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Nobre AFD, Sousa AMSD, Costa ADC, Fernandes MR, Kumar R, Ponne S, Rocha MG, Rodrigues AM, Camargo ZPD, Brilhante RSN. Effect of proton pump inhibitors on susceptibility and melanogenesis of Sporothrix species. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 39145374 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection caused by dimorphic Sporothrix species embedded in the clinical clade. Fungi have virulence factors, such as biofilm and melanin production, which contribute to their survival and are related to the increase in the number of cases of therapeutic failure, making it necessary to search for new options.Gap statement. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have already been shown to inhibit the growth and melanogenesis of other fungi.Aim. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the PPIs omeprazole (OMP), rabeprazole (RBP), esomeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole on the susceptibility and melanogenesis of Sporothrix species, and their interactions with itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B.Methodology. The antifungal activity of PPIs was evaluated using the microdilution method, and the combination of PPIs with itraconazole, terbinafine and amphotericin B was assessed using the checkerboard method. The assessment of melanogenesis inhibition was assessed using grey scale.Results. The OMP and RBP showed significant MIC results ranging from 32 to 256 µg ml-1 and 32 to 128 µg ml-1, respectively. Biofilms were sensitive, with a significant reduction (P<0.05) in metabolic activity of 52% for OMP and 50% for RBP at a concentration of 512 µg ml-1 and of biomass by 53% for OMP and 51% for RBP at concentrations of 512 µg ml-1. As for the inhibition of melanogenesis, only OMP showed inhibition, with a 54% reduction.Conclusion. It concludes that the PPIs OMP and RBP have antifungal activity in vitro against planktonic cells and biofilms of Sporothrix species and that, in addition, OMP can inhibit the melanization process in Sporothrix species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusto Feynman Dias Nobre
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alanna Mayara Soares de Sousa
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson da Cunha Costa
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mirele Rodrigues Fernandes
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Division of Glycoscience, Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Saravanaraman Ponne
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Kirumampakkam, Puducherry 607402, India
| | - Maria Gleiciane Rocha
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Discipline of Cellular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires de Camargo
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- One Health Microbiology Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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2
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Oliveira MDA, de Almeida SR, Martins JO. Novel Insights into Sporotrichosis and Diabetes. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:527. [PMID: 39194853 DOI: 10.3390/jof10080527] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a type of zoonotic subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of dimorphic fungus of the genus Sporothrix, and it is the most common form of subcutaneous mycosis in Latin America. Sporotrichosis is generally restricted to cutaneous and lymphatic tissue (i.e., localized forms), and involvement in the viscera (i.e., disseminated or disseminated cutaneous form) is uncommon, especially in the central nervous system. However, immunosuppression in individuals with diabetes mellitus can lead to the disseminated form of the disease due to a failure to eliminate the pathogen and poor infection treatment outcomes. Possible correlations between patients with diabetes and their greater susceptibility to disseminated cases of sporotrichosis include a decreased cytokine response after stimulation, increased oxidative stress, decreased chemotaxis, phagocytic activity, adhesion and rolling of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages, and increased macrophage/monocyte and polymorphonuclear cell apoptosis. Therefore, this review highlights novel insights into diabetes and sporotrichosis by investigating how chronic inflammation affects and aggravates the infection, the possible causes of the greater susceptibility of Sporothrix sp. to hematogenous dissemination in immunocompromised patients, and the main alterations that this dissemination can cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de Araujo Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandro Rogério de Almeida
- Laboratory of Mycology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Joilson O Martins
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
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3
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de Miranda LHM, Santiago MDA, Frankenfeld J, dos Reis EG, Menezes RC, Pereira SA, Gremião IDF, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Conceição-Silva F. Neutrophil Oxidative Burst Profile Is Related to a Satisfactory Response to Itraconazole and Clinical Cure in Feline Sporotrichosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:422. [PMID: 38921408 PMCID: PMC11205038 DOI: 10.3390/jof10060422] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the central role of cats in the transmission and amplification of Sporothrix, studies regarding immune response in feline sporotrichosis are scarce. In cats with sporotrichosis, neutrophil-rich lesions are usually associated to good general condition and lower fungal burden. However, the role of neutrophils in anti-Sporothrix immunity has been little explored in cats. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the neutrophil oxidative burst in the blood of cats with sporotrichosis. Cats with sporotrichosis included in the study were treated with itraconazole (ITZ) alone or combined with potassium iodide (KI). The neutrophil oxidative burst was evaluated through a flow-cytometry-based assay using dihydrorhodamine 123 (background) and stimulation with Zymosan and heat-killed Sporothrix yeasts. The cure rate was 50.0% in cats under treatment with ITZ monotherapy and 90.9% in cats treated with ITZ + KI (p = 0.014), endorsing the combination therapy as an excellent alternative for the treatment of feline sporotrichosis. Higher percentages of Sporothrix-stimulated neutrophils were associated with good general condition (p = 0.003). Higher percentages of Sporothrix- (p = 0.05) and Zymosan-activated (p = 0.014) neutrophils before and early in the treatment were related to clinical cure in ITZ-treated cats. The correlation between oxidative burst and successful use of KI could not be properly assessed given the low number of failures (n = 2) in this treatment group. Nasal mucosa involvement, typically linked to treatment failure, was related to lower percentages of activated neutrophils in the background at the treatment outcome (p = 0.02). Our results suggest a beneficial role of neutrophils in feline sporotrichosis and a positive correlation between neutrophil activation and the cure process in ITZ-treated cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Helena Monteiro de Miranda
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (M.d.A.S.); (F.C.-S.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (E.G.d.R.); (R.C.M.); (S.A.P.); (I.D.F.G.)
| | - Marta de Almeida Santiago
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (M.d.A.S.); (F.C.-S.)
| | - Julia Frankenfeld
- Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Facility, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.F.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Erica Guerino dos Reis
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (E.G.d.R.); (R.C.M.); (S.A.P.); (I.D.F.G.)
| | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (E.G.d.R.); (R.C.M.); (S.A.P.); (I.D.F.G.)
| | - Sandro Antonio Pereira
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (E.G.d.R.); (R.C.M.); (S.A.P.); (I.D.F.G.)
| | - Isabella Dib Ferreira Gremião
- Laboratory of Clinical Research on Dermatozoonoses in Domestic Animals, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (E.G.d.R.); (R.C.M.); (S.A.P.); (I.D.F.G.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Facility, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (J.F.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Fátima Conceição-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-250, Brazil; (M.d.A.S.); (F.C.-S.)
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4
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Espín-Sánchez D, Preisegger L, Mazzolenis R, Santana M, Saparrat MCN, Pedrini N, Huarte-Bonnet C. Dark Pigments in Entomopathogenic Fungal Microsclerotia: Preliminary Evidence of a 1,8-Dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin-like Compound in Metarhizium robertsii. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1162. [PMID: 38132763 PMCID: PMC10744409 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121162] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Metarhizium robertsii microsclerotia are fungal aggregates composed of compacted, pigmented hyphae. As they are highly tolerant to desiccation and produce infective conidia, they are promising candidates to be formulated as bioinsecticides. Despite this potential, the nature of the pigments within these structures remains unclear. In this study, routine culture media used for the differentiation of M. robertsii microsclerotia were supplemented with four melanin inhibitors, and the resulting propagules were characterized. Inhibitors of the 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin biosynthetic pathway such as tricyclazole and guaiacol induced significant phenotypic and molecular modifications in the obtained M. robertsii propagules, which exhibited a more spherical shape, reduced size, and increased susceptibility to desiccation, heat, and oxidative stress than microsclerotia obtained without inhibitors. Additionally, genes encoding for a polyketide synthase (Mrpks2) and a putative 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (Mrthnr), potentially involved in the DHN-melanin biosynthetic pathway, were upregulated in fungi grown in the inhibitor-added media. In conclusion, M. robertsii microsclerotia contain melanins of type DHN that might play a role in both microsclerotia differentiation and environmental stress tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daysi Espín-Sánchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Lautaro Preisegger
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Romina Mazzolenis
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Marianela Santana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mario C. N. Saparrat
- Instituto de Fisiología Vegetal (INFIVE), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina;
| | - Nicolás Pedrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Carla Huarte-Bonnet
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata “Profesor Doctor Rodolfo R. Brenner” (INIBIOLP), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)-CCT-La Plata-CONICET, La Plata 1900, Argentina; (D.E.-S.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (M.S.)
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5
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Almeida-Silva F, Coelho RA, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Fichman V, Freitas DF, Galhardo MC, Corrêa-Junior D, Frases S, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Almeida-Paes R. In vitro isavuconazole activity against Sporothrix brasiliensis suggests its efficacy in some severe sporotrichosis cases. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:1041-1048. [PMID: 37721514 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Sporothrix brasiliensis causes sporotrichosis, an important infection in some groups of patients. Aims: This work was designed to investigate the effects of isavuconazole against this species. Methods: An antifungal susceptibility test was performed to compare MIC values with other antifungal drugs used to treat sporotrichosis. A checkerboard assay was performed to understand isavuconazole interactions. Furthermore, isavuconazole growth inhibition on an itraconazole-resistant strain was tested. Results: Isavuconazole had similar MICs to other azoles against S. brasiliensis, presenting fungistatic activity. Isavuconazole did not interact in vitro with antifungals or immunosuppressive drugs and inhibited the growth of an itraconazole-resistant strain. Conclusion: Isavuconazole inhibits S. brasiliensis, its pharmacologic characteristics make it a candidate for patients with sporotrichosis and it may be useful to combat sporotrichosis caused by resistant isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rowena A Coelho
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andréa R Bernardes-Engemann
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vivian Fichman
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dayvison Fs Freitas
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Cg Galhardo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosely M Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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6
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Hatinguais R, Leaves I, Brown GD, Brown AJP, Brock M, Peres da Silva R. CRISPR-based tools for targeted genetic manipulation in pathogenic Sporothrix species. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0507822. [PMID: 37707447 PMCID: PMC10581184 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05078-22] [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] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging fungal pathogen frequently associated with zoonotic transmission of sporotrichosis by contaminated cats. Within 25 years, the disease has spread not only throughout Brazil but now to neighboring countries in Latin America. Thermo-dimorphism, melanin, glycans, adhesins, and secreted vesicles have been associated with the ability of Sporothrix species to cause disease in the mammalian host. Although certain virulence factors have been proposed as potential determinants for sporotrichosis, the scarcity of molecular tools for performing reverse genetics in Sporothrix has significantly impeded the dissection of mechanisms underlying the disease. Here, we demonstrate that PEG-mediated protoplast transformation is a powerful method for heterologous gene expression in S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii, and S. chilensis. Combined with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, this transformation protocol enabled the deletion of the putative DHN-melanin synthase gene pks1, which is a proposed virulence factor of Sporothrix species. To improve in locus integration of deletion constructs, we deleted the KU80 homolog that is critical for non-homologous end-joining DNA repair. The use of Δku80 strains from S. brasiliensis enhanced homologous-directed repair during transformation resulting in increased targeted gene deletion in combination with CRISPR/Cas9. In conclusion, our CRISPR/Cas9-based transformation protocol provides an efficient tool for targeted gene manipulation in Sporothrix species. IMPORTANCE Sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is a disease that requires long periods of treatment and is rapidly spreading across Latin America. The virulence of this fungus and the surge of atypical and more severe presentations of the disease raise the need for an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sporotrichosis, as well as the development of better diagnostics and antifungal therapies. By developing molecular tools for accurate genetic manipulation in Sporothrix, this study addresses the paucity of reliable and reproducible tools for stable genetic engineering of Sporothrix species, which has represented a major obstacle for studying the virulence determinants and their roles in the establishment of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Hatinguais
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Roberta Peres da Silva
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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7
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Ortiz-Ramírez JA, Cuéllar-Cruz M, Villagómez-Castro JC, López-Romero E. Fungal Glycosidases in Sporothrix Species and Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:919. [PMID: 37755027 PMCID: PMC10532485 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090919] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are enzymes that participate in many biological processes of fungi and other organisms by hydrolyzing glycosidic linkages in glycosides. They play fundamental roles in the degradation of carbohydrates and the assembly of glycoproteins and are important subjects of studies in molecular biology and biochemistry. Based on amino acid sequence similarities and 3-dimensional structures in the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZy), they have been classified in 171 families. Members of some of these families also exhibit the activity of trans-glycosydase or glycosyl transferase (GT), i.e., they create a new glycosidic bond in a substrate instead of breaking it. Fungal glycosidases are important for virulence by aiding tissue adhesion and colonization, nutrition, immune evasion, biofilm formation, toxin release, and antibiotic resistance. Here, we review fungal glycosidases with a particular emphasis on Sporothrix species and C. albicans, two well-recognized human pathogens. Covered issues include a brief account of Sporothrix, sporotrichosis, the different types of glycosidases, their substrates, and mechanism of action, recent advances in their identification and characterization, their potential biotechnological applications, and the limitations and challenges of their study given the rather poor available information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Everardo López-Romero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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8
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Corrêa-Junior D, Bastos de Andrade I, Alves V, Avellar-Moura I, Brito de Souza Rabello V, Valdez AF, Nimrichter L, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo G, Almeida-Paes R, Frases S. Unveiling the Morphostructural Plasticity of Zoonotic Sporotrichosis Fungal Strains: Possible Implications for Sporothrix brasiliensis Virulence and Pathogenicity. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:701. [PMID: 37504690 PMCID: PMC10381685 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070701] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix species, with Sporothrix brasiliensis as a prevalent pathogen in Latin America. Despite its clinical importance, the virulence factors of S. brasiliensis and their impact on the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis are still poorly understood. This study evaluated the morphostructural plasticity of S. brasiliensis, a fungus that causes sporotrichosis. Three cell surface characteristics, namely cell surface hydrophobicity, Zeta potential, and conductance, were assessed. Biofilm formation was also analyzed, with measurements taken for biomass, extracellular matrix, and metabolic activity. In addition, other potential and poorly studied characteristics correlated with virulence such as lipid bodies, chitin, and cell size were evaluated. The results revealed that the major phenotsypic features associated with fungal virulence in the studied S. brasiliensis strains were chitin, lipid bodies, and conductance. The dendrogram clustered the strains based on their overall similarity in the production of these factors. Correlation analyses showed that hydrophobicity was strongly linked to the production of biomass and extracellular matrix, while there was a weaker association between Zeta potential and size, and lipid bodies and chitin. This study provides valuable insights into the virulence factors of S. brasiliensis and their potential role in the pathogenesis of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Corrêa-Junior
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Alves
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Igor Avellar-Moura
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Brito de Souza Rabello
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Fernandes Valdez
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Glauber Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ, FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Guan M, Yao L, Zhen Y, Song Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Chen R, Cui Y, Li S. Sporothrix globosa melanin regulates autophagy via the TLR2 signaling pathway in THP-1 macrophages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011281. [PMID: 37141335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin, an important virulence factor of pathogenic fungi, has been shown to suppress host immune responses in multiple ways. Autophagy is a vital cellular mechanism underlying the host's innate immunity against microbial infections. However, the potential influence of melanin on autophagy has not been explored. We investigated the effect of melanin on autophagy in macrophages, which play a key role in controlling Sporothrix spp. infection, as well as the mechanism of melanin interaction with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced pathways. Sporothrix globosa conidia (wild-type and melanin-deficient mutant strains) or yeast cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages to demonstrate that, although S. globosa infection led to the activation of autophagy-related proteins and increased autophagic flux, S. globosa melanin suppressed macrophage autophagy. Incubation with S. globosa conidia also increased the expression levels of reactive oxygen species and multiple proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ) in macrophages. These effects were attenuated as melanin presented. Furthermore, while S. globosa conidia significantly increased the expression of both TLR2 and TLR4 in macrophages, the knockdown of TLR2, but not TLR4, with small interfering RNA suppressed autophagy. Overall, this study revealed the novel immune defense ability of S. globosa melanin to inhibit macrophage functionality by resisting macrophage autophagy through the regulation of TLR2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Guan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruili Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Mora-Montes HM. Current Progress in Sporothrix brasiliensis Basic Aspects. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050533. [PMID: 37233242 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is known as a subacute or chronic infection, which is caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. It is a cosmopolitan infection, which is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and can affect both humans and other mammals. The main etiological agents causing this disease are Sporothrix schenckii, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Sporothrix globosa, which have been recognized as members of the Sporothrix pathogenic clade. Within this clade, S. brasiliensis is considered the most virulent species and represents an important pathogen due to its distribution and prevalence in different regions of South America, such as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, and Central American countries, such as Panama. In Brazil, S. brasiliensis has been of great concern due to the number of zoonotic cases that have been reported over the years. In this paper, a detailed review of the current literature on this pathogen and its different aspects will be carried out, including its genome, pathogen-host interaction, resistance mechanisms to antifungal drugs, and the caused zoonosis. Furthermore, we provide the prediction of some putative virulence factors encoded by the genome of this fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Gómez-Gaviria
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico
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11
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Lim W, Verbon A, van de Sande W. Identifying novel drugs with new modes of action for neglected tropical fungal skin diseases (fungal skinNTDs) using an Open Source Drug discovery approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:641-659. [PMID: 35612364 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2080195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The three fungal skin neglected tropical diseases (NTD) mycetoma, chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis currently lack prioritization and support to establish drug discovery programs in search for novel treatment options. This has made the efforts to identify novel drugs for these skinNTDs fragmented. AREAS COVERED To help escalate the discovery of novel drugs to treat these fungal skinNTDs, the authors have prepared an overview of the compounds with activity against fungal skinNTDs by analyzing data from individual drug discovery studies including those performed on the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) open access boxes. EXPERT OPINION The authors were unable to identify studies in which causative agents of all three skinNTDs were included, indicating that an integrated approach is currently lacking. From the currently available data, the azoles and iodoquinol were the only compounds with activity against causative agents from the three different fungal skinNTDs. Fungal melanin inhibition enhanced the activity of antifungal agents. For mycetoma, the fenarimols, aminothiazoles and benzimidazole carbamates are currently being investigated in the MycetOS initiative. To come to a more integrated approach to identify drugs active against all three fungal skinNTDs, compounds made in the MycetOS initiative could also be explored for chromoblastomycosis and sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Lim
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wendy van de Sande
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Does DHN-Melanin Always Protect Fungi against Antifungal Drugs? The Fonsecaea/Micafungin Paradigm. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres13020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several human pathogenic fungi produce melanin. One of its properties during parasitism is the protection against antifungal drugs. This occurs with the agents of chromoblastomycosis, in which DHN-melanin reduces antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine and itraconazole. Since these agents are resistant to some antifungal drugs, we investigated the role of DHN-melanin on the Fonsecaea susceptibility to amphotericin B, micafungin, fluconazole, and flucytosine, drugs that usually present high minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to this genus. Seven strains from three Fonsecaea human pathogenic species were treated with tricyclazole, a DHN-melanin inhibitor, and the MIC of the treated and untreated cells were compared. A survival assay was performed to confirm the alterations in the susceptibility of strains with reduced melanization, and the chitin levels of the strains were estimated by fluorescence. Tricyclazole did not affect fluconazole and flucytosine MIC, while melanin inhibition increased susceptibility to amphotericin B. Surprisingly, DHN-melanin inhibition decreased the susceptibility to micafungin. Survival assays confirmed this result on five strains. Cell wall chitin levels of the strains were not associated with the decrease in micafungin susceptibility. The results show that DHN-melanin does not have a role in the intrinsic resistance of Fonseacaea spp. to amphotericin B, fluconazole, and flucytosine, and its inhibition may promote micafungin resistance.
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Lorquin F, Piccerelle P, Orneto C, Robin M, Lorquin J. New insights and advances on pyomelanin production: from microbial synthesis to applications. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 49:6575554. [PMID: 35482661 PMCID: PMC9338888 DOI: 10.1093/jimb/kuac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Pyomelanin is a brown-black phenolic polymer and results from the oxidation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the L-tyrosine pathway. As part of the research for natural and active ingredients issued from realistic bioprocesses, this work re-evaluates the HGA pigment and makes an updated inventory of its syntheses, microbial pathways, and properties, with tracks and recent advances for its large-scale production. The mechanism of the HGA polymerization is also well documented. In alkaptonuria, pyomelanin formation leads to connective tissue damages and arthritis, most probably due to the ROS issued from HGA oxidation. While UV radiation on human melanin may generate degradation products, pyomelanin is not photodegradable, is hyperthermostable, and has other properties better than the L-Dopa melanin. This review aims to raise awareness about the potential of this pigment for various applications, not only for skin coloring and protection but also for other cells, materials, and as a promising (semi)conductor for bioelectronics and energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faustine Lorquin
- Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology (MIO), 163 avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France.,Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Philippe Piccerelle
- Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Caroline Orneto
- Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Maxime Robin
- Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Marine and Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecology (IMBE), 27 boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Jean Lorquin
- Aix-Marseille Université, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanology (MIO), 163 avenue de Luminy, 13288 Marseille Cedex 9, France
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Paredes-Rojas A, Palma-Ramos A, Castrillón-Rivera LE, Mendoza-Pérez F, Navarro-González MDC, Arenas-Guzmán R, Castañeda-Sánchez JI, Luna-Herrera J. Keratinocyte Response to Infection with Sporothrix schenckii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050437. [PMID: 35628694 PMCID: PMC9143681 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a subacute, or chronic mycosis caused by traumatic inoculation of material contaminated with the fungus Sporothrix schenckii which is part of the Sporothrix spp. complex. The infection is limited to the skin, although its progression to more severe systemic or disseminated forms remains possible. Skin is the tissue that comes into contact with Sporothrix first, and the role of various cell lines has been described with regard to infection control. However, there is little information on the response of keratinocytes. In this study, we used the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and evaluated different aspects of infection from modifications in the cytoskeleton to the expression of molecules of the innate response during infection with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii. We found that during infection with both phases of the fungus, alterations of the actin cytoskeleton, formation of membrane protuberances, and loss of stress fibers were induced. We also observed an overexpression of the surface receptors MR, TLR6, CR3 and TLR2. Cytokine analysis showed that both phases of the fungus induced the production of elevated levels of the chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8, and proinflammatory cytokines IFN-α, IFN-γ and IL-6. In contrast, TNF-α production was significant only with conidial infection. In late post-infection, cytokine production was observed with immunoregulatory activity, IL-10, and growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. In conclusion, infection of keratinocytes with conidia and yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii induces an inflammatory response and rearrangements of the cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Paredes-Rojas
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.P.-R.); (L.E.C.-R.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Alejandro Palma-Ramos
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.P.-R.); (L.E.C.-R.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Laura Estela Castrillón-Rivera
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.P.-R.); (L.E.C.-R.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Felipe Mendoza-Pérez
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.P.-R.); (L.E.C.-R.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - María del Carmen Navarro-González
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Reumáticas, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Roberto Arenas-Guzmán
- Sección de Micología, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico;
| | - Jorge Ismael Castañeda-Sánchez
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (A.P.-R.); (L.E.C.-R.); (F.M.-P.)
- Correspondence: (J.I.C.-S.); (J.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-55-54-83-70-00 (ext. 2803) (J.I.C.-S.); +52-55-57-29-63-00 (ext. 62371) (J.L.-H.)
| | - Julieta Luna-Herrera
- Departamento de Inmunología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (J.I.C.-S.); (J.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-55-54-83-70-00 (ext. 2803) (J.I.C.-S.); +52-55-57-29-63-00 (ext. 62371) (J.L.-H.)
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15
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Artunduaga Bonilla JJ, Honorato L, Guimarães AJ, Miranda K, Nimrichter L. Silver Chitosan Nanocomposites are Effective to Combat Sporotrichosis. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2022.857681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) embedded in polymeric matrix has acquired special attention as a strategy to reduce metal toxicity without losing its antimicrobial effect. In this work, the green synthesis of AgNPs and their functionalization with chitosan (AgNPs@Chi) was performed, and their antifungal activity investigated against the foremost species responsible for causing sporotrichosis, Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. In vitro studies revealed inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.12–1 μg/ml for both nanocomposites (NCs). Silver release in suspension displayed chitosan as a potential vehicle for continuous silver discharge, with a complete release after 52 days. No synergistic effects were observed in vitro when the NCs were combined with itraconazole or amphotericin B. Treatment of S. brasiliensis with NCs caused morphological deformities, cell membrane discontinuity and an intense cytoplasmic degeneration. Remarkably, both NCs induced the growth and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts when compared to control conditions. In addition, functionalization of AgNPs with chitosan significantly reduced its hemolytic activity, suggesting their potential use in vivo. Finally, silver nanocomposites were used as a daily topical treatment in a murine model of subcutaneous sporotrichosis, showing the ability to reduce the Sporothrix infection and stimulate tissue repair. In combination, our results demonstrate that AgNPs@Chi can be a non-toxic and efficient alternative for sporotrichosis.
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16
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Tiburcio MA, Rocha AR, Romano RA, Inada NM, Bagnato VS, Carlos RM, Buzzá HH. In vitro evaluation of the cis-[Ru(phen) 2(pPDIp)] 2+⁎⁎ complex for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Sporothrix brasiliensis and Candida albicans. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2022; 229:112414. [PMID: 35276578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2022.112414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Photodynamic therapy (PDT) activates a photosensitizer by visible light to generate cytotoxic oxygen species that lead to cell death. With proper illumination, PDT is often used in applications on superficial and sub-surface lesions. Sporotrichosis infection occurs by Sporothrix fungi which causes a skin wound, worsened by Candida albicans infections. This study investigated the photosensitizing efficiency of the Ru(phen)2(pPDIp)(PF6)2 complex, RupPDIp, against S. brasiliensis and C. albicans. MATERIAL AND METHODS RupPDIp efficiency against these fungi was tested using 450 nm (blue light and 36 J/cm2) and 525 nm (green light, 25.2 J/cm2) at 0.05-20 μM concentrations. To ensure PDT effectiveness, control groups were tested in the absence and in the presence of RupPDIp under light irradiation and in the dark. RESULTS RupPDIp eliminated both fungi at ≤5.0 μM. Green light showed the best results, eliminating S. brasiliensis and C. albicans colonies at RupPDIp 0.5 μM and 0.05 μM, respectively. CONCLUSION RupPDIp is a promising photosensitizer in aPDT, eliminating 106 CFU/mL of both fungi at 450 nm and 525 nm, with lower light doses and concentrations when treated with the green light compared to the blue light.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Tiburcio
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil.
| | - A R Rocha
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; PPG Biotec, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
| | - R A Romano
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - N M Inada
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - V S Bagnato
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Hagler Fellow, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R M Carlos
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
| | - H H Buzzá
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Institute of Physics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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17
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García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA. Virulence Factors of Sporothrix schenckii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030318. [PMID: 35330320 PMCID: PMC8949611 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis. In this review, we discuss the virulence factors that have been proven to participate in the S. schenckii-host interaction. Among these known factors, we can find cell wall glycoproteins, adhesins, melanin, extracellular vesicles, and dimorphism. Furthermore, the morphological transition of S. schenckii in response to environmental conditions such as pH and temperature represents a means by which the fungus is able to establish mycosis in mammals. One of the key features in the development of sporotrichosis is the adhesion of the fungus to the host extracellular matrix. This event represents the first step to developing the mycosis, which involves adhesins such as the glycoproteins Gp70, Hsp60, and Pap1, which play a key role during the infection. The production of melanin helps the fungus to survive longer in the tissues and to neutralize or diminish many of the host’s attacks, which is why it is also considered a key factor in pathogenesis. Today, the study of human fungal pathogens’ virulence factors is a thriving area of research. Although we know some of the virulence factors in S. schenckii, much remains to be understood about the complex process of sporotrichosis development and the factors involved during the infection.
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18
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Li Q, Hu Y, Zhang B. Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as antifungal agents for conservation of heritage sandstone. RSC Adv 2022; 12:1922-1931. [PMID: 35425254 PMCID: PMC8979122 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09169g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With a view to preventing fungal deterioration of historical stone artworks, we report the use of phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as potent antifungal agents against dematiaceous fungi commonly found on heritage stones. Three ILs: tributyldodecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44412][POM], tributyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44414][POM], and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P66614][POM] were prepared and their thermal stabilities and in vitro antifungal activities were evaluated. From the ramped temperature thermogravimetric analysis and antifungal experiments it can be clearly observed that the alkyl chain length of the tetraalkylphosponium cation has a significant influence on the thermal and antifungal properties. The thermal stability and antifungal activity decreased as the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl substituents increased and, thus, followed the order [P44412][POM] > [P44414][POM] > [P66614][POM]. In addition, inoculation of four fungal species on IL-coated sandstone surfaces showed significant inhibition of fungal growth, endowing the materials with potential applications in heritage sandstone conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Yulan Hu
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Bingjian Zhang
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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19
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Lim W, Konings M, Parel F, Eadie K, Strepis N, Fahal A, Verbon A, van de Sande WWJ. OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6513817. [PMID: 35064672 PMCID: PMC9295015 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical disease, and Madurella mycetomatis, the most common causative agent of this disease forms black grains in hosts. Melanin was discovered to be one of the constituents in grains. Melanins are hydrophobic, macromolecular pigments formed by oxidative polymerisation of phenolic or indolic compounds. M. mycetomatis was previously known to produce DHN-melanin and pyomelanin in vitro. These melanin was also discovered to decrease M. mycetomatis’s susceptibility to antifungals itraconazole and ketoconazole in vitro. These findings, however, have not been confirmed in vivo. To discover the melanin biosynthesis pathways used by M. mycetomatis in vivo and to determine if inhibiting melanin production would increase M. mycetomatis's susceptibility to itraconazole, inhibitors targeting DHN-, DOPA- and pyomelanin were used. Treatment with DHN-melanin inhibitors tricyclazole, carpropamid, fenoxanil and DOPA-melanin inhibitor glyphosate in M. mycetomatis infected Galleria mellonella larvae resulted in presence of non-melanized grains. Our finding suggested that M. mycetomatis is able to produce DOPA-melanin in vivo. Inhibiting DHN-melanin with carpropamid in combination with the antifungal itraconazole also significantly increased larvae survival. Our results suggested that combination treatment of antifungals and melanin inhibitors can be an alternative treatment strategy that can be further explored. Since the common black-grain eumycetoma causing agents uses similar melanin biosynthesis pathways, this strategy may be applied to them and other eumycetoma causative agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Lim
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mickey Konings
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Florianne Parel
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kimberly Eadie
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Strepis
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ahmed Fahal
- Mycetoma Research Centre, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Annelies Verbon
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy W J van de Sande
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Wendy van de Sande, Assoc Prof. Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 10 703 35 10; E-mail:
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20
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Almeida-Silva F, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Bérenger ALR, da Silva VP, Figueiredo MR, Freitas DFS. In vitro activity of Schinus terebinthifolius extract and fractions against Sporothrix brasiliensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220063. [PMID: 36197404 PMCID: PMC9524759 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporothrix brasiliensis is the causative agent of zoonotic cases of sporotrichosis in Brazil and is associated with atypical and severe presentations in cats, dogs, and humans. Sporotrichosis treatment is usually time- and cost-consuming, sometimes with poor response and host toxicity. Schinus terebinthifolius has proven efficacy against bacteria and fungi of clinical interest. OBJECTIVE To determine the in vitro activity of S. terebinthifolius against S. brasiliensis. METHODS Five S. brasiliensis isolates and three reference strains were subjected to a hydroethanol extract derived from the leaves of S. terebinthifolius and its fractions. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution method according to the M38-A2 CLSI guidelines. Also, the fungicidal/fungistatic activity of the extract and fractions was studied. FINDINGS The crude extract of S. terebinthifolius inhibited the growth of S. brasiliensis (MIC: 0.5-1.0 µg/mL), while the partitioned extracts dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and butanol demonstrated growth inhibition at 8 µg/mL due to a fungistatic activity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Due to its in vitro efficacy against S. brasiliensis and its known pharmacological safety, S. terebinthifolius is a candidate to be tested using in vivo models of sporotrichosis.
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Romsdahl J, Schultzhaus Z, Cuomo CA, Dong H, Abeyratne-Perera H, Hervey WJ, Wang Z. Phenotypic Characterization and Comparative Genomics of the Melanin-Producing Yeast Exophiala lecanii-corni Reveals a Distinct Stress Tolerance Profile and Reduced Ribosomal Genetic Content. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:1078. [PMID: 34947060 PMCID: PMC8709033 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The black yeast Exophiala lecanii-corni of the order Chaetothyriales is notable for its ability to produce abundant quantities of DHN-melanin. While many other Exophiala species are frequent causal agents of human infection, E. lecanii-corni CBS 102400 lacks the thermotolerance requirements that enable pathogenicity, making it appealing for use in targeted functional studies and biotechnological applications. Here, we report the stress tolerance characteristics of E. lecanii-corni, with an emphasis on the influence of melanin on its resistance to various forms of stress. We find that E. lecanii-corni has a distinct stress tolerance profile that includes variation in resistance to temperature, osmotic, and oxidative stress relative to the extremophilic and pathogenic black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis. Notably, the presence of melanin substantially impacts stress resistance in E. lecanii-corni, while this was not found to be the case in E. dermatitidis. The cellular context, therefore, influences the role of melanin in stress protection. In addition, we present a detailed analysis of the E. lecanii-corni genome, revealing key differences in functional genetic content relative to other ascomycetous species, including a significant decrease in abundance of genes encoding ribosomal proteins. In all, this study provides insight into how genetics and physiology may underlie stress tolerance and enhances understanding of the genetic diversity of black yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Romsdahl
- National Research Council Postdoctoral Research Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA;
| | - Zachary Schultzhaus
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (Z.S.); (W.J.H.IV)
| | - Christina A. Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA;
| | - Hong Dong
- Biotechnology Branch, CCDC Army Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD 20783, USA;
| | - Hashanthi Abeyratne-Perera
- American Society for Engineering Education Postdoctoral Research Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA;
| | - W. Judson Hervey
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (Z.S.); (W.J.H.IV)
| | - Zheng Wang
- Center for Biomolecular Sciences and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; (Z.S.); (W.J.H.IV)
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22
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The Role of Macrophages in the Host's Defense against Sporothrix schenckii. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070905. [PMID: 34358055 PMCID: PMC8308788 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of immune cells associated with sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii is not yet fully clarified. Macrophages through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of Sporothrix, engulf it, activate respiratory burst, and secrete pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory biological mediators to control infection. It is important to consider that the characteristics associated with S. schenckii and/or the host may influence macrophage polarization (M1/M2), cell recruitment, and the type of immune response (1, 2, and 17). Currently, with the use of new monocyte-macrophage cell lines, it is possible to evaluate different host-pathogen interaction processes, which allows for the proposal of new mechanisms in human sporotrichosis. Therefore, in order to contribute to the understanding of these host-pathogen interactions, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the immune responses induced by macrophage-S. schenckii interactions, as well as the PRRs and PAMPs involved during the recognition of S. schenckii that favor the immune evasion by the fungus.
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23
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Diphenyl diselenide alone and in combination with itraconazole against Sporothrix schenckii s.str. and Sporothrix globosa. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:1271-1274. [PMID: 33909253 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00506-2] [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: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of Sporothrix schenckii s.str. and Sporothrix globosa to diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 alone and in association with itraconazole (ITZ). Eight clinical isolates were tested in microdilution and checkerboard assays. (PhSe)2 alone inhibited all isolates in concentration ≤ 8 µg/mL and was effective in killing one S. schenckii isolate. Inhibitory and fungicidal beneficial effects in its interaction with ITZ were shown against 87.5% (7/8) and 50% (4/8) of the isolates tested, respectively. Our study demonstrates the in vitro antifungal activity of (PhSe)2 against two pathogenic Sporothrix species, suggesting studies of in vivo applications are warranted.
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Liu S, Youngchim S, Zamith-Miranda D, Nosanchuk JD. Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040264. [PMID: 33807336 PMCID: PMC8066723 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins are ubiquitous complex polymers that are commonly known in humans to cause pigmentation of our skin. Melanins are also present in bacteria, fungi, and helminths. In this review, we will describe the diverse interactions of fungal melanin with the mammalian immune system. We will particularly focus on Cryptococcus neoformans and also discuss other major melanotic pathogenic fungi. Melanin interacts with the immune system through diverse pathways, reducing the effectiveness of phagocytic cells, binding effector molecules and antifungals, and modifying complement and antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Liu
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence:
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25
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Waller SB, Dalla Lana DF, Quatrin PM, Ferreira MRA, Fuentefria AM, Mezzari A. Antifungal resistance on Sporothrix species: an overview. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:73-80. [PMID: 32476087 PMCID: PMC7966672 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of human and animal sporotrichosis is often performed with antifungal agents; however, the emergence of antifungal-resistant strains of Sporothrix species has been reported. We aimed to discuss the ability of Sporothrix species in developing resistance to the conventional antifungals and mechanisms for this. METHODOLOGY Published data on databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar) were investigated using a combination of keywords from 2008 to 2019 by the StArt tool. RESULTS The minimal inhibitory concentrations values based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) from eight references were classified according to the epidemiological cutoff values in wild-type or non-wild-type strains. In this way, non-wild-type S. schenckii and, mainly, S. brasiliensis isolates were recognized on itraconazole, amphotericin B, terbinafine, and voriconazole, which are strains that deserve more attention toward antifungal control, with a probable risk of mutation to antifungal resistance. Among the few reviewed studied on antifungal resistance, the melanin production capacity (DHN-melanin, L-DOPA melanin, and pyomelanin), the low genetic diversity due to the abnormal number of chromosomes, and the mutation in cytochrome P450 are some of the factors for developing resistance mechanism. CONCLUSIONS The emergence of Sporothrix species with in vitro antifungal resistance was evidenced and the possible mechanisms for resistance development may be due to the melanin production capacity, genetic diversity and mutations in cytochrome P450. Further studies should be carried out targeting gene expression for the development of antifungal resistance on Sporothrix species in order to prospect new therapeutic targets for human and veterinary use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Bressan Waller
- Department of Preventive Veterinary, Faculty of Veterinary, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, 96010-900, Brazil.
| | - Daiane Flores Dalla Lana
- Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Maciel Quatrin
- Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Adelina Mezzari
- Department of Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii sensu lato is currently recognized as a species complex with only Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto, Sporothrix globosa and Sporothrix pallida identified to cause disease in the cat. Feline sporotrichosis in Asia is mainly reported from Malaysia where a single clonal strain of clinical clade D, Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto manifesting low susceptibility to major antifungal classes, has been identified as the agent of the disease. Sporothrix globosa has been identified to cause disease from a single cat in Japan while the specific species of agent has not been identified yet for the disease in Thailand. Despite efforts to elucidate and describe the pathogenicity of the agent and the disease it causes, the paucity of data highlights the need for further molecular epidemiological studies to characterize this fungus and the disease it causes in Asia. Its prognosis remains guarded to poor due to issues pertaining to cost, protracted treatment course, zoonotic potential and low susceptibility of some strains to antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hock Siew Han
- Vetderm Animal Skin and Ear Specialist Clinic, 9-1 JLN 23/70A, Plaza Crystalville 1, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Rui Kano
- Department of Veterinary Dermatology, Nihon University College of Bioresource Sciences, 1866 Kameino, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, 252-0880, Japan
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27
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Etchecopaz A, Toscanini MA, Gisbert A, Mas J, Scarpa M, Iovannitti CA, Bendezú K, Nusblat AD, Iachini R, Cuestas ML. Sporothrix Brasiliensis: A Review of an Emerging South American Fungal Pathogen, Its Related Disease, Presentation and Spread in Argentina. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030170. [PMID: 33652625 PMCID: PMC7996880 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis, caused by Sporothrix schenckii and related species, is the most frequent implantation mycosis in Latin America. In Argentina, over the last 8 years, there have been 0.16 new cases per month of feline sporotrichosis in 2011, increasing to 0.75 cases per month in 2019 and involving zoonotic transmission to humans. Molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected Sporothrix brasiliensis in these feline and zoonotic outbreaks. This study will focus on different feline and human sporotrichosis outbreaks caused by S. brasiliensis in Argentina during 2011–2019. We will address the sources of infection and environmental hotspots, as well as the application of several treatment strategies for improving the pharmacotherapy of the different clinical forms of the disease. Finally, we will provide a detailed summary of the clinical aspects and new advances in host–pathogen interactions, virulence factors and immune response, focusing on state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and potential vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Etchecopaz
- Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1427 CWN, Argentina; (A.E.); (M.S.)
| | - María A. Toscanini
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (Nanobiotec), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113 AAD, Argentina; (M.A.T.); (A.D.N.)
| | - Amelia Gisbert
- Cátedra de Clínica Médica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1427 CWN, Argentina; (A.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Javier Mas
- Cátedra de Clínica Médica, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1427 CWN, Argentina; (A.G.); (J.M.)
| | - Miguel Scarpa
- Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1427 CWN, Argentina; (A.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Cristina A. Iovannitti
- Centro de Micología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina; (C.A.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Karla Bendezú
- Centro de Micología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina; (C.A.I.); (K.B.)
| | - Alejandro D. Nusblat
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (Nanobiotec), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113 AAD, Argentina; (M.A.T.); (A.D.N.)
| | - Ricardo Iachini
- Instituto de Zoonosis «Luis Pasteur», Buenos Aires C1405 DCD, Argentina;
| | - María L. Cuestas
- Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1427 CWN, Argentina; (A.E.); (M.S.)
- Centro de Micología, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina; (C.A.I.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +54-11-59509500 (ext. 2176/77)
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28
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Koehler A, Heidrich D, Pagani DM, Corbellini VA, Scroferneker ML. Melanin and chromoblastomycosis agents: Characterization, functions, and relation with antifungals. J Basic Microbiol 2021; 61:203-211. [PMID: 33576034 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Melanins are a diverse group of dark pigments with similar properties. In fungi, the most studied is the dihydroxynaphtalene (DHN)-melanin, present in several species including all the chromoblastomycosis agents, a chronic, disabling, and recalcitrant subcutaneous mycosis. It is synthesized in a pathway known as the pentaketide pathway, which has the agrochemical tricyclazole as an inhibitor, widely used in in vitro studies because it does not prevent the growth of fungi. There are different methodologies for qualitative and quantitative analyses of DHN-melanin, which made it possible to discover its important structural and antioxidant functions, with melanin acting as a protective factor against the host's immune system. Also, it can interact with some of the main antifungals of medical interest, reducing its activity and the susceptibility of fungi to these agents. This review aims to discuss the aspects of DHN-melanin, focusing on chromoblastomycosis, bringing the main findings of the published scientific studies, and highlighting the need for further research to understand this important fungal pathogenicity and a virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Koehler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daiane Heidrich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Danielle M Pagani
- Department of Microbiology, Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Valeriano A Corbellini
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Postgraduate Program in Health Promotion, Postgraduate Program in Environmental Technology, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria L Scroferneker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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29
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An Unconventional Melanin Biosynthesis Pathway in Ustilago maydis. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:AEM.01510-20. [PMID: 33218994 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01510-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ustilago maydis is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for corn smut disease. Although it is a very well-established model organism for the study of plant-microbe interactions, its potential to produce specialized metabolites, which might contribute to this interaction, has not been studied in detail. By analyzing the U. maydis genome, we identified a biosynthetic gene cluster whose activation led to the production of a black melanin pigment. Single deletion mutants of the cluster genes revealed that five encoded enzymes are required for the accumulation of the black pigment, including three polyketide synthases (pks3, pks4, and pks5), a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (cyp4), and a protein with similarity to versicolorin B synthase (vbs1). Metabolic profiles of deletion mutants in this gene cluster suggested that Pks3 and Pks4 act in concert as heterodimers to generate orsellinic acid (OA), which is reduced to the corresponding aldehyde by Pks5. The OA-aldehyde can then react with triacetic acid lactone (TAL), also derived from Pks3/Pks4 heterodimers to form larger molecules, including novel coumarin derivatives. Our findings suggest that U. maydis synthesizes a novel type of melanin based on coumarin and pyran-2-one intermediates, while most fungal melanins are derived from 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) or l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA). Along with these observations, this work also provides insight into the mechanisms of polyketide synthases in this filamentous fungus.IMPORTANCE The fungus Ustilago maydis represents one of the major threats to maize plants since it is responsible for corn smut disease, which generates considerable economical losses around the world. Therefore, contributing to a better understanding of the biochemistry of defense mechanisms used by U. maydis to protect itself against harsh environments, such as the synthesis of melanin, could provide improved biological tools for tackling the problem and protect the crops. In addition, the fact that this fungus synthesizes melanin in an unconventional way, requiring more than one polyketide synthase for producing melanin precursors, gives a different perspective on the complexity of these multidomain enzymes and their evolution in the fungal kingdom.
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30
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Extracellular Vesicles from Sporothrix Yeast Cells. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 432:35-44. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83391-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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31
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Tamez-Castrellón AK, Romeo O, García-Carnero LC, Lozoya-Pérez NE, Mora-Montes HM. Virulence Factors in Sporothrix schenckii, One of the Causative Agents of Sporotrichosis. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:295-312. [PMID: 31589121 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666191007103004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a fungal infection distributed worldwide. Both, the causative organism and the disease have currently received limited attention by the medical mycology community, most likely because of the low mortality rates associated with it. Nonetheless, morbidity is high in endemic regions and the versatility of S. schenckii to cause zoonosis and sapronosis has attracted attention. Thus far, virulence factors associated with this organism are poorly described. Here, comparing the S. schenckii genome sequence with other medically relevant fungi, genes involved in morphological change, cell wall synthesis, immune evasion, thermotolerance, adhesion, biofilm formation, melanin production, nutrient uptake, response to stress, extracellular vesicle formation, and toxin production are predicted and discussed as putative virulence factors in S. schenckii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
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32
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Batool W, Shabbir A, Lin L, Chen X, An Q, He X, Pan S, Chen S, Chen Q, Wang Z, Norvienyeku J. Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E Positively Modulates Conidiogenesis, Appressorium Formation, Host Invasion and Stress Homeostasis in the Filamentous Fungi Magnaporthe oryzae. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:646343. [PMID: 34220879 PMCID: PMC8244596 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.646343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Translation initiation factor eIF4E generally mediates the recognition of the 5'cap structure of mRNA during the recruitment of the ribosomes to capped mRNA. Although the eIF4E has been shown to regulate stress response in Schizosaccharomyces pombe positively, there is no direct experimental evidence for the contributions of eIF4E to both physiological and pathogenic development of filamentous fungi. We generated Magnaporthe oryzae eIF4E (MoeIF4E3) gene deletion strains using homologous recombination strategies. Phenotypic and biochemical analyses of MoeIF4E3 defective strains showed that the deletion of MoeIF4E3 triggered a significant reduction in growth and conidiogenesis. We also showed that disruption of MoeIF4E3 partially impaired conidia germination, appressorium integrity and attenuated the pathogenicity of ΔMoeif4e3 strains. In summary, this study provides experimental insights into the contributions of the eIF4E3 to the development of filamentous fungi. Additionally, these observations underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the translational regulatory machinery in phytopathogenic fungi during pathogen-host interaction progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajjiha Batool
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ammarah Shabbir
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lili Lin
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Chen
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiuli An
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiongjie He
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shu Pan
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuzun Chen
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qinghe Chen
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Zonghua Wang
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Institute of Oceanography, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zonghua Wang,
| | - Justice Norvienyeku
- Fujian University Key Laboratory for Plant-Microbe Interaction, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Ecological Pest Control of Fujian and Taiwan Crops, The School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Tropical Plant Diseases and Pests, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- Justice Norvienyeku, ;
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de Lima ÍMF, Ferraz CE, Gonçalves de Lima-Neto R, Takano DM. Case Report: Sweet Syndrome in Patients with Sporotrichosis: A 10-Case Series. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2533-2538. [PMID: 33025874 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sporotrichosis is an emerging disease caused by fungi of the genus Sporothrix, distributed worldwide, but mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. This disease is caused by traumatic inoculation of contaminated material (either animal or vegetal in origin) into the skin. Sporotrichosis cases caused by zoonotic transmission through felines have significantly increased over the last 20 years in Brazil. There is a spectrum of clinical outcomes, from classical lymphocutaneous and fixed forms to disseminated manifestations and extracutaneous lesions; however, hypersensitivity reactions related to sporotrichosis, including Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatoses), are uncommon. In Brazil, Sporothrix brasiliensis is repeatedly associated with feline infection and has consistently shown higher virulence, tendency to escalate to outbreaks or epidemics, and development of atypical forms. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to report the cases of 10 patients with sporotrichosis infected by S. brasiliensis species who developed Sweet syndrome to alert this association, especially in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cláudia Elise Ferraz
- 2Hospital of Clinics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,3Department of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo Gonçalves de Lima-Neto
- 2Hospital of Clinics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.,3Department of Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
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Mills B, Radhakrishnan N, Karthikeyan Rajapandian SG, Rameshkumar G, Lalitha P, Prajna NV. The role of fungi in fungal keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108372. [PMID: 33249061 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) accounts for approximately half of the microbial keratitis encountered in low middle income countries (LMICs) and predominantly affect the working rural-poor. FK causes significant morbidity with the majority of patients left with moderate or worse visual impairment and approximately 25% requiring expensive and often unsuccessful surgical interventions. The severity of FK and the resultant corneal damage or resolution can be attributed to i) the virulence and bioburden of the fungal pathogen, ii) the host defense mechanism and immune response and iii) sub-optimal diagnostics and anti-fungal treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted components that drive FK progression and resolution, highlighting where knowledge gaps exist and areas that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveen Radhakrishnan
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | | | | | - Prajna Lalitha
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India.
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Silva-Bailão MG, Lima PDS, Oliveira MME, Oliveira LC, Almeida-Paes R, Borges CL, Bailão AM, Coelho ASG, Soares CMDA, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. Comparative proteomics in the three major human pathogenic species of the genus Sporothrix. Microbes Infect 2020; 23:104762. [PMID: 32992009 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis of humans and other mammals, caused by dimorphic species of the genus Sporothrix. In Brazil, human disease is broadly linked to transmission by infected cats and is mainly caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix globosa. In this study, we used a nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry approach to provide the yeast proteomic profiles of S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii and S. globosa. From a total of 247 identified proteins, 137 were found as differentially expressed. Functional classification revealed that most are related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism as well as stress response. Our data indicate that S. brasiliensis metabolism is distinct of that of S. schenckii and S. globosa, mainly regarding amino acid metabolism and cell wall remodeling, which are induced in the former. Enzymes belonging to glycolytic pathway are, on the other hand, up-regulated in S. schenckii and S. globosa. These findings may explain the previously described more virulent character of S. brasiliensis. Besides complementing genomic comparisons already published, this first comparative proteomic study provided information that indicates new aspects of Sporothrix species metabolism as well as offers information that may be useful in the development of prospective functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirelle Garcia Silva-Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Sousa Lima
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Melo Bailão
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | | | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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Brilhante RSN, Costa ADC, Pereira VS, Fernandes MR, de Oliveira JS, Rodrigues AM, Camargo ZP, Pereira-Neto WDA, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Antifungal activity of deferiprone and EDTA against Sporothrix spp.: Effect on planktonic growth and biofilm formation. Med Mycol 2020; 59:myaa073. [PMID: 32838409 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the antifungal activity of the chelators deferiprone (DFP) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and their effect on biofilm formation of the S. schenckii complex. Eighteen strains of Sporothrix spp. (seven S. brasiliensis, three S. globosa, three S. mexicana and five Sporothrix schenckii sensu stricto) were used. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for EDTA and DFP against filamentous forms of Sporothrix spp. ranged from 32 to 128 μg/ml. For antifungal drugs, MIC values ranged from 0.25 to 4 μg/ml for amphotericin B, from 0.25 to 4 μg/ml for itraconazole, and from 0.03 to 0.25 μg/ml for terbinafine. The chelators caused inhibition of Sporothrix spp. in yeast form at concentrations ranging from 16 to 64 μg/ml (for EDTA) and 8 to 32 μg/ml (for DFP). For antifungal drugs, MIC values observed against the yeast varied from 0.03 to 0.5 μg/ml for AMB, 0.03 to 1 μg/ml for ITC, and 0.03 to 0.13 μg/ml for TRB. Both DFP and EDTA presented synergistic interaction with antifungals against Sporothrix spp. in both filamentous and yeast form. Biofilms formed in the presence of the chelators (512 μg/ml) showed a reduction of 47% in biomass and 45% in metabolic activity. Our data reveal that DFP and EDTA reduced the growth of planktonic cells of Sporothrix spp., had synergistic interaction with antifungal drugs against this pathogen, and reduced biofilm formation of Sporothrix spp. LAY SUMMARY Our data reveal that iron chelators deferiprone and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid reduced the growth of planktonic cells of Sporothrix spp. as well as had synergistic interaction with antifungal drugs against this pathogen and reduced biofilm formation of Sporothrix spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson da Cunha Costa
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vandbergue Santos Pereira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mirele Rodrigues Fernandes
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jonathas Sales de Oliveira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Cellular Biology Division, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo. Rua Botucatu, 862, 6th floor, Medical Sciences Building, CEP: 04023-062, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zoilo Pires Camargo
- Cellular Biology Division, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo. Rua Botucatu, 862, 6th floor, Medical Sciences Building, CEP: 04023-062, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Waldemiro de Aquino Pereira-Neto
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Júlio Costa Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fábio Gadelha Rocha
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará. Rua Cel. Nunes de Melo, 1315 - Rodolfo Teófilo - CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará. Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, CEP: 60714-903, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Sporothrix globosa melanin inhibits antigenpresentation by macrophages and enhances deep organ dissemination. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 52:19-31. [PMID: 32772310 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-020-00345-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanin is a Sporothrix virulence factor that can inhibit the innate immune functions of macrophages such as phagocytosis and killing. However, no data on melanin's influence on antigen presentation by macrophages are available. In this study, we used conidia, yeasts, and melanin ghosts (MGs) from a black Sporothrix globosa strain (MEL+) and its ultraviolet-induced albino mutant (MEL-), to study the influence of melanin on expression of molecules involved in antigen presentation by mouse macrophages (MHC class II, CD80, CD86), as well as on levels of transcription factors regulating their expression (CIITA and promoters I, III, and IV). A murine infection model was used to assess the virulence of both strains and differences in expression of MHC class II and CD80/86 in vivo. MHC class II, CD86 CIITA, and PIV expressions were lower in macrophages infected with MEL+ than in macrophages infected with MEL- conidia, while CD80 expression was similar. No statistical difference in gene expression was observed between macrophages infected by MEL+ and MEL- yeasts. Infection by MGs alone had no clear effect on expression of antigen presentation-associated molecules. Mice infected with MEL+ S. globosa had significantly higher fungal burdens in the lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and testicle compared with mice infected with MEL- S. globosa 21 days post-infection. MHC class II expression changes in the animal study were similar to those observed in the in vitro experiment. Our results indicate that S. globosa melanin can inhibit expression of antigen presentation-associated molecules during both the early and late stages of infection, representing a new mechanism to evade host immunity and to enhance dissemination. Further investigations of melanin's impact on adaptive immunity will be helpful in understanding this fungal virulence factor.
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Copper overload in Paracoccidioides lutzii results in the accumulation of ergosterol and melanin. Microbiol Res 2020; 239:126524. [PMID: 32570056 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2020.126524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a highly prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America, caused by fungi of the genus Paracoccidioides. Copper is essential for eukaryotes and bacteria. This micronutrient is used in many vital biochemical processes, although metal excess levels can be toxic for organisms. Pathways underlying copper overload are poorly understood in members of the Paracoccidioides complex. The responses of Paracoccidioides lutzii yeast cells to copper overload were here evaluated. The results showed that under copper overload, cells presented a dark brown pigment, identified as melanin. Proteomic analyses identified mainly the accumulation of proteins related to amino acids metabolism, ergosterol synthesis and melanin production, suggesting that P. lutzii responds to copper overload by changing aspects of its metabolism and also plasma membrane and cell wall remodeling. Proteomic data were confirmed by biochemical analysis.
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The role of melanins in melanotic fungi for pathogenesis and environmental survival. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:4247-4257. [PMID: 32206837 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanins provide fungi protection from environmental stressors, support their ecological roles, and can confer virulence in pathogens. While the function, structure, and synthesis of melanins in fungi are not fully understood, they have been shown to have varied roles. Recent research has revealed a wide range of functions, from radiation resistance to increasing virulence, shedding light on fungal diversity. Understanding fungal melanins can provide useful information, from harnessing the properties of these various melanins to targeting fungal infections.Key Points• Melanotic fungi are widespread in nature. • Melanin functions to protect fungi in the environment from a range of stresses. • Melanin contributes to pathogenesis and drug resistance of pathogenic fungi.
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Pyomelanin Secretion in Madurella mycetomatis Interferes with Spectrophotometric Endpoint Reading Using the Sensititre YeastOne alamarBlue Assay but Not with Visual Endpoint Reading. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 64:AAC.01532-19. [PMID: 31611353 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01532-19] [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: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of the Sensititre YeastOne YO10 alamarBlue assay for the in vitro susceptibility testing of Madurella mycetomatis was evaluated in M. mycetomatis isolates with and without pyomelanin secretion. Pyomelanin secretion did not influence visual endpoint reading; however, it caused a shift in peak absorbance from 570 nm to 620 nm when read spectrophotometrically. Therefore, when choosing the method for endpoint reading, the presence of pyomelanin should be considered.
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Oliveira MME, Almeida-Paes R, Corrêa-Moreira D, Borba CDM, Menezes RC, Freitas DFS, do Valle ACF, Schubach ADO, Barros MBDL, Nosanchuk JD, Gutierrez-Galhardo MC, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. A case of sporotrichosis caused by different Sporothrix brasiliensis strains: mycological, molecular, and virulence analyses. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e190260. [PMID: 31644705 PMCID: PMC6804372 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760190260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis caused by dimorphic pathogenic fungi
belonging to the Sporothrix genus. Pathogenic
Sporothrix species typically produce melanin, which is
known to be a virulence factor. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to perform phenotypic, genotypic, and virulence
analyses of two distinct Sporothrix brasiliensis strains
isolated from the same lesion on a patient from Rio de Janeiro. METHODS AND FINDINGS Genotypic analyses by partial sequencing of the calmodulin,
β-tubulin, and chitin synthase genes,
as well as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fingerprinting by T3B, M13, and
GACA, showed that the isolates were very similar but not identical. Both
isolates had similar phenotypic characteristics and effectively produced
melanin in their yeast forms, accounting for their ability of causing
disease in a murine sporotrichosis model. Remarkably, isolate B was albino
in its environmental form but caused more severe disease than the pigmented
A isolate. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the patient was infected by two genetically and
biologically distinct S. brasiliensis that vary in their
production of melanin in their environmental forms. The results underscore
the importance of characterizing phenotypically different isolates found in
the same clinical specimen or patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoel Marques E Oliveira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Danielly Corrêa-Moreira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Cintia de Moraes Borba
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Taxonomia, Bioquímica e Bioprospecção de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Caldas Menezes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatozoonoses em Animais Domésticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Dayvison Francis Saraiva Freitas
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Antonio Carlos Francesconi do Valle
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Armando de Oliveira Schubach
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Vigilância em Leishmaniose, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria Clara Gutierrez-Galhardo
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Chongkae S, Nosanchuk JD, Pruksaphon K, Laliam A, Pornsuwan S, Youngchim S. Production of melanin pigments in saprophytic fungi in vitro and during infection. J Basic Microbiol 2019; 59:1092-1104. [PMID: 31613011 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201900295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are one of the great natural pigments produced by a wide variety of fungal species that promote fitness and cell survival in diverse hostile environments, including during mammalian infection. In this study, we sought to demonstrate the production of melanin in the conidia and hyphae of saprophytic fungi, including dematiaceous and hyaline fungi. We showed that a melanin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) avidly labeled the cell walls of hyphae and conidia, consistent with the presence of melanin in these structures, in 14 diverse fungal species. The conidia of saprophytic fungi were treated with proteolytic enzymes, denaturant, and concentrated hot acid to yield dark particles, which were shown to be stable free radicals, consistent with their identification as melanins. Samples obtained from patients with fungal keratitis due to Fusarium falciforme, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Exserohilum rostratum, or Fonsecaea pedrosoi were found to be intensely labeled by the melanin-specific MAb at the fungal hyphal cell walls. These results support the hypothesis that melanin is a common component that promotes survival under harsh conditions and facilitates fungal virulence. Increased understanding of the processes of melanization and the development of methods to interfere with pigment formation may lead to novel approaches to combat these complex pathogens that are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Chongkae
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx
| | - Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Angkana Laliam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Soraya Pornsuwan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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The Role of Melanin in Fungal Pathogenesis for Animal Hosts. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2019; 422:1-30. [PMID: 31278515 DOI: 10.1007/82_2019_173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Melanins are a class of pigments that are ubiquitous throughout biology. They play incredibly diverse and important roles ranging from radiation protection to immune defense, camouflage, and virulence. Fungi have evolved to use melanin to be able to persist in the environment and within organisms. Fungal melanins are often located within the cell well and are able to neutralize reactive oxygen species and other radicals, defend against UV radiation, bind and sequester non-specific peptides and compounds, and produce a physical barrier that defends the cell. For this reason, melanized fungi are often well-suited to be human pathogens-melanin allows fungi to neutralize the microbicidal oxidative bursts of our innate immune system, bind and inactivate to antimicrobial peptides and enzymes, sequester antifungal pharmaceuticals, and create a shield to block immune recognition of the fungus. Due to the importance and pervasiveness of melanin in fungal virulence, mammalian immune systems have evolved antifungal strategies that involve directly detecting and binding to fungal melanins. Such strategies include the use of melanin-specific antibody responses and C-type lectins like the newly discovered melanin-specific MelLec receptor.
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Almeida-Paes R, Almeida-Silva F, Pinto GCM, Almeida MDA, Muniz MDM, Pizzini CV, Gerfen GJ, Nosanchuk JD, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. L-tyrosine induces the production of a pyomelanin-like pigment by the parasitic yeast-form of Histoplasma capsulatum. Med Mycol 2019; 56:506-509. [PMID: 28992332 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanization of Histoplasma capsulatum remains poorly described, particularly in regards to the forms of melanin produced. In the present study, 30 clinical and environmental H. capsulatum strains were grown in culture media with or without L-tyrosine under conditions that produced either mycelial or yeast forms. Mycelial cultures were not melanized under the studied conditions. However, all strains cultivated under yeast conditions produced a brownish to black soluble pigment compatible with pyomelanin when grew in presence of L-tyrosine. Sulcotrione inhibited pigment production in yeast cultures, strengthening the hyphothesis that H. capsulatum yeast forms produce pyomelanin. Since pyomelanin is produced by the fungal parasitic form, this pigment may be involved in H. capsulatum virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Costa Maia Pinto
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos de Abreu Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mauro de Medeiros Muniz
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia Vera Pizzini
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gary J Gerfen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine [Division of Infectious Diseases] and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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45
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Melanin and pyomelanin in Aspergillus fumigatus: from its genetics to host interaction. Int Microbiol 2019; 23:55-63. [PMID: 31020477 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-019-00078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a worldwide-distributed saprophytic fungus and the major cause of invasive aspergillosis. This fungus can produce two types of melanin-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) and pyomelanin. These pigments are considered important resistance mechanisms to stress, as well as virulence factors. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of the genetic basis and metabolic pathways of melanin production, their activation, function, and interaction with the host immune system. The DHN-melanin pathway is encoded in a cluster that includes six genes (abr1, abr2, ayg1, arp1, arp2, and pksP/alb1 genes) whose encoded proteins seem to be the origin of the pigment in endosomes. These vesicles are secreted and the pigment is subsequently located in the wall of the conidium beneath the rodlet layer. Unlike DHN-melanin, pyomelanin does not have its own biosynthetic pathway but is related to the activation of the L-tyrosine/L-phenylalanine degradation pathway that includes a cluster of six genes (hppD, hmgX, hmgA, fahA, maiA, and hmgR). Its production is due to the polymerization of homogentisic acid and is linked to conidial germination. Despite the knowledge gained in recent years, further studies will be necessary to confirm the pathways that produce these pigments and their role in the virulence mechanisms of A. fumigatus.
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Garcia Ferreira P, Pereira Borba-Santos L, Noronha LL, Deckman Nicoletti C, de Sá Haddad Queiroz M, de Carvalho da Silva F, Rozental S, Omena Futuro D, Francisco Ferreira V. Synthesis, Stability Studies, and Antifungal Evaluation of Substituted α- and β-2,3-Dihydrofuranaphthoquinones against Sporothrix brasiliensis and Sporothrix schenckii. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24050930. [PMID: 30866442 PMCID: PMC6429059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a neglected fungal infection caused by Sporothrix spp., which have a worldwide distribution. The standard antifungal itraconazole has been recommended as a first-line therapy. However, failure cases in human and feline treatment have been reported in recent years. This study aimed to synthesize several α- and β-2,3-dihydrofuranaphthoquinones and evaluate them against Sporothrix schenckii and Sporothrix brasiliensis—the main etiological agents of sporotrichosis in Brazil. The stability of these compounds was also investigated under different storage conditions for 3 months. The samples were removed at 0, 60, and 90 days and assessed by 1H-NMR, and their in vitro antifungal susceptibility was tested. Furthermore, we evaluated the superficial changes caused by the most effective and stable compounds using scanning electron microscopy and determined their effects when combined with itraconazole. Nine dihydrofuranaphthoquinones showed good antifungal activity and stability, with MIC values of 2–32 µM. Compounds 6 and 10 were the most active dihydrofuranaphthoquinones in vitro for both species; in fungi, these compounds induced yeast–hyphae conversion and alteration in the hyphae and conidia structures. Compound 10 also exhibited a synergistic activity with itraconazole against S. schenckii, with a ΣFIC index value of 0.3. Our results indicate that Compounds 6 and 10 are potential candidates for the development of new antifungal agents for the treatment of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Garcia Ferreira
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
| | - Luana Pereira Borba-Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ-Brazil.
| | - Leticia Lorena Noronha
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Deckman Nicoletti
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcella de Sá Haddad Queiroz
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
| | - Fernando de Carvalho da Silva
- Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24210-141, Brazil.
| | - Sônia Rozental
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ-Brazil.
| | - Débora Omena Futuro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
| | - Vitor Francisco Ferreira
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói-RJ 24241-000, Brazil.
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47
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García Carnero LC, Lozoya Pérez NE, González Hernández SE, Martínez Álvarez JA. Immunity and Treatment of Sporotrichosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030100. [PMID: 30127270 PMCID: PMC6162376 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of the Sporothrix complex are the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, an important subcutaneous mycosis with several clinical forms and an increasing incidence around the world that affects humans and other mammals. The immunological mechanisms involved in the prevention and control of this mycosis are not entirely understood. Many reports have suggested that cell-mediated immunity has an essential role in the development of the disease, being the primary response controlling it, while only recent data supports that the humoral response is essential for the appropriate control. This mycosis is a challenge for diagnosis since the culture and isolation of the organism are time-consuming and complicated; reasons that have led to the study of fungus antigenic molecules capable of generating a detectable humoral response. The treatment for this disease includes the use of several antifungal drugs like itraconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, and the combination between them among others such as the extract of Vismia guianensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cristina García Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato Gto. 36050, Mexico.
| | - Nancy Edith Lozoya Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato Gto. 36050, Mexico.
| | - Sandra Elizabeth González Hernández
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato Gto. 36050, Mexico.
| | - José Ascención Martínez Álvarez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P., Guanajuato Gto. 36050, Mexico.
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48
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Brilhante RSN, Pereira VS, Oliveira JS, Lopes RGP, Rodrigues AM, Camargo ZP, Pereira-Neto WA, Castelo-Branco DSCM, Cordeiro RA, Sidrim JJC, Rocha MFG. Pentamidine inhibits the growth of Sporothrix schenckii complex and exhibits synergism with antifungal agents. Future Microbiol 2018; 13:1129-1140. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antileishmanials meglumine antimoniate and pentamidine against Sporothrix schenckii complex. Materials & methods: The antifungal activity of the two antileishmanials was assessed by broth microdilution. The interaction between the antileishmanials and antifungal drugs (amphotericin B, itraconazole and terbinafine) was evaluated by the checkerboard assay. The effect of prior exposure of Sporothrix spp. yeast cells to antileishmanials was evaluated by broth microdilution. Results: Only pentamidine showed antifungal activity against Sporothrix spp. Synergistic interactions were observed between pentamidine and the antifungals. Also, the pre-exposure to meglumine antimoniate reduced the susceptibility of Sardinella brasiliensis and S. schenckii sensu stricto to amphotericin B and itraconazole. Conclusion: Pentamidine showed antifungal activity against Sporothrix spp., indicating it is a possible therapeutic alternative for the treatment of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimunda SN Brilhante
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Vandbergue S Pereira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jonathas S Oliveira
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Raissa GP Lopes
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson M Rodrigues
- Cellular Biology Division, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 862, 6th floor, Medical Sciences Building, CEP: 04023-062, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Zoilo P Camargo
- Cellular Biology Division, Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 862, 6th floor, Medical Sciences Building, CEP: 04023-062, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Waldemiro A Pereira-Neto
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Débora SCM Castelo-Branco
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rossana A Cordeiro
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José JC Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Marcos FG Rocha
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Postgraduate Program in Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology & Legal Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1315 – Rodolfo Teófilo – CEP: 60430-275, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary, State University of Ceará, Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, CEP: 60714-903, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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49
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Conceição-Silva F, Morgado FN. Immunopathogenesis of Human Sporotrichosis: What We Already Know. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030089. [PMID: 30065160 PMCID: PMC6162489 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a subacute/chronic mycosis caused by dimorphic fungus of the genus Sporothrix. This mycosis may affect both human and domestic animals and in the last few years, the geographic dispersion and increase of sporotrichosis worldwide has been observed. The occurrence of cases related to scratching/bites of domestic felines have increased, characterizing the disease as predominantly a zoonosis. In humans, sporotrichosis mainly involves the cutaneous tegument of infected patients, but other tissues may also present the infection. The main forms of clinical presentation are lymphocutanous sporotrichosis (LC) and fixed sporotrichosis (F). Although less common, mucosal, cutaneous disseminated, and extracutaneous forms have also been described. Multiple factors from the fungus and host can play a role in driving the clinical evolution of sporotrichosis to benign or severe disease. In this review, we discuss the immunopathological aspects involved in human sporotrichosis. Putting together the two branches of knowledge—host immune response and fungal evading mechanisms—we may perceive new possibilities in understanding the fungus–host interaction in order to be in a position to go further in the control of sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Conceição-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, IOC/Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil 4365 Pavilhão 26 sala 408-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Nazaré Morgado
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, IOC/Fiocruz, Avenida Brasil 4365 Pavilhão 26 sala 509-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
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50
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Almeida-Paes R, Oliveira MME, Freitas DFS, Valle ACFD, Gutierrez-Galhardo MC, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. Refractory sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix brasiliensis in humans appears to be unrelated to in vivo resistance. Med Mycol 2018; 55:507-517. [PMID: 27771622 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporotrichosis is a subacute to chronic infection caused by members of the Sporothrix schenckii complex. Itraconazole is the first choice antifungal drug for treating this infection, with terbinafine and potassium iodide as alternatives and amphotericin B used in cases of severe infections. Correlation of antifungal susceptibility data with the clinical outcome of the patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to correlate clinical and mycological data in patients with refractory sporotrichosis. In this work, antifungal susceptibilities, determined according to the reference M38-A2 CLSI protocol, of 25 Sporothrix strains, isolated from seven human cases of sporotrichosis with adversities in the treatment, are presented. Tested drugs included itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, terbinafine, and amphotericin B. Fungi were identified using the T3B PCR fingerprinting. This method identified all strains as Sporothrix brasiliensis and also demonstrated a high degree of similarity between the strains. In general, voriconazole was ineffective against all strains, and elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were observed for amphotericin B. High itraconazole and terbinafine MICs were not observed in S. brasiliensis isolates from patients of this study. Moreover, a significant increase in itraconazole and terbinafine MIC values from strains isolated from the same patient in different periods was not observed. The results suggest that the antifungal susceptibility to terbinafine and itraconazole determined by the reference method does not play an important role in therapeutic failure of sporotrichosis and that acquisition of resistance during prolonged antifungal treatment is not likely to occur in S. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Dayvison Francis Saraiva Freitas
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Francesconi do Valle
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Gutierrez-Galhardo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Dermatologia Infecciosa, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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