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van Dijk MAM, Buil JB, Tehupeiory-Kooreman M, Broekhuizen MJ, Broens EM, Wagenaar JA, Verweij PE. Azole Resistance in Veterinary Clinical Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates in the Netherlands. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:50. [PMID: 38864903 PMCID: PMC11169034 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungal pathogen that causes opportunistic infections in animals and humans. Azole resistance has been reported globally in human A. fumigatus isolates, but the prevalence of resistance in isolates from animals is largely unknown. A retrospective resistance surveillance study was performed using a collection of clinical A. fumigatus isolates from various animal species collected between 2015 and 2020. Agar-based azole resistance screening of all isolates was followed by in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing and cyp51A gene sequencing of the azole-resistant isolates. Over the 5 year period 16 (11.3%) of 142 A. fumigatus culture-positive animals harbored an azole-resistant isolate. Resistant isolates were found in birds (15%; 2/13), cats (21%; 6/28), dogs (8%; 6/75) and free-ranging harbor porpoise (33%; 2/6). Azole-resistance was cyp51A mediated in all isolates: 81.3% (T-67G/)TR34/L98H, 12.5% TR46/Y121F/T289A. In one azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolate a combination of C(-70)T/F46Y/C(intron7)T/C(intron66)T/M172V/E427K single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the cyp51A gene was found. Of the animals with an azole-resistant isolate and known azole exposure status 71.4% (10/14) were azole naive. Azole resistance in A. fumigatus isolates from animals in the Netherlands is present and predominantly cyp51A TR-mediated, supporting an environmental route of resistance selection. Our data supports the need to include veterinary isolates in resistance surveillance programs. Veterinarians should consider azole resistance as a reason for therapy failure when treating aspergillosis and consider resistance testing of relevant isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes A M van Dijk
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jochem B Buil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlou Tehupeiory-Kooreman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marian J Broekhuizen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Els M Broens
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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2
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Koga S, Takazono T, Namie H, Okuno D, Ito Y, Nakada N, Hirayama T, Takeda K, Ide S, Iwanaga N, Tashiro M, Sakamoto N, Watanabe A, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Tanaka Y, Mukae H. Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0361423. [PMID: 38426765 PMCID: PMC10986472 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03614-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are life-threatening diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains have been isolated worldwide, which can pose a serious clinical problem. As IA mainly occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, the ideal therapeutic approach should aim to bolster the immune system. In this study, we focused on Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that exhibit immune effector functions and examined the possibility of harnessing this unconventional T cell subset as a novel therapeutic modality for IA. A potent antifungal effect was observed when A. fumigatus (Af293) hyphae were challenged by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells derived from peripheral blood. In addition, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibited antifungal activity against hyphae of all Aspergillus spp., Cunninghamella bertholletiae, and Rhizopus microsporus but not against their conidia. Furthermore, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells also exhibited antifungal activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be used for treating drug-resistant A. fumigatus. The antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells depended on cell-to-cell contact with A. fumigatus hyphae, and degranulation characterized by CD107a mobilization seems essential for this activity against A. fumigatus. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be developed as a novel modality for treating IA or mucormycosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are often resistant to treatment with conventional antifungal agents and have a high mortality rate. Additionally, effective antifungal treatment is hindered by drug toxicity, given that both fungal and human cells are eukaryotic, and antifungal agents are also likely to act on human cells, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents specifically targeting fungi is challenging. This study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against various Aspergillus spp. and several Mucorales in vitro and discussed the mechanism underlying their antifungal activity. We indicate that adoptive immunotherapy using Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may offer a new therapeutic approach to IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hodaka Namie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nana Nakada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Health Center, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shotaro Ide
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infectious Diseases Experts Training Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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3
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Lucio J, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Gil H, Cano-Pascual S, Hernandez-Egido S, Cuetara MS, Mellado E. Distribution of Aspergillus species and prevalence of azole resistance in clinical and environmental samples from a Spanish hospital during a three-year study period. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13719. [PMID: 38551063 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance studies are crucial for updating trends in Aspergillus species and antifungal susceptibility information. OBJECTIVES Determine the Aspergillus species distribution and azole resistance prevalence during this 3-year prospective surveillance study in a Spanish hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred thirty-five Aspergillus spp. clinical and environmental isolates were collected during a 3-year study. All isolates were screened for azole resistance using an agar-based screening method and resistance was confirmed by EUCAST antifungal susceptibility testing. The azole resistance mechanism was confirmed by sequencing the cyp51A gene and its promoter. All Aspergillus fumigatus strains were genotyped using TRESPERG analysis. RESULTS Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species recovered with a total of 174 strains (51.94%). The rest of Aspergillus spp. were less frequent: Aspergillus niger (14.93%), Aspergillus terreus (9.55%), Aspergillus flavus (8.36%), Aspergillus nidulans (5.37%) and Aspergillus lentulus (3.28%), among other Aspergillus species (6.57%). TRESPERG analysis showed 99 different genotypes, with 72.73% of the strains being represented as a single genotype. Some genotypes were common among clinical and environmental A. fumigatus azole-susceptible strains, even when isolated months apart. We describe the occurrence of two azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains, one clinical and another environmental, that were genotypically different and did not share genotypes with any of the azole-susceptible strains. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus fumigatus strains showed a very diverse population although several genotypes were shared among clinical and environmental strains. The isolation of azole-resistant strains from both settings suggest that an efficient analysis of clinical and environmental sources must be done to detect azole resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Lucio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Horacio Gil
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Cano-Pascual
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Hernandez-Egido
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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van Rhijn N, Storer ISR, Birch M, Oliver JD, Bottery MJ, Bromley MJ. Aspergillus fumigatus strains that evolve resistance to the agrochemical fungicide ipflufenoquin in vitro are also resistant to olorofim. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:29-34. [PMID: 38151646 PMCID: PMC10769868 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01542-4] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Widespread use of azole antifungals in agriculture has been linked to resistance in the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that exposure of A. fumigatus to the agrochemical fungicide, ipflufenoquin, in vitro can select for strains that are resistant to olorofim, a first-in-class clinical antifungal with the same mechanism of action. Resistance is caused by non-synonymous mutations within the target of ipflufenoquin/olorofim activity, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), and these variants have no overt growth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Isabelle S R Storer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Michael J Bottery
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael J Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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5
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Lee R, Kim WB, Cho SY, Nho D, Park C, Yoo IY, Park YJ, Lee DG. Clinical Implementation of β-Tubulin Gene-Based Aspergillus Polymerase Chain Reaction for Enhanced Aspergillus Diagnosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases: A Prospective Observational Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1192. [PMID: 38132792 PMCID: PMC10744750 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-tubulin (benA) gene is a promising target for the identification of Aspergillus species. Assessment of the clinical implementation and performance of benA gene-based Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) remains warranted. In this study, we assessed the analytical performance of the BenA probe PCR in comparison with the Aspergenius kit. We prospectively collected bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid via diagnostic bronchoscopy from adult patients with hematologic diseases. BenA gene-based multiplex real-time PCR and sequential melting temperature analysis were performed to detect the azole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus. In total, 76 BAL fluids in 75 patients suspicious of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) were collected. Before the application of PCR, the prevalence of proven and probable IPA was 32.9%. However, after implementing the benA gene-based PCR, 15.8% (12 out of 76) of potential IPA cases were reclassified as probable IPA. The analytical performance of the BenA probe PCR in BAL samples was comparable to that of the Aspergenius kit. The diagnostic performance was as follows: sensitivity, 52.0%; specificity, 64.7%; positive predictive value, 41.9%; negative predictive value, 73.3%; positive likelihood ratio, 1.473; and negative likelihood ratio, 0.741. Moreover, benA gene-based Aspergillus PCR discriminated all major sections of Aspergillus, including cryptic species such as Aspergillus tubingensis. Sequential melting temperature analysis successfully detected 2 isolates (15.4%) of A. fumigatus carrying resistant mutations. BenA gene-based Aspergillus PCR with melting temperature analysis enhances diagnostic accuracy and detects not only cryptic species but also resistant mutations of A. fumigatus. It shows promise for clinical applications in the diagnosis of IPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeseok Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (R.L.); (S.-Y.C.); (D.N.)
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
| | - Won-Bok Kim
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Yeon Cho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (R.L.); (S.-Y.C.); (D.N.)
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
| | - Dukhee Nho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (R.L.); (S.-Y.C.); (D.N.)
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
| | - Chulmin Park
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
| | - In Young Yoo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (I.Y.Y.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Yeon-Joon Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (I.Y.Y.); (Y.-J.P.)
| | - Dong-Gun Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (R.L.); (S.-Y.C.); (D.N.)
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (W.-B.K.); (C.P.)
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6
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Zeng M, Zhou X, Yang C, Liu Y, Zhang J, Xin C, Qin G, Liu F, Song Z. Comparative analysis of the biological characteristics and mechanisms of azole resistance of clinical Aspergillus fumigatus strains. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1253197. [PMID: 38029222 PMCID: PMC10665732 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1253197] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a common causative pathogen of aspergillosis. At present, triazole resistance of A. fumigatus poses an important challenge to human health globally. In this study, the biological characteristics and mechanisms of azole resistance of five A. fumigatus strains (AF1, AF2, AF4, AF5, and AF8) were explored. There were notable differences in the sporulation and biofilm formation abilities of the five test strains as compared to the standard strain AF293. The ability of strain AF1 to avoid phagocytosis by MH-S cells was significantly decreased as compared to strain AF293, while that of strains AF2, AF4, and AF5 were significantly increased. Fungal burden analysis with Galleria mellonella larvae revealed differences in pathogenicity among the five strains. Moreover, the broth microdilution and E-test assays confirmed that strains AF1 and AF2 were resistant to itraconazole and isaconazole, while strains AF4, AF5, and AF8 were resistant to voriconazole and isaconazole. Strains AF1 and AF2 carried the cyp51A mutations TR34/L98H/V242I/S297T/F495I combined with the hmg1 mutation S541G, whereas strains AF4 and AF8 carried the cyp51A mutation TR46/Y121F/V242I/T289A, while strain AF5 had no cyp51A mutation. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed differences in the expression levels of genes associated with ergosterol synthesis and efflux pumps among the five strains. In addition, transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and the NAD+/NADH ratio demonstrated that the mechanism of voriconazole resistance of strain AF5 was related to overexpression of genes associated with energy production and efflux pumps. These findings will help to further elucidate the triazole resistance mechanism in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chunhong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gang Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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7
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Scott J, Amich J. The role of methionine synthases in fungal metabolism and virulence. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:853-863. [PMID: 37449444 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230007] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Methionine synthases (MetH) catalyse the methylation of homocysteine (Hcy) with 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5, methyl-THF) acting as methyl donor, to form methionine (Met) and tetrahydrofolate (THF). This function is performed by two unrelated classes of enzymes that differ significantly in both their structures and mechanisms of action. The genomes of plants and many fungi exclusively encode cobalamin-independent enzymes (EC.2.1.1.14), while some fungi also possess proteins from the cobalamin-dependent (EC.2.1.1.13) family utilised by humans. Methionine synthase's function connects the methionine and folate cycles, making it a crucial node in primary metabolism, with impacts on important cellular processes such as anabolism, growth and synthesis of proteins, polyamines, nucleotides and lipids. As a result, MetHs are vital for the viability or virulence of numerous prominent human and plant pathogenic fungi and have been proposed as promising broad-spectrum antifungal drug targets. This review provides a summary of the relevance of methionine synthases to fungal metabolism, their potential as antifungal drug targets and insights into the structures of both classes of MetH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Hokken MWJ, Coolen JPM, Steenbreker H, Zoll J, Baltussen TJH, Verweij PE, Melchers WJG. The Transcriptome Response to Azole Compounds in Aspergillus fumigatus Shows Differential Gene Expression across Pathways Essential for Azole Resistance and Cell Survival. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:807. [PMID: 37623579 PMCID: PMC10455693 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is found on all continents and thrives in soil and agricultural environments. Its ability to readily adapt to novel environments and to produce billions of spores led to the spread of azole-resistant A. fumigatus across the globe, posing a threat to many immunocompromised patients, including critically ill patients with severe influenza or COVID-19. In our study, we sought to compare the adaptational response to azoles from A. fumigatus isolates that differ in azole susceptibility and genetic background. To gain more insight into how short-term adaptation to stressful azole compounds is managed through gene expression, we conducted an RNA-sequencing study on the response of A. fumigatus to itraconazole and the newest clinically approved azole, isavuconazole. We observed many similarities in ergosterol biosynthesis up-regulation across isolates, with the exception of the pan-azole-resistant isolate, which showed very little differential regulation in comparison to other isolates. Additionally, we found differential regulation of membrane efflux transporters, secondary metabolites, iron metabolism, and various stress response and cell signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margriet W. J. Hokken
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordy P. M. Coolen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilbert Steenbreker
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
| | - Jan Zoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim J. H. Baltussen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands (T.J.H.B.)
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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9
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Weiss ZF, Little J, Hammond S. Evolution of antifungals for invasive mold infections in immunocompromised hosts, then and now. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:535-549. [PMID: 37104686 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2207821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current armamentarium of antifungal agents for invasive mold infections (IMI) has dramatically improved over the last 50 years. Existing therapies are, however, associated with toxicities, drug interactions, and in some cases, therapeutic failures. Novel antifungals are needed to address the increasing prevalence of IMI and the growing threat of antifungal resistance. AREAS COVERED We review the history and development of the most commonly used antifungals. We discuss the current consensus guidelines and supporting data for treatment of invasive mold infection (IMI), the role of susceptibility testing, and the niche that novel antifungals could fill. We review the current data for aspergillosis, mucormycosis, and hyalohyphomycosis. EXPERT OPINION Robust clinical trial data demonstrating the relative effectiveness of our current antifungal agents for treating IMI outside of A. fumigatus remains limited. Clinical trials are urgently needed to delineate the relationship between MICs and clinical outcomes for existing agents and to better evaluate the invitro and in-vivo aspects of antifungal synergy. Continued international multicenter collaboration and standardized clinical endpoints for trials evaluating both existing and new agents is necessary to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Freeman Weiss
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Boston MA, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Pathology, Boston MA, USA
| | - Jessica Little
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Hammond
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Medical Oncology, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Hematology Oncology, Boston MA, USA
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10
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Stemler J, Többen C, Lass-Flörl C, Steinmann J, Ackermann K, Rath PM, Simon M, Cornely OA, Koehler P. Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Caused by Non- fumigatus Aspergillus spp. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040500. [PMID: 37108955 PMCID: PMC10141595 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040500] [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] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing frequency, clinical and laboratory-based mycologists are consulted on invasive fungal diseases caused by rare fungal species. This review aims to give an overview of the management of invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by non-fumigatus Aspergillus spp.-namely A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. nidulans-including diagnostic and therapeutic differences and similarities to A. fumigatus. A. flavus is the second most common Aspergillus spp. isolated in patients with IA and the predominant species in subtropical regions. Treatment is complicated by its intrinsic resistance against amphotericin B (AmB) and high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for voriconazole. A. nidulans has been frequently isolated in patients with long-term immunosuppression, mostly in patients with primary immunodeficiencies such as chronic granulomatous disease. It has been reported to disseminate more often than other Aspergillus spp. Innate resistance against AmB has been suggested but not yet proven, while MICs seem to be elevated. A. niger is more frequently reported in less severe infections such as otomycosis. Triazoles exhibit varying MICs and are therefore not strictly recommended as first-line treatment for IA caused by A. niger, while patient outcome seems to be more favorable when compared to IA due to other Aspergillus species. A. terreus-related infections have been reported increasingly as the cause of acute and chronic aspergillosis. A recent prospective international multicenter surveillance study showed Spain, Austria, and Israel to be the countries with the highest density of A. terreus species complex isolates collected. This species complex seems to cause dissemination more often and is intrinsically resistant to AmB. Non-fumigatus aspergillosis is difficult to manage due to complex patient histories, varying infection sites and potential intrinsic resistances to antifungals. Future investigational efforts should aim at amplifying the knowledge on specific diagnostic measures and their on-site availability, as well as defining optimal treatment strategies and outcomes of non-fumigatus aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Stemler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Többen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ackermann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Michaela Simon
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Andreas Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
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11
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Navarro ML, Nieto M, Perez-Martínez A. The need for evolution in the management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer: TRIIO KIDS update. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:633-642. [PMID: 36244052 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02971-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
New treatments have increased the life expectancy of pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, often at the cost of protracting their immunocompromised state in the form of prolonged neutropenia. This neutropenic state favors the development of bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, recent years have seen a series of changes in the epidemiology of fungal and Clostridium infections. These changes necessitate adaptations to the management of pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia, who are at risk of further increases in already high rates of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the current bases for the management of febrile neutropenia and associated emerging fungal infections, as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridioides difficile in pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Navarro
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Nieto
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Infantil Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Examination of Genome-Wide Ortholog Variation in Clinical and Environmental Isolates of the Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2022; 13:e0151922. [PMID: 35766381 PMCID: PMC9426589 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01519-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is both an environmental saprobe and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen. Knowledge of genomic variation across A. fumigatus isolates is essential for understanding the evolution of pathogenicity, virulence, and resistance to antifungal drugs. Here, we investigated 206 A. fumigatus isolates (133 clinical and 73 environmental isolates), aiming to identify genes with variable presence across isolates and test whether this variation was related to the clinical or environmental origin of isolates. The PanOrtho genome of A. fumigatus consists of 13,085 ortholog groups, of which 7,773 (59.4%) are shared by all isolates (core groups) and 5,312 (40.6%) vary in their gene presence across isolates (accessory groups plus singletons). Despite differences in the distribution of orthologs across all isolates, no significant differences were observed among clinical versus environmental isolates when phylogeny was accounted for. Orthologs that differ in their distribution across isolates tend to occur at low frequency and/or be restricted to specific isolates; thus, the degree of genomic conservation between orthologs of A. fumigatus is high. These results suggest that differences in the distribution of orthologs within A. fumigatus cannot be associated with the clinical or environmental origin of isolates. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is a cosmopolitan species of fungus responsible for thousands of cases of invasive disease annually. Clinical and environmental isolates of A. fumigatus exhibit extensive phenotypic differences, including differences related to virulence and antifungal drug resistance. A comprehensive survey of the genomic diversity present in A. fumigatus and its relationship to the clinical or environmental origin of isolates can contribute to the prediction of the mechanisms of evolution and infection of the species. Our results suggest that there is no significant variation in ortholog distribution between clinical and environmental isolates when accounting for evolutionary history. The work supports the hypothesis that environmental and clinical isolates of A. fumigatus do not differ in their gene contents.
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13
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Ivanov M, Ćirić A, Stojković D. Emerging Antifungal Targets and Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2756. [PMID: 35269898 PMCID: PMC8911111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite abundant research in the field of antifungal drug discovery, fungal infections remain a significant healthcare burden. There is an emerging need for the development of novel antifungals since those currently available are limited and do not completely provide safe and secure protection. Since the current knowledge regarding the physiology of fungal cells and the infection mechanisms is greater than ever, we have the opportunity to use this for the development of novel generations of antifungals. In this review, we selected and summarized recent studies describing agents employing different antifungal mechanisms. These mechanisms include interference with fungal resistance, including impact on the efflux pumps and heat shock protein 90. Additionally, interference with virulence factors, such as biofilms and hyphae; the impact on fungal enzymes, metabolism, mitochondria, and cell wall; and antifungal vaccines are explored. The agents investigated belong to different classes of natural or synthetic molecules with significant attention given also to plant extracts. The efficacy of these antifungals has been studied mainly in vitro with some in vivo, and clinical studies are needed. Nevertheless, there is a large quantity of products employing novel antifungal mechanisms that can be further explored for the development of new generation of antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Ivanov
- Department of Plant Physiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Ć.); (D.S.)
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14
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Buil JB, Oliver JD, Law D, Baltussen T, Zoll J, Hokken MWJ, Tehupeiory-Kooreman M, Melchers WJG, Birch M, Verweij PE. Resistance profiling of Aspergillus fumigatus to olorofim indicates absence of intrinsic resistance and unveils the molecular mechanisms of acquired olorofim resistance. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:703-714. [PMID: 35109772 PMCID: PMC8890541 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2034485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Olorofim (F901318) is a new antifungal currently under clinical development that shows both in vitro and in vivo activity against a number of filamentous fungi including Aspergillus fumigatus. In this study, we screened A. fumigatus isolates for intrinsic olorofim-resistant A. fumigatus and evaluated the ability of A. fumigatus to acquire an olorofim-resistant phenotype. No intrinsic resistance was found in 975 clinical A. fumigatus isolates. However, we found that isolates with increased olorofim MICs (> 8 mg/L) could be selected using a high number of conidia and olorofim exposure under laboratory conditions. Assessment of the frequency of acquired olorofim resistance development of A. fumigatus was shown to be higher than for voriconazole but lower than for itraconazole. Sequencing the PyrE gene of isogenic isolates with olorofim MICs of >8 mg/L identified various amino acid substitutions with a hotspot at locus G119. Olorofim was shown to have reduced affinity to mutated target protein dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and the effect of these mutations was proven by introducing the mutations directly in A. fumigatus. We then investigated whether G119 mutations were associated with a fitness cost in A. fumigatus. These experiments showed a small but significant reduction in growth rate for strains with a G119V substitution, while strains with a G119C substitution did not exhibit a reduction in growth rate. These in vitro findings were confirmed in an in vivo pathogenicity model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem B Buil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Derek Law
- F2G Ltd, Lankro Way, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Baltussen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Zoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margriet W J Hokken
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marlou Tehupeiory-Kooreman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Birch
- F2G Ltd, Lankro Way, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Castanheira M, Dannaoui E, White PL, Arendrup MC. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2053-2073. [PMID: 35703391 PMCID: PMC9333407 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and changing epidemiology of invasive fungal infections continue to present many challenges to their effective management. The repertoire of antifungal drugs available for treatment is still limited although there are new antifungals on the horizon. Successful treatment of invasive mycoses is dependent on a mix of pathogen-, host- and antifungal drug-related factors. Laboratories need to be adept at detection of fungal pathogens in clinical samples in order to effectively guide treatment by identifying isolates with acquired drug resistance. While there are international guidelines on how to conduct in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, these are not performed as widely as for bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, fungi generally are recovered in cultures more slowly than bacteria, and often cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Therefore, non-culture-based methods, including molecular tests, to detect fungi in clinical specimens are increasingly important in patient management and are becoming more reliable as technology improves. Molecular methods can also be used for detection of target gene mutations or other mechanisms that predict antifungal drug resistance. This review addresses acquired antifungal drug resistance in the principal human fungal pathogens and describes known resistance mechanisms and what in-house and commercial tools are available for their detection. It is emphasized that this approach should be complementary to culture-based susceptibility testing, given the range of mutations, resistance mechanisms and target genes that may be present in clinical isolates, but may not be included in current molecular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:1894-1898. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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17
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Doughty KJ, Sierotzki H, Semar M, Goertz A. Selection and Amplification of Fungicide Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus in Relation to DMI Fungicide Use in Agronomic Settings: Hotspots versus Coldspots. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2439. [PMID: 34946041 PMCID: PMC8704312 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus. Inhalation of A. fumigatus spores can lead to Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) in people with weakened immune systems. The use of triazole antifungals with the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) mode of action to treat IA is being hampered by the spread of DMI-resistant "ARAf" (azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus) genotypes. DMIs are also used in the environment, for example, as fungicides to protect yield and quality in agronomic settings, which may lead to exposure of A. fumigatus to DMI residues. An agronomic setting can be a "hotspot" for ARAf if it provides a suitable substrate and favourable conditions for the growth of A. fumigatus in the presence of DMI fungicides at concentrations capable of selecting ARAf genotypes at the expense of the susceptible wild-type, followed by the release of predominantly resistant spores. Agronomic settings that do not provide these conditions are considered "coldspots". Identifying and mitigating hotspots will be key to securing the agronomic use of DMIs without compromising their use in medicine. We provide a review of studies of the prevalence of ARAf in various agronomic settings and discuss the mitigation options for confirmed hotspots, particularly those relating to the management of crop waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Doughty
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
| | - Helge Sierotzki
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Schaffhauserstrasse 101, 4332 Stein, Switzerland;
| | - Martin Semar
- BASF SE, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117 Limburgerhof, Germany;
| | - Andreas Goertz
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
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18
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Etienne KA, Berkow EL, Gade L, Nunnally N, Lockhart SR, Beer K, Jordan IK, Rishishwar L, Litvintseva AP. Genomic Diversity of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the United States. mBio 2021; 12:e0180321. [PMID: 34372699 PMCID: PMC8406307 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01803-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus has become a global public health issue threatening the use of medical azoles. The environmentally occurring resistance mutations, TR34/L98H (TR34) and TR46/Y121F/T289A (TR46), are widespread across multiple continents and emerging in the United States. We used whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis on 179 nationally represented clinical and environmental A. fumigatus genomes from the United States along with 18 non-U.S. genomes to evaluate the genetic diversity and foundation of the emergence of azole resistance in the United States. We demonstrated the presence of clades of A. fumigatus isolates: clade A (17%) comprised a global collection of clinical and environmental azole-resistant strains, including all strains with the TR34/L98H allele from India, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and clade B (83%) consisted of isolates without this marker mainly from the United States. The TR34/L98H polymorphism was shared among azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains from India, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, suggesting the common origin of this resistance mechanism. Six percent of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates from the United States with the TR34 resistance marker had a mixture of clade A and clade B alleles, suggestive of recombination. Additionally, the presence of equal proportions of both mating types further suggests the ongoing presence of recombination. This study demonstrates the genetic background for the emergence of azole resistance in the United States, supporting a single introduction and subsequent propagation, possibly through recombination of environmentally driven resistance mutations. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common causes of invasive mold infections in patients with immune deficiencies and has also been reported in patients with severe influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2). Triazole drugs are the first line of therapy for this infection; however, their efficacy has been compromised by the emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus, which was proposed to be selected for by exposure to azole fungicides in the environment [P. E. Verweij, E. Snelders, G. H. J. Kema, E. Mellado, et al., Lancet Infect Dis 9:789-795, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(09)70265-8]. Isolates with environmentally driven resistance mutations, TR34/L98H (TR34) and TR46/Y121F/T289A (TR46), have been reported worldwide. Here, we used genomic analysis of a large sample of resistant and susceptible A. fumigatus isolates to demonstrate a single introduction of TR34 in the United States and suggest its ability to spread into the susceptible population is through recombination between resistant and susceptible isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kizee A. Etienne
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Berkow
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lalitha Gade
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie Nunnally
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shawn R. Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karlyn Beer
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - I. King Jordan
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lavanya Rishishwar
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anastasia P. Litvintseva
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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van Rhijn N, Denning DW. Is an azole-resistant Aspergillus hotspot emerging in South-East Asia? Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:7275-7277. [PMID: 34425631 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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20
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Yang X, Chen W, Liang T, Tan J, Liu W, Sun Y, Wang Q, Xu H, Li L, Zhou Y, Wang Q, Wan Z, Song Y, Li R, Liu W. A 20-Year Antifungal Susceptibility Surveillance (From 1999 to 2019) for Aspergillus spp. and Proposed Epidemiological Cutoff Values for Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus: A Study in a Tertiary Hospital in China. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:680884. [PMID: 34367087 PMCID: PMC8339419 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.680884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistant Aspergillus spp. is increasing worldwide. Long-term susceptibility surveillance for clinically isolated Aspergillus spp. strains is warranted for understanding the dynamic change in susceptibility and monitoring the emergence of resistance. Additionally, neither clinical breakpoints (CBPs) nor epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) for Aspergillus spp. in China have been established. In this study, we performed a 20-year antifungal susceptibility surveillance for 706 isolates of Aspergillus spp. in a clinical laboratory at Peking University First Hospital from 1999 to 2019; and in vitro antifungal susceptibility to triazoles, caspofungin, and amphotericin B was determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method. It was observed that Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common species, followed by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus. Forty isolates (5.7%), including A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. terreus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus nidulans, were classified as non-wild type (non-WT). Importantly, multidrug resistance was observed among A. flavus, A. terreus, and A. niger isolates. Cyp51A mutations were characterized for 19 non-WT A. fumigatus isolates, and TR34/L98H/S297T/F495I was the most prevalent mutation during the 20-year surveillance period. The overall resistance trend of A. fumigatus increased over 20 years in China. Furthermore, based on ECV establishment principles, proposed ECVs for A. fumigatus and A. flavus were established using gathered minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum effective concentration (MEC) data. Consequently, all the proposed ECVs were identical to the CLSI ECVs, with the exception of itraconazole against A. flavus, resulting in a decrease in the non-WT rate from 6.0 to 0.6%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Liang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - JingWen Tan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Weixia Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Yabin Zhou
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Wan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Yinggai Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
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21
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Silva JT, Ruiz-Camps I, Aguado JM. [Invasive fungal infection over the last 30 years]. Rev Iberoam Micol 2021; 38:47-51. [PMID: 34294520 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical mycology is in continuous development. The appearance of new clinical guidelines has made it possible to improve the approach to opportunistic fungal infections, especially in immunosuppressed patients (oncohematological and/or transplant recipients). At the same time, the development of new diagnostic tools and new antifungals with a greater spectrum of action and fewer side effects have led to faster diagnoses and treatments that are more effective. Along with these advances, there has been a change in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infection (IFI), with the appearance of new patients (e.g., COPD, liver cirrhosis, post-influenza) and new microorganisms (Candida auris, Lomentospora prolificans, mucorales), and resistant fungi (isolates of Aspergillus resistant to azoles) which the clinician must take into account when choosing the treatment of a patient with an IFI. In this paper we will briefly review the advances in recent decades and the emerging problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Tiago Silva
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12). Universidad Complutense de Madrid
| | - Isabel Ruiz-Camps
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona
| | - José María Aguado
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (i+12). Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
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22
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Song Y, Liu X, Yang Z, Meng X, Xue R, Yu J, Al-Hatmi AMS, de Hoog GS, Li R. Molecular and MALDI-ToF MS differentiation and antifungal susceptibility of prevalent clinical Fusarium species in China. Mycoses 2021; 64:1261-1271. [PMID: 34173979 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusarium species are emerging causative agents of superficial and disseminated human infections. Early diagnosis and treatment contribute to better prognosis of severe infection. OBJECTIVES To detect the effectiveness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF MS) for Fusarium identification, and evaluate the susceptibility profiles to clinical available antifungals. METHODS All 203 clinical Fusarium isolates and 25 environmental isolates were identified by using translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) sequencing and MALDI-ToF MS. Antifungal susceptibility testing was determined by a microdilution method following the CLSI approved standard M38-A3 document. RESULTS Correct identification rates at the species and genus levels were 89.04% (203/228) and 95.18% (217/228), respectively, using Bruker Filamentous Fungi Library 1.0 combined with the novel database. Seven species complexes with 19 Fusarium species were identified, including F. solani (59.21%, n = 135), F. verticillioides (17.54%, n = 40), F. proliferatum (6.58%, n = 15) and F. oxysporum (4.39%, n = 10). Four uncommon species complexes (F. incarnatum-equiseti SC, F. dimerum SC, F. redolens SC and F. sporotrichioides SC) were also identified. A high degree of antifungal resistance was observed. Fusarium isolates exhibited lower MICs to luliconazole and terbinafine compared with amphotericin B and voriconazole, which in turn were significantly more active than amorolfine, fluconazole and itraconazole. CONCLUSIONS MALDI-ToF MS showed good performance in Fusarium species with an adapted Bruker library and expanded database. Fusarium isolates exhibited lower MICs to luliconazole and terbinafine compared to amphotericin B and voriconazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinggai Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Zhining Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi, China
| | - Xingye Meng
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoning Xue
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
| | | | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, Nizwa, Oman.,Center of Expertise in Mycology of Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ruoyu Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Research Center for Medical Mycology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
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23
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Lestrade PPA, Buil JB, van der Beek MT, Kuijper EJ, van Dijk K, Kampinga GA, Rijnders BJA, Vonk AG, de Greeff SC, Schoffelen AF, van Dissel J, Meis JF, Melchers WJG, Verweij PE. Paradoxal Trends in Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in a National Multicenter Surveillance Program, the Netherlands, 2013-2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 26:1447-1455. [PMID: 32568033 PMCID: PMC7323544 DOI: 10.3201/eid2607.200088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the prevalence of azole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in the Netherlands by screening clinical A. fumigatus isolates for azole resistance during 2013-2018. We analyzed azole-resistant isolates phenotypically by in vitro susceptibility testing and for the presence of resistance mutations in the Cyp51A gene. Over the 6-year period, 508 (11%) of 4,496 culture-positive patients harbored an azole-resistant isolate. Resistance frequency increased from 7.6% (95% CI 5.9%-9.8%) in 2013 (58/760 patients) to 14.7% (95% CI 12.3%-17.4%) in 2018 (112/764 patients) (p = 0.0001). TR34/L98H (69%) and TR46/Y121F/T289A (17%) accounted for 86% of Cyp51A mutations. However, the mean voriconazole MIC of TR34/L98H isolates decreased from 8 mg/L (2013) to 2 mg/L (2018), and the voriconazole-resistance frequency was 34% lower in 2018 than in 2013 (p = 0.0001). Our survey showed changing azole phenotypes in TR34/L98H isolates, which hampers the use of current PCR-based resistance tests.
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24
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Ito Y, Takazono T, Koga S, Nakano Y, Ashizawa N, Hirayama T, Tashiro M, Saijo T, Yamamoto K, Imamura Y, Miyazaki T, Yanagihara K, Izumikawa K, Mukae H. Clinical and experimental phenotype of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus with a HapE splice site mutation: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:573. [PMID: 34126952 PMCID: PMC8204526 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06279-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent increase in cases of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) infections is a major clinical concern owing to its treatment limitations. Patient-derived ARAf occurs after prolonged azole treatment in patients with aspergillosis and involves various cyp51A point mutations or non-cyp51A mutations. The prognosis of patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) with patient-derived ARAf infection remains unclear. In this study, we reported the case of a patient with ARAf due to HapE mutation, as well as the virulence of the isolate. CASE PRESENTATION A 37-year-old male was presented with productive cough and low-grade fever. The patient was diagnosed with CPA based on the chronic course, presence of a fungus ball in the upper left lobe on chest computed tomography (CT), positivity for Aspergillus-precipitating antibody and denial of other diseases. The patient underwent left upper lobe and left S6 segment resection surgery because of repeated haemoptysis during voriconazole (VRC) treatment. The patient was postoperatively treated with VRC for 6 months. Since then, the patient was followed up without antifungal treatment but relapsed 4 years later, and VRC treatment was reinitiated. Although an azole-resistant isolate was isolated after VRC treatment, the patient did not show any disease progression in either respiratory symptoms or radiological findings. The ARAf isolated from this patient showed slow growth, decreased biomass and biofilm formation in vitro, and decreased virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model compared with its parental strain. These phenotypes could be caused by the HapE splice site mutation. CONCLUSIONS This is the first to report a case demonstrating the clinical manifestation of a CPA patient infected with ARAf with a HapE splice site mutation, which was consistent with the in vitro and in vivo attenuated virulence of the ARAf isolate. These results imply that not all the ARAf infections in immunocompetent patients require antifungal treatment. Further studies on the virulence of non-cyp51A mutations in ARAf are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Nakano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ashizawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomomi Saijo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuko Yamamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Imamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Taiga Miyazaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
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25
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Fan Y, Wang Y, Korfanty GA, Archer M, Xu J. Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Pathogens 2021; 10:701. [PMID: 34199862 PMCID: PMC8227032 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungus and the main agent of aspergillosis, a common fungal infection in the immunocompromised population. Triazoles such as itraconazole and voriconazole are the common first-line drugs for treating aspergillosis. However, triazole resistance in A. fumigatus has been reported in an increasing number of countries. While most studies of triazole resistance have focused on mutations in the triazole target gene cyp51A, >70% of triazole-resistant strains in certain populations showed no mutations in cyp51A. To identify potential non-cyp51A mutations associated with triazole resistance in A. fumigatus, we analyzed the whole genome sequences and triazole susceptibilities of 195 strains from 12 countries. These strains belonged to three distinct clades. Our genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a total of six missense mutations significantly associated with itraconazole resistance and 18 missense mutations with voriconazole resistance. In addition, to investigate itraconazole and pan-azole resistance, Fisher's exact tests revealed 26 additional missense variants tightly linked to the top 20 SNPs obtained by GWAS, of which two were consistently associated with triazole resistance. The large number of novel mutations related to triazole resistance should help further investigations into their molecular mechanisms, their clinical importance, and the development of a comprehensive molecular diagnosis toolbox for triazole resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (Y.F.); (Y.W.); (G.A.K.); (M.A.)
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26
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Fontana L, Perlin DS, Zhao Y, Noble BN, Lewis JS, Strasfeld L, Hakki M. Isavuconazole Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:723-730. [PMID: 30958538 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Isavuconazole (ISA) is an attractive candidate for primary mold-active prophylaxis in high-risk patients with hematologic malignancies or hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. However, data supporting the use of ISA for primary prophylaxis in these patients are lacking. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) among adult hematologic malignancy patients and HCT recipients who received ≥7 days of ISA primary prophylaxis between 1 September 2016 and 30 September 2018. The incidence of bIFIs in patients receiving ISA was compared to those receiving posaconazole (POS) and voriconazole (VOR) during the same time period. RESULTS One hundred forty-five patients received 197 courses of ISA prophylaxis. Twelve bIFIs (Aspergillus fumigatus [5], Aspergillus species [2], Mucorales [2], Fusarium species [2], and Candida glabrata [1]) occurred, representing 8.3% of patients and 6.1% of courses, after a median duration of 14 days of ISA prophylaxis. All bIFIs occurred during periods of neutropenia. Seven patients (58.3%) died within 42 days of onset of bIFI. In addition, bIFIs complicated 10.2% of ISA, 4.1% of POS, and 1.1% of VOR courses among patients with de novo or relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia during the study period, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) complicating 6.8% of ISA, 1.3% of POS, and zero VOR courses. CONCLUSIONS Although ISA has been approved for treatment of invasive Aspergillus and mucormycosis, we observed an increased rate of bIFI, notably IPA, using ISA for primary prophylaxis. These results support the need for further study to determine the role of ISA as primary prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fontana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - David S Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey
| | - Brie N Noble
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Oregon State University/Oregon Health and Science University College of Pharmacy
| | - James S Lewis
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Lynne Strasfeld
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Morgan Hakki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
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27
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Verweij PE, Lucas JA, Arendrup MC, Bowyer P, Brinkmann AJ, Denning DW, Dyer PS, Fisher MC, Geenen PL, Gisi U, Hermann D, Hoogendijk A, Kiers E, Lagrou K, Melchers WJ, Rhodes J, Rietveld AG, Schoustra SE, Stenzel K, Zwaan BJ, Fraaije BA. The one health problem of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus: current insights and future research agenda. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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28
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Effects of Agricultural Fungicide Use on Aspergillus fumigatus Abundance, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Population Structure. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.02213-20. [PMID: 33234685 PMCID: PMC7701986 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02213-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to human health. In the case of Aspergillus fumigatus, which is both an environmental saprobe and an opportunistic human fungal pathogen, resistance is suggested to arise from fungicide use in agriculture, as the azoles used for plant protection share the same molecular target as the frontline antifungals used clinically. However, limiting azole fungicide use on crop fields to preserve their activity for clinical use could threaten the global food supply via a reduction in yield. In this study, we clarify the link between azole fungicide use on crop fields and resistance in a prototypical human pathogen through systematic soil sampling on farms in Germany and surveying fields before and after fungicide application. We observed a reduction in the abundance of A. fumigatus on fields following fungicide treatment in 2017, a finding that was not observed on an organic control field with only natural plant protection agents applied. However, this finding was less pronounced during our 2018 sampling, indicating that the impact of fungicides on A. fumigatus population size is variable and influenced by additional factors. The overall resistance frequency among agricultural isolates is low, with only 1 to 3% of isolates from 2016 to 2018 displaying resistance to medical azoles. Isolates collected after the growing season and azole exposure show a subtle but consistent decrease in susceptibility to medical and agricultural azoles. Whole-genome sequencing indicates that, despite the alterations in antifungal susceptibility, fungicide application does not significantly affect the population structure and genetic diversity of A. fumigatus in fields. Given the low observed resistance rate among agricultural isolates as well the lack of genomic impact following azole application, we do not find evidence that azole use on crops is significantly driving resistance in A. fumigatus in this context.IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to human health. In the case of Aspergillus fumigatus, which is an environmental fungus that also causes life-threatening infections in humans, antimicrobial resistance is suggested to arise from fungicide use in agriculture, as the chemicals used for plant protection are almost identical to the antifungals used clinically. However, removing azole fungicides from crop fields threatens the global food supply via a reduction in yield. In this study, we survey crop fields before and after fungicide application. We find a low overall azole resistance rate among agricultural isolates, as well as a lack of genomic and population impact following fungicide application, leading us to conclude azole use on crops does not significantly contribute to resistance in A. fumigatus.
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29
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The Medical Triazole Voriconazole Can Select for Tandem Repeat Variations in Azole-Resistant Aspergillus Fumigatus Harboring TR 34/L98H Via Asexual Reproduction. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040277. [PMID: 33187077 PMCID: PMC7711461 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates recovered at high frequency from patients, harbor mutations that are associated with variation of promoter length in the cyp51A gene. Following the discovery of the TR34/L98H genotype, new variations in tandem repeat (TR) length and number of repeats were identified, as well as additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cyp51A gene, indicating that the diversity of resistance mutations in A. fumigatus is likely to continue to increase. Investigating the development routes of TR variants is critical to be able to design preventive interventions. In this study, we tested the potential effects of azole exposure on the selection of TR variations, while allowing haploid A. fumigatus to undergo asexual reproduction. Through experimental evolution involving voriconazole (VOR) exposure, an isolate harboring TR343/L98H evolved from a clinical TR34/L98H ancestor isolate, confirmed by whole genome sequencing. TR343/L98H was associated with increased cyp51A expression and high VOR and posaconazole MICs, although additional acquired SNPs could also have contributed to the highly azole-resistant phenotype. Exposure to medical azoles was found to select for TR343, thus supporting the possibility of in-host selection of TR34 variants.
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30
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van Eijk M, Boerefijn S, Cen L, Rosa M, Morren MJH, van der Ent CK, Kraak B, Dijksterhuis J, Valdes ID, Haagsman HP, de Cock H. Cathelicidin-inspired antimicrobial peptides as novel antifungal compounds. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1073-1084. [PMID: 32236485 PMCID: PMC7657097 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections in humans are increasing worldwide and are currently mostly treated with a relative limited set of antifungals. Resistance to antifungals is increasing, for example, in Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida auris, and expected to increase for many medically relevant fungal species in the near future. We have developed and patented a set of cathelicidin-inspired antimicrobial peptides termed 'PepBiotics'. These peptides were initially selected for their bactericidal activity against clinically relevant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolates derived from patients with cystic fibrosis and are active against a wide range of bacteria (ESKAPE pathogens). We now report results from studies that were designed to investigate the antifungal activity of PepBiotics against a set of medically relevant species encompassing species of Aspergillus, Candida, Cryptococcus, Fusarium, Malassezia, and Talaromyces. We characterized a subset of PepBiotics and show that these peptides strongly affected metabolic activity and/or growth of a set of medically relevant fungal species, including azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. PepBiotics showed a strong inhibitory activity against a large variety of filamentous fungi and yeasts species at low concentrations (≤1 μM) and were fungicidal for at least a subset of these fungal species. Interestingly, the concentration of PepBiotics required to interfere with growth or metabolic activity varied between different fungal species or even between isolates of the same fungal species. This study shows that PepBiotics display strong potential for use as novel antifungal compounds to fight a large variety of clinically relevant fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin van Eijk
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Boerefijn
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lida Cen
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marisela Rosa
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix J H Morren
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis K van der Ent
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Kraak
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Dijksterhuis
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ivan D Valdes
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Division of Molecular Host Defence, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Fungal Infections: One-Year Experiences of a Center of Expertise in Mycology. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040274. [PMID: 33182621 PMCID: PMC7712561 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) often represent complicated infections in complex patient populations. The Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ (EMRC) organizes a biweekly multidisciplinary mycology meeting to discuss patients with severe fungal infections and to provide comprehensive advice regarding diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe the patient population discussed at these meetings during a one-year period with regards to their past medical history, diagnosis, microbiological and other diagnostic test results and antifungal therapy. The majority of patients discussed were adults (83.1%), 62.5% of whom suffered from pulmonary infections or signs/symptoms, 10.9% from otorhinolaryngeal infections and/or oesophagitis, 9.4% from systemic infections and 9.4% from central nervous system infections. Among children, 53.8% had pulmonary infections or signs/symptoms, 23.1% systemic fungal infections and 23.1% other, miscellaneous fungal infections. 52.5% of adult patients with pulmonary infections/symptoms fulfilled diagnostic criteria for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated fungal pathogens in 81.8% of patients, most commonly Aspergillus. A multidisciplinary mycology meeting can be a useful addition to the care for patients with (I)FDs and can potentially aid in identifying healthcare and research needs regarding the field of fungal infections. The majority of patients discussed at the multidisciplinary meetings suffered from pulmonary infections, predominantly CPA.
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus, is common in the environment. Azole-resistant strains of A. fumigatus have recently been discovered in the environment. Acquisition of azole resistance has been considered to occur through unexpected selection due to fungicide use in agriculture. This review discusses the relationships of humans with A. fumigatus in the environment and the importance of anthropogenic activities in the spread of A. fumigatus worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Toyotome
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.,Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine.,Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
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33
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Comparison of Two Typing Methods for Characterization of Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from Potting Soil Samples in a Chinese Hospital. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01578-19. [PMID: 31740554 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01578-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the characterizations of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from potting soil samples in the hospital, a total of 58 samples were collected. Among 106 A. fumigatus samples obtained, 5 isolates from 4 soil samples located in the gerontology department were identified as azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAF). Four ARAF isolates harbored the TR34/L98H allele, and the other one had no mutation in the cyp51A gene. Among 174 A. fumigatus samples selected for genotyping, TRESPERG typing obtained a close discriminatory power (Simpson's index of diversity [DI], 0.9941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9913 to 0.9968) compared with the short tandem repeat (STR) typing (DI, 0.9997; 95% CI, 0.9976 to 1.0000). Genotyping showed that the TR34/L98H isolates in the hospital had a close genetic relationship with ARAF isolates from China and many other countries. In conclusion, this study indicated the presence of ARAF in potting soil samples from the hospital, which might pose a risk of causing ARAF infection in patients.
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34
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van der Torre MH, Novak-Frazer L, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Detecting Azole-Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus by Pyrosequencing. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010012. [PMID: 31936898 PMCID: PMC7151159 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Aspergillus disease recommend a multi-test approach including CT scans, culture, fungal biomarker tests, microscopy and fungal PCR. The first-line treatment of confirmed invasive aspergillosis (IA) consists of drugs in the azole family; however, the emergence of azole-resistant isolates has negatively impacted the management of IA. Failure to detect azole-resistance dramatically increases the mortality rates of azole-treated patients. Despite drug susceptibility tests not being routinely performed currently, we suggest including resistance testing whilst diagnosing Aspergillus disease. Multiple tools, including DNA sequencing, are available to screen for drug-resistant Aspergillus in clinical samples. This is particularly beneficial as a large proportion of IA samples are culture negative, consequently impeding susceptibility testing through conventional methods. Pyrosequencing is a promising in-house DNA sequencing method that can rapidly screen for genetic hotspots associated with antifungal resistance. Pyrosequencing outperforms other susceptibility testing methods due to its fast turnaround time, accurate detection of polymorphisms within critical genes, including simultaneous detection of wild type and mutated sequences, and—most importantly—it is not limited to specific genes nor fungal species. Here we review current diagnostic methods and highlight the potential of pyrosequencing to aid in a diagnosis complete with a resistance profile to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-161-291-5941
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35
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John J, Loo A, Mazur S, Walsh TJ. Therapeutic drug monitoring of systemic antifungal agents: a pragmatic approach for adult and pediatric patients. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2019; 15:881-895. [PMID: 31550939 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1671971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has been shown to optimize the management of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), particularly for select antifungal agents with a well-defined exposure-response relationship and an unpredictable pharmacokinetic profile or a narrow therapeutic index. Select triazoles (itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole) and flucytosine fulfill these criteria, while the echinocandins, fluconazole, isavuconazole, and amphotericin B generally do not do so. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with IFIs and the challenges surrounding the use of currently available antifungal agents, TDM plays an important role in therapy.Areas covered: This review seeks to describe the rationale for TDM of antifungal agents, summarize their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, identify treatment goals for efficacy and safety, and provide recommendations for optimal dosing and therapeutic monitoring strategies.Expert opinion: Several new antifungal agents are currently in development, including compounds from existing antifungal classes with enhanced pharmacokinetic or safety profiles as well as agents with novel targets for the treatment of IFIs. Given the predictable pharmacokinetics of these newly developed agents, use of routine TDM is not anticipated. However, expanded knowledge of exposure-response relationships of these compounds may yield a role for TDM to improve outcomes for adult and pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie John
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angela Loo
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shawn Mazur
- Department of Pharmacy, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Salah H, Lackner M, Houbraken J, Theelen B, Lass-Flörl C, Boekhout T, Almaslamani M, Taj-Aldeen SJ. The Emergence of Rare Clinical Aspergillus Species in Qatar: Molecular Characterization and Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1677. [PMID: 31447794 PMCID: PMC6697061 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus are ubiquitous mold species that infect immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The symptoms are diverse and range from allergic reactions, bronchopulmonary infection, and bronchitis, to invasive aspergillosis. The aim of this study was to characterize 70 Aspergillus isolates recovered from clinical specimens of patients with various clinical conditions presented at Hamad general hospital in Doha, Qatar, by using molecular methods and to determine their in vitro antifungal susceptibility patterns using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A2 reference method. Fourteen Aspergillus species were identified by sequencing β-tubulin and calmodulin genes, including 10 rare and cryptic species not commonly recovered from human clinical specimens. Aspergillus welwitschiae is reported in this study for the first time in patients with fungal rhinosinusitis (n = 6) and one patient with a lower respiratory infection. Moreover, Aspergillus pseudonomius is reported in a patient with fungal rhinosinusitis which is considered as the first report ever from clinical specimens. In addition, Aspergillus sublatus is reported for the first time in a patient with cystic fibrosis. In general, our Aspergillus strains exhibited low MIC values for most of the antifungal drugs tested. One strain of Aspergillus fumigatus showed high MECs for echinocandins and low MICs for the rest of the drugs tested. Another strain of A. fumigatus exhibited high MIC for itraconazole and categorized as non-wild type. These findings require further analysis of their molecular basis of resistance. In conclusion, reliable identification of Aspergillus species is achieved by using molecular sequencing, especially for the emerging rare and cryptic species. They are mostly indistinguishable by conventional methods and might exhibit variable antifungal susceptibility profiles. Moreover, investigation of the antifungal susceptibility patterns is necessary for improved antifungal therapy against aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Husam Salah
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Applied and Industrial Mycology, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Theelen
- Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Yeast Research, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Muna Almaslamani
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Saad J Taj-Aldeen
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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37
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Emerging Fungal Infections: New Patients, New Patterns, and New Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030067. [PMID: 31330862 PMCID: PMC6787706 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The landscape of clinical mycology is constantly changing. New therapies for malignant and autoimmune diseases have led to new risk factors for unusual mycoses. Invasive candidiasis is increasingly caused by non-albicans Candida spp., including C. auris, a multidrug-resistant yeast with the potential for nosocomial transmission that has rapidly spread globally. The use of mould-active antifungal prophylaxis in patients with cancer or transplantation has decreased the incidence of invasive fungal disease, but shifted the balance of mould disease in these patients to those from non-fumigatus Aspergillus species, Mucorales, and Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. The agricultural application of triazole pesticides has driven an emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in environmental and clinical isolates. The widespread use of topical antifungals with corticosteroids in India has resulted in Trichophyton mentagrophytes causing recalcitrant dermatophytosis. New dimorphic fungal pathogens have emerged, including Emergomyces, which cause disseminated mycoses globally, primarily in HIV infected patients, and Blastomyceshelicus and B. percursus, causes of atypical blastomycosis in western parts of North America and in Africa, respectively. In North America, regions of geographic risk for coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis have expanded, possibly related to climate change. In Brazil, zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has emerged as an important disease of felines and people.
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38
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Facilitators of adaptation and antifungal resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant fungi. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 132:103254. [PMID: 31326470 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal pathogens can cause a diverse range of diseases in humans. The increasing rate of fungal infections caused by strains that are resistant to commonly used antifungals results in difficulty to treat diseases, with accompanying high mortality rates. Existing and newly emerging molecular resistance mechanisms rapidly spread in fungal populations and need to be monitored. Fungi exhibit a diversity of mechanisms to maintain physiological resilience and create genetic variation; processes which eventually lead to the selection and spread of resistant fungal pathogens. To prevent and anticipate this dispersion, the role of evolutionary factors that drive fungal adaptation should be investigated. In this review, we provide an overview of resistance mechanisms against commonly used antifungal compounds in the clinic and for which fungal resistance has been reported. Furthermore, we aim to summarize and elucidate potent generators of genetic variability across the fungal kingdom that aid adaptation to stressful environments. This knowledge can lead to recognizing potential niches that facilitate fast resistance development and can provide leads for new management strategies to battle the emerging resistant populations in the clinic and the environment.
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39
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Ray S, Balaini N, Chakravarty K, Pattanayak S, Goel A, Takkar A, Lal V. Special scenarios in the management of central nervous system aspergillosis: a case series and review of literature. Postgrad Med J 2019; 95:382-389. [DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-136095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus is a rare but important opportunistic pathogen to invade the central nervous system (CNS). It is a significant pathogen of not only immunocompromised but also immunocompetent patients. Its manifestations are pleiotropic, reflecting multiple mechanisms of pathogenesis and host interactions. Despite significant advances in diagnostic methods and therapeutic options, the mortality remains high. Several advances have been made in medications and surgical management, yet, current treatment practices lack uniformity. Patient woes are further heightened by the high costs of treatment and prolonged duration of therapy. In view of the challenging aspects of this disease, we present a short review of four challenging cases touching on the varied aspects of management of CNS aspergillosis covering pathogenesis, diagnostic pitfalls, surgical and medical options and evidence-based guidelines for the management of the same.
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40
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Mahmoudi S, Badali H, Rezaie S, Azarnezhad A, Barac A, Kord M, Ahmadikia K, Aala F, Ali Askari F, Meis JF, Khodavaisy S. A simple and low cost tetra-primer ARMS-PCR method for detection triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:4537-4543. [PMID: 31214961 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The mutation at codon L98 accompanied by a tandem repeat of 34 base pairs (TR34/L98H) in the 5´upstream region of cyp51A is the principal mechanism of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus. We aimed to evaluate a simple and low-cost tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR technique for detection of TR34/L98H mutations in the cyp51A gene of azole-resistant A. fumigatus. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay optimized by four primers in one reaction consists of external primers for detection of tandem repeats in the promoter region and internal primers for detection of a point mutation in codon 98 (L98H) in the cyp51A gene of azole-resistant A. fumigatus. The specificity of TR34/L98H mutation detection was assessed by testing 36 clinical and environmental A. fumigatus strains. The tetra-primer ARMS-PCR assay from A. fumigatus, containing wild-type sequence (T allele) and L98H mutation at cyp51A (A allele), yielded two DNA fragments of 908 bp and 740 bp and two of 942 bp and 212 bp, respectively. None of the A. fumigatus isolates without the TR34/L98H mutation yielded false-positive results. The ARMS-PCR assay was 100% concordant with DNA sequencing results. Prevalence and screening of the TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene in A. fumigatus isolates may now be determined by a fast, low-cost, and simple method in resource-poor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Mahmoudi
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Medical Mycology/Invasive Fungi Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sassan Rezaie
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asaad Azarnezhad
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases,Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mohammad Kord
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Aala
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Farshad Ali Askari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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