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Subedi A, Upreti MK, Rana JC, Sapkota RP, Thapa Shrestha U. Vulvovaginal candidiasis, an increasing burden to women in the tropical regions attending Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan. J Mycol Med 2024; 34:101509. [PMID: 39276531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a yeast infection commonly caused by the overgrowth of Candida species in and around the vulva and vagina. Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching and irritation, swelling and redness of the vaginal area, pain during sexual intercourse, and dyspareunia are important clinical findings of the infection. Currently, the infection is one of the growing burdens to married women. Moreover, the infection with antifungal-resistant Candida species adds challenges to managing the disease. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the different Candida species causing vulvovaginal candidiasis and to determine its susceptibility pattern against different antifungal drugs. A hospital-based cross-sectional and quantitative study was conducted for the period of six months from September 2022 to March 2023 among symptomatic married women in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Bharatpur Hospital, Chitwan. A total of 300 symptomatic cases were enrolled in the study. Candida species were isolated from vaginal swabs following standard microbiological procedures and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed with different antifungal agents. The total prevalence of vulvovaginal candidiasis was found to be 37.3 % (112/300). Among different isolates, Candida albicans was found to be the most predominant (52.6 %), followed by Candida glabrata (29.3 %) among non-albicans. Women from the age group 25-35 years were found to be more infected (47.3 %) and the relationship between contraceptive use and vulvovaginal candidiasis was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Candida species showed higher susceptibility toward Amphotericin-B (68.1 %), followed by fluconazole (Diflucan), and Clotrimazole (50.9 %). Whereas the least susceptibility was observed to Voriconazole (27.6 %) and Itraconazole (35.30 %). Candida albicans was comparatively more susceptible to different antifungal drugs than non-albicans species. Candida parapsilosis was only susceptible to Amphotericin-B and the increasing incidence of vaginal candidiasis due to non-albicans Candida indicates the need for routine speciation of Candida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisha Subedi
- Department of Microbiology, Goldengate International College, Battisputali, Kathmandu
| | - Milan Kumar Upreti
- Department of Microbiology, Goldengate International College, Battisputali, Kathmandu
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Farheen A, Case NT, MacAlpine J, Fu C, Robbins N, Cowen LE. The putative prenyltransferase Nus1 is required for filamentation in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae124. [PMID: 38874344 PMCID: PMC11304969 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans that can cause serious systemic infections in vulnerable immunocompromised populations. One of its virulence attributes is its capacity to transition between yeast and filamentous morphologies, but our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Here, we analyzed data from a functional genomic screen performed with the C. albicans Gene Replacement And Conditional Expression collection to identify genes crucial for morphogenesis in host-relevant conditions. Through manual scoring of microscopy images coupled with analysis of each image using a deep learning-based method termed Candescence, we identified 307 genes important for filamentation in tissue culture medium at 37°C with 5% CO2. One such factor was orf19.5963, which is predicted to encode the prenyltransferase Nus1 based on sequence homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We further showed that Nus1 and its predicted interacting partner Rer2 are important for filamentation in multiple liquid filament-inducing conditions as well as for wrinkly colony formation on solid agar. Finally, we highlight that Nus1 and Rer2 likely govern C. albicans morphogenesis due to their importance in intracellular trafficking, as well as maintaining lipid homeostasis. Overall, this work identifies Nus1 and Rer2 as important regulators of C. albicans filamentation and highlights the power of functional genomic screens in advancing our understanding of gene function in human fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiman Farheen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Nicola T Case
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Jessie MacAlpine
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Ci Fu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 PMCID: PMC11332356 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H. T. Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Musinguzi B, Obuku EA, Kinengyere AA, Ndagire R, Baguma A, Mwesigwa A, Itabangi H, Mboowa G, Sande OJ, Achan B. Prevalence of Oropharyngeal Candidiasis and distribution of Candida species among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4534730. [PMID: 38883750 PMCID: PMC11177986 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4534730/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background The incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Africa is on the rise. Oropharyngeal candidiasis is mainly caused by C.albicans; however, a shift in the etiology towards non-Candida albicans species is increasing. In addition, there are variations in the epidemiological distribution of Candida species causing oropharyngeal candidiasis among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Africa. Objective This review aimed to determine the prevalence of oropharyngeal candidiasis and the distribution of Candida species among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Africa. Materials and Methods This systematic review protocol was registered in the base PROSPERO database prior to its conduct (CRD42021254473). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol guidelines (PRISMA-P) were followed for this study. The PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE databases were searched to identify published studies published between 1st January 2000 and 8th October 2022. The eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis and analyzed using a random effects model. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for prevalence studies. Results The database search yielded 370 titles from PubMed (n=192), EMBASE (n=162) and SCOPUS (n=16). Fourteen studies with a total of 3,863 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of oropharyngeal candidiasis was 49.0% (95% CI: 37% - 62%). A total of 2,688 Candida isolates were reported; approximately 76.6% (n=2,060) were C. albicans, and 21.7% (n=582) were non-C. albicans. Among the non-Candida albicans species, C. glabrata was the most common isolate (29.6%), followed by C. tropicalis (27.7%), C. krusei (17.0%), C. parapsilosis (8.1%) and C. dubliniensis (5.2%). Out of 14 studies, 7 (50.0%) had a low risk of bias, 5 (35.7%) had a moderate risk of bias, and 2 (14.3%) had a high risk of bias. Conclusion Almost half of people living with HIV in Africa have oropharyngeal candidiasis, and C. albicans remains the most frequent cause of oropharyngeal candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Musinguzi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muni University, Arua, Uganda
| | - Ekwaro A Obuku
- Africa Centre for Systematic Reviews and Knowledge Translation, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alison Annet Kinengyere
- Sir Albert Cook Medical Library, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
| | - Regina Ndagire
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew Baguma
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Alex Mwesigwa
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale, Uganda
| | - Herbert Itabangi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Gerald Mboowa
- African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive, Sciences, the Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Obondo James Sande
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Beatrice Achan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Rojas OC, Amaral-Montesino C, Mendoza-Olazaran S, Carrión-Alvarez D, González-Álvarez R, Montoya AM. Isolation of Clavispora lusitaniae from the Oral Cavity of Immunocompetent Young Adults from the North of Mexico. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:475-481. [PMID: 39010992 PMCID: PMC11246318 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-023-01145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human oral cavity is normally colonized by microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses and protozoa. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Candida spp., in de oral cavity in a group of medical students from the north of Mexico. Oral sample were obtained from 240 healthy students. The specimens were analyzed by traditional microbiology cultures and DNA sequencing. Candida spp., grew in Sabouraud dextrose agar from 57 samples and subsequently were isolated and phenotyped. The definitive identification to the species level was done by sequence analysis. The yeasts were identified as follow: 28 Clavispora lusitaniae, 20 Candida albicans, 5 Pichia kudriavzevii and 4 Candida parapsilosis. Our findings revealed that 23.75% of the healthy population has a potential pathogen in their mouth. Surprisingly, C. albicans is not the predominant yeast; instead other non-Candida species are the colonizers of the oral cavity as normal microbiota. C. lusitaniae is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen in immunosuppressive patients. This paper pretends to highlight the presence of this yeast in the oral cavity in immunocompetent young adults. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01145-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga C Rojas
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, CP 64460 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico
- Departamento de Ciencia Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, CP 66238 San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
| | - Cintia Amaral-Montesino
- Departamento de Ciencia Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, CP 66238 San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
| | - Soraya Mendoza-Olazaran
- Departamento de Ciencia Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, CP 66238 San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
| | - Diego Carrión-Alvarez
- Departamento de Ciencia Básicas, Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Monterrey, CP 66238 San Pedro Garza García, Mexico
| | | | - Alexandra M Montoya
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, CP 64460 Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico
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Nenciarini S, Renzi S, di Paola M, Meriggi N, Cavalieri D. Ascomycetes yeasts: The hidden part of human microbiome. WIREs Mech Dis 2024; 16:e1641. [PMID: 38228159 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The fungal component of the microbiota, the mycobiota, has been neglected for a long time due to its poor richness compared to bacteria. Limitations in fungal detection and taxonomic identification arise from using metagenomic approaches, often borrowed from bacteriome analyses. However, the relatively recent discoveries of the ability of fungi to modulate the host immune response and their involvement in human diseases have made mycobiota a fundamental component of the microbial communities inhabiting the human host, deserving some consideration in host-microbe interaction studies and in metagenomics. Here, we reviewed recent data on the identification of yeasts of the Ascomycota phylum across human body districts, focusing on the most representative genera, that is, Saccharomyces and Candida. Then, we explored the key factors involved in shaping the human mycobiota across the lifespan, ranging from host genetics to environment, diet, and lifestyle habits. Finally, we discussed the strengths and weaknesses of culture-dependent and independent methods for mycobiota characterization. Overall, there is still room for some improvements, especially regarding fungal-specific methodological approaches and bioinformatics challenges, which are still critical steps in mycobiota analysis, and to advance our knowledge on the role of the gut mycobiota in human health and disease. This article is categorized under: Immune System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Immune System Diseases > Environmental Factors Infectious Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonia Renzi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica di Paola
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Meriggi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Almeida-Bezerra JW, Pereira da Cruz R, Bezerra da Silva V, Da Silva Neto JX, Alves Lopes de Souza L, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D, Monteiro Salgueiro Araujo N, Guimarães Gomes Silva R, Quefi B, Rau M, Andrade Rebelo R, Castro Dos Santos S, Everson da Silva L, Douglas Melo Coutinho H, Almeida Menezes S, Bezerra Morais-Braga MF, Morais de Oliveira AF. Exploring the Fluconazole-Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301960. [PMID: 38196022 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301960] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti-Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50 : 371 μg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50 : 830 μg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 μg/mL and 362 μg/mL to 0.22 μg/mL and 13.93 μg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 μg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Weverton Almeida-Bezerra
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco-UFPE, s/n, Rua Professor Moraes Rego, Recife, Pernambuco, 50.670-901, Brazil
| | - Rafael Pereira da Cruz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, 1161, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, Crato, Ceará, 63.105-000, Brazil
| | - Viviane Bezerra da Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, 1161, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, Crato, Ceará, 63.105-000, Brazil
| | - João Xavier Da Silva Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara'-UFC, s/n, Av. Humberto Monte, Fortaleza, 60.451-970, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Lopes de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara'-UFC, s/n, Av. Humberto Monte, Fortaleza, 60.451-970, Brazil
| | | | - Nadine Monteiro Salgueiro Araujo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara'-UFC, s/n, Av. Humberto Monte, Fortaleza, 60.451-970, Brazil
| | - Rafael Guimarães Gomes Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara'-UFC, s/n, Av. Humberto Monte, Fortaleza, 60.451-970, Brazil
| | - Blasco Quefi
- Department of Chemistry, Regional University of Blumenau, FURB, Itoupava Seca, 89030-903, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Martinho Rau
- Department of Chemistry, Regional University of Blumenau, FURB, Itoupava Seca, 89030-903, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Andrade Rebelo
- Department of Chemistry, Regional University of Blumenau, FURB, Itoupava Seca, 89030-903, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Sarah Castro Dos Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Regional University of Blumenau, FURB, Itoupava Seca, 89030-903, Blumenau, SC, Brazil
| | - Luiz Everson da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Sustainable Territorial Development, Coastal Sector, Federal University of Paraná, Matinhos, PR, Brazil
| | - Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri-URCA, 1161, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz, Crato, Ceará, 63.105-000, Brazil
| | - Saulo Almeida Menezes
- Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, 9500, Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91501-970, Brazil
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Bae S, Kwon KT, Hwang S, Kim Y, Chang HH, Kim SW, Lee NY, Kim YK, Lee JC. Analysis of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment at the end stage of life in 2 Korean hospitals. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:201-206. [PMID: 37694735 PMCID: PMC10877534 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the adequacy of microbiological tests in patients withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WLST) at the end stage of life. SETTING The study was conducted at 2 tertiary-care referral hospitals in Daegu, Republic of Korea. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS Demographic findings, clinical and epidemiological characteristics, statistics of microbiological tests, and microbial species isolated from patients within 2 weeks before death were collected in 2 tertiary-care referral hospitals from January to December 2018. We also reviewed the antimicrobial treatment that was given within 3 days of microbiological testing in patients on WLST. RESULTS Of the 1,187 hospitalized patients included, 905 patients (76.2%) had WLST. The number of tests per 1,000 patient days was higher after WLST than before WLST (242.0 vs 202.4). Among the category of microbiological tests, blood cultures were performed most frequently, and their numbers per 1,000 patient days before and after WLST were 95.9 and 99.0, respectively. The positive rates of blood culture before and after WLST were 17.2% and 18.0%, respectively. Candida spp. were the most common microbiological species in sputum (17.4%) and urine (48.2%), and Acinetobacter spp. were the most common in blood culture (17.3%). After WLST determination, 70.5% of microbiological tests did not lead to a change in antibiotic use. CONCLUSIONS Many unnecessary microbiological tests are being performed in patients with WLST within 2 weeks of death. Microbiological testing should be performed carefully and in accordance with the patient's treatment goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun Bae
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Tae Kwon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoon Hwang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ha Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Woo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nan Young Lee
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Kyoung Kim
- Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Chul Lee
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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9
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Shankarnarayan SA, Charlebois DA. Machine learning to identify clinically relevant Candida yeast species. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myad134. [PMID: 38130236 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad134] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections, especially due to Candida species, are on the rise. Multi-drug resistant organisms such as Candida auris are difficult and time consuming to identify accurately. Machine learning is increasingly being used in health care, especially in medical imaging. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of six convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify four clinically important Candida species. Wet-mounted images were captured using bright field live-cell microscopy followed by separating single-cells, budding-cells, and cell-group images which were then subjected to different machine learning algorithms (custom CNN, VGG16, ResNet50, InceptionV3, EfficientNetB0, and EfficientNetB7) to learn and predict Candida species. Among the six algorithms tested, the InceptionV3 model performed best in predicting Candida species from microscopy images. All models performed poorly on raw images obtained directly from the microscope. The performance of all models increased when trained on single and budding cell images. The InceptionV3 model identified budding cells of C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata), and C. haemulonii in 97.0%, 74.0%, 68.0%, and 66.0% cases, respectively. For single cells of C. albicans, C. auris, C. glabrata, and C. haemulonii InceptionV3 identified 97.0%, 73.0%, 69.0%, and 73.0% cases, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of InceptionV3 were 77.1% and 92.4%, respectively. Overall, this study provides proof of the concept that microscopy images from wet-mounted slides can be used to identify Candida yeast species using machine learning quickly and accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel A Charlebois
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G-2E1, Canada
- Department of Physics, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G-2E9, Canada
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10
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Said G, Ali A, Umair M, Ahmad F, Gul S, Ateeq M. Bioactivities of natural product geodin congeners and their preliminary structure activity relationship. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37865972 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2272022] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A series of 6 novel ester derivatives 2-7 of natural product geodin 1 were designed and semi-synthesized through one mild step reaction with high yield. Compounds 2-7 showed strong inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus in the range of 2.35-9.41 μM. Compounds 4 and 7 showed very strong inhibitory activities against antifouling bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida with MICs of 2.42 μM and 4.56 μM respectively. Most notably compounds 3-7 showed potent antifungal activities against Candida albicans in the range of 0.59-2.44 μM. Particularly, compound 3 showed the highest antifungal activity against C. albicans with a MIC value of 0.59 μM. The preliminary structure activity relationship of these derivatives showed that replacement of 4-OH group with benzoyl substituents could enhance the antibacterial and antifungal activities of geodin 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulab Said
- Department of Chemistry, Women University Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
| | - Amjad Ali
- Center of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farooq Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Women University Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
| | - Salma Gul
- Department of Chemistry, Women University Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ateeq
- Department of Chemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
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11
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da Silva CR, Silveira MJCB, Soares GC, de Andrade CR, Cabral VPDF, Sá LGDAV, Rodrigues DS, Moreira LEA, Barbosa AD, da Silva LJ, da Silva AR, Gomes AOCV, Cavalcanti BC, de Moraes MO, Nobre Júnior HV, de Andrade Neto JB. Analysis of possible pathways on the mechanism of action of minocycline and doxycycline against strains of Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37801011 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Species of the genus Candida, characterized as commensals of the human microbiota, are opportunistic pathogens capable of generating various types of infections with high associated costs. Considering the limited pharmacological arsenal and the emergence of antifungal-resistant strains, the repositioning of drugs is a strategy used to search for new therapeutic alternatives, in which minocycline and doxycycline have been evaluated as potential candidates. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of two tetracyclines, minocycline and doxycycline, and their possible mechanism of action against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida spp. The sensitivity test for antimicrobials was performed using the broth microdilution technique, and the pharmacological interaction with fluconazole was also analysed using the checkerboard method. To analyse the possible mechanisms of action, flow cytometry assays were performed. The minimum inhibitory concentration obtained was 4-427 µg ml-1 for minocycline and 128-512 µg ml-1 for doxycycline, and mostly indifferent and additive interactions with fluconazole were observed. These tetracyclines were found to promote cellular alterations that generated death by apoptosis, with concentration-dependent reactive oxygen species production and reduced cell viability. Therefore, minocycline and doxycycline present themselves as promising study molecules against Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Rocha da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Janielly Castelo Branco Silveira
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Vitória Pessoa de Farias Cabral
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lívia Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Daniel Sampaio Rodrigues
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lara Elloyse Almeida Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Amanda Dias Barbosa
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lisandra Juvêncio da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Batista de Andrade Neto
- School of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Bioprospection of Antimicrobial Molecules (LABIMAN), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research & Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Christus University Center (UNICHRISTUS), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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12
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Rashidi M, Bazi A, Ahmadzadeh A, Romeo O, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Abastabar M, Haghani I, Mirzaei S. The growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin in a mouse model of systemic candidiasis. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad201. [PMID: 37669891 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad201] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Umbelliprenin has shown promising biological activities, including immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. The present study investigated the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of umbelliprenin against Candida albicans in a BALB/c mice model of disseminated candidiasis. METHODS AND RESULTS First, an antimicrobial assay via microdilution sensitivity test was performed. Then, twenty-five 6-week-old female BALB/c mice (20 ± 12 g) were divided into five groups of five mice, including one control group (no umbelliprenin treatment) and four experimental groups: C. albicans-infected mice treated with umbelliprenin at the doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg -1. The brain, lung, kidney, spleen, and liver tissues were examined for fungal infection and histological lesions, and TUNEL staining was performed to assess apoptosis. The β-1, 3-glucan synthase assay was used to evaluate enzymatic activity, and gene expression analysis was also performed to investigate the transcriptional changes of ERG11, CDR1, ALS1, and HWP1 genes. The MIC of umbelliprenin was 1.5 mg mL-1. Our results showed that at the 40 mg kg -1 dose, umbelliprenin was able to eradicate fungal infection in BALB/c mice. The percentage of apoptotic cells in umbelliprenin-treated groups increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Umbelliprenin (40 mg kg -1) also inhibited the expression of β-1, 3-glucan synthase, and the genes involved in antifungal resistance (CDR1 and ERG11), as well as the expression of the genes encoding adhesins (ALS1 and HWP1). CONCLUSION Our results showed that umbelliprenin could promote antifungal effects, partly via inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Ali Bazi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol 98616-15881, Iran
| | - Alireza Ahmadzadeh
- Department of Lab Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-69411, Iran
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 ME, Italy
- IRCCS-Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo, 98124 ME, Italy
| | - Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 61357-15794, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Iman Haghani
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Islamic Azad University Science and Research Branch, Tehran 14778-93855, Iran
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Zhu W, Zhang H, Dong Q, Song H, Zhao L. Dual wave of neutrophil recruitment determines the outcome of C. albicans infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1239593. [PMID: 37492529 PMCID: PMC10364056 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1239593] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a ubiquitous fungus that can cause superficial and systemic infections in humans. Neutrophils play a crucial role in controlling C. albicans infections. When C. albicans enters the bloodstream, it tends to get trapped in capillary vessels. However, the behavior of neutrophils in combating capillary-residing fungi has not been fully characterized. In this study, we used transgenic mice and whole mount imaging to investigate the growth of C. albicans and its interaction with innate immune cells in different organs. We observed that C. albicans rapidly grows hyphae within hours of infection. Following intravenous infection, we observed two waves of neutrophil recruitment, both of which significantly contributed to the elimination of the fungi. The first wave of neutrophils was induced by complement activation and could be prevented by C5aR blockade. Interestingly, we discovered that the fungicidal effect in the lungs was independent of adhesion molecules such as Mac-1, LFA-1, and ICAM-1. However, these molecules played a more significant role in the optimal killing of C. albicans in the kidney. Importantly, the initial difference in killing efficiency resulted in significantly reduced survival in knockout mice lacking these adhesion molecules. We identified a second wave of neutrophil recruitment associated with hyphal growth and tissue damage, which was independent of the aforementioned adhesion molecules. Overall, this study elucidates the dual wave of neutrophil recruitment during C. albicans infection and highlights the importance of early fungal clearance for favorable disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiming Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Hongyong Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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MacAlpine J, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Bacterial-fungal interactions and their impact on microbial pathogenesis. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:2565-2581. [PMID: 35231147 PMCID: PMC11032213 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Microbial communities of the human microbiota exhibit diverse effects on human health and disease. Microbial homeostasis is important for normal physiological functions and changes to the microbiota are associated with many human diseases including diabetes, cancer, and colitis. In addition, there are many microorganisms that are either commensal or acquired from environmental reservoirs that can cause diverse pathologies. Importantly, the balance between health and disease is intricately connected to how members of the microbiota interact and affect one another's growth and pathogenicity. However, the mechanisms that govern these interactions are only beginning to be understood. In this review, we outline bacterial-fungal interactions in the human body, including examining the mechanisms by which bacteria govern fungal growth and virulence, as well as how fungi regulate bacterial pathogenesis. We summarize advances in the understanding of chemical, physical, and protein-based interactions, and their role in exacerbating or impeding human disease. We focus on the three fungal species responsible for the majority of systemic fungal infections in humans: Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. We conclude by summarizing recent studies that have mined microbes for novel antimicrobials and antivirulence factors, highlighting the potential of the human microbiota as a rich resource for small molecule discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie MacAlpine
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1, Canada
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15
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Lisovskaya S, Isaeva GS, Nikolaeva I, Guseva S, Gainatullina L, Chumarev N. COLONIZATION AND AZOLE RESISTANCE OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDA FUNGI IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS WITH COVID-19. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY 2023. [DOI: 10.15789/2220-7619-caa-2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to developing oropharyngeal candidiasis and invasive candidiasis. Invasive fungal infections can complicate the clinical course of COVID-19 and are associated with a substantially increased mortality. An important reason for the successful treatment of candidiasis is to determine the sensitivity of clinical fungal isolates to antimycotics. A microbiological study of oropharyngeal swabs was performed in 54 patients aged 33 to 94 years (mean age 67.4 years) with severe and extremely severe COVID-19, who were treated in the intensive care unit at the height of clinical manifestations. Most patients (95%) had comorbidities: hypertension (68.5%), diabetes mellitus (24%), coronary artery disease (22.2%), chronic heart failure (38.9%), obesity (23.8%), cardiac arrhythmias (20.4%), chronic cerebral ischemia (56.1%), varicose veins of the lower extremities (5.5%), chronic kidney disease (20.4%), liver cirrhosis (5.5%), HIV infection (5.5%). A comparative analysis of oropharyngeal microbial biocenosis showed differences in the frequency of occurrence of opportunistic microbial species, as well as in the number of members in microbial associations. Polyspecific fungal-bacterial associations were more common and dominated polyspecific bacterial associations. According to the results, a high frequency of oropharyngeal colonization in patients with severe COVID-19 by strains of fungi of the genus Candida was established. The vast majority of strains of fungi of the genus Candida (85.2%) were resistant to antimycotics of the azole group. A high frequency (85.2%) of oropharyngeal colonization in resuscitation patients with azole-resistant strains of fungi of the genus Candida was revealed. C. albicans dominated among Candida. C. albicans was isolated in 37 (68.5%) patients, C. pararapsilosis - in 6 (11.1%), C. tropicalis - in 3 (5.5%), C. krusei - in 2 (3.7%) %), C. kefyr - in 1 (1.9%), C. glabrata - in 1 (1.9%) patient. In 11 (20.4%) patients, associations of C. albicans and other Candida species were identified. The level of fungi in the material was etiologically significant (104 105 CFU/tamp.) in 80% of patients. The vast majority of strains (more than 70%) were resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole, which should be taken into account when prescribing candidiasis therapy in patients with COVID-19. The MIC for fluconazole against C. albicans strains was 1024 g/ml for 4 isolates, 512 g/ml for 7 isolates, and 128 g/ml for 15 isolates. The maximum MIC values for voriconazole against C. albicans was 256 g/ml.
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16
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Kaur J, Nobile CJ. Antifungal drug-resistance mechanisms in Candida biofilms. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 71:102237. [PMID: 36436326 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by the Candida species of human fungal pathogens are a significant medical problem because they can disseminate to nearly every organ of the body. In addition, there are only a few classes of antifungal drugs available to treat patients with invasive fungal infections. Candida infections that are associated with biofilms can withstand much higher concentrations of antifungal drugs compared with infections caused by planktonic cells, thus making biofilm infections particularly challenging to treat. Candida albicans is among the most prevalent fungal species of the human microbiota, asymptomatically colonizing several niches of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, mouth, and skin. Immunocompromised health conditions, dysbiosis of the microbiota, or environmental changes, however, can lead to C. albicans overgrowth, causing infections that range from superficial mucosal infections to severe hematogenously disseminated infections. Here, we review the current knowledge of antifungal drug-resistance mechanisms occurring in Candida biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaspreet Kaur
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA; Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
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17
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Turunen J, Paalanne N, Reunanen J, Tapiainen T, Tejesvi MV. Development of gut mycobiome in infants and young children: a prospective cohort study. Pediatr Res 2023:10.1038/s41390-023-02471-y. [PMID: 36670159 PMCID: PMC10382308 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The composition of the gut fungal microbiome, mycobiome, is likely associated with human health. Yet, the development of gut mycobiome is poorly understood in infants and children. Here we investigate how perinatal events influence the development of gut mycobiome. METHODS In this prospective cohort study of 140 infants, we used ITS gene sequencing of fecal samples from birth to the age of 18 months. We compared gut mycobiome composition according to delivery mode and exposure to intrapartum antibiotics during vaginal delivery. RESULTS At birth, gut mycobiome were dominated by the genus Candida, at 6-month stool samples by Malassezia and Cystofilobasidium, and the 18-month stool samples by Trichosporon and unidentified fungi. Perinatal factors altered mycobiome. At 18 months, gut mycobiome of infants born vaginally consisted mostly of Trichosporon (32%) and unidentified fungi (31%), while those born via Cesarean section delivery samples had mycobiome dominated by Saccharomyces (50%). At the age of 18 months, those exposed to intrapartum antibiotics had mycobiome dominated by Trichosporon (66%) not seen in those unexposed to antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Delivery mode and exposure to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis were markedly associated with gut mycobiome composition from birth to 18 months of age. IMPACT The composition of the gut mycobiome is likely associated with human health. Yet, the development of gut mycobiome is poorly understood in infants and children. In this prospective cohort study, delivery mode and exposure to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis were markedly associated with gut mycobiome composition from birth to 18 months of age. The impact of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis on fungal microbiome in vaginally born infants, previously shown to influence gut bacteriome composition, may be explained by the interaction between bacteria and fungi. Gut mycobiome composition likely deserves further investigation in relation to gut microbiome and health in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Turunen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. .,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Niko Paalanne
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Justus Reunanen
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Research Unit of Translational Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi Tapiainen
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mysore V Tejesvi
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Ecology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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18
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Immunomodulatory drug fingolimod (FTY720) restricts the growth of opportunistic yeast Candida albicans in vitro and in a mouse candidiasis model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278488. [PMID: 36477491 PMCID: PMC9728862 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fingolimod (FTY720) is a drug derived from the fungicidal compound myriocin. As it was unclear whether FTY720 has antifungal effects as well, we aimed to characterize its effect on Candida albicans in vitro and in a mouse candidiasis model. First, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed in vitro. Then, a randomized, six-arm, parallel, open-label trial was conducted on 48 mice receiving oral FTY720 (0.3 mg/kg/day), intraperitoneal C. albicans inoculation, or placebo with different combinations and chorological patterns. The outcome measures of the trial included serum concentrations of interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma, absolute lymphocyte counts, and fungal burden values in the mice's livers, kidneys, and vaginas. Broth microdilution assay revealed FTY720's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC99) to be 0.25 mg/mL for C. albicans. The infected mice treated with FTY720 showed lower fungal burden values than the ones not treated with FTY720 (p<0.05). As expected, the mice treated with FTY720 showed a less-inflammatory immune profile compared to the ones not treated with FTY720. We hypothesize that FTY720 synergizes the host's innate immune functions by inducing the production of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to unveil the mechanistic explanations of our observations and clarify further aspects of repurposing FTY720 for clinical antifungal usage.
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19
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Moraes GS, Albach T, Sugio CYC, Cachoeira VS, Kiratcz F, Claudino M, Campagnoli EB, Pochapski MT, Dos Santos FA, Neppelenbroek KH, Urban VM. A novel rat model of denture stomatitis and the role of antibiotics in the development of the disease. Med Mycol 2022; 60:myac092. [PMID: 36441017 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study compared different conditions to establish a rat model of denture stomatitis. Immunocompetent Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 35): Tetracycline = administration of 0.83 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride 7 days before induction of denture stomatitis and amoxicillin = administration of 0.156 mg/ml of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 4 days before induction of denture stomatitis. A suspension of Candida albicans was inoculated on the palate followed by the use of a palatal device contaminated with C. albicans inoculum for 4 days to induce denture stomatitis. As controls, some rats were not submitted to any procedure or used a sterile palatal device for 4 days. The development of denture stomatitis was confirmed by visual analysis, colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) count, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, and through myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) assays. Rats were euthanized right after device removal (T0), 4 (T4), or 6 (T6) days after device removal. Tetracycline improved the development of the disease, with more severe clinical signs at T0. Similar results were observed in the CFU/ml count and in the histometric and immunohistochemical analyses. Higher MPO expression was detected in the palates of the tetracycline group (P = .006). Despite the subtle differences between antibiotics, tetracycline showed better results in inducing and maintaining denture stomatitis for at least 4 days after device removal.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thaís Albach
- Department of Dentistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Carolina Yoshi Campos Sugio
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
| | | | - Falyne Kiratcz
- Department of Dentistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | - Marcela Claudino
- Department of Dentistry, State University of Ponta Grossa, Ponta Grossa, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Karin Hermana Neppelenbroek
- Department of Prosthodontics and Periodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil
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20
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Avelar GM, Dambuza IM, Ricci L, Yuecel R, Mackenzie K, Childers DS, Bain JM, Pradhan A, Larcombe DE, Netea MG, Erwig LP, Brown GD, Duncan SH, Gow NA, Walker AW, Brown AJ. Impact of changes at the Candida albicans cell surface upon immunogenicity and colonisation in the gastrointestinal tract. CELL SURFACE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 8:100084. [PMID: 36299406 PMCID: PMC9589014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity of Candida albicans cells is influenced by changes in the exposure of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) on the fungal cell surface. Previously, the degree of exposure on the C. albicans cell surface of the immunoinflammatory MAMP β-(1,3)-glucan was shown to correlate inversely with colonisation levels in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is important because life-threatening systemic candidiasis in critically ill patients often arises from translocation of C. albicans strains present in the patient's GI tract. Therefore, using a murine model, we have examined the impact of gut-related factors upon β-glucan exposure and colonisation levels in the GI tract. The degree of β-glucan exposure was examined by imaging flow cytometry of C. albicans cells taken directly from GI compartments, and compared with colonisation levels. Fungal β-glucan exposure was lower in the cecum than the small intestine, and fungal burdens were correspondingly higher in the cecum. This inverse correlation did not hold for the large intestine. The gut fermentation acid, lactate, triggers β-glucan masking in vitro, leading to attenuated anti-Candida immune responses. Additional fermentation acids are present in the GI tract, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. We show that these acids also influence β-glucan exposure on C. albicans cells in vitro and, like lactate, they influence β-glucan exposure via Gpr1/Gpa2-mediated signalling. Significantly, C. albicans gpr1Δ gpa2Δ cells displayed elevated β-glucan exposure in the large intestine and a corresponding decrease in fungal burden, consistent with the idea that Gpr1/Gpa2-mediated β-glucan masking influences colonisation of this GI compartment. Finally, extracts from the murine gut and culture supernatants from the mannan grazing gut anaerobe Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron promote β-glucan exposure at the C. albicans cell surface. Therefore, the local microbiota influences β-glucan exposure levels directly (via mannan grazing) and indirectly (via fermentation acids), whilst β-glucan masking appears to promote C. albicans colonisation of the murine large intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M. Avelar
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ivy M. Dambuza
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Liviana Ricci
- Microbiome, Food Innovation and Food Security Research Theme, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Raif Yuecel
- Iain Fraser Cytometry Centre, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kevin Mackenzie
- Microscopy & Histology Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Judith M. Bain
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniel E. Larcombe
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Johnson-Johnson Innovation, EMEA Innovation Centre, One Chapel Place, London W1G 0BG, UK
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sylvia H. Duncan
- Microbiome, Food Innovation and Food Security Research Theme, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Alan W. Walker
- Microbiome, Food Innovation and Food Security Research Theme, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J.P. Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Corresponding author at: Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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Hidalgo-Vico S, Casas J, García C, Lillo MP, Alonso-Monge R, Román E, Pla J. Overexpression of the White Opaque Switching Master Regulator Wor1 Alters Lipid Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function in Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1028. [PMID: 36294593 PMCID: PMC9604646 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal yeast that inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of humans; increased colonization of this yeast in this niche has implicated the master regulator of the white-opaque transition, Wor1, by mechanisms not completely understood. We have addressed the role that this transcription factor has on commensalism by the characterization of strains overexpressing this gene. We show that WOR1 overexpression causes an alteration of the total lipid content of the fungal cell and significantly alters the composition of structural and reserve molecular species lipids as determined by lipidomic analysis. These cells are hypersensitive to membrane-disturbing agents such as SDS, have increased tolerance to azoles, an augmented number of peroxisomes, and increased phospholipase activity. WOR1 overexpression also decreases mitochondrial activity and results in altered susceptibility to certain oxidants. All together, these changes reflect drastic alterations in the cellular physiology that facilitate adaptation to the gastrointestinal tract environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Hidalgo-Vico
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Instituto de Química Avanzada de Cataluña, Jordi Girona 18–26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina García
- Departamento de Química Física Biológica, Instituto Química Física “Rocasolano”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Pilar Lillo
- Departamento de Química Física Biológica, Instituto Química Física “Rocasolano”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Serrano 119, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Alonso-Monge
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Román
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Pla
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología-IRYCIS, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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22
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Abstract
Candida species are commensal organisms commonly interacting in the same host niche. In the pathogenic state, they frequently grow as a biofilm, often in mixed infections. The present studies observe a reliance upon common extracellular vesicle cargo for biofilm structure and function supporting interactions among species. The results reveal a vesicle cargo-driven coordination among Candida species during biofilm formation. Extracellular vesicles mediate community interactions among cells ranging from unicellular microbes to complex vertebrates. Extracellular vesicles of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans are vital for biofilm communities to produce matrix, which confers environmental protection and modulates community dispersion. Infections are increasingly due to diverse Candida species, such as the emerging pathogen Candida auris, as well as mixed Candida communities. Here, we define the composition and function of biofilm-associated vesicles among five species across the Candida genus. We find similarities in vesicle size and release over the biofilm lifespan. Whereas overall cargo proteomes differ dramatically among species, a group of 36 common proteins is enriched for orthologs of C. albicans biofilm mediators. To understand the function of this set of proteins, we asked whether mutants in select components were important for key biofilm processes, including drug tolerance and dispersion. We found that the majority of these cargo components impact one or both biofilm processes across all five species. Exogenous delivery of wild-type vesicle cargo returned mutant phenotypes toward wild type. To assess the impact of vesicle cargo on interspecies interactions, we performed cross-species vesicle addition and observed functional complementation for both biofilm phenotypes. We explored the biologic relevance of this cross-species biofilm interaction in mixed species and mutant studies examining the drug-resistance phenotype. We found a majority of biofilm interactions among species restored the community’s wild-type behavior. Our studies indicate that vesicles influence the development of protective monomicrobial and mixed microbial biofilm communities.
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23
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Li H, Miao MX, Jia CL, Cao YB, Yan TH, Jiang YY, Yang F. Interactions between Candida albicans and the resident microbiota. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:930495. [PMID: 36204612 PMCID: PMC9531752 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.930495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a prevalent, opportunistic human fungal pathogen. It usually dwells in the human body as a commensal, however, once in its pathogenic state, it causes diseases ranging from debilitating superficial to life-threatening systemic infections. The switch from harmless colonizer to virulent pathogen is, in most cases, due to perturbation of the fungus-host-microbiota interplay. In this review, we focused on the interactions between C. albicans and the host microbiota in the mouth, gut, blood, and vagina. We also highlighted important future research directions. We expect that the evaluation of these interplays will help better our understanding of the etiology of fungal infections and shed new light on the therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming-xing Miao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng-lin Jia
- Institute of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-bing Cao
- Institute of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-hua Yan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Tian-hua Yan,
| | - Yuan-ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yuan-ying Jiang,
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Feng Yang,
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24
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Rivera-Yañez CR, Ruiz-Hurtado PA, Reyes-Reali J, Mendoza-Ramos MI, Vargas-Díaz ME, Hernández-Sánchez KM, Pozo-Molina G, Méndez-Catalá CF, García-Romo GS, Pedroza-González A, Méndez-Cruz AR, Nieto-Yañez O, Rivera-Yañez N. Antifungal Activity of Mexican Propolis on Clinical Isolates of Candida Species. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175651. [PMID: 36080417 PMCID: PMC9457601 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by micro-organisms of the genus Candida are becoming a growing health problem worldwide. These fungi are opportunistic commensals that can produce infections—clinically known as candidiasis—in immunocompromised individuals. The indiscriminate use of different anti-fungal treatments has triggered the resistance of Candida species to currently used therapies. In this sense, propolis has been shown to have potent antimicrobial properties and thus can be used as an approach for the inhibition of Candida species. Therefore, this work aims to evaluate the anti-Candida effects of a propolis extract obtained from the north of Mexico on clinical isolates of Candida species. Candida species were specifically identified from oral lesions, and both the qualitative and quantitative anti-Candida effects of the Mexican propolis were evaluated, as well as its inhibitory effect on C. albicans isolate’s germ tube growth and chemical composition. Three Candida species were identified, and our results indicated that the inhibition halos of the propolis ranged from 7.6 to 21.43 mm, while that of the MFC and FC50 ranged from 0.312 to 1.25 and 0.014 to 0.244 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the propolis was found to inhibit germ tube formation (IC50 ranging from 0.030 to 1.291 mg/mL). Chemical composition analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, including pinocembrin, baicalein, pinobanksin chalcone, rhamnetin, and biochanin A, in the Mexican propolis extract. In summary, our work shows that Mexican propolis presents significant anti-Candida effects related to its chemical composition, and also inhibits germ tube growth. Other Candida species virulence factors should be investigated in future research in order to determine the mechanisms associated with antifungal effects against them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rebeca Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Porfirio Alonso Ruiz-Hurtado
- Laboratorio de Toxicología de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Farmacia, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Av. Wilfrido Massieu, Gustavo A. Madero 07738, Mexico
| | - Julia Reyes-Reali
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - María Isabel Mendoza-Ramos
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - María Elena Vargas-Díaz
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Karla Mariela Hernández-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prol. de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, Ciudad de México 11340, Mexico
| | - Glustein Pozo-Molina
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Claudia Fabiola Méndez-Catalá
- Laboratorio de Genética y Oncología Molecular, Laboratorio 5, Edificio A4, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Gina Stella García-Romo
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Alexander Pedroza-González
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Adolfo René Méndez-Cruz
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Unidad de Morfofisiología y Función, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Oscar Nieto-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Correspondence: (O.N.-Y.); (N.R.-Y.); Tel.: +52-5522-476-721 (N.R.-Y.)
| | - Nelly Rivera-Yañez
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- División de Investigación y Posgrado, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
- Correspondence: (O.N.-Y.); (N.R.-Y.); Tel.: +52-5522-476-721 (N.R.-Y.)
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25
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Salazar SB, Pinheiro MJF, Sotti-Novais D, Soares AR, Lopes MM, Ferreira T, Rodrigues V, Fernandes F, Mira NP. Disclosing azole resistance mechanisms in resistant Candida glabrata strains encoding wild-type or gain-of-function CgPDR1 alleles through comparative genomics and transcriptomics. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac110. [PMID: 35532173 PMCID: PMC9258547 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata is intrinsically resilient to azoles and rapidly acquires resistance to these antifungals, in vitro and in vivo. In most cases azole-resistant C. glabrata clinical strains encode hyperactive CgPdr1 variants, however, resistant strains encoding wild-type CgPDR1 alleles have also been isolated, although remaining to be disclosed the underlying resistance mechanism. In this study, we scrutinized the mechanisms underlying resistance to azoles of 8 resistant clinical C. glabrata strains, identified along the course of epidemiological surveys undertaken in Portugal. Seven of the strains were found to encode CgPdr1 gain-of-function variants (I392M, E555K, G558C, and I803T) with the substitutions I392M and I803T being herein characterized as hyper-activating mutations for the first time. While cells expressing the wild-type CgPDR1 allele required the mediator subunit Gal11A to enhance tolerance to fluconazole, this was dispensable for cells expressing the I803T variant indicating that the CgPdr1 interactome is shaped by different gain-of-function substitutions. Genomic and transcriptomic profiling of the sole azole-resistant C. glabrata isolate encoding a wild-type CgPDR1 allele (ISTB218) revealed that under fluconazole stress this strain over-expresses various genes described to provide protection against this antifungal, while also showing reduced expression of genes described to increase sensitivity to these drugs. The overall role in driving the azole-resistance phenotype of the ISTB218 C. glabrata isolate played by these changes in the transcriptome and genome of the ISTB218 isolate are discussed shedding light into mechanisms of resistance that go beyond the CgPdr1-signalling pathway and that may alone, or in combination, pave the way for the acquisition of resistance to azoles in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Salazar
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico—Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Maria Joana F Pinheiro
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico—Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Danielle Sotti-Novais
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico—Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Ana R Soares
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro 3810, Portugal
| | - Maria M Lopes
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1649-003, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ferreira
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Hospital Dona Estefânia (Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central), Lisboa 1169-045, Portugal
| | - Vitória Rodrigues
- Seção de Microbiologia, Laboratório SYNLAB—Lisboa, Grupo SYNLAB Portugal, Lisboa 1070-061, Portugal
| | - Fábio Fernandes
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico—Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Nuno P Mira
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico—Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
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26
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Barantsevich N, Barantsevich E. Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060718. [PMID: 35740125 PMCID: PMC9219674 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species, belonging to commensal microbial communities in humans, cause opportunistic infections in individuals with impaired immunity. Pathogens encountered in more than 90% cases of invasive candidiasis include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. The most frequently diagnosed invasive infection is candidemia. About 50% of candidemia cases result in deep-seated infection due to hematogenous spread. The sensitivity of blood cultures in autopsy-proven invasive candidiasis ranges from 21% to 71%. Non-cultural methods (beta-D-glucan, T2Candida assays), especially beta-D-glucan in combination with procalcitonin, appear promising in the exclusion of invasive candidiasis with high sensitivity (98%) and negative predictive value (95%). There is currently a clear deficiency in approved sensitive and precise diagnostic techniques. Omics technologies seem promising, though require further development and study. Therapeutic options for invasive candidiasis are generally limited to four classes of systemic antifungals (polyenes, antimetabolite 5-fluorocytosine, azoles, echinocandins) with the two latter being highly effective and well-tolerated and hence the most widely used. Principles and methods of treatment are discussed in this review. The emergence of pan-drug-resistant C. auris strains indicates an insufficient choice of available medications. Further surveillance, alongside the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods, is essential.
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27
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Rokas A. Evolution of the human pathogenic lifestyle in fungi. Nat Microbiol 2022; 7:607-619. [PMID: 35508719 PMCID: PMC9097544 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause more than a billion human infections every year, resulting in more than 1.6 million deaths annually. Understanding the natural history and evolutionary ecology of fungi is helping us understand how disease-relevant traits have repeatedly evolved. Different types and mechanisms of genetic variation have contributed to the evolution of fungal pathogenicity and specific genetic differences distinguish pathogens from non-pathogens. Insights into the traits, genetic elements, and genetic and ecological mechanisms that contribute to the evolution of fungal pathogenicity are crucial for developing strategies to both predict emergence of fungal pathogens and develop drugs to combat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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de Freitas MA, da Cruz RP, dos Santos ATL, Almeida-Bezerra JW, Machado AJT, dos Santos JFS, Rocha JE, Boligon AA, Bezerra CF, de Freitas TS, do Nascimento Silva MK, Mendonça ACAM, da Costa JGM, Coutinho HDM, da Cunha FAB, Filho JR, Morais-Braga MFB. HPLC-DAD analysis and antimicrobial activities of Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae). 3 Biotech 2022; 12:61. [PMID: 35186658 PMCID: PMC8818589 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spondias mombin is used in the folk medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery, indicating that extracts obtained from this species may present pharmacological activities against pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this work was to investigate the chemical composition and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of extracts obtained from the leaves (aqueous) and bark (hydroethanolic) of S. mombin both as single treatments and in combination with conventional drugs. Following a qualitative chemical prospection, the extracts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The antimicrobial activities were evaluated by microdilution. The combined activity of drugs and extracts was verified by adding a subinhibitory concentration of the extract in the presence of variable drug concentrations. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) was determined by a subculture of the microdilution test, while the effect of the in vitro treatments on morphological transition was analyzed by subculture in moist chambers. While the qualitative analysis detected the presence of phenols and flavonoids, the HPLC analysis identified quercetin, caffeic acid, and catechin as major components in the leaf extract, whereas kaempferol and quercetin were found as major compounds in the bark extract. The extracts showed effective antibacterial activities only against the Gram-negative strains. With regard to the combined activity, the leaf extract potentiated the action of gentamicin and imipenem (against Staphylococcus aureus), while the bark extract potentiated the effect of norfloxacin (against S. aureus), imipenem (against Escherichia coli), and norfloxacin (against Pseudomonas aeruginosa). A more significant antifungal (fungistatic) effect was achieved with the bark extract (even though at high concentrations), which further enhanced the activity of fluconazole. The extracts also inhibited the emission of filaments by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Together, these findings suggest that that the extract constituents may act by favoring the permeability of microbial cells to conventional drugs, as well as by affecting virulence mechanisms in Candida strains.
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Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans is a ubiquitous member of the human gut microbiota. Hundreds or thousands of bacterial taxa reside together with this fungus in the intestine, creating a milieu with myriad opportunities for inter-kingdom interactions. Indeed, recent studies examining the broader composition - that is, monitoring not only bacteria but also the often neglected fungal component - of the gut microbiota hint that there are significant interdependencies between fungi and bacteria. Gut bacteria closely associate with C. albicans cells in the colon, break down and feed on complex sugars decorating the fungal cell wall, and shape the intestinal microhabitats occupied by the fungus. Peptidoglycan subunits released by bacteria upon antibiotic treatment can promote C. albicans dissemination from the intestine, seeding bloodstream infections that often become life-threatening. Elucidating the principles that govern the fungus-bacteria interplay may open the door to novel approaches to prevent C. albicans infections originating in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Christian Pérez
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA,CONTACT J.Christian Pérez Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
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De Seta F, Lonnee-Hoffmann R, Campisciano G, Comar M, Verstraelen H, Vieira-Baptista P, Ventolini G, Lev-Sagie A. The Vaginal Microbiome: III. The Vaginal Microbiome in Various Urogenital Disorders. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:85-92. [PMID: 34928258 PMCID: PMC8719503 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This series of articles, titled The Vaginal Microbiome (VMB), written on behalf of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, aims to summarize the recent findings and understanding of the vaginal bacterial microbiota, mainly regarding areas relevant to clinicians specializing in vulvovaginal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of PubMed database was performed, using the search terms "vaginal microbiome" with "Candida," "vaginitis," "urinary microbiome," "recurrent urinary tract infections," "sexually transmitted infections," "human immunodeficiency virus," "human papillomavirus," "nonspecific vaginitis," "vulvodynia," and "vulvovaginal symptoms." Full article texts were reviewed. Reference lists were screened for additional articles. The third article in this series describes VMB in various urogenital disorders. RESULTS Variable patterns of the VMB are found in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, challenging the idea of a protective role of lactobacilli. Highly similar strains of health-associated commensal bacteria are shared in both the bladder and vagina of the same individual and may provide protection against urinary tract infections. Dysbiotic VMB increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Loss of vaginal lactic acid-producing bacteria combined with elevated pH, increase the risk for sexually transmitted infections, although the exact protective mechanisms of the VMB against sexually transmitted infections are still unknown. CONCLUSIONS The VMB may constitute a biological barrier to pathogenic microorganisms. When the predominance of lactobacilli community is disrupted, there is an increased risk for the acquisition of various vaginal pathogents. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe the association between the host, bacterial, and fungal components of the VMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Risa Lonnee-Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University for Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health “IRCCS Burlo Garofolo,” Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Hans Verstraelen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
- LAP, a Unilabs Company, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Distinguish University Professor, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, Odessa, TX
| | - Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Lanze CE, Zhou S, Konopka JB. The Sur7 cytoplasmic C terminus regulates morphogenesis and stress responses in Candida albicans. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1201-1215. [PMID: 34465004 PMCID: PMC8541923 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
MCC/eisosome subdomains of the plasma membrane promote proper cell wall morphogenesis that is critical for the fungal pathogen Candida albicans to grow invasively and resist stressful environments in the host. Sur7 localizes to MCC/eisosomes and is needed for their function, so in this work, the role of this tetraspan membrane protein was studied by mutagenesis. Deletion mutant analysis showed that the N-terminal region containing the four transmembrane domains mediates Sur7 localization to MCC/eisosomes. Mutation of 32 conserved residues in the N-terminal region indicated that extracellular loop 1 is important, although these mutants generally displayed weak phenotypes. Surprisingly, two Cys residues in a conserved motif in extracellular loop 1 were not important. However, deletion of the entire 15 amino acid motif revealed that it was needed for proper membrane trafficking of Sur7. Deletion and substitution mutagenesis showed that the C terminus is important for resisting cell wall stress. This is significant as it indicates Sur7 carries out an important role in the cytoplasm. Altogether, these results indicate that the N-terminal region localizes Sur7 to MCC/eisosomes and that the C-terminal domain promotes responses in the cytoplasm needed for cell wall morphogenesis and stress resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James B. Konopka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5222
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Arastehfar A, Marcet-Houben M, Daneshnia F, Taj-Aldeen S, Batra D, Lockhart S, Shor E, Gabaldón T, Perlin D. Comparative genomic analysis of clinical Candida glabrata isolates identifies multiple polymorphic loci that can improve existing multilocus sequence typing strategy. Stud Mycol 2021; 100:100133. [PMID: 34909054 PMCID: PMC8640552 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2021.100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is the second leading cause of candidemia in many countries and is one of the most concerning yeast species of nosocomial importance due to its increasing rate of antifungal drug resistance and emerging multidrug-resistant isolates. Application of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to clinical C. glabrata isolates revealed an association of certain sequence types (STs) with drug resistance and mortality. The current C. glabrata MLST scheme is based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at six loci and is therefore relatively laborious and costly. Furthermore, only a few high-quality C. glabrata reference genomes are available, limiting rapid analysis of clinical isolates by whole genome sequencing. In this study we provide long-read based assemblies for seven additional clinical strains belonging to three different STs and use this information to simplify the C. glabrata MLST scheme. Specifically, a comparison of these genomes identified highly polymorphic loci (HPL) defined by frequent insertions and deletions (indels), two of which proved to be highly resolutive for ST. When challenged with 53 additional isolates, a combination of TRP1 (a component of the current MLST scheme) with either of the two HPL fully recapitulated ST identification. Therefore, our comparative genomic analysis identified a new typing approach combining SNPs and indels and based on only two loci, thus significantly simplifying ST identification in C. glabrata. Because typing tools are instrumental in addressing numerous clinical and biological questions, our new MLST scheme can be used for high throughput typing of C. glabrata in clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - M. Marcet-Houben
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F. Daneshnia
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | | | - D. Batra
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - S.R. Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - E. Shor
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
- Hackensack Meridian Health School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, 07710, USA
| | - T. Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona 29, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - D.S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
- Hackensack Meridian Health School of Medicine, Nutley, NJ, 07710, USA
- Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
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Khan F, Bamunuarachchi NI, Tabassum N, Jo DM, Khan MM, Kim YM. Suppression of hyphal formation and virulence of Candida albicans by natural and synthetic compounds. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:626-655. [PMID: 34284656 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1948538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans undergoes a morphological yeast-to-hyphal transition during infection, which plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The filamentous morphology of the hyphal form has been identified as a virulence factor as it facilitates surface adherence, intertwining with biofilm, invasion, and damage to host tissues and organs. Hence, inhibition of filamentation in addition to biofilm formation is considered a viable strategy against C. albicans infections. Furthermore, a good understanding of the signaling pathways involved in response to environmental cues driving hyphal growth is also critical to an understanding of C. albicans pathogenicity and to develop novel therapies. In this review, first the clinical significance and transcriptional control of C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis are addressed. Then, various strategies employed to suppress filamentation, prevent biofilm formation, and reduce virulence are discussed. These strategies include the inhibition of C. albicans filament formation using natural or synthetic compounds, and their combination with other agents or nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlurrahman Khan
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Nilushi Indika Bamunuarachchi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
| | - Nazia Tabassum
- Industrial Convergence Bionix Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Du-Min Jo
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Mohammad Mansoob Khan
- Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Young-Mog Kim
- Research Center for Marine Integrated Bionics Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
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34
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Di Cosola M, Cazzolla AP, Charitos IA, Ballini A, Inchingolo F, Santacroce L. Candida albicans and Oral Carcinogenesis. A Brief Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060476. [PMID: 34204731 PMCID: PMC8231483 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current medical knowledge and research on patients’ management are still evolving, and several protocols on minimizing risk of infection by Candida spp. among the population have developed. The aim of this work is to review the epidemiological and biomolecular characteristics and the various histopathological carcinogenesis hypothesis mechanisms that can occur during Candida albicans infections. Current evidence from the literature on the role of C. albicans during potentially malignant oral disorders and oral cancer has been sought. Thus, these biomolecular processes can give or contribute to benign lesions, also in precancerous or cancerous situations. Alongside this, the physiological microorganism oral flora (microbiota) can play a crucial role in maintaining oral health during those infections and therefore avoid carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Di Cosola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Angela Pia Cazzolla
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (M.D.C.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Ioannis Alexandros Charitos
- Department of Emergency and Urgency, National Poisoning Centre, Riuniti University Hospital of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.A.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Andrea Ballini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, Campus Universitario Ernesto Quagliariello, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” School of Medicine, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.I.); (L.S.)
- Correspondence: (I.A.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” School of Medicine, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” School of Medicine, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.I.); (L.S.)
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35
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Maras B, Maggiore A, Mignogna G, D’Erme M, Angiolella L. Hyperexpression of CDRs and HWP1 genes negatively impacts on Candida albicans virulence. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252555. [PMID: 34061886 PMCID: PMC8168907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
C. albicans is a commensal organism present in the human microbiome of more than 60% of the healthy population. Transition from commensalism to invasive candidiasis may occur after a local or a general failure of host’s immune system. This transition to a more virulent phenotype may reside either on the capacity to form hyphae or on an acquired resistance to antifungal drugs. Indeed, overexpression of genes coding drug efflux pumps or adhesins, cell wall proteins facilitating the contact between the fungus and the host, usually marks the virulence profile of invasive Candida spp. In this paper, we compare virulence of two clinical isolates of C. albicans with that of laboratory-induced resistant strains by challenging G. mellonella larvae with these pathogens along with monitoring transcriptional profiles of drug efflux pumps genes CDR1, CDR2, MDR1 and the adhesin genes ALS1 and HWP1. Although both clinical isolates were found resistant to both fluconazole and micafungin they were found less virulent than laboratory-induced resistant strains. An unexpected behavior emerged for the former clinical isolate in which three genes, CDR1, CDR2 and HWP1, usually correlated with virulence, although hyperexpressed, conferred a less aggressive phenotype. On the contrary, in the other isolate, we observed a decreased expression of CDR1, CDR2 and HWP1as well as of MDR1 and ALS1 that may be consistent with the less aggressive performance observed in this strain. These altered gene expressions might directly influence Candida virulence or they might be an epiphenomenon of a vaster rearrangement occurred in these strains during the challenge with the host’s environment. An in-deepth comprehension of this scenario could be crucial for developing interventions able to counteract C. albicans invasiveness and lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Maras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche ‘‘A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Universita`di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maggiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche ‘‘A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Universita`di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Mignogna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche ‘‘A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Universita`di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria D’Erme
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche ‘‘A. Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza Universita`di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Angiolella
- Dipartimento di Sanita`Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Universita`di Roma, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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36
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Wakade RS, Krysan DJ. The Cbk1-Ace2 axis guides Candida albicans from yeast to hyphae and back again. Curr Genet 2021; 67:461-469. [PMID: 33433733 PMCID: PMC8139900 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-020-01152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Since its description in S. cerevisiae, the Regulation of Ace2 and Morphogenesis (RAM) pathway has been studied for nearly 20 years in multiple model and pathogenic fungi. In pathogenic fungi, the RAM pathway carries out many functions through mechanisms that remain to be defined in detail. Recently, we reported that Cbk1-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor Ace2 functions to repress the hyphae-to-yeast transition in Candida albicans. This transition is understudied relative to the yeast-to-hyphae transition. Subapical hyphal cell compartments are arrested in G1 until the point at which lateral yeast emerge. Here, we discuss this model and report new data indicating that a second G1 associated protein, the mitotic exit regulator Amn1. In S. cerevisiae diploid cells, Amn1 negatively regulates Ace2 at both the gene expression level through a negative feedback loop and at the protein level by targeting Ace2 for degradation. In C. albicans, Amn1 and Ace2 also form a feedback loop at the level of gene expression. Deletion of AMN1 decreases lateral yeast formation relative to wild type in maturing hyphae and is associated with decreased expression of PES1, a positive regulator of lateral yeast formation. These data indicate that the regulation of mitotic exit plays a role in determining the timing of lateral yeast emergence from hyphae in C. albicans. We also propose an integrated model for the interplay between the Cbk1-Ace2 axis and other hyphal stage regulators during the process of filamentation and transition back to yeast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan S Wakade
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Damian J Krysan
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology, University of Iowa, ML 2040E, 25 South Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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Mancera E, Nocedal I, Hammel S, Gulati M, Mitchell KF, Andes DR, Nobile CJ, Butler G, Johnson AD. Evolution of the complex transcription network controlling biofilm formation in Candida species. eLife 2021; 10:e64682. [PMID: 33825680 PMCID: PMC8075579 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examine how a complex transcription network composed of seven 'master' regulators and hundreds of target genes evolved over a span of approximately 70 million years. The network controls biofilm formation in several Candida species, a group of fungi that are present in humans both as constituents of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogens. Using a variety of approaches, we observed two major types of changes that have occurred in the biofilm network since the four extant species we examined last shared a common ancestor. Master regulator 'substitutions' occurred over relatively long evolutionary times, resulting in different species having overlapping but different sets of master regulators of biofilm formation. Second, massive changes in the connections between the master regulators and their target genes occurred over much shorter timescales. We believe this analysis is the first detailed, empirical description of how a complex transcription network has evolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Mancera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad IrapuatoIrapuatoMexico
| | - Isabel Nocedal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Stephen Hammel
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Kaitlin F Mitchell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Clarissa J Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, MercedMercedUnited States
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Alexander D Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Microbiome Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
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Fungi of the human gut microbiota: Roles and significance. Int J Med Microbiol 2021; 311:151490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2021.151490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Growth and Antifungal Resistance of the Pathogenic Yeast, Candida Albicans, in the Microgravity Environment of the International Space Station: An Aggregate of Multiple Flight Experiences. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11040283. [PMID: 33801697 PMCID: PMC8067245 DOI: 10.3390/life11040283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This report was designed to compare spaceflight-induced cellular and physiological adaptations of Candida albicans cultured in microgravity on the International Space Station across several payloads. C. albicans is a common opportunistic fungal pathogen responsible for a variety of superficial infections as well as systemic and more severe infections in humans. Cumulatively, the propensity of this organism to be widespread through the population, the ability to produce disease in immunocompromised individuals, and the tendency to respond to environmental stress with characteristics associated with increased virulence, require a better understanding of the yeast response to microgravity for spaceflight crew safety. As such, the responses of this yeast cultivated during several missions using two in-flight culture bioreactors were analyzed and compared herein. In general, C. albicans had a slightly shorter generation time and higher growth propensity in microgravity as compared to terrestrial controls. Rates of cell filamentation differed between bioreactors, but were low and not significantly different between flight and terrestrial controls. Viable cells were retrieved and cultured, resulting in a colony morphology that was similar between cells cultivated in flight and in terrestrial control conditions, and in contrast to that previously observed in a ground-based microgravity analog system. Of importance, yeast demonstrated an increased resistance when challenged during spaceflight with the antifungal agent, amphotericin B. Similar levels of resistance were not observed when challenged with the functionally disparate antifungal drug caspofungin. In aggregate, yeast cells cultivated in microgravity demonstrated a subset of characteristics associated with virulence. In addition, and beyond the value of the specific responses of C. albicans to microgravity, this report includes an analysis of biological reproducibility across flight opportunities, compares two spaceflight hardware systems, and includes a summary of general flight and payload timelines.
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Bapat P, Singh G, Nobile CJ. Visible Lights Combined with Photosensitizing Compounds Are Effective against Candida albicans Biofilms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030500. [PMID: 33652865 PMCID: PMC7996876 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing in prevalence worldwide, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Given the emergence of drug-resistant fungi and the fact that there are only three major classes of antifungal drugs available to treat invasive fungal infections, there is a need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies effective against fungal infections. Candida albicans is a commensal of the human microbiota that is also one of the most common fungal pathogens isolated from clinical settings. C. albicans possesses several virulence traits that contribute to its pathogenicity, including the ability to form drug-resistant biofilms, which can make C. albicans infections particularly challenging to treat. Here, we explored red, green, and blue visible lights alone and in combination with common photosensitizing compounds for their efficacies at inhibiting and disrupting C. albicans biofilms. We found that blue light inhibited biofilm formation and disrupted mature biofilms on its own and that the addition of photosensitizing compounds improved its antibiofilm potential. Red and green lights, however, inhibited biofilm formation only in combination with photosensitizing compounds but had no effects on disrupting mature biofilms. Taken together, these results suggest that photodynamic therapy may be an effective non-drug treatment for fungal biofilm infections that is worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Bapat
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
- Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Gurbinder Singh
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Science, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA; (P.B.); (G.S.)
- Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California, Merced, CA 95343, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-209-228-2427
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Douglas P. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of nipple and breast candidiasis: A review of the relationship between diagnoses of mammary candidiasis and Candida albicans in breastfeeding women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 17:17455065211031480. [PMID: 34269140 PMCID: PMC8287641 DOI: 10.1177/17455065211031480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience nipple pain accompanied by radiating, stabbing or constant breast pain between feeds, sometimes associated with pink shiny nipple epithelium and white flakes of skin. Current guidelines diagnose these signs and symptoms as mammary candidiasis and stipulate antifungal medications. AIM This study reviews existing research into the relationship between Candida albicans and nipple and breast pain in breastfeeding women who have been diagnosed with mammary candidiasis; whether fluconazole is an effective treatment; and the presence of C. albicans in the human milk microbiome. METHOD The author conducted three searches to investigate (a) breastfeeding-related pain and C. albicans; (b) the efficacy of fluconazole in breastfeeding-related pain; and (c) composition of the human milk mycobiome. These findings are critiqued and integrated in a narrative review. RESULTS There is little evidence to support the hypothesis that Candida spp, including C. albicans, in maternal milk or on the nipple-areolar complex causes the signs and symptoms popularly diagnosed as mammary candidiasis. There is no evidence that antifungal treatments are any more effective than the passage of time in women with these symptoms. Candida spp including C. albicans are commonly identified in healthy human milk and nipple-areolar complex mycobiomes. DISCUSSION Clinical breastfeeding support remains a research frontier. The human milk microbiome, which includes a mycobiome, interacts with the microbiomes of the infant mouth and nipple-areolar complex, including their mycobiomes, to form protective ecosystems. Topical or oral antifungals may disrupt immunoprotective microbial homeostasis. Unnecessary use contributes to the serious global problem of antifungal resistance. CONCLUSION Antifungal treatment is rarely indicated and prolonged courses cannot be justified in breastfeeding women experiencing breast and nipple pain. Multiple strategies for stabilizing microbiome feedback loops when nipple and breast pain emerge are required, in order to avoid overtreatment of breastfeeding mothers and their infants with antifungal medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Douglas
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The Possums Clinic, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Joao I, Bujdáková H, Jordao L. Opportunist Coinfections by Nontuberculous Mycobacteria and Fungi in Immunocompromised Patients. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E771. [PMID: 33147819 PMCID: PMC7693372 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and many fungal species (spp.) are commonly associated with opportunistic infections (OPIs) in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, occurrence of concomitant infection by NTM (mainly spp. of Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium abscessus complex) and fungal spp. (mainly, Aspergillus fumigatus, Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans) is very challenging and is associated with poor patient prognosis. The most frequent clinical symptoms for coinfection and infection by single agents (fungi or NTM) are similar. For this reason, the accurate identification of the aetiological agent(s) is crucial to select the best treatment approach. Despite the significance of this topic it has not been sufficiently addressed in the literature. This review aims at summarizing case reports and studies on NTM and fungi coinfection during the last 20 years. In addition, it briefly characterizes OPIs and coinfection, describes key features of opportunistic pathogens (e.g., NTM and fungi) and human host predisposing conditions to OPIs onset and outcome. The review could interest a wide spectrum of audiences, including medical doctors and scientists, to improve awareness of these infections, leading to early identification in clinical settings and increasing research in the field. Improved diagnosis and availability of therapeutic options might contribute to improve the prognosis of patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Joao
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Helena Bujdáková
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Luisa Jordao
- National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Arastehfar A, Carvalho A, Nguyen MH, Hedayati MT, Netea MG, Perlin DS, Hoenigl M. COVID-19-Associated Candidiasis (CAC): An Underestimated Complication in the Absence of Immunological Predispositions? J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040211. [PMID: 33050019 PMCID: PMC7712987 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent global pandemic of COVID-19 has predisposed a relatively high number of patients to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which carries a risk of developing super-infections. Candida species are major constituents of the human mycobiome and the main cause of invasive fungal infections, with a high mortality rate. Invasive yeast infections (IYIs) are increasingly recognized as s complication of severe COVID-19. Despite the marked immune dysregulation in COVID-19, no prominent defects have been reported in immune cells that are critically required for immunity to Candida. This suggests that relevant clinical factors, including prolonged ICU stays, central venous catheters, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use, may be key factors causing COVID-19 patients to develop IYIs. Although data on the comparative performance of diagnostic tools are often lacking in COVID-19 patients, a combination of serological and molecular techniques may present a promising option for the identification of IYIs. Clinical awareness and screening are needed, as IYIs are difficult to diagnose, particularly in the setting of severe COVID-19. Echinocandins and azoles are the primary antifungal used to treat IYIs, yet the therapeutic failures exerted by multidrug-resistant Candida spp. such as C. auris and C. glabrata call for the development of new antifungal drugs with novel mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.H.); Tel./Fax: +1-201-880-3100 (A.A.); +351-253-604811 (A.C.); +1-619-543-5605 (M.H.)
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.H.); Tel./Fax: +1-201-880-3100 (A.A.); +351-253-604811 (A.C.); +1-619-543-5605 (M.H.)
| | - M. Hong Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran;
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Department of Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (A.C.); (M.H.); Tel./Fax: +1-201-880-3100 (A.A.); +351-253-604811 (A.C.); +1-619-543-5605 (M.H.)
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The Ndr/LATS Kinase Cbk1 Regulates a Specific Subset of Ace2 Functions and Suppresses the Hypha-to-Yeast Transition in Candida albicans. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01900-20. [PMID: 32817109 PMCID: PMC7439482 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01900-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of Ace2 and morphogenesis (RAM) pathway is a key regulatory network that plays a role in many aspects of C. albicans pathobiology. In addition to characterizing the transcriptional effects of this pathway, we discovered that Cbk1 and Ace2, a key RAM pathway regulator-effector pair, mediate a specific set of the overall functions of the RAM pathway. We have also discovered a new function for the Cbk1-Ace2 axis: suppression of the hypha-to-yeast transition. Very few regulators of this transition have been described, and our data indicate that maintenance of hyphal morphogenesis requires suppression of yeast phase growth by Cbk1-regulated Ace2. The regulation of Ace2 and morphogenesis (RAM) pathway is an important regulatory network in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The RAM pathway’s two most well-studied components, the NDR/Lats kinase Cbk1 and its putative substrate, the transcription factor Ace2, have a wide range of phenotypes and functions. It is not clear, however, which of these functions are specifically due to the phosphorylation of Ace2 by Cbk1. To address this question, we first compared the transcriptional profiles of CBK1 and ACE2 deletion mutants. This analysis indicates that, of the large number of genes whose expression is affected by deletion of CBK1 and ACE2, only 5.5% of those genes are concordantly regulated. Our data also suggest that Ace2 directly or indirectly represses a large set of genes during hyphal morphogenesis. Second, we generated strains containing ACE2 alleles with alanine mutations at the Cbk1 phosphorylation sites. Phenotypic and transcriptional analysis of these ace2 mutants indicates that, as in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cbk1 regulation is important for daughter cell localization of Ace2 and cell separation during yeast-phase growth. In contrast, Cbk1 phosphorylation of Ace2 plays a minor role in C. albicans yeast-to-hypha transition. We have, however, discovered a new function for the Cbk1-Ace2 axis. Specifically, Cbk1 phosphorylation of Ace2 prevents the hypha-to-yeast transition. To our knowledge, this is one of the first regulators of the C. albicans hypha-to-yeast transition to be described. Finally, we present an integrated model for the role of Cbk1 in the regulation of hyphal morphogenesis in C. albicans.
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Kumamoto CA, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. The gut, the bad and the harmless: Candida albicans as a commensal and opportunistic pathogen in the intestine. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 56:7-15. [PMID: 32604030 PMCID: PMC7744392 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is a regular member of the intestinal microbiota in the majority of the human population. This underscores C. albicans' adaptation to life in the intestine without inducing competitive interactions with other microbes, or immune responses detrimental to its survival. However, specific conditions such as a dysbalanced microbiome, a suppression of the immune system, and an impaired intestinal barrier can predispose for invasive, mostly nosocomial, C. albicans infections. Colonization of the intestine and translocation through the intestinal barrier are fundamental aspects of the processes preceding life-threatening systemic candidiasis. Insights into C. albicans' commensal lifestyle and translocation can thus help us to understand how patients develop candidiasis, and may provide leads for therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing infection. In this review, we discuss the commensal lifestyle of C. albicans in the intestine, the role of morphology for commensalism, the influence of diet, and the interactions with bacteria of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol A Kumamoto
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany; Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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König A, Hube B, Kasper L. The Dual Function of the Fungal Toxin Candidalysin during Candida albicans-Macrophage Interaction and Virulence. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12080469. [PMID: 32722029 PMCID: PMC7471981 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimorphic fungus Candida albicans is both a harmless commensal organism on mucosal surfaces and an opportunistic pathogen. Under certain predisposing conditions, the fungus can overgrow the mucosal microbiome and cause both superficial and life-threatening systemic infections after gaining access to the bloodstream. As the first line of defense of the innate immune response, infecting C. albicans cells face macrophages, which mediate the clearance of invading fungi by intracellular killing. However, the fungus has evolved sophisticated strategies to counteract macrophage antimicrobial activities and thus evade immune surveillance. The cytolytic peptide toxin, candidalysin, contributes to this fungal defense machinery by damaging immune cell membranes, providing an escape route from the hostile phagosome environment. Nevertheless, candidalysin also induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to an increased host-protective pro-inflammatory response in mononuclear phagocytes. Therefore, candidalysin facilitates immune evasion by acting as a classical virulence factor but also contributes to an antifungal immune response, serving as an avirulence factor. In this review, we discuss the role of candidalysin during C. albicans infections, focusing on its implications during C. albicans-macrophage interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika König
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, University Hospital Jena, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (L.K.)
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (L.K.)
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Harpf V, Rambach G, Würzner R, Lass-Flörl C, Speth C. Candida and Complement: New Aspects in an Old Battle. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1471. [PMID: 32765510 PMCID: PMC7381207 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida is a dominant fungal pathogen in immunocompromised hosts, leading to opportunistic infections. Complement with its multifaceted functions is involved in the immune defense against this yeast, and recently several novel aspects have emerged in this old battle. It is clear that Candida can adopt both roles as a colonizer or as a pathogen. In our article, we focus on the molecular mechanisms of the Candida-complement interplay, which occur in disseminated disease as well as locally on skin or on mucous membranes in mouth and vagina; the mechanisms can be supposed to be the same. Activation of the complement system by Candida is facilitated by directly triggering the three dominant pathways, but also indirectly via the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems. The complement-mediated anti-Candida effects induced thereby clearly extend chemotaxis, opsonization, and phagocytosis, and even the membrane attack complex formed on the fungal surface plays a modulatory role, although lysis of the yeast per se cannot be induced due to the thick fungal cell wall. In order to avoid the hostile action of complement, several evasion mechanisms have evolved during co-evolution, comprising the avoidance of recognition, and destruction. The latter comes in many flavors, in particular the cleavage of complement proteins by yeast enzymes and the exploitation of regulatory proteins by recruiting them on the cell wall, such as factor H. The rationale behind that is that the fluid phase regulators on the fungal cell surface down-regulate complement locally. Interestingly, however, evasion protein knockout strains do not necessarily lead to an attenuated disease, so it is likely more complex in vivo than initially thought. The interactions between complement and non-albicans species also deserve attention, especially Candida auris, a recently identified drug-resistant species of medical importance. This is in particular worth investigating, as deciphering of these interactions may lead to alternative anti-fungal therapies directly targeting the molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Harpf
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Günter Rambach
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Speth
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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The effect of Candida cell wall beta-glucan on treatment-resistant LL/2 cancer cell line: in vitro evaluation. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:3653-3661. [PMID: 32323263 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) cell wall beta-glucan has been considered as a potential agent in the treatment of cancers due to its anti-tumor properties. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of Candida cell wall beta-glucan on Lewis lung carcinoma cell line (LL/2) cells. Beta-glucan of C. albicans cell wall was extracted. LL/2 cell line was cultured, then sphere cells and parental cells were exposed to the different concentrations of beta-glucan extracted from C. albicans (10-6000 μg/ml), for 24, 48 and 72 h. Cytotoxicity of beta-glucan was assayed by MTT test, then RNA extracted from cells population (treated and untreated cells), cDNA synthetized and expression level of Sox2, Oct4, C-myc, Nanog genes were also investigated using Real-time methods. At optimal concentrations of 800 and 1000 μg/ml, the extracted beta-glucan showed a significant cytotoxic effect on both parental and sphere cell populations (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR analysis revealed a decreased expression of Oct4 and Sox2 genes in treatment of cells with beta-glucan compared with control group. Since the extracted beta-glucan showed an inhibitory effect on the expression of Oct4 and Sox2 genes involved in LL/2 metastasis, therefore, beta-glucan can be considered as an anti-tumor agent because of its anti-metastatic properties, however, more in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to provide further evidence on this topic in the future.
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