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Emerging Infectious Diseases Jul 2024Using phylogenomic analysis, we provide genomic epidemiology analysis of a large blastomycosis outbreak in Ontario, Canada, caused by Blastomyces gilchristii. The...
Using phylogenomic analysis, we provide genomic epidemiology analysis of a large blastomycosis outbreak in Ontario, Canada, caused by Blastomyces gilchristii. The outbreak occurred in a locale where blastomycosis is rarely diagnosed, signaling a possible shift in geographically associated incidence patterns. Results elucidated fungal population genetic structure, enhancing understanding of the outbreak.
Topics: Disease Outbreaks; Blastomycosis; Ontario; Humans; Phylogeny; Blastomyces; Genomics; Molecular Epidemiology; Male; Genome, Fungal; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38916874
DOI: 10.3201/eid3007.231594 -
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and... Jun 2024Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is predominantly caused by dematiaceous fungi in tropical and...
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM), a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues, is predominantly caused by dematiaceous fungi in tropical and subtropical areas. Characteristically, CBM presents as plaques and nodules, often leading to scarring post-healing. Besides traditional diagnostic methods such as fungal microscopy, culture, and histopathology, dermatoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy can aid in diagnosis. The treatment of CBM is an extended and protracted process. Imiquimod, acting as an immune response modifier, boosts the host's immune response against CBM, and controls scar hyperplasia, thereby reducing the treatment duration. We present a case of CBM in Guangdong with characteristic reflectance confocal microscopy manifestations, effectively managed through a combination of itraconazole, terbinafine, and imiquimod, shedding light on novel strategies for managing this challenging condition.
Topics: Chromoblastomycosis; Imiquimod; Humans; Antifungal Agents; Itraconazole; Terbinafine; Male; Treatment Outcome; Microscopy, Confocal; Skin; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38902740
DOI: 10.1186/s12941-024-00718-y -
FP Essentials Jun 2024Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes, except for tinea versicolor, which is caused by yeasts in the genus. If available, potassium hydroxide preparation should... (Review)
Review
Tinea infections are caused by dermatophytes, except for tinea versicolor, which is caused by yeasts in the genus. If available, potassium hydroxide preparation should be performed to confirm diagnosis of tinea capitis or onychomycosis. In some cases, fungal culture, UV light examination, or periodic acid-Schiff stain can be helpful. Topical drugs are effective for tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis. Tinea incognito is an atypical presentation that usually requires systemic treatment. Management of tinea capitis always requires oral drugs. Oral drugs are preferred for onychomycosis treatment but should not be prescribed without confirmation of fungal infection. Localized cases of tinea versicolor can be managed with topical drugs, but oral drugs might be needed for severe, widespread, or recurrent cases. Warts are superficial human papillomavirus infections. Common treatments include irritant, destructive (eg, cryotherapy), immune stimulant (eg, intralesional antigen), and debridement and excision methods. Scabies infestation results in intensely itchy papules, nodules, or vesicles. Mites and burrows on the skin are pathognomonic but difficult to identify. Dermoscopy, particularly with UV light, can make identification easier. Topical permethrin and oral ivermectin are two of the most commonly used treatments. All household and close contacts should be treated regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Scabies; Warts; Tinea; Antifungal Agents; Onychomycosis; Papillomavirus Infections; Mite Infestations; Dermoscopy
PubMed: 38896827
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) characterized by subcutaneous lesions and the formation of grains. Attempts to treat eumycetoma involve a combination of...
OBJECTIVES
Eumycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) characterized by subcutaneous lesions and the formation of grains. Attempts to treat eumycetoma involve a combination of antifungal treatment and surgery, although the outcome is frequently disappointing. Therefore, there is a need to identify novel antifungal drugs to treat eumycetoma. In this respect, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) has assembled libraries of compounds for researchers to use in drug discovery research against NTD. Therefore, we screened two MMVOpen compound libraries to identify novel leads for eumycetoma.
METHODS
A total of 400 compounds from the COVID Box and the Global Health Priority Box were screened in vitro at 100 µM and 25 µM against the most common causative agents of eumycetoma, namely and and the resulting IC and MIC values were obtained. Compounds with an IC < 8 µM were identified for possible in vivo efficacy studies using an grain model in larvae.
RESULTS
Out of the 400 compounds, 22 were able to inhibit both and growth at 100 µM and 25 µM, with compounds MMV1593278, MMV020335, and MMV1804559 being selected for in vivo testing. Of these three, only the pyrazolopyrimidine derivative MMV1804559 was able to prolong the survival of -infected larvae. Furthermore, the grains in MMV1804559-treated larvae were significantly smaller compared to the PBS-treated group.
CONCLUSION
MMV1804559 shows promising in vitro and in vivo activity against .
Topics: Madurella; Mycetoma; Antifungal Agents; Animals; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Larva; Humans
PubMed: 38892422
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116227 -
Mycopathologia Jun 2024
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Terbinafine; Ketoconazole; Lumbosacral Region; Treatment Outcome; Dermatomycoses; Administration, Oral; Animals; Humans; Hair; Male; Allylamine
PubMed: 38890194
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00843-4 -
Mycopathologia Jun 2024Dermatophyte biofilms frequently count for inadequate responses and resistance to standard antifungal treatments, resulting in refractory chronic onychomycosis... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Dermatophyte biofilms frequently count for inadequate responses and resistance to standard antifungal treatments, resulting in refractory chronic onychomycosis infection. Although antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has clinically proven to exert significant antifungal effects or even capable of eradicating dermatophyte biofilms, considerably less is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying aPDT and the potential dysregulation of signaling networks that could antagonize its action. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlining aPDT combat against dermatophyte biofilm in recalcitrant onychomycosis and to decipher the potential detoxification processes elicited by aPDT, facilitating the development of more effective photodynamic interventions. We applied genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis to investigate how aPDT disrupting onychomycosis biofilm formed by three distinct dermatophytes, including Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, the most frequently occurring pathogenic species. In total, 352.13 Gb of clean data were obtained for the transcriptomes of dermatophyte biofilms with or without aPDT treatment, resulting in 2,422.42 million reads with GC content of 51.84%, covering 99.9%, 98.5% and 99.4% of annotated genes of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and M. gypseum, respectively. The genome-wide orthologous analysis identified 6624 transcribed single-copy orthologous genes in all three species, and 36.5%, 6.8% and 17.9% of which were differentially expressed following aPDT treatment. Integrative orthology analysis demonstrated the upregulation of oxidoreductase activities is a highly conserved detoxification signaling alteration in response to aPDT across all investigated dermatophyte biofilms. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underneath anti-dermatophyte biofilm effects of aPDT and successfully identified a conserved detoxification regulation upon the aPDT application.
Topics: Biofilms; Photochemotherapy; Gene Expression Profiling; Arthrodermataceae; Microsporum; Humans; Antifungal Agents; Onychomycosis; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38890181
DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00865-y -
Neurology Jul 2024
Topics: Humans; Hydrocephalus; Immunocompromised Host; Sporotrichosis; Male; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38889379
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000209586 -
Mycoses Jun 2024Tinea faciei, a specific dermatophytosis that affects the glabrous skin of the face, not only causes physical discomfort but also leads to greater psychological...
BACKGROUND
Tinea faciei, a specific dermatophytosis that affects the glabrous skin of the face, not only causes physical discomfort but also leads to greater psychological distress. Tinea faciei is a public health concern.
OBJECTIVES
To analyse the epidemiological characteristics, responsible dermatophyte species and clinical features of tinea faciei in Hangzhou.
METHODS
Data were obtained from the Laboratory Information System of the Mycology Laboratory and Medical Information System at a hospital in Hangzhou. Isolates were identified based on their macroscopic appearance and microscopic morphology.
RESULTS
Tinea faciei was diagnosed in 701 patients, involving 359 males and 342 females, aged between 2 months and 97 years. In total, 499 isolates (71.18%) were identified as Trichophyton rubrum. Anthropophilic isolates were identified in 297 (82.73%) males and 207 (60.53%) females (p < .01). Among patients with anthropophilic dermatophytes infection, 447 (88.69%) were adults. Zoophilic dermatophytes were isolated in 57 (15.88%) males and 130 (38.01%) females (p < .01), among whom 108 (57.75%) were children.
CONCLUSIONS
Anthropophilic dermatophytes, especially T. rubrum, were the predominant cause of tinea faciei, while zoophilic dermatophytes were the most prevalent in children. Compared with men, women may be more susceptible to zoophilic dermatophytes.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adolescent; China; Child; Tinea; Adult; Middle Aged; Child, Preschool; Young Adult; Infant; Aged; Arthrodermataceae; Aged, 80 and over; Facial Dermatoses; Face; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38888369
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13755 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024Fusarium and allied genera (fusarioid) species are common colonizers of roots and aerial plant parts, or act as phytopathogens in forestry and horticultural or grain...
BACKGROUND
Fusarium and allied genera (fusarioid) species are common colonizers of roots and aerial plant parts, or act as phytopathogens in forestry and horticultural or grain crops. However, they can also cause a wide range of infections in humans, including onychomycosis, cutaneous and invasive infections. Fusarioid keratitis is characterized by an infection of the cornea with a suppurative and ulcerative appearance, which may cause damage to vision and permanent blindness. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of fusarioid species, biofilm formation and antifungal susceptibility profiling of clinical isolates recovered from patients with keratitis and dermatomycoses.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
The study was performed between March, 2012-December, 2022. Demographic, clinical and epidemiological data of patients were also collected. In the present study, most of the patients with keratitis were male (74%), had a median age of 42 years old, worked with plant material or debris and 26% of them reported eye trauma. Regarding dermatomycosis, most of patients were female and exhibited toenail lesions. Forty-seven isolates belonged to the genus Neocosmospora (78.33%), nine to the Fusarium fujikuroi (15%) and four to the Fusarium oxysporum (6.66%) species complexes. Several strains were moderate biofilm producers, specifically among Fusarium annulatum. Most strains showed increased MICs to amphotericin B and ketoconazole and low MICs to itraconazole. MICs ranged from 0.25 to 16 μg/mL for amphotericin B, 0.0625 to >16 μg/mL for ketoconazole and 0.125 to 8 for itraconazole.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
It is possible to conclude that fusarioid keratitis in Northeastern Brazil is an important and neglected disease, given the high number of cases, increased need for keratoplasty and poor outcome of the disease.
PubMed: 38885283
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012247 -
Mycoses Jun 2024Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection. The studies, which included clinical forms, and isolated species of dermatophytes, are limited.
BACKGROUND
Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection. The studies, which included clinical forms, and isolated species of dermatophytes, are limited.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This retrospective study aims to determine the causative organism, clinical characteristics, treatments and outcomes of patients with tinea faciei attending the dermatologic clinic, Siriraj Hospital, from 1 January 2017 to 30 September 2021. Demographic data, clinical presentations, isolated dermatophyte species, treatments and outcomes were collected and analysed.
RESULTS
A total of 151 tinea faciei cases were observed. Trichophyton rubrum (48.6%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (22.2%) and Microsporum canis (18.1%) were common causative agents. Tinea faciei was commonly detected in females (64.9%) with a history of pets (54.6%). Clinical presentations often involved plaques and scales on the cheeks. Among patients with lesions on the cheek, mycological cure was observed significantly less often compared to those without cheek lesions. Patients with other concurrent skin or nail infections, a history of topical steroids and a history of previous fungal infection had a slightly longer duration of mycological cure than those without factors. Recurrent infection was found in 33.3%. Male, history of previous fungal infection, and lesions on the cheeks were significantly associated with recurrent infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Fungal infection of the face was commonly found in women and patients with pets. The most common pathogen that caused tinea faciei was T. rubrum. Topical antifungal treatments could be used with favourable outcomes. The history of past infection and lesion on the cheeks should be carefully assessed to be vigilant for recurrent infection.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Female; Male; Tinea; Thailand; Adult; Antifungal Agents; Middle Aged; Arthrodermataceae; Young Adult; Adolescent; Microsporum; Child; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Facial Dermatoses; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38880935
DOI: 10.1111/myc.13754