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Khalifa HO, Oreiby A, Abdelhamid MAA, Ki MR, Pack SP. Biomimetic Antifungal Materials: Countering the Challenge of Multidrug-Resistant Fungi. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:425. [PMID: 39056866 PMCID: PMC11274442 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of rising public health threats like antifungal and antimicrobial resistance, alongside the slowdown in new antimicrobial development, biomimetics have shown promise as therapeutic agents. Multidrug-resistant fungi pose significant challenges as they quickly develop resistance, making traditional antifungals less effective. Developing new antifungals is also complicated by the need to target eukaryotic cells without harming the host. This review examines biomimetic antifungal materials that mimic natural biological mechanisms for targeted and efficient action. It covers a range of agents, including antifungal peptides, alginate-based antifungals, chitosan derivatives, nanoparticles, plant-derived polyphenols, and probiotic bacteria. These agents work through mechanisms such as disrupting cell membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting essential fungal processes. Despite their potential, challenges remain in terms of ensuring biocompatibility, optimizing delivery, and overcoming potential resistance. Production scalability and economic viability are also concerns. Future research should enhance the stability and efficacy of these materials, integrate multifunctional approaches, and develop sophisticated delivery systems. Interdisciplinary efforts are needed to understand interactions between these materials, fungal cells, and the host environment. Long-term health and environmental impacts, fungal resistance mechanisms, and standardized testing protocols require further study. In conclusion, while biomimetic antifungal materials represent a revolutionary approach to combating multidrug-resistant fungi, extensive research and development are needed to fully realize their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazim O. Khalifa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 1555, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Atef Oreiby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. A. Abdelhamid
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Mi-Ran Ki
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
- Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Pil Pack
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
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Alfaifi AA, Holm JB, Wang TW, Lim J, Meiller TF, Rock P, Sultan AS, Jabra-Rizk MA. Oral Microbiota Alterations in Subjects with SARS-CoV-2 Displaying Prevalence of the Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1356. [PMID: 39065125 PMCID: PMC11278750 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity remains an underappreciated site for SARS-CoV-2 infection despite the myriad of oral conditions in COVID-19 patients. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in the salivary gland cells causing tissue inflammation. Given the established association between inflammation and microbiome disruption, we comparatively profiled oral microbial differences at a metagenomic level in a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and matched healthy controls. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate colonization by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, the etiologic agent of oral candidiasis. Comprehensive shotgun metagenomic analysis indicated that, overall, COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly reduced bacterial and viral diversity/richness; we identified 12 differentially abundant bacterial species to be negatively associated with COVID-19, and the functional pathways of certain bacteria to be highly associated with COVID-19 status. Strikingly, C. albicans was recovered from approximately half of the COVID-19 subjects but not from any of the healthy controls. The prevalence of Candida is likely linked to immune hypo-dysregulation caused by COVID-19 favoring Candida proliferation, warranting investigations into the interplay between Candida and SARS-CoV2 and potential therapeutic approaches directed toward oral candidiasis. Collectively, our findings prompt a reassessment of oral opportunistic infection risks during COVID-19 disease and their potential long-term impacts on oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej A. Alfaifi
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.A.); (T.W.W.); (T.F.M.); (A.S.S.)
- Department of Restorative and Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johanna B. Holm
- Institute for Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.B.H.); (J.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tristan W. Wang
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.A.); (T.W.W.); (T.F.M.); (A.S.S.)
| | - Jonathan Lim
- Institute for Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (J.B.H.); (J.L.)
| | - Timothy F. Meiller
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.A.); (T.W.W.); (T.F.M.); (A.S.S.)
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Peter Rock
- Department of Anesthesia, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Ahmed S. Sultan
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.A.); (T.W.W.); (T.F.M.); (A.S.S.)
- Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.A.A.); (T.W.W.); (T.F.M.); (A.S.S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Tamayo-Velasco Á, López-Herrero R, Gómez-García LM, Sánchez-de Prada L, Aguilar-Monserrate G, Martín-Fernández M, Bardají-Carrillo M, Álvaro-Meca A, Tamayo E, Resino S, Miramontes-González JP, Peñarrubia-Ponce MJ. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in hematological patients: Could antifungal prophylaxis be necessary? A nationwide study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:939-946. [PMID: 38613930 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged as a relatively common complication. Multiple studies described this relationship in critical patients, however its incidence and outcome in other risk groups such as immunosuppressed patients remains unknown. In this sense, we aimed to evaluate the rates and outcomes of CAPA in hematological patients and according to the different hematological malignances, comparing to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-COVID-19 ones. METHODS Nationwide, population-based and retrospective observational cohort study including all adult patients with hematological malignancies admitted in Spain since March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. The main outcome variable was the diagnosis of IPA during hospitalization in hematological patients with or without COVID-19 at admission. The rate of CAPA compared to IPA in non-COVID-19 patients in each hematological malignancy was also performed, as well as survival curve analysis. FINDINGS COVID-19 was diagnosed in 3.85 % (4367 out of 113,525) of the hematological adult inpatients. COVID-19 group developed more fungal infections (5.1 % vs. 3 %; p < 0.001). Candida spp. showed higher rate in non-COVID-19 (74.2 % vs. 66.8 %; p = 0.015), meanwhile Aspergillus spp. confirmed its predominance in COVID-19 hematological patients (35.4 % vs. 19.1 %; p < 0.001). IPA was diagnosed in 703 patients and 11.2 % (79 cases) were CAPA. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease at hospital admission increased more than two-fold IPA development [OR: 2.5, 95CI (1.9-3.1), p < 0.001]. B-cell malignancies - specifically B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia - showed between four- and six-fold higher CAPA development and 90-day mortality rates ranging between 50 % and 72 %. However, myeloid malignancies did not show higher CAPA rates compared to IPA in non-COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION COVID-19 constitutes an independent risk factor for developing aspergillosis in B-cell hematological malignancies and the use of antifungal prophylaxis during hospitalizations may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Tamayo-Velasco
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Dermatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Rocío López-Herrero
- BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Lara María Gómez-García
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-de Prada
- BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Aguilar-Monserrate
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Marta Martín-Fernández
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Miguel Bardají-Carrillo
- BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Álvaro-Meca
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Departament of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Tamayo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; BioCritic. Group for Biomedical Research in Critical Care Medicine, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Anesthesiology and Critical Care Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Pablo Miramontes-González
- Department of Medicine, Dermatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Peñarrubia-Ponce
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Dermatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
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Jiang Z, Gai W, Zhang X, Zheng Y, Jin X, Han Z, Ao G, He J, Shu D, Liu X, Zhou Y, Hua Z. Clinical performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of pulmonary Aspergillus infection and colonization. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1345706. [PMID: 38606292 PMCID: PMC11007027 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1345706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Investigations assessing the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for distinguish Aspergillus infection from colonization are currently insufficient. Methods The performance of mNGS in distinguishing Aspergillus infection from colonization, along with the differences in patients' characteristics, antibiotic adjustment, and lung microbiota, were analyzed. Results The abundance of Aspergillus significantly differed between patients with Aspergillus infection (n=36) and colonization (n=32) (P < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve result for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mNGS indicated an area under the curve of 0.894 (95%CI: 0.811-0.976), with an optimal threshold value of 23 for discriminating between Aspergillus infection and colonization. The infection group exhibited a higher proportion of antibiotic adjustments in comparison to the colonization group (50% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.001), with antibiotic escalation being more dominant. Age, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin, cough and chest distress were significantly positively correlated with Aspergillus infection. The abundance of A. fumigatus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) significantly increased in the infection group, whereas the colonization group exhibited higher abundance of A. niger. Conclusion BALF mNGS is a valuable tool for differentiating between colonization and infection of Aspergillus. Variations in patients' age, length of hospital stay, hemoglobin, cough and chest distress are observable between patients with Aspergillus infection and colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Wei Gai
- WillingMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- WillingMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Yafeng Zheng
- WillingMed Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xuru Jin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Geriletu Ao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Jiahuan He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Danni Shu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Yingying Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
| | - Zhidan Hua
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou, China
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Khodavaisy S, Sarrafnia H, Abdollahi A. Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19 and Fungal Coinfections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:136-147. [PMID: 39118795 PMCID: PMC11304463 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2024.2010087.3160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Background & Objective Fungal co-infections increase the incidence and mortality of viral respiratory tract infections. This study systematically reviews and conducts a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 patients with fungal coinfections. The aim is to provide a concise overview of the impact of these infections on patient outcomes especially association with risk of mortality, informing future research and optimizing patient management strategies. Methods To identify relevant studies on COVID-19 patients, we conducted a systematic search of databases from the beginning of the year until July 2023, including fungal co-infections, mortality, and sequelae. Eligibility criteria were developed using the PICO framework, and data extraction was carried out separately by two authors using standard techniques. Statistical analysis was performed using the correlation model and differences between studies were evaluated using the I2 test. R and RStudio were used for statistical analysis and visualization. Results We initially identified 6,764 studies, and after checking for equivalence and consistency, 41 studies were included in the final analysis. The overall COVID-19 odds ratio for people who died from fungal infections was 2.65, indicating that patients infected with both COVID-19 and fungal infections had a higher risk of death compared to patients with COVID-19 alone. Specifically, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has a higher odds ratio of 3.36, while COVID-19-associated candidiasis (CAC) has an odds ratio of 1.84, and both are much more associated with death. However, coinfection of the fungus with other fungal species did not show a significant difference in the risk of mortality. Conclusion This study identified CAPA and CAC as the most common infections acquired in healthcare settings. Fungal coinfections may be associated with an increased risk of death in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research center for antibiotic stewardship and antimicrobial resistance, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Sarrafnia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran-North Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abdollahi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Quincho-Lopez A, Poma N, José Montenegro-Idrogo J. COVID-19 associated with cryptococcosis: a scoping review. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241232851. [PMID: 38361915 PMCID: PMC10868154 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241232851] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence of fungal infections associated with COVID-19. The development of cryptococcosis in these patients has been infrequently reported. However, it can be life-threatening. Objective To identify cases of COVID-19 patients who developed cryptococcosis and to compare baseline characteristics and management between those who survived and those who died. Methods We conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies that reported patients with COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. No language restriction was applied. Single case reports, case series, and original articles were included. It is important to note that 'n' refers to the total number of individuals with the specified variable. Results A total of 58 studies were included. Among these studies, 51 included individual patient data, detailing information on a total of 65 patients, whereas eight studies reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients. One study provided both individual and aggregate case information. From individual patient data, the majority were male (73.9%; n = 48) with a median age of 60 years (range: 53-70). Severe COVID-19 and multiple comorbidities, led by arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were frequently reported, but few had classic immunosuppression factors. On the other hand, HIV status, either negative or positive, was reported in just over half of the patients (61.5%; n = 40). Most were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (58.5%; n = 31), received mechanical ventilation (MV) (50.0%; n = 26), and developed disseminated cryptococcosis (55.4%; n = 36). Secondary infection, mainly bacterial, was reported in 19 patients (29.2%). Mortality was 47.7% (n = 31). Of the studies that reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 cases, the majority were descriptive studies published as conference abstracts. Conclusion Cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients has been reported more frequently. However, it is still not as common as other fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Few patients have some classic immunosuppression factors. The factors associated with mortality were male sex, age, ICU admission, MV, secondary infections, and lymphopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Quincho-Lopez
- Unidad de Investigación en Bibliometría, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Nuvith Poma
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan José Montenegro-Idrogo
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Service, Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima, Peru
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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Bala R, Kaur N, Gupta N, Aman S, Shriwastav S. Enhanced in-vitro anti- Candida efficacy of Euphorbia milii Des Moul mediated copper nanoparticles against clinically isolated Candida albicans. Curr Med Mycol 2023; 9:24-32. [PMID: 38983616 PMCID: PMC11230144 DOI: 10.22034/cmm.2024.345176.1493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Emergence of fungi as a pathogenic threat presents a significant challenge to public health, notably in intensive care units (ICUs) and among immunocompromised patients. Various factors, including sepsis-induced barrier disruptions, immune system dysfunction, and extremes of age, contribute to increased susceptibility to fungal infections. Hospital practices, such as prolonged surgeries, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, and invasive procedures, further exacerbate the risk. Fungal bloodstream infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans, rank among the most common hospital-acquired infections, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The global rise in invasive candidiasis, particularly due to non-albicans Candida species, presents challenges in the diagnosis and treatment due to nonspecific symptoms and emerging antifungal resistance. Nanotechnology interventions particularly by utilizing green synthesized copper nanoparticles could possibly provide a novel solution to combat microbial colonization, biofilm formation, and drug resistance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of candidemia, identify the distribution of causative Candida species, and understand their susceptibility patterns to commonly used antifungal agents for effective management in ICU settings. Additionally, the study sought to explore the in vitro anti-Candida activity of green copper nanoparticles synthesized using Euphorbia milii des moul extract. Materials and Methods This study was conducted at Microbiology Laboratory of Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research from January to December 2022, focused on ICU patients suspected of bloodstream infections. Blood samples were collected aseptically and processed using BD BACTECTM culture vials. Identification of organisms was performed via the Vitek-2 system by confirming candidemia with positivity in both blood samples. After that antifungal susceptibility testing was also performed against Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommended antifungal drug using Vitek 2 system. G-CuNPs were synthesized using E. milii Des moul extract and possessed for physiochemical characterization. The anti-Candida activity of G-CuNPs was evaluated through the MTT assay and time kill assay. After that generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and DNA degradation were evaluated to understand its mechanism. Results This study identified a candidemia rate of 7.3% (58/789). Age and gender analysis revealed higher Candida colonization rates in individuals above 60 years old and females. Antifungal sensitivity profiling indicated notable resistance to fluconazole (27.59%) and voriconazole (25.86%). Synthesizing G-CuNPs using E. milii des moul extract represents a novel approach exhibiting significant fungicidal potency against clinically isolated C. albicans, supporting potential therapeutic applications. Conclusion the findings concluded that synthesized G-CuNPs have tremendous potential to battle against medical device-borne infections by surface coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosy Bala
- Department of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala- Haryana, India
| | - Narinder Kaur
- Department of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala- Haryana, India
| | - Nitin Gupta
- Department of General Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala-Haryana, India
| | - Shahbaz Aman
- Department of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala- Haryana, India
| | - Shalini Shriwastav
- Department of Microbiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala- Haryana, India
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Khavandegar A, Siami Z, Goudarzi S, Rasooli A, Ettehad Y. Investigation of microbial coinfection in 453 septic COVID-19 patients admitted to hospital; a retrospective study. Future Sci OA 2023; 9:FSO884. [PMID: 37752919 PMCID: PMC10518821 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0066] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim We evaluated the rate of COVID-19 microbial coinfection in an Iranian population. Methods In this single-center, retrospective observational study, we evaluated 453 septic COVID-19 patients for possible coinfection in an Iranian hospital. Results Overall, 211 (46.57%) cases died due to COVID-19 complications. Positive respiratory secretion and blood cultures were reported in 99 (21.9%) and 19 (4.2%) cases. Klebsiella species were the most commonly isolated microorganisms in respiratory (n = 50, 50.5%) and blood (n = 10, 52.6%) specimens. After adjustment for underlying disorders, positive respiratory microbial cultures significantly increase the odds of developing death, intubation, and ICU admission and negatively impact healthy discharge (P < 0.05). Conclusion Coinfections with bacteria and fungi independently contribute to poor outcomes in septic COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Khavandegar
- Sina Trauma & Surgery Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Siami
- Infectious Disease Department, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine, Ziaeian Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sogand Goudarzi
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aziz Rasooli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Ettehad
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Roe K. Increased Fungal Infection Mortality Induced by Concurrent Viral Cellular Manipulations. Lung 2023; 201:467-476. [PMID: 37670187 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Certain respiratory fungal pathogen mono-infections can cause high mortality rates. Several viral pathogen mono-infections, including influenza viruses and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, can also cause high mortality rates. Concurrent infections by fungal pathogens and highly manipulative viral pathogens can synergistically interact in the respiratory tract to substantially increase their mortality rates. There are at least five viral manipulations which can assist secondary fungal infections. These viral manipulations include the following: (1) inhibiting transcription factors and cytokine expressions, (2) impairing defensive protein expressions, (3) inhibiting defenses by manipulating cellular sensors and signaling pathways, (4) inhibiting defenses by secreting exosomes, and (5) stimulating glucocorticoid synthesis to suppress immune defenses by inhibiting cytokine, chemokine, and adhesion molecule production. The highest mortality respiratory viral pandemics up to now have had substantially boosted mortalities by inducing secondary bacterial pneumonias. However, numerous animal species besides humans are also carriers of endemic infections by viral and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens. The vast multi-species scope of endemic infection opportunities make it plausible that the pro-fungal manipulations of a respiratory virus can someday evolve to enable a very high mortality rate viral pandemic inducing multidrug-resistant secondary fungal pathogen infections. Since such pandemics can quickly spread world-wide and outrun existing treatments, it would be worthwhile to develop new antifungal treatments well before such a high mortality event occurs.
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Ainsworth J, Sewell P, Eggert S, Morris K, Pillai S. Fungal Infections Are Not Associated with Increased Mortality in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Crit Care Res Pract 2023; 2023:4037915. [PMID: 37720488 PMCID: PMC10505078 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4037915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fungal infection is a cause of increased morbidity and mortality in intensive care patients. Critically unwell patients are at increased risk of developing invasive fungal infections. COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may be at a particularly high risk. The primary aim of this study was to establish the incidence of secondary fungal infections in patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19. Secondary aims were to investigate factors that may contribute to an increased risk of fungal infections and to calculate the mortality between fungal and nonfungal groups. Methods We undertook a retrospective observational study in a tertiary ICU in Wales, United Kingdom. 174 patients admitted with COVID-19 infection from March 2020 until May 2021 were included. Data were collected through a retrospective review of patient's clinical notes and microbiology investigation results obtained from the online clinical portal. Results 81/174 (47%) COVID-19 patients developed fungal infections, 93% of which were Candida species, including Candida albicans (88%), and 6% had an Aspergillus infection. Age and smoking history did not appear to be contributing factors. The nonfungal group had a significantly higher body mass index (33 ± 8 vs. 31 ± 7, p=0.01). The ICU length of stay (23 (1-116) vs. 8 (1-60), p < 0.001), hospital length of stay (30 (3-183) vs. 15 (1-174) ± 7, p < 0.001), steroid days (10 (1-116) vs. 4 (0-28), p=0.02), and ventilation days (18 (0-120) vs. 2 (0-55), p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the fungal group. The mortality rate in both groups was similar (51% vs. 52%). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the fungal group survived more than the nonfungal group (log rank (Mantel-Cox), p < 0.001). Conclusion Secondary fungal infections are common in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Longer treatment with corticosteroids, increased length of hospital and ICU stay, and greater length of mechanical ventilation significantly increase the risk of fungal infections. Fungal infection, however, was not associated with an increase in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ainsworth
- Ed Major Intensive Care Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | - Peter Sewell
- Ed Major Intensive Care Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | - Sabine Eggert
- Ed Major Intensive Care Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Suresh Pillai
- Ed Major Intensive Care Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK
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Serra Neto A, Marques SG, Bomfim MRQ, Monteiro SG, de Souza RC, Nunes RA. Microbiological Analysis of Surgeons' Hands in a Public Hospital in São Luis, Maranhão State, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1895. [PMID: 37630455 PMCID: PMC10456775 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081895] [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: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisepsis of the hands of medical personnel is one of the most important steps in the process of patient care, since direct contact can cause the cross-transfer of potentially pathogenic microorganisms at surgical sites. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms on the hands of 131 surgeons in a university hospital before the surgical procedure. Swabs were collected from each clinician's hands before and after handwashing. The samples were placed in a transport medium and immediately delivered to a private clinical analysis laboratory from São Luis-Maranhão. The microorganisms were identified by ionization source mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI-TOF), and antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Vitek2 and Phoenix-BD automated system. The results showed a high frequency (100%) of microorganisms before handwashing, but after surgical antisepsis, the rate dropped significantly (p < 0.05) to 27.5%. The gram-positive species most detected were Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus luteus, representing 83.9%, followed by gram-negative species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas gessardi, Pantoea septica, Serratia marcescens, and Burkholderia lata. The effectiveness of hand antisepsis was 72.5%, demonstrating that surgeons' hands are an important source of microorganisms that can cause infections in hospitalized patients in different care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Serra Neto
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil
| | - Sirlei G. Marques
- Departamento de Planejamento de Gestão da Qualidade e Vigilância em Saúde, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil;
| | - Maria Rosa Q. Bomfim
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Ceuma (UNICEUMA), São Luís 65075-120, Brazil;
| | - Silvio G. Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rosangela C. de Souza
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo A. Nunes
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, Brazil;
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Muthu V, Agarwal R, Chakrabarti A. COVID-19, mucormycosis, and the cow: Damned lies! Indian J Med Microbiol 2023; 44:100382. [PMID: 37356841 PMCID: PMC10208110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2023.100382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valliappan Muthu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ritesh Agarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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