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Putnam NE, Tayabali K, Yu JR, Decolin I, Lau AF, Twaddell W, Prakash K, Johnson JK. The Brief Case: Yeast, chlamydospores, and hyphae-a case of disseminated mucormycosis. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0163823. [PMID: 38864632 PMCID: PMC11237672 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01638-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Putnam
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Khadija Tayabali
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justine R Yu
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Isabel Decolin
- Sterility Testing Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna F Lau
- Sterility Testing Service, Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William Twaddell
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katya Prakash
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - J Kristie Johnson
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Li L, Zhen X, Wang W. Clinical Characteristics and Prognoses of Mucormycosis in Four Children. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1971-1978. [PMID: 38779351 PMCID: PMC11110804 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s462725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mucormycosis is a fatal invasive fungal infection that commonly affects immunocompromised children. The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis of pediatric patients with mucormycosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective search in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from July 2013 to July 2023 for all patients with mucormycosis. The clinical manifestation, pathogen detection, radiology, treatments, and prognosis were analyzed. Results Four cases were identified. Underlying conditions included acute myeloid leukemia with myeloid sarcoma (n = 1), thalassemia (post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; n = 1), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 1), and bilateral nephroblastoma (post-bilateral nephrectomy; n = 1). Two patients were disseminated mucormycosis, one case was pulmonary mucormycosis, and one case was cerebral mucormycosis. Fever, cough, and dyspnea were the main clinical symptoms of pulmonary mucormycosis, headache was the main clinical symptom of cerebral mucormycosis. Lung CT findings included consolidation, multiple nodules, halo sign, air crescent sign, and pleural effusion. The contrast-enhanced CT showed pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein occlusions in two patients and pseudoaneurysm in two patients. Amphotericin B formulations were administered as first-line therapy in all cases; in three cases, Triazole was administered in combination with amphotericin B. Conclusion Mucormycosis is a life-threatening disease involving multiple systems. Aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare and fatal complication, enhanced CT can assist in diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Zhen
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjian Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Tanwar M, Singh A, Singh TP, Sharma S, Sharma P. Comprehensive Review on the Virulence Factors and Therapeutic Strategies with the Aid of Artificial Intelligence against Mucormycosis. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1431-1457. [PMID: 38682683 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00082] [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: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Mucormycosis, a rare but deadly fungal infection, was an epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in cases (COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, CAM) is attributed to excessive steroid and antibiotic use, poor hospital hygiene, and crowded settings. Major contributing factors include diabetes and weakened immune systems. The main manifesting forms of CAM─cutaneous, pulmonary, and the deadliest, rhinocerebral─and disseminated infections elevated mortality rates to 85%. Recent focus lies on small-molecule inhibitors due to their advantages over standard treatments like surgery and liposomal amphotericin B (which carry several long-term adverse effects), offering potential central nervous system penetration, diverse targets, and simpler dosing owing to their small size, rendering the ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier via passive diffusion facilitated by the phospholipid membrane. Adaptation and versatility in mucormycosis are facilitated by a multitude of virulence factors, enabling the pathogen to dynamically respond to various environmental stressors. A comprehensive understanding of these virulence mechanisms is imperative for devising effective therapeutic interventions against this highly opportunistic pathogen that thrives in immunocompromised individuals through its angio-invasive nature. Hence, this Review delineates the principal virulence factors of mucormycosis, the mechanisms it employs to persist in challenging host environments, and the current progress in developing small-molecule inhibitors against them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansi Tanwar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
| | - Anamika Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
| | - Tej Pal Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
| | - Sujata Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
| | - Pradeep Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India
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Jafarlou M. Unveiling the menace: a thorough review of potential pandemic fungal disease. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1338726. [PMID: 38711422 PMCID: PMC11071163 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1338726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Fungal diseases have emerged as a significant global health threat, with the potential to cause widespread outbreaks and significant morbidity and mortality. Anticipating future pandemic fungal diseases is essential for effective preparedness and response strategies. This comprehensive literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on this topic. Through an extensive examination of scholarly articles, this review identifies potential fungal pathogens that have the potential to become pandemics in the future. It explores the factors contributing to the emergence and spread of these fungal diseases, including climate change, globalization, and antimicrobial resistance. The review also discusses the challenges in diagnosing and treating these diseases, including limited access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Furthermore, it examines the strategies and interventions that can be employed to mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases, such as improved surveillance systems, public health education, and research advancements. The findings of this literature review contribute to our understanding of the potential risks posed by fungal diseases and provide valuable insights for public health professionals and policymakers in effectively preparing for and responding to future pandemic outbreaks. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of proactive measures and collaborative efforts to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future pandemic fungal diseases.
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5
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Ben-Ami R. Experimental Models to Study the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Mucormycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:85. [PMID: 38276032 PMCID: PMC10820959 DOI: 10.3390/jof10010085] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis presents a formidable challenge to clinicians and researchers. Animal models are an essential part of the effort to decipher the pathogenesis of mucormycosis and to develop novel pharmacotherapeutics against it. Diverse model systems have been established, using a range of animal hosts, immune and metabolic perturbations, and infection routes. An understanding of the characteristics, strengths, and drawbacks of these models is needed to optimize their use for specific research aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronen Ben-Ami
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
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6
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Zhang M, Song G, Zheng H, Pathakumari B, Liu W, Liang G. In vitro combination with doxycycline plus antifungals against clinical Mucorales pathogens. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2597-2602. [PMID: 37934403 PMCID: PMC10689593 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01167-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Since systematic antifungals for mucormycosis showed variable MICs depending on strains, effective and safe antifungal therapy was still needed. This study is aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of doxycycline combined with antifungal therapy against dominant Mucorales pathogens. METHODS Multidrug susceptibility testing was performed with doxycycline and antifungals, including itraconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin, in 21 isolates of 8 dominant Mucorales pathogens. RESULTS The fractional inhibitory concentration index according to M38 showed one Rhizopus arrhizus isolate synergic (∑FICI = 0.375) and other isolates in addition (0.5 < ∑FICI < 4). CONCLUSIONS Doxycycline was found to have in vitro advantages in combined antifungal treatment over antifungals alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Zhang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ge Song
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Hailin Zheng
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 211166, China
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Balaji Pathakumari
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA
| | - Weida Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Guanzhao Liang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Collection Center of Pathogen Microorganisms-D (CAMS-CCPM-D), Nanjing, 210042, China.
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Alejandre-Castañeda V, Patiño-Medina JA, Valle-Maldonado MI, García A, Ortiz-Alvarado R, Ruíz-Herrera LF, Castro-Cerritos KV, Ramírez-Emiliano J, Ramírez-Díaz MI, Garre V, Lee SC, Meza-Carmen V. Transcription Factors Tec1 and Tec2 Play Key Roles in the Hyphal Growth and Virulence of Mucor lusitanicus Through Increased Mitochondrial Oxidative Metabolism. J Microbiol 2023; 61:1043-1062. [PMID: 38114662 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-023-00096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a lethal and difficult-to-treat fungal infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales. Mucor lusitanicus, a member of Mucorales, is commonly used as a model to understand disease pathogenesis. However, transcriptional control of hyphal growth and virulence in Mucorales is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of Tec proteins, which belong to the TEA/ATTS transcription factor family, in the hyphal development and virulence of M. lusitanicus. Unlike in the genome of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, which have a single Tec homologue, in the genome of Mucorales, two Tec homologues, Tec1 and Tec2, were found, except in that of Phycomyces blakesleeanus, with only one Tec homologue. tec1 and tec2 overexpression in M. lusitanicus increased mycelial growth, mitochondrial content and activity, expression of the rhizoferrin synthetase-encoding gene rfs, and virulence in nematodes and wax moth larvae but decreased cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. Furthermore, tec1- and tec2-overexpressing strains required adequate mitochondrial metabolism to promote the virulent phenotype. The heterotrimeric G beta subunit 1-encoding gene deletant strain (Δgpb1) increased cAMP-PKA activity, downregulation of both tec genes, decreased both virulence and hyphal development, but tec1 and tec2 overexpression restored these defects. Overexpression of allele-mutated variants of Tec1(S332A) and Tec2(S168A) in the putative phosphorylation sites for PKA increased both virulence and hyphal growth of Δgpb1. These findings suggest that Tec homologues promote mycelial development and virulence by enhancing mitochondrial metabolism and rhizoferrin accumulation, providing new information for the rational control of the virulent phenotype of M. lusitanicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viridiana Alejandre-Castañeda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico
| | - J Alberto Patiño-Medina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico
| | | | - Alexis García
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, 78249, USA
| | - Rafael Ortiz-Alvarado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico
| | - León F Ruíz-Herrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico
| | | | | | - Martha I Ramírez-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico
| | - Victoriano Garre
- Departamento de Genética y Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Soo Chan Lee
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, 78249, USA
| | - Víctor Meza-Carmen
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químico Biológicas, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, 58030, Morelia, Mexico.
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8
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Dailey Garnes NJM, Kontoyiannis DP. Mucormycosis: update on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2023; 36:427-435. [PMID: 37732771 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mucormycosis (MCR) is a common opportunistic mold infection, and Mucorales were recently designated by WHO as priority pathogens. The interest in this infection has risen significantly since the major outbreak of MCR in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in India. Herein, we summarize recently (last 24 months) published information regarding clinical aspects of MCR. RECENT FINDINGS The disease remains protean in its clinical presentation, difficult to diagnose, and challenging to treat. In 2021, cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) exploded in India during COVID-19 and manifested primarily as sino-orbital or sino-cerebral disease. Its classic risk factors included the triad of COVID-19, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and use of corticosteroids. Despite difficulties in the timely diagnosis of MCR, significant progress has been made with the use of molecular techniques in blood to assist with earlier diagnosis, which can facilitate earlier appropriate therapy and improve outcomes. In addition, advances have been made in the use of imaging to stage the disease, determining what types of multimodal therapy are required depending on staging, and tissue-based identification of Mucorales. SUMMARY Although the outlook for MCR has improved, effective new antifungals, risk stratification, and the optimal multimodality approaches remain an unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J M Dailey Garnes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Faiyazuddin M, Sophia A, Ashique S, Gholap AD, Gowri S, Mohanto S, Karthikeyan C, Nag S, Hussain A, Akhtar MS, Bakht MA, Ahmed MG, Rustagi S, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Salas-Matta LA, Mohanty A, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Sah R. Virulence traits and novel drug delivery strategies for mucormycosis post-COVID-19: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264502. [PMID: 37818370 PMCID: PMC10561264 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of a fatal black fungus infection after the resurgence of the cadaverous COVID-19 has exhorted scientists worldwide to develop a nutshell by repurposing or designing new formulations to address the crisis. Patients expressing COVID-19 are more susceptible to Mucormycosis (MCR) and thus fall easy prey to decease accounting for this global threat. Their mortality rates range around 32-70% depending on the organs affected and grow even higher despite the treatment. The many contemporary recommendations strongly advise using liposomal amphotericin B and surgery as first-line therapy whenever practicable. MCR is a dangerous infection that requires an antifungal drug administration on appropriate prescription, typically one of the following: Amphotericin B, Posaconazole, or Isavuconazole since the fungi that cause MCR are resistant to other medications like fluconazole, voriconazole, and echinocandins. Amphotericin B and Posaconazole are administered through veins (intravenously), and isavuconazole by mouth (orally). From last several years so many compounds are developed against invasive fungal disease but only few of them are able to induce effective treatment against the micorals. Adjuvant medicines, more particularly, are difficult to assess without prospective randomized controlled investigations, which are challenging to conduct given the lower incidence and higher mortality from Mucormycosis. The present analysis provides insight into pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, underlying fungal virulence, and growth mechanisms. In addition, current therapy for MCR in Post Covid-19 individuals includes conventional and novel nano-based advanced management systems for procuring against deadly fungal infection. The study urges involving nanomedicine to prevent fungal growth at the commencement of infection, delay the progression, and mitigate fatality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Faiyazuddin
- School of Pharmacy, Al – Karim University, Katihar, Bihar, India
- Nano Drug Delivery®, Raleigh-Durham, NC, United States
| | - A. Sophia
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Pandaveswar School of Pharmacy, Pandaveswar, West Bengal, India
| | - Amol D. Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra, India
| | - S. Gowri
- PG & Research Department of Physics, Cauvery College for Women (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sourav Mohanto
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - C. Karthikeyan
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Bio-Sciences, School of Biosciences & Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arif Hussain
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Shabib Akhtar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Afroz Bakht
- Chemistry Department, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Yenepoya Pharmacy College & Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas—Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Luis Andres Salas-Matta
- Faculties of Health Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, India
| | | | - Ranjit Sah
- Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, India
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10
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Peng X, Wei Z, Wang L, Cheng J. Invasive splenic mucormycosis due to Rhizopus microsporus during chemotherapy for acute monocytic leukemia: a case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1237807. [PMID: 37746273 PMCID: PMC10514904 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1237807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection associated with high mortality that typically occurs in immunocompromised patients. It is difficult to diagnose owing to non-specific clinical manifestations, the serologic index, imaging features, and the limitations of diagnostic methods. The incidence of invasive splenic mucormycosis is extremely rare, with only a few cases documented in the literature. We report a survival case of invasive splenic mucormycosis involving the liver caused by Rhizopus microsporus in a patient during consolidation therapy for acute monocytic leukemia (AML-M5). The patient initially presented with recurrent fever and splenomegaly accompanied by multiple focal hypodensities unresponsive to empiric anti-infective treatment. Splenic mucormycosis was diagnosed by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). However, surgical intervention carries a high risk due to the progressive involvement of the liver in invasive splenic mucormycosis. Fortunately, monotherapy with amphotericin B was effective, and the patient underwent allo-HSCT. This case aims to emphasize the importance of utilizing mNGS and CEUS for the timely diagnosis of mucormycosis to help clinicians identify splenic mucormycosis and initiate appropriate therapy as soon as possible to improve therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiru Peng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zixiu Wei
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Juan Cheng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Pham D, Howard-Jones AR, Sparks R, Stefani M, Sivalingam V, Halliday CL, Beardsley J, Chen SCA. Epidemiology, Modern Diagnostics, and the Management of Mucorales Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:659. [PMID: 37367595 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an uncommon, yet deadly invasive fungal infection caused by the Mucorales moulds. These pathogens are a WHO-assigned high-priority pathogen group, as mucormycosis incidence is increasing, and there is unacceptably high mortality with current antifungal therapies. Current diagnostic methods have inadequate sensitivity and specificity and may have issues with accessibility or turnaround time. Patients with diabetes mellitus and immune compromise are predisposed to infection with these environmental fungi, but COVID-19 has established itself as a new risk factor. Mucorales also cause healthcare-associated outbreaks, and clusters associated with natural disasters have also been identified. Robust epidemiological surveillance into burden of disease, at-risk populations, and emerging pathogens is required. Emerging serological and molecular techniques may offer a faster route to diagnosis, while newly developed antifungal agents show promise in preliminary studies. Equitable access to these emerging diagnostic techniques and antifungal therapies will be key in identifying and treating mucormycosis, as delayed initiation of therapy is associated with higher mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pham
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Annaleise R Howard-Jones
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sparks
- Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Sydney, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Maurizio Stefani
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Varsha Sivalingam
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Catriona L Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sharon C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, NSW Health Pathology-Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2170, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Serine/Threonine Phosphatase Calcineurin Orchestrates the Intrinsic Resistance to Micafungin in the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Mucor circinelloides. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0068622. [PMID: 36688672 PMCID: PMC9933632 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00686-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Procedures such as solid-organ transplants and cancer treatments can leave many patients in an immunocompromised state. This leads to their increased susceptibility to opportunistic diseases such as fungal infections. Mucormycosis infections are continually emerging and pose a serious threat to immunocompromised patients. Recently there has been a sharp increase in mucormycosis cases as a secondary infection in patients battling severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Mucorales fungi are notorious for presenting resistance to most antifungal drugs. The absence of effective means to treat these infections results in mortality rates approaching 100% in cases of disseminated infection. One of the most effective antifungal drug classes currently available is the echinocandins. Echinocandins seem to be efficacious in the treatment of many other fungal infections. Unfortunately, susceptibility testing has found that echinocandins have little to no effect on Mucorales fungi. In this study, we found that the model Mucorales Mucor circinelloides genome carries three copies of the genes encoding the echinocandin target protein β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthase (fksA, fksB, and fksC). Interestingly, we found that exposing M. circinelloides to micafungin significantly increased the expression of the fksA and fksB genes, resulting in an increased accumulation of β-(1,3)-d-glucan on the cell walls. However, this overexpression of the fks genes is not directly connected to the intrinsic resistance. Subsequent investigation discovered that the serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin regulates the expression of fksA and fksB, and the deletion of calcineurin results in a decrease in expression of all three fks genes. Deletion of calcineurin also results in a lower minimum effective concentration (MEC) of micafungin. In addition, we found that duplication of the fks gene is also responsible for the intrinsic resistance, in which lack of either fksA or fksB led a lower MEC of micafungin. Together, these findings demonstrate that calcineurin and fks gene duplication contribute to the intrinsic resistance to micafungin we observe in M. circinelloides.
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Kitazawa S, Kitazawa R. Acute myocardial infarction caused by coronary mucormycotic embolism. IDCases 2023; 31:e01686. [PMID: 36660736 PMCID: PMC9843208 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Described here is a rare cardiac complication attributed to mucormycosis in a 63-year-old woman who developed sudden cardiac arrest and pulmonary insufficiency in the course of being treated for acute monocytic leukemia (acute myelogenous leukemia, AML M5a). At autopsy, fresh thrombi were noted in the left pulmonary artery and the left atrium. Postmortem coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery, and histological examination showed a mucormycotic embolism in the corresponding portion. Multiple small mucormycotic thrombi were also noted in both coronary and pulmonary arteries with hemorrhagic infarction in the corresponding areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohei Kitazawa
- Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Pathology, Japan,Corresponding author.
| | - Riko Kitazawa
- Ehime University Hospital, Division of Diagnostic Pathology, Japan
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Aasia Batool S, Kumari U, Surani S. Two Rare Diseases, One Patient: A Case Report of Mucormycosis and Granulomatous Polyangiitis. Case Rep Infect Dis 2023; 2023:7934700. [PMID: 37207042 PMCID: PMC10191744 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7934700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare but fatal disease caused by a filamentous fungus involving the nose, paranasal sinuses, and brain. These organisms usually cause severe infections in immunocompromised individuals. Granulomatous polyangiitis (GPA), also known as Wegner's granulomatosis, is a rare, aseptic necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis involving small and medium-sized vessels commonly affecting the nose, ears, lungs, and kidneys. The simultaneous occurrence of mucormycosis and GPA, two rare diseases, in the same patient is exceedingly rare. In this case study, we describe a 40-year-old woman who presented with manifestations of both GPA and mucormycosis. She was started with steroids and antifungal agents and achieved significant improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Usha Kumari
- Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salim Surani
- Medicine & Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Arbune M, Arbune AA, Nechifor A, Chiscop I, Sapira V. Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges of Emergent COVID-Associated-Mucormycosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 12:antibiotics12010031. [PMID: 36671232 PMCID: PMC9854657 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, with high mortality, commonly associated with diabetes, malignancies, immunosuppressive therapy, and other immunodeficiency conditions. The emergence of mucormycosis cases has been advanced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical presentation is variable, from asymptomatic to persistent fever or localized infections. We present a case of a Romanian old man, without diabetes or other immunodepression, with COVID-19 who developed severe rhino-orbital mucormycosis and bacterial superinfections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The late diagnostic and antifungal treatment was related to extensive lesions, bone and tissue loss, and required complex reconstruction procedures. We review the relationships between mucormycosis, COVID-19, and bacterial associated infections. The suspicion index of mucormycosis should be increased in medical practice. The diagnostic and treatment of COVID-19-Associated-Mucormycosis is currently challenging, calling for multidisciplinary collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Arbune
- Clinical Medical Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University from Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Anca-Adriana Arbune
- Neurology Clinic, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Nechifor
- Clinical Medical Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University from Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Iulia Chiscop
- Clinical Surgical Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University from Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
| | - Violeta Sapira
- Clinical Medical Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University from Galati, 800008 Galati, Romania
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