central role in counteracting overgrowth of the fungus and maintaining homeostasis in the host. If this balance is perturbed, the conditions may favor C. albicans overgrowth and the yeast-to-hyphal transition, predisposing the host to VVC. To date, the factors that affect the equilibrium between Candida spp. and the host and drive the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity are not yet fully understood. Understanding the host- and fungus-related factors that drive VVC pathogenesis is of paramount importance for the development of adequate therapeutic interventions to combat this common genital infection. This review focuses on the latest advances in the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the onset of VVC and also discusses novel potential strategies, with a special focus on the use of probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation in the treatment and/or prevention of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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Delaney C, Short B, Rajendran R, Kean R, Burgess K, Williams C, Munro CA, Ramage G. An integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approach to investigate the heterogeneous Candida albicans biofilm phenotype. Biofilm 2023; 5:100112. [PMID: 36969800 PMCID: PMC10034394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most prevalent and notorious of the Candida species involved in bloodstream infections, which is characterised by its capacity to form robust biofilms. Biofilm formation is an important clinical entity shown to be highly variable among clinical isolates. There are various environmental and physiological factors, including nutrient availability which influence the phenotype of Candida species. However, mechanisms underpinning adaptive biofilm heterogeneity have not yet been fully explored. Within this study we have profiled previously characterised and phenotypically distinct C. albicans bloodstream isolates. We assessed the dynamic susceptibility of these differing populations to antifungal treatments using population analysis profiling in addition to assessing biofilm formation and morphological changes. High throughput methodologies of RNA-Seq and LC-MS were employed to map and integrate the transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming undertaken by heterogenous C. albicans isolates in response to biofilm and hyphal inducing serum. We found a significant relationship between biofilm heterogeneity and azole resistance (P < 0.05). In addition, we observed that in response to serum our low biofilm forming (LBF) C. albicans exhibited a significant increase in biofilm formation and hyphal elongation. The transcriptional reprogramming of LBF strains compared to high biofilm forming (HBF) was distinct, indicating a high level of plasticity and variation in stress responses by heterogenous strains. The metabolic responses, although variable between LBF and HBF, shared many of the same responses to serum. Notably, a high upregulation of the arachidonic acid cascade, part of the COX pathway, was observed and this pathway was found to induce biofilm formation in LBF 3-fold. C. albicans is a highly heterogenous bloodstream pathogen with clinical isolates varying in antifungal tolerance and biofilm formation. In addition to this, C. albicans is capable of highly complex and variable regulation of transcription and metabolic pathways and heterogeneity across isolates further increases the complexity of these pathways. Here we have shown with a dual and integrated approach, the importance of studying a diverse panel of C. albicans isolates, which has the potential to reveal distinct pathways that can harnessed for drug discovery.
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Kanchanapiboon J, Maiuthed A, Rukthong P, Thunyaharn S, Tuntoaw S, Poonsatha S, Santimaleeworagun W. Metabolomics profiling of culture medium reveals association of methionine and vitamin B metabolisms with virulent phenotypes of clinical bloodstream-isolated Candida albicans. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104009. [PMID: 36403754 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2022.104009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a predominant species causing candidemia in hospitalized patients. This study aimed to investigate the association of culture medium metabolomic profiles with biofilm formation and invasion properties of clinical bloodstream-isolated C. albicans. A total of twelve isolates and two reference strains were identified by virulent phenotypes. Their susceptibility was determined by the microdilution method, following EUCAST guidelines. Biofilm formation was evaluated with metabolic activity, morphology and agglutinin-like sequence 3 (ALS3) mRNA expression. Invasion into the vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells was determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and internalization assay. Their metabolomic profiles were assessed by high-resolution accurate-mass spectrometry (HRAMS). The results showed four different phenotypes of C. albicans: high-biofilm/invasive (50%), high-biofilm/non-invasive (7%), low-biofilm/invasive (36%) and low-biofilm/non-invasive (7%). The metabolomic profiles of the culture medium determined strong correlation of the virulent phenotypes and the alteration of metabolites in the methionine metabolism pathway, such as homocysteine, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and S-adenosylmethioninamine. Moreover, thiamine and biotin levels were significantly increased in Isolate03, representative of a high-biofilm/invasive phenotype. These results suggest that methionine and vitamin B metabolism pathways might be influenced by their virulent phenotypes and pathogenic traits. Therefore, their metabolism pathways might be a potential target for reducing virulence of C. albicans bloodstream infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamras Kanchanapiboon
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Arnatchai Maiuthed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Centre of Biopharmaceutical Science for Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Pattarawit Rukthong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakornnayok 26120, Thailand; Center for Excellence in Plant and Herbal Innovation Research, Strategic Wisdom and Research Institute, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakornnayok 26120, Thailand.
| | - Sudaluck Thunyaharn
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Nakhonratchasima College, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
| | - Sasiwan Tuntoaw
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Subhadhcha Poonsatha
- Medicinal Plant Research Institute, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.
| | - Wichai Santimaleeworagun
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand.
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Rodriguez A, Martell-Huguet EM, González-García M, Alpízar-Pedraza D, Alba A, Vazquez AA, Grieshober M, Spellerberg B, Stenger S, Münch J, Kissmann AK, Rosenau F, Wessjohann LA, Wiese S, Ständker L, Otero-Gonzalez AJ. Identification and Characterization of Three New Antimicrobial Peptides from the Marine Mollusk Nerita versicolor (Gmelin, 1791). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043852. [PMID: 36835264 PMCID: PMC9968088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mollusks have been widely investigated for antimicrobial peptides because their humoral defense against pathogens is mainly based on these small biomolecules. In this report, we describe the identification of three novel antimicrobial peptides from the marine mollusk Nerita versicolor. A pool of N. versicolor peptides was analyzed with nanoLC-ESI-MS-MS technology, and three potential antimicrobial peptides (Nv-p1, Nv-p2 and Nv-p3) were identified with bioinformatical predictions and selected for chemical synthesis and evaluation of their biological activity. Database searches showed that two of them show partial identity to histone H4 peptide fragments from other invertebrate species. Structural predictions revealed that they all adopt a random coil structure even when placed near a lipid bilayer patch. Nv-p1, Nv-p2 and Nv-p3 exhibited activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most active peptide was Nv-p3 with an inhibitory activity starting at 1.5 µg/mL in the radial diffusion assays. The peptides were ineffective against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. On the other hand, these peptides demonstrated effective antibiofilm action against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida auris but not against the planktonic cells. None of the peptides had significant toxicity on primary human macrophages and fetal lung fibroblasts at effective antimicrobial concentrations. Our results indicate that N. versicolor-derived peptides represent new AMP sequences and have the potential to be optimized and developed into antibiotic alternatives against bacterial and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Rodriguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ernesto M. Martell-Huguet
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 and I, La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Melaine González-García
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 and I, La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Daniel Alpízar-Pedraza
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (CIDEM), 26th Avenue, No. 1605, Nuevo Vedado, La Habana 10400, Cuba
| | - Annia Alba
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kouri”, Autopista Novia del Mediodía, La Habana 13600, Cuba
| | - Antonio A. Vazquez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kouri”, Autopista Novia del Mediodía, La Habana 13600, Cuba
| | - Mark Grieshober
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic of Ulm, TBC1 Forschung, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Barbara Spellerberg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic of Ulm, TBC1 Forschung, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Stenger
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic of Ulm, TBC1 Forschung, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger A. Wessjohann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sebastian Wiese
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (A.J.O.-G.); Tel.: +49-731-500-65171 (L.S.)
| | - Anselmo J. Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 and I, La Habana 10400, Cuba
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (A.J.O.-G.); Tel.: +49-731-500-65171 (L.S.)
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11
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The Candida glabrata Parent Strain Trap: How Phenotypic Diversity Affects Metabolic Fitness and Host Interactions. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0372422. [PMID: 36633405 PMCID: PMC9927409 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03724-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reference strains improve reproducibility by standardizing observations and methodology, which has ultimately led to important insights into fungal pathogenesis. However, recent investigations have highlighted significant genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity across isolates that influence genetic circuitry and virulence within a species. Candida glabrata is the second leading cause of candidiasis, a life-threatening infection, and undergoes extensive karyotype and phenotypic changes in response to stress. Much of the work conducted on this pathogen has focused on two sequenced strains, CBS138 (ATCC 2001) and BG2. Few studies have compared these strains in detail, but key differences include mating type and altered patterns of expression of EPA adhesins. In fact, most C. glabrata isolates and BG2 are MATa, while CBS138 is MATα. However, it is not known if other phenotypic differences between these strains play a role in our understanding of C. glabrata pathogenesis. Thus, we set out to characterize metabolic, cell wall, and host-interaction attributes for CBS138 and BG2. We found that BG2 utilized a broader range of nitrogen sources and had reduced cell wall size and carbohydrate exposure than CBS138, which we hypothesized results in differences in innate immune interactions and virulence. We observed that, although both strains were phagocytosed to a similar extent, BG2 replicated to higher numbers in macrophages and was more virulent during Galleria mellonella infection than CBS138 in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, deletion of SNF3, a major nutrient sensor, did not affect virulence in G. mellonella for BG2, but significantly enhanced larval killing in the CBS138 background compared to the parent strain. Understanding these fundamental differences in metabolism and host interactions will allow more robust conclusions to be drawn in future studies of C. glabrata pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Reference strains provide essential insights into the mechanisms underlying virulence in fungal pathogens. However, recent studies in Candida albicans and other species have revealed significant genotypic and phenotypic diversity within clinical isolates that are challenging paradigms regarding key virulence factors and their regulation. Candida glabrata is the second leading cause of candidiasis, and many studies use BG2 or CBS138 for their investigations. Therefore, we aimed to characterize important virulence-related phenotypes for both strains that might alter conclusions about C. glabrata pathogenesis. Our study provides context for metabolic and cell wall changes and how these may influence host interaction phenotypes. Understanding these differences is necessary to support robust conclusions about how virulence factors may function in these and other very different strain backgrounds.
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Reversal of Azole Resistance in Candida albicans by Human Neutrophil Peptide. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020513. [PMID: 36831048 PMCID: PMC9953362 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020513] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the spread of AIDS and the increase in immunocompromised patients, multi-drug-resistant fungal infections have become a serious concern among clinicians, predominantly in the developing world. Therefore, developing novel strategies and new drugs is essential to overcome drug resistance in fungal pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides of human origin have been investigated as a potential treatment against Candida infections. In this study, human neutrophil peptide (HNP) was tested for its antifungal activity alone and in combination with fluconazole (FLC) against azole-susceptible and resistant C. albicans isolates, following CLSI guidelines. Susceptibility and combination interactions were also confirmed by MUSE cell viability assay and isobolograms for synergistic combinations, respectively. The effect of HNP on biofilm inhibition was determined spectrophotometrically and microscopically. Drug susceptibility testing showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) ranging from 7.813 to 62.5 µg/mL and 15.625 to 250 µg/mL against all the tested C. albicans strains. The combination activity of FLC with HNP exhibited synergistic and additive interactions in 43% of each and indifferent interaction in 14%, and none of the combinations showed antagonistic interaction. Furthermore, HNB inhibited biofilm formation in all the tested C. albicans isolates. At the respective MICs, HNP exhibited inhibitory effects on the activity of the drug efflux pumps and their genes. These results warrant the application of HNP as a mono- or combination therapy with FLC to treat azole-resistant C. albicans.
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13
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Wang Y, Zhao X, Zhou Y, Lu J, Yu H, Li S. Establishment and application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled with nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor (LAMP-LFB) for visual and rapid diagnosis of Candida albicans in clinical samples. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1025083. [PMID: 36420441 PMCID: PMC9676452 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1025083] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that predominantly causes invasive candidiasis. Conventional methods for detecting Candida species are costly, take 3-5 days, and require skilled technicians. Rapid pathogen identification is important in managing invasive candidiasis infection. Here, a novel molecular diagnostic assay termed loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with nanoparticles-based lateral flow biosensor (LAMP-LFB) was developed for C. albicans rapid detection. A set of six primers was designed based on the C. albicans species-specific internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene. The C. albicans-LAMP results were visually reported by LFB within 2 min. Various fungal strains representing Candida species, as well as several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species, were used to determine the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The optimal LAMP conditions were 64 °C for 40 min, with a sensitivity of 1 fg of genomic DNA template from C. albicans pure cultures. No cross-reactions were obtained with non-albicans strains. Thus, the analytical specificity of the LAMP-LFB assay was 100%. The entire procedure could be completed within 85 min, including specimen processing (40 min), isothermal reaction (40 min), and result reporting (within 2 min). In 330 clinical samples (including 30 whole blood, 100 middle segment urine, and 200 sputum samples), all C. albicans-positive (62/330) samples were identified by LAMP-LFB assay, and the diagnostic accuracy was 100% when compared to the traditional clinical cultural-based methods. Thus, this assay can be used as a diagnostic tool for the rapid, accurate, sensitive, low-cost and specific detection of C. albicans strains, especially in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhou
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jingrun Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Honglan Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, China
| | - Shijun Li
- Laboratory of Bacterial Infectious Disease of Experimental Center, Guizhou Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, China
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14
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Pokhrel S, Boonmee N, Tulyaprawat O, Pharkjaksu S, Thaipisutikul I, Chairatana P, Ngamskulrungroj P, Mitrpant C. Assessment of Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans Strains Isolated from Hemocultures and Their Role in Pathogenesis in the Zebrafish Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101014. [PMID: 36294579 PMCID: PMC9605499 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogen, has the ability to form biofilms in the host or within medical devices in the body. Biofilms have been associated with disseminated/invasive disease with increased severity of infection by disrupting the host immune response and prolonging antifungal treatment. In this study, the in vivo virulence of three strains with different biofilm formation strengths, that is, non-, weak-, and strong biofilm formers, was evaluated using the zebrafish model. The survival assay and fungal tissue burden were measured. Biofilm-related gene expressions were also investigated. The survival of zebrafish, inoculated with strong biofilms forming C. albicans,, was significantly shorter than strains without biofilms forming C. albicans. However, there were no statistical differences in the burden of viable colonogenic cell number between the groups of the three strains tested. We observed that the stronger the biofilm formation, the higher up-regulation of biofilm-associated genes. The biofilm-forming strain (140 and 57), injected into zebrafish larvae, possessed a higher level of expression of genes associated with adhesion, attachment, filamentation, and cell proliferation, including eap1, als3, hwp1, bcr1, and mkc1 at 8 h. The results suggested that, despite the difference in genetic background, biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the pathogenesis of C. albicans. However, the association between biofilm formation strength and in vivo virulence is controversial and needs to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabi Pokhrel
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Nawarat Boonmee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Orawan Tulyaprawat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sujiraphong Pharkjaksu
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Iyarit Thaipisutikul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Phoom Chairatana
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Popchai Ngamskulrungroj
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Chalermchai Mitrpant
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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15
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Bouglita W, Rabhi S, Raich N, Bouabid C, Belghith C, Slimani O, Hkimi C, Ghedira K, Karess RE, Guizani-Tabbane L, Attia L, Rabhi I. Microbiological and molecular screening of Candida spp. isolated from genital tract of asymptomatic pregnant women. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 36126092 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Candida spp. may cause opportunistic infections called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is estimated to be the second most common cause of vaginitis worldwide.Gap Statement. Under various circumstances, VVC could compromise pregnancy outcomes. Emerging data suggests that VVC during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of complications and congenital cutaneous candidiasis.Aim. To assess the prevalence of Candida spp. in asymptomatic pregnant women and determine the susceptibility of the isolates to antifungal drugs.Methodology. In a prospective cohort, 65 high vaginal swab samples of consented pregnant women. Candida isolates were identified using both microbiological and molecular tools and drug susceptibilities were profiled.Results. The prevalence of VVC among our study participants was 37 %, 24 of the 65 asymptomatic pregnant women show Candida spp. colonization. C. albicans was the most common species 61 %, followed by C. glabrata 39 %. In addition, a significant fraction of the isolated colonies showed resistance to Fluconazole, with a ratio of 63 % for C. albicans isolates and 16 % for Candida glabrata isolates. Moreover, relative quantification of genes related to resistance to fluconazole, CDR1, ERG11 as well as HWP1, showed a significant change compared to controls.Conclusion. Monitoring of vaginal Candida colonization before the third trimester of pregnancy, that could reduce congenital Candida colonization and risk of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Bouglita
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie and Biomolecules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur -BP74, 1002 Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.,Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Sameh Rabhi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie and Biomolecules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Natacha Raich
- Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-750013 Paris, France
| | - Cyrine Bouabid
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie and Biomolecules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Université Tunis El-Manar, 13 Place Pasteur -BP74, 1002 Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Cyrine Belghith
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique A, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Slimani
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique A, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Chaima Hkimi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BioMathematics and Biostatistics (LR16IPT09), Pasteur Institute of Tunisia, University of Tunis, El Manar, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kais Ghedira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BioMathematics and Biostatistics (LR16IPT09), Pasteur Institute of Tunisia, University of Tunis, El Manar, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Roger E Karess
- Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-750013 Paris, France
| | - Lamia Guizani-Tabbane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie and Biomolecules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Leila Attia
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique A, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Imen Rabhi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie and Biomolecules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.,Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Manouba, Tunisia
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16
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Vahedi F, Ghasemi Y, Atapour A, Zomorodian K, Ranjbar M, Monabati A, Nezafat N, Savardashtaki A. B-Cell Epitope Mapping from Eight Antigens of Candida albicans to Design a Novel Diagnostic Kit: An Immunoinformatics Approach. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28:110. [PMID: 35669279 PMCID: PMC9136830 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10413-1] [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] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis is an emerging fungal infection and a leading cause of morbidity in health care facilities. Despite advances in antifungal therapy, increased antifungal drug resistance in Candida albicans has enhanced patient fatality. The most common method for Candida albicans diagnosing is blood culture, which has low sensitivity. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a valid diagnostic method. Our study aimed to use the bioinformatics approach to design a diagnostic kit for detecting Candida albicans with high sensitivity and specificity. Eight antigenic proteins of Candida albicans (HYR1, HWP1, ECE1, ALS, EAP1, SAP1, BGL2, and MET6) were selected. Next, a construct containing different immunodominant B-cell epitopes was derived from the antigens and connected using a suitable linker. Different properties of the final construct, such as physicochemical properties, were evaluated. Moreover, the designed construct underwent 3D modeling, reverse translation, and codon optimization. The results confirmed that the designed construct could identify Candida albicans with high sensitivity and specificity in serum samples of patients with invasive candidiasis. However, experimental studies are needed for final confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Vahedi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Atapour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Department of Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicines, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Monabati
- Department of Pathology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Savardashtaki
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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17
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Masfufatun M, Purbowati R, Arum NA, Yasinta MS, Sumarsih S, Baktir A. An intestinal Candida albicans model for monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms and effects of hydrolases and the Bgl2 ligand. Vet World 2022; 15:1134-1140. [PMID: 35698505 PMCID: PMC9178581 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.1134-1140] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Candida albicans is the most prevalent human fungal pathogen. In biofilms, C. albicans becomes more resistant to antifungal agents because of the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that protects the yeast cells. This study aimed to determine the effects of hydrolase enzymes and the Bgl2 ligand on monomicrobial and polymicrobial biofilms.
Materials and Methods: Biofilm induction in rats was carried out using streptomycin (25 mg/kg) and gentamicin (7.5 mg/kg) administered orally once per day for 5 days. Rats were injected subcutaneously with cortisone acetate (225 mg/kg) as an immunosuppressant on day 5. In addition, rats were orally administered C. albicans for the single microbial model and a combination of C. albicans with Escherichia coli for the polymicrobial model. Following the biofilm production, the groups were treated with glucosamine (8.57 mg/kg body weight) and Achatina fulica hydrolases (1.5 mL) orally for 2 weeks. The reduction of the biofilm was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were analyzed using a t-test, with a significance value of 95%.
Results: CLSM images revealed a strong association between C. albicans and E. coli in the polymicrobial biofilm. On the contrary, the combination treatment using glucosamine and A. fulica hydrolases reduced the ECM of the single microbial biofilm (53.58%). However, treatment effectiveness against the matrix (19.17%) was reduced in the polymicrobial model.
Conclusion: There is a strong association between C. albicans and E. coli in the formation of polymicrobial biofilms. The combination of glucosamine and the A. fulica enzyme can reduce the single microbial biofilm ECM; however, it is ineffective in the polymicrobial model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masfufatun Masfufatun
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Rini Purbowati
- Department of Biomedicine and Biomolecular, Faculty of Medicine, University of Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Nira A. Arum
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Mey S. Yasinta
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Sri Sumarsih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Afaf Baktir
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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18
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Alshanta OA, Albashaireh K, McKloud E, Delaney C, Kean R, McLean W, Ramage G. Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis biofilm frenemies: When the relationship sours. Biofilm 2022; 4:100072. [PMID: 35313556 PMCID: PMC8933684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2022.100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Om Alkhir Alshanta
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Khawlah Albashaireh
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily McKloud
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Delaney
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Kean
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William McLean
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Glasgow Endodontology and Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.
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19
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Amann V, Kissmann AK, Krämer M, Krebs I, Perez-Erviti JA, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Morales-Vicente F, Rodríguez A, Ständker L, Weil T, Rosenau F. Increased Activities against Biofilms of the Pathogenic Yeast Candida albicans of Optimized Pom-1 Derivatives. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020318. [PMID: 35214049 PMCID: PMC8877593 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an alternative group for the therapy of infectious diseases, with activity against a wide range of diverse pathogens. However, classical AMPs have significant side effects in human cells due to their unspecific pore formation in biomembranes. Nevertheless, AMPs are promising therapeutics and can be isolated from natural sources, which include sea and freshwater molluscs. The AMPs identified in these organisms show promising antimicrobial activities, as pathogens are mainly fought by innate defence mechanisms. An auspicious candidate among molluscs is the Cuban freshwater snail Pomacea poeyana, from which the peptides Pom-1 and Pom-2 have been isolated and studied. These studies revealed significant antimicrobial activities for both AMPs. Based on the activities determined, Pom-1 was used for further optimization. In order to meet the emerging requirements of improved anti-biofilm activity against naturally occurring Candida species, the six derivatives Pom-1A to F were developed and investigated. Analysis of the derivatives acting on the most abundant naturally occurring Candida yeast Candida albicans (C. albicans) revealed a strong anti-biofilm activity, especially induced by Pom-1 B, C, and D. Furthermore, a moderate decrease in the metabolic activity of planktonic yeast cells was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Amann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.A.); (A.-K.K.); (M.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.A.); (A.-K.K.); (M.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Markus Krämer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.A.); (A.-K.K.); (M.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Imke Krebs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.A.); (A.-K.K.); (M.K.); (I.K.)
| | - Julio A. Perez-Erviti
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba; (J.A.P.-E.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Anselmo J. Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Str. and I Str., La Habana 10400, Cuba; (J.A.P.-E.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Fidel Morales-Vicente
- General Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, La Habana 10400, Cuba;
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Armando Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Ulm Peptide Pharmaceuticals (U-PEP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.A.); (A.-K.K.); (M.K.); (I.K.)
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
- Correspondence:
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20
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Lactobacillus iners Cell-Free Supernatant Enhances Biofilm Formation and Hyphal/Pseudohyphal Growth by Candida albicans Vaginal Isolates. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122577. [PMID: 34946178 PMCID: PMC8706969 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus of the vaginal mucosa and the principal etiological agent of vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal dysbiosis has been reported during vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with a progressive decrease in Lactobacillus crispatus population and an increase in L. iners population. To date, the role of L. iners in VVC pathogenesis remains scarcely explored. Herein we investigated the in vitro effect of L. iners cell-free supernatant (CFS) on the ability of C. albicans to form biofilms. Biomass and metabolic activity were measured by crystal violet and XTT assays. Further, light microscopy was performed to determine the effect of L. iners CFS on biofilm cellular morphology. We found that L. iners CFS induced a significant increase in biofilm formation by C. albicans clinical isolates which were categorized as moderate or weak biofilm producers. This effect was associated with an enhancement of hyphal/pseudohyphal growth, and the expression levels of HWP1 and ECE1, which are typical hyphae-associated genes, were upregulated. Overall, these results suggest that L. iners contributes to the pathogenesis of VVC and highlight the complexity of the interaction between C. albicans and vaginal lactobacilli. Understanding these interactions could prove essential for the development of new strategies for treating VVC.
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21
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Short B, Delaney C, McKloud E, Brown JL, Kean R, Litherland GJ, Williams C, Martin SL, MacKay WG, Ramage G. Investigating the Transcriptome of Candida albicans in a Dual-Species Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:791523. [PMID: 34888261 PMCID: PMC8650683 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.791523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen found throughout multiple body sites and is frequently co-isolated from infections of the respiratory tract and oral cavity with Staphylococcus aureus. Herein we present the first report of the effects that S. aureus elicits on the C. albicans transcriptome. Dual-species biofilms containing S. aureus and C. albicans mutants defective in ALS3 or ECE1 were optimised and characterised, followed by transcriptional profiling of C. albicans by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Altered phenotypes in C. albicans mutants revealed specific interaction profiles between fungus and bacteria. The major adhesion and virulence proteins Als3 and Ece1, respectively, were found to have substantial effects on the Candida transcriptome in early and mature biofilms. Despite this, deletion of ECE1 did not adversely affect biofilm formation or the ability of S. aureus to interact with C. albicans hyphae. Upregulated genes in dual-species biofilms corresponded to multiple gene ontology terms, including those attributed to virulence, biofilm formation and protein binding such as ACE2 and multiple heat-shock protein genes. This shows that S. aureus pushes C. albicans towards a more virulent genotype, helping us to understand the driving forces behind the increased severity of C. albicans-S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn Short
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Delaney
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily McKloud
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L Brown
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Kean
- Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gary J Litherland
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Williams
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - S Lorraine Martin
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland
| | - William G MacKay
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Biofilms Research Network, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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22
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Khona DK, Roy S, Ghatak S, Huang K, Jagdale G, Baker LA, Sen CK. Ketoconazole resistant Candida albicans is sensitive to a wireless electroceutical wound care dressing. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 142:107921. [PMID: 34419917 PMCID: PMC8788813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Wireless electroceutical dressing (WED) fabric kills bacteria and disrupts bacterial biofilm. This work tested, comparing with standard of care topical antibiotic ketoconazole, whether the weak electric field generated by WED is effective to manage infection caused by ketoconazole-resistant yeast Candida albicans. WED inhibited Candida albicans biofilm formation and planktonic growth. Unlike ketoconazole, WED inhibited yeast to hyphal transition and downregulated EAP1 curbing cell attachment. In response to WED-dependent down-regulation of biofilm-forming BRG1 and ROB1, BCR1 expression was markedly induced in what seems to be a futile compensatory response. WED induced NRG1 and TUP1, negative regulators of filamentation; it down-regulated EFG1, a positive regulator of hyphal pathway. Consistent with the anti-hyphal properties of WED, the expression of ALS3 and HWP1 were diminished. Ketoconazole failed to reproduce the effects of WED on NRG1, TUP1 and EFG1. WED blunted efflux pump activity; this effect was in direct contrast to that of ketoconazole. WED exposure compromised cellular metabolism. In the presence of ketoconazole, the effect was synergistic. Unlike ketoconazole, WED caused membrane depolarization, changes in cell wall composition and loss of membrane integrity. This work presents first evidence that weak electric field is useful in managing pathogens which are otherwise known to be antibiotic resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dolly K Khona
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine & Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Sashwati Roy
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine & Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Subhadip Ghatak
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine & Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Kaixiang Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Gargi Jagdale
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Lane A Baker
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Chandan K Sen
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine & Engineering, Indiana University Health Comprehensive Wound Center, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States.
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23
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Cáceres ME, Ledesma MM, Lombarte Serrat A, Vay C, Sordelli DO, Giacomodonato MN, Buzzola FR. Growth conditions affect biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus producing mastitis: Contribution of MALDI-TOF-MS to strain characterization. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2021; 2:100073. [PMID: 34841363 PMCID: PMC8610354 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2021.100073] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
S. aureus native strains formed in vitro high biofilm in milk. Milk whey and free iron medium significantly decreased the biofilms of S. aureus. MALDI-TOF-MS was a useful tool to categorize different levels of biofilm formation.
Bovine mastitis is a disease of dairy cattle prevalent throughout the world that causes alterations in the quality and composition of milk, compromising technological performance. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens that produce clinical, subclinical, and chronic mastitis. Biofilms are considered a virulence factor necessary for the survival of S. aureus in the mammary gland. Its zoonotic potential is important not only for the dairy industry sector but also for public health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different growing culture conditions on the biofilm formation of S. aureus isolated from mastitis and to test the MALDI-TOF-MS's ability to discriminate among different biofilm formation levels. Fluids commonly found in the dairy environment were incorporated to approach the pathogen's behavior in natural surroundings. PIA production was also evaluated. All strains were able to form high biofilms in TSB, TSBg, and milk. Milk changed the behavior of some strains which formed more biofilms in this medium than in TSBg. The free iron medium CTSBg and milk whey inhibited the biofilm formation of the most strains. MALDI-TOF-MS performance was an excellent tool to discriminate between high, moderate, and low biofilm producers strains of S. aureus in each media, confirming the results of crystal violet assay. PIA production was variable among the strains and showed a media-dependent behavior. Our data highlights the importance of considering the growing conditions that mimic the natural ones to the study of biofilm formation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Emilia Cáceres
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Manuel Ledesma
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Andrea Lombarte Serrat
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Vay
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Oscar Sordelli
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Nancy Giacomodonato
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Roxana Buzzola
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Antimicrobial and Anticancer Application of Silver(I) Dipeptide Complexes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26216335. [PMID: 34770744 PMCID: PMC8587849 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216335] [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: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Three silver(I) dipeptide complexes [Ag(GlyGly)]n(NO3)n (AgGlyGly), [Ag2(GlyAla)(NO3)2]n (AgGlyAla) and [Ag2(HGlyAsp)(NO3)]n (AgGlyAsp) were prepared, investigated and characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (mid-IR), elemental and thermogravimetric analysis and mass spectrometry. For AgGlyGly, X-ray crystallography was also performed. Their stability in biological testing media was verified by time-dependent NMR measurements. Their in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, the influence of silver(I) dipeptide complexes on microbial film formation was described. Further, the cytotoxicity of the complexes against selected cancer cells (BLM, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, HCT116, MCF-7 and Jurkat) and fibroblasts (BJ-5ta) using a colorimetric MTS assay was tested, and the selectivity index (SI) was identified. The mechanism of action of Ag(I) dipeptide complexes was elucidated and discussed by the study in terms of their binding affinity toward the CT DNA, the ability to cleave the DNA and the ability to influence numbers of cells within each cell cycle phase. The new silver(I) dipeptide complexes are able to bind into DNA by noncovalent interaction, and the topoisomerase I inhibition study showed that the studied complexes inhibit its activity at a concentration of 15 μM.
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25
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Varahan S, Laxman S. Bend or break: how biochemically versatile molecules enable metabolic division of labor in clonal microbial communities. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab109. [PMID: 34849891 PMCID: PMC8633146 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In fluctuating nutrient environments, isogenic microbial cells transition into "multicellular" communities composed of phenotypically heterogeneous cells, showing functional specialization. In fungi (such as budding yeast), phenotypic heterogeneity is often described in the context of cells switching between different morphotypes (e.g., yeast to hyphae/pseudohyphae or white/opaque transitions in Candida albicans). However, more fundamental forms of metabolic heterogeneity are seen in clonal Saccharomyces cerevisiae communities growing in nutrient-limited conditions. Cells within such communities exhibit contrasting, specialized metabolic states, and are arranged in distinct, spatially organized groups. In this study, we explain how such an organization can stem from self-organizing biochemical reactions that depend on special metabolites. These metabolites exhibit plasticity in function, wherein the same metabolites are metabolized and utilized for distinct purposes by different cells. This in turn allows cell groups to function as specialized, interdependent cross-feeding systems which support distinct metabolic processes. Exemplifying a system where cells exhibit either gluconeogenic or glycolytic states, we highlight how available metabolites can drive favored biochemical pathways to produce new, limiting resources. These new resources can themselves be consumed or utilized distinctly by cells in different metabolic states. This thereby enables cell groups to sustain contrasting, even apparently impossible metabolic states with stable transcriptional and metabolic signatures for a given environment, and divide labor in order to increase community fitness or survival. We speculate on possible evolutionary implications of such metabolic specialization and division of labor in isogenic microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Varahan
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Sunil Laxman
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bengaluru 560065, India
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26
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de Barros PP, Rossoni RD, Garcia MT, Kaminski VDL, Loures FV, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Junqueira JC. The Anti-Biofilm Efficacy of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) In Vitro and a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:700305. [PMID: 34408988 PMCID: PMC8366685 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.700305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the main fungal species associated with the development of oral candidiasis. Currently, therapeutic options for these infections are limited by the adverse effects of antifungal drugs and by the emergence of drug resistant strains. Thus, the development of new antifungal agents is needed for the prevention and treatment of oral Candida infections. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural compound from propolis polyphenolic groups that exhibits many pharmacological properties. In this study, we investigated whether CAPE can have antifungal and immunomodulatory effects on oral candidiasis. Preliminary tests to assess the antifungal activity of CAPE were performed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay that demonstrated inhibition in a range from 16 to 32 μg/mL, confirming its antifungal activity on several C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity. Subsequently, we analyzed Candida spp biofilms formed in vitro, in which CAPE treatment at 5 x MIC caused a reduction of 68.5% in the total biomass and ~2.60 Log in the viable cell count (CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated biofilm (p<0.0001). Next, RNA was extracted from untreated and CAPE-treated biofilms and analyzed by real-time qPCR. A series of genes analyzed (ALS1, ECE1, EPA1, HWP1, YWP1, BCR1, BGR1, CPH1, EFG1, NDT80, ROB1, TEC1, UME6, SAP2, SAP5, PBL2, and LIP9) were downregulated by CAPE compared to the untreated control group (p<0.0001). In in vivo studies using Galleria mellonella, the treatment with CAPE prolonged survival of larvae infected by C. albicans by 44.5% (p < 0.05) and accompanied by a 2.07-fold increase in the number of hemocytes. Flow cytometry revealed the most prominent increases were in types P2 and P3 hemocytes, granular cells, which phagocytize pathogens. In addition, CAPE treatment decreased the fungal load in the hemolymph and stimulated the expression of antifungal peptide genes such as galiomicin and gallerimycin. The antifungal and immunomodulatory activities observed in G. mellonella were extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis, in which CAPE decreased the levels of C. albicans colonization (~2 log CFU/mL) in relation to the untreated control group. In addition, CAPE treatment significantly reduced pseudomembranous lesions, invasion of hyphae on epithelium surfaces, tissue damage and inflammatory infiltrate (p < 0.05). CAPE was also able to increase the expression of β-defensin 3 compared to the infected and untreated group by 3.91-fold (p < 0.0001). Taken together, these results show that CAPE has both antifungal and immunomodulatory effects, making it a promising natural antifungal agent for the treatment and prevention of candidiasis and shows impact to oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil.,Multicampi School of Medical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Caico, Brazil
| | - Rodnei Dennis Rossoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Maíra Terra Garcia
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Valéria de Lima Kaminski
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Loures
- Applied Immunology Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
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27
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Ottaviano E, Baron G, Fumagalli L, Leite J, Colombo EA, Artasensi A, Aldini G, Borghi E. Candida albicans Biofilm Inhibition by Two Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) Urinary Metabolites: 5-(3',4'-DihydroxyPhenyl)-γ-Valerolactone and 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071492. [PMID: 34361928 PMCID: PMC8307188 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071492] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. are pathobionts, as they can switch from commensals to pathogens, responsible for a variety of pathological processes. Adhesion to surfaces, morphological switch and biofilm-forming ability are the recognized virulence factors promoting yeast virulence. Sessile lifestyle also favors fungal persistence and antifungal tolerance. In this study, we investigated, in vitro, the efficacy of two urinary cranberry metabolites, 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxy phenyl)-γ-valerolactone (VAL) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), in inhibiting C. albicans adhesion and biofilm formation. Both the reference strain SC5314 and clinical isolates were used. We evaluated biomass reduction, by confocal microscopy and crystal violet assay, and the possible mechanisms mediating their inhibitory effects. Both VAL and 4-HBA were able to interfere with the yeast adhesion, by modulating the expression of key genes, HWP1 and ALS3. A significant dose-dependent reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity was also recorded. Our data showed that the two cranberry metabolites VAL and 4-HBA could pave the way for drug development, for targeting the very early phases of biofilm formation and for preventing genitourinary Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerenziana Ottaviano
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.O.); (E.A.C.)
| | - Giovanna Baron
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.L.); (A.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Laura Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.L.); (A.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Jessica Leite
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.L.); (A.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Elisa Adele Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.O.); (E.A.C.)
| | - Angelica Artasensi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.L.); (A.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.B.); (L.F.); (J.L.); (A.A.); (G.A.)
| | - Elisa Borghi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy; (E.O.); (E.A.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-50323287
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28
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Liu C, Xu C, Du Y, Liu J, Ning Y. Role of agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (Als3) in the structure and antifungal resistance of Candida albicans biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2021; 368:6316779. [PMID: 34232317 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnab089] [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: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Agglutinin-like sequence protein 3 (Als3) is a cell surface glycoprotein of Candida albicans that plays essential roles in the processes of adherence and biofilm formation in vitro. In this study, we focused on the contribution of Als3 to the structure and drug susceptibility of biofilms. The C. albicans wild-type (WT) strain DAY185, the als3Δ/Δ null strain and the als3Δ/Δ + pALS3 complemented strain were used. Colony-forming unit enumeration, crystal violet and cell surface hydrophobicity assays, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy coupled with analyses using COMSTAT software were performed to evaluate the biomass and architecture of the biofilms. The detailed architectural analysis showed a significant variation in the biofilm parameters of the als3Δ/Δ biofilms compared with those of the WT biofilms. Fluconazole, miconazole and amphotericin B were selected as the antifungal agents for the antimycotic susceptibility test, and increased susceptibility was found with the ALS3 deletion biofilms. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed downregulation of biofilm formation-related genes (ALS1, EFG1, HWP1 and CSH1) and drug resistance-related genes (ERG11, CDR1, CDR2 and MDR1) in the als3Δ/Δ biofilms. We concluded that Als3 contributes to biofilm formation by changing the biofilm architecture and is involved in the antifungal resistance of C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Yu Du
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Yang Ning
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuanxi Road, Guangzhou 510055, China
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Deng K, Jiang W, Jiang Y, Deng Q, Cao J, Yang W, Zhao X. ALS3 Expression as an Indicator for Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:655242. [PMID: 33995316 PMCID: PMC8117015 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.655242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance caused by the formation of the Candida albicans (C. albicans) biofilm is one of the main reasons for antifungal therapy failure. Thus, it is important to find indicators that predict C. albicans biofilm formation to provide evidence for the early prevention and treatment of the C. albicans biofilms. In this study, C. albicans samples were selected from C. albicans septicemia that were sensitive to common antifungal agents. It was found that the agglutinin-like sequence 3 (ALS3) gene was differentially expressed in free, antifungal, drug-sensitive C. albicans. The average ALS3 gene expression was higher in the C. albicans strains with biofilm formation than that in the C. albicans strains without biofilm formation. Then, it was further confirmed that the rate of biofilm formation was higher in the high ALS3 gene expression group than that in the low ALS3 gene expression group. It was found that C. albicans with biofilm formation was more resistant to fluconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole. However, it maintained its sensitivity to caspofungin and micafungin in vitro and in mice. Further experiments regarding the prevention of C. albicans biofilm formation were performed in mice, in which only caspofungin and micafungin prevented C. albicans biofilm formation. These results suggest that the expression level of ALS3 in C. albicans may be used as an indicator to determine whether C. albicans will form biofilms. The results also show that the biofilm formation of C. albicans remained sensitive to caspofungin and micafungin, which may help to guide the selection of clinical antifungal agents for prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke Deng
- Department of Respiratory, Tianjin Third Central Hospital Branch, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Deng
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinzhong Cao
- Department of Respiratory, Tianjin Third Central Hospital Branch, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuequn Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Raber HF, Sejfijaj J, Kissmann AK, Wittgens A, Gonzalez-Garcia M, Alba A, Vázquez AA, Morales Vicente FE, Erviti JP, Kubiczek D, Otero-González A, Rodríguez A, Ständker L, Rosenau F. Antimicrobial Peptides Pom-1 and Pom-2 from Pomacea poeyana Are Active against Candidaauris, C. parapsilosis and C. albicans Biofilms. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040496. [PMID: 33924039 PMCID: PMC8072573 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently two peptides isolated from the Cuban freshwater snail Pomacea poeyana (Pilsbry, 1927) were described to have antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens. Here we show considerable activities of Pom-1 and Pom-2 to reduce the viability of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and the less common species C. auris measured as the decrease of metabolic activity in the resazurin reduction assay for planktonic cells. Although these activities were low, Pom-1 and Pom-2 turned out to be highly potent inhibitors of biofilm formation for the three Candida species tested. Whereas Pom-1 was slightly more active against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis as representatives of the more common Candida species Pom-2 showed no preference and was fully active also against biofilms of the more uncommon species C. auris. Pom-1 and Pom-2 may represent promising lead structures for the development of a classical peptide optimization strategy with the realistic aim to further increase antibiofilm properties and other pharmacologic parameters and to generate finally the first antifungal drug with a pronounced dedication against Candida biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinz Fabian Raber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
| | - Jetmira Sejfijaj
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
| | - Andreas Wittgens
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
| | - Melaine Gonzalez-Garcia
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street, Havana 10400, Cuba; (M.G.-G.); (J.P.E.); (A.O.-G.)
| | - Annia Alba
- Pedro Kourí Institute for Tropical Medicine, Havana 13600, Cuba; (A.A.); (A.A.V.)
| | - Antonio A. Vázquez
- Pedro Kourí Institute for Tropical Medicine, Havana 13600, Cuba; (A.A.); (A.A.V.)
| | - Fidel E. Morales Vicente
- General Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Havana, Zapata y G, Havana 10400, Cuba;
- Synthetic Peptides Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 6162, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Julio Pérez Erviti
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street, Havana 10400, Cuba; (M.G.-G.); (J.P.E.); (A.O.-G.)
| | - Dennis Kubiczek
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
| | - Anselmo Otero-González
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 Street, Havana 10400, Cuba; (M.G.-G.); (J.P.E.); (A.O.-G.)
| | - Armando Rodríguez
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (H.F.R.); (J.S.); (A.-K.K.); (A.W.); (D.K.)
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Chen YC, Chen FJ, Lee CH. Effect of antifungal agents, lysozyme and human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 on clinical Candida isolates with high biofilm production. J Med Microbiol 2021; 70. [PMID: 33252326 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001283] [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: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Candida species can form biofilms on tissues and medical devices, making them less susceptible to antifungal agents.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Antifungal combination may be an effective strategy to fight against Candida biofilm.Aim. In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity of fluconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B, alone and in combination, against 17 clinical Candida tropicalis and 6 Candida parapsilosis isolates with high biofilm formation. We also tested LL-37 and lysozyme for anti-biofilm activity against a selected C. tropicalis isolate.Methodology. Candida biofilms were prepared using the 96-well plate-based method. The minimum biofilm eradication concentrations were determined for single and combined antifungal drugs. The activity of LL-37 and lysozyme was determined by visual reading for planktonic cells and using the XTT assay for biofilms.Results. Under biofilm conditions, fluconazole plus caspofungin showed synergistic effects against 60.9% (14 of 23) of the tested isolates, including 70.6% of C. tropicalis [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), 0.26-1.03] and 33.3% of C. parapsilosis (FICI, 0.04-2.03) isolates. Using this combination, no antagonism was observed. Amphotericin B plus caspofungin showed no effects against 78.3% (18 of 23) of the tested isolates. Amphotericin B plus fluconazole showed no effects against 65.2% (15 of 23) of the tested isolates and may have led to antagonism against 2 C. tropicalis and 2 C. parapsilosis isolates. LL-37 and lysozyme had no effect on biofilms of the selected C. tropicalis isolate.Conclusions. We found that fluconazole plus caspofungin led to a synergistic effect against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis biofilms. The efficacy of the antifungal combination therapies of the proposed schemes against biofilm-associated Candida infections requires careful and constant evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung District, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fang-Ju Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung District, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chen-Hsiang Lee
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung District, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, ROC.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung District, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan, ROC
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Azole-triphenylphosphonium conjugates combat antifungal resistance and alleviate the development of drug-resistance. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104771. [PMID: 33714761 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Azole antifungals are commonly used to treat fungal infections but have resulted in the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, developing azole derivatives (AZDs) that can both combat established drug-resistant fungal strains and evade drug resistance is of great importance. In this study, we synthesized a series of AZDs with a fluconazole (FLC) skeleton conjugated with a mitochondria-targeting triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+). These AZDs displayed potent activity against both azole-sensitive and azole-resistant Candida strains without eliciting obvious resistance. Moreover, two representative AZDs, 20 and 25, exerted synergistic antifungal activity with Hsp90 inhibitors against C. albicans strains resistant to the combination treatment of FLC and Hsp90 inhibitors. AZD 25, which had minimal cytotoxicity, was effective in preventing C. albicans biofilm formation. Mechanistic investigation revealed that AZD 25 inhibited the biosynthesis of the fungal membrane component ergosterol and interfered with mitochondrial function. Our findings provide an alternative approach to address fungal resistance problems.
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Ponde NO, Lortal L, Ramage G, Naglik JR, Richardson JP. Candida albicans biofilms and polymicrobial interactions. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:91-111. [PMID: 33482069 PMCID: PMC7903066 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2020.1843400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a common fungus of the human microbiota. While generally a harmless commensal in healthy individuals, several factors can lead to its overgrowth and cause a range of complications within the host, from localized superficial infections to systemic life-threatening disseminated candidiasis. A major virulence factor of C. albicans is its ability to form biofilms, a closely packed community of cells that can grow on both abiotic and biotic substrates, including implanted medical devices and mucosal surfaces. These biofilms are extremely hard to eradicate, are resistant to conventional antifungal treatment and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, making biofilm-associated infections a major clinical challenge. Here, we review the current knowledge of the processes involved in C. albicans biofilm formation and development, including the central processes of adhesion, extracellular matrix production and the transcriptional network that regulates biofilm development. We also consider the advantages of the biofilm lifestyle and explore polymicrobial interactions within multispecies biofilms that are formed by C. albicans and selected microbial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole O. Ponde
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Léa Lortal
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, Glasgow Dental School and Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, G2 3JZ, United Kingdom
| | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P. Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, SE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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Kim JH, Cheng LW, Chan KL, Tam CC, Mahoney N, Friedman M, Shilman MM, Land KM. Antifungal Drug Repurposing. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110812. [PMID: 33203147 PMCID: PMC7697925 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of fungal pathogens is increasingly problematic due to the limited number of effective drugs available for antifungal therapy. Conventional antifungal drugs could also trigger human cytotoxicity associated with the kidneys and liver, including the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, increased incidences of fungal resistance to the classes of azoles, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or posaconazole, or echinocandins, including caspofungin, anidulafungin, or micafungin, have been documented. Of note, certain azole fungicides such as propiconazole or tebuconazole that are applied to agricultural fields have the same mechanism of antifungal action as clinical azole drugs. Such long-term application of azole fungicides to crop fields provides environmental selection pressure for the emergence of pan-azole-resistant fungal strains such as Aspergillus fumigatus having TR34/L98H mutations, specifically, a 34 bp insertion into the cytochrome P450 51A (CYP51A) gene promoter region and a leucine-to-histidine substitution at codon 98 of CYP51A. Altogether, the emerging resistance of pathogens to currently available antifungal drugs and insufficiency in the discovery of new therapeutics engender the urgent need for the development of new antifungals and/or alternative therapies for effective control of fungal pathogens. We discuss the current needs for the discovery of new clinical antifungal drugs and the recent drug repurposing endeavors as alternative methods for fungal pathogen control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong H. Kim
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-510-559-5841
| | - Luisa W. Cheng
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Kathleen L. Chan
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Christina C. Tam
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Noreen Mahoney
- Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA; (L.W.C.); (K.L.C.); (C.C.T.); (N.M.)
| | - Mendel Friedman
- Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit, Western Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Albany, CA 94710, USA;
| | | | - Kirkwood M. Land
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA 95211, USA;
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Antibiofilm Activity on Candida albicans and Mechanism of Action on Biomembrane Models of the Antimicrobial Peptide Ctn[15-34]. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218339. [PMID: 33172206 PMCID: PMC7664368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ctn[15–34], the C-terminal fragment of crotalicidin, an antimicrobial peptide from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, displays remarkable anti-infective and anti-proliferative activities. Herein, its activity on Candida albicans biofilms and its interaction with the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell and with a biomembrane model in vitro was investigated. A standard C. albicans strain and a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate were exposed to the peptide at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10 µM) and up to 100 × MIC to inhibit biofilm formation and its eradication. A viability test using XTT and fluorescent dyes, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the antibiofilm effect. To evaluate the importance of membrane composition on Ctn[15–34] activity, C. albicans protoplasts were also tested. Fluorescence assays using di-8-ANEPPS, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements using liposomes, protoplasts, and C. albicans cells indicated a direct mechanism of action that was dependent on membrane interaction and disruption. Overall, Ctn[15–34] showed to be an effective antifungal peptide, displaying antibiofilm activity and, importantly, interacting with and disrupting fungal plasma membrane.
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Abirami G, Alexpandi R, Durgadevi R, Kannappan A, Veera Ravi A. Inhibitory Effect of Morin Against Candida albicans Pathogenicity and Virulence Factor Production: An in vitro and in vivo Approaches. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:561298. [PMID: 33193145 PMCID: PMC7644646 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.561298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is considered an exclusive etiologic agent of candidiasis, a very common fungal infection in human. The expression of virulence factors contributes highly to the pathogenicity of C. albicans. These factors include biofilm formation, yeast-to-hyphal transition, adhesins, aspartyl proteases, and phospholipases secretion. Moreover, resistance development is a critical issue for the therapeutic failure of antifungal agents against systemic candidiasis. To circumvent resistance development, the present study investigated the virulence targeted therapeutic activity of the phyto-bioactive compound morin against C. albicans. Morin is a natural compound commonly found in medicinal plants and widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic products/industries. The present study explicated the significant inhibitory potential of morin against biofilm formation and other virulence factors' production, such as yeast-hyphal formation, phospholipase, and exopolymeric substances, in C. albicans. Further, qPCR analysis confirmed the downregulation of biofilm and virlence-related genes in C. albicans upon morin treatment, which is in correspondence with the in vitro bioassays. Further, the docking analysis revealed that morin shows strong affinity with Hwp-1 protein, which regulates the expression of biofilm and hyphal formation in C. albicans and, thereby, abolishes fungal pathogenicity. Moreover, the anti-infective potential of morin against C. albicans-associated systemic candidiasis is confirmed through an in vivo approach using biomedical model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio). The outcomes of the in vivo study demonstrate that the morin treatment effectively rescues animals from C. albicans infections and extends their survival rate by inhibiting the internal colonization of C. albicans. Histopathology analysis revealed extensive candidiasis-related pathognomonic changes in the gills, intestine, and kidney of animals infected with C. albicans, while no extensive abnormalities were observed in morin-treated animals. The results evidenced that morin has the ability to protect against the pathognomonic effect and histopathological lesions caused by C. albicans infection in zebrafish. Thus, the present study suggests that the utilization of morin could act as a potent therapeutic medication for C. albicans instigated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurusamy Abirami
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Rajaiah Alexpandi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Ravindran Durgadevi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
| | - Arunachalam Kannappan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Arumugam Veera Ravi
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India
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Lee CH, Chen YC, Chen IL, Chen FJ, Chien CC. Impact of biofilm production by Candida species and antifungal therapy on mortality of patients with candidemia. Mycoses 2020; 63:1382-1391. [PMID: 32910518 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Few studies have investigated the clinical outcomes of patients with candidemia caused by Candida species with different levels of biofilm formation. We aimed to investigate the impact of antifungal therapy on the outcome of candidemia caused by Candida species that were categorised as low biofilm formers (LBFs), moderate biofilm formers (MBFs), and high biofilm formers (HBFs). METHODS Adults with candidemia caused by LBF and HBF/MBF Candida species that were susceptible to fluconazole and caspofungin were included to investigate the impact of treatment with fluconazole vs an echinocandin on 30-day crude mortality. RESULTS In total, 215 patients with candidemia received fluconazole and 116 patients received an echinocandin. In multivariate analysis, Pittsburgh bacteremia score ≥ 4 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-4.41), malignancy (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI, 1.83-6.51), not removing the central venous catheter within 48 hours of a positive blood culture (AOR = 4.69; 95% CI, 2.61-8.45), and treatment with fluconazole for candidemia due to HBF/MBF Candida spp. (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.22-4.06) were independent factors associated with 30-day mortality. Of the 165 patients infected by HBF/MBF Candida isolates, those who received azole therapy had a significantly higher sepsis-related mortality rate than those who received echinocandin therapy (44.9% [49/109] vs 26.8% [15/56], P = .03). CONCLUSIONS There was a trend of an independent association between fluconazole treatment and poor outcomes in the patients infected by HBF/MBF Candida strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hsiang Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - I-Ling Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Ju Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chih Chien
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Ganeshkumar A, Nagarajan P, Mahalingam P, Balasubramanian S, Archunan PA, Govindaraju A, Rajaram R. Antifungal susceptibility and virulence profile of candida isolates from abnormal vaginal discharge of women from southern India. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 254:153-158. [PMID: 32971434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vaginal candidiasis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection, largely associated with a woman's psychological and economic status. Recently, the rate of disease progression has increased extensively; however, region-specific studies are very limited. This study aimed to understand variation in hydrolytic activities and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates from vaginal discharge. STUDY DESIGN The present study was aimed to understand the variation of hydrolytic activities and antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates from vaginal discharge. RESULTS In total, 34 different Candida isolates were collected: C. albicans (n = 17; 50 %), C. glabrata (n = 6; 17.64 %), C. tropicalis (n = 4; 11.76 %) and C. parapsilosis (n = 7; 20.58 %). All isolates were primarily identified and confirmed by basic microbiological methods followed by the VITEK-2 system. Antifungal susceptibility of the isolates were evaluated using yeast antifungal susceptibility testing cards. The isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis were 100 % susceptible to amphotericin B. The non-albicans isolates presented 100 % of proteolytic and lipolytic activity compared with C. albicans. Eight (47.06 %) C. albicans isolates showed positive esterase activity (Pz<1), whereas nine (52.94 %) were negative to esterase (Pz = 1). Of the 34 Candida isolates, 28 (82.35 %) were found to be moderate-to-strong biofilm producers: 14 C. albicans, three C. glabrata, six C. parapsilosis and five C. tropicalis. CONCLUSION This study clarified the antifungal susceptibility and virulence behaviour of Candida isolates; this will be of use in the selection of antifungal agents for Candida prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Ganeshkumar
- DNA Barcoding and Marine Genomics Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India; Department of Microbiology, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Prabhusaran Nagarajan
- Department of Microbiology, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Pramila Mahalingam
- Department of Microbiology, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tiruchirapalli, India; Department of Biotechnology, Nehru Memorial College, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Saranya Balasubramanian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | | | - Archunan Govindaraju
- Centre for Pheromone Technology, Department of Animal Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India
| | - Rajendran Rajaram
- DNA Barcoding and Marine Genomics Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli, India.
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Arias LS, Butcher MC, Short B, McKloud E, Delaney C, Kean R, Monteiro DR, Williams C, Ramage G, Brown JL. Chitosan Ameliorates Candida auris Virulence in a Galleria mellonella Infection Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e00476-20. [PMID: 32482674 PMCID: PMC7526850 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00476-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen over the last decade. Outbreaks of the organism in health care facilities have resulted in life-threatening invasive candidiasis in over 40 countries worldwide. Resistance by C. auris to conventional antifungal drugs such as fluconazole and amphotericin B means that alternative therapeutics must be explored. As such, this study served to investigate the efficacy of a naturally derived polysaccharide called chitosan against aggregative (Agg) and nonaggregative (non-Agg) isolates of C. aurisin vitro and in vivo. In vitro results indicated that chitosan was effective against planktonic and sessile forms of Agg and non-Agg C. auris In a Galleria mellonella model to assess C. auris virulence, chitosan treatment was shown to ameliorate killing effects of both C. auris phenotypes (NCPF 8973 and NCPF 8978, respectively) in vivo Specifically, chitosan reduced the fungal load and increased survival rates of infected Galleria, while treatment alone was nontoxic to the larvae. Finally, chitosan treatment appeared to induce a stress-like gene expression response in NCPF 8973 in the larvae likely arising from a protective response by the organism to resist antifungal activity of the compound. Taken together, results from this study demonstrate that naturally derived compounds such as chitosan may be useful alternatives to conventional antifungals against C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís Salomão Arias
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark C Butcher
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn Short
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emily McKloud
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Delaney
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Kean
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Roberto Monteiro
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, São Paulo, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE), Prudente/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Craig Williams
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Ramage
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L Brown
- Oral Sciences Research Group, Glasgow Dental School, School of Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Glasgow Biofilm Research Network, Glasgow Dental School, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Dos Santos JD, Fugisaki LRDO, Medina RP, Scorzoni L, Alves MDS, de Barros PP, Ribeiro FC, Fuchs BB, Mylonakis E, Silva DHS, Junqueira JC. Streptococcus mutans Secreted Products Inhibit Candida albicans Induced Oral Candidiasis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1605. [PMID: 32760375 PMCID: PMC7374982 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the oral cavity, Candida species form mixed biofilms with Streptococcus mutans, a pathogenic bacterium that can secrete quorum sensing molecules with antifungal activity. In this study, we extracted and fractioned culture filtrate of S. mutans, seeking antifungal agents capable of inhibiting the biofilms, filamentation, and candidiasis by Candida albicans. Active S. mutans UA159 supernatant filtrate components were extracted via liquid-liquid partition and fractionated on a C-18 silica column to resolve S. mutans fraction 1 (SM-F1) and fraction 2 (SM-F2). We found anti-biofilm activity for both SM-F1 and SM-F2 in a dose dependent manner and fungal growth was reduced by 2.59 and 5.98 log for SM-F1 and SM-F2, respectively. The SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions were also capable of reducing C. albicans filamentation, however statistically significant differences were only observed for the SM-F2 (p = 0.004). SM-F2 efficacy to inhibit C. albicans was confirmed by its capacity to downregulate filamentation genes CPH1, EFG1, HWP1, and UME6. Using Galleria mellonella as an invertebrate infection model, therapeutic treatment with SM-F2 prolonged larvae survival. Examination of the antifungal capacity was extended to a murine model of oral candidiasis that exhibited a reduction in C. albicans colonization (CFU/mL) in the oral cavity when treated with SM-F1 (2.46 log) and SM-F2 (2.34 log) compared to the control (3.25 log). Although both SM-F1 and SM-F2 fractions decreased candidiasis in mice, only SM-F2 exhibited significant quantitative differences compared to the non-treated group for macroscopic lesions, hyphae invasion, tissue lesions, and inflammatory infiltrate. Taken together, these results indicate that the SM-F2 fraction contains antifungal components, providing a promising resource in the discovery of new inhibitors for oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Diane Dos Santos
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Luciana Ruano de Oliveira Fugisaki
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Previate Medina
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Sá Alves
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pimentel de Barros
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Felipe Camargo Ribeiro
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dulce Helena Siqueira Silva
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos, Brazil
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Derivates of the Antifungal Peptide Cm-p5 Inhibit Development of Candida auris Biofilms In Vitro. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9070363. [PMID: 32605024 PMCID: PMC7400495 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9070363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth in biofilms as a fascinating and complex microbial lifestyle has become widely accepted as one of the key features of pathogenic microbes, to successfully express their full virulence potential and environmental persistence. This also increases the threat posed by Candida auris, which has a high intrinsic ability to persist on abiotic surfaces including those of surgical instruments and medical tubing. In a previous study, cyclic and helical-stabilized analogues of the antifungal peptide Cm-p5 were designed and synthetized, and proved to have increased activities against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, but not against planktonic C. auris cells cultivated in suspension cultures. Here, we demonstrate, initially, that these derivatives, however, exhibited semi-inhibitory concentrations between 10-21 µg/mL toward C. auris biofilms. Maturated biofilms were also arrested between 71-97%. These novel biofilm inhibitors may open urgently needed new routes for the development of novel drugs and treatments for the next stage of fight against C. auris.
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Purkait S, Bhattacharya A, Bag A, Chattopadhyay R. Evaluation of antibiofilm efficacy of essential oil components β‐caryophyllene, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol alone and in combination against biofilm formation and preformed biofilms of
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Salmonella typhimurium. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 71:195-202. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Purkait
- Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata India
| | - A. Bhattacharya
- Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata India
| | - A. Bag
- Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata India
| | - R.R. Chattopadhyay
- Agricultural and Ecological Research Unit Indian Statistical Institute Kolkata India
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Bartnicka D, Gonzalez-Gonzalez M, Sykut J, Koziel J, Ciaston I, Adamowicz K, Bras G, Zawrotniak M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Satala D, Kozik A, Zyla E, Gawron K, Lazarz-Bartyzel K, Chomyszyn-Gajewska M, Rapala-Kozik M. Candida albicans Shields the Periodontal Killer Porphyromonas gingivalis from Recognition by the Host Immune System and Supports the Bacterial Infection of Gingival Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061984. [PMID: 32183255 PMCID: PMC7139284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a pathogenic fungus capable of switching its morphology between yeast-like cells and filamentous hyphae and can associate with bacteria to form mixed biofilms resistant to antibiotics. In these structures, the fungal milieu can play a protective function for bacteria as has recently been reported for C. albicans and a periodontal pathogen-Porphyromonas gingivalis. Our current study aimed to determine how this type of mutual microbe protection within the mixed biofilm affects the contacting host cells. To analyze C. albicans and P. gingivalis persistence and host infection, several models for host-biofilm interactions were developed, including microbial exposure to a representative monocyte cell line (THP1) and gingival fibroblasts isolated from periodontitis patients. For in vivo experiments, a mouse subcutaneous chamber model was utilized. The persistence of P. gingivalis cells was observed within mixed biofilm with C. albicans. This microbial co-existence influenced host immunity by attenuating macrophage and fibroblast responses. Cytokine and chemokine production decreased compared to pure bacterial infection. The fibroblasts isolated from patients with severe periodontitis were less susceptible to fungal colonization, indicating a modulation of the host environment by the dominating bacterial infection. The results obtained for the mouse model in which a sequential infection was initiated by the fungus showed that this host colonization induced a milder inflammation, leading to a significant reduction in mouse mortality. Moreover, high bacterial counts in animal organisms were noted on a longer time scale in the presence of C. albicans, suggesting the chronic nature of the dual-species infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Bartnicka
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Miriam Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Joanna Sykut
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Joanna Koziel
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.K.); (I.C.); (K.A.)
| | - Izabela Ciaston
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.K.); (I.C.); (K.A.)
| | - Karina Adamowicz
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.K.); (I.C.); (K.A.)
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
| | - Dorota Satala
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Edyta Zyla
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Gawron
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Lazarz-Bartyzel
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 31-155 Krakow, Poland; (K.L.-B.); (M.C.-G.)
| | - Maria Chomyszyn-Gajewska
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, 31-155 Krakow, Poland; (K.L.-B.); (M.C.-G.)
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (D.B.); (M.G.-G.); (J.S.); (G.B.); (M.Z.); (J.K.-K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-664-65-27
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Larva of greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is a suitable alternative host for the fish pathogen Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:8. [PMID: 31918661 PMCID: PMC6953311 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-1695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis (Fno) is the etiological agent of francisellosis in cultured warm water fish, such as tilapia. Antibiotics are administered to treat the disease but a better understanding of Fno infection biology will inform improved treatment and prevention measures. However, studies with native hosts are costly and considerable benefits would derive from access to a practical alternative host. Here, larvae of Galleria mellonella were assessed for suitability to study Fno virulence. Results Larvae were killed by Fno in a dose-dependent manner but the insects could be rescued from lethal doses of bacteria by antibiotic therapy. Infection progression was assessed by histopathology (haematoxylin and eosin staining, Gram Twort and immunohistochemistry) and enumeration of bacteria recovered from the larval haemolymph on selective agar. Fno was phagocytosed and could survive intracellularly, which is consistent with observations in fish. Virulence of five Fno isolates showed strong agreement between G. mellonella and red Nile tilapia hosts. Conclusions This study shows that an alternative host, G. mellonella, can be applied to understand Fno infections, which will assist efforts to identify solutions to piscine francisellosis thus securing the livelihoods of tilapia farmers worldwide and ensuring the production of this important food source.
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Gong Y, Li S, Wang W, Li Y, Ma W, Sun S. In vitro and in vivo activity of chelerythrine against Candida albicans and underlying mechanisms. Future Microbiol 2019; 14:1545-1557. [PMID: 31992072 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate whether chelerythrine (CHT) exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials & methods: Broth microdilution assay and Galleria mellonella model were used to evaluate the antifungal effect in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Mechanism studies were investigated by morphogenesis observation, Fluo-3/AM, DCFH-DA and rhodamine6G assay, respectively. Results: CHT exhibited antifungal activity against C. albicans and preformed biofilms with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 2 to 16 μg/ml. Besides, CHT protected G. mellonella larvae infected by C. albicans. Mechanisms studies revealed that CHT inhibited hyphal growth, increased intracellular calcium concentration, induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and inhibited drug transporter activity. Conclusion: CHT exhibited antifungal activity against C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, PR China
- Department of Pharmacy, WuXi People’s Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, PR China
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
| | - Weixin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Taishan Hospital of Shandong Province, Taian, 271000, PR China
| | - Yiman Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, PR China
| | - Wenli Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, PR China
- Department of Pharmacy, Feicheng Mining Central Hospital, Feicheng 271608, PR China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250014, PR China
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Brunetti G, Navazio AS, Giuliani A, Giordano A, Proli EM, Antonelli G, Raponi G. Candida blood stream infections observed between 2011 and 2016 in a large Italian University Hospital: A time-based retrospective analysis on epidemiology, biofilm production, antifungal agents consumption and drug-susceptibility. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224678. [PMID: 31697722 PMCID: PMC6837454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) represents a growing infective problem frequently associated to biofilm production due to the utilization of intravascular devices. Candida species distribution (n = 612 strains), their biofilm production and hospital antifungal drug consumption were evaluated in different wards of a tertiary care academic hospital in Italy during the years 2011–2016. In the considered time window, an increasing number of Candida BSI (p = 0.005) and of biofilm producing strains were observed (p<0.0001). Although C. albicans was the species more frequently isolated in BSI with a major biofilm production, an increased involvement of non-albicans species was reported, particularly of C. parapsilosis that displayed a high frequency in catheter infections, and lower biofilm production compared to C. albicans. Although trends of biofilm production were substantially stable in time, a decreasing biofilm production by C. parapsilosis in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was observed (p = 0.0041). Principal component analysis displayed a change in antifungal drugs consumption driven by two mutually independent temporal trends, i.e. voriconazole use in the general medicine wards initially, and fluconazole use mainly in the ICU; these factors explain 68.9% and 25.7% of total variance respectively. Moreover, a significant trend (p = 0.003) in fluconazole use during the whole time period considered emerged, particularly in the ICU (p = 0.017), but also in the general medicine wards (p = 0.03). These trends paralleled with significant increase MIC90 of fluconazole (p = 0.05), particularly for C. parapsilosis in the ICU (p = 0.04), with a general and significant decreased trend of the MIC90 values of caspofungin (p = 0.04), and with significant increased MIC50 values for amphotericin B (p = 0.01) over the study period. In conclusion, drug utilization in our hospital turned out to be a putative influencing factor on the ecology of the species, on the increase in time of the biofilm producing strains and on the Candida antifungal susceptibility profile, thus influencing clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Brunetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Sara Navazio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Microbiology and Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Giordano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrica Maria Proli
- Hospital Pharmacy, University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Microbiology and Pasteur Institute-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giammarco Raponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Sapienza University Hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Candida albicans Biofilm Heterogeneity and Tolerance of Clinical Isolates: Implications for Secondary Endodontic Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8040204. [PMID: 31671533 PMCID: PMC6963865 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8040204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Endodontic infections are caused by the invasion of various microorganisms into the root canal system. Candida albicans is a biofilm forming yeast and the most prevalent eukaryotic microorganism in endodontic infections. In this study we investigated the ability of C. albicans to tolerate treatment with standard endodontic irrigants NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and a combination thereof. We hypothesized that biofilm formed from a panel of clinical isolates differentially tolerate disinfectant regimens, and this may have implications for secondary endodontic infections. Methodology: Mature C. albicans biofilms were formed from 30 laboratory and oral clinical isolates and treated with either 3% NaOCl, 17% EDTA or a sequential treatment of 3% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA for 5 min. Biofilms were then washed, media replenished and cells reincubated for an additional 24, 48 and 72 h at 37 °C. Regrowth was quantified using metabolic reduction, electrical impedance, biofilm biomass and microscopy at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h. Results: Microscopic analysis and viability readings revealed a significant initial killing effect by NaOCl, followed by a time dependent significant regrowth of C. albicans, but with inter-strain variability. In contrast to NaOCl, there was a continuous reduction in viability after EDTA treatment. Moreover, EDTA significantly inhibited regrowth after NaOCl treatment, though viable cells were still observed. Conclusions: Our results indicate that different C. albicans biofilm phenotypes grown in a non-complex surface topography have the potential to differentially tolerate standard endodontic irrigation protocols. This is the first study to report a strain dependent impact on efficacy of endodontic irrigants. Its suggested that within the complex topography of the root canal, a more difficult antimicrobial challenge, that existing endodontic irrigant regimens permit cells to regrow and drive secondary infections.
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Fallahi S, Babaei M, Rostami A, Mirahmadi H, Arab-Mazar Z, Sepahvand A. Diagnosis of Candida albicans: conventional diagnostic methods compared to the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Arch Microbiol 2019; 202:275-282. [PMID: 31641798 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-019-01736-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Candida species cause a wide range of opportunistic infections in humans and animals. The detection of Candida species by conventional diagnosis methods is costly and time consuming. This study was conducted for the first time to evaluate and compare a relatively new molecular assay and the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique with conventional methods for detection of Candida albicans. In this study, 70 different species of Candida identified by conventional methods were cultured on Sabouraud chloramphenicol agar medium and then the genomic DNA was extracted. The LAMP technique was performed using specific primers targeting the ITS2 gene of C. albicans. The analytical sensitivity and specificity of LAMP were measured using a tenfold serial dilution prepared from extracted DNA from standard C. albicans strain from 1 ng to 1 fg and the DNA samples of other clinical Candida species and three non-Candida yeast. Out of 70 yeast samples analyzed by LAMP technique, 24 samples (34.3%) were positive for C. albicans. Comparison of the results showed that the CHROMagar Candida and germ tube production methods are quite consistent with the LAMP technique, while the agreement amount between the results of carbohydrate assimilation and chlamydoconidia generation assays and LAMP technique was 98.5% and 72.8%, respectively. The detection limits of the LAMP assay were 10 fg of the DNA from the standard C. albicans strain. No amplification was observed in the DNA samples of other yeast species and only the DNA sample of standard C. albicans strain was amplified. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the LAMP method is as specific and precise as common diagnostic methods, but is faster, easier deployable or more sensitive. Therefore, this method can be used as a suitable complementary assay for Candida diagnosis in medical diagnostic laboratories and field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirzad Fallahi
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Khorramabad, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Milad Babaei
- Department of Biotechnology, Islamic Azad University, Damghan Branch, Damghan, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Hadi Mirahmadi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Zahra Arab-Mazar
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asghar Sepahvand
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Khorramabad, Iran. .,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Robertson SN, Childs PG, Akinbobola A, Henriquez FL, Ramage G, Reid S, Mackay WG, Williams C. Reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation through the application of nanoscale vibration. J Biosci Bioeng 2019; 129:379-386. [PMID: 31623950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms pose a significant burden in both healthcare and industrial environments. With the limited effectiveness of current biofilm control strategies, novel or adjunctive methods in biofilm control are being actively pursued. Reported here, is the first evidence of the application of nanovibrational stimulation (nanokicking) to reduce the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Nanoscale vertical displacements (approximately 60 nm) were imposed on P. aeruginosa cultures, with a significant reduction in biomass formation observed at frequencies between 200 and 4000 Hz at 24 h. The optimal reduction of biofilm formation was observed at 1 kHz, with changes in the physical morphology of the biofilms. Scanning electron microscope imaging of control and biofilms formed under nanovibrational stimulation gave indication of a reduction in extracellular matrix (ECM). Quantification of the carbohydrate and protein components of the ECM was performed and showed a significant reduction at 24 h at 1 kHz frequency. To model the forces being exerted by nanovibrational stimulation, laser interferometry was performed to measure the amplitudes produced across the Petri dish surfaces. Estimated peak forces on each cell, associated with the nanovibrational stimulation technique, were calculated to be in the order of 10 pN during initial biofilm formation. This represents a potential method of controlling microbial biofilm formation in a number of important settings in industry and medical related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun N Robertson
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practice, School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK; SUPA, Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging, School of Engineering and Computing, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK; SUPA, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter G Childs
- SUPA, Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging, School of Engineering and Computing, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK; Centre for the Cellular Microenvironments (CeMi), School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, G12 8LT, Scotland, UK
| | - Ayorinde Akinbobola
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practice, School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiona L Henriquez
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
| | - Gordon Ramage
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, MVLS, University of Glasgow, 378 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Stuart Reid
- SUPA, Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging, School of Engineering and Computing, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK; SUPA, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
| | - William G Mackay
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practice, School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK.
| | - Craig Williams
- Institute of Healthcare, Policy and Practice, School of Health & Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, Scotland, UK
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50
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LIN MY, YUAN ZL, HU DD, HU GH, ZHANG RL, ZHONG H, YAN L, JIANG YY, SU J, WANG Y. Effect of loureirin A against Candida albicans biofilms. Chin J Nat Med 2019; 17:616-623. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(19)30064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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