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Steixner S, Vahedi Shahandashti R, Siller A, Ulmer H, Reider N, Schennach H, Lass-Flörl C. Aspergillus terreus Antibody Serosurveillance in Tyrol: A Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Study of a Healthy Population. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1008. [PMID: 37888264 PMCID: PMC10607556 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101008] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The rare, but emerging mold Aspergillus terreus is an important pathogen in some geographical areas, like Tyrol (Austria) and Houston (Texas). The reason for this high prevalence is unknown. The present serosurveillance study aimed to evaluate the trends in levels of A. terreus-specific IgG antibodies in various regions of Tyrol and to compare the results to the environmental spread of A. terreus in Tyrol. Therefore, 1058 serum samples from healthy blood donors were evaluated. Data revealed a significant difference between the Tyrolean Upland and Lowland. Moreover, female participants had higher A. terreus IgG antibody levels than male participants. The differences found in our study are consistent with the distributional differences in environmental and clinical samples described in previous studies, supporting that A. terreus IgG antibody levels reflect the environmental epidemiology of A. terreus in Tyrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Steixner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria; (S.S.); (R.V.S.)
| | - Roya Vahedi Shahandashti
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria; (S.S.); (R.V.S.)
| | - Anita Siller
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria; (A.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Hanno Ulmer
- Department of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Health Economics, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria;
| | - Norbert Reider
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria;
| | - Harald Schennach
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunology, Tirol Kliniken GmbH, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria; (A.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Tirol, Austria; (S.S.); (R.V.S.)
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2
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Vahedi-Shahandashti R, Houbraken J, Birch M, Lass-Flörl C. Novel Antifungals and Aspergillus Section Terrei with Potpourri Susceptibility Profiles to Conventional Antifungals. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:649. [PMID: 37367585 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is currently changing, driven by aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, leading to an expanded spectrum of patients at risk of IFIs. Aspergillosis is a leading cause of IFIs, which usually affects immunocompromised patients. There are a limited number of antifungal medications available for treating IFIs, and their effectiveness is often hindered by rising resistance rates and practical limitations. Consequently, new antifungals, especially those with novel mechanisms of action, are increasingly required. This study assessed the activity of four novel antifungal agents with different mechanisms of activity, namely, manogepix, rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, and olorofim, against 100 isolates of Aspergillus section Terrei, containing amphotericin-B (AmB)-wildtype/non-wildtype and azole-susceptible/-resistant strains, according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) method. In general, all tested agents showed potent and consistent activity against the tested isolates, exhibiting geometric mean (GM) and minimum effective concentration (MEC)/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges, respectively, as follows: manogepix (0.048 mg/L, 0.032-0.5 mg/L), rezafungin (0.020 mg/L, 0.016-0.5 mg/L), ibrexafungerp (0.071 mg/L, 0.032-2 mg/L), and olorofim (0.008 mg/L, 0.008-0.032 mg/L). In terms of MIC90/MEC90, olorofim had the lowest values (0.008 mg/L), followed by rezafungin (0.032 mg/L), manogepix (0.125 mg/L), and ibrexafungerp (0.25 mg/L). All the antifungals tested demonstrated promising in vitro activity against Aspergillus section Terrei, including A. terreus as well as azole-resistant and AmB-non-wildtype cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Vahedi-Shahandashti
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jos Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Kanaujia R, Singh S, Rudramurthy SM. Aspergillosis: an Update on Clinical Spectrum, Diagnostic Schemes, and Management. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023; 17:1-12. [PMID: 37360858 PMCID: PMC10157594 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00461-5] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review gives an overview of the diseases caused by Aspergillus, including a description of the species involved and the infected clinical systems. We provide insight into the various diagnostic methods available for diagnosing aspergillosis, particularly invasive aspergillosis (IA), including the role of radiology, bronchoscopy, culture, and non-culture-based microbiological methods. We also discuss the available diagnostic algorithms for the different disease conditions. This review also summarizes the main aspects of managing infections due to Aspergillus spp., such as antifungal resistance, choice of antifungals, therapeutic drug monitoring, and new antifungal alternatives. Recent Findings The risk factors for this infection continue to evolve with the development of many biological agents that target the immune system and the increase of viral illnesses such as coronavirus disease. Due to the limitations of present mycological test methods, establishing a fast diagnosis is frequently difficult, and reports of developing antifungal resistance further complicate the management of aspergillosis. Many commercial assays, like AsperGenius®, MycAssay Aspergillus®, and MycoGENIE®, have the advantage of better species-level identification and concomitant resistance-associated mutations. Fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, and olorofim are newer antifungal agents in the pipeline exhibiting remarkable activity against Aspergillus spp. Summary The fungus Aspergillus is found ubiquitously around the world and can cause various infections, from harmless saprophytic colonization to severe IA. Understanding the diagnostic criteria to be used in different patient groups and the local epidemiological data and antifungal susceptibility profile is critical for optimal patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimjhim Kanaujia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shreya Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, Punjab India
| | - Shivaprakash M. Rudramurthy
- Mycology Division, Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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4
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Bosetti D, Neofytos D. Invasive Aspergillosis and the Impact of Azole-resistance. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023; 17:1-10. [PMID: 37360857 PMCID: PMC10024029 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review IA (invasive aspergillosis) caused by azole-resistant strains has been associated with higher clinical burden and mortality rates. We review the current epidemiology, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies of this clinical entity, with a special focus on patients with hematologic malignancies. Recent Findings There is an increase of azole resistance in Aspergillus spp. worldwide, probably due to environmental pressure and the increase of long-term azole prophylaxis and treatment in immunocompromised patients (e.g., in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients). The therapeutic approaches are challenging, due to multidrug-resistant strains, drug interactions, side effects, and patient-related conditions. Summary Rapid recognition of resistant Aspergillus spp. strains is fundamental to initiate an appropriate antifungal regimen, above all for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients. Clearly, more studies are needed in order to better understand the resistance mechanisms and optimize the diagnostic methods to identify Aspergillus spp. resistance to the existing antifungal agents/classes. More data on the susceptibility profile of Aspergillus spp. against the new classes of antifungal agents may allow for better treatment options and improved clinical outcomes in the coming years. In the meantime, continuous surveillance studies to monitor the prevalence of environmental and patient prevalence of azole resistance among Aspergillus spp. is absolutely crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bosetti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dionysios Neofytos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, Geneva, Switzerland
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5
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Martins-Santana L, Rezende CP, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM, Almeida F. Addressing Microbial Resistance Worldwide: Challenges over Controlling Life-Threatening Fungal Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020293. [PMID: 36839565 PMCID: PMC9961291 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a serious global concern because of their ability to spread and colonize host tissues in immunocompromised individuals. Such infections have been frequently reported worldwide and are currently gaining clinical research relevance owing to their resistant character, representing a bottleneck in treating affected people. Resistant fungi are an emergent public health threat. The upsurge of such pathogens has led to new research toward unraveling the destructive potential evoked by these species. Some fungi-grouped into Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus-are causative agents of severe and systemic infections. They are associated with high mortality rates and have recently been described as sources of coinfection in COVID-hospitalized patients. Despite the efforts to elucidate the challenges of colonization, dissemination, and infection severity, the immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases remains a pivotal characteristic in fungal burden elimination. The struggle between the host immune system and the physiological strategies of the fungi to maintain cellular viability is complex. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of drug resistance phenotypes in fungi of clinical significance, taking into consideration their physiopathology and how the scientific community could orchestrate their efforts to avoid fungal infection dissemination and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Martins-Santana
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Caroline Patini Rezende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Rayón-López G, Carapia-Minero N, Medina-Canales MG, García-Pérez BE, Reséndiz-Sánchez J, Pérez NO, Rodríguez-Tovar AV, Ramírez-Granillo A. Lipid-Like Biofilm from a Clinical Brain Isolate of Aspergillus terreus: Quantification, Structural Characterization and Stages of the Formation Cycle. Mycopathologia 2022; 188:35-49. [PMID: 36515766 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00692-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi have increased considerably due to the alteration of the host's immune response. Aspergillus terreus is considered an emerging pathogen and has shown resistance to amphotericin B treatment, resulting in high mortality. The development of fungal biofilm is a virulence factor, and it has been described in some cases of invasive aspergillosis. In addition, although the general composition of fungal biofilms is known, findings related to biofilms of a lipid nature are rarely reported. In this study, we present the identification of a clinical strain of A. terreus by microbiological and molecular tools, also its in vitro biofilm development capacity: (i) Biofilm formation was quantified by Crystal Violet and reduction of tetrazolium salts assays, and simultaneously the stages of biofilm development were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy in High Resolution (SEM-HR). (ii) Characterization of the organizational structure of the biofilm was performed by SEM-HR. The hyphal networks developed on the surface, the abundant air channels created between the ECM (extracellular matrix) and the hyphae fused in anastomosis were described. Also, the presence of microhyphae is reported. (iii) The chemical composition of the ECM was analyzed by SEM-HR and CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy). Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and a relevant presence of lipid components were identified. Some structures of apparent waxy appearance were highlighted by SEM-HR and backscatter-electron diffraction, for which CLSM was previously performed. To our knowledge, this work is the first description of a lipid-type biofilm in filamentous fungi, specifically of the species A. terreus from a clinical isolate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Rayón-López
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Natalee Carapia-Minero
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jesús Reséndiz-Sánchez
- Mycology Laboratory, Hospital Infantil de México "Dr. Federico Gómez", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Néstor O Pérez
- Research and Development Department Probiomed SA de CV, Tenancingo Edo. de Mex., Mexico
| | - Aída Verónica Rodríguez-Tovar
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico.
- Laboratorio de Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, ENCB-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340, México, CDMX, México.
| | - Adrián Ramírez-Granillo
- Medical Mycology Laboratory, Microbiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico.
- Clinical Laboratory Technician Academy, Centro de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos No. 6 "Miguel Othón de Mendizábal", IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
- Laboratorio de Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, ENCB-Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340, México, CDMX, México.
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7
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Cadelis M, Grey A, van de Pas S, Geese S, Weir BS, Copp B, Wiles S. Terrien, a metabolite made by Aspergillus terreus, has activity against Cryptococcus neoformans. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14239. [PMID: 36275475 PMCID: PMC9586122 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial compounds, including antibiotics, have been a cornerstone of modern medicine being able to both treat infections and prevent infections in at-risk people, including those who are immune-compromised and those undergoing routine surgical procedures. Their intense use, including in people, animals, and plants, has led to an increase in the incidence of resistant bacteria and fungi, resulting in a desperate need for novel antimicrobial compounds with new mechanisms of action. Many antimicrobial compounds in current use originate from microbial sources, such as penicillin from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (renamed by some as P. rubens). Through a collaboration with Aotearoa New Zealand Crown Research Institute Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research we have access to a collection of thousands of fungal cultures known as the International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants (ICMP). The ICMP contains both known and novel species which have not been extensively tested for their antimicrobial activity. Initial screening of ICMP isolates for activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus directed our interest towards ICMP 477, an isolate of the soil-inhabiting fungus, Aspergillus terreus. In our investigation of the secondary metabolites of A. terreus, through extraction, fractionation, and purification, we isolated nine known natural products. We evaluated the biological activity of selected compounds against various bacteria and fungi and discovered that terrein (1) has potent activity against the important human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Cadelis
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand,Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alex Grey
- Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shara van de Pas
- Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Soeren Geese
- Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bevan S. Weir
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brent Copp
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Siouxsie Wiles
- Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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8
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Rahi MS, Jindal V, Pednekar P, Parekh J, Gunasekaran K, Sharma S, Stender M, Jaiyesimi IA. Fungal infections in hematopoietic stem-cell transplant patients: a review of epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211039050. [PMID: 34434551 PMCID: PMC8381463 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211039050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of bone marrow transplant has opened doors to a different approach and
offered a new treatment modality for various hematopoietic stem-cell-related
disorders. Since the first bone marrow transplant in 1957, there has been
significant progress in managing patients who undergo bone marrow transplants.
Plasma-cell disorders, lymphoproliferative disorders, and myelodysplastic
syndrome are the most common indications for hematopoietic stem-cell transplant.
Despite the advances, invasive fungal infections remain a significant cause of
morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population. The overall incidence of
invasive fungal infection in patients with hematopoietic stem-cell transplant is
around 4%, but the mortality in patients with allogeneic stem-cell transplant is
as high as 13% in one study. Type of stem-cell transplant, conditioning regimen,
and development of graft-versus-host disease are some of the
risk factors that impact the risk and outcomes in patients with invasive fungal
infections. Aspergillus and candida remain the two most common organisms causing
invasive fungal infections. Molecular diagnostic methods have replaced some
traditional methods due to their simplicity of use and rapid turnaround time.
Primary prophylaxis has undoubtedly shown to improve outcomes even though
breakthrough infection rates remain high. The directed treatment has seen a
significant shift from amphotericin B to itraconazole, voriconazole, and
echinocandins, which have shown better efficacy and fewer adverse effects. In
this comprehensive review, we aim to detail epidemiology, risk factors,
diagnosis, and management, including prophylaxis, empiric and directed
management of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematopoietic
stem-cell transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep Singh Rahi
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
| | - Vishal Jindal
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Prachi Pednekar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Jay Parekh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Kulothungan Gunasekaran
- Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, USA
| | - Sorabh Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Banner University Medical Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Michael Stender
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Ishmael A Jaiyesimi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Oakland University-William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, USA
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9
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Abstract
Infections due to Aspergillus species are an acute threat to human health; members of the Aspergillus section Fumigati are the most frequently occurring agents, but depending on the local epidemiology, representatives of section Terrei or section Flavi are the second or third most important. Aspergillus terreus species complex is of great interest, as it is usually amphotericin B resistant and displays notable differences in immune interactions in comparison to Aspergillus fumigatus. The latest epidemiological surveys show an increased incidence of A. terreus as well as an expanding clinical spectrum (chronic infections) and new groups of at-risk patients being affected. Hallmarks of these non-Aspergillus fumigatus invasive mold infections are high potential for tissue invasion, dissemination, and possible morbidity due to mycotoxin production. We seek to review the microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of A. terreus species complex, address clinical characteristics, and highlight the underlying mechanisms of amphotericin B resistance. Selected topics will contrast key elements of A. terreus with A. fumigatus. We provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians dealing with fungal infections and researchers working on A. terreus pathogenesis, aiming to bridge the emerging translational knowledge and future therapeutic challenges on this opportunistic pathogen.
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10
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Zhou H, Larkin PMK, Zhao D, Ma Q, Yao Y, Wu X, Wang J, Zhou X, Li Y, Wang G, Feng M, Wu L, Chen J, Zhou C, Hua X, Zhou J, Yang S, Yu Y. Clinical Impact of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Diagnosis and Management of Pneumonia: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1259-1268. [PMID: 34197923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and accurate pathogen identification is necessary for appropriate treatment of pneumonia. Here, we describe the use of shotgun metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage for pathogen identification in pneumonia in a large-scale multicenter prospective study with 159 patients enrolled. We compared the results of mNGS with standard methods including culture, staining, and targeted PCR, and evaluated the clinical impact of mNGS. A positive impact was defined by a definitive diagnosis made using the mNGS results, or change of management because of the mNGS results, leading to a favorable clinical outcome. Overall, mNGS identified more organisms than standard methods (117 versus 72), detected 17 pathogens that consistently were missed in all cases by standard methods, and had an overall positive clinical impact in 40.3% (64 of 159) of cases. mNGS was especially useful in identification of fastidious and atypical organisms causing pneumonia, contributing to detection of definitive pathogens in 45 (28.3%) cases in which standard results were either negative or insufficient. mNGS also helped reassure antibiotic de-escalation in 19 (11.9%) cases. Overall, mNGS led to a change of treatment in 59 (37.1%) cases, including antibiotic de-escalation in 40 (25.2%) cases. This study showed the significant value of mNGS of bronchoalveolar lavage for improving the diagnosis of pneumonia and contributing to better patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Paige M K Larkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Yuhang Second People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yake Yao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaoli Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - XiaoHu Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The People's Hospital of Jiangshan, Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Anji People's Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Malong Feng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Fenghua People's Hospital of Ningbo, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Pulmonology and Endoscopy Center, The Children's Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinyin Chen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Zhuji People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changsheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, People's Hospital of Cangnan, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoting Hua
- Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangxin Yang
- Zhejiang-California International Nanosystems Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Molecular Diversity of Aspergilli in Two Iranian Hospitals. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:519-533. [PMID: 34052941 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00563-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Aspergillus species are main causative agents of various infections such as invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients and these infections have high mortality rates. In this study, we provide insight in the species causing aspergillosis in Iran based on morphology and sequence data. Clinical (n = 117) and environmental isolates (n = 54) collected during 2010-2016 from University hospitals in Mashhad and Tehran (Iran) were identified both morphologically and molecularly using partial calmodulin (CaM) gene sequences. Clinical cases were identified based on EORTC/MSG criteria. Aspergillus flavus (n = 96, 55%) was the most prevalent species among the clinical and environmental isolates while A. fumigatus (n = 13, 7.5%) ranked fourth after A. tubingensis (n = 23, 13%) and A. welwitchiae (n = 18, 10%). Species such as A. tubingensis, A. welwitschiae, A. fumigatus, A. sydowii, A. neoniger and A. terreus were present in both clinical and environmental samples indicating the possible environmental source of infections. Interestingly, A. niger was isolated only once. Furthermore, 13 other rare and cryptic Aspergillus species were detected. Pulmonary and respiratory disorders (n = 33), followed by transplantation (n = 23), invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (n = 14), and haematological malignancies (n = 12) were major predisposing factors. According to EORTC/MSG criteria, there were 43 probable cases identified followed by 36 cases for each of proven and possible ones. Correct molecular identification will be useful for further epidemiological studies.
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Abolghasemi S, Hakamifard A, Sharifynia S, Pourabdollah Toutkaboni M, Azhdari Tehrani H. Fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with COVID-19 due to Aspergillus terreus: A case study. Clin Case Rep 2021; 9:2414-2418. [PMID: 33936706 PMCID: PMC8077262 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.4051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Case reports of CAPA emerged. In most of the reports, the predominant species is Aspergillus fumigatus. Uncommon species are less reported. Due to poor clinical outcome with Aspergillus terreus, the increasing reports with this agent require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abolghasemi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Atousa Hakamifard
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Somayeh Sharifynia
- Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research CenterNational Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD)Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mihan Pourabdollah Toutkaboni
- Paediatric Respiratory Diseases Research CenterNational Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD)Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Azhdari Tehrani
- Department of Hematology and Medical OncologyShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Complete genome sequence of lovastatin producer Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542 and evaluation of genomic diversity among A. terreus strains. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1615-1627. [PMID: 33515286 PMCID: PMC7880949 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11133-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In the present study, the complete genome of a filamentous fungus Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542 was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. This strain is mainly recognized for being a model wild-type lovastatin producer and a parental strain of high-yielding industrial mutants. It is also a microorganism with a rich repertoire of secondary metabolites that has been a subject of numerous bioprocess-related studies. In terms of continuity, the genomic sequence provided in this work is of the highest quality among all the publicly available genomes of A. terreus strains. The comparative analysis revealed considerable diversity with regard to the catalog of biosynthetic gene clusters found in A. terreus. Even though the cluster of lovastatin biosynthesis was found to be well-conserved at the species level, several unique genes putatively associated with metabolic functions were detected in A. terreus ATCC 20542 that were not detected in other investigated genomes. The analysis was conducted also in the context of the primary metabolic pathways (sugar catabolism, biomass degradation potential, organic acid production), where the visible differences in gene copy numbers were detected. However, the species-level genomic diversity of A. terreus was more evident for secondary metabolism than for the well-conserved primary metabolic pathways. The newly sequenced genome of A. terreus ATCC 20542 was found to harbor several unique sequences, which can be regarded as interesting subjects for future experimental efforts on A. terreus metabolism and fungal biosynthetic capabilities. Key points • The high-quality genome of Aspergillus terreus ATCC 20542 has been assembled and annotated. • Comparative analysis with other sequenced Aspergillus terreus strains has revealed considerable diversity in biosynthetic gene repertoire, especially related to secondary metabolism. • The unique genomic features of A. terreus ATCC 20542 are discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11133-0.
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Yoshii N, Yamada K, Niki M, Imoto W, Yamairi K, Shibata W, Namikawa H, Sakatoku K, Sato K, Nakai T, Yamada K, Watanabe T, Asai K, Kakeya H, Kawaguchi T. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus terreus diagnosed using virtual bronchoscopic navigation and endobronchial ultrasonography with guide sheath and successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B. Infection 2021; 49:1049-1054. [PMID: 33389698 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-020-01545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is a significant cause of mortality in patients with hematological malignancy. Early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) by bronchoscopy is recommended but is often difficult to perform because of small lesion size and bleeding risk due to thrombocytopenia. A 71-year-old woman had received initial induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. On day 22 of chemotherapy, she had a high fever, and the chest computed tomography scan revealed a 20-mm-sized nodule with a halo sign. Bronchoscopy assisted by virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN) and endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was performed, and Aspergillus terreus was identified from the culture of obtained specimens. A. terreus is often resistant to amphotericin B; thus, voriconazole is usually recommended for treatment. However, the obtained A. terreus isolate showed minimal inhibitory concentrations of 2 µg/mL for voriconazole and 0.5 µg/mL for amphotericin B. Therefore, the patient was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B. For patients suspected of having IPA, early diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing are very important. This case suggests that bronchoscopy using VBN and EBUS-GS is helpful for accurate diagnosis and successful treatment even if the lesion is small and the patient has a bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Yoshii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan. .,Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Koichi Yamada
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka City University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Niki
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka City University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Waki Imoto
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushi Yamairi
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Wataru Shibata
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka City University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Namikawa
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Medical Education and General Practice, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sakatoku
- Department of Hematology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kanako Sato
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Nakai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Watanabe
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Asai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kakeya
- Department of Infection Control Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Infection Control and Prevention, Osaka City University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kawaguchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3, Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
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Kobayashi T, Lawler E, Samra H, Ford B, Sekar P. Prosthetic Finger Joint Infection Due to Aspergillus terreus. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 8:ofaa614. [PMID: 33511236 PMCID: PMC7813175 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are rare but associated with significant mortality. We report a case of a finger PJI secondary to Aspergillus terreus in an immunocompetent patient with soil exposure, successfully treated with surgical debridement and voriconazole. Identification of A terreus is important because of intrinsic amphotericin B resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Kobayashi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ericka Lawler
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Hasan Samra
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Bradley Ford
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Poorani Sekar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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16
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Liu JW, Liu PY, Lai KL. Aspergillus terreus septic arthritis and pyomyositis of shoulder. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:1153-1154. [PMID: 33115625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jai-Wen Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yu Liu
- Division of Infection, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Lung Lai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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17
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Arastehfar A, Lass-Flörl C, Garcia-Rubio R, Daneshnia F, Ilkit M, Boekhout T, Gabaldon T, Perlin DS. The Quiet and Underappreciated Rise of Drug-Resistant Invasive Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E138. [PMID: 32824785 PMCID: PMC7557958 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are attributable to a significant economic burden and mortality worldwide. Antifungal treatments, although limited in number, play a pivotal role in decreasing mortality and morbidities posed by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). However, the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris and Candida glabrata and acquiring invasive infections due to azole-resistant C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and Aspergillus spp. in azole-naïve patients pose a serious health threat considering the limited number of systemic antifungals available to treat IFIs. Although advancing for major fungal pathogens, the understanding of fungal attributes contributing to antifungal resistance is just emerging for several clinically important MDR fungal pathogens. Further complicating the matter are the distinct differences in antifungal resistance mechanisms among various fungal species in which one or more mechanisms may contribute to the resistance phenotype. In this review, we attempt to summarize the burden of antifungal resistance for selected non-albicansCandida and clinically important Aspergillus species together with their phylogenetic placement on the tree of life. Moreover, we highlight the different molecular mechanisms between antifungal tolerance and resistance, and comprehensively discuss the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in a species level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Farnaz Daneshnia
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, University of Çukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey;
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (F.D.); (T.B.)
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toni Gabaldon
- Life Sciences Programme, Barcelona, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), 08024 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
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AL-Khikani FHO. Amphotericin B from antifungal to antiviral therapy: promising modern therapeutic branch. RESEARCH RESULTS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.3897/rrpharmacology.6.53649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Amphotericin B (AmB) which belongs to the polyene group has a wide spectrum in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity against fungi and parasites, but resistance to AmB is rare despite extensive use.
Material and methods: Atotal of 2530 articles were investigated in PubMed (n = 1525), Medline (n = 705), and Google Scholar (n = 300). From 2530 articles, only 61 studies were included in this review. All the short and full articles were searched that were scheduled to be published until April 2020.
Results: After its discovery, AmB has been one of the most common first-line choices in treating systemic fungal infection for over seven decades from its discovery. Recently, some studies have focused on the potential antimicrobial action of AmB against some enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, herpes simplex virus, and Rubella virus.
Discussion: Among the invading pathogens, viruses constitute the most common ones,Due to the continuous spreading of viral infections with the rise in death numbers, new therapeutics development is urgent, as in general, some lethal viruses have no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines. So, this review may serve as an impetus for researchers working in the field of medical microbiology, vaccination, and antiviral drug design by discussing the most recent information about the antiviral action of AmB, as well as trying to provide a deeper understanding of major properties, mechanisms of action, immune system responses, and antimicrobial efficiency of AmB.
Conclusion: Since AmB is expected to alter the structure of the viral envelope, membrane integrity of cells, and internal cellular organelles, besides its other unique properties, such as host immunomodulatory effects, this review suggested that AmB as an effective anti-fungi drug may hold the promise of formulating a novel therapeutic option to treat many dangerous viruses, including those for treating which there are no active drugs or vaccines.
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Ahmad KS, Gul P. Fungicide isopyrazam degradative response toward extrinsically added fungal and bacterial strains. J Basic Microbiol 2020; 60:484-493. [PMID: 32314411 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201900687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current research is a pioneer in the evaluation of isopyrazam biodegradation, which has been performed utilizing soil-isolated microbes. Biodisintegrative assays of pure fungal strains, namely Aspergillus flavus (AF), Penicillium chrysogenum (PC), Aspergillus niger (AN), Aspergillus terreus (AT), and Aspergillus fumigatus (AFu), and bacterial strains, namely Xanthomonas axonopodis (XA) and Pseudomonas syringae (PS), were utilized. Initial isopyrazam concentration (10 mg/L) was prepared with an individual microbial suspension and monitored for 35 days. Isopyrazam biotransformation was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by UV-visible spectrophotometery and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. P. syringae (R2 = 0.90) and X. axonopodis (R2 = 0.88) displayed maximal potential to metabolize the fungicide (86% and 80%, respectively) while forming intermediate metabolites, including 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid ((S)-9-hydroxy-9-isopropyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5-yl)-amide, 3-difluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid, and 3-difluoromethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-amide. Isopyrazam degradation by all strains, AT, PC, AFu, AN, AF, XA, and PS, was found to be 11%, 18%, 21%, 21%, 18%, 30%, 80%, and 86%, respectively, after 35 days, elucidating the effectiveness of all the utilized strains in degrading isopyrazam at varying rates. The descending order of half-lives (days) obtained is as follows: AT (56.8) > PC (44.7) > AFu (40.7) > AN (39.6) > AF (32.6) > XA (28.1) > PS (21) days. Current research can influence imperative and significant environment-friendly bioremedial strategies for xenobiotic eradication from the ecological compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuram Shahzad Ahmad
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Palwasha Gul
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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Lackner M, Obermair J, Naschberger V, Raschbichler LM, Kandelbauer C, Pallua J, Metzlaff J, Furxer S, Lass-Flörl C, Binder U. Cryptic species of Aspergillus section Terrei display essential physiological features to cause infection and are similar in their virulence potential in Galleria mellonella. Virulence 2020; 10:542-554. [PMID: 31169442 PMCID: PMC6592363 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2019.1614382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species account for the majority of invasive mold infections in immunocompromised patients. Most commonly, members of the Aspergillus section Fumigati are isolated from clinical material, followed by isolates belonging to section Terrei. The section Terrei contains 16 accepted species. Six species were found to be of clinical relevance and studied for differences in growth adaptability and virulence potential. Therefore, a set of 73 isolates (22 A. terreus s.s., 8 A. alabamensis, 27 A. citrinoterreus, 2 A. floccosus, 13 A. hortai, and 1 A. neoafricanus) was studied to determine differences in (a) germination kinetics, (b) temperature tolerance, (c) oxygen stress tolerance (1% O2), and (d) a combination of the latter two. Virulence potential of phialidic (PC) and accessory conidia (AC) was studied in G. mellonella larvae, using survival as read out. Further, the formation of AC was evaluated in larval tissue. All isolates were able to grow at elevated temperature and hypoxia, with highest growth and germination rates at 37°C. A. terreus s.s., A. citrinoterreus, and A. hortai exhibited highest growth rates. Virulence potential in larvae was inoculum and temperature dependent. All species except A. floccosus formed AC and germination kinetics of AC was variable. Significantly higher virulence potential of AC was found for one A. hortai isolate. AC could be detected in larval tissue 96 h post infection. Based on these findings, cryptic species of section Terrei are well adapted to the host environment and have similar potential to cause infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Lackner
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Judith Obermair
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Verena Naschberger
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | | | - Carmen Kandelbauer
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Johannes Pallua
- b Department of Pathology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Julia Metzlaff
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Sibylle Furxer
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Ulrike Binder
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University Innsbruck , Austria
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Two small, cysteine-rich and cationic antifungal proteins from Penicillium chrysogenum: A comparative study of PAF and PAFB. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183246. [PMID: 32142818 PMCID: PMC7138148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Q176 secretes the antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) PAF and PAFB, which share a compact disulfide-bond mediated, β-fold structure rendering them highly stable. These two AMPs effectively inhibit the growth of human pathogenic fungi in micromolar concentrations and exhibit antiviral potential without causing cytotoxic effects on mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo. The antifungal mechanism of action of both AMPs is closely linked to - but not solely dependent on - the lipid composition of the fungal cell membrane and requires a strictly regulated protein uptake into the cell, indicating that PAF and PAFB are not canonical membrane active proteins. Variations in their antifungal spectrum and their killing dynamics point towards a divergent mode of action related to their physicochemical properties and surface charge distribution. In this review, we relate characteristic features of PAF and PAFB to the current knowledge about other AMPs of different sources. In addition, we present original data that have never been published before to substantiate our assumptions and provide evidences that help to explain and understand better the mechanistic function of PAF and PAFB. Finally, we underline the promising potential of PAF and PAFB as future antifungal therapeutics. Penicillium chrysogenum secretes the small, cysteine-rich proteins PAF and PAFB. Both exhibit antifungal activity, but with differences in their mode of action. Structure, membrane interaction and cellular uptake determine their function. PAF and PAFB are well tolerated by mammalian cells. They promise applicability in medicine, plant protection and food industry.
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Abstract
The study of hospital wastewater (HWW) microbiology is important to understand the pollution load, growth of particular pathogenic microbes, shift and drift in microbial community, development and spread of antibiotic resistance in microbes, and subsequent change in treatment efficiencies. This chapter investigates the potential microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites present in HWW along with the diseases associated and methods of treatment used. Due to the indiscriminate release of antibiotics from hospitals, HWW serves as a hotspot for emergence of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistance bacteria. This chapter discusses the ARGs occurrence in HWW, their prevalence in the environment, the molecular tools used for identification, and different mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. Thus better understanding of the microbiology of HWW could further help in development of advanced treatment technologies for effective removal of microbes and their bioproducts (toxins and infectious nucleic acid) from HWW and contaminated water.
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Vahedi Shahandashti R, Lass-Flörl C. Antifungal resistance in Aspergillus terreus: A current scenario. Fungal Genet Biol 2019; 131:103247. [PMID: 31247322 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2019.103247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis caused by intrinsically resistant non-fumigatus Aspergillus species displays a poor outcome in immunocompromised patients. The polyene antifungal amphotericin B (AmB) remains to be "gold standard" in the treatment of invasive fungal infections. Aspergillus terreus is innately resistant to AmB, in vivo and in vitro. Till now, the exact mode of action in polyene resistance is not well understood. This review highlights the underlying molecular basis of AmB resistance in A. terreus, displaying data obtained from AmB susceptible A. terreus and AmB resistant A. terreus strains. The effect of AmB on main cellular and molecular functions such as fungal respiration and stress response pathways will be discussed in detail and resistance mechanisms will be highlighted. The fungal stress response machinery seems to be a major player in the onset of AmB resistance in A. terreus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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24
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Special Issue: Treatments for Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040135. [PMID: 30545148 PMCID: PMC6308925 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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