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Alsalman J, Althaqafi A, Alsaeed A, Subhi A, Mady AF, AlHejazi A, Francis B, Alturkistani HH, Ayas M, Bilbisi M, Alsharidah S. Middle Eastern Expert Opinion: Strategies for Successful Antifungal Stewardship Program Implementation in Invasive Fungal Infections. Cureus 2024; 16:e61127. [PMID: 38919246 PMCID: PMC11198984 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, global public health efforts have increasingly emphasized the critical role of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in improving outcomes, reducing costs, and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, antifungal stewardship (AFS) has remained relatively overlooked despite the staggering impact of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). This burden is particularly pronounced in hospitals worldwide, with the Middle East facing significant unmet needs. The rising population of immunocompromised individuals vulnerable to IFI has prompted an increased reliance on antifungal agents for both prevention and treatment. Given the considerable mortality associated with IFIs and the emergence of antifungal resistance, implementing AFS programs in hospital settings is becoming increasingly urgent. In this article, we offer expert insights into the strategies that can be used for successful antifungal stewardship program implementation in IFI. Drawing upon the extensive clinical experience of a multinational and multidisciplinary panel, we present recommendations for optimizing AFS practices. We delve into the challenges and practical considerations of tailoring local AFS initiatives to the evolving landscape of fungal infections. Additionally, we provide actionable recommendations and position statements for the effective implementation of AFS programs, informed by the collective clinical experiences of panel members across their respective countries of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdulhakeem Althaqafi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Infectious Diseases, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, SAU
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmad Alsaeed
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmad Subhi
- Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Al-Qassimi Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, ARE
| | - Ahmed F Mady
- Critical Care Medicine, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ayman AlHejazi
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City Riyadh, Riyadh, SAU
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bassam Francis
- Hematology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Baghdad, IRQ
| | | | - Mouhab Ayas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Montaser Bilbisi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Abdali Medical Center, Amman, JOR
| | - Sondus Alsharidah
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Children's Specialized Hospital, Sabah Central Health Region, KWT
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Bicer M. Exploring therapeutic avenues: mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and exosomes in confronting enigmatic biofilm-producing fungi. Arch Microbiol 2023; 206:11. [PMID: 38063945 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03744-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections concomitant with biofilms can demonstrate an elevated capacity to withstand substantially higher concentrations of antifungal agents, contrasted with infectious diseases caused by planktonic cells. This inherent resilience intrinsic to biofilm-associated infections engenders a formidable impediment to effective therapeutic interventions. The different mechanisms that are associated with the intrinsic resistance of Candida species encompass drug sequestration by the matrix, drug efflux pumps, stress response cell density, and the presence of persister cells. These persisters, a subset of fungi capable of surviving hostile conditions, pose a remarkable challenge in clinical settings in virtue of their resistance to conventional antifungal therapies. Hence, an exigent imperative has arisen for the development of novel antifungal therapeutics with specific targeting capabilities focused on these pathogenic persisters. On a global scale, fungal persistence and their resistance within biofilms generate an urgent clinical need for investigating recently introduced therapeutic strategies. This review delves into the unique characteristics of Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and their secreted exosomes, which notably exhibit immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. By comprehensively assessing the current literature and ongoing research in this field, this review sheds light on the plausible mechanisms by which MSCs and their exosomes can be harnessed to selectively target fungal persisters. Additionally, prospective approaches in the use of cell-based therapeutic modalities are examined, emphasizing the importance of further research to overcome the enigmatic fungal persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesude Bicer
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Abdullah Gul University, Kayseri, 38080, Turkey.
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