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Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Fungal infections represent a worldwide concern for public health, due to their prevalence and significant increase in cases each year. Among the most frequent mycoses... (Review)
Review
Fungal infections represent a worldwide concern for public health, due to their prevalence and significant increase in cases each year. Among the most frequent mycoses are those caused by members of the genera , and , which have been treated for years with conventional antifungal drugs, such as flucytosine, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. However, these microorganisms have acquired the ability to evade the mechanisms of action of these drugs, thus hindering their treatment. Among the most common evasion mechanisms are alterations in sterol biosynthesis, modifications of drug transport through the cell wall and membrane, alterations of drug targets, phenotypic plasticity, horizontal gene transfer, and chromosomal aneuploidies. Taking into account these problems, some research groups have sought new therapeutic alternatives based on drug repositioning. Through repositioning, it is possible to use existing pharmacological compounds for which their mechanism of action is already established for other diseases, and thus exploit their potential antifungal activity. The advantage offered by these drugs is that they may be less prone to resistance. In this article, a comprehensive review was carried out to highlight the most relevant repositioning drugs to treat fungal infections. These include antibiotics, antivirals, anthelmintics, statins, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
PubMed: 38947372
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S466336 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... May 2024Meju is essential for making diverse traditional fermented soybean foods in Korea. To understand the changes in carbohydrates during fermentation, we aimed to identify...
Meju is essential for making diverse traditional fermented soybean foods in Korea. To understand the changes in carbohydrates during fermentation, we aimed to identify autochthonous microorganisms from spontaneously fermented meju and compare the alterations in monosaccharides and oligosaccharides throughout the fermentation process. Microbial diversity was determined using a metabarcoding approach, and monosaccharide and oligosaccharide profiles were obtained by HPLC-Q-TOF MS and HPLC-MS/MS analyses, respectively. The dominant bacterial genera were Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc, while Mucor was highly abundant in the fungal community. The total monosaccharide content increased from Day 0 to Day 50, with the highest amount being 4.37 mg/g. Oligosaccharide profiling revealed the degradation of soybean dietary fiber during fermentation, and novel oligosaccharide structures were also discovered. Correlation analysis revealed that the fungus Mucor was positively related to pentose-containing oligosaccharides, galactose, and galacturonic acid, indicating that Mucor may degrade soybean dietary fibers such as xylogalacturonan, arabinogalactan, and rhamnogalacturonan. The negative relationships between the abundances of Weissella and oligo- and monosaccharides suggested that the bacteria may utilize saccharides for fermentation. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying carbohydrate degradation and utilization; the key components involved in saccharide transformation that contribute to the characteristics of traditional meju were subsequently identified.
Topics: Monosaccharides; Glycine max; Fermentation; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Oligosaccharides; Microbiota; Dietary Fiber
PubMed: 38609217
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114233 -
Cureus Jan 2024Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often linked to a broad range of opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has...
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often linked to a broad range of opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections. The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed an unprecedented surge in mucormycosis cases, predominantly in India, while the disease remained relatively rare in Europe. The authors describe the case of a 62-year-old female patient admitted to the hospital for consolidation therapy with chemotherapy as a part of the treatment protocol for acute myeloid leukemia. During hospitalization, she was diagnosed with nosocomial COVID-19, which later progressed to respiratory deterioration. COVID-19 with bacterial superinfection was presumed, leading to the initiation of empirical antibiotic therapy. A bronchoscopy was performed several days later due to a lack of improvement, revealing an infection by the complex. Despite antifungal treatment, the patient experienced an unfavorable clinical course and ultimately died. Given the high index of suspicion required to diagnose pulmonary mucormycosis, which can lead to delays in appropriate treatment and increase the burden of disease, the authors are aiming to enhance its awareness.
PubMed: 38406002
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52849 -
Open Life Sciences 2023This study aimed to assess the feasibility of diagnosing secondary pulmonary fungal infections (PFIs) in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) using computerized...
Adoption value of support vector machine algorithm-based computed tomography imaging in the diagnosis of secondary pulmonary fungal infections in patients with malignant hematological disorders.
This study aimed to assess the feasibility of diagnosing secondary pulmonary fungal infections (PFIs) in patients with hematological malignancies (HM) using computerized tomography (CT) imaging and a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. A total of 100 patients with HM complicated by secondary PFI underwent CT scans, and they were included in the training group. Concurrently, 80 patients with the same underlying disease who were treated at our institution were included in the test group. The types of pathogens among different PFI patients and the CT imaging features were compared. Radiomic features were extracted from the CT imaging data of patients, and a diagnostic SVM model was constructed by integrating these features with clinical characteristics. was the most common pathogen responsible for PFIs, followed by , , , and , in descending order of occurrence. Patients typically exhibited bilateral diffuse lung lesions. Within the SVM algorithm model, six radiomic features, namely the square root of the inverse covariance of the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (square root IV), the square root of the inverse covariance of the gray-level co-occurrence matrix, and small dependency low gray-level emphasis, significantly influenced the diagnosis of secondary PFIs in patients with HM. The area under the curve values for the training and test sets were 0.902 and 0.891, respectively. Therefore, CT images based on the SVM algorithm demonstrated robust predictive capability in diagnosing secondary PFIs in conjunction with HM.
PubMed: 38152585
DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0765 -
Food Microbiology Oct 2023In dairy industry, filamentous fungi are used as adjunct cultures in fermented products for their technological properties but they could also be responsible for food...
In dairy industry, filamentous fungi are used as adjunct cultures in fermented products for their technological properties but they could also be responsible for food spoilage and mycotoxin production. The consumer demands about free-preservative products has increased in recent years and lead to develop alternative methods for food preservation. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can inhibit fungal growth and therefore increase the food product shelf-life. This study aimed to evaluate radial growth as a function of CO and more particularly carbonic acid for fourteen adjuncts and/or fungal spoiler isolated from dairy products or dairy environment by using predictive mycology tools. The impact of the different chemical species linked to CO (notably carbonic acid) were study because it was reported previously that undissociated carbonic acid impacted bacterial growth and bicarbonates ions were involved in modifications of physiological process of fungal cells. A significant diversity in the responses of selected strains was observed. Mucor circinelloides had the fastest growth rates (μ > 11 mm. day) while Bisifusarium domesticum, Cladosporium herbarum and Penicillium bialowiezense had the slowest growth rates (μ < 1 mm. day). Independently of the medium pH, the majority of strains were sensitive to total carbonic acid. In this case, it was not possible to conclude if CO active form was gaseous or aqueous so modeling were performed as a function of CO percentage. Only Geotrichum candidum and M. circinelloides strains were sensitive to undissociated carbonic acid. Among the fourteen strains, P. bialowiezense was the less sensitive strain to CO, no growth was observed at 50% of CO only for this strain. M. lanceolatus was the less sensitive strain to CO, the CO which reduce the growth rates by 50% was estimated at 138% of CO. Low CO percentage improved the growth of Penicillium expansum, Penicillium roqueforti and Paecilomyces niveus. Mathematical models (without and with optimum) were suggested to describe the impact of CO percentage or undissociated carbonic acid concentration on fungal growth rate.
Topics: Carbon Dioxide; Carbonic Acid; Fungi; Dairy Products; Food Preservation
PubMed: 37567633
DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2023.104324 -
Invasive Sinusitis Presenting with Orbital Complications in COVID Patients: Is Mucor the Only Cause?Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Feb 2024The second wave of COVID pandemic was associated with an outbreak of Mucormycosis. The mortality rate of Mucormycosis reaches 50-80% in cases with orbital and...
The second wave of COVID pandemic was associated with an outbreak of Mucormycosis. The mortality rate of Mucormycosis reaches 50-80% in cases with orbital and intracranial extension (Fadda in Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital 41:43-50, 2021). In this outbreak we found that few of these patients had bacterial invasive sinusitis mimicking fungal sinusitis. Amphotericin the only effective drug against Mucormycosis is highly toxic and expensive and not indicated in bacterial sinusitis. Our aim was to determine the exact etiologic agent, predisposing factors and outcome of treatment of COVID associated invasive sinusitis presenting with orbital complications. It is a retrospective observational study done in 33 patients with orbital complications in COVID associated invasive sinusitis. Demographic details of the patients and clinical presentation were documented. Rhinological examination was done and a nasal swab was taken for KOH mount along with Gram`s stain and Culture and Sensitivity. All Patients underwent radiological evaluation by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) or MRI. Liposomal Amphotericin B was started. Surgical debridement done. Amphotericin-B was stopped in cases reported negative for fungal elements and antibiotics administered for two weeks. Outcome of treatment was documented. A total of 33 patients were included in the study. 48.5% patients were found to have bacterial infection and 27.3% patient's fungal infections and 24.2% mixed infections.Eschar formation, necrotic tissue, erosion of the lamina papyracea was seen in both Klebsiella (33.3%) and Staphylococcal infections (16.6%) similar to Mucor and mixed infections. Persistent opthalmoplegia and deterioration of vision was associated with Mucor and mixed infections. However improvement in proptosis, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, and vision was observed in cases associated with bacterial invasive sinusitis. Invasive bacterial sinusitis was under diagnosed during second wave of COVID. Identification of invasive bacterial sinusitis can help in de-escalation of treatment.
PubMed: 38440575
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04077-6 -
Marine Drugs Nov 2023The brown algal genus provides essential ecosystem services crucial for marine environments. Macroalgae (seaweeds) release dissolved organic matter, hence, are under...
The brown algal genus provides essential ecosystem services crucial for marine environments. Macroalgae (seaweeds) release dissolved organic matter, hence, are under strong settlement pressure from micro- and macrofoulers. Seaweeds are able to control surface epibionts directly by releasing antimicrobial compounds onto their surfaces, and indirectly by recruiting beneficial microorganisms that produce antimicrobial/antifouling metabolites. In the Kiel Fjord, in the German Baltic Sea, three distinct species coexist: , , and subsp. . Despite sharing the same habitat, they show varying fouling levels; subsp. is the least fouled, while is the most fouled. The present study explored the surface metabolomes and epiphytic microbiota of these three spp., aiming to uncover the factors that contribute to the differences in the fouling intensity on their surfaces. Towards this aim, algal surface metabolomes were analyzed using comparative untargeted LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics, to identify the marker metabolites influencing surface fouling. Their epiphytic microbial communities were also comparatively characterized using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, to pinpoint the differences in the surface microbiomes of the algae. Our results show that the surface of the least fouling species, subsp. , is enriched with bioactive compounds, such as betaine lipids MGTA, 4-pyridoxic acid, and ulvaline, which are absent from the other species. Additionally, it exhibits a high abundance of the fungal genera and , along with the bacterial genus . These taxa are known for producing antimicrobial/antifouling compounds, suggesting their potential role in the observed fouling resistance on the surface of the subsp. compared to and . These findings provide valuable clues on the differential surface fouling intensity of spp., and their importance in marine chemical defense and fouling dynamics.
Topics: Ecosystem; Fucus; Chromatography, Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Seaweed; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37999420
DOI: 10.3390/md21110595 -
Journal of Education & Teaching in... Jul 2023This is a case report of a 46-year-old female with undiagnosed diabetes, COVID-19, and mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly progressive disease process...
UNLABELLED
This is a case report of a 46-year-old female with undiagnosed diabetes, COVID-19, and mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly progressive disease process characterized by an insidious onset of vague symptoms and is associated with a high mortality rate. The patient initially presented at two outside ophthalmology clinics due to right eye pain and was prescribed steroids. Upon presentation to our institution's Emergency Department, the patient's pain had significantly increased along with new symptoms of ptosis and failure to adduct the right eye. Laboratory results demonstrated leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a diagnosis of mucormycosis and the patient underwent surgery and began intravenous antifungal therapy. This discussion addresses the presenting features of mucormycosis in the emergency department while highlighting the need for immediate investigation due to the fungi's rapidly progressive nature.
TOPICS
Mucormycosis, mucor, diabetes, COVID-19, ROCM.
PubMed: 37575409
DOI: 10.21980/J81M1G -
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology Oct 2023In recent years, the uses of silver nanoparticles have increased, which lead to nanoparticles discharge into aquatic bodies which may, if not well controlled, have...
In recent years, the uses of silver nanoparticles have increased, which lead to nanoparticles discharge into aquatic bodies which may, if not well controlled, have harmful effect on different organisms. This calls for the need to constantly evaluate the toxicity level of nanoparticles. In this study, green biosynthesized silver nanoparticles mediated by endophytic bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii (CS-AgNPs) were subjected to toxicity evaluation by brine shrimp lethality assay. The ability of CS-AgNPs to improve plant growth by nanopriming of Vigna radiata L seeds treated with different concentrations (1ppm, 2.5ppm, 5ppm and 10ppm) in order to enhance biochemical constituents was investigated, also its inhibitory effect to growth of phytopathogenic fungi Mucor racemose was examined. Results showed that Artemia salina treated with CS-AgNPs exhibited good hatching percentage and LC value of 688.41 µg/ml when Artemia salina eggs were exposed to CS-AgNPs during hatching. Plant growth was enhanced at 2.5ppm CS-AgNPs, with increased photosynthetic pigments, protein, and carbohydrate content. This study suggests that silver nanoparticles synthesized via endophytic bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii are safe to use and can be utilized as means of combating plant fungal pathogens.
Topics: Animals; Metal Nanoparticles; Silver; Bacteria; Artemia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 36862331
DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04383-3 -
Biology Apr 2024WJ11 is a lipid-producing strain with industrial potential. A holistic approach using gene manipulation and bioprocessing development has improved lipid production and...
WJ11 is a lipid-producing strain with industrial potential. A holistic approach using gene manipulation and bioprocessing development has improved lipid production and the strain's economic viability. However, the systematic regulation of lipid accumulation and carotenoid biosynthesis in remains unknown. To dissect the metabolic mechanism underlying lipid and carotenoid biosynthesis, transcriptome analysis and reporter metabolites identification were implemented between the wild-type (WJ11) and WJ11 strains of . As a result, transcriptome analysis revealed 10,287 expressed genes, with 657 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. Integration with a genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) identified reporter metabolites in the WJ11 strain, highlighting metabolic pathways crucial for amino acid, energy, and nitrogen metabolism. Notably, the downregulation of genes associated with carotenoid biosynthesis and acetyl-CoA generation suggests a coordinated relationship between the carotenoid and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. Despite disruptions in the carotenoid pathway, lipid production remains stagnant due to reduced acetyl-CoA availability, emphasizing the intricate metabolic interplay. These findings provide insights into the coordinated relationship between carotenoid and fatty acid biosynthesis in that are valuable in applied research to design optimized strains for producing desired bioproducts through emerging technology.
PubMed: 38666888
DOI: 10.3390/biology13040276