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Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2020The detection and diagnosis of the opportunistic fungi spp. and still relies mainly on low-sensitive culture-based methods. This fact is especially worrying in Cystic...
The detection and diagnosis of the opportunistic fungi spp. and still relies mainly on low-sensitive culture-based methods. This fact is especially worrying in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients in whom these fungal species are frequently isolated and may increase the risk of suffering from an infection or other health problems. Therefore, with the purpose of developing a serologic detection method for /, four different protein extracts (whole cell protein extract, secretome, total cell surface and conidial surface associated proteins) were studied by ELISA to select the most useful for IgG detection in sera from CF patients. The four extracts were able to discriminate the /-infected from infected and non-infected patients. However, the whole cell protein extract was the one selected, as it was the one with the highest output in terms of protein concentration per ml of fungal culture used, and its discriminatory capacity was the best. The ELISA test developed was then assayed with 212 sera from CF patients and it showed to be able to detect spp. and with very high sensitivity and specificity, 86%-100% and 93%-99%, respectively, depending on the cut-off value chosen (four values were proposed A= 0.5837, A= 0.6042, A= 0.6404, and A= 0.7099). Thus, although more research is needed to reach a standardized method, this ELISA platform offers a rapid, low-cost and easy solution to detect these elusive fungi through minimally invasive sampling, allowing the monitoring of the humoral response to fungal presence.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Ascomycota; Cystic Fibrosis; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Humans; Scedosporium
PubMed: 33324582
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.602089 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Over the last years, the interkingdom microbial interactions concerning bacteria and fungi cohabiting and/or responsible for human pathologies have been investigated. In...
Over the last years, the interkingdom microbial interactions concerning bacteria and fungi cohabiting and/or responsible for human pathologies have been investigated. In this context, the Gram-negative bacterium and fungal species belonging to the genera are widespread, multidrug-resistant, emergent, opportunistic pathogens that are usually co-isolated in patients with cystic fibrosis. The available literature reports that can inhibit the in vitro growth of species; however, the complex mechanisms behind this phenomenon are mostly unknown. In the present work, we have explored the inhibitory effect of bioactive molecules secreted by (3 mucoid and 3 non-mucoid strains) on ( = 6 strains), ( = 3), ( = 6) and ( = 6) under cultivation in a cystic fibrosis mimic environment. It is relevant to highlight that all bacterial and fungal strains used in the present study were recovered from cystic fibrosis patients. The growth of species was negatively affected by the direct interaction with either mucoid or non-mucoid strains of . Moreover, the fungal growth was inhibited by the conditioned supernatants obtained from bacteria-fungi co-cultivations and by the conditioned supernatants from the bacterial pure cultures. The interaction with fungal cells induced the production of pyoverdine and pyochelin, 2 well-known siderophores, in 4/6 clinical strains of . The inhibitory effects of these four bacterial strains and their secreted molecules on fungal cells were partially reduced with the addition of 5-flucytosine, a classical repressor of pyoverdine and pyochelin production. In sum, our results demonstrated that distinct clinical strains of can behave differently towards species, even when isolated from the same cystic fibrosis patient. Additionally, the production of siderophores by was induced when co-cultivated with species, indicating competition for iron and deprivation of this essential nutrient, leading to fungal growth inhibition.
PubMed: 37233213
DOI: 10.3390/jof9050502 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy Aug 2018spp. cause infections (scedosporiosis) in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals and may persistently colonize the respiratory tract in patients with...
spp. cause infections (scedosporiosis) in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals and may persistently colonize the respiratory tract in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). They are less susceptible against azoles than are other molds, such as spp., suggesting the presence of resistance mechanisms. It can be hypothesized that the decreased susceptibility of spp. to azoles is also CYP51 dependent. Analysis of the and genomes revealed one gene encoding the 14-α-lanosterol demethylase. This gene from 159 clinical or environmental isolates and three isolates has been sequenced and analyzed. The CYP51 protein clustered with the group of known CYP51B orthologues and showed species-specific polymorphisms. A tandem repeat in the 5' upstream region of like that in could not be detected. Species-specific amino acid alterations in CYP51 of , , , and isolates were located at positions that have not been described as having an impact on azole susceptibility. In contrast, two of the three specific amino acid changes (Y136F and G464S) corresponded to respective mutations in CYP51A at amino acid positions 121 and 448 (Y121F and G448S, respectively) that had been linked to azole resistance.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Azoles; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Fungal Proteins; Mutation; Scedosporium; Sterol 14-Demethylase
PubMed: 29891611
DOI: 10.1128/AAC.02599-17 -
MBio Feb 2021Invasive mold infections caused by molds other than spp. or Mucorales are emerging. The reported prevalences of infection due to these rare fungal pathogens vary among...
Invasive mold infections caused by molds other than spp. or Mucorales are emerging. The reported prevalences of infection due to these rare fungal pathogens vary among geographic regions, driven by differences in climatic conditions, susceptible hosts, and diagnostic capabilities. These rare molds-, , and species and others-are difficult to detect and often show intrinsic antifungal resistance. Now, international societies of medical mycology and microbiology have joined forces and created the "Global guideline for the diagnosis and management of rare mould infections: an initiative of the European Confederation of Medical Mycology in cooperation with the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology and the American Society for Microbiology" (published in Lancet Infect Dis, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30784-2), with the goal of improving the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and survival of persons with rare mold infections. The guideline provides cutting-edge guidance for the correct utilization and application of established and new diagnostic and therapeutic options.
Topics: Animals; Ascomycota; Drug Resistance, Fungal; Fusarium; Humans; Mycology; Scedosporium; United States
PubMed: 33622731
DOI: 10.1128/mBio.02920-20 -
Pediatric Pulmonology Feb 2019Prevalence of fungi has been rising in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Scedosporium species (spp) is the second most common mold seen in the CF respiratory tract....
INTRODUCTION
Prevalence of fungi has been rising in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population. Scedosporium species (spp) is the second most common mold seen in the CF respiratory tract. However, the characteristics associated with Scedosporium isolation and its clinical implications are poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine clinical factors associated with Scedosporium spp to better understand the mechanisms that may contribute to the emergence of filamentous fungi in CF.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of subjects followed in the CF Foundation Patient Registry between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Patients under 6 years of age, history of solid organ transplantation, and insufficient respiratory culture data were excluded. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to determine demographic data and baseline disease characteristics, medications and co-infections associated with Scedosporium spp recovery in CF sputum.
RESULTS
Among 19 023 subjects, prevalence of Scedosporium spp was 615 (3.2%). Older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 1.26) and white race (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09, 2.63) were the demographic factors associated with Scedosporium spp isolation. Inhaled antibiotic use had a significant association with Scedosporium isolation (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.61, 2.52). For every additional course of intravenous antibiotics, the odds of Scedosporium isolation increased by 8% (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03, 1.14).
CONCLUSIONS
The association between inhaled antibiotics and Scedosporium informs us that chronic inhaled antibiotics may be playing a role in Scedosporium isolation. Further investigation to better characterize this relationship is necessary.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Female; Humans; Male; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Respiratory System; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Scedosporium; Sputum; Young Adult
PubMed: 30549449
DOI: 10.1002/ppul.24210 -
Medical Mycology Jun 2009The colonization of airways by filamentous fungi and the development of respiratory infections require some predisposing factors as encountered in patients with cystic... (Review)
Review
The colonization of airways by filamentous fungi and the development of respiratory infections require some predisposing factors as encountered in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Indeed, the defective mucociliary clearance which characterizes the disease is associated with local immunological disorders. In addition, the prolonged therapy with antibiotics and the use of corticosteroid treatments also facilitate fungal growth. An important fungal biota has been described in respiratory secretions of patients suffering from CF. Aspergillus fumigatus, Scedosporium apiospermum and Aspergillus terreus for filamentous fungi and Candida albicans for yeasts are the main fungal species associated with CF. Although less common, several fungal species including Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus nidulans may be isolated transiently from CF respiratory secretions, while others such as Exophiala dermatitidis and Scedosporium prolificans may chronically colonize the airways. Moreover, some of them like Penicillium emersonii and Acrophialophora fusispora are encountered in humans almost exclusively in the context of CF. As fungal complications in CF patients are essentially caused by filamentous fungi the present review will not include works related to yeasts. In CF patients, fungi may sometimes be responsible for deterioration of lung function, as occurs in allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) which is the most common fungal disease in this context. Additionally, although the clinical relevance of the fungal airway colonization is still a matter of debate, filamentous fungi may contribute to the local inflammatory response, and therefore to the progressive deterioration of the lung function.
Topics: Cystic Fibrosis; Fungi; Humans; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Prevalence
PubMed: 19107638
DOI: 10.1080/13693780802609604 -
Medical Mycology Case Reports Sep 2020has caused outbreaks in immunocompromised patients. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on 4 isolates from infections occurring during an 8-month period in the...
has caused outbreaks in immunocompromised patients. We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) on 4 isolates from infections occurring during an 8-month period in the haematology unit at Hospital 1., and 2 isolates from unrelated infections at Hospital 2., showing a high number of mutational differences (>10,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) between isolates from Hospital 1. Novel typing of isolates by WGS did not demonstrate a single causative strain.
PubMed: 32477857
DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2020.05.003 -
PloS One 2020Scedosporium species are opportunistic pathogens causing various infections, including disseminated infections in severely immunocompromised patients. Preventive...
Scedosporium species are opportunistic pathogens causing various infections, including disseminated infections in severely immunocompromised patients. Preventive measures aiming to reduce the risk of exposure to these fungi require a better knowledge on their ecology and on the sources of contamination of the patients. In this context, 99 soil samples from the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra and Fez-Meknes regions in Morocco were analyzed. Samples were inoculated on the highly selective Scedo-Select III culture medium, and seven chemical parameters of the soils were measured. Scedosporium species were detected in 48 of the samples, with the highest density in soils from wastewater treatment plants and landfills, followed by those from roadsides and polluted riverbanks, thus confirming the impact of human activities on their ecology. Scedosporium apiospermum was the most common species, followed by S. boydii and S. aurantiacum. Analysis of the chemical parameters of the soils revealed the presence of Scedosporium species was mainly associated with a moderate electrical conductivity, a pH range of 7.0 to 7.6, a nutrient-rich content and a moderate phosphorus amount. Thereby, these results demonstrated the relatively high occurrence of Scedosporium in Morocco and highlighted the impact of phosphorus content on their ecology.
Topics: Ecology; Ecosystem; Humans; Morocco; Scedosporium; Soil; Soil Microbiology
PubMed: 32092070
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228897 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2021Fungal infections have been increasing during the last decades. and species are filamentous fungi most associated to those infections, especially in immunocompromised...
Fungal infections have been increasing during the last decades. and species are filamentous fungi most associated to those infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Considering the limited options of treatment and the emergence of resistant isolates, an increasing concern motivates the development of new therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the present study screened the Pathogen Box library to identify compounds with antifungal activity against and . Using antifungal susceptibility tests, biofilm analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synergism assay, auranofin and iodoquinol were found to present promising repurposing applications. Both compounds were active against different and , including planktonic cells and biofilm. SEM revealed morphological alterations and synergism analysis showed that both drugs present positive interactions with voriconazole, fluconazole, and caspofungin. These data suggest that auranofin and iodoquinol are promising compounds to be studied as repurposing approaches against scedosporiosis and lomentosporiosis.
PubMed: 34682224
DOI: 10.3390/jof7100803 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2023Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients deal with a higher risk of bacterial and fungal infections compared to the general population because of their dysregulated immune... (Review)
Review
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients deal with a higher risk of bacterial and fungal infections compared to the general population because of their dysregulated immune system as well as the immunosuppressive therapy they usually receive. spp. is a fungal pathogen responsible for cutaneous, lung, central nervous system, and eye infections, mostly in immunocompromised patients, leading to death in disseminated cases. We report the case of an 81-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis treated with steroids and an IL-6 inhibitor who was diagnosed with scedosporiosis of the upper limb. She was treated with voriconazole for one month, which was discontinued due to adverse events, and when scedosporiosis relapsed, she switched to itraconazole. We also reviewed the current literature on RA patients presenting with infections. Early and accurate diagnosis of scedosporiosis has therapeutic and prognostic implications, as traditionally this fungus is resistant to commonly used antifungals. Clinical alertness regarding uncommon infections, including fungal, in patients with autoimmune diseases on immunomodulatory agents is essential for effective treatment.
PubMed: 37367619
DOI: 10.3390/jof9060683