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Fayed B, Lazreg IK, AlHumaidi RB, Qasem MAAA, Alajmy BMGN, Bojbarah FMAM, Senok A, Husseiny MI, Soliman SSM. Intra-clade Heterogeneity in Candida auris: Risk of Management. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:295. [PMID: 37486431 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03416-8] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris has emerged as a significant nosocomial fungal pathogen with a high risk of pathogenicity. Since the initial detection of C. auris in 2009, it gained lots of attention with a recent alert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) due to its high infectivity and drug resistance. Several studies showed the capability of C. auris to secrete lytic enzymes, germinate, and form a biofilm that eventually results in interactions with the host cells, leading to serious infections. Other studies demonstrated a decrease in susceptibility of C. auris strains to available antifungals, which may be caused by mutations within the target genes, or the drug efflux pumps. However, the contribution of C. auris heterogeneity in pathogenicity and drug resistance is not well studied. Here, we shed light on the factors contributing to the development of heterogeneity in C. auris. These include phenotypic changes, biofilm formation, mechanisms of drug resistance, host invasion, mode of transmission, and expression of virulence factors. C. auris exhibits different phenotypes, particularly aggregative, and non-aggregative forms that play an important role in fungal heterogeneity, which significantly affects drug resistance and pathogenicity. Collectively, heterogeneity in C. auris significantly contributes to ineffective treatment, which in turn affects the fungal pathogenicity and drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying reasons for C. auris heterogeneity and applying effective antifungal stewardship could play a major role in controlling this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Products, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Imene K Lazreg
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Razan B AlHumaidi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Maryam A A A Qasem
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Bashayir M Gh N Alajmy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Fatemh M A M Bojbarah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Abiola Senok
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Building 14 Dubai Healthcare City, P.O.Box 505055, Dubai, UAE
| | - Mohamed I Husseiny
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Translational Research & Cellular Therapeutics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, UAE.
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Kubiński K, Masłyk M, Janeczko M, Goldeman W, Nasulewicz-Goldeman A, Psurski M, Martyna A, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Cebula J, Goszczyński TM. Metallacarborane Derivatives as Innovative Anti- Candida albicans Agents. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13935-13945. [PMID: 36217958 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Candida species have increased significantly in the past decades and are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, resulting in serious public health problems. Currently, conventional antifungals are often ineffective as Candida spp. have developed growing resistance to systemic drugs. Since inorganic metallacarboranes are known to affect cellular events, new derivatives of these abiotic compounds were tested against Candida albicans. Compounds based on cobalt bis-dicarbollide [COSAN] were studied on Candida albicans strains, including a panel of 100 clinical isolates. The presented data prove that metallacarborane derivatives are effective against clinical isolates of Candida albicans, even those resistant to systemic drugs, and show synergistic potential in combination with amphotericin B, and low toxicity against human cells and Danio rerio embryos. This paper is a consequential step in the investigations of the broad spectrum and valuable future medical applications of metallacarboranes, especially in the fight against drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Kubiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Janeczko
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar Goldeman
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Nasulewicz-Goldeman
- Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mateusz Psurski
- Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Martyna
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynów 1i, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Cebula
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Tomasz M Goszczyński
- Laboratory of Biomedical Chemistry, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wrocław, Poland
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Oliveira NK, Bhattacharya S, Gambhir R, Joshi M, Fries BC. Novel ABC Transporter Associated with Fluconazole Resistance in Aging of Cryptococcus neoformans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:677. [PMID: 35887434 PMCID: PMC9320417 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, which is treated with fluconazole (FLC) monotherapy when resources are limited. This can lead to azole resistance, which can be mediated by overexpression of ABC transporters, a class of efflux pumps. ABC pump-mediated efflux of FLC is also augmented in 10-generation old C. neoformans cells. Here, we describe a new ABC transporter Afr3 (CNAG_06909), which is overexpressed in C. neoformans cells of advanced generational age that accumulate during chronic infection. The Δafr3 mutant strain showed higher FLC susceptibility by FLC E-Test strip testing and also by a killing test that measured survival after 3 h FLC exposure. Furthermore, Δafr3 cells exhibited lower Rhodamine 6G efflux compared to the H99 wild-type cells. Afr3 was expressed in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADΔ strain, which lacks several drug transporters, thus reducing background transport. The ADΔ + Afr3 strain demonstrated a higher efflux with both Rhodamine 6G and Nile red, and a higher FLC resistance. Afr3-GFP localized in the plasma membrane of the ADΔ + Afr3 strain, further highlighting its importance as an efflux pump. Characterization of the Δafr3 mutant revealed unattenuated growth but a prolongation (29%) of the replicative life span. In addition, Δafr3 exhibited decreased resistance to macrophage killing and attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model. In summary, our data indicate that a novel ABC pump Afr3, which is upregulated in C. neoformans cells of advanced age, may contribute to their enhanced FLC tolerance, by promoting drug efflux. Lastly, its role in macrophage resistance may also contribute to the selection of older C. neoformans cells during chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kronbauer Oliveira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Somanon Bhattacharya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
| | - Rina Gambhir
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (R.G.); (M.J.)
| | - Manav Joshi
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA; (R.G.); (M.J.)
| | - Bettina C. Fries
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA
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Gandhi J, Gagan S, Mohamed A, Das T, Dave VP, Joseph J. Evaluation of Vitreous Galactomannan and (1, 3) β-D-Glucan Levels in the Diagnosis of Fungal Endophthalmitis in Southern India. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022; 31:734-740. [PMID: 35404755 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2060261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate vitreous Galactomannan(GM) and 1,3 β-D-Glucan (BDG) levels in the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis, with emphasis on culture-negative cases. METHODS Vitreous from 31 clinically suspected fungal endophthalmitis patients and 11 controls were evaluated for GM and BDG using ELISA Kits. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and diagnostic significance was calculated. RESULTS The median vitreous GM in culture-positive (60.83pg/ml) and culture-negative (59.9pg/ml) samples were higher than the (51.2pg/ml) control group. The median vitreous BDG in culture-positive (1.47pg/ml) and culture-negative (1.52pg/ml) samples were also similar, and higher than the control group (1.18pg/ml). ROC analysis showed that at a cut-off of 51.35pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for GM were 0.88 and 0.73.Similarly, for BDG at a cut-off of 1.18pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.82 respectively. CONCLUSION Vitreous GM and BDG above the indicated threshold level could suggest a fungal infection, even when cultures are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaishree Gandhi
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
- Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Satyashree Gagan
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Ashik Mohamed
- Ophthalmic Biophysics, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | - Joveeta Joseph
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
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Chen YC, Kuo SF, Lin SY, Lin YS, Lee CH. Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics, Antifungal Susceptibility, and MLST-Based Genetic Analysis of Cryptococcus Isolates in Southern Taiwan in 2013-2020. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030287. [PMID: 35330289 PMCID: PMC8951076 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is a treatable condition, but it leads to excessive morbidity and mortality. We collected 115 non-duplicated Cryptococcus clinical isolates during 2013−2020 in southern Taiwan to perform antifungal susceptibility testing. Multi-locus sequence typing was performed on 96 strains from patients with CM (n = 47) or cryptococcemia (n = 49). In addition, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with CM during 2013−2020 (n = 47) were compared with those during 2000−2010 (n = 46). During 2013−2020, only one C. neoformans isolate (0.9%) had a fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration of >8 μg/mL. Amphotericin B (AMB), flucytosine (5FC), and voriconazole were highly active against all C. neoformans/C. gattii isolates. The most common sequence type was ST5. Among these 47 patients with CM, cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen (CSF CrAg) titer >1024 was a significant predictor of death (odds ratio, 48.33; 95% CI, 5.17−452.06). A standard induction therapy regimen with AMB and 5FC was used for all patients during 2013−2020, but only for 2.2% of patients in 2000−2010. The in-hospital CM mortality rate declined from 39.1% during 2000−2010 to 25.5% during 2013−2020, despite there being significantly younger patients with less CSF CrAg >1024 during 2000−2010. The study provides insight into the genetic epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus strains in southern Taiwan. The recommended antifungal drugs, AMB, 5FC, and FCZ, remained active against most of the Cryptococcus strains. Early diagnosis of patients with CM and adherence to the clinical practice guidelines cannot be overemphasized to improve the outcomes of patients with CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-S.L.)
| | - Shu-Fang Kuo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Yi Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Shiou Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-S.L.)
| | - Chen-Hsiang Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-S.L.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-7317123 (ext. 8304); Fax: +886-7-7-7322402
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6
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Increased peroxisome proliferation is associated with early yeast replicative ageing. Curr Genet 2022; 68:207-225. [DOI: 10.1007/s00294-022-01233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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7
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de Obeso Fernandez del Valle A, Scheckhuber CQ. Superoxide Dismutases in Eukaryotic Microorganisms: Four Case Studies. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020188. [PMID: 35204070 PMCID: PMC8868140 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various components in the cell are responsible for maintaining physiological levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several different enzymes exist that can convert or degrade ROS; among them are the superoxide dismutases (SODs). If left unchecked, ROS can cause damage that leads to pathology, can contribute to aging, and may, ultimately, cause death. SODs are responsible for converting superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide by dismutation. Here we review the role of different SODs on the development and pathogenicity of various eukaryotic microorganisms relevant to human health. These include the fungal aging model, Podospora anserina; various members of the genus Aspergillus that can potentially cause aspergillosis; the agents of diseases such as Chagas and sleeping disease, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively; and, finally, pathogenic amoebae, such as Acanthamoeba spp. In these organisms, SODs fulfill essential and often regulatory functions that come into play during processes such as the development, host infection, propagation, and control of gene expression. We explore the contribution of SODs and their related factors in these microorganisms, which have an established role in health and disease.
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Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases are rare in individuals with intact immunity. This, together with the fact that there are only a few species that account for most mycotic diseases, implies a remarkable natural resistance to pathogenic fungi. Mammalian immunity to fungi rests on two pillars, powerful immune mechanisms and elevated temperatures that create a thermal restriction zone for most fungal species. Conditions associated with increased susceptibility generally reflect major disturbances of immune function involving both the cellular and humoral innate and adaptive arms, which implies considerable redundancy in host defense mechanisms against fungi. In general, tissue fungal invasion is controlled through either neutrophil or granulomatous inflammation, depending on the fungal species. Neutrophils are critical against Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. while macrophages are essential for controlling mycoses due to Cryptococcus spp., Histoplasma spp., and other fungi. The increasing number of immunocompromised patients together with climate change could significantly increase the prevalence of fungal diseases. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Immunology, Volume 40 is April 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Hernando-Ortiz A, Eraso E, Quindós G, Mateo E. Candidiasis by Candida glabrata, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis in Galleria mellonella: Virulence and Therapeutic Responses to Echinocandins. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7120998. [PMID: 34946981 PMCID: PMC8708380 DOI: 10.3390/jof7120998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the major etiological agent of invasive candidiasis but the increasing prevalence of emerging species of Candida, such as Candida glabrata and phylogenetically closely related species, Candida nivariensis and Candida bracarensis, requires special attention. Differences in virulence among these species and their therapeutic responses using in vivo non-mammalian models are scarcely analysed. The aim of this study was analyse the survival of G. mellonella and host-pathogen interactions during infection by C. glabrata, C. nivariensis and C. bracarensis. Moreover, therapeutic responses to echinocandins were also assessed in the G. mellonella model of candidiasis. These three species produced lethal infection in G. mellonella; C. glabrata was the most virulent species and C. bracarensis the less. Haemocytes of G. mellonella phagocytised C. bracarensis cells more effectively than those of the other two species. Treatment with caspofungin and micafungin was most effective to protect larvae during C. glabrata and C. nivariensis infections while anidulafungin was during C. bracarensis infection. The model of candidiasis in G. mellonella is simple and appropriate to assess the virulence and therapeutic response of these emerging Candida species. Moreover, it successfully allows for detecting differences in the immune system of the host depending on the virulence of pathogens.
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Garcia-Bustos V, Cabanero-Navalon MD, Ruiz-Saurí A, Ruiz-Gaitán AC, Salavert M, Tormo MÁ, Pemán J. What Do We Know about Candida auris? State of the Art, Knowledge Gaps, and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2177. [PMID: 34683498 PMCID: PMC8538163 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102177] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris has unprecedently emerged as a multidrug resistant fungal pathogen, considered a serious global threat due to its potential to cause nosocomial outbreaks and deep-seated infections with staggering transmissibility and mortality, that has put health authorities and institutions worldwide in check for more than a decade now. Due to its unique features not observed in other yeasts, it has been categorised as an urgent threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other international agencies. Moreover, epidemiological alerts have been released in view of the increase of healthcare-associated C. auris outbreaks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarises the current evidence on C. auris since its first description, from virulence to treatment and outbreak control, and highlights the knowledge gaps and future directions for research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Garcia-Bustos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Marta D. Cabanero-Navalon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Amparo Ruiz-Saurí
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba C. Ruiz-Gaitán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 56026 Valencia, Spain;
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - María Á. Tormo
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
| | - Javier Pemán
- Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain; (A.C.R.-G.); (M.Á.T.); (J.P.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Hassan Y, Chew SY, Than LTL. Candida glabrata: Pathogenicity and Resistance Mechanisms for Adaptation and Survival. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080667. [PMID: 34436206 PMCID: PMC8398317 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida glabrata is a yeast of increasing medical relevance, particularly in critically ill patients. It is the second most isolated Candida species associated with invasive candidiasis (IC) behind C. albicans. The attributed higher incidence is primarily due to an increase in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) population, cancer, and diabetic patients. The elderly population and the frequent use of indwelling medical devices are also predisposing factors. This work aimed to review various virulence factors that facilitate the survival of pathogenic C. glabrata in IC. The available published research articles related to the pathogenicity of C. glabrata were retrieved and reviewed from four credible databases, mainly Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. The articles highlighted many virulence factors associated with pathogenicity in C. glabrata, including adherence to susceptible host surfaces, evading host defences, replicative ageing, and producing hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., phospholipases, proteases, and haemolysins). The factors facilitate infection initiation. Other virulent factors include iron regulation and genetic mutations. Accordingly, biofilm production, tolerance to high-stress environments, resistance to neutrophil killings, and development of resistance to antifungal drugs, notably to fluconazole and other azole derivatives, were reported. The review provided evident pathogenic mechanisms and antifungal resistance associated with C. glabrata in ensuring its sustenance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahaya Hassan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano 700241, Nigeria;
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Shu Yih Chew
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Leslie Thian Lung Than
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-39769-2373
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12
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Replicative Aging Remodels the Cell Wall and Is Associated with Increased Intracellular Trafficking in Human Pathogenic Yeasts. mBio 2021; 13:e0019022. [PMID: 35164553 PMCID: PMC8844920 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00190-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Replicative aging is an underexplored field of research in medical mycology. Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) and Candida glabrata (Cg) are dreaded fungal pathogens that cause fatal invasive infections. The fungal cell wall is essential for yeast viability and pathogenesis. In this study, we provide data characterizing age-associated modifications to the cell wall of Cn and Cg. Here, we report that old yeast cells upregulate genes of cell wall biosynthesis, leading to cell wall reorganization and increased levels of all major components, including glucan, chitin, and its derivatives, as well as mannan. This results in a significant thickening of the cell wall in aged cells. Old-generation yeast cells exhibited drastic ultrastructural changes, including the presence of abundant vesicle-like particles in the cytoplasm, and enlarged vacuoles with altered pH homeostasis. Our findings suggest that the cell wall modifications could be enabled by augmented intracellular trafficking. This work furthers our understanding of the cell phenotype that emerges during aging. It highlights differences in these two fungal pathogens and elucidates mechanisms that explain the enhanced resistance of old cells to antifungals and phagocytic attacks. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida glabrata are two opportunistic human fungal pathogens that cause life-threatening diseases. During infection, both microorganisms have the ability to persist for long periods, and treatment failure can occur even if standard testing identifies the yeasts to be sensitive to antifungals. Replicative life span is a trait that is measured by the number of divisions a cell undergoes before death. Aging in fungi is associated with enhanced tolerance to antifungals and resistance to phagocytosis, and characterization of old cells may help identify novel antifungal targets. The cell wall remains an attractive target for new therapies because it is essential for fungi and is not present in humans. This study shows that the organization of the fungal cell wall changes remarkably during aging and becomes thicker and is associated with increased intracellular trafficking as well as the alteration of vacuole morphology and pH homeostasis.
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