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Su K, Liang Z, Zhang S, Liao W, Gu J, Guo Y, Li G, An T. The abundance and pathogenicity of microbes in automobile air conditioning filters across the typical cities of China and Europe. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134459. [PMID: 38691999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosols are widely distributed in urban air and can be transmitted across the atmosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere, resulting in infectious diseases. Automobile air conditioning (AAC) filters can trap airborne microbes. In this study, AAC filters were used to investigate the abundance and pathogenicity of airborne microorganisms in typical Chinese and European cities. Culturable bacteria and fungi concentrations were determined using microbial culturing. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze microbial community structures. The levels of culturable bioaerosols in Chinese and European cities exhibited disparities (Analysis of Variance, P < 0.01). The most dominant pathogenic bacteria and fungi were similar in Chinese (Mycobacterium: 18.2-18.9 %; Cladosporium: 23.0-30.2 %) and European cities (Mycobacterium: 15.4-37.7 %; Cladosporium: 18.1-29.3 %). Bartonella, Bordetella, Alternaria, and Aspergillus were also widely identified. BugBase analysis showed that microbiomes in China exhibited higher abundances of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and biofilm formation capacity than those in Europe, indicating higher health risks. Through co-occurrence network analysis, heavy metals such as zinc were found to correlate with microorganism abundance; most bacteria were inversely associated, while fungi exhibited greater tolerance, indicating that heavy metals affect the growth and reproduction of bioaerosol microorganisms. This study elucidates the influence of social and environmental factors on shaping microbial community structures, offering practical insights for preventing and controlling regional bioaerosol pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaifei Su
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhishu Liang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Simeng Zhang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wen Liao
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianwei Gu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yunlong Guo
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guiying Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory for City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development of the Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Gewecke A, Hare RK, Salgård C, Kyndi L, Høg M, Petersen G, Nahimana D, Abou-Chakra N, Knudsen JD, Rosendahl S, Vissing NH, Arendrup MC. A single-source nosocomial outbreak of Aspergillus flavus uncovered by genotyping. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0027324. [PMID: 38888358 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00273-24] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
During construction work (2017-2019), an increase in Aspergillus flavus infections was noted among pediatric patients, the majority of whom were receiving amphotericin B prophylaxis. Microsatellite genotyping was used to characterize the outbreak. A total of 153 A. flavus isolates of clinical and environmental origin were included. Clinical isolates included 140 from 119 patients. Eight patients were outbreak-related patients, whereas 111 were outbreak-unrelated patients from Danish hospitals (1994-2023). We further included four control strains. Nine A. flavus isolates were from subsequent air sampling in the outbreak ward (2022-2023). Typing followed Rudramurthy et al.(S. M. Rudramurthy, H. A. de Valk, A. Chakrabarti, J. Meis, and C. H. W. Klaassen, PLoS One 6:e16086, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016086). Minimum spanning tree (MST) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were used for cluster analysis. DAPC analysis placed all 153 isolates in five clusters. Microsatellite marker pattern was clearly distinct for one cluster compared to the others. The same cluster was observed in an MST. This cluster included all outbreak isolates, air-sample isolates, and additional patient isolates from the outbreak hospital, previously undisclosed as outbreak related. The highest air prevalence of A. flavus was found in two technical risers of the outbreak ward, which were then sealed. Follow-up air samples were negative for A. flavus. Microsatellite typing defined the outbreak as nosocomial and facilitated the identification of an in-hospital source. Six months of follow-up air sampling was without A. flavus. Outbreak-related/non-related isolates were easily distinguished with DAPC and MST, as the outbreak clone's distinct marker pattern was delineated in both statistical analyses. Thus, it could be a variant of A. flavus, with a niche ability to thrive in the outbreak-hospital environment. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus can cause severe infections and hospital outbreaks in immunocompromised individuals. Although lack of isogeneity does not preclude an outbreak, our study underlines the value of microsatellite genotyping in the setting of potential A. flavus outbreaks. Microsatellite genotyping documented an isogenic hospital outbreak with an internal source. This provided the "smoking gun" that prompted the rapid allocation of resources for thorough environmental sampling, the results of which guided immediate and relevant cleaning and source control measures. Consequently, we advise that vulnerable patients should be protected from exposure and that genotyping be included early in potential A. flavus outbreak investigations. Inspection and sampling are recommended at any site where airborne spores might disperse from. This includes rarely accessed areas where air communication to the hospital ward cannot be disregarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gewecke
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Krøger Hare
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Salgård
- Department for Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Kyndi
- Department for Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Høg
- Department for Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Petersen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Nahimana
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N Abou-Chakra
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J D Knudsen
- Department for Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Rosendahl
- Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department for Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - N H Vissing
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M C Arendrup
- Mycology Unit, Department for Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Wawrzyk A, Poskrobko J, Guzińska K, Kaźmierczak D, Papis A, Jastrzębiowska N, Uroda N, Szymankiewicz M, Zeljaś D, Wawrzyk-Bochenek I, Wilczyński S. Analysis of the Surface of Historic Fabric from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum after Treatment with Ethanol Mist Used to Eliminate Microorganisms Harmful to Human Health. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:2323. [PMID: 38793390 PMCID: PMC11122998 DOI: 10.3390/ma17102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM the aim of the work was to present the changes occurring on the model and historical cotton surface of cotton resulting from disinfection with 90% ethanol mist. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples of historical materials consisted of fabric elements from suitcases stored in A-BSM. A mist of 90% ethanol was applied for 15 s at a distance of 16 cm from the surface. The spectra of cotton samples before and after ethanol application were recorded using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Analyses of the surface layers were performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). RESULTS the decontamination performed did not show any significant differences in the chemical composition and surface structure of cotton before and after the use of 90% ethanol mist. CONCLUSIONS Ethanol mist, which eliminates microorganisms from the historical surface, does not cause significant changes to the surface of historical objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wawrzyk
- Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia in Zabrze, M. Curie Skłodowskiej 10C Str., 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
| | - Janina Poskrobko
- The Department of Textile Conservation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028, USA;
| | - Krystyna Guzińska
- Lukasiewicz Research Network-Lodz Institute of Technology, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dorota Kaźmierczak
- Lukasiewicz Research Network-Lodz Institute of Technology, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 19/27, 90-570 Lodz, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Papis
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
| | - Nel Jastrzębiowska
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
| | - Natalia Uroda
- Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Więźniów Oświęcimia 20, 32-603 Oświęcim, Poland
| | - Maria Szymankiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. F. Łukaszczyk Oncology Centre, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Dagmara Zeljaś
- Department of Drilling and Geoengineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Krakow, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Iga Wawrzyk-Bochenek
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Kasztanowa 3, 41-205 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Sławomir Wilczyński
- Department of Basic Biomedical Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Kasztanowa 3, 41-205 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Zhang X, Wen M, Li G, Wang S. Chitin Deacetylase Homologous Gene cda Contributes to Development and Aflatoxin Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:217. [PMID: 38787069 PMCID: PMC11125919 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16050217] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall serves as the primary interface between fungi and their external environment, providing protection and facilitating interactions with the surroundings. Chitin is a vital structural element in fungal cell wall. Chitin deacetylase (CDA) can transform chitin into chitosan through deacetylation, providing various biological functions across fungal species. Although this modification is widespread in fungi, the biological functions of CDA enzymes in Aspergillus flavus remain largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biofunctions of the CDA family in A. flavus. The A. flavus genome contains six annotated putative chitin deacetylases. We constructed knockout strains targeting each member of the CDA family, including Δcda1, Δcda2, Δcda3, Δcda4, Δcda5, and Δcda6. Functional analyses revealed that the deletion of CDA family members neither significantly affects the chitin content nor exhibits the expected chitin deacetylation function in A. flavus. However, the Δcda6 strain displayed distinct phenotypic characteristics compared to the wild-type (WT), including an increased conidia count, decreased mycelium production, heightened aflatoxin production, and impaired seed colonization. Subcellular localization experiments indicated the cellular localization of CDA6 protein within the cell wall of A. flavus filaments. Moreover, our findings highlight the significance of the CBD1 and CBD2 structural domains in mediating the functional role of the CDA6 protein. Overall, we analyzed the gene functions of CDA family in A. flavus, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying aflatoxin contamination and lay the groundwork for potential biocontrol strategies targeting A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Pathogenic, Fungi and Mycotoxins of Fujian Province, School of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (X.Z.); (M.W.); (G.L.)
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5
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Calise DG, Park SC, Bok JW, Goldman GH, Keller NP. An oxylipin signal confers protection against antifungal echinocandins in pathogenic aspergilli. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3770. [PMID: 38704366 PMCID: PMC11069582 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48231-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading causative agent of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. One antifungal class used to treat Aspergillus infections is the fungistatic echinocandins, semisynthetic drugs derived from naturally occurring fungal lipopeptides. By inhibiting beta-1,3-glucan synthesis, echinocandins cause both fungistatic stunting of hyphal growth and repeated fungicidal lysis of apical tip compartments. Here, we uncover an endogenous mechanism of echinocandin tolerance in A. fumigatus whereby the inducible oxylipin signal 5,8-diHODE confers protection against tip lysis via the transcription factor ZfpA. Treatment of A. fumigatus with echinocandins induces 5,8-diHODE synthesis by the fungal oxygenase PpoA in a ZfpA dependent manner resulting in a positive feedback loop. This protective 5,8-diHODE/ZfpA signaling relay is conserved among diverse isolates of A. fumigatus and in two other Aspergillus pathogens. Our findings reveal an oxylipin-directed growth program-possibly arisen through natural encounters with native echinocandin producing fungi-that enables echinocandin tolerance in pathogenic aspergilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante G Calise
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sung Chul Park
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jin Woo Bok
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Human Pathogenic Fungi, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nancy P Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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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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Kim YM, Park SC, Yoon Y, Jang MK, Lee JR. Effect of tryptophan position and lysine/arginine substitution in antimicrobial peptides on antifungal action. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149700. [PMID: 38401304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149700] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Every year, the overprescription, misuse, and improper disposal of antibiotics have led to the rampant development of drug-resistant pathogens and, in turn, a significant increase in the number of patients who die of drug-resistant fungal infections. Recently, researchers have begun investigating the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as next-generation antifungal agents to inhibit the growth of drug-resistant fungi. The antifungal activity of alpha-helical peptides designed using the cationic amino acids containing lysine and arginine and the hydrophobic amino acids containing isoleucine and tryptophan were evaluated using 10 yeast and mold fungi. Among these peptides, WIK-14, which is composed of a 14-mer with tryptophan sequences at the amino terminus, showed the best antifungal activity via transient pore formation and ROS generation. In addition, the in vivo antifungal effects of WIK-14 were investigated in a mouse model infected with drug-resistant Candida albicans. The results demonstrate the potential of AMPs as antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongsang Yoon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam, 57922, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon, 33657, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Peng D, Li A, Kong M, Mao C, Sun Y, Shen M. Pathogenic Aspergillus Strains Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Analysis of 452 Cases with Otomycosis in Jingzhou, China. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:30. [PMID: 38578519 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00836-3] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the distribution of pathogenic Aspergillus strains of otomycosis in central China and the identification of their antifungal sensitivity. METHODS We collected external ear canal secretions clinically diagnosed as otomycosis from April 2020 to January 2023 from the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in central China. The pathogenic Aspergillus strains were identified through morphological examination and sequencing. The antifungal sensitivity was performed using the broth microdilution method described in the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute document M38-A3. RESULTS In the 452 clinical strains isolated from the external ear canal, 284 were identified as Aspergillus terreus (62.83%), 92 as Aspergillus flavus (20.35%), 55 as Aspergillus niger (12.17%). In antifungal susceptibility tests the MIC of Aspergillus strains to bifonazole and clotrimazole was high,all the MIC90 is > 16 ug/mL. However, most Aspergillus isolates show moderate greatly against terbinafine, itraconazole and voriconazole. CONCLUSION A. terreus is the most common pathogenic Aspergillus strain in otomycosis in central China. The selected topical antifungal drugs were bifonazole and clotrimazole; the drug resistance rate was approximately 30%. If the infection is persistent and requires systemic treatment, terbinafine and itraconazole can be used. The resistance of Aspergillus in otomycosis to voriconazole should be screened to avoid the systemic spread of infection in immunocompromised people and poor compliance with treatment. However, the pan-azole-resistant strain of Aspergillus should be monitored, particularly in high-risk patients with otomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Aimin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mengdan Kong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Chenggang Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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9
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Su J, Liang Y, He X. Global, regional, and national burden and trends analysis of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer from 1990 to 2019 and predictions to 2030: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1384314. [PMID: 38638933 PMCID: PMC11024434 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1384314] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Our aim was to explore the disease burden caused by gallbladder and biliary tract cancer globally, regionally, and nationally, by age and sex. Methods The absolute number of cases and age-standardized rates (ASR) of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to gallbladder and biliary tract cancer were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. We estimated the trends in disease burden by calculating the percentage change in the absolute number of cases and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in ASR, by social development index (SDI), region, nation, sex, and age. Results From 1990 to 2019, the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, deaths, and DALYs worldwide significantly increased by 1.85-fold, 1.92-fold, 1.82-fold, and 1.68-fold, respectively. However, the age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs tend to decrease globally over time. Nevertheless, heterogeneous disease burden patterns exist between geographic regions due to different geographical risk factors, distinct epidemiologically predominant gallbladder and biliary tract cancer subtypes, and potential genetic predispositions or ethnicity. Additionally, socioeconomic status mediates the regional variation in disease burden, with increasing SDI or HDI scores associated with downward trends in the age-standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Older individuals and females are at higher risk of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, but the increasing burden of early-onset gallbladder and biliary tract cancer is a cause for concern, especially for those living in lower SDI areas and males. High BMI is the primary risk factors underlying gallbladder and biliary tract cancer, accounted for 15.2% of deaths and 15.7% DALYs globally in 2019. Conclusion Our study comprehensively elucidated the distribution and dynamic trends of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer burden over the past three decades, from multiple dimensions. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle as a population-level cancer prevention strategy and tailoring cancer control actions based on localized risk factors and the epidemic profiles of gallbladder and biliary tract cancer by anatomical subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Su
- Department of Biochemistry, Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Yuanhao Liang
- Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Clinical Biobanks and Translational Research, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaofeng He
- Institute of Evidence-Based Medicine, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
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Zhuo Q, Shi C, Geng Q, Wang S, Wang B, Zhang N, Yang K, Tian J. Role of mitochondrial farnesyltransferase gene in the prevention of the food spoilage fungi Aspergillus flavus by the antimicrobial natural preservative perillaldehyde. Food Microbiol 2024; 118:104422. [PMID: 38049276 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104422] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus, one of the most widely distributed and abundant genus of Aspergillus worldwide, poses an evident threat as a source of food contamination in grains and cereals. Perillaldehyde (PAE), a volatile essential oil extracted from the stem and leaves of Perilla frutescens L., exhibits potent antifungal activity. In our study, we investigated the role of Cox10, a key enzyme in the heme A synthesis pathway crucial for maintaining mitochondrial function. We found that cox10 is a sensitive gene of A. flavus in response to PAE by gene expression assay and GFP fluorescent localization tagging, and then we found that the deletion of this gene affects the growth and development of A. flavus, but the drug resistance is elevated. Through transcriptome sequencing and its experimental validation, the molecular mechanisms of stress triggered by the deletion of cox10 were further clarified, such as the decrease in intracellular drug content due to the increase in the expression of drug efflux proteins, and the increase in the thickness of cell wall due to the increase in the content of cell wall chitin. Clearly, cox10 plays a critical role in regulating various cellular processes of A. flavus, including growth, reproduction, development, as well as pathogenicity and drug resistance. These significant findings establish a solid theoretical foundation for the development of environmentally friendly, safe, and effective antifungal agents to combat A. flavus contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhan Zhuo
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Chenchen Shi
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Qingru Geng
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Shan Wang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ninghui Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Kunlong Yang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jun Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
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11
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Zhou S, Ismail MAI, Aimanianda V, de Hoog GS, Kang Y, Ahmed SA. Aflatoxin profiles of Aspergillus flavus isolates in Sudanese fungal rhinosinusitis. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae034. [PMID: 38578660 PMCID: PMC11040519 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae034] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a commonly encountered pathogen responsible for fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) in arid regions. The species is known to produce aflatoxins, posing a significant risk to human health. This study aimed to investigate the aflatoxin profiles of A. flavus isolates causing FRS in Sudan. A total of 93 clinical and 34 environmental A. flavus isolates were studied. Aflatoxin profiles were evaluated by phenotypic (thin-layer and high-performance chromatography) and genotypic methods at various temperatures and substrates. Gene expression of aflD and aflR was also analyzed. A total of 42/93 (45%) isolates were positive for aflatoxin B1 and AFB2 by HPLC. When the incubation temperature changed from 28°C to 36°C, the number of positive isolates decreased to 41% (38/93). Genetic analysis revealed that 85% (79/93) of clinical isolates possessed all seven aflatoxin biosynthesis-associated genes, while 27% (14/51) of non-producing isolates lacked specific genes (aflD/aflR/aflS). Mutations were observed in aflS and aflR genes across both aflatoxin-producers and non-producers. Gene expression of aflD and aflR showed the highest expression between the 4th and 6th days of incubation on the Sabouraud medium and on the 9th day of incubation on the RPMI (Roswell Park Memorial Institute) medium. Aspergillus flavus clinical isolates demonstrated aflatoxigenic capabilities, influenced by incubation temperature and substrate. Dynamic aflD and aflR gene expression patterns over time enriched our understanding of aflatoxin production regulation. The overall findings underscored the health risks of Sudanese patients infected by this species, emphasizing the importance of monitoring aflatoxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zhou
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou, Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Education Department of Guizhou, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, 561113, Guiyang, China
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mawahib A I Ismail
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, University of Khartoum, 11115, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Universite ´ Paris Cite ´ 75015, Paris, France
| | - G Sybren de Hoog
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 1214 GP, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - Yingqian Kang
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education of Guizhou, Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Education Department of Guizhou, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, 561113, Guiyang, China
| | - Sarah A Ahmed
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, 1214 GP, Hilversum, The Netherlands
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12
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Dumic I, Caetano EM, Domingues SM, Pantic I, Radovanovic M, Prada LR, Nordstrom CW, Antic M, Milovanovic T, Kotseva M, Singh A, Fnu S. Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with liver abscess due to Aspergillus spp: a systematic review of published cases. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:345. [PMID: 38519916 PMCID: PMC10960385 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09226-y] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus spp liver abscess is a relatively rare entity and thus far no systematic review has been performed examining patients' demographics, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and outcome. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE and LILACS databases. We searched for articles published in the period from January 1990 to December 24, 2022, to identify patients who developed liver abscesses due to Aspergillus spp. RESULTS Our search yielded 21 patients all of whom had invasive aspergillosis confirmed on liver biopsy. Of these patients 81% were adults, and 60% were males. The majority (86%) of patients were immunocompromised and 95% had symptomatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The most common symptoms were fever (79%), abdominal pain (47%), and constitutional symptoms (weight loss, chills, night sweats, fatigue) (38%). Liver enzymes were elevated in 50%, serum galactomannan was positive in 57%, and fungal blood cultures were positive in only 11%. Co-infection with other pathogens preceded development of apsergillosis in one-third of patients, and the majority of the abscesses (43%) were cryptogenic. In the remaining patients with known source, 28% of patients developed liver abscess through dissemination from the lungs, 19% through the portal vein system, and in 10% liver abscess developed through contiguous spread. The most common imaging modality was abdominal computerized tomography done in 86% of patients. Solitary abscess was present in 52% of patients while 48% had multiple abscesses. Inadequate initial empiric therapy was prescribed in 60% of patients and in 44% of patients definite treatment included combination therapy with two or more antifungal agents. Percutaneous drainage of the abscesses was done in 40% of patients, while 20% required liver resection for the treatment of the abscess. Overall mortality was very high at 38%. CONCLUSION Further studies are urgently needed for a better understanding of pathophysiology of liver aspergillosis and for developement of newer blood markers in order to expedite diagnosis and decrease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Dumic
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA.
| | | | | | - Ivana Pantic
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Radovanovic
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Libardo Rueda Prada
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles W Nordstrom
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Marina Antic
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Tamara Milovanovic
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Magdalena Kotseva
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Franciscan Health, Olympia Fields, IL, USA
| | - Amteshwar Singh
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shweta Fnu
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, WI, USA
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13
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Indari O, Ghosh S, Bal AS, James A, Garg M, Mishra A, Karmodiya K, Jha HC. Awakening the sleeping giant: Epstein-Barr virus reactivation by biological agents. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae002. [PMID: 38281067 PMCID: PMC10901609 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae002] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may cause harm in immunocompromised conditions or on stress stimuli. Various chemical agents have been utilized to induce the lytic cycle in EBV-infected cells. However, apart from chemical agents and external stress stimuli, certain infectious agents may reactivate the EBV. In addition, the acute infection of other pathogens may provide suitable conditions for EBV to thrive more and planting the roots for EBV-associated pathologies. Various bacteria such as periodontal pathogens like Aggregatibacter, Helicobacter pylori, etc. have shown to induce EBV reactivation either by triggering host cells directly or indirectly. Viruses such as Human simplex virus-1 (HSV) induce EBV reactivation by HSV US3 kinase while other viruses such as HIV, hepatitis virus, and even novel SARS-CoV-2 have also been reported to cause EBV reactivation. The eukaryotic pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum and Aspergillus flavus can also reactivate EBV either by surface protein interaction or as an impact of aflatoxin, respectively. To highlight the underexplored niche of EBV reactivation by biological agents, we have comprehensively presented the related information in this review. This may help to shedding the light on the research gaps as well as to unveil yet unexplored mechanisms of EBV reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkar Indari
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, United States
| | - Subhrojyoti Ghosh
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Adhiraj Singh Bal
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Ajay James
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Mehek Garg
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342037, India
| | - Krishanpal Karmodiya
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Infection Bioengineering Group, Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol Campus, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
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14
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Kumar M, Parveen, Raj N, Khatoon S, Fakhri KU, Kumar P, Alamri MA, Kamal M, Manzoor N, Harsha, Solanki R, Elossaily GM, Asiri YI, Hassan MZ, Kapur MK. In-silico and in-vitro evaluation of antifungal bioactive compounds from Streptomyces sp. strain 130 against Aspergillus flavus. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-19. [PMID: 38319066 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2313167] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Streptomyces spp. are considered excellent reservoirs of natural bioactive compounds. The study evaluated the bioactive potential of secondary metabolites from Streptomyces sp. strain 130 through PKS-I and NRPS gene-clusters screening. GC-MS analysis was done for metabolic profiling of bioactive compounds from strain 130 in the next set of experiments. Identified antifungal compounds underwent ADMET analyses to screen their toxicity. All compounds' molecular docking was done with the structural gene products of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway of Aspergillus flavus. MD simulations were utilized to evaluate the stability of protein-ligand complexes under physiological conditions. Based on the in-silico studies, compound 2,4-di-tert butyl-phenol (DTBP) was selected for in-vitro studies against Aspergillus flavus. Simultaneously, bioactive compounds were extracted from strain 130 in two different solvents (ethyl-acetate and methanol) and used for similar assays. The MIC value of DTBP was found to be 314 µg/mL, whereas in ethyl-acetate extract and methanol-extract, it was 250 and 350 µg/mL, respectively. A mycelium growth assay was done to analyze the effect of compounds/extracts on the mycelium formation of Aspergillus flavus. In agar diffusion assay, zone of inhibitions in DTBP, ethyl-acetate extract, and methanol extract were observed with diameters of 11.3, 13.3, and 7.6 mm, respectively. In the growth curve assay, treated samples have delayed the growth of fungi, which signified that the compounds have a fungistatic nature. Spot assay has determined the fungal sensitivity to a sub-minimum inhibitory concentration of antifungal compounds. The study's results suggested that DTBP can be exploited for antifungal-drug development.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munendra Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, India
| | - Parveen
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Nafis Raj
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shabana Khatoon
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Prateek Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Mubarak A Alamri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mehnaz Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikhat Manzoor
- Medical Mycology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Harsha
- Microbial Technology Lab, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, India New Delhi
| | - Renu Solanki
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Gehan M Elossaily
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya I Asiri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Zaheen Hassan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monisha Khanna Kapur
- Microbial Technology Lab, Acharya Narendra Dev College, University of Delhi, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, India New Delhi
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15
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Ai L, Wang W, Li Y. Letter to the Editor: Diagnosis of Aspergillus flavus-Induced Pneumonia Through Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Report. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2024; 25:77-78. [PMID: 38153974 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2023.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Ai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Inflammation and Allergic Diseases Research Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Inflammation and Allergic Diseases Research Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuying Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Inflammation and Allergic Diseases Research Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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16
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Kaur M, Singla N, Aggarwal D, Kundu R, Gulati N, Kumar MB, Gombar S, Chander J. Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Aspergillus Species From a Tertiary Care Center in North India. Cureus 2024; 16:e54586. [PMID: 38524068 PMCID: PMC10958134 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aspergillus species are ubiquitously found in the environment worldwide and are important causative agents for infection. Drug resistance among Aspergillus species is emerging, hence the present study was undertaken to look for antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus species. MATERIALS AND METHODS During the period from January 2018 to June 2019, a total of 102 Aspergillus isolates (40 clinical, 40 hospital, and 22 community environment) were tested for antifungal susceptibility testing for determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum effective concentration (MEC) as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A3 method for itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. RESULTS Out of these 102 Aspergillus isolates, A. flavus was the most common species present. Aspergillus species were found to have low MIC values to azoles such as itraconazole and voriconazole except for one clinical isolate, which showed a MIC value of 2 μg/ml to voriconazole. Two isolates were non-wild-type for amphotericin B, but all isolates were wild-type for caspofungin. CONCLUSION Antifungal susceptibility testing among clinical Aspergillus isolates and environmental surveillance studies in view of emerging drug resistance should be undertaken at a larger scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manharpreet Kaur
- Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Nidhi Singla
- Microbiology, Government Medical College, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Deepak Aggarwal
- Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Reetu Kundu
- Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Neelam Gulati
- Clinical Microbiology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Mani Bhushan Kumar
- Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Satinder Gombar
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Jagdish Chander
- Microbiology, Government Medical College, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, IND
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Qu S, Chi SD, He ZM. The Development of Aspergillus flavus and Biosynthesis of Aflatoxin B1 are Regulated by the Golgi-Localized Mn 2+ Transporter Pmr1. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:1276-1291. [PMID: 38179648 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c06964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Microorganisms rely on diverse ion transport and trace elements to sustain growth, development, and secondary metabolism. Manganese (Mn2+) is essential for various biological processes and plays a crucial role in the metabolism of human cells, plants, and yeast. In Aspergillus flavus, we confirmed that Pmr1 localized in cis- and medial-Golgi compartments was critical in facilitating Mn2+ transport, fungal growth, development, secondary metabolism, and glycosylation. In comparison to the wild type, the Δpmr1 mutant displayed heightened sensitivity to environmental stress, accompanied by inhibited synthesis of aflatoxin B1, kojic acid, and a substantial reduction in pathogenicity toward peanuts and maize. Interestingly, the addition of exogenous Mn2+ effectively rectified the developmental and secondary metabolic defects in the Δpmr1 mutant. However, Mn2+ supplement failed to restore the growth and development of the Δpmr1Δgdt1 double mutant, which indicated that the Gdt1 compensated for the functional deficiency of pmr1. In addition, our results showed that pmr1 knockout leads to an upregulation of O-glycosyl-N-acetylglucose (O-GlcNAc) and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), while Mn2+ supplementation can restore the glycosylation in A. flavus. Collectively, this study indicates that the pmr1 regulates Mn2+ via Golgi and maintains growth and metabolism functions of A. flavus through regulation of the glycosylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Sheng-Da Chi
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhu-Mei He
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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18
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Moghadasi F, Roudbarmohammadi S, Amanloo S, Nikoomanesh F, Roudbary M. Evaluation of antifungal activity of natural compounds on growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:53. [PMID: 38165494 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus species cause broad spectrum infections especially invasive lethal infections in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of plants and compounds including Aloe vera, Thyme, carvacrol, and nano-encapsulation of carvacrol on the growth and production of aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. METHODS AND RESULTS Minimum inhibitory concentrations of extracts Aloe vera, Thyme, carvacrol, and nanocarvacrol, and fluconazole as a control were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute by serial microdilution protocol. Then, the effect of inhibitory concentrations of these compounds on the aflatoxin B1 production level was evaluated by real-time PCR and high-performance liquid chromatography. Our results indicate that the Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavusare sensitive to selected plants and compounds. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that the compounds are appropriate alternative candidates against growth and production of aflatoxin of Aspergillus spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Moghadasi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Roudbarmohammadi
- Department of Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saied Amanloo
- Departnent of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nikoomanesh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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19
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Chaudhari V, Vairagade V, Thakkar A, Shende H, Vora A. Nanotechnology-based fungal detection and treatment: current status and future perspective. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:77-97. [PMID: 37597093 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02662-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections impose a significant impact on global health and encompass major expenditures in medical treatments. Human mycoses, a fungal co-infection associated with SARS-CoV-2, is caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Recently, there is increasing threat about spread of antimicrobial resistance in fungus, mostly in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections are associated with several issues, including tedious and non-selective detection methods, the growth of drug-resistant bacteria, severe side effects, and ineffective drug delivery. Thus, a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method and a high-efficacy and low-toxicity therapeutic approach are needed. Nanomedicine has emerged as a viable option for overcoming these limitations. Due to the unique physicochemical and optical properties of nanomaterials and newer biosensing techniques, nanodiagnostics play an important role in the accurate and prompt differentiation and detection of fungal diseases. Additionally, nano-based drug delivery techniques can increase drug permeability, reduce adverse effects, and extend systemic circulation time and drug half-life. This review paper is aimed at highlighting recent, promising, and unique trends in nanotechnology to design and develop diagnostics and treatment methods for fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Chaudhari
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India
| | - Vaishnavi Vairagade
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India
| | - Ami Thakkar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India
| | - Himani Shende
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India
| | - Amisha Vora
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, India.
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Tan S, Ma F, Wu Y, Xu Y, Niu A, Chen Y, Wang G, Qiu W. The biodiversity of Aspergillus flavus in stored rice grain leads to a decrease in the overall aflatoxin B 1 production in these species. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 406:110416. [PMID: 37769398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110416] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a significant fungus that poses a threat to food safety by producing mycotoxins in various crops. In this study, A. flavus isolates were obtained from storage rice collected from seven provinces in southern China, and their AFB1 production, biosynthesis genes presence, and diversity were detected. Results showed that 56 out of the 81 A. flavus isolates produced detectable levels of AFB1, and 71 isolates (87.6 %) possessed aflR gene in their AF synthesis gene cluster, while only 41 isolates (50.6 %) had the ver-1 gene present. Genetic diversity analysis using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers revealed seven main clusters among the isolates and the genetic similarity coefficients of 81 A. flavus isolates ranged from 0.53 to 1.00. Additionally, coculture assays were conducted using two toxigenic and two atoxigenic isolates from the same grain depot to investigate the effect of intraspecific inhibition on AFB1 production and to assess the AFB1 contamination risk of storage rice. The in situ results demonstrated that the atoxigenic isolates effectively inhibited the AFB1 contamination of toxigenic isolates. These findings provide insight into the genetic diversity of A. flavus isolates populations and highlight the potential food safety hazards of them in stored rice grain in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Tan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Institute of Veterinary Immunology & Engineering, National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuancheng Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ajuan Niu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Weifen Qiu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Modern Grain Circulation and Safety, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China; Key Laboratory of Grains and Oils Quality Control and Processing, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing 210023, China
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21
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Das S, Capoor MR, Singh A, Agarwal Y. Diagnostic Utility of Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay in Invasive Aspergillosis in Pediatric patients with Hematological Malignancy. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:1055-1063. [PMID: 37806994 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00798-y] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the diagnostic utility of galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (GM EIA) in invasive aspergillosis (IA) in children with hematological malignancy (high risk population) in terms of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) at various cut offs while validating the revised EORTC/MSG 2019 criteria in order to obtain the best cut-off. MATERIAL AND METHODS For 100 pediatric patients, serum and respiratory samples were collected. Clinical, mycological workup (potassium-hydroxide mount, fungal culture) and GM EIA was done to classify proven, probable, and possible IA as per EORTC-MSG guidelines,2019. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were calculated of GM indices at cut-off 0.5, 0.7 and 1, and validated with revised EORTC -MSG, 2019. RESULTS Of 100 patients enrolled, 75 were diagnosed with ALL, 14 with AML, two with Hodgkin's, three had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and six had undifferentiated leukemia. With routine mycological findings, 51 were classified as probable IA, 11 as possible IA, and 38 as no IA. Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent on culture (56.9%, 29/51) followed by A. fumigatus (29%, 15/51) A. niger (7.8%, 4/51), A. terreus (3.9%, 2/51) and A. nidulans (2%, 1/51). GM EIA demonstrated sensitivity 82.3%, specificity 97.4%, PPV 98.1%, and NPV 77.1% at cut-off 0.67 when comparing probable/possible IA v/s no IA groups. The GM EIA had the best sensitivity (82.4%), specificity (81.8%), PPV (95.5%), and NPV (50%) at cut off 0.78 when the probable IA group was compared to the possible IA. Seven patients succumbed of whom 5 had GMI ≥ 2. CONCLUSION This study deduces the optimal cut-off for serum GM EIA to be 0.67 obtained by ROC analysis when comparing possible and probable IA versus no IA and reinforces the definition of probable category of EORTC-MSG criteria, 2019. At 0.5 ODI the sensitivity (87.1%) and NPV (80.5%) are high, thus making it the most suitable cut-off for detecting true positive and ruling out IA respectively, in pediatric patients with hematological malignancy. GM EIA when performed adjunctive to clinico-radiological findings can prove to be screening, diagnostic and prognostic test for IA in pediatric hematological malignancy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutapa Das
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Malini R Capoor
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India.
| | - Amitabh Singh
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Yatish Agarwal
- Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Jiang Y, Liu X, Tian X, Zhou J, Wang Q, Wang B, Yu W, Jiang Y, Hsiang T, Qi X. RNA interference of Aspergillus flavus in response to Aspergillus flavus partitivirus 1 infection. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1252294. [PMID: 38033556 PMCID: PMC10682719 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1252294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is one of the important defense responses against viral infection, but its mechanism and impact remain unclear in mycovirus infections. In our study, reverse genetics and virus-derived small RNA sequencing were used to show the antiviral responses of RNAi components in Aspergillus flavus infected with Aspergillus flavus partitivirus 1 (AfPV1). qRT-PCR revealed that AfPV1 infection induced the expression of the RNAi components in A. flavus compared with noninfected A. flavus. Knock mutants of each RNAi component were generated, but the mutants did not exhibit any obvious phenotypic changes compared with the A. flavus parental strain. However, after AfPV1 inoculation, production of AfPV1 was significantly less than in the parental strain. Furthermore, sporulation was greater in each AfPV1-infected mutant compared with the AfPV1-infected parental A. flavus. We also investigated the sensitivity of virus-free and AfPV1-infected RNAi mutants and the parental strain to cell wall stress, osmotic stress, genotoxic stress, and oxidative stress. The mutants of DCLs and AGOs infected by AfPV1 displayed more changes than RDRP mutants in response to the first three stresses. Small RNA sequencing analysis suggested that AfPV1 infection reduced the number of unique reads of sRNA in A. flavus, although there were many vsiRNA derived from the AfPV1 genome. GO term and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the functions of sRNA affected by AfPV1 infection were closely related to vacuole production. These results provide a better understanding of the functional role of RNAi in the impact of AfPV1 on the hypovirulence of A. flavus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianhong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Qinrong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Bi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wenfeng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yanping Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Xiaolan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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23
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Hu YM, Wang YR, Zhao WB, Ding YY, Wu ZR, Wang GH, Deng P, Zhang SY, An JX, Zhang ZJ, Luo XF, Liu YQ. Efficacy of pterostilbene suppression on Aspergillus flavus growth, aflatoxin B 1 biosynthesis and potential mechanisms. Int J Food Microbiol 2023; 404:110318. [PMID: 37454507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2023.110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus, a widespread saprotrophic filamentous fungus, could colonize agricultural crops with aflatoxin contamination, which endangers food security and the agricultural economy. A safe, effective and environmentally friendly fungicide is urgently needed. Pterostilbene, a natural phytoalexin originated from Pterocarpus indicus Willd., Vaccinium spp. and Vitis vinifera L., has been reported to possess excellent antimicrobial activity. More importantly, it is quite safe and healthy. In our screening tests of plant polyphenols for the inhibition of A. flavus, we found that pterostilbene evidently inhibited mycelial growth of Aspergillus flavus (EC50 = 15.94 μg/mL) and the inhibitory effect was better than that of natamycin (EC50 = 22.01 μg/mL), which is a natural product widely used in food preservation. Therefore, we provided insights into the efficacy of pterostilbene suppression on A. flavus growth, aflatoxin B1 biosynthesis and its potential mechanisms against A. flavus in the present study. Here, pterostilbene at concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL could effectively inhibit the infection of A. flavus on peanuts. And the biosynthesis of the secondary metabolite aflatoxin B1 was also inhibited. The antifungal effects of pterostilbene are exerted by inducing a large amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species production to bring the cells into a state of oxidative stress, damaging cellular biomolecules such as DNA, proteins and lipids and destroying the integrity of the cell membrane. Taken together, our study strongly supported the fact that pterostilbene could be considered a safe and effective antifungal agent against A. flavus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Mei Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yi-Rong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yan Yan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zheng-Rong Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guang-Han Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Peng Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shao-Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Jun-Xia An
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiong-Fei Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ying-Qian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China; State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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24
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De Francesco MA. Drug-Resistant Aspergillus spp.: A Literature Review of Its Resistance Mechanisms and Its Prevalence in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:1305. [PMID: 38003770 PMCID: PMC10674884 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111305] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections due to the Aspergillus species constitute an important challenge for human health. Invasive aspergillosis represents a life-threatening disease, mostly in patients with immune defects. Drugs used for fungal infections comprise amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins. However, in the last decade, an increased emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus strains has been reported, principally belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus species. Therefore, both the early diagnosis of aspergillosis and its epidemiological surveillance are very important to establish the correct antifungal therapy and to ensure a successful patient outcome. In this paper, a literature review is performed to analyze the prevalence of Aspergillus antifungal resistance in European countries. Amphotericin B resistance is observed in 2.6% and 10.8% of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Denmark and Greece, respectively. A prevalence of 84% of amphotericin B-resistant Aspergillus flavus isolates is reported in France, followed by 49.4%, 35.1%, 21.7%, and 20% in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and amphotericin B resistance of Aspergillus niger isolates is observed in Greece and Belgium with a prevalence of 75% and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, the most studied mold obtained from the included studies, is 0.3% in Austria, 1% in Greece, 1.2% in Switzerland, 2.1% in France, 3.9% in Portugal, 4.9% in Italy, 5.3% in Germany, 6.1% in Denmark, 7.4% in Spain, 8.3% in Belgium, 11% in the Netherlands, and 13.2% in the United Kingdom. The mechanism of resistance is mainly driven by the TR34/L98H mutation. In Europe, no in vivo resistance is reported for echinocandins. Future studies are needed to implement the knowledge on the spread of drug-resistant Aspergillus spp. with the aim of defining optimal treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Microbiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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25
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Son YE, Yu JH, Park HS. The novel spore-specific regulator SscA controls Aspergillus conidiogenesis. mBio 2023; 14:e0184023. [PMID: 37707170 PMCID: PMC10653911 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01840-23] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Filamentous fungi produce myriads of asexual spores, which are the main reproductive particles that act as infectious or allergenic agents. Although the serial of asexual sporogenesis is coordinated by various genetic regulators, there remain uncharacterized transcription factors in Aspergillus. To understand the underlying mechanism of spore formation, integrity, and viability, we have performed comparative transcriptomic analyses on three Aspergillus species and found a spore-specific transcription factor, SscA. SscA has a major role in conidial formation, maturation and dormancy, and germination in Aspergillus nidulans. Functional studies indicate that SscA coordinates conidial wall integrity, amino acid production, and secondary metabolism in A. nidulans conidia. Furthermore, the roles of SscA are conserved in other Aspergillus species. Our findings that the SscA has broad functions in Aspergillus conidia will help to understand the conidiogenesis of Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Eun Son
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jae-Hyuk Yu
- Department of Bacteriology, Food Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hee-Soo Park
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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26
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Marek A, Meijer EFJ, Tartari E, Zakhour J, Chowdhary A, Voss A, Kanj SS, Bal AM. Environmental monitoring for filamentous fungal pathogens in hematopoietic cell transplant units. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad103. [PMID: 37793805 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad103] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) is on the rise due to increasing numbers of highly immunocompromized patients. Nosocomial IFD remains common despite our better understanding of its risk factors and pathophysiology. High-efficiency particulate air filtration with or without laminar air flow, frequent air exchanges, a positive pressure care environment, and environmental hygiene, amongst other measures, have been shown to reduce the mould burden in the patient environment. Environmental monitoring for moulds in areas where high-risk patients are cared for, such as hematopoietic cell transplant units, has been considered an adjunct to other routine environmental precautions. As a collaborative effort between authors affiliated to the Infection Prevention and Control Working Group and the Fungal Infection Working Group of the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC), we reviewed the English language literature and international guidance to describe the evidence behind the need for environmental monitoring for filamentous fungi as a quality assurance approach with an emphasis on required additional precautions during periods of construction. Many different clinical sampling approaches have been described for air, water, and surface sampling with significant variation in laboratory methodologies between reports. Importantly, there are no agreed-upon thresholds that correlate with an increase in the clinical risk of mould infections. We highlight important areas for future research to assure a safe environment for highly immunocompromized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Marek
- Department of Microbiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Eelco F J Meijer
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Ermira Tartari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Johnny Zakhour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Andreas Voss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Abhijit M Bal
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
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Gueneau R, Giret C, Lafont E, Buchler M, Longuet H, Machet MC, Ghazzar N, Lanternier F, Lortholary O. Aspergillus spp. renal arteritis after kidney transplantation: A reappraisal. Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25:e14108. [PMID: 37504382 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus spp. is an uncommon and life-threatening cause of transplantrenal artery pseudoaneurysm after kidney transplantation. CASE We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who underwent kidney transplantation 10 months before and presented a 7-cm asymptomatic transplant renal artery pseudoaneurysm. Transplanted kidney and pseudoaneurysm were surgically removed in emergency. Renal graft, urine, and pseudoaneurysm cultures grew Aspergillus flavus. She recovered after 12 months of antifungal therapy. LITERATURE REVIEW To date 14 cases of Aspergillus spp. renal arteritis after kidney transplantation have been published, including 50% Aspergillus flavus arteritis. Vast majority were diagnosed within 90 days after transplantation (73%). Despite allograft nephrectomy and antifungal therapy, mortality rate was high (33%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Gueneau
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Giret
- Service de néphrologie, Hypertension, Dialyses, Transplantation, Centre, Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuel Lafont
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Buchler
- Service de néphrologie, Hypertension, Dialyses, Transplantation, Centre, Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France
| | - Hélène Longuet
- Service de néphrologie, Hypertension, Dialyses, Transplantation, Centre, Hospitalier Régional Universitaire, Tours, France
| | | | - Nadia Ghazzar
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit UMR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit UMR 2000, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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28
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Zhou S, Ismail MAI, Buil JB, Gabr A, Verweij PE, Mahgoub ES, de Hoog S, Kang Y, Ahmed SA. Fungi involved in rhinosinusitis in arid regions: insights from molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0183123. [PMID: 37772821 PMCID: PMC10580872 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01831-23] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a common problem worldwide, with an increasing burden in arid climate regions. Aspergillus species are the most common causative agents involved. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence, molecular characterization, and antifungal susceptibility of opportunists causing FRS in Sudan on the basis of strains collected over a period of 5 years. β-Tubulin and calmodulin sequencing were used for species identification, and antifungal susceptibility profiles were evaluated by the protocol of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). Predominant species belonged to the Aspergillus flavus complex (n = 244), A. terreus complex (n = 16), A. fumigatus complex (n = 7), and other fungi (n = 17). Molecular identification of 94 strains of Aspergillus revealed the following species: A. flavus (n = 88), A. terreus (n = 1), A. citrinoterreus (n = 2), A. fumigatus (n = 1), A. caespitosus (n = 1), and A. sydowii (n = 1). Several A. flavus and an A. fumigatus isolates showed reduced susceptibility to azoles (minimum inhibitory concentrations above the clinical breakpoints or epidemiological cutoff values). Despite several mutations revealed in cyp51A of these isolates, none could be directly linked to azole resistance. Molecular identification of fungi causing FRS is useful to identify cryptic species and for epidemiologic studies. IMPORTANCE Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) is a significant clinical problem in arid regions. This study provides new insights into the prevalence, etiology, and antifungal susceptibility of FRS pathogens in Sudan, where the disease burden is high. Aspergillus species, particularly the A. flavus complex, were identified as the primary FRS pathogens in the region, with some evidence of antifungal resistance. The molecular identification of fungal species causing FRS is useful for detecting antifungal resistance, identifying cryptic species, and characterizing the epidemiology of the disease. The emergence of Azole resistance Aspergilli in Sudan highlights the need for continued surveillance and appropriate use of antifungal agents. These findings have important implications for clinical management, public health policy, and future research on FRS. Publishing this study in Microbiology Spectrum would enable other researchers and clinicians to build on these findings, ultimately improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zhou
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jochem B. Buil
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aida Gabr
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - El-Sheikh Mahgoub
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | - Yingqian Kang
- School of Public Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Sarah A. Ahmed
- Radboudumc-CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, the Netherlands
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Djenontin E, Costa JM, Mousavi B, Nguyen LDN, Guillot J, Delhaes L, Botterel F, Dannaoui E. The Molecular Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus Section Flavi from Three French Hospitals. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2429. [PMID: 37894087 PMCID: PMC10609271 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102429] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Aspergillus flavus is a cosmopolitan mold with medical, veterinary, and agronomic concerns. Its morphological similarity to other cryptic species of the Flavi section requires molecular identification techniques that are not routinely performed. For clinical isolates of Aspergillus section Flavi, we present the molecular identification, susceptibility to six antifungal agents, and clinical context of source patients. (2) Methods: One hundred forty fungal clinical isolates were included in the study. These isolates, recovered over a 15-year period (2001-2015), were identified based on their morphological characteristics as belonging to section Flavi. After the subculture, sequencing of a part of the β-tubulin and calmodulin genes was performed, and resistance to azole antifungals was screened on agar plates containing itraconazole and voriconazole. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined for 120 isolates by the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) broth microdilution method. (3) Results: Partial β-tubulin and calmodulin sequences analysis showed that 138/140 isolates were A. flavus sensu stricto, 1 isolate was A. parasiticus/sojae, and 1 was A. nomiae. Many of the isolates came from samples collected in the context of respiratory tract colonization. Among probable or proven aspergillosis, respiratory infections were the most frequent, followed by ENT infections. Antifungal susceptibility testing was available for isolates (n = 120, all A. flavus ss) from one hospital. The MIC range (geometric mean MIC) in mg/L was 0.5-8 (0.77), 0.5-8 (1.03), 0.125-2 (0.25), 0.03-2 (0.22), 0.25-8 (1.91), and 0.03-0.125 (0.061) for voriconazole, isavuconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin, respectively. Two (1.67%) isolates showed resistance to isavuconazole according to current EUCAST breakpoints with MICs at 8 mg/L for isavuconazole and voriconazole. One of these two isolates was also resistant to itraconazole with MIC at 2 mg/L. (4) Conclusions: The present characterization of a large collection of Aspergillus belonging to the Flavi section confirmed that A. flavus ss is the predominant species. It is mainly implicated in respiratory and ENT infections. The emergence of resistance highlights the need to perform susceptibility tests on section Flavi isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Djenontin
- Dynamyc UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (E.D.); (B.M.); (F.B.)
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Universitaire Mondor, AP-HP, 8 Rue du Général Sarrail, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Marc Costa
- Laboratoire CERBA, 11 Rue de l’Équerre, 95310 Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, France;
| | - Bita Mousavi
- Dynamyc UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (E.D.); (B.M.); (F.B.)
| | | | - Jacques Guillot
- Unité pédagogique de Dermatologie, Parasitologie, Mycologie, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Agroalimentaire et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique, Oniris, 44300 Nantes, France;
| | - Laurence Delhaes
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CNR des Aspergilloses Chroniques—CHU de Bordeaux, INSERM U1045—Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Françoise Botterel
- Dynamyc UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (E.D.); (B.M.); (F.B.)
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Universitaire Mondor, AP-HP, 8 Rue du Général Sarrail, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Eric Dannaoui
- Dynamyc UPEC, EnvA, USC Anses, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (E.D.); (B.M.); (F.B.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, AP-HP, 149 Rue de Sèvres, 75015 Paris, France
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Sousa Terada-Nascimento J, Vieira Dantas-Filho J, Temponi-Santos BL, Perez-Pedroti V, de Lima Pinheiro MM, García-Nuñez RY, Mansur Muniz I, Bezerra de Mira Á, Guedes EAC, de Vargas Schons S. Monitoring of Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Fish Farm Water and Fumonisins in Feeds for Farmed Colossoma macropomum. TOXICS 2023; 11:762. [PMID: 37755772 PMCID: PMC10536658 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11090762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi in fish farm water and mycotoxins in feeds for farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). A total of 40 samples of freshwater from fish farms and 16 samples of feed were collected and analyzed for microbiology. A total of five species of free-living fungi were identified in fish farms: Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium citrinum, P. implicatum, Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. These fungi species were counted in water samples at 35.14 CFU mL-1 and 24.69 CFU mL-1 in the dry seasons. In all fish farms, there was a higher abundance of fungi species in the rainy season. During visits to the fish farmers, it was possible to verify poor feed storage conditions. Concerning mutations in blood cells, in tambaqui (C. macropomum), a total of 159 anomalies were found, and in Leptodactylus petersii, 299 anomalies were found, with higher incidences in conditions above 1.0 CFU mL-1 in log10(x+1) fungi and in the rainy season. The occurrence of mycotoxicological contamination was confirmed in 81.25% of the analyzed samples. The quantified mycotoxin was Fumonisins B1 + B2 (375 to 1418 μg kg-1). Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between Fumonisins and feed samples (r = 0.83). There was also a significant positive correlation between the abundance of fungi in water and the quantification of Fumonisins (r = 0.79). Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that free-living fungi can be used as bioindicators of water quality in fish farms. Consequently, the lack of good management practices caused microbiological contamination of the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sousa Terada-Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Patologia Animal no Bioma Amazônico, Centro de Diagnóstico Animal, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Vieira Dantas-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Patologia Animal no Bioma Amazônico, Centro de Diagnóstico Animal, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lucieny Temponi-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
| | - Vinícius Perez-Pedroti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
| | - Maria Mirtes de Lima Pinheiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
| | - Ricardo Ysaac García-Nuñez
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária—Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios, UNAMAD, Puerto Maldonado 17.0001-000, Peru
| | - Igor Mansur Muniz
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Patologia Animal no Bioma Amazônico, Centro de Diagnóstico Animal, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil
| | - Átila Bezerra de Mira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Patologia Animal no Bioma Amazônico, Centro de Diagnóstico Animal, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil
| | - Elica Amara Cecilia Guedes
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, UFAL, Maceió 57.480-000, Brazil
| | - Sandro de Vargas Schons
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil; (J.S.T.-N.); (S.d.V.S.)
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Patologia Animal no Bioma Amazônico, Centro de Diagnóstico Animal, Universidade Federal de Rondônia, UNIR, Rolim de Moura 76.940-000, Brazil
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Hassoun N, Kassem II, Hamze M, El Tom J, Papon N, Osman M. Antifungal Use and Resistance in a Lower-Middle-Income Country: The Case of Lebanon. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1413. [PMID: 37760710 PMCID: PMC10525119 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091413] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Antifungal resistance is often underestimated in both healthcare and non-clinical settings. In LMICs, it is believed that the inappropriate use of antifungals, limited surveillance systems, and low diagnostic capacities are significant drivers of resistance. Like other LMICs, Lebanon lacks antifungal use and resistance surveillance programs, and the impact of antifungal resistance in the country remains unclear, especially during the unfolding economic crisis that has severely affected medical care and access to safe food and water. Interestingly, the widespread use of antifungals in medicine and agriculture has raised concerns about the development of antifungal resistance in Lebanon. In this light, we aimed to survey available antifungal drugs in the country and evaluate susceptibility patterns of prevalent fungal species to guide empiric treatments and develop antifungal stewardship programs in Lebanon. We noted that the economic crisis resulted in significant increases in antifungal drug prices. Additionally, a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases identified 15 studies on fungal infections and antifungal resistance conducted from 1998 to 2023 in Lebanon. While data on antifungal resistance are limited, 87% of available studies in Lebanon focused on candidiasis, while the remaining 13% were on aspergillosis. Overall, we observed a marked antimicrobial resistance among Candida and Aspergillus species. Additionally, incidences of Candida auris infections have increased in Lebanese hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a uniform resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin-B. Taken together, a One Health approach, reliable diagnostics, and prudent antifungal use are required to control the spread of resistant fungal pathogens in healthcare and agricultural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Hassoun
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Center for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA 30223, USA;
| | - Monzer Hamze
- Laboratoire Microbiologie Santé et Environnement (LMSE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon;
| | - Jad El Tom
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon;
| | - Nicolas Papon
- University of Angers, University of Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France;
| | - Marwan Osman
- Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Yuan X, Xie L, Shi Z, Zhou M. Application of mNGS in the study of pulmonary microbiome in pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary infection patients and exploration of potential biomarkers. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1200157. [PMID: 37545858 PMCID: PMC10403237 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1200157] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pneumoconiosis patients have a high prevalence of pulmonary infections, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. And there is no comprehensive study of the microbiome of patients with pneumoconiosis. The application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) fills the gap to some extent by analyzing the lung microbiota of pneumoconiosis population while achieving accurate diagnosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 44 patients with suspected pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary infection between Jan 2020 and Nov 2022. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) specimens from 44 patients were collected and tested using the mNGS technology. Results Among the lung microbiome of pneumoconiosis patients with complicated pulmonary infection (P group), the most frequently detected bacteria and fungi at the genus level were Streptococcus and Aspergillus, at the species level were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Aspergillus flavus, respectively, and the most frequently detected DNA virus was Human gammaherpesvirus 4. There was no significant difference in α diversity between the P group and the non-pneumoconiosis patients complicated with pulmonary infection group (Non-P group) in pulmonary flora, while P< 0.01 for β diversity analysis, and the differential species between the two groups were Mycobacterium colombiense and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In addition, we monitored a high distribution of Malassezia and Pneumocystis in the P group, while herpes virus was detected in the majority of samples. Conclusions Overall, we not only revealed a comprehensive lung microbiome profile of pneumoconiosis patients, but also compared the differences between their microbiome and that of non-pneumoconiosis complicated with pulmonary infection patients. This provides a good basis for a better understanding of the relationship between pneumoconiosis and microorganisms, and for the search of potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingya Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linshen Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | | | - Min Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhang Y, Wang S, Zhou C, Zhang Y, Pan J, Pan B, Wang B, Hu B, Guo W. Epidemiology of Clinically Significant Aspergillus Species from a Large Tertiary Hospital in Shanghai, China, for the Period of Two Years. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4645-4657. [PMID: 37484905 PMCID: PMC10361289 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s417840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus species are becoming a major public health concern worldwide due to the increase in the incidence of aspergillosis and emergence of antifungal resistance. In this study, we surveyed all Aspergillus species isolated from aspergillosis patients in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China, from 2019 to 2021. Methods We characterized the susceptibility profiles of these Aspergillus species to medical azoles (voriconazole, itraconazole and posaconazole) using YeastOneTM broth microdilution system. To determine the underlying antifungal resistance mechanisms in azole-resistant A. fumigatus (ARAf) isolates, we characterized mutations in the cyp51A gene. Genotypic diversity of sampled A. fumigatus was investigated using CSP-typing. Results A total of 112 Aspergillus isolates (81 A. fumigatus, 17 A. flavus, 5 A. niger, 2 A. terreus, 2 A. lentulus, 2 A. oryzae, 1 A. nidulans, 1 A. versicolor and 1 A. sydowii) from 105 patients diagnosed with aspergillosis (including proven or probable invasive aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and cutaneous aspergillosis) were obtained. Eight isolates (7 A. fumigatus and 1 A. niger) from seven patients were either azole non-susceptible or non-wild type. Azole non-susceptible or non-wild type rate was 7.1%/isolate and 6.7%/patient analysed. Four ARAf harbored TR34/L98H mutation, whereas one carried TR46/Y121F/T289A allele. The 81 A. fumigatus isolates were spread across 8 CSP types with t01 to be the predominant type (53.1%). ARAf isolates were distributed over CSP types t01, t02, t04A and t11. Conclusion Results from this study provided us with an understanding of the antifungal resistance and related characteristics of Aspergillus species in Eastern China. Further comparisons of our results with those in other countries reflect potential clonal expansion of A. fumigatus in our region. Further surveillance study is warranted to guide antifungal therapy and for epidemiological purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suzhen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jue Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bijie Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Chakrabarti A, Patel AK, Soman R, Todi S. Overcoming clinical challenges in the management of invasive fungal infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1057-1070. [PMID: 37698201 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2257895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is a serious challenge due to limited epidemiology studies, sub-optimal laboratory facilities, gap in antifungal management training and resources. Limited studies highlighted distinctive epidemiology of IFIs in those countries, and difficulty in distinguishing from closely related infections. To overcome the gaps for appropriate management of IFIs, innovative approaches are required. AREAS COVERED Extensive literature search and discussion with experts have helped us to summarize the epidemiology, diagnostic and management difficulties in managing IFIs in LMIC, and recommend certain solutions to overcome the challenges. EXPERT OPINION The strategies to overcome the challenges in diagnosis may include local epidemiology study, training of healthcare workers, association of fungal infections with already existing budgeted national programs, development and incorporation of point-of-care test (POCT) for prompt diagnosis, simplifying clinical diagnostic criteria suitable for LMIC, judicious use of available expertise, and diagnostic stewardship. For management strategies judicious use of antifungal, partnering with industry for inexpensive antifungal agents, development of LMIC specific guidelines for cost-effective management of IFIs and fungal outbreaks, improvement of infection control practices, advocacy for implementation of WHO recommended antifungal use, and integration of IFIs with public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Doodhadhari Burfani Hospital & Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Atul K Patel
- Infectious Diseases Department, Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rajeev Soman
- Infectious Diseases Physician, Jupiter Hospital and Deenanath Mangeskar Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Subhash Todi
- Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, India
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Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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AlShaheen H, Abuzied Y, Aldalbahi H, AlSheef M. Aspergilloma in an Immunocompetent Host: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e40727. [PMID: 37485205 PMCID: PMC10360449 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a serious pathologic condition caused by Aspergillus that commonly affects immunocompromised patients. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that Aspergillus infection can cause a wide spectrum of pulmonary diseases, including allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, aspergilloma, and invasive aspergillosis. The characteristic computed tomography (CT) and pathologic findings of the various pulmonary manifestations of Aspergillus infection are illustrated and reviewed in this case report. Aspergillus niger is an infrequent infection that affects the lungs in severely immunosuppressed patients. In this paper, we report the case of a 50-year-old female with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented to the emergency department with a history of shortness of breath, cough, and weight loss. She denied any use of immunosuppressive medications. High-resolution CT revealed a large right upper lung cavitary lesion, and the sputum examination and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed Aspergillus niger and positive Aspergillus galactomannan. In conclusion, immunocompetent hosts are rarely affected by aspergilloma with lung cavities. We recommend conducting a retrospective data registry on unreported aspergilloma cases in immunocompetent patients to understand the clinicopathological behavior and improve management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad AlShaheen
- Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Yacoub Abuzied
- Nursing Department, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Hosam Aldalbahi
- Internal Medicine, Medical Specialties Department, Main Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohammed AlSheef
- Internal Medicine and Thrombosis, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
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Wu Z, Gao T, Liang Z, Hao J, Liu P, Liu X. Dynamic Changes in Plant Secondary Metabolites Induced by Botrytis cinerea Infection. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13050654. [PMID: 37233695 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13050654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to pathogen infection, some plants increase production of secondary metabolites, which not only enhance plant defense but also induce fungicide resistance, especially multidrug resistance (MDR) in the pathogen through preadaptation. To investigate the cause of MDR in Botrytis cinerea, grapes 'Victoria' (susceptible to B. cinerea) and 'Shine Muscat' (resistant to B. cinerea) were inoculated into seedling leaves with B. cinerea, followed by extraction of metabolites from the leaves on days 3, 6, and 9 after inoculation. The extract was analyzed using gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass (GC/QTOF) combined with solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for volatile and nonvolatile metabolomic components. Nonvolatile metabolites γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resveratrol, piceid, and some carbohydrates or amino acids, coupled with volatile metabolites β-ocimene, α-farnesene, caryophyllene, germacrene D, β-copaene, and alkanes, accumulated at a higher level in grape leaves infected with B. cinerea compared to in noninoculated leaves. Among the established metabolic pathways, seven had greater impacts, including aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. Furthermore, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis; phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; monobactam biosynthesis; tropane, piperidine, and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis; phenylalanine metabolism; and glucosinolate biosynthesis were related to antifungal activities. Based on liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass (LC/QTOF) detection and bioassay, B. cinerea infection induced production of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) including eugenol, flavanone, reserpine, resveratrol, and salicylic acid, which all have inhibitory activity against B. cinerea. These compounds also promoted overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes, which are involved in induction of MDR in B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaochen Wu
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tuqiang Gao
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhengya Liang
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianjun Hao
- School of Food and Agriculture, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xili Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Venugopalan LP, Aimanianda V, Namperumalsamy VP, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D, Jayapal JM. Comparative proteome analysis identifies species-specific signature proteins in Aspergillus pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12559-4. [PMID: 37166481 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus are important human pathogens that can infect the lung and cornea. During infection, Aspergillus dormant conidia are the primary morphotype that comes in contact with the host. As the conidial surface-associated proteins (CSPs) and the extracellular proteins during the early stages of growth play a crucial role in establishing infection, we profiled and compared these proteins between a clinical strain of A. flavus and a clinical strain of A. fumigatus. We identified nearly 100 CSPs in both Aspergillus, and these non-covalently associated surface proteins were able to stimulate the neutrophils to secrete interleukin IL-8. Mass spectrometry analysis identified more than 200 proteins in the extracellular space during the early stages of conidial growth and germination (early exoproteome). The conidial surface proteins and the early exoproteome of A. fumigatus were enriched with immunoreactive proteins and those with pathogenicity-related functions while that of the A. flavus were primarily enzymes involved in cell wall reorganization and binding. Comparative proteome analysis of the CSPs and the early exoproteome between A. flavus and A. fumigatus enabled the identification of a common core proteome and potential species-specific signature proteins. Transcript analysis of selected proteins indicate that the transcript-protein level correlation does not exist for all proteins and might depend on factors such as membrane-anchor signals and protein half-life. The probable signature proteins of A. flavus and A. fumigatus identified in this study can serve as potential candidates for developing species-specific diagnostic tests. KEY POINTS: • CSPs and exoproteins could differentiate A. flavus and A. fumigatus. • A. fumigatus conidial surface harbored more antigenic proteins than A. flavus. • Identified species-specific signature proteins of A. flavus and A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Prabha Venugopalan
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Present address: Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
- Present address: Unité de recherche Mycologie Moléculaire, UMR2000, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dharmalingam Kuppamuthu
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeya Maheshwari Jayapal
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Anna Nagar, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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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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Wang HC, Hsieh MI, Choi PC, Wu WL, Wu CJ. Species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of clinical Aspergillus isolates: A multicentre study in Taiwan, 2016-2020. Mycoses 2023. [PMID: 37186489 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiological knowledge is important to guide antifungal therapy. OBJECTIVE This multicentre study aimed to investigate the species distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Aspergillus isolates in Taiwan. METHOD Four hundred and ninety-two clinical Aspergillus isolates, collected during 2016-2020, were identified by calmodulin sequencing and tested for antifungal susceptibility using CLSI M38-A3. The Cyp51A sequences of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus isolates were analysed. RESULTS This collection comprised 30 species from eight Aspergillus sections-Flavi (33.5%), Nigri (26.0%), Fumigati (24.2%), Terrei (10.0%), Nidulantes (5.1%), Circumdati (0.8%), Restricti (0.2%) and Aspergillus (0.2%). Sections Fumigati, Flavi and Terrei were primarily represented by A. fumigatus (99.2%), A. flavus (95.8%) and A. terreus (100%), respectively. Section Nigri comprised nine species, mostly A. welwitschiae (60.2%), A. niger (12.5%), A. brunneoviolaceus (10.9%) and A. tubingensis (10.2%). A. fumigatus (39.6%) and A. flavus (26.4%) predominated among 53 isolates from lower respiratory samples, whereas section Nigri species (46.2%) and A. terreus (29.2%) predominated among 65 isolates from ear samples. Reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 1 μg/mL) was noted in A. flavus (7.0%), A. terreus (6.1%), A. nidulans and section Circumdati (A. flocculosus, A. subramanianii and A. westerdijkiae) isolates. Acquired azole resistance was observed in seven A. fumigatus (5.9%), all of which carried TR34 /L98H or TR34 /L98H/S297T/F495I mutation, and three A. flavus (1.9%), one of which carried G441S mutation. Reduced susceptibility to itraconazole (MIC >1 μg/mL) was noted in 55.5% of section Nigri isolates, mainly in A. welwitschiae, A. niger and A. tubingensis, whereas A. brunneoviolaceus, A. aculeatinus and A. japonicus were hypersusceptible to azoles. Anidulafungin was active against all isolates except for one isolate. CONCLUSIONS This study depicted the molecular epidemiology and species-specific characteristics of Aspergillus in Taiwan, which aids in appropriate antifungal therapy and underlines the need of speciation and susceptibility testing of disease-causing Aspergillus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Chen Wang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-I Hsieh
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pui-Ching Choi
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Lin Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Jung Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Stemler J, Többen C, Lass-Flörl C, Steinmann J, Ackermann K, Rath PM, Simon M, Cornely OA, Koehler P. Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis Caused by Non- fumigatus Aspergillus spp. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040500. [PMID: 37108955 PMCID: PMC10141595 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing frequency, clinical and laboratory-based mycologists are consulted on invasive fungal diseases caused by rare fungal species. This review aims to give an overview of the management of invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by non-fumigatus Aspergillus spp.-namely A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger and A. nidulans-including diagnostic and therapeutic differences and similarities to A. fumigatus. A. flavus is the second most common Aspergillus spp. isolated in patients with IA and the predominant species in subtropical regions. Treatment is complicated by its intrinsic resistance against amphotericin B (AmB) and high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for voriconazole. A. nidulans has been frequently isolated in patients with long-term immunosuppression, mostly in patients with primary immunodeficiencies such as chronic granulomatous disease. It has been reported to disseminate more often than other Aspergillus spp. Innate resistance against AmB has been suggested but not yet proven, while MICs seem to be elevated. A. niger is more frequently reported in less severe infections such as otomycosis. Triazoles exhibit varying MICs and are therefore not strictly recommended as first-line treatment for IA caused by A. niger, while patient outcome seems to be more favorable when compared to IA due to other Aspergillus species. A. terreus-related infections have been reported increasingly as the cause of acute and chronic aspergillosis. A recent prospective international multicenter surveillance study showed Spain, Austria, and Israel to be the countries with the highest density of A. terreus species complex isolates collected. This species complex seems to cause dissemination more often and is intrinsically resistant to AmB. Non-fumigatus aspergillosis is difficult to manage due to complex patient histories, varying infection sites and potential intrinsic resistances to antifungals. Future investigational efforts should aim at amplifying the knowledge on specific diagnostic measures and their on-site availability, as well as defining optimal treatment strategies and outcomes of non-fumigatus aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannik Stemler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Christina Többen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Ackermann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Klinikum Nürnberg, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Michaela Simon
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Oliver Andreas Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), European Diamond Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
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Dos Reis TF, de Castro PA, Bastos RW, Pinzan CF, Souza PFN, Ackloo S, Hossain MA, Drewry DH, Alkhazraji S, Ibrahim AS, Jo H, Lightfoot JD, Adams EM, Fuller KK, deGrado WF, Goldman GH. A host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin, potentiates caspofungin antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2052. [PMID: 37045836 PMCID: PMC10090755 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections cause more than 1.5 million deaths a year. Due to emerging antifungal drug resistance, novel strategies are urgently needed to combat life-threatening fungal diseases. Here, we identify the host defense peptide mimetic, brilacidin (BRI) as a synergizer with caspofungin (CAS) against CAS-sensitive and CAS-resistant isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, C. auris, and CAS-intrinsically resistant Cryptococcus neoformans. BRI also potentiates azoles against A. fumigatus and several Mucorales fungi. BRI acts in A. fumigatus by affecting cell wall integrity pathway and cell membrane potential. BRI combined with CAS significantly clears A. fumigatus lung infection in an immunosuppressed murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. BRI alone also decreases A. fumigatus fungal burden and ablates disease development in a murine model of fungal keratitis. Our results indicate that combinations of BRI and antifungal drugs in clinical use are likely to improve the treatment outcome of aspergillosis and other fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaila Fernanda Dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rafael Wesley Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Visiting professor at Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Suzanne Ackloo
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, 101 College Street, MaRS South Tower, Suite 700, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - David Harold Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sondus Alkhazraji
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Hyunil Jo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jorge D Lightfoot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Emily M Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kevin K Fuller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - William F deGrado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gustavo H Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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Alquraish FA, AlQattan AS, Al-Shammari T. Surgical site invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent patient secondary to Kramericeae herb: Case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2023; 105:108026. [PMID: 36996711 PMCID: PMC10070630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE Surgical site infection results in an increased morbidity and length of stay. This poses a great economic burden to society and remains a challenge in the surgical field surgery. In the recent years, there has been great attention in modalities to avert such complications. Primary cutaneous infection with aspergillosis is rare entity in immune competent patient. CASE PRESENTATION We report a rare cause of surgical site infection with invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent patient secondary to Kramericeae herb. We describe the wound which was noted to be offensive with production of a tar like and golden green slough material, which lack clinical improvement despite aggressive surgical debridement and the use multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics. CLINICAL DISCUSSION Post-operative wound infection with aspergillosis has been reported in literature related to patient and environmental factors; immunocompromised patient and contamination of ventilation system. Poor response to conventional measures in treating wound complication should alert surgeons to anticipate unusual fungal wound infection. Mortality due to aspergillus infection wound is highest in patient with solid organ transplant. However, it is uncommon that it can lead to septic shock and death in immunocompetent patients. CONCLUSION Post-operative wound infection with fungi seems to be less anticipated cause in immunocompetent patient. To improve outcome better awareness of the wound characteristics and clinical course. Furthermore, a better control by local authorities of non-controlled "herbal medicines" sellers in terms of routines checks of their products to ensure their health safety.
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Mohankumar N, Rajagopal L, Nieto JJ. Optimal control for co-infection with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in ICU patients with environmental contamination. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:9861-9875. [PMID: 37322914 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) co-infection, that enables the study of relationship between prevention and treatment. The next generation matrix is employed to find the reproduction number. We enhanced the co-infection model by incorporating time-dependent controls as interventions based on Pontryagin's maximum principle in obtaining the necessary conditions for optimal control. Finally, we perform numerical experiments with different control groups to assess the elimination of infection. In numerical results, transmission prevention control, treatment controls, and environmental disinfection control provide the best chance of preventing the spread of diseases more rapidly than any other combination of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandhini Mohankumar
- Department of Mathematics, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Lavanya Rajagopal
- Department of Mathematics, Coimbatore Institute of Technology, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Juan J Nieto
- CITMAga, Departamento de Estatística, Análise Matemática e Optimización, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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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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Genetic Diversity of Human Fungal Pathogens. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-023-00188-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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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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Hatmaker EA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Raja HA, Pourhadi H, Knowles SL, Fuller K, Adams EM, Lightfoot JD, Bastos RW, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Genomic and Phenotypic Trait Variation of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Aspergillus flavus and Its Close Relatives. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0306922. [PMID: 36318036 PMCID: PMC9769809 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03069-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases affect millions of humans annually, yet fungal pathogens remain understudied. The mold Aspergillus flavus can cause both aspergillosis and fungal keratitis infections, but closely related species are not considered clinically relevant. To study the evolution of A. flavus pathogenicity, we examined genomic and phenotypic traits of two strains of A. flavus and three closely related species, Aspergillus arachidicola (two strains), Aspergillus parasiticus (two strains), and Aspergillus nomiae (one strain). We identified >3,000 orthologous proteins unique to A. flavus, including seven biosynthetic gene clusters present in A. flavus strains and absent in the three nonpathogens. We characterized secondary metabolite production for all seven strains under two clinically relevant conditions, temperature and salt concentration. Temperature impacted metabolite production in all species, whereas salinity did not affect production of any species. Strains of the same species produced different metabolites. Growth under stress conditions revealed additional heterogeneity within species. Using the invertebrate fungal disease model Galleria mellonella, we found virulence of strains of the same species varied widely; A. flavus strains were not more virulent than strains of the nonpathogens. In a murine model of fungal keratitis, we observed significantly lower disease severity and corneal thickness for A. arachidicola compared to other species at 48 h postinfection, but not at 72 h. Our work identifies variations in key phenotypic, chemical, and genomic attributes between A. flavus and its nonpathogenic relatives and reveals extensive strain heterogeneity in virulence that does not correspond to the currently established clinical relevance of these species. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a filamentous fungus that causes opportunistic human infections, such as aspergillosis and fungal keratitis, but its close relatives are considered nonpathogenic. To begin understanding how this difference in pathogenicity evolved, we characterized variation in infection-relevant genomic, chemical, and phenotypic traits between strains of A. flavus and its relatives. We found extensive variation (or strain heterogeneity) within the pathogenic A. flavus as well as within its close relatives, suggesting that strain-level differences may play a major role in the ability of these fungi to cause disease. Surprisingly, we also found that the virulence of strains from species not considered to be pathogens was similar to that of A. flavus in both invertebrate and murine models of disease. These results contrast with previous studies on Aspergillus fumigatus, another major pathogen in the genus, for which significant differences in infection-relevant chemical and phenotypic traits are observed between closely related pathogenic and nonpathogenic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hadi Pourhadi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sonja L. Knowles
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin Fuller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Rafael W. Bastos
- Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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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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Phosphomannose Isomerase Is Involved in Development, Stress Responses, and Pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0202722. [PMID: 35980200 PMCID: PMC9603912 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02027-22] [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] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus causes invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and severe contamination of agriculturally important crops by producing aflatoxins. The fungal cell wall is absent in animals and is structurally different from that of plants, which makes it a potential antifungal drug target due to its essentiality for fungal survival. Mannose is one of the important components in the fungal cell wall, which requires GDP-mannose (GDP-Man) as the primary donor. Three consecutive enzymes, namely, phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), phosphomannose mutase (PMM), and GDP-mannose phosphorylase (GMPP), are required for GDP-Man biosynthesis. Thus, PMI is of prime importance in cell wall biosynthesis and also has an active role in sugar metabolism. Here, we investigated the functional role of PMI in A. flavus by generating a pmiA-deficient strain. The mutant required exogenous mannose to survive and exhibited reduced growth rate, impaired conidiation, early germination, disturbance in stress responses, and defects in colonization of crop seeds. Furthermore, attenuated virulence of the mutant was documented in both Caenorhabditis elegans and Galleria mellonella infection models. Our results suggested that PMI plays an important role in the development, stress responses, and pathogenicity of A. flavus and therefore could serve as a potential target for battling against infection and controlling aflatoxin contamination caused by A. flavus. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a common fungal pathogen of humans, animals, and agriculturally important crops. It causes invasive aspergillosis in humans and also produces highly carcinogenic mycotoxins in postharvest crops that threaten food safety worldwide. To alleviate or eliminate the threats posed by A. flavus, it is necessary to identify genes involved in pathogenicity and mycotoxin contamination. However, little progress has been made in this regard. Here, we focused on PMI, which is the first enzyme involved in the biosynthesis pathway of GDP-Man and thus is important for cell wall synthesis and protein glycosylation. Our study revealed that PMI is important for growth of A. flavus. It is also involved in conidiation, germination, morphogenesis, stress responses, and pathogenicity of A. flavus. Thus, PMI is a potent antifungal target to curb the threats posed by A. flavus.
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