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Mycoses Jul 2022Mucormycosis has emerged as an increasingly important fungal disease for immunocompromised children and neonates, with the cutaneous form being one of its most common... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mucormycosis has emerged as an increasingly important fungal disease for immunocompromised children and neonates, with the cutaneous form being one of its most common presentations.
METHODS
We present a cutaneous mucormycosis case in a 10-year-old girl and analyse reports of single cases and case series of cutaneous mucormycosis in ≤16-year-old patients, recorded in PUBMED from 1953 to 2020, for epidemiology, risk factors, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and outcome.
RESULTS
113 cases were enrolled. Median age was 5 years (Interquartile Range [IQR] 10.9), without gender predominance. Underlying conditions were haematologic malignancies/disorders (25.7%), prematurity (23%), solid organ transplantation (3.5%), diabetes mellitus type 1 (4.4%), immunodeficiency and other diseases (14.2%), and no underlying conditions (29.2%). Inoculation occurred through major trauma (12.4%), including surgery and motor vehicle accidents, catheter sites (27.4%), dressings, patches and probes (11.5%), burns and farm-related accidents (8.8%). Rhizopus spp. was most frequently isolated (43.4%), followed by Lichtheimia corymbifera (9.7%), Saksenaea vasiformis (8%), Mucor and Rhizomucor spp. (5.3% each), other species/combinations (7.2%) and unspecified isolates (21.2%). Surgery was combined with antifungals in 62.8%. Each was performed solely in 27.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Amphotericin B was used in 78% (alone in 55.8% and combined with other antifungals in 22.2%) of the cases. Overall mortality was 26.5%. In regression analysis, prematurity and haematologic malignancies/disorders were associated with increased mortality, whereas combination of antifungals and surgery with improved survival.
CONCLUSION
Cutaneous mucormycosis mainly affects premature infants and children with haematologic malignancies/disorders. Outcome is improved when active antifungal therapy and surgery are combined.
Topics: Adolescent; Amphotericin B; Antifungal Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mucormycosis; Neoplasms; Rhizopus
PubMed: 35514044
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13452 -
International Journal of Biological... Sep 2021Mucormycosis is a deadly infection which is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales including species belonging to the genus Rhizopus, Mucor, Mycocladus, Rhizomucor,... (Review)
Review
Mucormycosis is a deadly infection which is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales including species belonging to the genus Rhizopus, Mucor, Mycocladus, Rhizomucor, Cunninghamella, and Apophysomyces. Despite antifungal therapy and surgical procedures, the mortality rate of this disease is about 90-100% which is exceptionally high. The hypersensitivity of patients with raised available serum iron indicates that the Mucorales are able to use host iron as a critical factor of virulence. This is because iron happens to be a crucial element playing its role in the growth of cells and development. In this review, we have described Lactoferrin (Lf) as a potential iron-chelator. Lf is a naturally occurring glycoprotein which is expressed in most of the biological fluids. Moreover, Lf possesses exclusive anti-inflammatory effects along with several anti-fungal effects that could prove to be helpful to the pathological physiology of inexorable mucormycosis cases. This literature summarises the biological insights into the Lf being considered as a potential fungistatic agent and an immune regulator. The review also proposes that unique potential of Lf as an iron-chelator can be exploited as the adjunct treatment for mucormycosis infection.
Topics: Animals; Antifungal Agents; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Iron; Iron Chelating Agents; Lactoferrin; Mucorales; Mucormycosis; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34324905
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.156 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Sep 2022To investigate the characteristics of two minority autochthonous LAB species, with particular regard to those properties that could be exploited in an improved cocoa...
AIMS
To investigate the characteristics of two minority autochthonous LAB species, with particular regard to those properties that could be exploited in an improved cocoa fermentation process from a quality and safety point of view.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Bacterial, yeast and mould strains characteristic of spontaneously fermented Dominican cocoa beans were isolated and identified by 16S or 26S rRNA gene sequencing. The potential of two autochthonous strains of LAB belonging to the species Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Furfurilactibacillus rossiae were investigated. The two selected LAB strains were able to utilize glucose and fructose, produced mainly D-L lactic acid and had a good ability to resist to cocoa-related stress conditions such as low pH, high temperature and high osmotic pressure, as well as to grow in sterile cocoa pulp. The strains did not inhibit the growth of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria, that are essential to the cocoa fermentation process, and possessed a complex pool of peptidases especially active on hydrophobic amino acids. The strains also showed antifungal activity against mould species that can be found at the final stages of cocoa fermentation, as Aspergillus tamarii, A. nidulans, Lichtheimia ornata and Rhizomucor pusillus.
CONCLUSIONS
The tested strains are good candidates for the design of starter cultures for a controlled cocoa fermentation process.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
This research showcases the potential of two alternative LAB species to the dominating Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Limosilactibacillus fermentum as cocoa fermentation starters, with an interesting activity in improving the safety and quality of the process.
Topics: Bacteria; Cacao; Fermentation; Lactobacillus; Limosilactobacillus fermentum; Saccharomyces cerevisiae
PubMed: 35751485
DOI: 10.1111/jam.15687 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023During the second phase of SARS-CoV-2, an unknown fungal infection, identified as black fungus, was transmitted to numerous people among the hospitalized COVID-19...
Modified coptisine derivatives as an inhibitor against pathogenic , (Black Fungus), Monkeypox, and Marburg virus by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation-based drug design approach.
During the second phase of SARS-CoV-2, an unknown fungal infection, identified as black fungus, was transmitted to numerous people among the hospitalized COVID-19 patients and increased the death rate. The black fungus is associated with the Mycolicibacterium smegmatis, Mucor lusitanicus, and Rhizomucor miehei microorganisms. At the same time, other pathogenic diseases, such as the Monkeypox virus and Marburg virus, impacted global health. Policymakers are concerned about these pathogens due to their severe pathogenic capabilities and rapid spread. However, no standard therapies are available to manage and treat those conditions. Since the coptisine has significant antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties; therefore, the current investigation has been designed by modifying coptisine to identify an effective drug molecule against Black fungus, Monkeypox, and Marburg virus. After designing the derivatives of coptisine, they have been optimized to get a stable molecular structure. These ligands were then subjected to molecular docking study against two vital proteins obtained from black fungal pathogens: Rhizomucor miehei (PDB ID: 4WTP) and Mycolicibacterium smegmatis (PDB ID 7D6X), and proteins found in Monkeypox virus (PDB ID: 4QWO) and Marburg virus (PDB ID 4OR8). Following molecular docking, other computational investigations, such as ADMET, QSAR, drug-likeness, quantum calculation and molecular dynamics, were also performed to determine their potentiality as antifungal and antiviral inhibitors. The docking score reported that they have strong affinities against Black fungus, Monkeypox virus, and Marburg virus. Then, the molecular dynamic simulation was conducted to determine their stability and durability in the physiological system with water at 100 ns, which documented that the mentioned drugs were stable over the simulated time. Thus, our investigation provides a preliminary report that coptisine derivatives are safe and potentially effective against Black fungus, Monkeypox virus, and Marburg virus. Hence, coptisine derivatives may be a prospective candidate for developing drugs against Black fungus, Monkeypox and Marburg viruses.
PubMed: 37153804
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1140494 -
Heliyon Jun 2023The thiosemicarbazones and their derivatives have been recognized as antimicrobial agents against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Regarding these prospective, this...
Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activity of thiosemicarbazones derivatives and their computational approaches: Quantum calculation, molecular docking, molecular dynamic, ADMET, QSAR.
The thiosemicarbazones and their derivatives have been recognized as antimicrobial agents against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Regarding these prospective, this study was designed to address the new antimicrobial agents from thiosemicarbazones and their derivatives. These derivatives were synthesized by multi-step synthesis methods, such as alkylation, acidification, esterification, and formed the 4-(4'-alkoxybenzoyloxy) thiosemicarbazones and its derivatives THS1, THS2, THS3, THS4, and THS5). Afterward the synthesis, compounds were characterized by H NMR, FTIR spectra, and melting point. Later, the computational tools were applied to evaluate the drug likeness properties, bioavailability score, Lipinski rule, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). Secondly, the quantum calculations, for instance HOMO, LUMO and chemical descriptors, were calculated by the density functional theory (DFT). Finally, the molecular docking was performed against seven human pathogenic bacteria, black fungus (Rhizomucor mieh, Mucor lusitanicus, Mycolicibacterium smegmatis) and white fungus strains (Candida Auris, Aspergillus luchuensis, Candida albicans). To check and validate of molecular docking procedure and stability of docked complex for ligand and protein, the molecular dynamic was performed of docked complex. From the docking score with calculating the binding affinity, these derivatives could show a higher affinity than standard drug against all pathogens. From the computational details, it could be decided to do test as antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aurious, Staphylococcus homonis, , and Shigella flexneria. The obtained result of antibacterial activity compared to standard drugs, and it was found that the synthesized compounds were almost same value of standard drug. Finally, it could be said from the and study that the thiosemicarbazones derivatives are good antimicrobial agents.
PubMed: 37292281
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16222 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023In this study, the microbial diversity in Tibetan flavor was analyzed based on single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT). The volatile flavor compounds in were...
In this study, the microbial diversity in Tibetan flavor was analyzed based on single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT). The volatile flavor compounds in were detected using the headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). In addition, the correlation between various microbes and volatile flavor compounds was explored. Our studies indicated that the dominant bacterial genera in Tibetan flavor were , , , , , , , , and . The dominant fungal genera were , , and . 101 volatile compounds were detected in the samples, including alcohols, acids, esters, aldehydes, hydrocarbons, ketones, ethers, aromatics and pyrazines, and 10 key flavor compounds were identified using the relative odor activity value (ROAV). The results of our correlation analysis showed that was mainly associated with the synthesis of aldehydes such as trans-2-octenal, and was associated with the synthesis of most aldehydes. This paper has systematically investigated the physicochemical indices, microbial community structure and flavor compounds of Tibetan flavor , which is helpful in gaining a deeper understanding of the characteristics of Tibetan flavor .
PubMed: 36673416
DOI: 10.3390/foods12020324 -
Mycology Jun 2019This paper sought to address the prevalence of Mucorales in different indoor environments in Portugal. Environmental samples (183 in total) were collected at dwellings...
This paper sought to address the prevalence of Mucorales in different indoor environments in Portugal. Environmental samples (183 in total) were collected at dwellings ( = 79) and workplaces (bakeries, swine farms, taxis, waste-sorting plants) ( = 93) by passive sampling using electrostatic dust collector (EDC), air-conditioning filters, litter, and/or raw materials. Samples were inoculated onto non-selective MEA and DG18 media and were screened for antifungal drug-resistance in azole-supplemented agar Sabouraud media. A probe-based Mucorales-specific real-time PCR assay (Muc18S) was used to detect Mucorales in complement to conventional culture-based methods. Mucorales order was found as more prevalent in air-conditioning filters from waste-sorting fork lifters (35.7%). Amongst Mucorales isolates able to grow in azole-supplemented media, 16 isolates of sp., sp. or sp. were not susceptible to 1 mg/L voriconazole, and four isolates of sp. or sp. were not susceptible to 4 mg/L itraconazole. In conclusion, combination of the culture-based and molecular methods proved to be reliable for Mucorales order identification in complex environmental samples.
PubMed: 31069121
DOI: 10.1080/21501203.2018.1551251 -
IDCases 2020Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Mucorales order fungi. The rhino-cerebral form of mucormycosis is most commonly seen in patients with diabetes...
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Mucorales order fungi. The rhino-cerebral form of mucormycosis is most commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, whereas, pulmonary mucormycosis is a rare manifestation in patients with haematological malignancy and transplant recipients. We report a case of pulmonary mucormycosis presenting with a late acute onset diabetes on a patient immunosuppressed with a low dose of steroids. We aim to illustrate the need for a high clinical suspicion for the diagnosis of mucormycosis and to report the importance of early and aggressive inhiation of antifungal therapy.
PubMed: 33240790
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00993 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Jun 2023An invasive fungal infection caused by saprophytic and aerobic fungi Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, and Cunninghamella genera of the family Mucoraceae is known as Mucormycosis....
An invasive fungal infection caused by saprophytic and aerobic fungi Rhizopus, Rhizomucor, and Cunninghamella genera of the family Mucoraceae is known as Mucormycosis. Typically, Mucormycosis manifests in patients with conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, renal failure, patients receiving chemotherapy, long term steroid therapy or patients who are immunocompromised such as Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. The authors report a case of mixed opportunistic fungal infection of Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis following maxillofacial trauma that was treated by both medical and surgical line of management.
PubMed: 36777925
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03492-z -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2021Jianqu, a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine, is used clinically to treat symptoms like chill and fever headache, diarrhea and loss of appetite and act on... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Jianqu, a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine, is used clinically to treat symptoms like chill and fever headache, diarrhea and loss of appetite and act on patients with low immunity. However, the quality control of Jianqu fermentation is not well established, and its function in regulating the body's immunity still remains unclear.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The present study firstly assesses the structure and diversity of fungal community during Jianqu fermentation and then investigates the immune regulating function of Jianqu extract in mouse model.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
The high-throughput sequencing is conducted to analyze the diversity and distribution of fungal community during the fermentation process of Jianqu, and then fungi with a high frequency and relative abundance are isolated. The immunosuppressed mice are induced by using cyclophosphamide (CTX) and used to evaluate the immune regulating function of Jianqu extract from natural fermentation or directed fermentation, respectively.
RESULTS
With the fermentation, the diversity and distribution of fungal community significantly changed. The number of OTU (operational taxonomic unit) was gradually decreased from 223 ± 1 in the early phase to 201 ± 11 in the middle phase and to 175 ± 32 in the later phase of Jianqu fermentation. Generally, in genus level, Millerozyma, Debaryomyces and Rhizomucor showed a significant increase and became dominant in the mid or later phase of fermentation, while the Aspergillus displayed a decrease following the fermentation. However, Saccharomycopsis is a dominate species in surveyed samples. Next, six fungi strains with a high frequency and relative abundance, including Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, Millerozyma farinose, Hyphopichia burtonii, Rhizomucor pusillus, Lichtheimia ramosa, and Monascus purpureus, are isolated successfully. Interestingly, directed fermentation for Jianqu with the six isolated fungi strains could achieve similar morphological characteristics with the natural fermentation. Consistently, Jianqu extract from directed fermentation demonstrated a similar therapeutic effect on immune response as that of naturally fermented Jianqu.
CONCLUSIONS
We firstly showed the significant change of structural profiles of fungal communities during Jianqu fermentation, and successfully isolated six dominate fungi strains in Jianqu. Interestingly, directed fermentation for Jianqu with these isolated strains could achieve a similar morphological characteristics and immune-modulating function as natural fermentation. It was suggested that Jianqu fermentation with functional fungi instead of natural microbes provide a new approach for the improvement of the production and quality control of the traditional Chinese medicine of Jianqu.
Topics: Animals; Antibody Formation; B-Lymphocytes; Cyclophosphamide; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fermentation; Fungi; Hemolysin Proteins; Hypersensitivity, Delayed; Immune System; Immunity; Immunocompromised Host; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppressive Agents; Macrophages, Peritoneal; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phagocytosis; Mice
PubMed: 33223116
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113512