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Sousa GSM, De Oliveira RS, De Souza AB, Monteiro RC, Santo EPTE, Franco Filho LC, Da Silva SHM. Identification of Chromoblastomycosis and Phaeohyphomycosis Agents through ITS-RFLP. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:159. [PMID: 38392831 PMCID: PMC10890301 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020159] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and phaeohyphomycosis (FEO) are infections caused by melanized filamentous fungal agents, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Both infections pose significant challenges for the correct identification of the causative agent due to their morphological similarity, making conventional methods of morphological analysis highly subjective. Therefore, molecular techniques are necessary for the precise determination of these species. In this regard, this study aimed to contribute to a new methodology based on PCR-RFLP for the identification of agents causing CBM and FEO. Sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region were used to identify potential restriction enzyme sites in silico, followed by in vitro validation using the selected restriction enzymes. The obtained results were compared with species identification through morphological analyses and sequencing. The results demonstrated that the PCR-RFLP applied in this study accurately identified two major agents of chromoblastomycosis, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Fonsecaea monophora, as well as Cladophialophora bantiana and Exophiala dermatitidis, both causative agents of phaeohyphomycosis. In this context, the proposed assay can complement current methods for identifying these species, aiding in diagnosis, and contributing to the proper management of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel S M Sousa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-750, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S De Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micoses Superficiais e Sistêmicas, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Alex B De Souza
- Laboratório de Micoses Superficiais e Sistêmicas, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Ruan C Monteiro
- Laboratory of Emerging Fungal Pathogens, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Elaine P T E Santo
- Laboratório de Micoses Superficiais e Sistêmicas, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Luciano C Franco Filho
- Laboratório de Micoses Superficiais e Sistêmicas, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
| | - Silvia H M Da Silva
- Laboratório de Micoses Superficiais e Sistêmicas, Seção de Bacteriologia e Micologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil
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Tarannum N, Pooja K, Jakhar S, Mavi A. Nanoparticles assisted intra and transdermic delivery of antifungal ointment: an updated review. DISCOVER NANO 2024; 19:11. [PMID: 38195832 PMCID: PMC10776542 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03932-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
This review paper highlights the trans-dermic delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) based antifungal ointments with the help of nanotechnology. It also describes the novel trans-dermal approach utilizing various nanoparticles which enables an efficient delivery to the target site. This current review gives an overview about past research and developments as well as the current nanoparticle-based ointments. This review also presents data regarding types, causes of infection, and different pathogens within their infection site. It also gives information about antifungal ointments with their activity and side effects of antifungal medicines. Additionally, this review also focuses on the future aspects of the topical administration of nanoparticle-based antifungal ointments. These nanoparticles can encapsulate multiple antifungal drugs as a combination therapy targeting different aspects of fungal infection. Nanoparticles can be designed in such a way that they can specifically target fungal cells and do not affect healthy cells. Nanoparticle based antifungal ointments exhibit outstanding potential to treat fungal diseases. As further research and advancements evolve in nanotechnology, we expect more development of nanoparticle-based antifungal formulations shortly. This paper discusses all the past and future applications, recent trends, and developments in the various field and also shows its bright prospective in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Tarannum
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, 250004, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Km Pooja
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, 250004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shivani Jakhar
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, 250004, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anshika Mavi
- Department of Chemistry, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, 250004, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Belda W, Passero LFD, de Carvalho CHC, Mojica PCR, Vale PA. Chromoblastomycosis: New Perspective on Adjuvant Treatment with Acitretin. Diseases 2023; 11:162. [PMID: 37987273 PMCID: PMC10660773 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause granulomatous and suppurative dermatosis. This infection is difficult to treat and there are limited therapeutic options, including terbinafine, itraconazole, and tioconazole. Classic treatment is administered for a long period of time, but some patients do not respond properly, and therefore, such therapeutic approaches possess low cure rates. Therefore, it is vital to develop new strategies for the treatment of CBM. In this regard, it has been observed that the association of immunomodulatory molecules such as glucan with therapy carried out with antifungal drugs improves cutaneous lesions in comparison to treatment with antifungal drugs alone, suggesting that drug association may be an interesting and significant approach to incorporate into CBM therapy. Thus, the aim of this work was to associate classical antifungal therapy with the adjuvants imiquimod and acitretin. In the present case, we reported a patient with extensive CBM caused by Fonsaecae pedrosoi, that affected an extensive area of the right leg, that was left without treatment for 11 years. He was treated with a classical combination of itraconazole and terbinafine via the oral route plus topical imiquimod and oral acitretin, as an adjuvant therapy. After five months of treatment, a significant regression of verrucous plaques was observed, suggesting that the use of these adjuvants combined with the classical antifungal drugs, intraconazole plus terbinafine, can reduce treatment time and rapidly improve the patient's quality of life. This result confirms that the use of coadjuvant drugs may be effective in the treatment of this infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Belda
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
- Laboratory of Pathology of Infectious Diseases, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Domingues Passero
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11330-900, Brazil;
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sao Vicente 11350-011, Brazil
| | | | - Paula Celeste Rubiano Mojica
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
| | - Pablo Andrade Vale
- Dermatology Department, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (C.H.C.d.C.); (P.C.R.M.); (P.A.V.)
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Liu CC, Chou YS, Wu CJ, Hsieh CH, Hsiao YC, Chu LJ, Ouyang CH, Lin CC, Liaw GW, Chen CK. Detection of cytotoxins by sandwich-ELISA for discrimination of cobra envenomation and indication of necrotic severity. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124969. [PMID: 37210050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124969] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Snake envenoming is both a healthcare and socioeconomic problem for developing countries and underserved communities. In Taiwan, clinical management of Naja atra envenomation is a major challenge, since cobra venom-induced symptoms are usually confused with hemorrhagic snakebites and current antivenom treatments do not effectively prevent venom-induced necrosis for which early surgical debridement should be administered. Identification and validation of biomarkers of cobra envenomation is critical for progress in setting a realistic goal for snakebite management in Taiwan. Previously, cytotoxin (CTX) was determined as one of potential biomarker candidates; however, its ability to discriminate cobra envenoming remains to be verified, especially in clinical practice. In this study, we selected a monoclonal single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and a polyclonal antibody to develop a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for CTX detection, which successfully recognized CTX from N. atra venom over that from other snake species. Using this specific assay, the CTX concentration in envenoming mice was shown to remain consistent in about 150 ng/mL during the 2-hour post-injection period. The measured concentration was highly correlated with the size of local necrosis in mouse dorsal skin, which the correlation coefficient is about 0.988. Furthermore, our ELISA method displayed 100 % of specificity and sensitivity in discriminating cobra envenoming among snakebite victims through CTX detection and the level of CTX in victim plasma was ranged from 5.8 to 253.9 ng/mL. Additionally, patients developed tissue necrosis at plasma CTX concentrations higher than 150 ng/mL. Thus, CTX not only serves as a verified biomarker for discrimination of cobra envenoming but also a potential indicator of severity of local necrosis. In this context, detection of CTX may facilitate reliable identification of envenoming species and improve snakebite management in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chun Liu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shao Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 23741, Taiwan
| | - Cho-Ju Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, En Chu Kong Hospital, New Taipei City 23741, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Hsiao
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Lichieh Julie Chu
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsiang Ouyang
- Department of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chuan Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Geng-Wang Liaw
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yeezen General Hospital, Taoyuan 32645, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Kuei Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
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Cazzato G, Colagrande A, Cimmino A, Lospalluti L, Demarco A, Foti C, Romita P, Arezzo F, Loizzi V, Parente P, Resta L, Ingravallo G. Skin Mycetoma in an 11-Year-Old African Boy: Case Presentation with Emphasis on Histopathological Features and Differential Diagnosis. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2021; 8:509-514. [PMID: 34842645 PMCID: PMC8628697 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology8040053] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycetoma is an uncommon, chronic infective disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, characterized by the triad of tumefaction, draining sinuses, and the presence in the exudate of colonial grains. In cases of long-term disease, the presence of colonial grains together with the host's derivative material can lead to the formation of real sinuses. Histological analysis is of fundamental importance to allow an accurate etiological diagnosis and to understand if the basic pathogen is an actinomycete (bacterium) or a real fungus (eumycetic mycetomas) and is also fundamental for therapy, which is quite different. Here, we present a case of Mycetoma in an 11-year-old patient who emigrated from Djibouti, Somalia, and showed the essential histopathological features of this rare and forgotten nosographic entity in the industrialized world and briefly discuss the major and most important differential diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Anna Colagrande
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Antonietta Cimmino
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Lucia Lospalluti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (C.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Aurora Demarco
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (C.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Caterina Foti
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (C.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Paolo Romita
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.L.); (A.D.); (C.F.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesca Arezzo
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.)
| | - Vera Loizzi
- Section of Ginecology and Obstetrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.A.); (V.L.)
| | - Paola Parente
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Resta
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (A.C.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence: (G.C.); (G.I.)
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Bharadwaj M, Bengtson M, Golverdingen M, Waling L, Dekker C. Diagnosing point-of-care diagnostics for neglected tropical diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009405. [PMID: 34138846 PMCID: PMC8211285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inadequate and nonintegrated diagnostics are the Achilles' heel of global efforts to monitor, control, and eradicate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). While treatment is often available, NTDs are endemic among marginalized populations, due to the unavailability or inadequacy of diagnostic tests that cause empirical misdiagnoses. The need of the hour is early diagnosis at the point-of-care (PoC) of NTD patients. Here, we review the status quo of PoC diagnostic tests and practices for all of the 24 NTDs identified in the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2021-2030 roadmap, based on their different diagnostic requirements. We discuss the capabilities and shortcomings of current diagnostic tests, identify diagnostic needs, and formulate prerequisites of relevant PoC tests. Next to technical requirements, we stress the importance of availability and awareness programs for establishing PoC tests that fit endemic resource-limited settings. Better understanding of NTD diagnostics will pave the path for setting realistic goals for healthcare in areas with minimal resources, thereby alleviating the global healthcare burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitasha Bharadwaj
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Bengtson
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mirte Golverdingen
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Loulotte Waling
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Cees Dekker
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
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Tirado-Sánchez A, Franco-Paredes C, Bonifaz A. Subcutaneous Mycoses in Travelers. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2020; 7:141-152. [PMID: 35665217 PMCID: PMC9162435 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-020-00216-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The increase in international travel in recent decades has contributed to the risk of acquiring diseases considered endemic to a region or country and the change in the epidemiology of these diseases. Endemic mycoses that may be acquired by travelers in the short or long term are endemic subcutaneous mycoses such as sporotrichosis and lobomycosis, while endemic systemic mycoses are a group of serious diseases including histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis. Herein, we review the current knowledge and highlight the most important aspects of these fungal infections in travelers. Recent Findings The most relevant advances in the study of these mycoses involve the epidemiological distribution; human mycoses can be fatal and there are few antifungal drugs available, increasing drug resistance, and a risk of emerging fungal diseases associated with climate change, as well as the increasing virulence, and the diagnostic strategies that may be limited in many countries. Summary Although endemic mycoses are relatively rare, they should be considered as potentially travel-related illnesses. A recent or late trip to an endemic country may guide the clinical suspicion, an early diagnosis, and the institution of effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tirado-Sánchez
- Dermatology Service & Micology Department, Hospital General de México “Dr Eduardo Liceaga”, Dr. Balmis 148, colonia Doctores, PZ: 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Center, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Instituto Nacional de Salud, Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alexandro Bonifaz
- Dermatology Service & Micology Department, Hospital General de México “Dr Eduardo Liceaga”, Dr. Balmis 148, colonia Doctores, PZ: 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
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