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Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2019Patients with extensive burns are an important group at risk for cutaneous mucormycosis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all reported mucormycosis... (Review)
Review
Patients with extensive burns are an important group at risk for cutaneous mucormycosis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all reported mucormycosis cases in burn patients from 1990 onward. A Medline search yielded identification of 7 case series, 3 outbreaks, and 25 individual cases reports. The prevalence reached 0.04%⁻0.6%. The median age was 42⁻48 in the case series and outbreaks, except for the studies from military centers (23.5⁻32.5) and in individual reports (29.5). The median total body surface area reached 42.5%⁻65%. Various skin lesions were described, none being pathognomonic: the diagnosis was mainly reached because of extensive necrotic lesions sometimes associated with sepsis. Most patients were treated with systemic amphotericin B or liposomal amphotericin B, and all underwent debridement and/or amputation. Mortality reached 33%⁻100% in the case series, 29%⁻62% during outbreaks, and 40% in individual cases. Most patients were diagnosed using histopathology and/or culture. Mucorales qPCR showed detection of circulating DNA 2⁻24 days before the standard diagnosis. Species included the main clinically relevant mucorales (i.e., , , , ) but also more uncommon mucorales such as or . Contact with soil was reported in most individual cases. Bandages were identified as the source of contamination in two nosocomial outbreaks.
PubMed: 30901836
DOI: 10.3390/jof5010025 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2022(-)-α-Bisabolol, a bioactive monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, has been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and...
(-)-α-Bisabolol, a bioactive monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, has been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and skin-caring properties. However, the poor water solubility of (-)-α-bisabolol limits its pharmaceutical applications. It has been recognized that microbial transformation is a very useful approach to generate more polar metabolites. Fifteen microorganisms were screened for their ability to metabolize (-)-α-bisabolol in order to obtain its more polar derivatives, and the filamentous fungus was selected for scale-up fermentation. Seven new and four known metabolites were obtained from biotransformation of (-)-α-bisabolol (), and all the metabolites exhibited higher aqueous solubility than that of the parent compound . The structures of newly formed metabolites were established as (1,5,7)- and (1,5,7)-5-hydroxy-α-bisabolol ( and ), (1,5,7,10)-5-hydroxybisabolol oxide B (), (1,7,10)-1-hydroxybisabolol oxide B (), 12-hydroxy-α-bisabolol (), (1,3,4,7)- and (1,3,4,7)-3,4-dihydroxy-α-bisabolol ( and ) on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. These compounds could also be used as reference standards for the detection and identification of the metabolic products of in the mammalian system.
Topics: Absidia; Biotransformation; Monocyclic Sesquiterpenes
PubMed: 35164145
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030881 -
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia :... 2010Zygomycosis (mucormycosis) is a rare but highly invasive infection caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales, which includes the genera Rhizopus, Mucor,... (Review)
Review
Zygomycosis (mucormycosis) is a rare but highly invasive infection caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales, which includes the genera Rhizopus, Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces and Syncephalastrum. This type of infection is usually associated with hematologic diseases, diabetic ketoacidosis and organ transplantation. The most common form of presentation is rhinocerebral mucormycosis, with or without pulmonary involvement. Pulmonary zygomycosis is more common in patients with profound, prolonged neutropenia and can present as segmental or lobar infiltrates, isolated nodules, cavitary lesions, hemorrhage or infarction. The clinical and radiological manifestations are often indistinguishable from those associated with invasive aspergillosis. This article describes the general characteristics of pulmonary zygomycosis, emphasizing laboratory diagnosis, and illustrates the morphology of some lesions.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; Humans; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Pulmonary Aspergillosis; Zygomycosis
PubMed: 20209316
DOI: 10.1590/s1806-37132010000100018 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2022Although species of are known to be ubiquitous in soil, animal dung, and insect and plant debris, the species diversity of the genus and their ecological habitats have...
Although species of are known to be ubiquitous in soil, animal dung, and insect and plant debris, the species diversity of the genus and their ecological habitats have not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we describe five new species of from forest and grassland soils in southwestern China, with support provided by phylogenetic, morphological, and physiological evidence. The species diversity and ecological habitat of are summarized. Currently, 22 species are recorded in China, which mainly occur in soil, especially in tropical and subtropical forests and mountains. An updated key to the species of in China is also provided herein. This is the first overview of the ecological habitat.
PubMed: 35628728
DOI: 10.3390/jof8050471 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Oct 2009Zygomycosis refers to a group of uncommon and frequently fatal mycoses caused by fungi of the class Zygomycetes, the organisms of which are usually found in decaying... (Review)
Review
Zygomycosis refers to a group of uncommon and frequently fatal mycoses caused by fungi of the class Zygomycetes, the organisms of which are usually found in decaying organic matter. Disease can be transmitted by the inhalation of spores or by direct inoculation on disrupted skin or mucosa. For rare diseases such as zygomycosis, two or more cases occurring in a short time should be investigated as a probable epidemic. Twelve hospital outbreaks and two pseudoepidemics caused by Zygomycetes have been cited in the English literature. The first epidemic was recorded in 1977 and the last in 2008. Outbreaks have been reported in the USA, the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Cases have included cutaneous, disseminated, pulmonary and rhinocerebral disease. Species identified have included Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus rhizopodiformis, Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus spp., Absidia corymbifera and Rhizomucor pusillius. Sources of infection have included Elastoplast adhesive bandage rolls, ventilation systems, wooden tongue depressors, karaya (plant-derived adhesive) ostomy bags, and water damage to a linen store and patient shower room. Patients have included cardiosurgery patients, renal transplant recipients, orthopaedic patients, adult leukaemia patients, intensive care unit neonates, immunocompromised haematology patients, and burn unit patients. Although zygomycosis outbreaks in the hospital environment are infrequent, a high index of suspicion should exist if necrotic lesions appear in proximity to a postoperative wound. Direct tissue examination and tissue culture and histopathology must be routinely performed.
Topics: Absidia; Cross Infection; Disease Outbreaks; Europe; Hospitals; Humans; Rhizomucor; Rhizopus; United States; Zygomycosis
PubMed: 19754759
DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02982.x -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2021Microbial conjugation studies of licochalcones (-) and xanthohumol () were performed by using the fungi and . As a result, one new glucosylated metabolite was produced...
Microbial conjugation studies of licochalcones (-) and xanthohumol () were performed by using the fungi and . As a result, one new glucosylated metabolite was produced by whereas four new and three known sulfated metabolites were obtained by transformation with . Chemical structures of all the metabolites were elucidated on the basis of 1D-, 2D-NMR and mass spectroscopic data analyses. These results could contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic fates of licochalcones and xanthohumol in mammalian systems. Although licochalcone A 4'-sulfate () showed less cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines compared to its substrate licochalcone A, its activity was fairly retained with the IC values in the range of 27.35-43.07 μM.
Topics: A549 Cells; Absidia; Antineoplastic Agents; Cell Proliferation; Chalcones; Flavonoids; Humans; MCF-7 Cells; Metabolome; Mucor; Propiophenones
PubMed: 34206985
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136893 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021Four new species within the genus , , , , and , are proposed based on a combination of morphological traits, physiological features, and molecular evidences. is...
Four new species within the genus , , , , and , are proposed based on a combination of morphological traits, physiological features, and molecular evidences. is characterized by globose sporangiospores, a 1.0- to 3.5-μm-long papillary projection on columellae, and sympodial sporangiophores. is characterized by cylindrical to oval sporangiospores, a 1.0- to 4.5-μm-long bacilliform projection on columellae, and spine-like rhizoids. is characterized by variable sporangiospores, up to 9.5-μm-long clavate projections on columellae, and swollen top of the projection and inflated hyphae. is characterized by cylindrical to oval sporangiospores, a 2.0- to 3.5-μm-long spinous projection on columellae, and as many as eight whorled sporangiophores. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of internal transcribed spacer rDNA and D1-D2 domains of LSU rDNA support the novelty of these four species within the . All new species are illustrated, and an identification key to all the known species of in China is included.
PubMed: 34421840
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.677836 -
Current Medical Mycology Mar 2023Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) is a diverse group of increasingly recognized and frequently fatal mycotic diseases caused by members of the class... (Review)
Review
Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) is a diverse group of increasingly recognized and frequently fatal mycotic diseases caused by members of the class zygomycetes. Mucormycosis is around 80 times more common in India, compared to other developed countries, with a frequency of 0.14 cases per 1,000 population. The most frequent causative agent of mucormycosis is the following genera from the Order , , , , , , and . The major risk factors for the development of mucormycosis are diabetic ketoacidosis, deferoxamine treatment, cancer, solid organ or bone marrow transplantations, prolonged steroid use, extreme malnutrition, and neutropenia. The common clinical forms of mucormycosis are rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal. During the second wave of COVID-19, there was a rapid increase in mucormycosis with more severity than before. Amphotericin B is currently found to be an effective drug as it is found to have a broad-spectrum activity and posaconazole is used as a salvage therapy. Newer triazole isavuconazole is also found effective against mucormycosis. This study aimed to review various studies on the laboratory diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis.
PubMed: 37867589
DOI: 10.18502/cmm.2023.345032.1400 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Mar 2015Mucormycosis is an acute often fatal infection caused by fungi of family mucoracea (Kauffman and Malani Curr Infect Dis Rep 9(6):435-440). The principal pathogens in...
Mucormycosis is an acute often fatal infection caused by fungi of family mucoracea (Kauffman and Malani Curr Infect Dis Rep 9(6):435-440). The principal pathogens in this family are rhizopus, mucor and absidia species. Mucoracea are found in soil, decaying vegetation and other organic matter. Mucormycosis is a polymorphic disease with diverse clinical manifestation. It is divided into rhinocerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, cardiac, gastrointestinal and disseminated. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis the most commonest manifestation of mucormycosis is usually a fatal fulminant infection. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis can be further divided into rhino-maxillary and rhino-orbito-cerebral. The disease commonly occur in diabetics who have ketoacidosis but is also seen in severely debilitated or immunosuppressed patients. It has also been reported from otherwise normal individuals. Early diagnosis and treatment is mandatory for a successful management of this infection.
PubMed: 25621242
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-014-0804-5 -
Clinical Microbiology Reviews Apr 2000The Zygomycetes represent relatively uncommon isolates in the clinical laboratory, reflecting either environmental contaminants or, less commonly, a clinical disease... (Review)
Review
The Zygomycetes represent relatively uncommon isolates in the clinical laboratory, reflecting either environmental contaminants or, less commonly, a clinical disease called zygomycosis. There are two orders of Zygomycetes containing organisms that cause human disease, the Mucorales and the Entomophthorales. The majority of human illness is caused by the Mucorales. While disease is most commonly linked to Rhizopus spp., other organisms are also associated with human infection, including Mucor, Rhizomucor, Absidia, Apophysomyces, Saksenaea, Cunninghamella, Cokeromyces, and Syncephalastrum spp. Although Mortierella spp. do cause disease in animals, there is no longer sufficient evidence to suggest that they are true human pathogens. The spores from these molds are transmitted by inhalation, via a variety of percutaneous routes, or by ingestion of spores. Human zygomycosis caused by the Mucorales generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts as opportunistic infections. Host risk factors include diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, sustained immunosuppressive therapy, chronic prednisone use, iron chelation therapy, broad-spectrum antibiotic use, severe malnutrition, and primary breakdown in the integrity of the cutaneous barrier such as trauma, surgical wounds, needle sticks, or burns. Zygomycosis occurs only rarely in immunocompetent hosts. The disease manifestations reflect the mode of transmission, with rhinocerebral and pulmonary diseases being the most common manifestations. Cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and allergic diseases are also seen. The Mucorales are associated with angioinvasive disease, often leading to thrombosis, infarction of involved tissues, and tissue destruction mediated by a number of fungal proteases, lipases, and mycotoxins. If the diagnosis is not made early, dissemination often occurs. Therapy, if it is to be effective, must be started early and requires combinations of antifungal drugs, surgical intervention, and reversal of the underlying risk factors. The Entomophthorales are closely related to the Mucorales on the basis of sexual growth by production of zygospores and by the production of coenocytic hyphae. Despite these similarities, the Entomophthorales and Mucorales have dramatically different gross morphologies, asexual reproductive characteristics, and disease manifestations. In comparison to the floccose aerial mycelium of the Mucorales, the Entomophthorales produce a compact, glabrous mycelium. The asexually produced spores of the Entomophthorales may be passively released or actively expelled into the environment. Human disease with these organisms occurs predominantly in tropical regions, with transmission occurring by implantation of spores via minor trauma such as insect bites or by inhalation of spores into the sinuses. Conidiobolus typically infects mucocutaneous sites to produce sinusitis disease, while Basidiobolus infections occur as subcutaneous mycosis of the trunk and extremities. The Entomophthorales are true pathogens, infecting primarily immunocompetent hosts. They generally do not invade blood vessels and rarely disseminate. Occasional cases of disseminated and angioinvasive disease have recently been described, primarily in immunocompromised patients, suggesting a possible emerging role for this organism as an opportunist.
Topics: Fungi; Humans; Mycoses
PubMed: 10756000
DOI: 10.1128/CMR.13.2.236