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Muszalska-Kolos I, Dwiecki PM. Searching for Conjugates as New Structures for Antifungal Therapies. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38470824 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The progressive increase in fungal infections and the decrease in the effectiveness of current therapy explain research on new drugs. The synthesis of compounds with proven antifungal activity, favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties affecting their pharmaceutical availability and bioavailability, and limiting or eliminating side effects has become the goal of many studies. The publication describes the directions of searching for new compounds with antifungal activity, focusing on conjugates. The described modifications include, among others, azoles or amphotericin B in combination with fatty acids, polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. The benefits of these combinations in terms of activity, mechanism of action, and bioavailability were indicated. The possibilities of creating or using nanoparticles, "umbrella" conjugates, siderophores (iron-chelating compounds), and monoclonal antibodies were also presented. Taking into account the role of vaccinations in prevention, the scope of research related to developing a vaccine protecting against fungal infections was also indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Muszalska-Kolos
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Mariusz Dwiecki
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Pharmaceutical Company "Ziołolek" Sp. z o.o., Starolecka 189, 61-341 Poznan, Poland
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2
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Donadu MG, Ferrari M, Behzadi P, Trong Le N, Usai D, Fiamma M, Battah B, Barac A, Bellardi MG, Hoai TN, Mazzarello V, Rubino S, Cappuccinelli P, Zanetti S. Multifactorial action of lavender and lavandin oils against filamentous fungi. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38293715 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2301741] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, five essential oils (EOs) from different species of Lavandula hybrida abrialis, for Lavandula hybrida R.C., Lavandula hybrida 'super A', Lavandula hybrida 'super Z' and Lavandula vera and its hybrids Lavender were evaluated against 26 dust-isolated fungal strains from North Africa. METHODS AND RESULTS The composition of the different EOs was determined from volume to dry weight. The photochemical analyses were performed via gas chromatography (GC). The cytotoxic effect of five lavender EOs on human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) cell line was done. A total of 26 strains of filamentous fungi including Aspergillus spp., Botrytis cinerea, Ceriporia spp., Fusarium spp. and Penicillium glabrum were isolated from sand dust samples via molecular diagnostic tool of PCR. Fungal strains with the lowest minimal lethal concentration (MLC) were Penicillium glabrum, Ceriporia spp. and a strain of Aspergillus spp. CONCLUSIONS More studies are needed to verify the activity of this EO against more different fungal species, and determine the active ingredients.Significance and impact of study: MIC of the antifungal efficacy relating to EOs was evaluated. The EOs tests showed no cytotoxic effect at very low concentrations, ranging from 0.03% (IC50 0.9132 mg/mL) (L. hybrid Abrialis) to 0.001% (IC50 1.631 mg/mL) (L. hybrid R.C.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Gavino Donadu
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Hospital Pharmacy, Giovanni Paolo II Hospital, ASL Gallura, Olbia, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nhan Trong Le
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Donatella Usai
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maura Fiamma
- Analysis Laboratory, Hospital 'San Francesco', Nuoro, Italy
| | - Basem Battah
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Syrian Private University (SPU), Daraa International Highway, Damascus, Syria
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Thi Nguyen Hoai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | | | - Salvatore Rubino
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Bongomin F, Kwizera R, Namusobya M, van Rhijn N, Andia-Biraro I, Kirenga BJ, Meya DB, Denning DW. Re-estimation of the burden of serious fungal diseases in Uganda. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241228345. [PMID: 38328511 PMCID: PMC10848809 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241228345] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is of utmost importance to monitor any change in the epidemiology of fungal diseases that may arise from a change in the number of the at-risk population or the availability of local data. Objective We sought to update the 2015 publication on the incidence and prevalence of serious fungal diseases in Uganda. Methods Using the Leading International Fungal Education methodology, we reviewed published data on fungal diseases and drivers of fungal diseases in Uganda. Regional or global data were used where there were no Ugandan data. Results With a population of ~45 million, we estimate the annual burden of serious fungal diseases at 4,099,357 cases (about 9%). We estimated the burden of candidiasis as follows: recurrent Candida vaginitis (656,340 cases), oral candidiasis (29,057 cases), and esophageal candidiasis (74,686 cases) in HIV-infected people. Cryptococcal meningitis annual incidence is estimated at 5553 cases, Pneumocystis pneumonia at 4604 cases in adults and 2100 cases in children. For aspergillosis syndromes, invasive aspergillosis annual incidence (3607 cases), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (26,765 annual cases and 63,574 5-year-period prevalent cases), and prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis at 75,931 cases, and severe asthma with fungal sensitization at 100,228 cases. Tinea capitis is common with 3,047,989 prevalent cases. For other mycoses, we estimate the annual incidence of histoplasmosis to be 646 cases and mucormycosis at 9 cases. Conclusion Serious fungal diseases affect nearly 9% of Ugandans every year. Tuberculosis and HIV remain the most important predisposition to acute fungal infection necessitating accelerated preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for the management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Martha Namusobya
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Bruce J. Kirenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, CTF Building, The University of Manchester, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
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Higher white-nose syndrome fungal isolate yields from UV-guided wing biopsies compared with skin swabs and optimal culture media. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:40. [PMID: 36759833 PMCID: PMC9912490 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03603-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND North American bat populations have suffered severe declines over the last decade due to the Pseudogymnoascus destructans fungus infection. The skin disease associated with this causative agent, known as white-nose syndrome (WNS), is specific to bats hibernating in temperate regions. As cultured fungal isolates are required for epidemiological and phylogeographical studies, the purpose of the present work was to compare the efficacy and reliability of different culture approaches based on either skin swabs or wing membrane tissue biopsies for obtaining viable fungal isolates of P. destructans. RESULTS In total, we collected and analysed 69 fungal and 65 bacterial skin swabs and 51 wing membrane tissue biopsies from three bat species in the Czech Republic, Poland and the Republic of Armenia. From these, we obtained 12 viable P. destructans culture isolates. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that the efficacy of cultures based on wing membrane biopsies were significantly higher. Cultivable samples tended to be based on collections from bats with lower body surface temperature and higher counts of UV-visualised lesions. While cultures based on both skin swabs and wing membrane tissue biopsies can be utilised for monitoring and surveillance of P. destructans in bat populations, wing membrane biopsies guided by UV light for skin lesions proved higher efficacy. Interactions between bacteria on the host's skin also appear to play an important role.
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Characterization of the Urinary Metagenome and Virome in Healthy Children. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102412. [PMID: 36289674 PMCID: PMC9599034 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and metagenomic studies have provided insights into the microbial profile of different body sites. However, research on the microbial composition of urine is limited, particularly in children. The goal of this study was to optimize and develop reproducible metagenome and virome protocols using a small volume of urine samples collected from healthy children. We collected midstream urine specimens from 40 healthy children. Using the metagenomics shotgun approach, we tested various protocols. Different microbial roots such as Archaea, Bacteria, Eukaryota, and Viruses were successfully identified using our optimized urine protocol. Our data reflected much variation in the microbial fingerprints of children. Girls had significantly higher levels of Firmicutes, whereas boys had significantly higher levels of Actinobacteria. The genus Anaerococcus dominated the urinary bacteriome of healthy girls, with a significant increase in Anaerococcus prevotii, Anaerococcus vaginalis, and Veillonella parvula (p-value < 0.001) when compared with that of boys. An increased relative abundance of Xylanimonas and Arthrobacter, with a significantly high abundance of Arthrobacter sp. FB24 (p-value 0.0028) and Arthrobacter aurescences (p-value 0.015), was observed in boys. The urinary mycobiome showed a significant rise in the genus Malassezia and Malassezia globose fungus (p-value 0.009) in girls, whereas genus Saccharomyces (p-value 0.009) was significantly high in boys. The beta diversity of the urinary mycobiome was found to differ between different age groups. Boys had significantly more Mastadenovirus and Human mastadenovirus-A in their urinary virome than girls. With increasing age, we noticed an increase in the relative abundance of the order Caudovirales. Our optimized protocols allowed us to identify the unique microbes for each sex by using an adequate volume of urine (3−10 mL) to screen for the bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome profiles in the urine of healthy children. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize the metagenomics profiles of urine in a healthy pediatric population.
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Qadri H, Haseeb Shah A, Ahmad Mir M, Fazal Qureshi M, Prasad R. Quinidine Drug Resistance transporter Knockout Candida cells modulate glucose transporter expression and accumulate metabolites leading to enhanced azole drug resistance. Fungal Genet Biol 2022; 161:103713. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Gupta DP, Arora DA, Gupta DM, Singh DR, Rudramurthy DSM, Kaur DH. First case of endophthalmitis by Corynespora cassiicola. J Mycol Med 2022; 32:101298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Veerana M, Yu N, Ketya W, Park G. Application of Non-Thermal Plasma to Fungal Resources. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020102. [PMID: 35205857 PMCID: PMC8879654 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to being key pathogens in plants, animals, and humans, fungi are also valuable resources in agriculture, food, medicine, industry, and the environment. The elimination of pathogenic fungi and the functional enhancement of beneficial fungi have been the major topics investigated by researchers. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a potential tool to inactivate pathogenic and food-spoiling fungi and functionally enhance beneficial fungi. In this review, we summarize and discuss research performed over the last decade on the use of NTP to treat both harmful and beneficial yeast- and filamentous-type fungi. NTP can efficiently inactivate fungal spores and eliminate fungal contaminants from seeds, fresh agricultural produce, food, and human skin. Studies have also demonstrated that NTP can improve the production of valuable enzymes and metabolites in fungi. Further studies are still needed to establish NTP as a method that can be used as an alternative to the conventional methods of fungal inactivation and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayura Veerana
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Plasma-Bio Display, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea; (M.V.); (N.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Nannan Yu
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Plasma-Bio Display, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea; (M.V.); (N.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Wirinthip Ketya
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Plasma-Bio Display, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea; (M.V.); (N.Y.); (W.K.)
| | - Gyungsoon Park
- Plasma Bioscience Research Center, Department of Plasma-Bio Display, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea; (M.V.); (N.Y.); (W.K.)
- Department of Electrical and Biological Physics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 01897, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-940-8324
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9
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Breedlove B. Considering Mycological Rarities. Emerg Infect Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.ac-2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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10
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Considering Mycological Rarities. Emerg Infect Dis 2021. [PMCID: PMC8386784 DOI: 10.3201/eid2709.ac2709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Lowes DJ, Miao J, Al-waqfi RA, Avad KA, Hevener KE, Peters BM. Identification of Dual-Target Compounds with Antifungal and Anti-NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:2522-2535. [PMID: 34260210 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Invasive and superficial infections caused by the Candida species result in significant global morbidity and mortality. As the pathogenicity of these organisms is intimately intertwined with host immune response, therapies to target both the fungus and host inflammation may be warranted. Structural similarities exist between established inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome and those of fungal acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS). Therefore, we leveraged this information to conduct an in silico molecular docking screen to find novel polypharmacologic inhibitors of these targets that resulted in the identification of 12 candidate molecules. Of these, compound 10 significantly attenuated activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome by LPS + ATP, while also demonstrating growth inhibitory activity against C. albicans that was alleviated in the presence of exogenous branched chain amino acids, consistent with targeting of fungal AHAS. SAR studies delineated an essential molecular scaffold required for dual activity. Ultimately, 10 and its analog 10a resulted in IC50 (IL-1β release) and MIC50 (fungal growth) values with low μM potency against several Candida species. Collectively, this work demonstrates promising potential of dual-target approaches for improved management of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Lowes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Jian Miao
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Rand A Al-waqfi
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kristiana A. Avad
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Doctor of Pharmacy Program, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Kirk E Hevener
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
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Martín-Torrijos L, Martínez-Ríos M, Casabella-Herrero G, Adams SB, Jackson CR, Diéguez-Uribeondo J. Tracing the origin of the crayfish plague pathogen, Aphanomyces astaci, to the Southeastern United States. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9332. [PMID: 33927290 PMCID: PMC8085144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The oomycete Aphanomyces astaci is an emerging infectious pathogen affecting freshwater crayfish worldwide and is responsible for one of the most severe wildlife pandemics ever reported. The pathogen has caused mass mortalities of freshwater crayfish species in Europe and Asia, and threatens other susceptible species in Madagascar, Oceania and South America. The pathogen naturally coexists with some North American crayfish species that are its chronic carriers. Presumptions that A. astaci originated in North America are based on disease outbreaks that followed translocations of North American crayfish and on the identification of the pathogen mainly in Europe. We studied A. astaci in the southeastern US, a center of freshwater crayfish diversity. In order to decipher the origin of the pathogen, we investigated (1) the distribution and haplotype diversity of A. astaci, and (2) whether there are crayfish species-specificities and/or geographical restrictions for A. astaci haplotypes. A total of 132 individuals, corresponding to 19 crayfish species and one shrimp species from 23 locations, tested positive for A. astaci. Mitochondrial rnnS and rnnL sequences indicated that A. astaci from the southeastern US exhibited the highest genetic diversity so far described for the pathogen (eight haplotypes, six of which we newly describe). Our findings that A. astaci is widely distributed and genetically diverse in the region supports the hypothesis that the pathogen originated in the southeastern US. In contrast to previous assumptions, however, the pathogen exhibited no clear species-specificity or geographical patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martín-Torrijos
- Department of Mycology, Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, Plaza Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Martínez-Ríos
- Department of Mycology, Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC, Plaza Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Susan B Adams
- USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, 1000 Front Street, Oxford, MS, 38655, USA
| | - Colin R Jackson
- Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
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Ghosh PN, Brookes LM, Edwards HM, Fisher MC, Jervis P, Kappel D, Sewell TR, Shelton JM, Skelly E, Rhodes JL. Cross-Disciplinary Genomics Approaches to Studying Emerging Fungal Infections. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:E315. [PMID: 33260763 PMCID: PMC7761180 DOI: 10.3390/life10120315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens pose a serious, global and growing threat to food supply systems, wild ecosystems, and human health. However, historic chronic underinvestment in their research has resulted in a limited understanding of their epidemiology relative to bacterial and viral pathogens. Therefore, the untargeted nature of genomics and, more widely, -omics approaches is particularly attractive in addressing the threats posed by and illuminating the biology of these pathogens. Typically, research into plant, human and wildlife mycoses have been largely separated, with limited dialogue between disciplines. However, many serious mycoses facing the world today have common traits irrespective of host species, such as plastic genomes; wide host ranges; large population sizes and an ability to persist outside the host. These commonalities mean that -omics approaches that have been productively applied in one sphere and may also provide important insights in others, where these approaches may have historically been underutilised. In this review, we consider the advances made with genomics approaches in the fields of plant pathology, human medicine and wildlife health and the progress made in linking genomes to other -omics datatypes and sets; we identify the current barriers to linking -omics approaches and how these are being underutilised in each field; and we consider how and which -omics methodologies it is most crucial to build capacity for in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pria N. Ghosh
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Lola M. Brookes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Hannah M. Edwards
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Phillip Jervis
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Dana Kappel
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Thomas R. Sewell
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Jennifer M.G. Shelton
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Emily Skelly
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
| | - Johanna L. Rhodes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, St Mary’s Campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (L.M.B.); (H.M.E.); (M.C.F.); (P.J.); (D.K.); (T.R.S.); (J.M.G.S.); (E.S.); (J.L.R.)
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Kastelberg B, Tubau-Juni N, Ayubi T, Leung A, Leber A, Hontecillas R, Bassaganya-Riera J, Kale SD. NLRX1 is a key regulator of immune signaling during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008854. [PMID: 32956405 PMCID: PMC7529209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen of immunocompromised patient populations. Mortality is thought to be context-specific and occurs via both enhanced fungal growth and immunopathogenesis. NLRX1 is a negative regulator of immune signaling and metabolic pathways implicated in host responses to microbes, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. Our study indicates loss of Nlrx1 results in enhanced fungal burden, pulmonary inflammation, immune cell recruitment, and mortality across immuno-suppressed and immuno-competent models of IPA using two clinically derived isolates (AF293, CEA10). We observed that the heightened mortality is due to enhanced recruitment of CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) that produce elevated amounts of IL-4 resulting in a detrimental Th2-mediated immune response. Adoptive transfer of Nlrx1-/- CD103+ DCs in neutropenic NRG mice results in enhanced mortality that can be ablated using IL-4 neutralizing antibodies. In vitro analysis of CD103+ DCs indicates loss of Nlrx1 results in enhanced IL-4 production via elevated activation of the JNK/JunB pathways. Interestingly, loss of Nlrx1 also results in enhanced recruitment of monocytes and neutrophils. Chimeras of irradiated Nlrx1-/- mice reconstituted with wild type bone marrow have enhanced neutrophil recruitment and survival during models of IPA. This enhanced immune cell recruitment in the absence of Nlrx1 is mediated by excessive production of CXCL8/IL-8 family of chemokines and IL-6 via early and enhanced activation of P38 in response to A. fumigatus conidia as shown in BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells. In summary, our results point strongly towards the cell-specific and contextual function of Nlrx1 during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and may lead to novel therapeutics to reduce Th2 responses by CD103+ DCs or heightened recruitment of neutrophils. Fungal infections are mitigated and controlled in part by a robust immune response and generation of reactive oxygen species. In certain instances, the immune response may become harmful to the host. Nlrx1 is a known negative regulator of inflammatory aspects of the immune system in response to viruses, bacteria, and cancers. In this study we describe the novel importance of Nlrx1 in controlling and fighting fungal infections in two different host cell populations through two distinct mechanisms. Nlrx1 may function as a future target to mitigate inflammation and immunopathogenesis during fungal pulmonary infection as well as enhance beneficial neutrophil recruitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Kastelberg
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nuria Tubau-Juni
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tariq Ayubi
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Austin Leung
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andrew Leber
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Raquel Hontecillas
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Shiv D. Kale
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Acheson ES, Galanis E, Bartlett K, Mak S, Klinkenberg B. Searching for clues for eighteen years: Deciphering the ecological determinants of Cryptococcus gattii on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Med Mycol 2018; 56:129-144. [PMID: 28525610 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus gattii emerged on Vancouver Island in 1999 for unknown reasons, causing human and animal fatalities and illness. The apparent emergence of this fungus in another temperate area, this time in the Pacific Northwest, suggests the fungus may have expanded its ecological niche. Yet studies that directly examine the potential roles of climatic and land use changes on C. gattii are still lacking. We aim to summarize the existing global literature on the ecology of C. gattii, with particular focus on the gap in knowledge surrounding the potential effects of climatic and land use changes. We systematically reviewed English peer-reviewed literature on the ecological determinants of C. gattii. We included studies published from January 1970 through June 2016 and identified 56 relevant studies for our review. We identified environmental isolations of C. gattii from 18 countries, spanning 72 separate regions across six continents. Fifty-three tree species were associated with C. gattii, spanning 10 climate classifications and 36 terrestrial ecoregions. No studies directly tested the potential effects of climatic changes (including climatic oscillations and global climate change) on C. gattii, while only one study directly assessed those of land use change. To improve model predictions of current and future distributions of C. gattii, more focus is needed on the potential effects of climatic and land use changes to help decrease the public health risk. The apparent emergence of C. gattii in British Columbia is also an opportunity to explore the factors behind emerging infectious diseases in Canada and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sohanna Acheson
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, 1984 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z2
| | - Eleni Galanis
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 4R4.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Karen Bartlett
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
| | - Sunny Mak
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5Z 4R4
| | - Brian Klinkenberg
- Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, 1984 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z2
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16
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Ghosh PN, Fisher MC, Bates KA. Diagnosing Emerging Fungal Threats: A One Health Perspective. Front Genet 2018; 9:376. [PMID: 30254662 PMCID: PMC6141620 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a growing threat to global health, ecosystems, food security, and the world economy. Over the last century, environmental change and globalized transport, twinned with the increasing application of antifungal chemical drugs have led to increases in outbreaks of fungal diseases with sometimes catastrophic effects. In order to tackle contemporary epidemics and predemic threats, there is a pressing need for a unified approach in identification and monitoring of fungal pathogens. In this paper, we discuss current high throughput technologies, as well as new platforms capable of combining diverse data types to inform practical epidemiological strategies with a focus on emerging fungal pathogens of wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pria N. Ghosh
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran A. Bates
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Zhang Y, Ma LJ. Deciphering Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum From a Phylogenomics Perspective. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2017; 100:179-209. [PMID: 29153400 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is a large species complex of both plant and human pathogens that attack a diverse array of species in a host-specific manner. Comparative genomic studies have revealed that the host-specific pathogenicity of the F. oxysporum species complex (FOSC) was determined by distinct sets of supernumerary (SP) chromosomes. In contrast to common vertical transfer, where genetic materials are transmitted via cell division, SP chromosomes can be transmitted horizontally between phylogenetic lineages, explaining the polyphyletic nature of the host-specific pathogenicity of the FOSC. The existence of a diverse array of SP chromosomes determines the broad host range of this species complex, while the conserved core genome maintains essential house-keeping functions. Recognition of these SP chromosomes enables the functional and structural compartmentalization of F. oxysporum genomes. In this review, we examine the impact of this group of cross-kingdom pathogens on agricultural productivity and human health. Focusing on the pathogenicity of F. oxysporum in the phylogenomic framework of the genus Fusarium, we elucidate the evolution of pathogenicity within the FOSC. We conclude that a population genomics approach within a clearly defined phylogenomic framework is essential not only for understanding the evolution of the pathogenicity mechanism but also for identifying informative candidates associated with pathogenicity that can be developed as targets in disease management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Li-Jun Ma
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States.
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18
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Ekowati Y, van Diepeningen AD, Ferrero G, Kennedy MD, de Roda Husman AM, Schets FM. Clinically relevant fungi in water and on surfaces in an indoor swimming pool facility. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2017; 220:1152-1160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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McCarthy MW, Denning DW, Walsh TJ. Future Research Priorities in Fungal Resistance. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S484-S492. [PMID: 28911040 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved understanding of basic mycological, pharmacological, and immunological processes has led to important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. However, the rise of fungi that are resistant to existing antifungal agents poses a substantial threat to human health. Addressing this expanding problem is an urgent priority for the international research community. In this article, we highlight important diagnostic and therapeutic advances that address the rise of resistant fungi as well as new public health initiatives that warrant further investigation to help curb the spread of these potentially lethal organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David W Denning
- University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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20
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Benedict K, Richardson M, Vallabhaneni S, Jackson BR, Chiller T. Emerging issues, challenges, and changing epidemiology of fungal disease outbreaks. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e403-e411. [PMID: 28774697 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30443-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Several high-profile outbreaks have drawn attention to invasive fungal infections (IFIs) as an increasingly important public health problem. IFI outbreaks are caused by many different fungal pathogens and are associated with numerous settings and sources. In the community, IFI outbreaks often occur among people without predisposing medical conditions and are frequently precipitated by environmental disruption. Health-care-associated IFI outbreaks have been linked to suboptimal hospital environmental conditions, transmission via health-care workers' hands, contaminated medical products, and transplantation of infected organs. Outbreak investigations provide important insights into the epidemiology of IFIs, uncover risk factors for infection, and identify opportunities for preventing similar events in the future. Well recognised challenges with IFI outbreak recognition, response, and prevention include the need for improved rapid diagnostic methods, the absence of routine surveillance for most IFIs, adherence to infection control practices, and health-care provider awareness. Additionally, IFI outbreak investigations have revealed several emerging issues, including new populations at risk because of travel or relocation, occupation, or immunosuppression; fungal pathogens appearing in geographical areas in which they have not been previously recognised; and contaminated compounded medications. This report highlights notable IFI outbreaks in the past decade, with an emphasis on these emerging challenges in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Malcolm Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester and University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Snigdha Vallabhaneni
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brendan R Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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21
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Ackerman AL, Underhill DM. The mycobiome of the human urinary tract: potential roles for fungi in urology. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:31. [PMID: 28217696 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.12.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The mycobiome, defined as the fungal microbiota within a host environment, is an important but understudied component of the human microbial ecosystem. New culture-independent approaches to determine microbial diversity, such as next-generation sequencing methods, have discovered specific, characteristic, commensal fungal populations present in different body sites. These studies have also identified diverse patterns in fungal communities associated with various diseases. While alterations in urinary bacterial communities have been noted in disease states, a comprehensive description of the urinary mycobiome has been lacking. Early evidence suggests the urinary mycobiome is a diverse community with high intraindividual variability. In other disease systems, the mycobiome is thought to interact with other biomes and the host to play a role in organ homeostasis and pathology; further study will be needed to elucidate the role fungi play in bladder health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lenore Ackerman
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David M Underhill
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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22
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Corson AE, Armstrong SA, Wright ME, McClelland EE, Bicker KL. Discovery and Characterization of a Peptoid with Antifungal Activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:1139-1144. [PMID: 27994753 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies show there is an increasing rate of fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and treatments for fungal genera, such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus, carry significant cytotoxicity with an increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance. We have previously reported a high-throughput assay for identifying peptoids with antimicrobial properties from combinatorial libraries. Here we report the application of this assay in identifying a peptoid with antifungal properties against Cryptococcus neoformans. Termed AEC5, this peptoid has comparable potency to existing clinical antifungal agents, excellent stability, and minimal cytotoxicity in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E. Corson
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Scott A. Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | - Matthew E. Wright
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
| | | | - Kevin L. Bicker
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, United States
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23
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Chowdhary A, Masih A, Sharma C. Azole Resistance in Moulds—Approach to Detection in a Clinical Laboratory. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-016-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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24
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Zamani S, Sadeghi G, Yazdinia F, Moosa H, Pazooki A, Ghafarinia Z, Abbasi M, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Epidemiological trends of dermatophytosis in Tehran, Iran: A five-year retrospective study. J Mycol Med 2016; 26:351-358. [PMID: 27520535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dermatophytosis is the most frequent fungal infection all over the world and its frequency is constantly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical features and epidemiological trends of dermatophytosis over the years 2010 to 2014 in Tehran, Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 13,312 patients clinically suspected of cutaneous fungal infections were examined. Skin scales, plucked hairs, nail clippings and sub-ungual debris were examined by direct microscopy and culture. Dermatophyte species were identified at the species level by a combination of morphological and physiological criteria. RESULTS Direct microscopy confirmed a contamination rate of 19.7% (2622/13,312 cases) of which 1535 cases (58.5%) were culture positive distributed in male (1022 cases) and female (513 cases). The most commonly infected age group was the 30-39 years old. Tinea pedis (30.4%) was the most prevalent type of dermatophytosis followed by tinea cruris (29.8%) and tinea corporis (15.8%). Epidermophyton floccosum (31%) was the most prevalent causative agent, followed by Trichophyton rubrum (26.2%) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (20.3%). CONCLUSION Our results showed considerable distribution of dermatophytosis from zoophilic, anthropophilic and geophilic species among population with diverse age groups. Although anthropophilic fungi such as T. mentagrophytes, E. floccosum, and T. rubrum were the main etiologic agents of dermatophytosis, the prevalence of T. verrucosum showed a meaningful increase over the years, which highlights the importance of rural dermatophytosis mainly transmitted from large animals. This noticeable information improves our current knowledge about dermatophytosis and assists to establish effective prevention and therapeutic strategies to overcome the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zamani
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - G Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - F Yazdinia
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - H Moosa
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - A Pazooki
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - Z Ghafarinia
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - M Abbasi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - M Shams-Ghahfarokhi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran 14115-331, Iran
| | - M Razzaghi-Abyaneh
- Department of Medical Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 13164, Iran.
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Abstract
Fungal infections have been rising due to the increasing number of immunocompromised patients and intensive use of some antifungal agents. Lampranthus francisci is an ornamental succulent plant. In Zimbabwe, the fresh sap from the leaves is used to treat fungal scalp infections. The activity of L. francisci fresh and dry acetone, ethanol, hydroethanolic, and aqueous extracts against Candida albicans and Candida krusei was determined. Mouse peritoneal cavity cells and sheep red blood cells were used to investigate L. francisci’s toxicity profile. The hydroethanolic extracts were the most effective extracts against C. albicans. The fresh ethanol extract was the most effective extract against C. krusei. The dry acetone extract, dry ethanol extract, and the fresh and dry aqueous extracts promoted the growth of C. krusei. The hydroethanolic extracts caused haemolysis of sheep cells. The hydroethanolic extracts promoted the growth of the mouse peritoneal cavity red blood cells. Both aqueous extracts increased the density of the mouse cells, but only the fresh extract increased the metabolism of the mouse cells. L. francisci has some fungicidal activity and boosts the growth of immune cells, thus validating its use in ethnomedicine. L. francisci extracts are potential leads for the isolation of immune stimulatory compounds.
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26
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Illnait-Zaragozi MT, Martínez-Machín GF, Fernández-Andreu CM, Perurena-Lancha MR, Hagen F, Meis JF. Cryptococcus and Cryptococcosis in Cuba. A minireview. Mycoses 2014; 57:707-17. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology; Radboud University Medical Center; Nijmegen The Netherlands
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27
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Chowdhary A, Kathuria S, Agarwal K, Meis JF. Recognizing filamentous basidiomycetes as agents of human disease: A review. Med Mycol 2014; 52:782-97. [PMID: 25202126 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous basidiomycetes (BM) are common environmental fungi that have recently emerged as important human pathogens, inciting a wide array of clinical manifestations that include allergic and invasive diseases. We reviewed 218 reported global cases of BM fungi. The most common etiologic agent was Schizophyllum commune in 52.3% (114/218) of the cases followed by Hormographiella aspergillata (n = 13; 5.9%), Ceriporia lacerata (n = 11; 5%), and, rarely, Volvariella volvacea, Inonotus tropicalis, Irpex lacteus, Phellinus undulates, Perenniporia species, Bjerkandera adusta, Sporotrichum pruinosum, Phanerochaete steroids, and Cyclomyces tabacinus. These fungi are present in the environment as gilled mushrooms, shelf fungi, and bracket fungi. However, in clinical settings, they usually present as nonsporulating white moulds that are difficult to identify. Moreover, the GenBank database of these fungi is limited. Regarding the country-wise distribution of cases, Japan topped the list with about 43% (n = 94) of globally reported cases, followed by India (57; 26%), the United States (4%), Austria (3.2%), Iran (3.2%), France (2.8%), and the remaining one-third from 16 other countries. The respiratory tract was the most commonly afflicted site (n = 71), with the majority of the cases (42; 59.1%) being allergic in etiology and comprising 34 cases of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. Also, B. adusta has been implicated in a recently described clinical entity, that is, fungus associated chronic cough, reported exclusively from Japan. BM fungi-incited diseases are currently underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and expertise, warranting comprehensive epidemiological and susceptibility studies to determine their prevalence and to predict a more appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shallu Kathuria
- Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Kshitij Agarwal
- Rajan Babu Institute of Pulmonary Medicine and Tuberculosis, Delhi, India
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Clothier KA, Villanueva M, Torain A, Reinl S, Barr B. Disseminated histoplasmosis in two juvenile raccoons (Procyon lotor) from a nonendemic region of the United States. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:297-301. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638714521207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two 6-month-old raccoon kits, which had been rescued and fostered in preparation for return to the wild, became acutely ill and died 3 weeks before scheduled release. At necropsy, the kits had grossly enlarged livers and spleens, diffusely consolidated lungs, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Histologically, extensive infiltrates of macrophages containing yeast organisms were identified in lung, liver, kidney, spleen, lymph nodes, intestinal tissues, brain, adrenal gland, bone marrow, and thymus of both animals. Histiocytic inflammation with accompanying fibrosis was widespread, with necrotic foci evident in lungs, spleen, and intestinal sections. Fungal organisms were observed on sheep blood agar plates; however, repeated subcultures to fungal media designed to induce conidial structures for fungal identification were unsuccessful. Partial DNA sequencing of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of the blood agar isolate identified 100% homology with Ajellomyces capsulatus (anamorphic name Histoplasma capsulatum). The kits were rescued and fostered in the San Francisco Bay area and it is likely that the exposure to H. capsulatum occurred in this area. Histoplasma sp. infection in wild mammal species is often used as an indication of spore contamination of a geographic region. Northern California is not known to be an endemic region for H. capsulatum, which is not a reportable disease in this state. The presence of severe, disseminated disease and the need for molecular identification associated with the isolate from a nonendemic region identified in the present report may indicate genetic adaptation and altered characteristics of this agent and may warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin A. Clothier
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (Clothier, Villanueva, Torain, Reinl, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (Clothier, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Michelle Villanueva
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (Clothier, Villanueva, Torain, Reinl, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (Clothier, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Andrea Torain
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (Clothier, Villanueva, Torain, Reinl, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (Clothier, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Steve Reinl
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (Clothier, Villanueva, Torain, Reinl, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (Clothier, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Bradd Barr
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (Clothier, Villanueva, Torain, Reinl, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology (Clothier, Barr), University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA
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