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Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B Jan 2022Histoplasma, a genus of dimorphic fungi, is the etiological agent of histoplasmosis, a pulmonary disease widespread across the globe. Whole genome sequencing has...
Histoplasma, a genus of dimorphic fungi, is the etiological agent of histoplasmosis, a pulmonary disease widespread across the globe. Whole genome sequencing has revealed that the genus harbors a previously unrecognized diversity of cryptic species. To date, studies have focused on Histoplasma isolates collected in the Americas with little knowledge of the genomic variation from other localities. In this report, we report the existence of a well-differentiated lineage of Histoplasma occurring in the Indian subcontinent. The group is differentiated enough to satisfy the requirements of a phylogenetic species, as it shows extensive genetic differentiation along the whole genome and has little evidence of gene exchange with other Histoplasma species. Next, we leverage this genetic differentiation to identify genetic changes that are unique to this group and that have putatively evolved through rapid positive selection. We found that none of the previously known virulence factors have evolved rapidly in the Indian lineage but find evidence of strong signatures of selection on other alleles potentially involved in clinically-important phenotypes. Our work serves as an example of the importance of correctly identifying species boundaries to understand the extent of selection in the evolution of pathogenic lineages. IMPORTANCE: Whole genome sequencing has revolutionized our understanding of microbial diversity, including human pathogens. In the case of fungal pathogens, a limiting factor in understanding the extent of their genetic diversity has been the lack of systematic sampling. In this piece, we show the results of a collection in the Indian subcontinent of the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma, the causal agent of a systemic mycosis. We find that Indian samples of Histoplasma form a distinct clade which is highly differentiated from other Histoplasma species. We also show that the genome of this lineage shows unique signals of natural selection. This work exemplifies how the combination of a robust sampling along with population genetics, and phylogenetics can reveal the precise genetic changes that differentiate lineages of fungal pathogens.
Topics: Genomics; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Humans; Phylogeny; Whole Genome Sequencing
PubMed: 34942368
DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2021.103654 -
Medical Mycology Jan 2018African histoplasmosis is defined as the fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (Hcd). Studies focused on distinguishing Hcd and H. capsulatum...
African histoplasmosis is defined as the fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var. duboisii (Hcd). Studies focused on distinguishing Hcd and H. capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc), which coexist in Africa, are scarce or outdated, and African strains are continuously underrepresented. In this work, 13 cases of African patients with histoplasmosis diagnosed in the Spanish Mycology Reference Laboratory have been reviewed showing that 77% had disseminated disease and AIDS as underlying disease although Hcd infection has been classically considered a rare presentation in AIDS patients. Strains isolated from these patients and other clinical and reference strains were studied by assessing classical identification methods and performing a three-loci multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA). Classical identification methods based on biochemical tests and measurement of yeast size proved to be useless in distinguishing both varieties. The MLSA defined an African cluster, with a strong statistical support, that included all strains with African origin. Finally, mating type was also determined by using molecular methods revealing an unequal mating type distribution in African strains. In conclusion, historical statements and classical identification methods were useless to distinguish between varieties, whereas molecular analyses revealed that all strains with African origin grouped together suggesting that traditional classification should be revised. Further investigation is required in order to unravel traditional concepts about Hcd infection and support results obtained in this work.
Topics: AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections; Adult; Aged; Female; Genes, Mating Type, Fungal; Genotype; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Male; Middle Aged; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Mycological Typing Techniques; Spain; Young Adult
PubMed: 28431110
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx020 -
Mycopathologia Oct 2012We carried out a soil sampling survey in September 2008 in central Cayenne, French Guiana, using molecular methods to assess the presence of the dimorphic fungus...
We carried out a soil sampling survey in September 2008 in central Cayenne, French Guiana, using molecular methods to assess the presence of the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Four of the 31 samples collected (12.9 %) tested positive by PCR, with confirmation of the result by DNA sequencing. H. capsulatum is therefore present in urban environments in French Guiana. These results provide additional support for the primary prophylaxis of AIDS-related histoplasmosis in French Guiana.
Topics: Environmental Monitoring; French Guiana; Histoplasma; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 22565488
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-012-9550-y -
MBio Dec 2021Lipids play a fundamental role in fungal cell biology, being essential cell membrane components and major targets of antifungal drugs. A deeper knowledge of lipid...
Lipids play a fundamental role in fungal cell biology, being essential cell membrane components and major targets of antifungal drugs. A deeper knowledge of lipid metabolism is key for developing new drugs and a better understanding of fungal pathogenesis. Here, we built a comprehensive map of the Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolic pathway by incorporating proteomic and lipidomic analyses. We performed genetic complementation and overexpression of H. capsulatum genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to validate reactions identified in the map and to determine enzymes responsible for catalyzing orphan reactions. The map led to the identification of both the fatty acid desaturation and the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways as targets for drug development. We found that the sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor myriocin, the fatty acid desaturase inhibitor thiocarlide, and the fatty acid analog 10-thiastearic acid inhibit H. capsulatum growth in nanomolar to low-micromolar concentrations. These compounds also reduced the intracellular infection in an alveolar macrophage cell line. Overall, this lipid metabolic map revealed pathways that can be targeted for drug development. It is estimated that 150 people die per hour due to the insufficient therapeutic treatments to combat fungal infections. A major hurdle to developing antifungal therapies is the scarce knowledge on the fungal metabolic pathways and mechanisms of virulence. In this context, fungal lipid metabolism is an excellent candidate for developing drugs due to its essential roles in cellular scaffolds, energy storage, and signaling transductors. Here, we provide a detailed map of Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolism. The map revealed points of this fungus lipid metabolism that can be targeted for developing antifungal drugs.
Topics: Fatty Acids; Fungal Proteins; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Humans; Lipid Metabolism; Lipidomics; Proteomics; Sphingolipids
PubMed: 34809453
DOI: 10.1128/mBio.02972-21 -
Mycopathologia Jun 2009Although virtually any organ can be involved in disseminated histoplasmosis, the recovery of Histoplasma capsulatum from the urine is a rare finding. Here we describe... (Review)
Review
Although virtually any organ can be involved in disseminated histoplasmosis, the recovery of Histoplasma capsulatum from the urine is a rare finding. Here we describe that a renal transplant recipient had H. capsulatum recovered from urinary sediment. The organism was also recovered from urine cultures. The potential implications of this finding are discussed, and the literature on genitourinary histoplasmosis is reviewed.
Topics: Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Microscopy; Urinary Tract Infections; Urine; Young Adult
PubMed: 19184526
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-009-9182-z -
MBio Aug 2023Peroxisomes are versatile eukaryotic organelles essential for many functions in fungi, including fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and...
Peroxisomes are versatile eukaryotic organelles essential for many functions in fungi, including fatty acid metabolism, reactive oxygen species detoxification, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. A suite of Pex proteins (peroxins) maintains peroxisomes, while peroxisomal matrix enzymes execute peroxisome functions. Insertional mutagenesis identified peroxin genes as essential components supporting the intraphagosomal growth of the fungal pathogen . Disruption of the peroxins Pex5, Pex10, or Pex33 in prevented peroxisome import of proteins targeted to the organelle via the PTS1 pathway. This loss of peroxisome protein import limited intracellular growth in macrophages and attenuated virulence in an acute histoplasmosis infection model. Interruption of the alternate PTS2 import pathway also attenuated virulence, although only at later time points of infection. The Sid1 and Sid3 siderophore biosynthesis proteins contain a PTS1 peroxisome import signal and localize to the peroxisome. Loss of either the PTS1 or PTS2 peroxisome import pathway impaired siderophore production and iron acquisition in , demonstrating compartmentalization of at least some biosynthetic steps for hydroxamate siderophore biosynthesis. However, the loss of PTS1-based peroxisome import caused earlier virulence attenuation than either the loss of PTS2-based protein import or the loss of siderophore biosynthesis, indicating additional PTS1-dependent peroxisomal functions are important for virulence. Furthermore, disruption of the Pex11 peroxin also attenuated virulence independently of peroxisomal protein import and siderophore biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate peroxisomes contribute to pathogenesis by facilitating siderophore biosynthesis and another unidentified role(s) for the organelle during fungal virulence. IMPORTANCE The fungal pathogen infects host phagocytes and establishes a replication-permissive niche within the cells. To do so, overcomes and subverts antifungal defense mechanisms which include the limitation of essential micronutrients. replication within host cells requires multiple distinct functions of the fungal peroxisome organelle. These peroxisomal functions contribute to pathogenesis at different times during infection and include peroxisome-dependent biosynthesis of iron-scavenging siderophores to enable fungal proliferation, particularly after activation of cell-mediated immunity. The multiple essential roles of fungal peroxisomes reveal this organelle as a potential but untapped target for the development of therapeutics.
Topics: Histoplasma; Virulence; Siderophores; Peroxins; Peroxisomes; Adaptation, Physiological
PubMed: 37432032
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03284-22 -
Antifungal Susceptibility Testing and Drug Discovery in the Dimorphic Fungus Histoplasma Capsulatum.Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2023The thermal dimorphism of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma is linked to its virulence in mammalian hosts. Mammalian body temperature triggers differentiation of the...
The thermal dimorphism of the fungal pathogen Histoplasma is linked to its virulence in mammalian hosts. Mammalian body temperature triggers differentiation of the fungus into virulent yeasts which successfully infect host phagocytes. Accurate determination of antifungal susceptibility with relevance to infection requires that the tests be performed specifically using the yeast form, not the filamentous environmental form. However, traditional CLSI methodology for antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts with Histoplasma is in adequate. We present optimized methodology for performing antifungal susceptibility assays on Histoplasma yeasts with an emphasis on quantitative yeast growth determination. Colorimetric and fluorometric assays for Histoplasma growth overcome challenges associated with quantifying some Histoplasma strains which grow as aggregates of yeasts. We also describe antifungal susceptibility testing of Histoplasma yeasts within macrophages to provide improved accuracy and better physiological relevance of antifungal susceptibility profiles.
Topics: Animals; Antifungal Agents; Drug Discovery; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Mammals
PubMed: 37024694
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3155-3_4 -
Southern Medical Journal Feb 2004The usual manifestation of histoplasmosis is in the form of respiratory illness. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with chronic diarrhea and did not... (Review)
Review
The usual manifestation of histoplasmosis is in the form of respiratory illness. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with chronic diarrhea and did not respond to the conventional treatment, including that for Clostridium difficile. He was found to have isolated colonic histoplasmosis infection, which was treated with itraconazole. There was no evidence of any disseminated disease. His only immunocompromised state was end-stage renal disease, for which he was on chronic hemodialysis. Although it is well documented as a part of disseminated histoplasmosis, our extensive review of the literature did not reveal any reported case of isolated colonic histoplasmosis in a patient on hemodialysis.
Topics: Aged; Antifungal Agents; Colonic Diseases; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Humans; Itraconazole; Male
PubMed: 14982268
DOI: 10.1097/01.SMJ.0000082010.79239.0F -
Medical Mycology 2000Most of our knowledge concerning the virulence determinants of pathogenic fungi comes from the infected host, mainly from animal models and more recently from in vitro... (Review)
Review
Most of our knowledge concerning the virulence determinants of pathogenic fungi comes from the infected host, mainly from animal models and more recently from in vitro studies with cell cultures. The fungi usually present intra- and/or extracellular host-parasite interfaces, with the parasitism phenomenon dependent on complementary surface molecules. Among living organisms, this has been characterized as a cohabitation event, where the fungus is able to recognize specific host tissues acting as an attractant, creating stable conditions for its survival. Several fungi pathogenic for humans and animals have evolved special strategies to deliver elements to their cellular targets that may be relevant to their pathogenicity. Most of these pathogens express surface factors that mediate binding to host cells either directly or indirectly, in the latter case binding to host adhesion components such as extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which act as 'interlinking' molecules. The entry of the pathogen into the host cell is initiated by fungal adherence to the cell surface, which generates an uptake signal that may induce its cytoplasmic internalization. Once this is accomplished, some fungi are able to alter the host cytoskeletal architecture, as manifested by a rearrangement of microtubule and microfilament proteins, and this can also induce epithelial host cells to become apoptotic. It is possible that fungal pathogens induce modulation of different host cell pathways in order to evade host defences and to foster their own proliferation. For a number of pathogens, the ability to bind ECM glycoproteins, the capability of internalization and the induction of apoptosis are considered important factors in virulence. Furthermore, specific recognition between fungal parasites and their host cell targets may be mediated by the interaction of carbohydrate-binding proteins, e.g., lectins on the surface of one type of cell, probably a parasite, that combine with complementary sugars on the surface of host-cell. These interactions supply precise models to study putative adhesins and receptor-containing molecules in the context of the fungus-host interface. The recognition of the host molecules by fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Histoplasma capsulatum, and their molecular mechanisms of adhesion and invasion, are reviewed in this paper.
Topics: Animals; Aspergillus fumigatus; Cell Adhesion; Cell Line; Histoplasma; Humans; Mycoses; Paracoccidioides; Virulence
PubMed: 11204137
DOI: No ID Found -
Infection and Immunity Jun 1987The sulfhydryl blocking agent p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (PCMS) irreversibly inhibited the mycelium-to-yeast transitions of two virulent strains of Histoplasma...
The sulfhydryl blocking agent p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (PCMS) irreversibly inhibited the mycelium-to-yeast transitions of two virulent strains of Histoplasma capsulatum, G184A and G222B, when the temperature of incubation was raised to 37 degrees C, and the block persisted even after the cultures were washed free of PCMS. Instead of transforming to yeast cells, PCMS-treated mycelia continued to grow as mycelia at the elevated temperatures. A less virulent strain (Downs) was more temperature sensitive, but it showed a similar irreversible effect at 34 degrees C. Therefore, the mycelium-to-yeast transition of H. capsulatum is not required for the adaptation of mycelia to elevated temperatures but probably results from the temperature-dependent activation of yeast-specific genes. The transition to yeast is inferred to be obligate for pathogenicity in mice because PCMS-treated mycelia failed to cause infection, and no fungi were seen in tissues after PCMS-treated mycelia were injected into mice.
Topics: 4-Chloromercuribenzenesulfonate; Animals; Female; Histoplasma; Histoplasmosis; Hot Temperature; Mice; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 3032799
DOI: 10.1128/iai.55.6.1355-1358.1987