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Biofilm Dec 2023The genus includes some of the deadliest pathogens of History (), but most of the species within the genus are environmental microorganisms. Because some of these...
The genus includes some of the deadliest pathogens of History (), but most of the species within the genus are environmental microorganisms. Because some of these nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species can be human pathogens, the study of these mycobacterial biofilms has increased during the last decades, and the interest in this issue increased as well as the growing number of patients with diseases caused by NTM. Different molecular mechanisms have been described, being especially well known the importance of glycopeptidolipids. Moreover, the knowledge of the extracellular matrix has shown important differences with other microorganisms, especially because of the presence of lipidic molecules as a key component of this structure. The clinical importance of mycobacterial biofilms has been described for many chronic diseases, especially lung diseases and implant-related ones, both and , and even in patients. Moreover, the biofilm-producing capacity has been proven also in , while its importance is not well understood. Biofilm studies have also shown the increasing resistance of mycobacteria in sessile form, and the importance of this resistance in the management of the patients is beyond doubt, being surgery necessary in some cases to cure the patients. Diagnosis of mycobacterial diseases is still based on culture-based techniques designed for the detection of . Molecular biology-based methods are also broadly used but again designed for tuberculosis diagnosis. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is also well developed for tuberculosis, but only some species of NTM have standardized techniques for this purpose. New tools or approaches are necessary to treat these patients, whose importance is increasing, as the number of potential hosts is also increasing throughout the world.
PubMed: 36798742
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2023.100107 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Apr 2024This review focuses on the treatment of nontuberculous pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex and M. abscessus. It covers treatment indications,... (Review)
Review
This review focuses on the treatment of nontuberculous pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex and M. abscessus. It covers treatment indications, antibiotic choice, resistance and side effects. Treatment of nontuberculous pulmonary disease is complex, lengthy, and fraught with side effects. Increased attention on this disease is needed in order to alleviate the severe consequences of this growing disease. Cooperation between pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists is needed to ensure uniform treatment, and to account for the heterogeneity seen in patients and mycobacteria alike.
Topics: Humans; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Lung Diseases; Pneumonia; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38606709
DOI: 10.61409/V06230603 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Jun 2024Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is considered as the most pathogenic rapid-growing mycobacteria in humans, causing pulmonary and extra-pulmonary diseases, especially in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is considered as the most pathogenic rapid-growing mycobacteria in humans, causing pulmonary and extra-pulmonary diseases, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis. Mab shows intrinsic and acquired resistance to many drugs, leaving limited treatment options that lead to a generally poor prognosis. The standard therapeutic regimen last for more than 6 months and consists of a drug cocktail that ideally includes a macrolide and amikacin. Yet, toxicity and efficacy are suboptimal due also to the high toxicity. There is a need to introduce innovative and out-of-the-box approaches to improve treatments.
OBJECTIVES
In this narrative review, we summarize the recent research on the alternative strategies proposed and discuss the importance of using appropriate experimental assays to assess their activity.
SOURCES
Included articles were identified by searching PubMed and MEDLINE until June 2023. The search terms were 'Mycobacterium abscessus', 'antimicrobial', and 'alternative therapies'. Additional relevant references were obtained from articles retrieved from the primary search.
CONTENT
Therapies against Mab including host directed therapies, repurposed drugs, phage therapy, anti-virulence strategies, essential oils, and inhalation therapies.
IMPLICATIONS
Alternative treatments may represent a valid tool to cope the burden of antimicrobial resistance in Mab-caused diseases.
Topics: Mycobacterium abscessus; Humans; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Complementary Therapies; Drug Repositioning; Phage Therapy
PubMed: 37820951
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.10.001 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Dec 2023
Topics: Humans; Mycobacterium abscessus; Scalp; Central America; Skin Transplantation; Hair
PubMed: 38110217
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230794-f -
Microorganisms Jul 2023Skin and soft tissue infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria are occurring more frequently in recent years. However, chronic skin and soft tissue lesions... (Review)
Review
Skin and soft tissue infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria are occurring more frequently in recent years. However, chronic skin and soft tissue lesions present a challenge for clinicians, as the diagnostic work-up and definitive diagnosis require knowledge and available laboratory resources. We present here the case of a 66-year-old male patient who presented with painful abscess-like nodules on his right hand and forearm, which worsened after treatment with an anti-TNF-a agent. The fluid specimen taken from the lesion was positive for mycobacteria according to the acid-fast stain. was identified, first by next-generation sequencing and finally grown on culture, after eight weeks. Acknowledging the complexity of diagnosing and managing infections by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, and especially , we provide a review of the current epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of infection.
PubMed: 37512971
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071799 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, presenting a unique challenge in clinical management. This review... (Review)
Review
Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, presenting a unique challenge in clinical management. This review explored the complexities of NTM infections localized to the superficial tissues and provided valuable insights into the optimal therapeutic strategies. The antibiotic selection should base on NTM species and their susceptibility profiles. It is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the unique characteristics of superficial tissues to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, infection recurrence, and treatment failure. Infection control measures, patient education, and close monitoring should complement the treatment strategies to achieve favorable outcomes in managing NTM skin infections. Further efforts are warranted to elucidate factors and mechanisms contributing to treatment resistance and relapse. Future research should focus on exploring novel treatment options, innovative drug development/delivery platforms, and precise methodologies for determining therapeutic duration. Longitudinal studies are also needed to assess the long-term safety profiles of the integrated approaches.
PubMed: 37731736
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1242156