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Espinel-Ingroff A, Wiederhold NP. A Mini-Review of In Vitro Data for Candida Species, Including C. auris, Isolated during Clinical Trials of Three New Antifungals: Fosmanogepix, Ibrexafungerp, and Rezafungin. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:362. [PMID: 38786717 PMCID: PMC11122255 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This mini-review summarizes the clinical outcomes and antifungal susceptibility results, where available, for three new antifungals, including fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, and rezafungin, against Candida isolates cultured from patients in clinical trials. When reported, most of the data were generated by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method or by both the CLSI and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) methodologies. For fosmanogepix, we summarize the in vitro data for C. auris isolates from 9 patients and for Candida spp. cultured from 20 patients in two clinical trials. Ibrexafungerp has also been evaluated in several clinical trials. From conference proceedings, a total of 176 Candida isolates were evaluated in the FURI and CARES studies, including 18 C. auris isolates (CARES study). However, MIC data are not available for all clinical isolates. Results from the ReSTORE rezafungin phase 3 clinical study also included in vitro results against Candida spp., but no patients with C. auris infections were included. In conclusion, this mini-review summarizes insights regarding clinical outcomes and the in vitro activity of three new antifungals against Candida spp. cultured from patients in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan P. Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
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Siopi M, Pachoulis I, Leventaki S, Spruijtenburg B, Meis JF, Pournaras S, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Meletiadis J. Evaluation of the Vitek 2 system for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida auris using a representative international panel of clinical isolates: overestimation of amphotericin B resistance and underestimation of fluconazole resistance. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0152823. [PMID: 38501836 PMCID: PMC11005389 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01528-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the Vitek 2 system is broadly used for antifungal susceptibility testing of Candida spp., its performance against Candida auris has been assessed using limited number of isolates recovered from restricted geographic areas. We therefore compared Vitek 2 system with the reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution method using an international collection of 100 C. auris isolates belonging to different clades. The agreement ±1 twofold dilution between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) tentative resistance breakpoints and Vitek 2-specific wild-type upper limit values (WT-ULVs) were determined. The CLSI-Vitek 2 agreement was poor for 5-flucytosine (0%), fluconazole (16%), and amphotericin B (29%), and moderate for voriconazole (61%), micafungin (67%), and caspofungin (81%). Significant interpretation errors were recorded using the CDC breakpoints for amphotericin B (31% CA, 69% major errors; MaEs) and fluconazole (69% CA, 31% very major errors; VmEs), but not for echinocandins (99% CA, 1% MaEs for both micafungin and caspofungin) for which the Vitek 2 allowed correct categorization of echinocandin-resistant FKS1 mutant isolates. Discrepancies were reduced when the Vitek 2 WT-ULV of 16 mg/L for amphotericin B (98% CA, 2% MaEs) and of 4 mg/L for fluconazole (96% CA, 1% MaEs, 3% VmEs) were used. In conclusion, the Vitek 2 system performed well for echinocandin susceptibility testing of C .auris. Resistance to fluconazole was underestimated whereas resistance to amphotericin B was overestimated using the CDC breakpoints of ≥32 and ≥2 mg/L, respectively. Vitek 2 minimun inhibitory concentrations (MICs) >4 mg/L indicated resistance to fluconazole and Vitek 2 MICs ≤16 mg/L indicated non-resistance to amphotericin B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Pachoulis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Leventaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ)/Dicoon, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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3
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Jakab Á, Kovács F, Balla N, Nagy-Köteles C, Ragyák Á, Nagy F, Borman AM, Majoros L, Kovács R. Comparative transcriptional analysis of Candida auris biofilms following farnesol and tyrosol treatment. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0227823. [PMID: 38440972 PMCID: PMC10986546 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02278-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is frequently associated with biofilm-related invasive infections. The resistant profile of these biofilms necessitates innovative therapeutic options, where quorum sensing may be a potential target. Farnesol and tyrosol are two fungal quorum-sensing molecules with antifungal effects at supraphysiological concentrations. Here, we performed genome-wide transcript profiling with C. auris biofilms following farnesol or tyrosol exposure using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq). Since transition metals play a central role in fungal virulence and biofilm formation, levels of intracellular calcium, magnesium, and iron were determined following farnesol or tyrosol treatment using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Farnesol caused an 89.9% and 73.8% significant reduction in the calcium and magnesium content, respectively, whereas tyrosol resulted in 82.6%, 76.6%, and 81.2% decrease in the calcium, magnesium, and iron content, respectively, compared to the control. Genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy were primarily affected in treated cells. To prove ergosterol quorum-sensing molecule interactions, microdilution-based susceptibility testing was performed, where the complexation of farnesol, but not tyrosol, with ergosterol was impeded in the presence of exogenous ergosterol, resulting in a minimum inhibitory concentration increase in the quorum-sensing molecules. This study revealed several farnesol- and tyrosol-specific responses, which will contribute to the development of alternative therapies against C. auris biofilms. IMPORTANCE Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, which is frequently associated with biofilm-related infections. Candida-derived quorum-sensing molecules (farnesol and tyrosol) play a pivotal role in the regulation of fungal morphogenesis and biofilm development. Furthermore, they may have remarkable anti-biofilm effects, especially at supraphysiological concentrations. Innovative therapeutic approaches interfering with quorum sensing may be a promising future strategy against C. auris biofilms; however, limited data are currently available concerning farnesol-induced and tyrosol-related molecular effects in C. auris. Here, we detected several genes involved in biofilm events, glycolysis, ergosterol biosynthesis, fatty acid oxidation, iron metabolism, and autophagy, which were primarily influenced following farnesol or tyrosol exposure. Moreover, calcium, magnesium, and iron homeostasis were also significantly affected. These results reveal those molecular and physiological events, which may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches against C. auris biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ágnes Jakab
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Noémi Balla
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Nagy-Köteles
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágota Ragyák
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Agilent Atomic Spectroscopy Partner Laboratory, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Fruzsina Nagy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrew M. Borman
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRCCMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - László Majoros
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Renátó Kovács
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Hernando-Ortiz A, Eraso E, Jauregizar N, de Groot PW, Quindós G, Mateo E. Efficacy of the combination of amphotericin B and echinocandins against Candida auris in vitro and in the Caenorhabditis elegans host model. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0208623. [PMID: 38018978 PMCID: PMC10783041 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02086-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Multidrug resistance is a rising problem among non-Candida albicans species, such as Candida auris. This therapeutic problem has been very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization has included C. auris in its global priority list of health-threatening fungi, to study this emerging multidrug-resistant species and to develop effective alternative therapies. In the present study, the synergistic effect of the combination of amphotericin B and echinocandins has been demonstrated against blood isolates of C. auris. Different susceptibility responses were also observed between aggregative and non-aggregative phenotypes. The antifungal activity of these drug combinations against C. auris was also demonstrated in the Caenorhabditis elegans host model of candidiasis, confirming the suitability and usefulness of this model in the search for solutions to antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainara Hernando-Ortiz
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Elena Eraso
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Nerea Jauregizar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Piet W.J. de Groot
- Regional Center for Biomedical Research, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Mateo
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bilbao, Spain
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5
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Ahmad S, Asadzadeh M, Al-Sweih N, Khan Z. Spectrum and management of rare Candida/yeast infections in Kuwait in the Middle East. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241263733. [PMID: 39070702 PMCID: PMC11273600 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241263733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with high mortality rates and mostly affect patients with compromised immunity. The incidence of IFIs is increasing worldwide with the expanding population of susceptible patients. Candida and other yeast infections represent a major component of IFIs. Rare Candida/yeast infections have also increased in recent years and pose considerable diagnostic and management challenges as they are not easily recognized by routine phenotypic characteristic-based diagnostic methods and/or by the automated yeast identification systems. Rare Candida/yeasts also exhibit reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs making proper management of invasive infections challenging. Here, we review the diagnosis and management of 60 cases of rare Candida/yeast IFIs described so far in Kuwait, an Arabian Gulf country in the Middle East. Interestingly, majority (34 of 60, 56.7%) of these rare Candida/yeast invasive infections occurred among neonates or premature, very-low-birth-weight neonates, usually following prior bacteremia episodes. The clinical details, treatment given, and outcome were available for 28 of 34 neonates. The crude mortality rate among these neonates was 32.2% as 19 of 28 (67.8%) survived the infection and were discharged in healthy condition, likely due to accurate diagnosis and frequent use of combination therapy. Physicians treating patients with extended stay under intensive care, on mechanical ventilation, receiving broad spectrum antibiotics and with gastrointestinal surgery/complications should proactively investigate IFIs. Timely diagnosis and early antifungal treatment are essential to decrease mortality. Understanding the epidemiology and spectrum of rare Candida/yeast invasive infections in different geographical regions, their susceptibility profiles and management will help to devise novel diagnostic and treatment approaches and formulate guidelines for improved patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Noura Al-Sweih
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Ziauddin Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
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6
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Spruijtenburg B, Ahmad S, Asadzadeh M, Alfouzan W, Al-Obaid I, Mokaddas E, Meijer EFJ, Meis JF, de Groot T. Whole genome sequencing analysis demonstrates therapy-induced echinocandin resistance in Candida auris isolates. Mycoses 2023; 66:1079-1086. [PMID: 37712885 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13655] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast, causing outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Echinocandins are the antifungal drugs of choice to treat candidiasis, as they cause few side effects and resistance is rarely found. Previously, immunocompromised patients from Kuwait with C. auris colonisation or infection were treated with echinocandins, and within days to months, resistance was reported in urine isolates. To determine whether the development of echinocandin resistance was due to independent introductions of resistant strains or resulted from intra-patient resistance development, whole genome sequencing (WGS) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed on susceptible (n = 26) and echinocandin-resistant (n = 6) isolates from seven patients. WGS SNP analysis identified three distinct clusters differing 17-127 SNPs from two patients, and the remaining isolates from five patients, respectively. Sequential isolates within patients had a maximum of 11 SNP differences over a time period of 1-10 months. The majority of isolates with reduced susceptibility displayed unique FKS1 substitutions including a novel FKS1M690V substitution, and nearly all were genetically related, ranging from only three to six SNP differences compared to susceptible isolates from the same patient. Resistant isolates from three patients shared the common FKS1S639F substitution; however, WGS analysis did not suggest a common source. These findings strongly indicate that echinocandin resistance is induced during antifungal treatment. Future studies should determine whether such echinocandin-resistant strains are capable of long-term colonisation, cause subsequent breakthrough candidiasis, have a propensity to cross-infect other patients, or remain viable for longer time periods in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Wadha Alfouzan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Farwania Hospital, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Inaam Al-Obaid
- Department of Microbiology, Al-Sabah Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Eiman Mokaddas
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
- Department of Microbiology, Ibn-Sina Hospital, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Eelco F J Meijer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise for Mycology Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Mulet Bayona JV, Tormo Palop N, Salvador García C, Guna Serrano MDR, Gimeno Cardona C. Candida auris from colonisation to candidemia: A four-year study. Mycoses 2023; 66:882-890. [PMID: 37401661 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida auris has become a worrisome multi-drug resistant healthcare-associated pathogen due to its capacity to colonise patients and surfaces and to cause outbreaks of invasive infections in critically ill patients. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the outbreak in our setting in a 4-year period, reporting the risk factors for developing candidemia in previously colonised patients, the therapeutic measures for candidemia and the outcome of candidemia and colonisation cases among all C. auris isolates and their susceptibility to antifungals. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from patients admitted to Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (Spain) from September 2017 to September 2021. A retrospective case-control study was designed to identify risk factors for developing C. auris candidemia in previously colonised patients. RESULTS C. auris affected 550 patients, of which 210 (38.2%) had some clinical sample positive. Isolates were uniformly resistant to fluconazole, 20 isolates were resistant to echinocandins (2.8%) and four isolates were resistant to ampfotericin B (0.6%). There were 86 candidemia cases. APACHE II, digestive disease and catheter isolate were proven to be independent risk factors for developing candidemia in previously colonised patients. Thirty-day mortality rate for C. auris candidemia cases was 32.6%, while for colonisation cases was 33.7%. CONCLUSIONS Candidemia was one of the most frequent and severe infections caused by C. auris. The risk factors identified in this study should help to detect patients who are at more risk of developing candidemia, as long as an adequate surveillance of C. auris colonisation is performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Vicente Mulet Bayona
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Tormo Palop
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carme Salvador García
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Concepción Gimeno Cardona
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Microbiology and Ecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Asadzadeh M, Ahmad S, Al-Sweih N, Khan Z. Molecular fingerprinting by multi-locus sequence typing identifies microevolution and nosocomial transmission of Candida glabrata in Kuwait. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1242622. [PMID: 37744513 PMCID: PMC10515652 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1242622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds Candida glabrata is a frequently isolated non-albicans Candida species and invasive C. glabrata infections in older patients are associated with high mortality rates. Opportunistic Candida infections in critically ill patients may be either endogenous or nosocomial in origin and this distinction is critical for effective intervention strategies. This study performed multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) to study genotypic relatedness among clinical C. glabrata isolates in Kuwait. Methods Candida glabrata isolates (n = 91) cultured from 91 patients were analyzed by MLST. Repeat isolates (n = 16) from 9 patients were also used. Antifungal susceptibility testing for fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B (AMB) was determined by Etest. Genetic relatedness was determined by constructing phylogenetic tree and minimum spanning tree by using BioNumerics software. Results Resistance to fluconazole, voriconazole and AMB was detected in 7, 2 and 10 C. glabrata isolates, respectively. MLST identified 28 sequence types (STs), including 12 new STs. ST46 (n = 33), ST3 (n = 8), ST7 (n = 6) and ST55 (n = 6) were prevalent in ≥4 hospitals. Repeat isolates obtained from same or different site yielded identical ST. No association of ST46 with source of isolation or resistance to antifungals was apparent. Microevolution and cross-transmission of infection was indicated in two hospitals that yielded majority (57 of 91, 67%) of C. glabrata. Conclusion Our data suggest that C. glabrata undergoes microevolution in hospital environment and can be nosocomially transmitted to other susceptible patients. Thus, proper infection control practices during routine procedures on C. glabrata-infected patients may prevent transmission of this pathogen to other hospitalized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
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9
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Asadzadeh M, Alfouzan W, Parker JE, Meis JF, Kelly SL, Joseph L, Ahmad S. Molecular Characterization and Sterol Profiles Identify Nonsynonymous Mutations in ERG2 as a Major Mechanism Conferring Reduced Susceptibility to Amphotericin B in Candida kefyr. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0147423. [PMID: 37358415 PMCID: PMC10434000 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01474-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of reduced susceptibility to amphotericin B (rs-AMB) among any yeasts is poorly defined. Genetic alterations in genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and total cell sterols were investigated among clinical Candida kefyr isolates. C. kefyr isolates (n = 81) obtained from 74 patients in Kuwait and identified by phenotypic and molecular methods were analyzed. An Etest was initially used to identify isolates with rs-AMB. Specific mutations in ERG2 and ERG6 involved in ergosterol biosynthesis were detected by PCR sequencing. Twelve selected isolates were also tested by the SensiTitre Yeast One (SYO), and total cell sterols were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ERG3 and ERG11 sequencing. Eight isolates from 8 patients showed rs-AMB by Etest, including 2 isolates with additional resistance to fluconazole or to all three antifungals. SYO correctly identified 8 of 8 rs-AMB isolates. A nonsynonymous mutation in ERG2 was detected in 6 of 8 rs-AMB isolates but also in 3 of 73 isolates with a wild-type AMB pattern. One rs-AMB isolate contained a deletion (frameshift) mutation in ERG2. One or more nonsynonymous mutations was detected in ERG6 in 11 of 81 isolates with the rs-AMB or wild-type AMB pattern. Among 12 selected isolates, 2 and 2 isolates contained a nonsynonymous mutation(s) in ERG3 and ERG11, respectively. Ergosterol was undetectable in 7 of 8 rs-AMB isolates, and the total cell sterol profiles were consistent with loss of ERG2 function in 6 rs-AMB isolates and loss of ERG3 activity in another rs-AMB isolate. Our data showed that ERG2 is a major target conferring rs-AMB in clinical C. kefyr isolates. IMPORTANCE Some yeast species exhibit intrinsic resistance or rapidly acquire resistance to azole antifungals. Despite >50 years of clinical use, resistance to amphotericin B (AMB) among yeast species has been extremely rarely reported until recently. Reduced susceptibility to AMB (rs-AMB) among yeast species is, therefore, a matter of serious concern due to the availability of only four classes of antifungal drugs. Recent studies in Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae, and Candida auris have identified ERG genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis as the major targets conferring rs-AMB. The results of this study also show that nonsynonymous mutations in ERG2 impair its function, abolish ergosterol from C. kefyr, and confer rs-AMB. Thus, rapid detection of rs-AMB among clinical isolates will help in proper management of invasive C. kefyr infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Wadha Alfouzan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Josie E. Parker
- Molecular Biosciences Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Center of Expertise in Mycology, Radboudumc, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steven L. Kelly
- Institute of Life Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Leena Joseph
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Lee Y, Robbins N, Cowen LE. Molecular mechanisms governing antifungal drug resistance. NPJ ANTIMICROBIALS AND RESISTANCE 2023; 1:5. [PMID: 38686214 PMCID: PMC11057204 DOI: 10.1038/s44259-023-00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are a severe public health problem. The leading causative agents of systemic fungal infections include species from the Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus genera. As opportunistic pathogens, these fungi are generally harmless in healthy hosts; however, they can cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Despite the profound impact of pathogenic fungi on global human health, the current antifungal armamentarium is limited to only three major classes of drugs, all of which face complications, including host toxicity, unfavourable pharmacokinetics, or limited spectrum of activity. Further exacerbating this issue is the growing prevalence of antifungal-resistant infections and the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this review, we discuss the diverse strategies employed by leading fungal pathogens to evolve antifungal resistance, including drug target alterations, enhanced drug efflux, and induction of cellular stress response pathways. Such mechanisms of resistance occur through diverse genetic alterations, including point mutations, aneuploidy formation, and epigenetic changes given the significant plasticity observed in many fungal genomes. Additionally, we highlight recent literature surrounding the mechanisms governing resistance in emerging multidrug-resistant pathogens including Candida auris and Candida glabrata. Advancing our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which fungi adapt to the challenge of antifungal exposure is imperative for designing therapeutic strategies to tackle the emerging threat of antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- 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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11
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Kordalewska M, Cancino-Prado G, Nobrega de Almeida Júnior J, Brasil Brandão I, Tigulini de Souza Peral R, Colombo AL, Perlin DS. Novel Non-Hot Spot Modification in Fks1 of Candida auris Confers Echinocandin Resistance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0042323. [PMID: 37222585 PMCID: PMC10269051 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00423-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We determined the echinocandin susceptibility and FKS1 genotypes of 13 clinical isolates of Candida auris that were recovered from 4 patients at a tertiary care center in Salvador, Brazil. Three isolates were categorized as echinocandin-resistant, and they harbored a novel FKS1 mutation that led to an amino acid change W691L located downstream from hot spot 1. When introduced to echinocandin-susceptible C. auris strains by CRISPR/Cas9, Fks1 W691L induced elevated MIC values to all echinocandins (anidulafungin, 16 to 32×; caspofungin, >64×; micafungin, >64×).
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Kordalewska
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - Geselle Cancino-Prado
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
| | - João Nobrega de Almeida Júnior
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Arnaldo L. Colombo
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, New Jersey, USA
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12
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Siopi M, Peroukidou I, Beredaki MI, Spruijtenburg B, de Groot T, Meis JF, Vrioni G, Tsakris A, Pournaras S, Meletiadis J. Overestimation of Amphotericin B Resistance in Candida auris with Sensititre YeastOne Antifungal Susceptibility Testing: a Need for Adjustment for Correct Interpretation. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0443122. [PMID: 37036351 PMCID: PMC10269614 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04431-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant variation in minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) has been reported for amphotericin B (AMB) and C. auris, depending on the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) method. Although the Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) is widely used in routine laboratory testing, data regarding its performance for the AFST of C. auris are scarce. We tested AMB against 65 C. auris clinical isolates with the SYO and the reference methodology by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The essential agreement (EA, ±1 dilution) between the two methods and the categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s tentative breakpoint of MIC ≥ 2 mg/L were determined. The SYO wild type upper limit value (WT-UL) was determined using the ECOFFinder. The modal (range) CLSI growth inhibitory MIC was lower than the SYO colorimetric MIC [1(0.25-1) versus 2(1-8) mg/L, respectively]). The CLSI-colorimetric SYO EA was 29% and the CA was 11% (89% major errors; MaE). MaE were reduced when the SYO WT-UL of 8 mg/L was used (0% MaE). Alternatively, the use of SYO growth inhibition endpoints of MIC-1 (75% growth inhibition) or MIC-2 (50% growth inhibition) resulted in 88% CA with 12% MaE and 97% CA with 3% MaE, respectively. In conclusion, SYO overestimated AMB resistance in C. auris isolates when colorimetric MICs, as per SYO instructions and the CDC breakpoint of 2 mg/L, were used. This can be improved either by using the method-specific WT-UL MIC of 8 mg/L for colorimetric MICs or by determining growth inhibition MIC endpoints, regardless of the color. IMPORTANCE Candida auris is an emerging and frequently multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that accounts for life-threatening invasive infections and nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. Reliable AF is important for the choice of the optimal treatment. Commercial methods are frequently used without prior vigorous assessment. Resistance to AMB was over-reported with the commercial colorimetric method Sensititre YeastOne (SYO). SYO produced MICs that were 1 to 2 twofold dilutions higher than those of the reference CLSI method, resulting in 89% MaE. MaE were reduced using a SYO-specific colorimetric wild type upper limit MIC value of 8 mg/L (0%) or a 50% growth inhibition endpoint (3%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siopi
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ilektra Peroukidou
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Ioanna Beredaki
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Bram Spruijtenburg
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise in Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, “Attikon” University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Xu Z, Zhang L, Han R, Ding C, Shou H, Duan X, Zhang S. A Candidemia Case Caused by a Novel Drug-Resistant Candida auris with the Y132F Mutation in Erg11 in Mainland China. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3065-3072. [PMID: 37222986 PMCID: PMC10202200 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s409708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Candida auris is a pathogen first found in external ear canal, becoming a major threat to global health. Here, we describe a candidemia case caused by a novel drug-resistant Candida auris strain. Case Presentation An 80-year-old patient, with multiple serious medical conditions, was suffered from candidemia caused by Candida auris, died 9 days after admission in our hospital. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this C. auris isolate (designated BJCA003) belongs to the South Asian clade, carries the Y132F mutation in the protein Erg11. And antibiotic susceptibility test indicated that BJCA003 is resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B, not susceptible to caspofungin. In addition, this strain has multiple colony and cellular morphologies under different culture conditions. Conclusion Strain BJCA003 is a novel drug resistant C. auris strain in mainland China, the Y132F mutation in Erg11 may attribute to fluconazole-resistance, alarming that we still face more challenges about C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxia Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ran Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengwei Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haochang Shou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueguang Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Sharma C, Kadosh D. Perspective on the origin, resistance, and spread of the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011190. [PMID: 36952448 PMCID: PMC10035752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cheshta Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - David Kadosh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
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Giacobbe DR, Mikulska M, Vena A, Di Pilato V, Magnasco L, Marchese A, Bassetti M. Challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of candidemia due to multidrug-resistant Candida auris. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1061150. [PMID: 37746122 PMCID: PMC10512377 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1061150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Pilato
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Marchese
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Unità di Microbiologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Ahmad S, Asadzadeh M. Strategies to Prevent Transmission of Candida auris in Healthcare Settings. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023; 17:36-48. [PMID: 36718372 PMCID: PMC9878498 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Candida auris, a recently recognized yeast pathogen, has become a major public health threat due to the problems associated with its accurate identification, intrinsic and acquired resistance to antifungal drugs, and its potential to easily contaminate the environment causing clonal outbreaks in healthcare facilities. These outbreaks are associated with high mortality rates particularly among older patients with multiple comorbidities under intensive care settings. The purpose of this review is to highlight strategies that are being adapted to prevent transmission of C. auris in healthcare settings. Recent Findings Colonized patients shed C. auris into their environment which contaminates surrounding equipment. It resists elimination even by robust decontamination procedures and is easily transmitted to new patients during close contact resulting in outbreaks. Efforts are being made to rapidly identify C. auris-infected/C. auris-colonized patients, to determine its susceptibility to antifungals, and to perform effective cleaning and decontamination of the environment and isolation of colonized patients to prevent further transmission. Summary Rapid and accurate identification of hospitalized patients infected/colonized with C. auris, rapid detection of its susceptibility patterns, and appropriate use of infection control measures can help to contain the spread of this highly pathogenic yeast in healthcare settings and prevent/control outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Asadzadeh
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Kuwait University, PO Box: 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
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Rybak JM, Cuomo CA, Rogers PD. The molecular and genetic basis of antifungal resistance in the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 70:102208. [PMID: 36242897 PMCID: PMC10364995 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Resistance to the limited number of agents in the antifungal armamentarium among pathogenic fungi represents a growing public health threat. Particularly concerning is the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris that frequently exhibits resistance to the triazole class of antifungals and amphotericin B, and for which isolates resistant to all of the major antifungal classes have been reported. In this brief review, we provide an overview of what is currently known about the molecular and genetic basis for antifungal resistance in this fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Rybak
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P David Rogers
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Synergistic Interaction of Caspofungin Combined with Posaconazole against FKS Wild-Type and Mutant Candida auris Planktonic Cells and Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111601. [PMID: 36421245 PMCID: PMC9686983 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida auris is a potential multidrug-resistant pathogen able to cause biofilm-associated outbreaks, where frequently indwelling devices are the source of infections. The number of effective therapies is limited; thus, new, even-combination-based strategies are needed. Therefore, the in vitro efficacy of caspofungin with posaconazole against FKS wild-type and mutant Candida auris isolates was determined. The interactions were assessed utilizing the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs), the Bliss model, and a LIVE/DEAD assay. Planktonic minimum inhibitory concentrations (pMICs) for the caspofungin-posaconazole combination showed a 4- to 256-fold and a 2- to 512-fold decrease compared to caspofungin and posaconazole alone, respectively. Sessile minimum inhibitory concentrations (sMICs) for caspofungin and posaconazole in combination showed an 8- to 128-fold and a 4- to 512-fold decrease, respectively. The combination showed synergy, especially against biofilms (FICIs were 0.033-0.375 and 0.091-0.5, and Bliss cumulative synergy volumes were 6.96 and 32.39 for echinocandin-susceptible and -resistant isolates, respectively). The caspofungin-exposed (4 mg/L) C. auris biofilms exhibited increased cell death in the presence of posaconazole (0.03 mg/L) compared to untreated, caspofungin-exposed and posaconazole-treated biofilms. Despite the favorable effect of caspofungin with posaconazole, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic potential of this combination in C. auris-associated infections.
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