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Transactions of the Royal Society of... May 2024Previous studies on the distribution of mycetoma globally have failed to identify Ecuador as an endemic country.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies on the distribution of mycetoma globally have failed to identify Ecuador as an endemic country.
METHODS
We present data on 35 cases of mycetoma in Ecuador between 1955 and 2021: 5 cases from our experience and 30 cases from the literature.
RESULTS
Eight cases of eumycetoma (23%) and 27 cases of actinomycetoma (77%) were diagnosed. Most cases originated from the coastal region of Ecuador.
CONCLUSIONS
For the first time in an English-language publication, this communication confirms the presence of mycetoma in Ecuador, securing Ecuador's position on the global mycetoma map.
Topics: Ecuador; Humans; Mycetoma; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Child
PubMed: 38214978
DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad098 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Chitinases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, the primary components of fungal cell walls, play key roles in defense responses, symbiotic associations, plant...
Chitinases, which catalyze the hydrolysis of chitin, the primary components of fungal cell walls, play key roles in defense responses, symbiotic associations, plant growth, and stress tolerance. In this study, 23 chitinase genes were identified in watermelon ( [Thunb.]) and classified into five classes through homology search and phylogenetic analysis. The genes with similar exon-intron structures and conserved domains were clustered into the same class. The putative -elements involved in the responses to phytohormone, stress, and plant development were identified in their promoter regions. A tissue-specific expression analysis showed that the genes were primarily expressed in the roots (52.17%), leaves (26.09%), and flowers (34.78%). Moreover, qRT-PCR results indicate that ClChis play multifaceted roles in the interaction between plant/environment. More members were induced by Race 2 of f. sp. , and eight genes were expressed at higher levels on the seventh day after inoculation with Races 1 and 2, suggesting that these genes play a key role in the resistance of watermelon to Fusarium wilt. Collectively, these results improve knowledge of the chitinase gene family in watermelon species and help to elucidate the roles played by chitinases in the responses of watermelon to various stresses.
Topics: Phylogeny; Fusarium; Fusariosis; Chitinases; Citrullus
PubMed: 38203810
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010638 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Jan 2024In contrast to superficial fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements.... (Review)
Review
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In contrast to superficial fungal infections, such as dermatophytosis, invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are characterised by penetration of tissues by fungal elements. Disease can spread locally within a region or can disseminate haematogenously or via the lymphatics. The environment is the most common reservoir of infection. Since fungal spores are airborne, indoor cats are also susceptible to IFIs. Some environmental fungi are ubiquitous and present globally, while others are endemic or hyperendemic within specific geographic regions. Zoonotic pathogens include and
AIM
In the first of a two-part article series, the approach to the investigation of feline IFIs and oomycoses is reviewed. As well as tips for diagnosis, and information on the ecological niche and distribution of fungal pathogens, the review covers clinical presentation of the most common IFIs, including cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, phaeohyphomycosis, aspergillosis and dermatophytic pseudomycetoma, as well as the oomycoses pythiosis, lagenidiosis and paralagenidiosis. In Part 2, the spectrum of activity, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties and adverse effects of antifungal drugs are reviewed, and the treatment and prognosis for specific IFIs and oomycoses are discussed.
EVIDENCE BASE
The review draws on published evidence and the authors' combined expertise in feline medicine, mycology, dermatology, clinical pathology and anatomical pathology.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Invasive Fungal Infections; Antifungal Agents; Coccidioidomycosis; Dermatomycoses; Histoplasmosis; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38189288
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X231219696 -
Medicine Jan 2024Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a rare subtype of acute myelogenous leukaemia. With advances in treatment regimens, namely, introduction of...
RATIONALE
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) is a rare subtype of acute myelogenous leukaemia. With advances in treatment regimens, namely, introduction of all-trans-retinoicacid, outcomes have drastically improved, its side effects should not be ignored. Mycosis fungoides is one of the side effects of all-trans-retinoicacid treatment, but it may also be a clinical manifestation before disease progression. However, it rarely appears and is easily overlooked. This leads to being easily misled during the treatment process, affecting the treatment plan, and resulting in adverse consequences. Therefore, early identification and judgment can not only provide appropriate treatment options, but also prevent and treat further disease progression.
PATIENT CONCERNS
The patient was hospitalized for pancytopaenia. After completing the examination, the patient was finally diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (acute myelogenous leukaemia-M3). We administered tretinoin and arsenous acid. Evaluation of the treatment effect on the 7th day after chemotherapy showed that the bone marrow morphology showed complete remission. After the second course of chemotherapy, the patient developed red miliary macular papules, which gradually worsened. After completing relevant inspections, Considering that the cases was complicated with skin mycosis fungoides, the patient was treated with budesonide ointment and methylprednisolone as chemotherapy.
DIAGNOSES
Upon examination, the patient was initially diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Evaluation of the treatment effect on the 7th day after chemotherapy showed that the bone marrow morphology showed complete remission. After the second course of chemotherapy, we discovered the patient was diagnosed with skin mycosis fungoides.
INTERVENTIONS
Systemic chemotherapy is first given when a patient was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. After the patient happened skin mycosis fungoides, We have adjusted the treatment plan and supplemented it with other treatment plans based on the original chemotherapy, After 2 months of treatment, his condition gradually improved.
OUTCOMES
All-trans-retinoicacid in the treatment of APL must be given attention because mycosis fungoides should not only be distinguished from infectious diseases but also be further assessed with regard to disease progression and metastasis.
LESSONS
Acute promyelocytic leukemia needs to be treated with arsenic trioxide. All-trans-retinoicacid in the treatment of APL must be given attention mycosis fungoides. Early diagnosis can guide accurate treatment, which is of great help in alleviating the pain of patients and improving the cure rate.
Topics: Humans; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute; Mycosis Fungoides; Skin; Dermatomycoses; Disease Progression; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 38181249
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036619 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of sporotrichosis and identify possible novel therapeutic targets. Total RNA was extracted from skin lesion...
This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of sporotrichosis and identify possible novel therapeutic targets. Total RNA was extracted from skin lesion samples from sporotrichosis patients and used to construct a long-chain RNA transcriptome library and miRNA transcriptome library for whole transcriptome sequencing. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were identified, and then Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis enrichment analyses were performed based on the DEGs. An lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed. The expressions of JAK/STAT pathway-related proteins were detected in the patient and control tissues using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in various infectious diseases and immune response-related signaling pathways. Competing endogenous RNA network analysis was performed and identified the hub lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of SOCS3, IL-6, and JAK3 were significantly upregulated, while the expression of STAT3 did not change significantly. Also, the protein expressions of SOCS3, IL-6, JAK3, and STAT3, as well as phosphorylated JAK3 and STAT3, were significantly upregulated. We identified 671 lncRNA DEGs, 3281 mRNA DEGs, and 214 miRNA DEGs to be involved in Sporothrix globosa infection. The study findings suggest that the JAK/STAT pathway may be a therapeutic target for sporotrichosis.
Topics: Humans; RNA, Long Noncoding; Sporotrichosis; Exome Sequencing; Interleukin-6; Janus Kinases; Gene Regulatory Networks; Signal Transduction; STAT Transcription Factors; MicroRNAs; Transcriptome; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38172590
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50728-7 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jan 2024Nutrition plays a critical and crucial role in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their complications, as they often contribute to malnutrition, which can...
Nutrition plays a critical and crucial role in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their complications, as they often contribute to malnutrition, which can worsen the impact of these conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the nutritional status of mycetoma patients, which has not been explored previously. This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted at the Mycetoma Research Center (MRC), University of Khartoum, Sudan. The study included 179 confirmed mycetoma patients and an equal number of age- and sex-matched normal controls. The nutritional status of the mycetoma patients was assessed and compared with that of the control group. The majority of the patients were young adults with varying educational levels, predominantly from Central Sudan. The foot was the most commonly affected part; most patients had lesions more than 10 cm in diameter. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for both study groups, revealing that 43.5% of the patients and 53.6% of controls had a normal BMI. Furthermore, 36% of patients were underweight, contrasting with only 11% in the control group. Correlation analyses indicated no significant associations between BMI and age groups, educational levels, daily meals, food quantity, and appetite in the study population (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in BMI concerning disease duration and affected sites (p = 0.0577). The Kruskal-Wallis test did not reveal significant differences in BMI means among the groups. The study revealed that most participants consumed three meals daily, and the control group showed a more robust appetite and consumed more food than the patient group (p = 0.005). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the consumption of different food types between the patient and control groups and among different BMI categories (p = 0.025 and 0.040, respectively).
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Nutritional Status; Mycetoma; Sudan; Cross-Sectional Studies; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 38166142
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011726 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Feb 2024Dermatophytosis is the most common fungal infectious disease in the world, which is commonly caused by Trichophyton rubrum in China. The traditional therapies for...
Dermatophytosis is the most common fungal infectious disease in the world, which is commonly caused by Trichophyton rubrum in China. The traditional therapies for treating dermatophytosis include topical and oral antifungal agents like terbinafine, griseofulvin, and azole antifungal drugs. However, 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) as a new alternative therapy avoids the side effects and drug resistance of traditional antifungal agents. We report two cases diagnosed as kerion and tinea faciei secondary to ulcers with CARD 9 deficiency, both of whom were infected by T.rubrum. They were both successfully treated by ALA-PDT combined with antifungal drugs, providing a feasible strategy for therapeutic choice for adult kerion and ulcer treatment.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Antifungal Agents; Aminolevulinic Acid; Ulcer; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Tinea Capitis; Arthrodermataceae
PubMed: 38145772
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103954 -
Journal of Clinical Immunology Dec 2023Inborn errors of the IL-17A/F-responsive pathway lead to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) as a predominant clinical phenotype, without other significant clinical...
PURPOSE
Inborn errors of the IL-17A/F-responsive pathway lead to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) as a predominant clinical phenotype, without other significant clinical manifestations apart from mucocutaneous staphylococcal diseases. Among inborn errors affecting IL-17-dependent immunity, autosomal recessive (AR) IL-17RC deficiency is a rare disease with only three kindreds described to date. The lack of an in vitro functional evaluation system of IL17RC variants renders its diagnosis difficult. We sought to characterize a 7-year-old Japanese girl with CMC carrying a novel homozygous duplication variant of IL17RC and establish a simple in vitro system to evaluate the impact of this variant.
METHODS
Flow cytometry, qPCR, RNA-sequencing, and immunoblotting were conducted, and an IL17RC-knockout cell line was established for functional evaluation.
RESULTS
The patient presented with oral and mucocutaneous candidiasis without staphylococcal diseases since the age of 3 months. Genetic analysis showed that the novel duplication variant (Chr3: 9,971,476-9,971,606 dup (+131bp)) involving exon 13 of IL17RC results in a premature stop codon (p.D457Afs*16 or p.D457Afs*17). Our functional evaluation system revealed this duplication to be loss-of-function and enabled discrimination between loss-of-function and neutral IL17RC variants. The lack of response to IL-17A by the patient's SV40-immortalized fibroblasts was restored by introducing WT-IL17RC, suggesting that the genotype identified is responsible for her clinical phenotype.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical and cellular phenotype of the current case of AR IL-17RC deficiency supports a previous report on this rare disorder. Our newly established evaluation system will be useful for the diagnosis of AR IL-17RC deficiency, providing accurate validation of unknown IL17RC variants.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Child; Candidiasis, Chronic Mucocutaneous; Interleukin-17; Candidiasis; Fibroblasts; Base Sequence
PubMed: 38129603
DOI: 10.1007/s10875-023-01601-9 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile...
The emergence of ophidiomycosis (or snake fungal disease) in snakes has prompted increased awareness of the potential effects of fungal infections on wild reptile populations. Yet, aside from , little is known about other mycoses affecting wild reptiles. The closely related genus has been associated with dermatomycosis in snakes and tuataras in captive collections, and was recently identified as the cause of skin infections in non-native wild panther chameleons () in Florida, USA. Here we describe five cases of spp. associated with skin lesions in wild snakes in North America and one additional case from a captive snake from Connecticut, USA. In addition to demonstrating that wild Nearctic snakes can serve as a host for these fungi, we also provide evidence that the genus is widespread in wild snakes, with cases being identified in Louisiana (USA), Minnesota (USA), Virginia (USA), and British Columbia (Canada). Phylogenetic analyses conducted on multiple loci of the fungal strains we isolated identified in Louisiana and Virginia; the remaining strains from Minnesota and British Columbia did not cluster with any of the described species of , although the strains from British Columbia appear to represent a single lineage. Finally, we designed a pan- real-time PCR assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer region 2. This assay successfully detected DNA of all described species of and the two potentially novel taxa isolated in this study and did not cross-react with closely related fungi or other fungi commonly found on the skin of snakes. The assay was 100% sensitive and specific when screening clinical (skin tissue or skin swab) samples, although full determination of the assay's performance will require additional follow up due to the small number of clinical samples ( = 14 from 11 snakes) available for testing in our study. Nonetheless, the PCR assay can provide an important tool in further investigating the prevalence, distribution, and host range of spp. and facilitate more rapid diagnosis of spp. infections that are otherwise difficult to differentiate from other dermatomycoses.
PubMed: 38125577
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1302586 -
Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and... Jan 2023Sporotrichosis is a rare form of subacute and chronic fungal infection in renal transplant recipients caused by the ubiquitous fungus Sporothrix schenckii. It is usually... (Review)
Review
Sporotrichosis is a rare form of subacute and chronic fungal infection in renal transplant recipients caused by the ubiquitous fungus Sporothrix schenckii. It is usually described in renal allograft recipients who have not been treated with antifungal prophylaxis. We report a rare case of cutaneous sporotrichosis in a 39-year-old renal allograft recipient already on antifungal prophylaxis, who presented with skin lesions. The diagnosis was made from a skin biopsy. The patient had increased tacrolimus levels after starting treatment with itraconazole, which was later changed to terbinafine and cryotherapy. The patient responded to treatment with regression of his lesions.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Sporotrichosis; Antifungal Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Itraconazole; Terbinafine
PubMed: 38092718
DOI: 10.4103/1319-2442.391004