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Future Microbiology Jun 2024To explore the antifungal potential of Sanghuang mushroom, a traditional Chinese medicine. The antifungal properties and the potential mechanism of Sanghuang mushroom...
To explore the antifungal potential of Sanghuang mushroom, a traditional Chinese medicine. The antifungal properties and the potential mechanism of Sanghuang mushroom extracts against were studied and . Sanghuang mushroom extracts inhibited the biofilm formation, increased the cell membrane permeability and promoted cell apoptosis of . In a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, Sanghuang mushroom extracts reduced the vaginal fungal load, improved inflammatory cell infiltration and downregulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. Untargeted metabolomic analysis suggested the presence of ten antifungal components in Sanghuang mushroom extracts. Sanghuang mushroom extracts showed promise as antifungal agent against candidiasis, with potential therapeutic implications.
PubMed: 38904292
DOI: 10.1080/17460913.2024.2352269 -
The British Journal of General Practice... Jun 2024Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection causing inflammation of the vagina and/or the vulva. Symptoms include itching, irritation, and discharge. VVC... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is a fungal infection causing inflammation of the vagina and/or the vulva. Symptoms include itching, irritation, and discharge. VVC presents commonly across primary care and, despite its mild symptoms, carries psychological burden and has a significant impact on women's quality of life. UK guidelines support treatment via oral or topical azole antifungal agents. Recent evidence attests to the superiority of novel non-azole antifungals. Thus, rigorous financial assessment of both antifungals is necessary for optimal VVC treatment allocation in UK primary care.
AIM
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ibrexafungerp against the gold standard fluconazole as first-line treatment of VVC within the NHS.
METHOD
A systematic review on the efficacy of ibrexafungerp and fluconazole in acute VVC was conducted. Cost-effectiveness analysis was initiated using health outcome data from the DOVE trial, a Phase 2 RCT. Costs in pound sterling were ascertained in monetary units, and effectiveness determined as reduced need for follow-up medication.
RESULTS
An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £2185.74 was determined. This suggests oral ibrexafungerp being largely more costly yet slightly more effective than fluconazole, and thus has unfavourable net benefit. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted considering follow-up medication combination and market price, which provided confidence in the calculated cost-effectiveness ratio.
CONCLUSION
This analysis highlights fluconazole's cost-effectiveness in current UK guidelines and favourability.
Topics: Humans; Fluconazole; Female; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Antifungal Agents; Administration, Oral; United Kingdom; Amphotericin B; State Medicine; Primary Health Care; Acute Disease; Treatment Outcome; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; Glycosides; Triterpenes
PubMed: 38902100
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp24X738189 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Molecular-based assays demonstrate excellent sensitivity for the detection of vaginitis causes. Here, the high-throughput BD Vaginal Panel for BD COR System (VP-COR)...
Molecular-based assays demonstrate excellent sensitivity for the detection of vaginitis causes. Here, the high-throughput BD Vaginal Panel for BD COR System (VP-COR) performance was compared to that of the predicate, BD MAX Vaginal Panel for BD MAX System (VP-MAX). Clinical or contrived samples were used to determine the agreement between VP-COR and VP-MAX. Acceptance criteria for VP-COR agreement were as follows: bacterial vaginosis (BV) required a positive percent agreement (PPA) point estimate of ≥95% and a negative percent agreement (NPA) point estimate of ≥98%; group, , , and (TV) required a PPA and NPA point estimate of ≥95% [with lower bound of 95% confidence interval (95% CI) ≥90%]. PPA was 99.5% (95% CI: 97.5-100) and 97.9% (95% CI: 96.5-98.8) for BV contrived ( = 516) and BV clinical ( = 1,050) specimens, respectively. For the group (clinical; = 724), (contrived; = 544), (contrived; = 522), and TV (clinical; = 702), PPA was 99.4% (95% CI: 98.0-99.9), 100% (95% CI: 97.9-100), 100% (95% CI: 97.6-100), and 99.7% (95% CI: 98.3-100), respectively; the lowest lower bound CI value was 97.6%. NPA was >95% for BV contrived and BV clinical specimens. For the group, , , and TV, NPA was ≥98.9%; the lowest lower bound CI value was 97.3%. These results demonstrate the equivalent performance of the VP-COR assay when compared to VP-MAX.IMPORTANCEVaginitis is common among women of reproductive age, resulting in around 10 million office visits a year. Diagnosis is often difficult due to its multiple causes-including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis-as well as variation in symptom presentation. Typically, cases are identified with a combination of symptomology, medical history, physical examination, and office- or laboratory-based testing. These traditional techniques involve subjective elements and demonstrate varying sensitivity and specificity. Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis leads to continued symptoms, repeat visits, inappropriate treatment, and unnecessary costs. Alternatively, the use of molecular-based assays increases sensitivity for the detection of vaginitis causes. With the validation of the vaginal panel molecular assay on COR (a high-throughput platform), a workflow can be streamlined in high-demand laboratories while providing high sensitivity for vaginitis detection.
PubMed: 38899892
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00235-24 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jun 2024Tumors affecting the female genital tract and their treatments have the potential to induce adverse modifications in vaginal health and impact personal aspects of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Tumors affecting the female genital tract and their treatments have the potential to induce adverse modifications in vaginal health and impact personal aspects of patient's lives. Vulvovaginal atrophy is one of the morphological changes observed in individuals with a history of gynecological cancer, influenced both by the biological environment of tumors and the main therapeutic modalities employed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify approaches to treat vulvovaginal atrophy while assessing the impact on the emotional and sexual health of women diagnosed with gynecological cancers.
METHODS
To achieve this goal, a systematic review was conducted following the methodological guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The databases used for literature research were PubMed and Web of Science.
RESULTS
Initially, 886 articles were obtained. After eliminating duplicates and applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for analysis. The period of highest publication activity spanned from 2017 to 2020, with the majority conducted in Italy. Five treatment modalities were identified and categorized as vaginal suppository, oral medication, surgical procedure, CO2 laser therapy, and vaginal dilator. Twenty-four outcomes related to vaginal health and 30 outcomes related to overall, sexual, and emotional quality of life were analyzed.
CONCLUSION
In general, all interventions demonstrated the ability to improve vaginal health or, at the very least, the sexual health of patients. Thus, despite limitations, all treatments have the potential to address vulvovaginal atrophy in patients with a history of gynecological cancer.
PubMed: 38898186
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07552-9 -
Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and... Jun 2024This study aimed to evaluate the vagina clinically, cytologically, and histologically before and after treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) with... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to evaluate the vagina clinically, cytologically, and histologically before and after treating genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) with fractional microablative carbon dioxide LASER (COL), radiofrequency (RF), and estrogen vaginal cream (CT). Women with moderate-to-severe symptoms of GSM, denoted by a GSM Visual analog scale (VAS) score of >4, were eligible for this study. The patients were randomized into treatment groups. In the energy groups, three vulvovaginal applications were administered monthly. The CT group used 0.5 mg vaginal estriol cream for 14 consecutive days, followed by twice a week for 4 months. The follow-up visits occurred 120 days after the beginning of the treatments. The same parameters obtained at the first visit were re-evaluated: GSM VAS score, Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), gynecological examination determining Vaginal Health Index (VHI), vaginal smear for Vaginal Maturation Value (VMV), and vaginal biopsy. Seventy-one women were included, 48 completed the study and provided adequate samples for analysis (COL [21 patients], RF [15 patients], and CT [12 patients]). GSM symptoms, I-QOL, and VHI significantly improved after all proposed treatments, with no significant differences between them. VMV did not change after any treatment; however, only 22.9% of the patients presented with cytological atrophy before treatment. Histological vaginal atrophy was identified in 6 (12.5%) pretreated vaginal samples. After the intervention, all histological parameters were normalized, no tissue damage was observed, and no major clinical complications were observed. COL and RF seem to be good alternatives to CT for GSM treatment, with no tissue damage.
Topics: Humans; Female; Lasers, Gas; Middle Aged; Menopause; Vagina; Syndrome; Female Urogenital Diseases; Quality of Life; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; Aged
PubMed: 38888192
DOI: 10.1089/pho.2023.0110 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Apr 2024The majority of species previously categorized as Bacteroides have been reassigned into new genera. Bacteroides levii (Holdeman, Cato, and Mooretaxonomic)'s status has... (Review)
Review
The majority of species previously categorized as Bacteroides have been reassigned into new genera. Bacteroides levii (Holdeman, Cato, and Mooretaxonomic)'s status has remained uncertain. This species shares a high degree of similarity with members of the genus Porphyromonas based on biochemical, chemical, and comparative 16s rRNA sequence analysis. As a result, Bacteroides levii (Holdeman, Cato, and Moore) was reclassified as comb. now under the genus Porphyromonas.
PubMed: 38882857
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_1106_23 -
Mycoses Jun 2024Candida species, commensal residents of human skin, are recognized as the cause of cutaneous candidiasis across various body surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune... (Review)
Review
Candida species, commensal residents of human skin, are recognized as the cause of cutaneous candidiasis across various body surfaces. Individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with immunosuppressive conditions, are significantly more susceptible to this infection. Diabetes mellitus, a major metabolic disorder, has emerged as a critical factor inducing immunosuppression, thereby facilitating Candida colonization and subsequent skin infections. This comprehensive review examines the prevalence of different types of Candida albicans-induced cutaneous candidiasis in diabetic patients. It explores the underlying mechanisms of pathogenicity and offers insights into recommended preventive measures and treatment strategies. Diabetes notably increases vulnerability to oral and oesophageal candidiasis. Additionally, it can precipitate vulvovaginal candidiasis in females, Candida balanitis in males, and diaper candidiasis in young children with diabetes. Diabetic individuals may also experience candidal infections on their nails, hands and feet. Notably, diabetes appears to be a risk factor for intertrigo syndrome in obese individuals and periodontal disorders in denture wearers. In conclusion, the intricate relationship between diabetes and cutaneous candidiasis necessitates a comprehensive understanding to strategize effective management planning. Further investigation and interdisciplinary collaborative efforts are crucial to address this multifaceted challenge and uncover novel approaches for the treatment, management and prevention of both health conditions, including the development of safer and more effective antifungal agents.
Topics: Humans; Candida albicans; Diabetes Complications; Candidiasis, Cutaneous; Antifungal Agents; Female; Male; Diabetes Mellitus; Risk Factors; Skin; Prevalence
PubMed: 38877612
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13753 -
Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2024Ibrexafungerp (IBX) is a new antifungal drug that recently entered the antifungal landscape. It disrupts fungal cell wall synthesis by non-competitive inhibition of the... (Review)
Review
Ibrexafungerp (IBX) is a new antifungal drug that recently entered the antifungal landscape. It disrupts fungal cell wall synthesis by non-competitive inhibition of the β-(1,3)-D-glucan (BDG) synthase enzyme. It has demonstrated activity against a range of pathogens including and spp., as well as retaining its activity against azole-resistant and echinocandin-resistant strains. It also exhibits anti-biofilm properties. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies revealed favorable bioavailability, high protein binding, and extensive tissue distribution with a low potential for CYP-mediated drug interactions. It is characterized by the same mechanism of action of echinocandins with limited cross-resistance with other antifungal agents. Resistance to this drug can arise from mutations in the genes, primarily mutations in . In vivo, IBX was found to be effective in murine models of invasive candidiasis (IC) and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). It also showed promising results in preventing and treating infections. Clinical trials showed that IBX was effective and non-inferior to fluconazole in treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), including complicated cases, as well as in preventing its recurrence. These trials positioned it as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved option for the treatment and prophylaxis of VVC. Trials showed comparable responses to standard-of-care in IC, with favorable preliminary results in infections in terms of efficacy and tolerability as well as in refractory cases of IC. Mild adverse reactions have been reported including gastrointestinal symptoms. Overall, IBX represents a significant addition to the antifungal armamentarium, with its unique action, spectrum of activity, and encouraging clinical trial results warranting further investigation.
PubMed: 38873590
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100245 -
Journal of Family & Reproductive Health Mar 2024Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA) of the vulva is a slow-growing mesenchymal tumour with a tendency to local invasion and recurrence.
OBJECTIVE
Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA) of the vulva is a slow-growing mesenchymal tumour with a tendency to local invasion and recurrence.
CASE REPORT
We report two cases of vulvoperineal masses that were diagnosed to be Aggressive Angiomyxomas after surgical excision. Both patients presented to the Gynaecology OPD of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India, in 2020 and 2022 with complaints of a mass coming out of introitus of three years duration and 14 years duration, respectively. The first patient was managed by surgical excision of the mass via abdominoperineal approach, while the second patient underwent vaginal hysterectomy along with the removal of the mass. Both patients were given GnRH analogues after the surgery to avoid any further recurrences and have been in remission on follow-ups so far.
CONCLUSION
Due to its rare occurrence, clinicians should consider the possibility of AA while encountering patients with vulvovaginal masses to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed management.
PubMed: 38863840
DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v18i1.15442 -
Gynecologic Oncology Jun 2024Our goal was to compare molecular and immune profiles of vulvovaginal melanoma (VVM) with cutaneous melanoma (CM) and explore the significance of immune checkpoint...
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to compare molecular and immune profiles of vulvovaginal melanoma (VVM) with cutaneous melanoma (CM) and explore the significance of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) agents on survival.
METHODS
Samples from VVM and CM tumors underwent comprehensive molecular and immune profiling. Treatment and survival data were extracted from insurance claims data and OS was calculated from time of ICI treatment to last contact. Statistical significance was determined using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum test and adjusted for multiple comparisons.
RESULTS
Molecular analysis was performed on 142 VVM and 3823 CM tumors. VVM demonstrated significantly (q < 0·01) less frequent BRAF and more frequent KIT, ATRX, and SF3B1 mutations. Alterations in pathways involving DNA damage and mRNA splicing were more common in VVM, while alterations in cell cycle and chromatin remodeling were less common. Immunogenicity of VVM was lower than CM, with an absence of high TMB (0% vs 46.9%) and lower PD-L1 positivity (18·0% vs 29·5%). Median immune checkpoint gene expression was lower in VVM, as were cell fractions for type I macrophages and CD8+ T-cells(q < 0·01). Myeloid dendritic cells were increased in VVM(q < 0·01). Median OS was shorter for VVM than for CM patients treated with ICIs (17·6 versus 37·9 months, HR:1·65 (95% CI 1·02-2·67) p = 0·04).
CONCLUSIONS
VVM has a distinct molecular and immune profile compared to CM, which may contribute to the worse survival in VVM compared to CM patients treated with ICI therapy. Though ICIs have been a mainstay of treatment in recent years, our findings suggest that new therapeutic strategies are needed.
PubMed: 38861917
DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.06.002