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Mycoses Mar 2022Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. The aetiology and pathogenesis of AD have not been... (Review)
Review
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. The aetiology and pathogenesis of AD have not been fully elucidated. Previous studies have suggested the role of fungi as a triggering factor in the development AD. Here we conducted a systematic review to investigate the skin mycobiome profiles in AD and to address whether there is an association between fungal dysbiosis and AD. We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for research studies published in English between January 1st, 2010 and April 21st, 2021. A total of 11 human studies and 3 animal studies were included in this analysis. Fungal dysbiosis was observed in AD lesions with a depleted amount of Malassezia and a higher abundance of filamentous fungi. A positive correlation between Candida and Staphylococcus was also demonstrated in AD. We supposed that specific species of Malassezia spp. and Candida spp. may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD by interacting with the pathogenic bacteria. Topical application of emollients could improve the skin barrier function and restore the skin fungal flora by increasing the amount of Malassezia. Further studies focusing on the complex interplay between specific skin fungi and the host can provide better insight into the role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of AD.
Topics: Animals; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dysbiosis; Eczema; Humans; Malassezia; Mycobiome; Skin
PubMed: 34817898
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13402 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2021Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), represents one of the primary implantation mycoses caused by melanized fungi widely found in nature. It is characterized as a Neglected...
BACKGROUND
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), represents one of the primary implantation mycoses caused by melanized fungi widely found in nature. It is characterized as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) and mainly affects populations living in poverty with significant morbidity, including stigma and discrimination.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
In order to estimate the global burden of CBM, we retrospectively reviewed the published literature from 1914 to 2020. Over the 106-year period, a total of 7,740 patients with CBM were identified on all continents except Antarctica. Most of the cases were reported from South America (2,619 cases), followed by Africa (1,875 cases), Central America and Mexico (1,628 cases), Asia (1,390 cases), Oceania (168 cases), Europe (35 cases), and USA and Canada (25 cases). We described 4,022 (81.7%) male and 896 (18.3%) female patients, with the median age of 52.5 years. The average time between the onset of the first lesion and CBM diagnosis was 9.2 years (range between 1 month to 50 years). The main sites involved were the lower limbs (56.7%), followed by the upper limbs (19.9%), head and neck (2.9%), and trunk (2.4%). Itching and pain were reported by 21.5% and 11%, respectively. Malignant transformation was described in 22 cases. A total of 3,817 fungal isolates were cultured, being 3,089 (80.9%) Fonsecaea spp., 552 (14.5%) Cladophialophora spp., and 56 Phialophora spp. (1.5%).
CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE
This review represents our current knowledge on the burden of CBM world-wide. The global incidence remains unclear and local epidemiological studies are required to improve these data, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The recognition of CBM as NTD emphasizes the need for public health efforts to promote support for all local governments interested in developing specific policies and actions for preventing, diagnosing and assisting patients.
Topics: Ascomycota; Chromoblastomycosis; Fonsecaea; Global Burden of Disease; Humans; Phialophora
PubMed: 34383752
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009611 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the available literature of production, purification, and characterization of proteases by endophytic fungi. There...
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify the available literature of production, purification, and characterization of proteases by endophytic fungi. There are few complete studies that entirely exhibit the production, characterization, and purification of proteases from endophytic fungi. This study followed the PRISMA, and the search was conducted on five databases: PubMed, PMC, Science Direct, Scopus Articles, and Web of Science up until 18 May 2021, with no time or language restrictions. The methodology of the selected studies was evaluated using GRADE. Protease production, optimization, purification, and characterization were the main evaluated outcomes. Of the 5540 initially gathered studies, 15 met the inclusion criteria after a two-step selection process. Only two studies optimized the protease production using statistical design and two reported enzyme purification and characterization. The genus and were the most cited among the eleven different genera of endophytic fungi evaluated in the selected articles. Six studies proved the ability of some endophytic fungi to produce fibrinolytic proteases, demonstrating that endophytic fungi can be exploited for the further production of agents used in thrombolytic therapy. However, further characterization and physicochemical studies are required to evaluate the real potential of endophytic fungi as sources of industrial enzymes.
Topics: Aspergillus; Endophytes; Fungal Proteins; Penicillium; Peptide Hydrolases
PubMed: 34834154
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26227062 -
European Journal of Oral Sciences Feb 2016Statins are medications administered orally and are widely used for lowering the blood cholesterol level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of orally... (Review)
Review
Statins are medications administered orally and are widely used for lowering the blood cholesterol level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of orally administered statins on microorganisms infecting oral and perioral tissues. We performed a systematic review of published studies of the in vitro antimicrobial effects of statins on bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google scholar. Studies show that most statins exhibit antimicrobial effects against various oral microorganisms. Simvastatin is most effective against the periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, and against most dental plaque bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans. Statins also exhibit antiviral properties against human cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, and have antifungal properties against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Zygomycetes spp. There were notable differences in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between different studies, which may be attributed to differences in study design. Further studies are warranted to ascertain if statins can be solubilized so that patients, who have been prescribed statins for cardiovascular diseases, can use the medication as a swish and swallow, giving patients the added benefit of the antimicrobial action topically in the mouth against infectious oral diseases.
Topics: Candida albicans; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mouth; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Streptococcus mutans
PubMed: 26718458
DOI: 10.1111/eos.12239 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Nov 2013Denture liners are well known for their poor physical properties that favor the accumulation of plaque and colonization by Candida species, which can irritate the oral... (Review)
Review
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Denture liners are well known for their poor physical properties that favor the accumulation of plaque and colonization by Candida species, which can irritate the oral tissues and lead to denture stomatitis.
PURPOSE
A systematic review was conducted to determine the feasibility of a prevention protocol for Candida colonization in denture liners and an effective treatment after the fungi has colonized the material.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Clinical and in vitro investigations that assessed the treatment and/or prevention of Candida colonization and biofilm formation in denture liners were selected according to the PRISMA statement. Seven electronic databases were searched from 1950 to April 2012 with the keywords "denture liner" OR "reline*" OR "tissue conditioner" AND "Candida" OR "denture stomatitis" OR "oral candidiasis" OR "antifungal agents" OR "denture clean*".
RESULTS
The incorporation of nystatin (in general, 500 000 units) into tissue conditioners to prevent the onset of the disease and immersion in sodium hypochlorite for disinfection were the methods most often described in this systematic review, and both methods were able to prevent or inhibit Candida colonization, depending on their concentrations. The 0.5% sodium hypochlorite concentration can disinfect tissue conditioners and denture liners. Microwave irradiation has also been described an alternative method of disinfection. Because of a lack of standardized results (especially with regard to the method used to perform microbial counts), a meta-analysis could not be performed.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature suggests that the use of 0.5% sodium hypochlorite can help disinfect denture liners and tissue conditioners. The incorporation of nystatin in those materials is also able to treat or prevent oral candidiasis. However, as most of the studies were in vitro, there is insufficient reliable evidence to truly provide recommendations regarding the ideal cleaning method or whether the addition of antifungal agents is worthwhile. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to provide answers to these questions.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Antifungal Agents; Candida; Candidiasis, Oral; Dental Disinfectants; Denture Bases; Denture Liners; Feasibility Studies; Humans; Stomatitis, Denture
PubMed: 23998622
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2013.07.003 -
Journal de Mycologie Medicale Apr 2020Limited data are available on the epidemiology and etiology of cryptococcal infections in the Middle East. We aimed to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Limited data are available on the epidemiology and etiology of cryptococcal infections in the Middle East. We aimed to conduct the systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the epidemiological data on prevalence of Cryptococcus species complexes in trees and their surroundings, bird guano and secretions, animals, and highlight the reported episodes of cryptococcosis in Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Proquest, Google Scholar, Embase, and the ISI Web of Science, as well as the national databases, from January 1969 to October 2019 were searched. Furthermore, gray literature (e.g., thesis, congress abstracts) was evaluated using Iran Doc and www.thesis.
RESEARCH
ac.ir. Search process was accomplished on English or Persian language articles using the following keywords: "Cryptococcus", "Cryptococcosis", "invasive fungal infection", "Humans", "Birds", "Pigeon", "Animals", "Tree", "Eucalyptus", and "Iran", both alone and in combination.
RESULTS
Overall 36 studies were eligible regarding Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis in Iran. The total prevalence rates of Cryptococcus species in the tree was 4.7% (95% CI: 2.3-7.8), and in bird guano was 20.4% (95% CI: 10.7-32.2). Cryptococcosis in animal, and human were 1.7% (95% CI: 0.01-5.1), and 2.8% (95% CI: 0.7v6.1), respectively. The highest prevalence of Cryptococcus in the trees (14.6%), and bird guano (89.4%) in Khorasan, animals (8.9%) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and human (4.4%) in Mazandaran provinces were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the significant risk of Cryptococcus species for susceptible humans, mainly HIV-infected patients, it seems quite necessary to adopt concrete preventive strategies to pinpoint the environmental habitats of this yeast.
Topics: Animals; Bird Diseases; Columbidae; Cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus; Eucalyptus; Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Iran; Plant Diseases; Prevalence; Trees
PubMed: 31864801
DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2019.100917 -
International Orthopaedics Jan 2024Knowledge of Candida spondylodiscitis is limited to case reports and smaller case series. Controversy remains on the most effective diagnostical and therapeutical steps... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Knowledge of Candida spondylodiscitis is limited to case reports and smaller case series. Controversy remains on the most effective diagnostical and therapeutical steps once Candida is suspected. This systematic review summarized all cases of Candida spondylodiscitis reported to date concerning baseline demographics, symptoms, treatment, and prognostic factors.
METHODS
A PRISMA-based search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and OVID Medline was performed from database inception to November 30, 2022. Reported cases of Candida spondylodiscitis were included regardless of Candida strain or spinal levels involved. Based on these criteria, 656 studies were analyzed and 72 included for analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests were performed.
RESULTS
In total, 89 patients (67% males) treated for Candida spondylodiscitis were included. Median age was 61 years, 23% were immunocompromised, and 15% IV drug users. Median length of antifungal treatment was six months, and fluconazole (68%) most commonly used. Thirteen percent underwent debridement, 34% discectomy with and 21% without additional instrumentation. Median follow-up was 12 months. The two year survivorship free of death was 80%. The two year survivorship free of revision was 94%. Younger age (p = 0.042) and longer length of antifungal treatment (p = 0.061) were predictive of survival.
CONCLUSION
Most patients affected by Candida spondylodiscitis were males in their sixties, with one in four being immunocompromised. While one in five patients died within two years of diagnosis, younger age and prolonged antifungal treatment might play a protective role.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Candida; Antifungal Agents; Discitis; Candidiasis; Immunocompromised Host
PubMed: 37792014
DOI: 10.1007/s00264-023-05989-2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2022Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction to colonisation of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, and affects around 10% of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction to colonisation of the lungs with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, and affects around 10% of people with cystic fibrosis. ABPA is associated with an accelerated decline in lung function. High doses of corticosteroids are the main treatment for ABPA; although the long-term benefits are not clear, and their many side effects are well-documented. A group of compounds, the azoles, have activity against A fumigatus, and have been proposed as an alternative treatment for ABPA. Of this group, itraconazole is the most active. A separate antifungal compound, amphotericin B, has been used in aerosolised form to treat invasive infection with A fumigatus, and may have potential for the treatment of ABPA. Antifungal therapy for ABPA in cystic fibrosis needs to be evaluated. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
The review aimed to test the hypotheses that antifungal interventions for the treatment of ABPA in cystic fibrosis: 1. improve clinical status compared to placebo or standard therapy (no placebo); and 2. do not have unacceptable adverse effects. If benefit was demonstrated, we planned to assess the optimal type, duration, and dose of antifungal therapy.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register, which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of relevant journals, and abstract books of conference proceedings. Date of the most recent search of the Group's Trials Register was 28 September 2021. We searched ongoing trials registries, most recently on 11 March 2022. Earlier, we also approached pharmaceutical companies regarding possible unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Published or unpublished randomised controlled trials, in which antifungal treatments were compared to either placebo or no treatment, or where different doses of the same treatment were used in the treatment of ABPA in people with cystic fibrosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The searches identified six trials; none of which met the inclusion criteria for the review.
MAIN RESULTS
We included no completed randomised controlled trials. There is currently one ongoing trial, which we may find eligible for a future update.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
At present, there are no randomised controlled trials that evaluate the use of antifungal therapies for the treatment of ABPA in people with cystic fibrosis, although one trial is currently ongoing. Trials with clear outcome measures are needed to properly evaluate the use of corticosteroids in people with ABPA and cystic fibrosis.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary; Aspergillus fumigatus; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Itraconazole
PubMed: 36053129
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002204.pub5 -
International Journal of Implant... Jun 2021Candida is a heterogeneous fungal genus. Subgingival sulcus is a refuge for Candida, which has already been related to the pathogenic inflammation of periodontitis. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Candida is a heterogeneous fungal genus. Subgingival sulcus is a refuge for Candida, which has already been related to the pathogenic inflammation of periodontitis. This work aims to review the presence of Candida in the sulcular fluid surrounding dental implants and discuss its potential role in peri-implantitis.
RESULTS
A bibliographical research was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, with the keywords candida, peri-implantitis, periimplantitis, "dental implant" and implant. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. At the end, nine observational studies were included, which analysed 400 dental implants with PI and 337 without peri-implantitis. Presence of Candida was assessed by traditional microbiological culture in blood agar or/and CHROMagar, though identification was also detected by quantitative real-time PCR, random amplified polymorphic DNA or ATB ID 32C. Dentate individuals and implants with peri-implantitis (range, 3-76.7%) had a bigger presence of Candida. C. albicans was the most isolated species, followed by Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, and Candida dubliniensis.
CONCLUSION
Candida is part of the microbiological profile of the peri-implant sulcular fluid. More studies are needed to compare the link between Candida and other microorganisms and to discover the true role of these fungi in peri-implantitis.
Topics: Candida; Candida albicans; Humans; Peri-Implantitis; Periodontitis
PubMed: 34136968
DOI: 10.1186/s40729-021-00338-7 -
PloS One 2021Fungal infections are common on oral mucosae, but their role in other oral sites is ill defined. Over the last few decades, numerous studies have reported the presence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Fungal infections are common on oral mucosae, but their role in other oral sites is ill defined. Over the last few decades, numerous studies have reported the presence of fungi, particularly Candida species in endodontic infections, albeit in relatively small numbers in comparison to its predominant anaerobic bacteriome. Here, we review the fungal biome of primary and secondary endodontic infections, with particular reference to the prevalence and behavior of Candida species. Meta-analysis of the available data from a total of 39 studies fitting the inclusion criteria, indicate the overall weighted mean prevalence (WMP) of fungal species in endodontic infections to be 9.11% (from a cumulative total of 2003 samples), with 9.0% in primary (n = 1341), and 9.3% in secondary infections (n = 662). Nevertheless, WMP for fungi in primary and secondary infections which were 6.3% and 7.5% for culture-based studies, increased to 12.5% and 16.0% in molecular studies, respectively. The most prevalent fungal species was Candida spp. The high heterogeneity in the reported fungal prevalence suggests the need for standardized sampling, and speciation methods. The advent of the new molecular biological analytical platforms, such as the next generation sequencing (NGS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), that enables identification and quantitation of a broad spectrum of hitherto unknown organisms in endodontic infections should radically alter our understanding of the endodontic mycobiome in the future. Candida spp. appear to be co-pathogens with bacteria in approximately one in ten patients with endodontic infections. Hence, clinicians should comprehend the importance and the role of fungi in endodontic infections and be cognizant of the need to eradicate both bacteria and fungi for successful therapy.
Topics: Bacteria; Bacterial Infections; Candida; Candidiasis; Dental Pulp Diseases; Humans
PubMed: 34293029
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255003