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Kohli A, Rifai ZJ, Foray N. Exploring a Rare Pulmonary Coinfection: Cryptococcal Pneumonia and Exophiala dermatitidis in an Immunocompetent Host. Cureus 2024; 16:e61085. [PMID: 38919216 PMCID: PMC11197632 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61085] [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] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary cryptococcosis is becoming increasingly common in immunocompetent hosts, manifesting with variable clinical presentations ranging from asymptomatic colonization to severe pneumonia. Radiological findings are non-specific, such as nodular infiltrates, mass-like lesions, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. We present a case of a 61-year-old woman with Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia coinfected with Exophiala dermatitidis, an unusual occurrence in an immunocompetent host and the first of its kind. This coinfection posed significant diagnostic challenges due to the rare occurrence of each individual organism in immunocompetent patients as well as the difficulty of their laboratory diagnosis. Treatment regimens, particularly in coinfections, warrant careful consideration to mitigate mortality risk. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive diagnostic strategies and optimized treatment regimens for rare fungal coinfections in immunocompetent hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Kohli
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA
| | - Zeyad J Rifai
- Internal Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA
| | - Nathalie Foray
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA
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2
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Vinh DC. From Mendel to mycoses: Immuno-genomic warfare at the human-fungus interface. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:28-52. [PMID: 38069482 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13295] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Fungi are opportunists: They particularly require a defect of immunity to cause severe or disseminated disease. While often secondary to an apparent iatrogenic cause, fungal diseases do occur in the absence of one, albeit infrequently. These rare cases may be due to an underlying genetic immunodeficiency that can present variably in age of onset, severity, or other infections, and in the absence of a family history of disease. They may also be due to anti-cytokine autoantibodies. This review provides a background on how human genetics or autoantibodies underlie cases of susceptibility to severe or disseminated fungal disease. Subsequently, the lessons learned from these inborn errors of immunity marked by fungal disease (IEI-FD) provide a framework to begin to mechanistically decipher fungal syndromes, potentially paving the way for precision therapy of the mycoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Vinh
- Infectious Diseases - Hematology/Oncology/Transplant Clinical Program, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre of Excellence for Genetic Research in Infection and Immunity, Research Institute - McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Ravenel K, Guegan H, Gastebois A, Bouchara JP, Gangneux JP, Giraud S. Fungal Colonization of the Airways of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: the Role of the Environmental Reservoirs. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:19. [PMID: 38407729 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00818-x] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi frequently colonize the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis and may cause severe diseases, such as the allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The most common filamentous fungi capable to chronically colonize the respiratory tract of the patients are Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium species. Defining the treatment strategy may be challenging, the number of available drugs being limited and some of the causative agents being multiresistant microorganisms. The knowledge of the fungal niches in the outdoor and indoor environment is needed for understanding the origin of the contamination of the patients. In light of the abundance of some of the causative molds in compost, agricultural and flower fields, occupational activities related to such environments should be discouraged for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, the microbiological monitoring of their indoor environment, including analysis of air and dust on surfaces, is essential to propose preventive measures aiming to reduce the exposure to environmental molds. Nevertheless, some specific niches were also identified in the indoor environment, in relation with humidity which favors the growth of thermotolerant molds. Potted plants were reported as indoor reservoirs for Scedosporium species. Likewise, Exophiala dermatitidis may be spread in the kitchen via dishwashers. However, genotype studies are still required to establish the link between dishwashers and colonization of the airways of CF patients by this black yeast. Moreover, as nothing is known regarding the other filamentous fungi associated with CF, further studies should be conducted to identify other potential specific niches in the habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Ravenel
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Hélène Guegan
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France.
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4
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Rensink S, van Nieuwenhuijzen EJ, Sailer MF, Struck C, Wösten HAB. Use of Aureobasidium in a sustainable economy. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:202. [PMID: 38349550 PMCID: PMC10864419 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13025-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Aureobasidium is omnipresent and can be isolated from air, water bodies, soil, wood, and other plant materials, as well as inorganic materials such as rocks and marble. A total of 32 species of this fungal genus have been identified at the level of DNA, of which Aureobasidium pullulans is best known. Aureobasidium is of interest for a sustainable economy because it can be used to produce a wide variety of compounds, including enzymes, polysaccharides, and biosurfactants. Moreover, it can be used to promote plant growth and protect wood and crops. To this end, Aureobasidium cells adhere to wood or plants by producing extracellular polysaccharides, thereby forming a biofilm. This biofilm provides a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings and toxic chemicals. This and the fact that Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential of self-repair make them a potential engineered living material avant la lettre. KEY POINTS: •Aureobasidium produces products of interest to the industry •Aureobasidium can stimulate plant growth and protect crops •Biofinish of A. pullulans is a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings •Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential to function as engineered living materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rensink
- Department of Biology, Microbiology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Business, Building and Technology, Sustainable Building Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Elke J van Nieuwenhuijzen
- Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rhijnspoorplein 2, 1091 GC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael F Sailer
- Department of Business, Building and Technology, Sustainable Building Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Christian Struck
- Department of Business, Building and Technology, Sustainable Building Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7513 AB, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Han A B Wösten
- Department of Biology, Microbiology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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5
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Zoqi H, Schmidt D, Sedlacek L, Rath PM, Steinmann J, Kirchhoff L. Establishment of a Novel Short Tandem Repeat Typing Method for Exophiala dermatitidis. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:5. [PMID: 38231292 PMCID: PMC10794339 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00825-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic black yeast-like fungus Exophiala dermatitidis frequently colonizes the respiratory tract of cystic fibroses (CF) patients. Additionally, it can cause superficial, systemic, and cerebral forms of phaeohyphomycoses. The objective of this study was to develop and apply a microsatellite or short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping scheme for E. dermatitidis. In total, 82 E. dermatitidis isolates from various geographic origins (environmental = 9, CF = 63, invasive isolates = 9, melanin-deficient mutant = 1) were included in this study. After next-generation sequencing of a reference strain and sequence filtering for microsatellites, six STR markers were selected and amplified in two multiplex PCR reactions. The included isolates were discriminated in a genetic cluster analysis using the Pearson algorithm to reveal the relatedness of the isolates. The E. dermatitidis isolates clustered on basis of both, their source and their origin. The invasive isolates from Asia were unrelated to isolates from CF. Nearly all environmental isolates were grouped separately from patients' isolates. The Simpson index was 0.94. In conclusion, we were able to establish a STR genotyping scheme for investigating population genomics of E. dermatitidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamide Zoqi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, ECMM Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies (Diamond Status), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, ECMM Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies (Diamond Status), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Ludwig Sedlacek
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical School Hannover (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, ECMM Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies (Diamond Status), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, ECMM Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies (Diamond Status), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Kirchhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, ECMM Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies (Diamond Status), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany.
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6
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Zareshahrabadi Z, Amirzadeh N, Pakshir K, Nasr R, Mohammadi R, Zomorodian K. Evaluation of building washing machines as an extreme environment for potentially pathogenic fungi. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21408. [PMID: 38049507 PMCID: PMC10695939 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48598-0] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Washing machines are commonly used in households and are considered indispensable appliances for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. Environmental conditions within household washing machines are ideal for fungal colonization, which may pose risks to human health and contribute to sick building syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the fungal species contamination in the building washing machines. A total of 50 building washing machines were swab-sampled at three locations: the detergent drawer, the inner and outer parts of the rubber door seal. The housekeeping conditions of these appliances were assessed through a questionnaire. The isolated fungi were identified using standard mycological diagnostic procedures and molecular analysis based on the ITS1/ITS4 and β-tubulin gene regions. The possibility of fungal agents transferring from contaminated washing machines to autoclaved clothes during laundry cycles was investigated. Fungi were detected in 82% of the sampled appliances, with the inner rubber door seal being the most frequently colonized area. Using conventional and molecular techniques, we identified 122 fungal isolates, encompassing 17 diverse genera of molds, yeast-like, and yeast fungi. The mold fungi included 14 genera of hyaline and black genus. Among these, the most frequently identified genera of hyaline and black fungi were Aspergillus (27.7%), and Cladosporium (10.7%), respectively. This study demonstrates that building washing machines may serve as suitable ecological niches for fungal growth and transmission. Therefore, regular cleaning and disinfection of these devices are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Zareshahrabadi
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Neda Amirzadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Keyvan Pakshir
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Nasr
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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7
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Yoshinouchi T, Yamamoto K, Migita M, Yokoyama T, Nakamura T, Matsuoka M. Diagnosis and clinical management of Exophiala dermatitidis pneumonia in a patient with anorexia nervosa: A case report. Med Mycol Case Rep 2023; 42:100617. [PMID: 38022890 PMCID: PMC10661607 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2023.100617] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a patient with anorexia nervosa without bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis who developed acute pneumonia caused by Exophiala dermatitidis (E. dermatitidis). The black fungus found in multiple sputum cultures was determined to be E. dermatitidis using mass spectrometry and identified using genetic analysis. Although the initiation of antifungal therapy was late, the pneumonia gradually improved with long-term treatment. This case highlights the need for early diagnosis and effective long-term treatment of the fungal etiologic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Yoshinouchi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yamamoto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Migita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Toshiro Yokoyama
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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8
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Carr EC, Barton Q, Grambo S, Sullivan M, Renfro CM, Kuo A, Pangilinan J, Lipzen A, Keymanesh K, Savage E, Barry K, Grigoriev IV, Riekhof WR, Harris SD. Characterization of a novel polyextremotolerant fungus, Exophiala viscosa, with insights into its melanin regulation and ecological niche. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad110. [PMID: 37221014 PMCID: PMC10411609 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Black yeasts are polyextremotolerant fungi that contain high amounts of melanin in their cell wall and maintain a primar yeast form. These fungi grow in xeric, nutrient depletes environments which implies that they require highly flexible metabolisms and have been suggested to contain the ability to form lichen-like mutualisms with nearby algae and bacteria. However, the exact ecological niche and interactions between these fungi and their surrounding community are not well understood. We have isolated 2 novel black yeasts from the genus Exophiala that were recovered from dryland biological soil crusts. Despite notable differences in colony and cellular morphology, both fungi appear to be members of the same species, which has been named Exophiala viscosa (i.e. E. viscosa JF 03-3 Goopy and E. viscosa JF 03-4F Slimy). A combination of whole genome sequencing, phenotypic experiments, and melanin regulation experiments have been performed on these isolates to fully characterize these fungi and help decipher their fundamental niche within the biological soil crust consortium. Our results reveal that E. viscosa is capable of utilizing a wide variety of carbon and nitrogen sources potentially derived from symbiotic microbes, can withstand many forms of abiotic stresses, and excretes melanin which can potentially provide ultraviolet resistance to the biological soil crust community. Besides the identification of a novel species within the genus Exophiala, our study also provides new insight into the regulation of melanin production in polyextremotolerant fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Carr
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Quin Barton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Sarah Grambo
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mitchell Sullivan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Cecile M Renfro
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Alan Kuo
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jasmyn Pangilinan
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anna Lipzen
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Keykhosrow Keymanesh
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Emily Savage
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kerrie Barry
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Wayne R Riekhof
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Steven D Harris
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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9
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Kurbessoian T, Murante D, Crocker A, Hogan DA, Stajich JE. In host evolution of Exophiala dermatitidis in cystic fibrosis lung micro-environment. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkad126. [PMID: 37293838 PMCID: PMC10484061 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are susceptible to chronic lung infections that lead to inflammation and irreversible lung damage. While most respiratory infections that occur in CF are caused by bacteria, some are dominated by fungi such as the slow-growing black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis. Here, we analyze isolates of E. dermatitidis cultured from two samples, collected from a single subject 2 years apart. One isolate genome was sequenced using long-read Nanopore technology as an in-population reference to use in comparative single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion-deletion variant analyses of 23 isolates. We then used population genomics and phylo-genomics to compare the isolates to each other as well as the reference genome strain E. dermatitidis NIH/UT8656. Within the CF lung population, three E. dermatitidis clades were detected, each with varying mutation rates. Overall, the isolates were highly similar suggesting that they were recently diverged. All isolates were MAT 1-1, which was consistent with their high relatedness and the absence of evidence for mating or recombination between isolates. Phylogenetic analysis grouped sets of isolates into clades that contained isolates from both early and late time points indicating there are multiple persistent lineages. Functional assessment of variants unique to each clade identified alleles in genes that encode transporters, cytochrome P450 oxidoreductases, iron acquisition, and DNA repair processes. Consistent with the genomic heterogeneity, isolates showed some stable phenotype heterogeneity in melanin production, subtle differences in antifungal minimum inhibitory concentrations, and growth on different substrates. The persistent population heterogeneity identified in lung-derived isolates is an important factor to consider in the study of chronic fungal infections, and the analysis of changes in fungal pathogens over time may provide important insights into the physiology of black yeasts and other slow-growing fungi in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Kurbessoian
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Daniel Murante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Alex Crocker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Deborah A Hogan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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10
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Jia G, Hu J, Tan L, Li L, Gao L, Sun Y. In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Synergistic Effects of Everolimus in Combination with Antifungal Agents on Exophiala dermatitidis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0530222. [PMID: 37140396 PMCID: PMC10269510 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05302-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the combined function of the novel oral mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, with antifungal agents and their potential mechanisms against Exophiala dermatitidis, the CLSI microliquid-based dilution method M38-A2, chequerboard technique, and disk diffusion testing were performed. The efficacy of everolimus was evaluated in combination with itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B against 16 clinically isolated strains of E. dermatitidis. The synergistic effect was determined by measuring the MIC and fractional inhibitory concentration index. Dihydrorhodamine 123 was used for the quantification of ROS levels. The differences in the expression of antifungal susceptibility-associated genes were analyzed following different types of treatment. Galleria mellonella was used as the in vivo model. While everolimus alone showed minimal antifungal effects, combinations with itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, or amphotericin B resulted in synergy in 13/16 (81.25%), 2/16 (12.5%), 14/16 (87.75%), and 5/16 (31.25%) of isolates, respectively. The disk diffusion assay revealed that the combination of everolimus and antifungal drugs showed no significant increase in the inhibition zones compared with the single agent, but no antagonistic effects were observed. Combination of everolimus and antifungal agents resulted in increased ROS activity (everolimus + posaconazole versus posaconazole [P < 0.05], everolimus + amphotericin B versus amphotericin B [P < 0.002]). Simultaneously, compared to mono-treatment, the combination of everolimus + itraconazole suppressed the expression of MDR2 (P < 0.05) and the combination of everolimus + amphotericin B suppressed the expression of MDR3 (P < 0.05) and CDR1B (P < 0.02). In vivo, combinations of everolimus and antifungal agents improved survival rates, particularly the combination of everolimus + amphotericin B (P < 0.05). In summary, the in vivo and in vitro experiments performed in our study suggest that the combination of everolimus with azoles or amphotericin B can have synergistic effects against E. dermatitidis, potentially due to the induction of ROS activity and inhibition of efflux pumps, providing a promising new approach for the treatment of E. dermatitidis infections. IMPORTANCE Cancer patients with E. dermatitidis infection have high mortality if untreated. Clinically, the conventional treatment of E. dermatitidis is poor due to the long-term use of antifungal drugs. In this study, we have for the first time investigated the interaction and action mechanism of everolimus combined with itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B on E. dermatitidis in vitro and in vivo, which provided new ideas and direction for further exploring the mechanism of drug combination and clinical treatment of E. dermatitidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengpei Jia
- Department of General Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lihua Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Longting Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lujuan Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Xiamen Clinical Research Center for Cancer Therapy, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China
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Featherstone A, Brown AC, Chitlapilly Dass S. Understanding how different surfaces and environmental biofilms found in food processing plants affect the spread of COVID-19. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286659. [PMID: 37285373 PMCID: PMC10246802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Meat processing plants have been at the center of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with a recent report citing 90% of US facilities having multiple outbreaks during 2020 and 2021. We explored the potential for biofilms to act as a reservoir in protecting, harboring, and dispersing SARS-CoV-2 throughout the meat processing facility environment. To do this, we used Murine Hepatitis Virus (MHV), as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, and meat processing facility drain samples to develop mixed-species biofilms on materials found in meat processing facilities (stainless steel (SS), PVC, and ceramic tiles). After exposure to the biofilm organisms for five days post-inoculation at 7°C we conducted quantitative PCR (qPCR) and plaque assays to determine whether MHV could remain both detectable and viable. Our data provides evidence that coronaviruses can remain viable on all the surfaces tested and are also able to integrate within an environmental biofilm. Although a portion of MHV was able to remain infectious after incubation with the environmental biofilm, a large reduction in plaque numbers was identified when compared with the viral inoculum incubated without biofilm on all test surfaces, which ranged from 6.45-9.27-fold higher. Interestingly, we observed a 2-fold increase in the virus-environmental biofilm biovolume when compared to biofilm without virus, indicating that the biofilm bacteria both detected and reacted to the virus. These results indicate a complex virus-environmental biofilm interaction. Although we observed better survival of MHV on a variety of surfaces commonly found in meat processing plants alone than with the biofilm, there is the potential for biofilms to protect virions from disinfecting agents, which has implications for the potential of SARS-CoV-2 prevalence within the meat processing plant environment. Also given the highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2, particularly for some of the variant strains such as omicron, having even a residual level of virus present represents a serious health hazard. The increase in biofilm biovolume in response to virus is also a concern for food safety due to the potential of the same being seen with organisms associated with food poisoning and food spoilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Featherstone
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Amanda Claire Brown
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sapna Chitlapilly Dass
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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12
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Satari L, Iglesias A, Porcar M. The Microbiome of Things: Appliances, Machines, and Devices Hosting Artificial Niche-Adapted Microbial Communities. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1507. [PMID: 37375009 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061507] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As it is the case with natural substrates, artificial surfaces of man-made devices are home to a myriad of microbial species. Artificial products are not necessarily characterized by human-associated microbiomes; instead, they can present original microbial populations shaped by specific environmental-often extreme-selection pressures. This review provides a detailed insight into the microbial ecology of a range of artificial devices, machines, and appliances, which we argue are specific microbial niches that do not necessarily fit in the "build environment" microbiome definition. Instead, we propose here the Microbiome of Things (MoT) concept analogous to the Internet of Things (IoT) because we believe it may be useful to shed light on human-made, but not necessarily human-related, unexplored microbial niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Satari
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Alba Iglesias
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Manuel Porcar
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de València-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL., Parc Científic, Universitat de València, 46980 Paterna, Spain
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13
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Salvador A, Veiga FF, Svidzinski TIE, Negri M. Case of Mixed Infection of Toenail Caused by Candida parapsilosis and Exophiala dermatitidis and In Vitro Effectiveness of Propolis Extract on Mixed Biofilm. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050581. [PMID: 37233292 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050581] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal nail infection caused by several filamentous and yeast-like fungi, such as the genus Candida spp., of great clinical importance. Black yeasts, such as Exophiala dermatitidis, a closely related Candida spp. species, also act as opportunistic pathogens. Fungi infectious diseases are affected by organisms organized in biofilm in onychomycosis, making treatment even more difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility profile to propolis extract and the ability to form a simple and mixed biofilm of two yeasts isolated from the same onychomycosis infection. The yeasts isolated from a patient with onychomycosis were identified as Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto and Exophiala dermatitidis. Both yeasts were able to form simple and mixed (in combination) biofilms. Notably, C. parapsilosis prevailed when presented in combination. The susceptibility profile of propolis extract showed action against E. dermatitidis and C. parapsilosis in planktonic form, but when the yeasts were in mixed biofilm, we only observed action against E. dermatitidis, until total eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Salvador
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Colombo, 5790, Maringá CEP 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Flávia Franco Veiga
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Colombo, 5790, Maringá CEP 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Inez Estivalet Svidzinski
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Colombo, 5790, Maringá CEP 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Melyssa Negri
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Biomedicina, Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM), Avenida Colombo, 5790, Maringá CEP 87020-900, PR, Brazil
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14
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Hwang CJ, Maltry AC, Harrison AR, Mokhtarzadeh A. A Case of the Blues-Colored Pencil Orbitopathy in an 18-Month-Old Boy. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2023; 39:e4-e8. [PMID: 35829627 DOI: 10.1097/iop.0000000000002248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Orbital penetrating injuries from pencils are rare. This report describes a case of penetrating orbital injury in a young child with a retained blue-colored pencil core foreign body, which led to rapid onset of orbital abscess requiring surgical drainage. Intraoperatively, orbital tissues were stained a bright-blue color. Histopathological study of specimen also highlighted bright blue aggregates of foreign material infiltrating the orbital tissues. Cultures grew Streptococcus mitis and Exophiala jeanselmei , which are rare causes of orbital abscess. Unique properties of retained colored pencil core as compared to graphite pencil core are herein discussed. Due to differences in composition, colored pencil core foreign bodies may require more timely surgical intervention compared to noncolored graphite pencil core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
| | - Amanda C Maltry
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
| | - Andrew R Harrison
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
| | - Ali Mokhtarzadeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A
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15
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Al-Omari AW, Ramadan Matter I, Hussein Almola A. Molecular study of Enterobacteriaceae bacterium isolated from dishwashers. BIONATURA 2022. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2022.07.03.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Enterobacteriaceae family is considered one of the medically essential families in which there is a continuous change in classification, and new species are added to it. In this study, we obtained a novel strain registered in the NCBI under Enterobacteriaceae bacterium strain PRL 4-2, with the accession number MW540823, and the isolate considered unclassified Enterobacteriaceae. The isolate was obtained from dishwashers, which is a mine for many new species and strains due to the unique environmental conditions of this habitat, fluctuation in temperature, use of high temperatures, utilization of cleaning materials as well as humidity and the presence of organic materials, especially in case of neglect of cleaning. The isolate was characterized by its slow growth on culture media and its ability to form biofilms and possess some virulence factors. Its resistance to antibiotics was also studied, as it showed resistance to the antibiotics used in this study. The oddness for this strain is that it showed a different diagnosis when using VITEK (The VITEK 2 system has everything healthcare laboratories need for fast, accurate microbial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.) compared to diagnosis using 16S rRNA. As for the taxonomic tree, the closest species was Enterobacter sp. Strain 188. This study supplements a few other studies of this novel species, isolated from different environments. These researches can be integrated to give an itinerary for other studies on the new species and their different capabilities.
Keywords. Enterobacteriaceae bacterium, dishwasher, Enterobacteriaceae bacterium PRL-2, Enterobacter sp., biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha W. Al-Omari
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | | | - Alaa Hussein Almola
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
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16
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Cao R, Wan Q, Xu X, Tian S, Wu G, Wang J, Huang T, Wen G. Differentiation of DNA or membrane damage of the cells in disinfection by flow cytometry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 435:128924. [PMID: 35483263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the viabilities changes of fungal spores in the water supply system during different disinfection processes have been revealed. SYBR Green I (SG), a nucleic acid stain, its fluorescence intensity is correlated with the amount of double-stranded DNA. This study established a new method through successive SG-SG-PI staining (PI: Propidium Iodide) with flow cytometry (FCM). It could successfully distinguish DNA damage and membrane damage of fungal spores, clearly elucidating the intrinsic disinfection mechanism during the chemical disinfection. This method was briefly described as follows: firstly, (1) the fungal spores were stained with SG and washed by centrifugation; and then, (2) the washed spores were treated with disinfectants and terminated; after that, (3) the disinfected spores were re-stained with SG and analyzed by FCM; finally, (4) the SG re-stained spores were stained with PI and analyzed by FCM. The percentages of spores with DNA damage and membrane damage were determined by the fluorescence intensity obtained from steps (3) and (4), respectively. The repeatability and applicability of this developed method were confirmed. It was further applied to explore the inactivation mechanism during chlorine-based disinfection, and results demonstrated that chloramine attacked the DNA more seriously than the membrane, while chlorine and chlorine dioxide worked in a reverse way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Cao
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Qiqi Wan
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Xiangqian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Shiqi Tian
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Gehui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Tinglin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Gang Wen
- Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
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17
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Thitla T, Kumla J, Khuna S, Lumyong S, Suwannarach N. Species Diversity, Distribution, and Phylogeny of Exophiala with the Addition of Four New Species from Thailand. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:766. [PMID: 35893134 PMCID: PMC9331753 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Exophiala is an anamorphic ascomycete fungus in the family Herpotrichiellaceae of the order Chaetothyriales. Exophiala species have been classified as polymorphic black yeast-like fungi. Prior to this study, 63 species had been validated, published, and accepted into this genus. Exophiala species are known to be distributed worldwide and have been isolated in various habitats around the world. Several Exophiala species have been identified as potential agents of human and animal mycoses. However, in some studies, Exophiala species have been used in agriculture and biotechnological applications. Here, we provide a brief review of the diversity, distribution, and taxonomy of Exophiala through an overview of the recently published literature. Moreover, four new Exophiala species were isolated from rocks that were collected from natural forests located in northern Thailand. Herein, we introduce these species as E. lamphunensis, E. lapidea, E. saxicola, and E. siamensis. The identification of these species was based on a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular analyses. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small subunit (nrSSU) of ribosomal DNA, along with the translation elongation factor (tef), partial β-tubulin (tub), and actin (act) genes support that these four new species are distinct from previously known species of Exophiala. A full description, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of four new species are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanapol Thitla
- Master of Science Program in Applied Microbiology (International Program), Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (J.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Jaturong Kumla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (J.K.); (S.K.)
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Surapong Khuna
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (J.K.); (S.K.)
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Saisamorn Lumyong
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (J.K.); (S.K.)
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Suwannarach
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (J.K.); (S.K.)
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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18
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Ejdys E, Kulesza K, Wiśniewski P, Pajewska M, Sucharzewska E. Window seals as a source of yeast contamination. Lett Appl Microbiol 2022; 75:1021-1027. [DOI: 10.1111/lam.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ejdys
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - K. Kulesza
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - P. Wiśniewski
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - M.S. Pajewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
| | - E. Sucharzewska
- Department of Microbiology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Oczapowskiego 1A 10‐719 Olsztyn Poland
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19
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Ganci M, Suleyman E, Butt H, Ball M. Associations between self-reported psychological symptom severity and gut microbiota: further support for the microgenderome. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:307. [PMID: 35501777 PMCID: PMC9059404 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the brain-gut-microbiota axis (BGMA) continues to reveal associations between gut microbiota (GM) and psychological symptom expression, inspiring new ways of conceptualising psychological disorders. However, before GM modulation can be touted as a possible auxiliary treatment option, more research is needed as inconsistencies in previous findings regarding these associations are prevalent. Additionally, the concept of the microgenderome, which proposes that GM may interact with sex hormones, has received limited attention in studies using human samples to date. However, such research has demonstrated sex specific associations between GM and psychological symptom expression. METHOD This cross-sectional retrospective study explores associations between GM species (identified through faecal microbial analysis) and symptom severity across four psychological domains (Depressive, Neurocognitive, Stress and Anxiety, and Sleep and Fatigue) for males (N = 1143) and females (N = 3467) separately. RESULTS GM species from several genera including Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Enterococcus, and Leuconostoc were found to be differentially associated with psychological symptom severity for males and females. As such, the findings of the current study provide support for the concept of the microgenderome. CONCLUSION While further research is needed before their implementation in psychological treatment plans, the current findings suggest that modulation of GM at the species level may hold promise as auxiliary diagnostic or treatment options. These findings may give further insight into a client's presenting problem from a more holistic, multidisciplinary perspective. The clear sex divergence in associations between GM and symptoms give insight into sex discrepancies in susceptibility to psychological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ganci
- Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| | - Emra Suleyman
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
| | - Henry Butt
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia ,Bioscreen Yarraville (Aust) Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Michelle Ball
- grid.1019.90000 0001 0396 9544Psychology Department, Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001 Australia
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20
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Cai S, Snyder AB. Thermoresistance in Black Yeasts Is Associated with Halosensitivity and High Pressure Processing Tolerance but Not with UV Tolerance or Sanitizer Tolerance. J Food Prot 2022; 85:203-212. [PMID: 34614188 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Black yeasts can survive extreme conditions in food production because of their polyextremotolerant character. However, significant strain-to-strain variation in black yeast thermoresistance has been observed. In this study, we assessed the variability in tolerance to nonthermal interventions among a collection of food-related black yeast strains. Variation in tolerance to UV light treatment, high pressure processing (HPP), sanitizers, and osmotic pressure was observed within each species. The two strains previously shown to possess high thermotolerance, Exophiala phaeomuriformis FSL-E2-0572 and Exophiala dermatitidis YB-734, were also the most HPP tolerant but were the least halotolerant. Meanwhile, Aureobasidium pullulans FSL-E2-0290 was the most UV and sanitizer tolerant but had been shown to have relatively low thermoresistance. Fisher's exact tests showed that thermoresistance in black yeasts was associated with HPP tolerance and inversely with halotolerance, but no association was found with UV tolerance or sanitizer tolerance. Collectively, the relative stress tolerance among strains varied across interventions. Given this variation, different food products are susceptible to black yeast spoilage. In addition, different strains should be selected in challenge studies specific to the intervention. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Cai
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
| | - Abigail B Snyder
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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21
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Alimu Y, Ban S, Yaguchi T. Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Strains Morphologically Identified as <i>Exophiala dermatitidis</i> from Clinical and Environmental Specimens in Japan. Med Mycol J 2022; 63:1-9. [DOI: 10.3314/mmj.21-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yikelamu Alimu
- Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University
| | - Sayaka Ban
- Medical Mycology Research Center (MMRC), Chiba University
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22
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Brackin AP, Hemmings SJ, Fisher MC, Rhodes J. Fungal Genomics in Respiratory Medicine: What, How and When? Mycopathologia 2021; 186:589-608. [PMID: 34490551 PMCID: PMC8421194 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections caused by fungal pathogens present a growing global health concern and are a major cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Worryingly, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome has been shown to predispose some patients to airborne fungal co-infections. These include secondary pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Aspergillosis is most commonly caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and primarily treated using the triazole drug group, however in recent years, this fungus has been rapidly gaining resistance against these antifungals. This is of serious clinical concern as multi-azole resistant forms of aspergillosis have a higher risk of mortality when compared against azole-susceptible infections. With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 and other classes of immunocompromised patients, early diagnosis of fungal infections is critical to ensuring patient survival. However, time-limited diagnosis is difficult to achieve with current culture-based methods. Advances within fungal genomics have enabled molecular diagnostic methods to become a fast, reproducible, and cost-effective alternative for diagnosis of respiratory fungal pathogens and detection of antifungal resistance. Here, we describe what techniques are currently available within molecular diagnostics, how they work and when they have been used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie P. Brackin
- MRC Centre for Global Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sam J. Hemmings
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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23
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Isola D, Scano A, Orrù G, Prenafeta-Boldú FX, Zucconi L. Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Sites: Is There Something More Than Exophiala xenobiotica? New Insights into Black Fungal Diversity Using the Long Cold Incubation Method. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100817. [PMID: 34682237 PMCID: PMC8538888 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-made hydrocarbon-rich environments are important reservoirs of microorganisms with specific degrading abilities and pathogenic potential. In particular, black fungi are of great interest, but their presence in the environment is frequently underestimated because they are difficult to isolate. In the frame of a biodiversity study from fuel-contaminated sites involving 30 diesel car tanks and 112 fuel pump dispensers (52 diesel and 60 gasoline, respectively), a total of 181 black fungal strains were isolated. The long cold incubation (LCI) of water-suspended samples, followed by plating on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar (DRBC), gave isolation yields up to six times (6.6) higher than those of direct plating on DRBC, and those of enrichment with a phenolic mix. The sequencing of ITS and LSU-rDNA confirmed the dominance of potentially pathogenic fungi from the family Herpotrichiellaceae and Exophiala xenobiotica. Moreover, other opportunistic species were found, including E. opportunistica, E. oligosperma, E. phaeomuriformis, and Rhinocladiella similis. The recurrent presence of E. crusticola, Knufia epidermidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Cladosporium spp., and Scolecobasidium spp. was also recorded. Interestingly, 12% of total isolates, corresponding to 50% of taxa found (16/32), represent new species. All the novel taxa in this study were isolated by LCI. These findings suggest that black fungal diversity in hydrocarbon-rich niches remains largely unexplored and that LCI can be an efficient tool for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Isola
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0761-357138
| | - Alessandra Scano
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | - Germano Orrù
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.)
| | | | - Laura Zucconi
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB), University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy;
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Usuda D, Higashikawa T, Hotchi Y, Usami K, Shimozawa S, Tokunaga S, Osugi I, Katou R, Ito S, Yoshizawa T, Asako S, Mishima K, Kondo A, Mizuno K, Takami H, Komatsu T, Oba J, Nomura T, Sugita M. Exophiala dermatitidis. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:7963-7972. [PMID: 34621853 PMCID: PMC8462220 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i27.7963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Exophiala is a genus comprising several species of opportunistic black yeasts, which belongs to Ascomycotina. It is a rare cause of fungal infections. However, infections are often chronic and recalcitrant, and while the number of cases is steadily increasing in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent people, detailed knowledge remains scarce regarding infection mechanisms, virulence factors, specific predisposing factors, risk factors, and host response. The most common manifestations of Exophiala infection are skin infections, and the most frequent type of deep infection is pulmonary infection due to inhalation. The invasive disease ranges from cutaneous or subcutaneous infection to systemic dissemination to internal organs. The final identification of the causative organism should be achieved through a combination of several methods, including the newly introduced diagnostic analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, together with sequencing of the ribosomal ribonucleic acid internal transcribed spacer region of the fungi, and histological and culture findings. Regarding treatment, because anti-infective agents and natural compounds exhibited poor antibiofilm activity, few treatments have ultimately been found to be effective for specific antifungal therapy, so the optimal antifungal therapy and duration of therapy for these infections remain unknown. Therefore, most forms of disease caused by Exophiala dermatitidis require aggressive combination therapies: Both surgical intervention and aggressive antifungal therapy with novel compounds and azoles are necessary for effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Usuda
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Higashikawa
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University Himi Municipal Hospital, Himi-shi 935-8531, Toyama-ken, Japan
| | - Yuta Hotchi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenki Usami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Shimozawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shungo Tokunaga
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ippei Osugi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Risa Katou
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakurako Ito
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Asako
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mishima
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kondo
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiko Mizuno
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Komatsu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jiro Oba
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Nomura
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Sugita
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Nerima-ku 177-8521, Tokyo, Japan
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Cai S, Rico-Munoz E, Snyder AB. Intermediate Thermoresistance in Black Yeast Asexual Cells Variably Increases with Culture Age, Promoting Survival and Spoilage in Thermally Processed Shelf-Stable Foods. J Food Prot 2021; 84:1582-1591. [PMID: 33878188 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Black yeasts are a functional group that has caused spoilage in cold-filled and hot-filled beverages, as well as other water activity-controlled food products. We established quantitative thermoresistance parameters for the inactivation of 12 Aureobasidium and Exophiala isolates through isothermal experiments and a challenge study. Culture age (2 versus 28 days) variably affected the thermoresisitance among the black yeast strains. Variation in thermoresistance exists within each genus, but the two most resistant strains were the Exophiala isolates. The two most heat-resistant isolates were Exophiala phaeomuriformis FSL-E2-0572, with a D60-value of 7.69 ± 0.63 min in 28-day culture and Exophiala dermatitidis YB-734, with a D60-value of 16.32 ± 2.13 min in 28-day culture. Although these thermoresistance levels were, in some cases, greater than those for conidia and vegetative cells from other common food spoilage fungi, they were much more sensitive than the ascospores of heat-resistant molds most associated with spoilage of hot-filled products. However, given that black yeasts have caused spoilage in hot-filled products, we hypothesized that this intermediate degree of thermoresistance may support survival following introduction during active cooling before package seals have formed. A challenge study was performed in an acidic (apple cider) and water activity-controlled (maple syrup) product to evaluate survival. When apple cider was hot filled at 82°C, black yeast counts were reduced by 4.1 log CFU/mL 24 h after the heat treatment, but the survivors increased up to 6.7 log CFU/mL after 2 weeks. In comparison, the counts were below the detection limit after both 24 h and 14 days of shelf life in both products when filled at the boiling points. This suggests that ensuring water microbial quality in cooling tunnels and nozzle sanitation may be essential in mitigating the introduction of these fungi. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Cai
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Emilia Rico-Munoz
- BCN Research Laboratories, Inc., 2491 Stock Creek Boulevard, Rockford, Tennessee 37853, USA
| | - Abigail B Snyder
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Černoša A, Sun X, Gostinčar C, Fang C, Gunde-Cimerman N, Song Z. Virulence Traits and Population Genomics of the Black Yeast Aureobasidium melanogenum. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080665. [PMID: 34436204 PMCID: PMC8401163 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The black yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium melanogenum is an opportunistic human pathogen frequently found indoors. Its traits, potentially linked to pathogenesis, have never been systematically studied. Here, we examine 49 A. melanogenum strains for growth at 37 °C, siderophore production, hemolytic activity, and assimilation of hydrocarbons and human neurotransmitters and report within-species variability. All but one strain grew at 37 °C. All strains produced siderophores and showed some hemolytic activity. The largest differences between strains were observed in the assimilation of hydrocarbons and human neurotransmitters. We show for the first time that fungi from the order Dothideales can assimilate aromatic hydrocarbons. To explain the background, we sequenced the genomes of all 49 strains and identified genes putatively involved in siderophore production and hemolysis. Genomic analysis revealed a fairly structured population of A.melanogenum, raising the possibility that some phylogenetic lineages have higher virulence potential than others. Population genomics indicated that the species is strictly clonal, although more than half of the genomes were diploid. The existence of relatively heterozygous diploids in an otherwise clonal species is described for only the second time in fungi. The genomic and phenotypic data from this study should help to resolve the non-trivial taxonomy of the genus Aureobasidium and reduce the medical hazards of exploiting the biotechnological potential of other, non-pathogenic species of this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Černoša
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.Č.); (N.G.-C.)
| | - Xiaohuan Sun
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen 518083, China; (X.S.); (C.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.Č.); (N.G.-C.)
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao 266555, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +386-1-320-3392
| | - Chao Fang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen 518083, China; (X.S.); (C.F.); (Z.S.)
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.Č.); (N.G.-C.)
| | - Zewei Song
- BGI-Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen 518083, China; (X.S.); (C.F.); (Z.S.)
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Haelewaters D, Peterson RA, Nevalainen H, Aime MC. Inopinatum lactosum gen. & comb. nov., the first yeast-like fungus in Leotiomycetes. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2021; 71. [PMID: 34214028 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.004862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporobolomyces lactosus is a pink yeast-like fungus that is not congeneric with other members of Sporobolomyces (Basidiomycota, Microbotryomycetes, Sporidiobolales). During our ongoing studies of pink yeasts we determined that S. lactosus was most closely related to Pseudeurotium zonatum (Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, Thelebolales). A molecular phylogenetic analysis using sequences of the ITS region and the small and large subunit (SSU, LSU) rRNA genes, indicated that four isolates of S. lactosus, including three ex-type isolates, were placed in Thelebolales with maximum support. A new genus is proposed to accommodate S. lactosus, Inopinatum. This is the first pink yeast reported in Leotiomycetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Haelewaters
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Robyn A Peterson
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Helena Nevalainen
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - M Catherine Aime
- Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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Tischner Z, Sebők R, Kredics L, Allaga H, Vargha M, Sebestyén Á, Dobolyi C, Kriszt B, Magyar D. Mycological Investigation of Bottled Water Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070871. [PMID: 34358021 PMCID: PMC8308914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070871] [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: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The usage of bottled water dispensers (BWDs) has spread worldwide. Despite their popularity, few studies have dealt with their microbial contaminants, and little attention is given to their fungal contamination. To our knowledge this is the first mycological study of BWDs in Europe. 36 devices have been examined in Budapest, Hungary. Despite of the strictly regulated water hygiene system in Hungary, molds and yeasts were detected in 86.8% of the samples, 56.76% were highly contaminated. Elevated heterotrophic plate counts were also observed in all samples compared to that of Hungarian drinking water. As all physical and chemical water quality characteristics have met the relevant national and European parametric values and neither totally explained the results of microbial counts, the effect of usage and maintenance habits of the devices were examined. Fungal concentrations were affected by the time elapsed since disinfection, days remaining until expiration of bottles, month of sampling and exposure to sunlight during storage. Microbes are able to proliferate in the bottled water and disperse inside the BWDs. Many of the detected fungal species (Sarocladium kiliense, Acremonium sclerotigenum/egyptiacum, Exophiala jeanselmei var. lecanii-corni, Exophiala equina, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Cystobasidium slooffiae, Aspergillus jensenii, Bisifusarium biseptatum) are opportunistic pathogens for subpopulations of sensitive age groups and patients with immunodeficient conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Thus BWDs may pose a health risk to visitors of healthcare institutions, especially to patients with oral lesions in dental surgeries. The study draws attention to the need to investigate microbial contamination of these devices in other countries as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Tischner
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (C.D.); (B.K.)
- National Public Health Center, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary; (M.V.); (Á.S.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence: (Z.T.); (R.S.)
| | - Rózsa Sebők
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (C.D.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: (Z.T.); (R.S.)
| | - László Kredics
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (L.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Henrietta Allaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (L.K.); (H.A.)
| | - Márta Vargha
- National Public Health Center, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary; (M.V.); (Á.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Ágnes Sebestyén
- National Public Health Center, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary; (M.V.); (Á.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Csaba Dobolyi
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (C.D.); (B.K.)
| | - Balázs Kriszt
- Department of Environmental Safety, Institute of Aquaculture and Environmental Safety, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (C.D.); (B.K.)
| | - Donát Magyar
- National Public Health Center, H-1097 Budapest, Hungary; (M.V.); (Á.S.); (D.M.)
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Monapathi M, Horn S, Vogt T, van Wyk D, Mienie C, Ezeokoli OT, Coertze R, Rhode O, Bezuidenhout CC. Antifungal agents, yeast abundance and diversity in surface water: Potential risks to water users. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 274:129718. [PMID: 33529952 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
South African surface waters are subject to various forms of pollution. Recent findings in aquatic systems suggest an association exists between yeast diversity, chemical pollutants and land coverage, which are important water quality determinants. Yeast abundance and diversity, as well as antifungal agents in two river systems in South Africa, were investigated and related to the existing land coverage. Yeast abundance and diversity were determined from environmental DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, respectively, of the 26S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene. Antifungal agents were qualitatively and/or quantitatively detected by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Analyses of 2 031 714 high-quality 26S rRNA sequences yielded 5554 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs)/species. ASV richness and Shannon-Wiener index of diversity reflected the southward flow of the river with higher values observed downstream compared to the upstream. Fluconazole concentrations were quantifiable in only two samples; 178 and 271 ng L-1. Taxonomically, at least 20 yeast species were detected, including the dominant Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus spp. as well as the lesser dominant Bensingtonia bomiensis, Fereydounia khargensis, Hericium erinaceus, Kondoa changbaiensi, Pseudozyma spp. and Sphacelotheca pamparum. The two dominant species are known opportunistic pathogens which had antifungal resistant traits in previous studies from the same rivers and therefore is a public health threat. The present study provides further evidence that yeasts should be included as part of water quality parameters, especially in developing countries where much of the population are economically disadvantaged, and also immunocompromised due to age and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzimkhulu Monapathi
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Suranie Horn
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Tash Vogt
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Deidré van Wyk
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Mienie
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Obinna T Ezeokoli
- Pathogenic Yeast Research Group, Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Roelof Coertze
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Owen Rhode
- Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Cornelius C Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Dishwashers as an Extreme Environment of Potentially Pathogenic Yeast Species. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10040446. [PMID: 33917934 PMCID: PMC8068352 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to compare the yeast species diversity in the specific environment of dishwashers, taking into account the potential risk for users. Yeasts were isolated from ten dishwashers and from tap water supplied to the appliances. Samples were collected for mycological analyses at the beginning of each month, from February to May 2016. Four dishwasher sites (rubber seals, detergent dispensers, sprinklers, and water drains) were analyzed. The microfungi were identified by the standard procedures applied in mycological diagnostics. To confirm species identification, molecular analysis was performed based on the sequences of the D1/D2 region. The presence of microfungi was detected in 70% of the investigated appliances. Rubber seals, detergent dispensers, and water drains were the most frequently colonized elements. Thirty-five yeast strains were isolated in this study, of which twenty-seven were obtained from dishwashers and eight from tap water. The strains belonged to six genera and six species (Candida parapsilosis, Clavispora lusitaniae, Dipodascus capitatus, Exophiala dermatitidis, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa). Most of the strains came from rubber seals. In this way, it was demonstrated that the dishwashers’ condition is sufficient as an ecological niche for microfungi.
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Minimising the risk of cross infection between siblings with cystic fibrosis (CF) within the home: Successful domestic steam disinfection of CF bacterial and foodborne pathogens on common household cutlery and crockery utensils. J Cyst Fibros 2021; 20:708-711. [PMID: 33781700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.03.013] [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] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Avoidance of cross infection is important between CF siblings living in the same household. In this study, we examined the ability of domestic steam disinfection to eradicate 16 species of CF bacterial and foodborne pathogens from the surface of contaminated crockery and cutlery. Domestic steam disinfection employing baby bottle disinfector devices, when performed properly under manufacturer's instructions, eradicated all organisms tested and offers a relatively inexpensive, simple, versatile and widely available technology for the elimination of common CF bacterial and foodborne pathogens from contaminated crockery and cutlery utensils. Most CF households may already have a baby bottle disinfector device, in order to disinfect nebulizers, respiratory equipment and toothbrushes and therefore employment of this device to disinfect crockery and cutlery would be easily achieved. We therefore advocate the employment of such devices to disinfect such common household utensils, as a critical control in the elimination of these organisms from these sources, thereby enhancing CF sibling safety.
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Mills R, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Wilkinson S, Patel L, Maitra A, Horsley A. Impact of airway Exophiala spp. on children with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2021; 20:702-707. [PMID: 33775601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Isolation of Exophiala species from sputum samples has become increasingly reported in Cystic Fibrosis (CF). However, the clinical significance of Exophiala spp. with regards to the paediatric CF population is unknown. METHODS A case control study was undertaken to compare CF children with and without chronic Exophiala spp. in their sputum samples. Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively for each case from the date of Exophiala isolation and for 12 months preceding isolation. Each case was compared to three age and year-matched controls. To determine the effect of Exophiala on clinical course, patients were then followed for 12 months post isolation. RESULTS In total, 27 of 244 eligible paediatric CF patients (11%) isolated Exophiala spp. on more than one occasion. There were no significant differences in the key clinical parameters: spirometry, mean number of intravenous (IV) antibiotic days and body mass index (BMI), between cases and controls (p = 0.91, p = 0.56 and p = 0.63 respectively). A higher proportion of cases isolated Candida spp. (67% vs 21%, p < 0.0001) and Aspergillus fumigatus (37% vs 26%, p = 0.37). There was no clinically significant difference in spirometry, mean number of IV antibiotic days and BMI in cases pre and post Exophiala spp. isolation. Posaconazole was the only drug used that successfully eradicated Exophiala. CONCLUSION Despite the frequent isolation of Exophiala spp. in this cohort, in most patients it is not associated with significant clinical deterioration. It does however seem to be associated with isolation of other fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Mills
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology and the Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK; Paediatric Respiratory Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Department of General Paediatrics, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology and the Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK; Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stuart Wilkinson
- Paediatric Respiratory Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Latifa Patel
- Paediatric Respiratory Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Paediatric Respiratory Department, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alex Horsley
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
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Rai S, Singh DK, Kumar A. Microbial, environmental and anthropogenic factors influencing the indoor microbiome of the built environment. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:267-292. [PMID: 33522603 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A built environment is a human-made environment providing surroundings for human occupancy, activities, and settlement. It is supposed to safeguard humans from all undesirable and harmful pollutants; however, indoor concentrations of some pollutants are much greater than that of the outdoors. Bioaerosols infiltrate from the outdoors in addition to many indoor sources of bioaerosols including the use of various chemicals as well as activities like cooking, smoking, cleaning, or even normal movement. They are also associated with a number of serious health concerns. Various ecological factors associated with the generation, the persistence as well as the dispersal of these microbial components of indoor bioaerosols, are discussed in this review, that have not been considered all together till now. The factors like microbial taxa, environmental factors, and anthropogenic activities (human occupancy, activities, and impact of urbanization) are addressed in the review. Effects of both indoor environmental factors like architectural design, lighting, ventilation, temperature, humidity, indoor/outdoor ratio, particulate matter, indoor chemistry as well as outdoor environmental factors like geography, seasons, and meteorology on the microbial concentrations have been discussed. Efforts are underway to design selective pressures for microbes to create a healthy symbiotic built microbiome as the "right" indoor microbiome is a "healthy" indoor microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Rai
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Dileep K Singh
- Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amod Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Development and Analysis of qPCR for the Identification of Arthroconidial Yeasts of the Genus Magnusiomyces. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:41-51. [PMID: 33392857 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00510-4] [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] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The arthroconidial yeasts Magnusiomyces capitatus and M. clavatus are emerging opportunistic pulmonary pathogens. They are closely related and difficult to distinguish based on morphological and physiological traits. We applied an SYBR® green-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to identify the species. We analyzed 30 reference strains originating from clinical and environmental sources by targeting the Rpb2 gene encoding the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II. The qPCR assays were tested by direct identification of M. capitatus and M. clavatus in spiked sputum and household dishwasher swabs, respectively, as models for clinical and environmental samples. The assays were proved to be reliable for species-level identification of both species, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, lowest inter-assay deviations (RSDr ≤ 1.65%, R2 values >0.99), detection limit of 10 theoretical copy number of target DNA, and detection cell limit of ≥5000 yeast cells from spiked sputum samples. The developed qPCR assay is a practical molecular approach for the detection of M. capitatus and M. clavatus that can be used as a stand-alone assay or in conjunction with culture-dependent approaches.
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Iwahashi C, Eguchi H, Hotta F, Uezumi M, Sawa M, Kimura M, Yaguchi T, Kusaka S. Orbital abscess caused by Exophiala dermatitidis following posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide: a case report and a review of literature related to Exophiala eye infections. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:566. [PMID: 32746887 PMCID: PMC7398408 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05294-y] [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: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) has been widely adopted in the clinical setting of ophthalmology and its infectious complications are rare. However, orbital abscess following STTA has been reported in seven cases. Furthermore, although eye infections due to Exophiala species are uncommon, there have been 19 cases to date. E. jeanselmei, E. phaeomuriformis, E. werneckii, and E. dermatitidis have been reported to cause human eye infections; however, to the best of our knowledge, orbital abscess caused by E. dermatitidis has not yet been reported. We describe the first documented case of fungal orbital abscess caused by E. dermatitidis following STTA. We also review the related literature of orbital abscess following STTA, as well as eye infections caused by the four Exophiala species. Case presentation The patient was a 69-year-old Japanese woman with diabetic mellitus. She had a macular oedema in her right eye, which occurred secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. An orbital abscess caused by E. dermatitidis occurred 4 months after the second STTA for the macular oedema, which was successfully treated by a surgical debridement and systemic administration of voriconazole. Conclusions Our findings in the patient and from our literature survey caution ophthalmologists to the fact that STTA can cause fungal orbital infections, especially in diabetic patients. Furthermore, surgical treatment is one of the most important risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Iwahashi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2, Ohonohigashi, Osakasayama-shi, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Eguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2, Ohonohigashi, Osakasayama-shi, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Fumika Hotta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2, Ohonohigashi, Osakasayama-shi, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Mayu Uezumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sakai City Medical Center, 1-1-1, Ebaraji-cho, Nishi-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, 593-08304, Japan
| | - Miki Sawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sakai City Medical Center, 1-1-1, Ebaraji-cho, Nishi-ku, Sakai City, Osaka, 593-08304, Japan
| | - Masatomo Kimura
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2, Ohnohigashi, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takashi Yaguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8673, Japan
| | - Shunji Kusaka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2, Ohonohigashi, Osakasayama-shi, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
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Novak Babič M, Gostinčar C, Gunde-Cimerman N. Microorganisms populating the water-related indoor biome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6443-6462. [PMID: 32533304 PMCID: PMC7347518 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Modernisation of our households created novel opportunities for microbial growth and thus changed the array of microorganisms we come in contact with. While many studies have investigated microorganisms in the air and dust, tap water, another major input of microbial propagules, has received far less attention. The quality of drinking water in developed world is strictly regulated to prevent immediate danger to human health. However, fungi, algae, protists and bacteria of less immediate concern are usually not screened for. These organisms can thus use water as a vector of transmission into the households, especially if they are resistant to various water treatment procedures. Good tolerance of unfavourable abiotic conditions is also important for survival once microbes enter the household. Limitation of water availability, high or low temperatures, application of antimicrobial chemicals and other measures are taken to prevent indoor microbial overgrowth. These conditions, together with a large number of novel chemicals in our homes, shape the diversity and abundance of indoor microbiota through constant selection of the most resilient species, resulting in a substantial overlap in diversity of indoor and natural extreme environments. At least in fungi, extremotolerance has been linked to human pathogenicity, explaining why many species found in novel indoor habitats (such as dishwasher) are notable opportunistic pathogens. As a result, microorganisms that often enter our households with water and are then enriched in novel indoor habitats might have a hitherto underestimated impact on the well-being of the increasingly indoor-bound human population. KEY POINTS: Domestic environment harbours a large diversity of microorganisms. Microbiota of water-related indoor habitats mainly originates from tap water. Bathrooms, kitchens and household appliances select for polyextremotolerant species. Many household-related microorganisms are human opportunistic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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First Report of Environmental Isolation of Exophiala spp. in Malaysia. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:2915-2924. [PMID: 32661678 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-02109-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Exophiala dermatitidis has been frequently isolated from tropical regions of the world. However, there is no report of environmental isolation of Exophiala spp. from Malaysia. The information regarding the ecology of this microbe is important for a better understanding of the opportunism. This study aims to conduct a survey of natural distribution of Exophiala spp. in Malaysia. Forty-seven strains of Exophiala-like was isolated by using selective media. These isolates from the fields were molecularly identified based on the ITS region. The biochemical activity of these microbes was tested by conducting various tests, i.e. DNase test, proteinase activity, and urea hydrolysis. Overall, 22 strains of E. dermatitidis were successfully obtained and identified from burnt tree bark, oil dripped soil sample, hot spring biofilm, railway track stones, tar road contaminated with petrol hydrocarbon, drain and deep mud of Sungai Pinang besides the new discovery from pigeon droppings. A single strain of E. heteromorpha was identified from tar road contaminated with petrol hydrocarbon. Genotypes of the isolated E. dermatitidis were identified by the neighbor-joining tree and grouped into Genotype A, A2 and B. The existence of new Genotype A4 was confirmed by a similar cladogram position in both neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood tree. The survival of E. dermatitidis in the hydrocarbon contaminated environment was studied by supplying engine oil and observing the growth pattern. The results of this study suggest that the opportunistic Exophiala spp. was isolated from nutrient limited and harsh conditions in the natural environment.
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Antifungal and Antibacterial Activity of Terpenes for Improvement of Indoor Air Quality. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-020-00397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Bell J, Alexander L, Carson J, Crossan A, McCaughan J, Mills H, O'Neill D, Moore JE, Millar BC. Nebuliser hygiene in cystic fibrosis: evidence-based recommendations. Breathe (Sheff) 2020; 16:190328. [PMID: 32684992 PMCID: PMC7341620 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0328-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nebulised therapies are extensively used in the daily therapeutic management of cystic fibrosis both for mucociliary clearance and for the management of chronic infections. Extensive developments have been made in relation to nebulised drug delivery mechanisms and drug formulations, and guidelines have been prepared that have addressed the appropriate use of such therapies. However, due to these developments, a plethora of nebuliser devices and drug chambers exist, and frequently, the limited guidance provided in relation to nebuliser hygiene is to follow manufacturers' instructions. Such instructions are inconsistent and at times confusing, translating to an increase in the burden associated with nebuliser maintenance. An evidence-based universal guideline relating to nebuliser care and hygiene is urgently required that is applicable to both at-home use and inpatient use. This article reviews the scientific literature in order to propose an evidence-based approach to nebuliser hygiene to ensure optimum drug delivery, and infection prevention and control. EDUCATIONAL AIMS To understand the reasons why nebuliser hygiene is important.To give an overview of the current nebuliser care instructions that have been described by manufacturers, societies and the scientific literature.To outline the current nebuliser hygiene practices used by persons with cystic fibrosis in the home and hospital settings.To highlight areas that need further evaluation to promote optimum nebuliser care.To establish an evidence-based guideline for nebuliser hygiene in relation to cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Bell
- Northern Ireland Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Dept of Physiotherapy, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Lauren Alexander
- Northern Ireland Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Dept of Physiotherapy, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Jane Carson
- Northern Ireland Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Dept of Physiotherapy, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Amanda Crossan
- Northern Ireland Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - John McCaughan
- Dept of Medical Microbiology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Hazel Mills
- Northern Ireland Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Dept of Physiotherapy, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Damian O'Neill
- Northern Ireland Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - John E. Moore
- Northern Ireland Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Dept of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - B. Cherie Millar
- Northern Ireland Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Dept of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
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Vitzilaiou E, Aunsbjerg SD, Mahyudin NA, Knøchel S. Stress Tolerance of Yeasts Dominating Reverse Osmosis Membranes for Whey Water Treatment. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:816. [PMID: 32431679 PMCID: PMC7214788 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00816] [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: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous yeast species belonging to the closely related Saprochaete clavata and Magnusiomyces spicifer were recently found to dominate biofilm communities on the retentate and permeate surface of Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes used in a whey water treatment system after CIP (Cleaning-In-Place). Microscopy revealed that the two filamentous yeast species can cover extensive areas due to their large cell size and long hyphae formation. Representative strains from these species were here further characterized and displayed similar physiological and biochemical characteristics. Both strains tested were able to grow in twice RO-filtrated permeate water and metabolize the urea present. Little is known about the survival characteristics of these strains. Here, their tolerance toward heat (60, 70, and 80°C) and Ultraviolet light (UV-C) treatment at 255 nm using UV-LED was assessed as well as their ability to form biofilm and withstand cleaning associated stress. According to the heat tolerance experiments, the D60°C of S. clavata and M. spicifer is 16.37 min and 7.24 min, respectively, while a reduction of 3.5 to >4.5 log (CFU/mL) was ensured within 5 min at 70°C. UV-C light at a dose level 10 mJ/cm2 had little effect, while doses of 40 mJ/cm2 and upward ensured a ≥4log reduction in a static laboratory scale set-up. The biofilm forming potential of one filamentous yeast and one budding yeast, Sporopachydermia lactativora, both isolated from the same biofilm, was compared in assays employing flat-bottomed polystyrene microwells and peg lids, respectively. In these systems, employing both nutrient rich as well as nutrient poor media, only the filamentous yeast was able to create biofilm. However, on RO membrane coupons in static systems, both the budding yeast and a filamentous yeast were capable of forming single strain biofilms and when these coupons were exposed to different simulations of CIP treatments both the filamentous and budding yeast survived these. The dominance of these yeasts in some filter systems tested, their capacity to adhere and their tolerance toward relevant stresses as demonstrated here, suggest that these slow growing yeasts are well suited to initiate microbial biofouling on surfaces in low nutrient environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Vitzilaiou
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stina D. Aunsbjerg
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N. A. Mahyudin
- Department of Food Service and Management, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Susanne Knøchel
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Fermentation, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lavrin T, Konte T, Kostanjšek R, Sitar S, Sepčič K, Prpar Mihevc S, Žagar E, Župunski V, Lenassi M, Rogelj B, Gunde Cimerman N. The Neurotropic Black Yeast Exophiala dermatitidis Induces Neurocytotoxicity in Neuroblastoma Cells and Progressive Cell Death. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040963. [PMID: 32295162 PMCID: PMC7226985 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotropic and extremophilic black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis (Herpotrichellaceae) inhabits diverse indoor environments, in particular bathrooms, steam baths, and dishwashers. Here, we show that the selected strain, EXF-10123, is polymorphic, can grow at 37 °C, is able to assimilate aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, mineral oil, n-hexadecane), and shows abundant growth with selected neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, glutamate, and dopamine) as sole carbon sources. We have for the first time demonstrated the effect of E. dermatitidis on neuroblastoma cell model SH-SY5Y. Aqueous and organic extracts of E. dermatitidis biomass reduced SH-SY5Y viability by 51% and 37%, respectively. Melanized extracellular vesicles (EVs) prepared from this strain reduced viability of the SH-SY5Y to 21%, while non-melanized EVs were considerably less neurotoxic (79% viability). We also demonstrated direct interactions of E. dermatitidis with SH-SY5Y by scanning electron and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The observed invasion and penetration of neuroblastoma cells by E. dermatitidis hyphae presumably causes the degradation of most neuroblastoma cells in only three days. This may represent a so far unknown indirect or direct cause for the development of some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teja Lavrin
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (N.G.C.); Tel.: +386-(0)1-543-7652 (T.L.); +386-(0)1-320-3400 (N.G.C.)
| | - Tilen Konte
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Rok Kostanjšek
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Simona Sitar
- Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.S.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Kristina Sepčič
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (K.S.)
| | | | - Ema Žagar
- Laboratory for Polymer Chemistry and Technology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.S.); (E.Ž.)
| | - Vera Župunski
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Ž.); (B.R.)
| | - Metka Lenassi
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (T.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Boris Rogelj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.Ž.); (B.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biomedical Research Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Gunde Cimerman
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (R.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.L.); (N.G.C.); Tel.: +386-(0)1-543-7652 (T.L.); +386-(0)1-320-3400 (N.G.C.)
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Monapathi ME, Bezuidenhout CC, James Rhode OH. Aquatic yeasts: diversity, characteristics and potential health implications. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2020; 18:91-105. [PMID: 32300084 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2020.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There has been a rising interest in the levels, diversity and potential impacts of yeasts in aquatic environments. Some of the species isolated from such niches are known pathogens or have pathogenic and antifungal resistance features. This deems it necessary to understand the characteristics and potential health implications of such environmental yeasts species. Studies on these subjects are limited. Most studies on aquatic yeasts have linked them to water pollution. However, the current gold standards to determine microbial pollution of water use bacteria as the main indicator organisms. Including yeasts in water quality standards may provide a different dimension on the quality of water when determining its fit-for-use properties. Pathogenic yeasts cause superficial infections or life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised people. Some of the yeast species isolated in recent studies were resistant to commonly used antifungal agents of clinical and veterinary relevance. With the high prevalence rate of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in South Africa, antifungal resistance is a public concern as it poses serious medical and economic challenges. Most available studies are concerned with clinical environments only. There is, thus, a need to review the literature that also focuses on aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mzimkhulu Ephraim Monapathi
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa E-mail: ; Faculty of Applied and Computer Science - Chemistry, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark Park, South Africa
| | - Carlos Cornelius Bezuidenhout
- Unit for Environmental Science and Management - Microbiology, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa E-mail:
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Poh TY, Tiew PY, Lim AYH, Thng KX, Binte Mohamed Ali NA, Narayana JK, Mac Aogáin M, Tien Z, Chew WM, Wai Chan AK, Keir HR, Dicker AJ, Hassan TM, Xu H, Tee AKH, Ong TH, Koh MS, Abisheganaden JA, Chalmers JD, Chotirmall SH. Increased Chitotriosidase Is Associated With Aspergillus and Frequent Exacerbations in South-East Asian Patients With Bronchiectasis. Chest 2020; 158:512-522. [PMID: 32184111 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chitinase activity is an important innate immune defence mechanism against infection that includes fungi. The 2 human chitinases: chitotriosidase (CHIT1) and acidic mammalian chitinase are associated to allergy, asthma, and COPD; however, their role in bronchiectasis and bronchiectasis-COPD overlap (BCO) is unknown. RESEARCH QUESTION What is the association between chitinase activity, airway fungi and clinical outcomes in bronchiectasis and bronchiectasis-COPD overlap? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A prospective cohort of 463 individuals were recruited across five hospital sites in three countries (Singapore, Malaysia, and Scotland) including individuals who were not diseased (n = 35) and who had severe asthma (n = 54), COPD (n = 90), bronchiectasis (n = 241) and BCO (n = 43). Systemic chitinase levels were assessed for bronchiectasis and BCO and related to clinical outcomes, airway Aspergillus status, and underlying pulmonary mycobiome profiles. RESULTS Systemic chitinase activity is elevated significantly in bronchiectasis and BCO and exceed the activity in other airway diseases. CHIT1 activity strongly predicts bronchiectasis exacerbations and is associated with the presence of at least one Aspergillus species in the airway and frequent exacerbations (≥3 exacerbations/y). Subgroup analysis reveals an association between CHIT1 activity and the "frequent exacerbator" phenotype in South-East Asian patients whose airway mycobiome profiles indicate the presence of novel fungal taxa that include Macroventuria, Curvularia and Sarocladium. These taxa, enriched in frequently exacerbating South-East Asian patients with high CHIT1 may have potential roles in bronchiectasis exacerbations. INTERPRETATION Systemic CHIT1 activity may represent a useful clinical tool for the identification of fungal-driven "frequent exacerbators" with bronchiectasis in South-East Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuang Yeow Poh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Pei Yee Tiew
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Albert Yick Hou Lim
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kai Xian Thng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | | | - Micheál Mac Aogáin
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Zhijun Tien
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wui Mei Chew
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Adrian Kwok Wai Chan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Holly R Keir
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland
| | - Alison J Dicker
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland
| | | | - Huiying Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Augustine K H Tee
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Thun How Ong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Mariko Siyue Koh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - James D Chalmers
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland
| | - Sanjay H Chotirmall
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Zupančič J, Turk M, Črnigoj M, Ambrožič Avguštin J, Gunde-Cimerman N. The dishwasher rubber seal acts as a reservoir of bacteria in the home environment. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:300. [PMID: 31856722 PMCID: PMC6924085 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1674-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In modern lifestyles, people make their everyday tasks easier by using household appliances, for example dishwashers. Previous studies showed massive contamination of dishwasher rubber seals with fungi, thus bacterial community, able to survive under harsh conditions, remain undetermined. Methods Bacteria that colonise the extreme environment of household dishwasher rubber seals were investigated using cultivation-dependent and metagenomic approaches. All bacterial isolates were tested for resistance to seven selected antibiotics. Same time bacterial diversity of tap water, connected to the dishwashers was investigated. Results All 30 dishwashers investigated were colonised by various bacteria. Cultivation approaches resulted in 632 bacterial isolates in total, belonging to four phyla, eight classes, 40 genera and 74 species. The majority were Gram-positive, as solely Firmicutes (dominated by the Bacillus cereus group) and Actinobacteria. Gammaproteobacteria were primarily represented by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Metagenomic assessment of the bacterial biodiversity of the dishwasher rubber seals confirmed the predominance of Gram-positive bacteria, as primarily Actinobacteria, followed by Proteobacteria dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, and by pathogenic species such as Escherichia sp., Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter sp.. Metagenomic assessment of bacterial biodiversity in the tap water connected to dishwashers revealed predominance of Gram-negative bacteria, in particular Proteobacteria, mainly represented by Tepidimonas sp.. Actinobacteria showed low numbers while no Firmicutes were detected in the tap water. The bacterial diversity of tap water was also lower, 23 genera compared to 39 genera on dishwasher rubber seals. Only 13 out of 49 genera identified by metagenomics approach was found in both environments, of those Gordonia was enriched while half of 13 genera were depleted in dishwashers compared to tap water. Conclusions These data indicate that colonisation of dishwasher rubber seals probably depends primarily on the bacterial input from the dirty vessels, and much less on the bacteria in the tap water. Based on the antibiotic resistance data, the dishwasher rubber seal bacterial isolates do not represent a serious threat for the spread of antibiotic resistance into the household environment. Nevertheless dishwashers cannot be ignored as potential sources of human infections, in particular for immuno-compromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerneja Zupančič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Martina Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Črnigoj
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Centre of Excellence for Integrated Approaches in Chemistry and Biology of Proteins (CIPKeBiP), Ljubljana, Slovenia
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45
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Microbial biofilm communities on Reverse Osmosis membranes in whey water processing before and after cleaning. J Memb Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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46
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Checinska Sielaff A, Urbaniak C, Mohan GBM, Stepanov VG, Tran Q, Wood JM, Minich J, McDonald D, Mayer T, Knight R, Karouia F, Fox GE, Venkateswaran K. Characterization of the total and viable bacterial and fungal communities associated with the International Space Station surfaces. MICROBIOME 2019; 7:50. [PMID: 30955503 PMCID: PMC6452512 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-019-0666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed system inhabited by microorganisms originating from life support systems, cargo, and crew that are exposed to unique selective pressures such as microgravity. To date, mandatory microbial monitoring and observational studies of spacecraft and space stations have been conducted by traditional culture methods, although it is known that many microbes cannot be cultured with standard techniques. To fully appreciate the true number and diversity of microbes that survive in the ISS, molecular and culture-based methods were used to assess microbial communities on ISS surfaces. Samples were taken at eight pre-defined locations during three flight missions spanning 14 months and analyzed upon return to Earth. RESULTS The cultivable bacterial and fungal population ranged from 104 to 109 CFU/m2 depending on location and consisted of various bacterial (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria) and fungal (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) phyla. Amplicon sequencing detected more bacterial phyla when compared to the culture-based analyses, but both methods identified similar numbers of fungal phyla. Changes in bacterial and fungal load (by culture and qPCR) were observed over time but not across locations. Bacterial community composition changed over time, but not across locations, while fungal community remained the same between samplings and locations. There were no significant differences in community composition and richness after propidium monoazide sample treatment, suggesting that the analyzed DNA was extracted from intact/viable organisms. Moreover, approximately 46% of intact/viable bacteria and 40% of intact/viable fungi could be cultured. CONCLUSIONS The results reveal a diverse population of bacteria and fungi on ISS environmental surfaces that changed over time but remained similar between locations. The dominant organisms are associated with the human microbiome and may include opportunistic pathogens. This study provides the first comprehensive catalog of both total and intact/viable bacteria and fungi found on surfaces in closed space systems and can be used to help develop safety measures that meet NASA requirements for deep space human habitation. The results of this study can have significant impact on our understanding of other confined built environments on the Earth such as clean rooms used in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Checinska Sielaff
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Washington State University Extension - Youth and Families Program Unit, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Ganesh Babu Malli Mohan
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Victor G Stepanov
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Quyen Tran
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason M Wood
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Jeremiah Minich
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniel McDonald
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Teresa Mayer
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fathi Karouia
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Bioscience Division, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Research Center, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - George E Fox
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group,, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Kirchhoff L, Olsowski M, Rath PM, Steinmann J. Exophiala dermatitidis: Key issues of an opportunistic fungal pathogen. Virulence 2019; 10:984-998. [PMID: 30887863 PMCID: PMC8647849 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1596504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis is an opportunistic pathogen, causing phaeohyphomycosis in immunosuppressed patients, chromoblastomycosis and fatal infections of the central nervous system in otherwise healthy Asian patients. In addition, it is also regularly isolated from respiratory samples from cystic fibrosis patients, with rates varying between 1% and 19%.Melanin, as part of the cell wall of black yeasts, is one major factor known contributing to the pathogenicity of E. dermatitidis and increased resistance against host defense and anti-infective therapeutics. Further virulence factors, e.g. the capability to adhere to surfaces and to form biofilm were reported. A better understanding of the pathogenicity of E. dermatitidis is essential for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. In this review, the current knowledge of E. dermatitidis prevalence, clinical importance, diagnosis, microbiological characteristics, virulence attributes, susceptibility, and resistances as well as therapeutically strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kirchhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maike Olsowski
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center of Excellence in Clinical and Laboratory Mycology and Clinical Studies, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
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48
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Zajc J, Gostinčar C, Černoša A, Gunde-Cimerman N. Stress-Tolerant Yeasts: Opportunistic Pathogenicity Versus Biocontrol Potential. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010042. [PMID: 30646593 PMCID: PMC6357073 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-tolerant fungi that can thrive under various environmental extremes are highly desirable for their application to biological control, as an alternative to chemicals for pest management. However, in fungi, the mechanisms of stress tolerance might also have roles in mammal opportunism. We tested five species with high biocontrol potential in agriculture (Aureobasidium pullulans, Debayomyces hansenii, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Metschnikowia fructicola, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) and two species recognized as emerging opportunistic human pathogens (Exophiala dermatitidis, Aureobasidium melanogenum) for growth under oligotrophic conditions and at 37 °C, and for tolerance to oxidative stress, formation of biofilms, production of hydrolytic enzymes and siderophores, and use of hydrocarbons as sole carbon source. The results show large overlap between traits desirable for biocontrol and traits linked to opportunism (growth under oligotrophic conditions, production of siderophores, high oxidative stress tolerance, and specific enzyme activities). Based on existing knowledge and these data, we suggest that oligotrophism and thermotolerance together with siderophore production at 37 °C, urease activity, melanization, and biofilm production are the main traits that increase the potential for fungi to cause opportunistic infections in mammals. These traits should be carefully considered when assessing safety of potential biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Zajc
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Institut 'Jožef Stefan', Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Anja Černoša
- Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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49
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Metin B, Döğen A, Yıldırım E, de Hoog GS, Heitman J, Ilkit M. Mating type (MAT) locus and possible sexuality of the opportunistic pathogen Exophiala dermatitidis. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 124:29-38. [PMID: 30611834 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction among the black yeasts is generally limited to environmental saprobic species and is rarely observed among opportunists in humans. To date, a complete sexual cycle has not been observed in Exophiala dermatitidis. In this study, we aimed to gain insight into the reproductive mode of E. dermatitidis by characterizing its mating type (MAT) locus, conducting MAT screening of environmental and clinical isolates, examining the expression of the MAT genes and analyzing the virulence of the isolates of different mating types. Similar to other members of the Pezizomycotina, the E. dermatitidis genome harbors a high mobility group (HMG) domain gene (MAT1-2-1) in the vicinity of the SLA2 and APN2 genes. The MAT loci of 74 E. dermatitidis isolates (11 clinical and 63 environmental) were screened by PCR, and the surrounding region was amplified using long-range PCR. Sequencing of the ∼ 12-kb PCR product of a MAT1-1 isolate revealed an α-box gene (MAT1-1-1). The MAT1-1 idiomorph was 3544-bp long and harbored the MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-1-4 genes. The MAT1-2 idiomorph was longer, 3771-bp, and harbored only the MAT1-2-1 gene. This structure suggests a heterothallic reproduction mode. The distribution of MAT among 74 isolates was ∼ 1:1 with a MAT1-1:MAT1-2 ratio of 35:39. RT-PCR analysis indicated that the MAT genes are transcribed. No significant difference was detected in the virulence of isolates representing different mating types using a Galleria mellonella model (P > 0.05). Collectively, E. dermatitidis is the first opportunistic black yeast in which both MAT idiomorphs have been characterized. The occurrence of isolates bearing both idiomorphs, their approximately equal distribution, and the expression of the MAT genes suggest that E. dermatitidis might reproduce sexually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banu Metin
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Aylin Döğen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Esra Yıldırım
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboudumc/CWZ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
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50
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Moreno LF, Vicente VA, de Hoog S. Black yeasts in the omics era: Achievements and challenges. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538737 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Black yeasts (BY) comprise a group of polyextremotolerant fungi, mainly belonging to the order Chaetothyriales, which are capable of colonizing a wide range of extreme environments. The tolerance to hostile habitats can be explained by their intrinsic ability to survive under acidic, alkaline, and toxic conditions, high temperature, low nutrient availability, and osmotic and mechanical stress. Occasionally, some species can cause human chromoblastomycosis, a chronic subcutaneous infection, as well as disseminated or cerebral phaeohyphomycosis. Three years after the release of the first black yeast genome, the number of projects for sequencing these organisms has significantly increased. Over 37 genomes of important opportunistic and saprobic black yeasts and relatives are now available in different databases. The whole-genome sequencing, as well as the analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs and the determination of protein expression profiles generated an unprecedented amount of data, requiring the development of a curated repository to provide easy accesses to this information. In the present article, we review various aspects of the impact of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics on black yeast studies. We discuss recent key findings achieved by the use of these technologies and further directions for medical mycology in this area. An important vehicle is the Working Groups on Black Yeasts and Chromoblastomycosis, under the umbrella of ISHAM, which unite the clinicians and a highly diverse population of fundamental scientists to exchange data for joint publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Ferreira Moreno
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.,Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboudumc / CWZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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