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Access Microbiology 2023Fungal keratitis is a time-sensitive ocular infection that often requires a high index of suspicion followed by intensive medical/surgical interventions to achieve a...
Fungal keratitis is a time-sensitive ocular infection that often requires a high index of suspicion followed by intensive medical/surgical interventions to achieve a successful clinical outcome. COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions, necessitated the modification of conventional protocols and guidelines associated with the treatment of keratomycosis. We report four cases of atypical fungal keratitis with poorly differentiated clinical characteristics. The challenges faced during their management were (1) the dilemma of clinically differentiating fungal () and bacterial keratitis; (2) treatment of and keratitis with natamycin monotherapy; (3) mixed infection of and and continuing medications before rescraping the corneal ulcer against the recommended treatment guidelines; (4) phenotypic identification and differentiation among morphologically resembling fungi; and (5) decision making arising out of disparities between KOH and fungal culture results. Three patients responded well to conservative treatments. The fourth patient underwent therapeutic keratoplasty but was lost to follow-up due to travelrelated pandemic restrictions. This case series seeks to broaden the clinician's knowledge of rare and emerging moulds as presumptive aetiologies of keratomycosis. It also intends to emphasize the significance of early microbiological investigations, (direct microscopy and culture), in resource-limited settings, for initiating empirical treatment for a better visual prognosis.
PubMed: 37691845
DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000570.v3 -
Microorganisms Aug 2023For decades, researchers have focused on containing terrestrial oil pollution. The heterogeneity of soils, with immense microbial diversity, inspires them to transform...
For decades, researchers have focused on containing terrestrial oil pollution. The heterogeneity of soils, with immense microbial diversity, inspires them to transform pollutants and find cost-effective bioremediation methods. In this study, the mycoremediation potentials of five filamentous fungi isolated from polluted soils in Kazakhstan were investigated for their degradability of -alkanes and branched-chain alkanes as sole carbon and energy sources. Dry weight estimation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) monitored the growth and the changes in the metabolic profile during degradation, respectively. SBUG-M1741 and SBUG-M1742 oxidized medium-chain alkanes almost completely through mono- and di-terminal degradation. Pristane degradation by SBUG-M1741 was >95%, while its degradation with SBUG-M1751 was >90%. SBUG-M1751 also exhibited the visible degradation potential of tetradecane and phytane, whereby in the transformation of phytane, both the mono- and di-terminal degradation pathways as well as α- and ß-oxidation steps could be described. SBUG-M1749 used both mono- and di-terminal degradation pathways for -alkanes, but with poor growth. Degradation of pristane by SBUG-M1747 followed the di-terminal oxidation mechanism, resulting in one dicarboxylic acid. These findings highlight the role of filamentous fungi in containing oil pollution and suggest possible degradation pathways.
PubMed: 37764039
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092195 -
Allergologie Select 2024None.
None.
PubMed: 38756207
DOI: 10.5414/ALX02444E -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Most reported members of that have been reported originate from the terrestrial environment, where they act as saprobes or plant pathogens. However, our understanding...
Most reported members of that have been reported originate from the terrestrial environment, where they act as saprobes or plant pathogens. However, our understanding of their species diversity and distribution in the marine environment remains vastly limited, with only 22 species in nine genera having been reported so far. A survey of the fungal diversity in intertidal areas of China's mainland has revealed the discovery of several strains from 14 marine algae and 15 sediment samples. Based on morphological characteristics and LSU-ITS-- multilocus phylogeny using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods, 48 strains were identified as 18 species belonging to six genera. Among these, six new species were discovered: , , , , and . Additionally, the worldwide distribution of the species within this family across various marine habitats was briefly reviewed and discussed. Our study expands the knowledge of species diversity and distribution of in the marine environment.
PubMed: 38248952
DOI: 10.3390/jof10010045 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Scedosporium apiospermum species complex are widely distributed fungi that can be found in a variety of polluted environments, including soil, sewage, and decaying... (Review)
Review
Scedosporium apiospermum species complex are widely distributed fungi that can be found in a variety of polluted environments, including soil, sewage, and decaying vegetation. Those opportunistic pathogens with strong potential of invasion commonly affect immunosuppressed populations However, few cases of scedosporiosis are reported in immunocompetent individuals, who might be misdiagnosed, leading to a high mortality rate. Here, we reported an immunocompetent case of systemtic infection involved in lung, brain and spine, caused by S. apiospermum species complex (S. apiospermum and S. boydii). The patient was an elderly male with persistent fever and systemtic infection after near-drowning. In the two tertiary hospitals he visited, definite diagnosis was extremely difficult. After being admitted to our hospital, he was misdiagnosed as tuberculosis infection, before diagnosis of S. apiospermum species complex infection by the metagenomic next-generation sequencing. His symptoms were alleviated after voriconazole treatment. In the present case, the details associated with its course were reported and published studies on Scedosporium spp. infection were also reviewed, for a better understanding of this disease and reducing the misdiagnosis rate.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Antifungal Agents; Scedosporium; Near Drowning; Voriconazole; Lung; Brain; Invasive Fungal Infections
PubMed: 38515075
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08279-9 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been implicated as an alternative transport mechanism for the passage of macromolecules through the fungal cell wall, a...
The release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has been implicated as an alternative transport mechanism for the passage of macromolecules through the fungal cell wall, a phenomenon widely reported in yeasts but poorly explored in mycelial cells. In the present work, we have purified and characterized the EVs released by mycelia of the emerging, opportunistic, widespread and multidrug-resistant filamentous fungus . Transmission electron microscopy images and light scattering measurements revealed the fungal EVs, which were observed individually or grouped with heterogeneous morphology, size and electron density. The mean diameter of the EVs, evaluated by the light scattering technique, was 179.7 nm. Overall, the structural stability of EVs was preserved during incubation under various storage conditions. The lipid, carbohydrate and protein contents were quantified, and the EVs' protein profile was evidenced by SDS-PAGE, revealing proteins with molecular masses ranging from 20 to 118 kDa. Through immunoblotting, ELISA and immunocytochemistry assays, antigenic molecules were evidenced in EVs using a polyclonal serum (called anti-secreted molecules) from a rabbit inoculated with conditioned cell-free supernatant obtained from mycelial cells. By Western blotting, several antigenic proteins were identified. The ELISA assay confirmed that the anti-secreted molecules exhibited a positive reaction up to a serum dilution of 1:3200. Despite transporting immunogenic molecules, EVs slightly induced an in vitro cytotoxicity effect after 48 h of contact with either macrophages or lung epithelial cells. Interestingly, the pretreatment of both mammalian cells with purified EVs significantly increased the association index with conidia. Furthermore, EVs were highly toxic to , leading to larval death in a typically dose- and time-dependent manner. Collectively, the results represent the first report of detecting EVs in the filamentous form, highlighting a possible implication in fungal pathogenesis.
PubMed: 38667948
DOI: 10.3390/jof10040277 -
The Clinical Respiratory Journal Mar 2024Pulmonary scedosporiosis is a rare pulmonary infection that often presents with nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings. In this report, we present a case of... (Review)
Review
Pulmonary scedosporiosis is a rare pulmonary infection that often presents with nonspecific symptoms and radiological findings. In this report, we present a case of localized pulmonary scedosporiosis in an immunocompetent patient and analyze a total of 25 immunocompetent patients with pulmonary scedosporiosis. Through this case and the literature, we highlight the importance of considering pulmonary scedosporiosis in patients with nonspecific clinical symptoms and radiological findings resembling aspergilloma. This case and the literature further emphasize the significance of surgical intervention. Regardless of the use of antifungal drugs, surgery should be conducted as soon as possible.
Topics: Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Antifungal Agents
PubMed: 38433370
DOI: 10.1111/crj.13739 -
IDCases 2024Scedosporium, a widespread filamentous fungus found in diverse environments, has experienced a rise in cases due to escalating malignancies and chronic...
Scedosporium, a widespread filamentous fungus found in diverse environments, has experienced a rise in cases due to escalating malignancies and chronic immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations span mycetoma, airway involvement, and various infections, with osteomyelitis being a notable complication. We present a case of a 77-year-old female initially displaying cutaneous Scedosporium signs, which progressed to osteomyelitis. The patient, with a history of trauma, chronic low dose steroid use, and underlying conditions, presented with a foot injury caused by her dog. Despite initial management, worsening symptoms led to the identification of Scedosporium. A comprehensive approach involving debridement, antimicrobial therapy, and reduction of immunosuppression resulted in clinical improvement. The rarity of zoonotic transmission, diagnostic challenges, and antifungal efficacy are also discussed. The patient's positive trajectory emphasizes early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and vigilance in managing immunosuppression. An adaptable treatment protocol is proposed based on risk factors. Considering the rising opportunistic fungal infections and delayed culture results, initiating empirical antifungals based on clinical judgment and regional prevalence is vital for favorable outcomes.
PubMed: 38327878
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01929 -
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni Apr 2024Scedosporium/Lomentospora is an opportunistic fungal pathogen found worldwide. While Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii are commonly observed globally,...
Scedosporium/Lomentospora is an opportunistic fungal pathogen found worldwide. While Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii are commonly observed globally, Lomentospora prolificans, which mainly affects immunosuppressed individuals, is rarely encountered and is more prevalent in arid climates, particularly in Australia and Spain. L.prolificans is a fungus commonly found in environmental sources such as contaminated water and soil. This species is known as an opportunistic pathogen that can cause deep-seated fungal infections, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. In this case report, a fatal case of L.prolificans fungemia in a patient with T-cell large granular leukemia during profound neutropenia was presented. The patient admitted to the hospital with prolonged fever, neutropenia, and shortness of breath. Antibiotherapy was administered to the patient for febrile neutropenia, but the fever persisted and his clinical status rapidly deteriorated. L.prolificans was isolated from the blood culture, and considering its antifungal resistance, combination therapy of voriconazole and terbinafine was initiated. However, the patient died of septic shock and multiple organ failure. In conclusion, although L.prolificans infections are rare, they can be life-threatening, especially in immunosuppressed individuals. Diagnosis and treatment of such infections may be difficult, therefore rapid diagnostic methods and appropriate treatment protocols should be developed. Consideration of infections caused by rare fungal pathogens in patients with risk factors may be critical for patient care. The literature review revealed that the first case of L.prolificans fungemia from Türkiye was reported in 2023. This case presentation represents the second reported case. However, in our case, L.prolificans fungemia occurred in 2018, it can be considered that L.prolificans may have been an invasive fungal pathogen of significant concern in Türkiye much earlier than previously documented.
Topics: Humans; Fatal Outcome; Fungemia; Antifungal Agents; Male; Voriconazole; Terbinafine; Shock, Septic; Immunocompromised Host; Opportunistic Infections; Drug Therapy, Combination; Middle Aged; Scedosporium
PubMed: 38676587
DOI: 10.5578/mb.202498145 -
Heliyon Dec 2023To investigate the efficiency of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) for patients with corneal perforations...
PURPOSE
To investigate the efficiency of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) for patients with corneal perforations in fungal keratitis (FK).
METHODS
In this non-comparative, retrospective case series, 16 participants of corneal perforation in FK were successfully treated by a combination of multilayer AMT and bipedicle conjunctival flap with partial tenon's capsule. Corneal healing, recurrence of FK, visual acuity, and relevant complications were reported as outcome measures.
RESULTS
Sixteen patients (13 male, 3 female) had a mean age of 58.8 ± 10.3 (range 29-72) years. The mean diameter of corneal perforation was 1.9 ± 0.7 (range 0.5-2.8) mm. Corneal perforations healed and all the patients preserved their eyeballs. During the 11.0 ± 4.4 (range 6-18) months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of FK in any of these cases. Visual acuity improved in 15 eyes (93.8 %) and remained unchanged in 1 patient (6.3 %) who had no light perception when first admitted. All 6 patients who accepted secondary keratoplasty showed improved best corrected visual acuity of more than 4 lines. The most frequently found fungi were (6 of 16, 37.5 %) and (4 of 16, 25.0 %), followed by 1 (1 of 16, 6.3 %).
CONCLUSIONS
Combination AMT with CFCS is a safe and effective surgery for patients with corneal perforations in FK, particularly where eye banks and fresh corneas are not available. This surgery could preserve the integrity of the eyeball and avoid the recurrence of FK. Besides, it provides a greater opportunity for further optical keratoplasty.
PubMed: 38107269
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22693