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Naik S, Kashyap D, Deep J, Darwish S, Cross J, Mansoor E, Garg VK, Honnavar P. Utilizing Next-Generation Sequencing: Advancements in the Diagnosis of Fungal Infections. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1664. [PMID: 39125540 PMCID: PMC11311512 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14151664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a promising tool for diagnosing fungal infections. It enables the identification of a wide range of fungal species and provides more accurate and rapid results than traditional diagnostic methods. NGS-based approaches involve the sequencing of DNA or RNA from clinical samples, which can be used to detect and identify fungal pathogens in complex clinical samples. The development of targeted gene panels and whole-genome sequencing has allowed for identifying genetic markers associated with antifungal drug resistance, enabling clinicians to tailor patient treatment options. NGS can also provide insights into the pathogenesis of fungal infections and aid in discovering novel drug targets. Although NGS has some limitations, such as cost and data analysis, it can potentially revolutionize the future diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Naik
- Department of Physiology, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Dharambir Kashyap
- Brown Center for Immunotherapy, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jashan Deep
- Basic Medical Science, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Saif Darwish
- Basic Medical Science, American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Joseph Cross
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics; American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Edmond Mansoor
- Department of Clinical Medicine; American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
| | - Vivek Kumar Garg
- University Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Prasanna Honnavar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology; American University of Antigua College of Medicine, St. Johns 1451, Antigua and Barbuda
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Patwardhan SA, Prayag PS, Soman RN, Purandare BD, Ramya S, Dawra R, Joshi R, Prayag AP. Candida auris - Comparison of sensititre YeastOne and Vitek 2 AST systems for antifungal susceptibility testing - A single centre experience. Indian J Med Microbiol 2024; 50:100618. [PMID: 38795936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2024.100618] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida auris is emerging as an important cause of candidemia and deep seated candidal infection. We compared the susceptibility results of bloodstream Candida auris isolates by Vitek 2 with Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) method. METHODS Forty-seven C. auris blood stream isolates were simultaneously tested for AFST by Vitek 2 and SYO. RESULTS All strains were resistant to Fluconazole. 25.5% isolates showed pan-azole resistance. In comparison with SYO, lower MICs for voriconazole were noted with Vitek 2 (VME rate 76.1%). All strains were sensitive to anidulafungin and micafungin by SYO. For micafungin, Vitek 2 demonstrated higher MICs and an ME rate of 23.5%. Susceptibility interpretation of caspofungin by SYO was challenged by development of 'Eagle effect' resulting in sensitivity of 28.2%. We studied the evolution of caspofungin 'Eagle effect' with SYO by serial hourly MIC readings and noted that paradoxical growth commenced at 21 hrs of incubation. Compared to SYO, Vitek 2 showed higher resistance rate to Amphotericin B with ME rate of 25.6%. CONCLUSION Laboratories using commercial AFST systems for Candida auris need to be aware of the possibility of ME and VME for amphotericin B and voriconazole respectively with Vitek 2 and 'Eagle effect' for caspofungin with SYO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parikshit S Prayag
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - Rajeev N Soman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - Bharat D Purandare
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - S Ramya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - Romika Dawra
- Department of Microbiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - Rasika Joshi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
| | - Amrita P Prayag
- Department of In-house Research, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, India.
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Geremia N, Giovagnorio F, Colpani A, De Vito A, Caruana G, Meloni MC, Madeddu G, Panese S, Parisi SG. What do We Know about Cryptic Aspergillosis? Microorganisms 2024; 12:886. [PMID: 38792716 PMCID: PMC11124275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptic Aspergillus species are increasingly recognized as pathogens involved in human disease. They are ubiquitarian fungi with high tenacity in their environment and can express various resistance mechanisms, often due to exposure to antifungal agents employed in agriculture and farming. The identification of such species is increasing thanks to molecular techniques, and a better description of this type of pathogen is granted. Nevertheless, the number of species and their importance in the clinical setting still need to be well studied. Furthermore, their cross-sectional involvement in animal disease, plants, and human activities requires a multidisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields. This comprehensive review aims to provide a sharp vision of the cryptic Aspergillus species, from the importance of correct identification to the better management of the infections caused by these pathogens. The review also accentuates the importance of the One Health approach for this kind of microorganism, given the interconnection between environmental exposure and aspergillosis, embracing transversely the multidisciplinary process for managing the cryptic Aspergillus species. The paper advocates the need for improving knowledge in this little-known species, given the burden of economic and health implications related to the diffusion of these bugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Geremia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine, Ospedale Dell’Angelo, 30174 Venice, Italy;
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine, Ospedale Civile “S.S. Giovanni e Paolo”, 30122 Venice, Italy
| | - Federico Giovagnorio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (F.G.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Agnese Colpani
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.V.); (M.C.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.V.); (M.C.M.); (G.M.)
- Biomedical Science Department, School in Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giorgia Caruana
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Institute of microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Chiara Meloni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.V.); (M.C.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.D.V.); (M.C.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Sandro Panese
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine, Ospedale Dell’Angelo, 30174 Venice, Italy;
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine, Ospedale Civile “S.S. Giovanni e Paolo”, 30122 Venice, Italy
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Siopi M, Pachoulis I, Leventaki S, Spruijtenburg B, Meis JF, Pournaras S, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Meletiadis J. Evaluation of the Vitek 2 system for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida auris using a representative international panel of clinical isolates: overestimation of amphotericin B resistance and underestimation of fluconazole resistance. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0152823. [PMID: 38501836 PMCID: PMC11005389 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01528-23] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the Vitek 2 system is broadly used for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida spp., its performance against Candida auris has been assessed using limited number of isolates recovered from restricted geographic areas. We therefore compared Vitek 2 system with the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method using an international collection of 100 C. auris isolates belonging to different clades. The agreement ±1 twofold dilution between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) tentative resistance breakpoints and Vitek 2-specific wild-type upper limit values (WT-ULVs) were determined. The CLSI-Vitek 2 agreement was poor for 5-flucytosine (0%), fluconazole (16%), and amphotericin B (29%), and moderate for voriconazole (61%), micafungin (67%), and caspofungin (81%). Significant interpretation errors were recorded using the CDC breakpoints for amphotericin B (31% CA, 69% major errors; MaEs) and fluconazole (69% CA, 31% very major errors; VmEs), but not for echinocandins (99% CA, 1% MaEs for both micafungin and caspofungin) for which the Vitek 2 allowed correct categorization of echinocandin-resistant FKS1 mutant isolates. Discrepancies were reduced when the Vitek 2 WT-ULV of 16 mg/L for amphotericin B (98% CA, 2% MaEs) and of 4 mg/L for fluconazole (96% CA, 1% MaEs, 3% VmEs) were used. In conclusion, the Vitek 2 system performed well for echinocandin susceptibility testing of C .auris. Resistance to fluconazole was underestimated whereas resistance to amphotericin B was overestimated using the CDC breakpoints of ≥32 and ≥2 mg/L, respectively. Vitek 2 minimun inhibitory concentrations (MICs) >4 mg/L indicated resistance to fluconazole and Vitek 2 MICs ≤16 mg/L indicated non-resistance to amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pachoulis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Leventaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Gupta AK, Mann A, Polla Ravi S, Wang T. Navigating fungal infections and antifungal stewardship: drug resistance, susceptibility testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and future directions. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2024; 159:105-117. [PMID: 38088126 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.23.07694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal stewardship refers to the rational use of antifungal agents. Historically, in some instances, the misuse or overuse of antifungal agents has predisposed patients to an elevated risk of systemic side-effects and treatment resistance, as well as increased healthcare costs. Superficial mycoses, such as onychomycosis, are sometimes treated without any diagnostic testing and is associated with a high likelihood of self-diagnosis and self-treatment, potentially leading to the emergence of resistance against commonly used antifungals like terbinafine. Practitioners need to ensure that a proper clinical diagnosis is backed up by appropriate testing. This may include the traditional light microscopy and culture; additionally, molecular techniques (such as polymerase chain reaction, terbinafine gene mutational analysis) and antifungal susceptibility testing are considerations as appropriate. The choice of antifungal agent should be guided by what is the standard of care in the location where the clinician practices as well as more broadly state and national prescription patterns. Recently, reports of treatment resistance concerning both superficial and deep fungal infections have added another layer of difficulty to clinical practice. This review aims to explore the phenomenon of antifungal drug resistance, and highlights the importance of adopting antifungal stewardship programs. We provide an overview of treatment resistance and mechanisms of resistance reported thus far in dermatophytes. Challenges of performing antifungal susceptibility testing and therapeutic drug monitoring are discussed, as well as principles, recommendations and future directions of antifungal stewardship programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya K Gupta
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada -
- Mediprobe Research Inc, London, ON, Canada -
| | | | | | - Tong Wang
- Mediprobe Research Inc, London, ON, Canada
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Shen T, Liu P, Chen D, Liu D, Fang J, Wang Q, Xu Y, Tan C, Wang C. Novel automated antifungal susceptibility testing system for yeasts based on dual-detection algorithm of turbidimetry and colorimetry. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38440953 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. The increasing prevalence and growing resistance of fungi present a significant peril to public health. There are only four classes of antifungal medicines available today, and few candidates are in clinical trials.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Rapid and sensitive diagnostic techniques are lacking for most fungal pathogens, and those that do exist are expensive or hard to obtain.Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel automated antifungal susceptibility testing system, Fungus AST, in comparison to the broth microdilution method (BMD) recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).Methodology. A total of 101 clinical Candida spp. isolates were collected from the Zengcheng Branch of Nanfang Hospital and subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed using the Fungus AST method and the BMD.Results. In this study, we introduce a novel automated antifungal susceptibility testing system, Fungus AST, which detects the turbidity and/or colour intensity of microdilution wells using a four-wavelength detection technology in real time and is designed to match the growth characteristics of strains over time. Based on our analysis, all reportable ranges of Fungus AST were suitable for clinical fungal isolates in PR China. Within ±twofold dilutions, reproducibility was 100 %. Considering the BMD as a referenced method, ten antifungal agents (anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, 5-flucytosine and nystatin) showed an essential agreement of >95 %. The category agreement of five antifungal agents (anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin, fluconazole and voriconazole) was excellent at >90 %. One Candida albicans isolate and voriconazole showed a major error (ME) (1.7 %), and no other ME or very ME agents were found.Conclusion. Given the above, it can be argued that the utilization of Fungus AST is a discretionary automated approach. More improvements are needed in Fungus AST compared to the BMD system for a wider range of clinical isolates, including different types of fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shen
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Piao Liu
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Dongmiao Chen
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Duoduo Liu
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Juan Fang
- Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, 450016, PR China
| | - Qian Wang
- Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, 450016, PR China
| | - Yinjuan Xu
- Medicine Laboratory, Zengcheng Branch, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 511340, PR China
| | - Chunjuan Tan
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
| | - Congrong Wang
- Medicine Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, PR China
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Chastain DB, White BP, Tu PJ, Chan S, Jackson BT, Kubbs KA, Bandali A, McDougal S, Henao-Martínez AF, Cluck DB. Candidemia in Adult Patients in the ICU: A Reappraisal of Susceptibility Testing and Antifungal Therapy. Ann Pharmacother 2024; 58:305-321. [PMID: 37272474 DOI: 10.1177/10600280231175201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide updates on the epidemiology and recommendations for management of candidemia in patients with critical illness. DATA SOURCES A literature search using the PubMed database (inception to March 2023) was conducted using the search terms "invasive candidiasis," "candidemia," "critically ill," "azoles," "echinocandin," "antifungal agents," "rapid diagnostics," "antifungal susceptibility testing," "therapeutic drug monitoring," "antifungal dosing," "persistent candidemia," and "Candida biofilm." STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION Clinical data were limited to those published in the English language. Ongoing trials were identified through ClinicalTrials.gov. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 109 articles were reviewed including 25 pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies and 30 studies including patient data, 13 of which were randomized controlled clinical trials. The remaining 54 articles included fungal surveillance data, in vitro studies, review articles, and survey data. The current 2016 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis provides recommendations for selecting empiric and definitive antifungal therapies for candidemia, but data are limited regarding optimized dosing strategies in critically ill patients with dynamic pharmacokinetic changes or persistent candidemia complicated. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE Outcomes due to candidemia remain poor despite improved diagnostic platforms, antifungal susceptibility testing, and antifungal therapy selection for candidemia in critically ill patients. Earlier detection and identification of the species causing candidemia combined with recognition of patient-specific factors leading to dosing discrepancies are crucial to improving outcomes in critically ill patients with candidemia. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of candidemia in critically ill patients must account for the incidence of non-albicans Candida species and trends in antifungal resistance as well as overcome the complex pathophysiologic changes to avoid suboptimal antifungal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Chastain
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA
| | - Bryan P White
- University of Oklahoma Health Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Patrick J Tu
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sophea Chan
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Albany, GA, USA
| | | | - Kara A Kubbs
- University of Oklahoma Health Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Aiman Bandali
- Overlook Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Summit, NJ, USA
| | | | - Andrés F Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David B Cluck
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Pan Y, Sun Y, Chen L, Cheng Y, Jin P, Zhang W, Zheng L, Liu J, Zhou T, Xu Z, Li C, Kostoulias X, Watson CJ, McGiffin D, Peleg AY, Qu Y. Candida causes recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis by forming morphologically disparate biofilms on the human vaginal epithelium. Biofilm 2023; 6:100162. [PMID: 37941804 PMCID: PMC10630605 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100162] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a recalcitrant medical condition that affects many women of reproductive age. The importance of biofilm formation by Candida in RVVC has been recently questioned. This study aimed to elucidate the fundamental growth modes of Candida in the vagina of patients with RVVC or sporadic vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to assess their roles in the persistence of RVVC. Methods Vaginal tissues were sampled from twelve patients clinically and microbiologically diagnosed as RVVC or VVC at a post-antifungal-treatment and asymptomatic period. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence in situ hybridization in combination with Candida-specific 18S rRNA probes and viable fungal burden were used to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate Candida growth in the human vagina. The presence of Candida biofilm extracellular polymeric substances was examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and biopsy sections pre-stained with Concanavalin A. Histopathological analysis was carried out on infected vaginal tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Lastly, the susceptibility of epithelium-associated Candida biofilms to fluconazole at the peak serum concentration was evaluated. Results Candida species grew on the vaginal epithelium of RVVC patients as morphologically disparate biofilms including monolayers, microcolonies, and macro-colonies, in addition to sporadic adherent cells. Candida biofilm growth on the vaginal epithelium was associated with mild lymphocytic infiltration of the vaginal mucosa. These epithelium-based Candida biofilms presented an important characteristic contributing to the persistence of RVVC that is the high tolerance to fluconazole. Conclusions In summary, our study provides direct evidence to support the presence of Candida biofilms in RVVC and an important role of biofilm formation in disease persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Pan
- Wenzhou Medical University-Monash BDI Alliance in Clinical and Experimental Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Yao Sun
- Wenzhou Medical University-Monash BDI Alliance in Clinical and Experimental Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Lanqian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Yali Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Panpan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Weidan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Lingzhi Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 318050, China
| | - Junyan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing, Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, United States
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Zhenbo Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing, Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, United States
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, United States
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, United States
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - Cathy J. Watson
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, 3053, Australia
| | - David McGiffin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Anton Y. Peleg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
| | - Yue Qu
- Wenzhou Medical University-Monash BDI Alliance in Clinical and Experimental Biomedicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, 325000, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Biomedical Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
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Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Stubenböck MM, Lass-Flörl C. The Influence of Medium Composition on EUCAST and Etest Antifungal Susceptibility Testing. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:973. [PMID: 37888229 PMCID: PMC10608067 DOI: 10.3390/jof9100973] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing effort to optimize and revise antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) methods due to the rising number of fungal infections and drug-resistant fungi. The rising antifungal resistance within Candida and Aspergillus species, which are common contributors to invasive fungal infections (IFIs), is a cause for concern, prompting an expanding integration of in vitro AFST to guide clinical decisions. To improve the relevance of in vitro AFST results to therapy outcomes, influential factors should be taken into account. The tested medium is one of several factors that could affect the results of AFST. The present study evaluated the effect of two complex media (Sabouraud dextrose and Columbia) versus the standard defined medium (RPMI 1640) on the AFST results of amphotericin B, posaconazole, and voriconazole against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. representatives, utilizing the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and the Etest methods. Overall, Candida species exhibited higher variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) across different media (more than three log2 dilutions) comparing to Aspergillus spp., while quality control isolates showed consistency regardless of tested media, antifungals, and methods. When comparing tested methods, MIC variation was mostly detected using EUCAST than it was using Etest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (R.V.-S.)
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10
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Koh XQ, Pan JY. Recalcitrant cutaneous fungal infections-A growing problem. Australas J Dermatol 2023; 64:315-321. [PMID: 37387447 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of recalcitrant cutaneous fungal infections is on the rise. Terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton has not only been widespread in India, but has also been reported in countries spread throughout the globe. Strains of yeasts such as Malassezia and Candida, which exist both as commensals and as pathogens to the human skin, have also been found to develop resistance to antifungals. Non-dermatophyte moulds which can colonize and infect damaged nails are especially difficult to treat, not only due to resistance, but also because of poor drug penetration of hard keratin. Psychosocial factors such as the indiscriminate broad-spectrum antifungal use in agriculture and in medicine, and poor adherence to hygienic measures to break the chain of infection contribute to the development of antifungal resistance. Such environments encourage fungi to develop various resistance mechanisms to withstand antifungal treatment. These include: (a) alteration of the drug target, (b) increasing efflux of drug/metabolites, (c) inactivation of drug, (d) bypass mechanisms or substitution of the pathway affected by the drug, (e) stress adaptation mechanisms and (f) biofilm formation. Understanding of such mechanisms and how they arise are crucial for development of new ways to prevent or overcome resistance. Novel antifungal treatments have recently been approved in the United States of America for treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Ibrexafungerp (enfumafungin derivative) and oteseconazole (tetrazole) differ from their respective related drug classes of echinocandins and triazoles by having different structures, which lend these medicines advantage compared to traditional treatment by having a different binding site and more selectivity for fungi respectively. Other drugs designed to circumvent the known mechanisms of antifungal resistance are also at various phases of development. Concurrent measures at an institutional and individual level to address and limit inappropriate antifungal use to reduce development of antifungal resistance should be undertaken in a concerted effort to address this epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Qi Koh
- Division of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Jiun Yit Pan
- Division of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, Singapore City, Singapore
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11
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Grizante Barião PH, Cayún Y, Sepúlveda M, Tonani L, Gonçalves de Almeida OG, Cornejo P, Dias N, Santos C, von Zeska Kress MR. MALDI-TOF MS: A Quick Method to Detect the Susceptibility of Fusarium spp. Clinical Isolates to Amphotericin B. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1834. [PMID: 37513006 PMCID: PMC10383446 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071834] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated fusariosis is treated with amphotericin B and voriconazole. To determine adequate therapy, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is used. However, MIC analysis is based on visual observation and requires a long period of fungal incubation. The measure of the minimal profile change concentration (MPCC) using MALDI-TOF MS is a quick spectral method that has presented good results in determining the antimicrobial resistance of yeasts. However, there is a lack of information on filamentous fungi. In the present work, 13 Fusarium spp. clinical isolates and two reference strains were used. MIC was obtained according to the M38-A2 protocol of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, while MPPC was obtained following the initial steps of the M38-A2 protocol. Both Biotyper and the Rstudio environment were used to analyze mass spectra. For some fungal strains, the data obtained from the software MALDI Biotyper Compass 4.1 led to fuzzy heatmaps resulting in difficult interpretation, while heatmaps obtained using Rstudio tools generated better MPCC resolutions. Herein, 86.6% of the AMB MPCC values were highly correlated with the gold-standard AMB MIC. MALDI-TOF MS is a prominent tool used to determine MPCCs quicker, cost-effectively, and more accurately for Fusarium spp. strains. However, better statistical analyses could help measure the technique's limit detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Helena Grizante Barião
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811-230, Chile
| | - Yasna Cayún
- Department of Chemical Science and Natural Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811-230, Chile
| | - Marcela Sepúlveda
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811-230, Chile
| | - Ludmilla Tonani
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Otavio Guilherme Gonçalves de Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Pablo Cornejo
- Escuela de Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Quillota 2260-000, Chile
| | - Nathalia Dias
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811-230, Chile
| | - Cledir Santos
- Department of Chemical Science and Natural Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811-230, Chile
| | - Marcia Regina von Zeska Kress
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão, Ribeirão Preto 14040-903, SP, Brazil
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12
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Otto WR, Arendrup MC, Fisher BT. A Practical Guide to Antifungal Susceptibility Testing. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2023; 12:214-221. [PMID: 36882026 PMCID: PMC10305799 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piad014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
We review antifungal susceptibility testing and the development of clinical breakpoints, and detail an approach to using antifungal susceptibility results when breakpoints have not been defined. This information may prove helpful when selecting therapy for invasive fungal infections in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Otto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - 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
| | - Brian T Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pediatric Clinical Effectiveness, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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13
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Stewart AG, Isler B, Simos P, Farquhar D, George N, Golmayo M, Heney C. Aspergillus Species Causing Invasive Fungal Disease in Queensland, Australia. Mycopathologia 2023:10.1007/s11046-023-00713-5. [PMID: 37067664 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00713-5] [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: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus species are important causes of invasive fungal disease, particularly among those with an impaired immune system. Increasing reports have revealed a rising incidence of antifungal drug resistance among Aspergillus spp., particularly among cryptic species. Understanding local antifungal susceptibility patterns is paramount to delivering optimal clinical care. METHODS Aspergillus spp. recovered from clinical specimens between 2000 and 2021 from Pathology Queensland were collected. Aspergillus spp. were identified routinely morphologically, and where there was ambiguity or a lack of sporulation, by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. All Aspergillus spp. that underwent antifungal susceptibility testing according to the CLSI M38-A3 method and were recorded and included in the study. Amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole, micafungin, caspofungin, and anidulafungin were tested. Pathology Queensland services all public healthcare facilities in Queensland, Australia. RESULTS 236 Aspergillus spp. were identified from clinical specimens during the study period. The most frequent species identified were Aspergillus section Fumigati (n = 119), Aspergillus section Flavi (n = 35), Aspergillus terreus (n = 32) and Aspergillus niger (n = 29). Overall, MIC50/90 values for voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, and isavuconazole were 0.25/1, 0.25/0.5, 0.25/0.5, and 0.5/2 mg/L respectively. Echinocandins demonstrated low MIC values overall with micafungin and anidulafungin both having an MIC50/90 of 0.015/0.03 mg/L. A total of 15 cryptic species were identified; high triazole MIC values were observed with a voriconazole MIC50/90 of 2/8 mg/L. From 2017 to 2021 we observed an increase in incidence of isolates with high voriconazole MIC values. There was no difference in voriconazole MIC values between Aspergillus spp. acquired in North Queensland when compared to Southeast Queensland, Australia. CONCLUSION Increasing reports of antifungal resistance among Aspergillus spp. is concerning and warrants further investigation both locally and worldwide. Active surveillance of both the emergence of different Aspergillus spp. and changes in antifungal susceptibility patterns over time is crucial to informing clinicians and treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Stewart
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Brisbane, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Burcu Isler
- Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, Brisbane, Australia
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Simos
- Infection Management Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Drew Farquhar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Narelle George
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mila Golmayo
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Claire Heney
- Central Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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14
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Ashkenazi-Hoffnung L, Rosenberg Danziger C. Navigating the New Reality: A Review of the Epidemiological, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Candida auris, with a Focus on Children. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:176. [PMID: 36836291 PMCID: PMC9963988 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020176] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During the past decade, Candida auris emerged across the world, causing nosocomial outbreaks in both pediatric and adult populations, particularly in intensive care settings. We reviewed the epidemiological trends and the clinical and microbiological characteristics of C. auris infection, focusing on the pediatric population. The review is based on 22 studies, which included about 250 pediatric patients with C. auris infection, across multiple countries; neonates and premature babies were the predominant pediatric patient group affected. The most common type of infection reported was bloodstream infection, which was associated with exceptionally high mortality rates. Antifungal treatment varied widely between the patients; this signifies a serious knowledge gap that should be addressed in future research. Advances in molecular diagnostic methods for rapid and accurate identification and for detection of resistance may prove especially valuable in future outbreak situations, as well as the development of investigational antifungals. However, the new reality of a highly resistant and difficult-to-treat pathogen calls for preparedness of all aspects of patient care. This spans from laboratory readiness, to raising awareness among epidemiologists and clinicians for global collaborative efforts to improve patient care and limit the spread of C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ashkenazi-Hoffnung
- Department of Day Hospitalization and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Chen Rosenberg Danziger
- Department of Day Hospitalization, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4920235, Israel
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15
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Gonzalez-Pastor R, Carrera-Pacheco SE, Zúñiga-Miranda J, Rodríguez-Pólit C, Mayorga-Ramos A, Guamán LP, Barba-Ostria C. Current Landscape of Methods to Evaluate Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Extracts. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031068. [PMID: 36770734 PMCID: PMC9920787 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural extracts have been and continue to be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from infectious diseases to cancer, based on their convenience and therapeutic potential. Natural products derived from microbes, plants, and animals offer a broad variety of molecules and chemical compounds. Natural products are not only one of the most important sources for innovative drug development for animal and human health, but they are also an inspiration for synthetic biology and chemistry scientists towards the discovery of new bioactive compounds and pharmaceuticals. This is particularly relevant in the current context, where antimicrobial resistance has risen as a global health problem. Thus, efforts are being directed toward studying natural compounds' chemical composition and bioactive potential to generate drugs with better efficacy and lower toxicity than existing molecules. Currently, a wide range of methodologies are used to analyze the in vitro activity of natural extracts to determine their suitability as antimicrobial agents. Despite traditional technologies being the most employed, technological advances have contributed to the implementation of methods able to circumvent issues related to analysis capacity, time, sensitivity, and reproducibility. This review produces an updated analysis of the conventional and current methods to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Gonzalez-Pastor
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Johana Zúñiga-Miranda
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Arianna Mayorga-Ramos
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
| | - Linda P. Guamán
- Biomedical Research Center (CENBIO), Eugenio Espejo School of Health Sciences, Universidad UTE, Quito 170527, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (L.P.G.); (C.B.-O.)
| | - Carlos Barba-Ostria
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito 170901, Ecuador
- Correspondence: (L.P.G.); (C.B.-O.)
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16
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Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martín-Galiano AJ. The challenges of the genome-based identification of antifungal resistance in the clinical routine. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1134755. [PMID: 37152754 PMCID: PMC10157239 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1134755] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of chronic and life-threatening infections caused by antimicrobial resistant fungal isolates is of critical concern. Low DNA sequencing cost may facilitate the identification of the genomic profile leading to resistance, the resistome, to rationally optimize the design of antifungal therapies. However, compared to bacteria, initiatives for resistome detection in eukaryotic pathogens are underdeveloped. Firstly, reported mutations in antifungal targets leading to reduced susceptibility must be extensively collected from the literature to generate comprehensive databases. This information should be complemented with specific laboratory screenings to detect the highest number possible of relevant genetic changes in primary targets and associations between resistance and other genomic markers. Strikingly, some drug resistant strains experience high-level genetic changes such as ploidy variation as much as duplications and reorganizations of specific chromosomes. Such variations involve allelic dominance, gene dosage increments and target expression regime effects that should be explicitly parameterized in antifungal resistome prediction algorithms. Clinical data indicate that predictors need to consider the precise pathogen species and drug levels of detail, instead of just genus and drug class. The concomitant needs for mutation accuracy and assembly quality assurance suggest hybrid sequencing approaches involving third-generation methods will be utilized. Moreover, fatal fast infections, like fungemia and meningitis, will further require both sequencing and analysis facilities are available in-house. Altogether, the complex nature of antifungal resistance demands extensive sequencing, data acquisition and processing, bioinformatic analysis pipelines, and standard protocols to be accomplished prior to genome-based protocols are applied in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo,
| | - Antonio J. Martín-Galiano
- Core Scientific and Technical Units, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Antonio J. Martín-Galiano,
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17
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Yu J, He C, Wang T, Zhang G, Li J, Zhang J, Kang W, Xu Y, Zhao Y. Rapid automated antifungal susceptibility testing system for yeasts based on growth characteristics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1153544. [PMID: 37201120 PMCID: PMC10185846 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1153544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are a major threat to public health, as they are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment, with only four classes of antifungal medicines currently available and few candidates in the clinical development pipeline. Most fungal pathogens lack rapid and sensitive diagnostic techniques, and those that exist are not widely available or affordable. In this study, we introduce a novel automated antifungal susceptibility testing system, Droplet 48, which detects the fluorescence of microdilution wells in real time and fits growth characteristics using fluorescence intensity over time. We concluded that all reportable ranges of Droplet 48 were appropriate for clinical fungal isolates in China. Reproducibility within ±2 two-fold dilutions was 100%. Considering the Sensititre YeastOne Colorimetric Broth method as a comparator method, eight antifungal agents (fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin, amphotericin B, and 5-flucytosine) showed an essential agreement of >90%, except for posaconazole (86.62%). Category agreement of four antifungal agents (fluconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin) was >90%, except for voriconazole (87.93% agreement). Two Candida albicans isolates and anidulafungin showed a major discrepancy (MD) (2.60%), and no other MD or very MD agents were found. Therefore, Droplet 48 can be considered as an optional method that is more automated and can obtain results and interpretations faster than previous methods. However, the optimization of the detection performance of posaconazole and voriconazole and promotion of Droplet 48 in clinical microbiology laboratories still require further research involving more clinical isolates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhan Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chun He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjia Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhao, ; Yingchun Xu,
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhao, ; Yingchun Xu,
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18
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Deshkar S, Patil N, Amberkar S, Lad A, Siddiqui F, Sharan S. Identification and Antifungal Drug Susceptibility Pattern of Candida auris in India. J Glob Infect Dis 2022; 14:131-135. [PMID: 36636301 PMCID: PMC9831210 DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_44_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Candida auris has turned up as a multidrug-resistant nosocomial agent with outbreaks reported worldwide. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal drug susceptibility pattern of C. auris. Methods Isolates of C. auris were obtained from clinically suspected cases of candidemia from January 2019 to June 2021. Identification was done with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and panfungal DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed with broth microdilution method. Results Out of 50 isolates C. auris, 49 were identified by MALDI-TOF and one isolate was identified with panfungal DNA PCR followed by sequencing. For fluconazole, 84% (n = 42) isolates were found to be resistant and 16% (n = 8) isolates were susceptible (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MICs] range 0.5-16). Posaconazole exhibited potent activity, followed by itraconazole. For amphotericin B, only 6% (n = 3) isolates were resistant with MICs ≥2 μg/mL. Only 4% (n = 2) isolates exhibited resistance to caspofungin. No resistance was noted for micafungin and anidulafungin. One (2%) isolate was found to be panazole resistant. One (2%) isolate was resistant to fluconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. Conclusion Correct identification of C. auris can be obtained with the use of MALDI-TOF and sequencing methods. A small percentage of fluconazole-sensitive isolates are present. Although elevated MICs for amphotericin B and echinocandins are not generally observed, the possibility of resistance with the irrational use of these antifungal drugs cannot be denied. Pan azole-resistant and pan drug-resistant strains of C. auris are on rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Deshkar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Smita Deshkar, Department of Infectious Diseases, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Kohinoor City, Commercial Bldg. - A, 4th Floor, Off-L.B.S. Road, Vidyavihar (West), Mumbai - 400 070, Maharashtra, India. E-mail:
| | - Niranjan Patil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shraddha Amberkar
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashish Lad
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Farozan Siddiqui
- Department of Microbiology, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swati Sharan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, Global Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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19
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Melhem MSC, Coelho VC, Fonseca CA, de Oliveira L, Bonfietti LX, Szeszs MW, Magri MMC, Dorneles FS, Taguchi H, Moreira DVS, Motta AL, Batista MV, Kamei K, Shikanai-Yasuda MA. Evaluation of the Sensititre YeastOne and Etest in Comparison with CLSI M38-A2 for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Three Azoles, Amphotericin B, Caspofungin, and Anidulafungin, against Aspergillusfumigatus and Other Species, Using New Clinical Breakpoints and Epidemiological Cutoff Values. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102161. [PMID: 36297597 PMCID: PMC9607534 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis is an invasive fungal disease associated with high mortality. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is receiving increasing consideration for managing patients, as well as for surveilling emerging drug resistance, despite having time-consuming and technically complex reference methodologies. The Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) and Etest methods are widely utilized for yeasts but have not been extensively evaluated for Aspergillus isolates. We obtained Posaconazole (POS), Voriconazole (VCZ), Itraconazole (ITC), Amphotericin B (AMB), Caspofungin (CAS), and Anidulafungin (AND) minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for both the Etest (n = 330) and SYO (n = 339) methods for 106 sequenced clinical strains. For 84 A. fumigatus, we analyzed the performance of both commercial methods in comparison with the CLSI-AFST, using available cutoff values. An excellent correlation could be demonstrated for Etest-AMB and Etest-VCZ (p < 0.01). SYO-MICs of AMB, VCZ, and POS resulted in excellent essential agreement (>93%), and >80% for AMB, VCZ, and ITC Etest-MICs. High categoric agreement was found for AMB, ITC, and CAS Etest-MICs (>85%) and AMB SYO-MICs (>90%). The considerable number of major/very major errors found using Etest and SYO, possibly related to the proposed cutoffs and associated with the less time-consuming processes, support the need for the improvement of commercial methods for Aspergillus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia S. C. Melhem
- Mycology Unit, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Secretary of Health, Government of São Paulo State, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Sciences, Coordination of Diseases Control, Secretary of Health, Government of São Paulo State, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
- Correspondence: (M.S.C.M.); (M.A.S.-Y.); Tel.: +55-11-996855034 (M.S.C.M.); +55-11-30627049 (M.A.S.-Y.)
| | - Vivian C. Coelho
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudia A. Fonseca
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Lidiane de Oliveira
- Mycology Unit, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Secretary of Health, Government of São Paulo State, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas X. Bonfietti
- Mycology Unit, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Secretary of Health, Government of São Paulo State, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria. W. Szeszs
- Mycology Unit, Parasitology and Mycology Department, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Secretary of Health, Government of São Paulo State, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcello M. C. Magri
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Francine S. Dorneles
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Hideaki Taguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8673, Japan
| | - Daniel V. S. Moreira
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana L. Motta
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Division of Central Laboratory—Laboratory of Medical Investigation—LIM 03, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Marjorie V. Batista
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8673, Japan
| | - Maria A. Shikanai-Yasuda
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: (M.S.C.M.); (M.A.S.-Y.); Tel.: +55-11-996855034 (M.S.C.M.); +55-11-30627049 (M.A.S.-Y.)
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Jiang S, Chen Y, Han S, Lv L, Li L. Next-Generation Sequencing Applications for the Study of Fungal Pathogens. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10101882. [PMID: 36296159 PMCID: PMC9609632 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a widely used technology in biological research. NGS applications for clinical pathogen detection have become vital technologies. It is increasingly common to perform fast, accurate, and specific detection of clinical specimens using NGS. Pathogenic fungi with high virulence and drug resistance cause life-threatening clinical infections. NGS has had a significant biotechnological impact on detecting bacteria and viruses but is not equally applicable to fungi. There is a particularly urgent clinical need to use NGS to help identify fungi causing infections and prevent negative impacts. This review summarizes current research on NGS applications for fungi and offers a visual method of fungal detection. With the development of NGS and solutions for overcoming sequencing limitations, we suggest clinicians test specimens as soon as possible when encountering infections of unknown cause, suspected infections in vital organs, or rapidly progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiman Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shengyi Han
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Longxian Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Rd., Hangzhou 310003, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250021, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-8723-6458
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Hilt EE, Ferrieri P. Next Generation and Other Sequencing Technologies in Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091566. [PMID: 36140733 PMCID: PMC9498426 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have become increasingly available for use in the clinical microbiology diagnostic environment. There are three main applications of these technologies in the clinical microbiology laboratory: whole genome sequencing (WGS), targeted metagenomics sequencing and shotgun metagenomics sequencing. These applications are being utilized for initial identification of pathogenic organisms, the detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and for epidemiologic tracking of organisms within and outside hospital systems. In this review, we analyze these three applications and provide a comprehensive summary of how these applications are currently being used in public health, basic research, and clinical microbiology laboratory environments. In the public health arena, WGS is being used to identify and epidemiologically track food borne outbreaks and disease surveillance. In clinical hospital systems, WGS is used to identify multi-drug-resistant nosocomial infections and track the transmission of these organisms. In addition, we examine how metagenomics sequencing approaches (targeted and shotgun) are being used to circumvent the traditional and biased microbiology culture methods to identify potential pathogens directly from specimens. We also expand on the important factors to consider when implementing these technologies, and what is possible for these technologies in infectious disease diagnosis in the next 5 years.
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