Review Article Could Histoplasma Capsulatum Be Related to Healthcare-Associated Infections?

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Review Article Could Histoplasma Capsulatum Be Related to Healthcare-Associated Infections? Hindawi Publishing Corporation BioMed Research International Volume 2015, Article ID 982429, 11 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/982429 Review Article Could Histoplasma capsulatum Be Related to Healthcare-Associated Infections? Laura Elena Carreto-Binaghi,1 Lisandra Serra Damasceno,2 Nayla de Souza Pitangui,3 Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida,3 Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini,3 Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira,2 and Maria Lucia Taylor1 1 Departamento de Microbiolog´ıa-Parasitolog´ıa,FacultaddeMedicina,UniversidadNacionalAutonoma´ de Mexico´ (UNAM), CircuitoInterior,CiudadUniversitaria,AvenidaUniversidad3000,04510Mexico,´ DF, Mexico 2Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundac¸ao˜ Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Avenida Brasil 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 3Departamento de Analises´ Cl´ınicas, Faculdade de Cienciasˆ Farmaceuticas,ˆ Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rodovia Araraquara-JauKm1,14801-902Araraquara,SP,Brazil´ Correspondence should be addressed to Maria Lucia Taylor; [email protected] Received 30 October 2014; Revised 12 May 2015; Accepted 12 May 2015 Academic Editor: Kurt G. Naber Copyright © 2015 Laura Elena Carreto-Binaghi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are described in diverse settings. The main etiologic agents of HAI are bacteria (85%) and fungi (13%). Some factors increase the risk for HAI, particularly the use of medical devices; patients with severe cuts, wounds, and burns; stays in the intensive care unit, surgery, and hospital reconstruction works. Several fungal HAI are caused by Candida spp., usually from an endogenous source; however, cross-transmission via the hands of healthcare workers or contaminated devices can occur. Although other medically important fungi, such as Blastomyces dermatitidis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis,andHistoplasma capsulatum, have never been considered nosocomial pathogens, there are some factors that point out the pros and cons for this possibility. Among these fungi, H. capsulatum infection has been linked to different medical devices and surgery implants. The filamentous form of H. capsulatum may be present in hospital settings, as this fungus adapts to different types of climates and has great dispersion ability. Although conventional pathogen identification techniques have never identified H. capsulatum in the hospital environment, molecular biology procedures could be useful in this setting. More research on H. capsulatum as a HAI etiologic agent is needed, since it causes a severe and often fatal disease in immunocompromised patients. 1. Introduction surgical procedures related to specific therapies, in addition to the large number of immunocompromised patients who The term healthcare-associated infection (HAI) refers to are hospitalized [3]. It is estimated that every day one out of infections associated with healthcare delivery in any setting 25 hospital patients has, at least, one HAI. In 2011, there were (e.g., hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory settings, 722,000 HAI in the United States’ hospitals and about 75,000 and home care). This term reflects the inability to determine hospital patients with HAI died during their hospitalization. with certainty where the pathogen is acquired since patients More than half of all HAI occurred outside the intensive care may be colonized or exposed to potential pathogens outside unit [4]. the healthcare setting, before receiving healthcare or during HAI commonly occur by direct transmission from indi- healthcare delivery [1, 2]. vidual to individual or through fomites manipulated by In recent years, there has been an overall increase in HAI, healthcare workers, as well as through surfaces and devices which is likely a consequence of the advances in medical and contaminated by biofilms (surgical instruments, catheters, 2 BioMed Research International mechanical ventilation systems, and others) [5, 6]. Other duration of hospital stay, prolonged use of intravascular mechanisms of transmission are aerial dispersion of oppor- catheters, parenteral lipid formulations, and prior exposure tunistic or environmental microorganisms and endogenous to broad spectrum antibiotics (including antifungal therapy) dissemination of commensal or opportunistic pathogens [7– are important predisposing conditions identified in these 9]. outbreaks [13, 14, 16–18]. Although the role of the inanimate hospital environment The occurrence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) inthespreadofHAIhasbeencontroversial,nowadays depends on several factors like the time of exposure to an molecular biology methodologies are being used to identify infectious agent, the patient’s immune status, the pathogen’s pathogens, measure the quality of environmental and hand virulence factors, and the host-pathogen interaction [19]. IFI hygiene over time, and establish a link between outbreaks associated with healthcare is mainly caused by opportunistic and cross-transmission events, according to geographic and fungi, from endogenous or environmental sources, which temporal variables [8]. form biofilms in fomites and abiotic surfaces [9]. Currently, changes in morbidity and mortality patterns Species of filamentous fungi, such as Aspergillus spp. [20, due to aging of the world population, treatments with 21], Rhizopus spp. [22], Rhizomucor spp. [22, 23], Absidia immunosuppressive drugs, and the use of invasive devices corymbifera [22, 24], Fusarium spp. [25–27], Paecilomyces (particularly long-term ones) have led to a rise in the need spp. [28, 29], Curvularia spp. [30], Phialemonium spp. [31– of healthcare facilities for patients who are more susceptible 34], and Scedosporium spp. [35–37], have been particularly to opportunistic infections [10]. Environmental disturbances associated with HAI in patients with hematologic diseases. associated with construction activities near health insti- The most common sources reported in the above-mentioned tutions pose additional airborne and waterborne disease filamentous fungal infections were contamination of medical threats for those patients who are at risk for healthcare- supplies, like intravenous solutions, contact lens solutions associated fungal infections [2]. Particularly, hospitalized [38, 39], bandages [24], pressure cuffs, and invasive devices patients could be exposed to infective fungal propagules such (endotracheal tubes) [11, 21–23, 40]. Besides, other species as microconidia and small hyphal fragments of Histoplasma of fungi such as Aureobasidium spp. [41], Trichosporon spp. capsulatum that thrive in bat and bird droppings, deposited [42, 43], Rhodotorula spp. [44–46], and Phaeoacremonium in the surrounding hospital recreational areas. parasiticum [47]havebeenimplicatedinnosocomialpseu- Thus,theaimsofthispaperweretoreviewthereported dooutbreaks through contamination of endoscopes. cases of H. capsulatum infections in healthcare settings, in A very important opportunistic fungus, Pneumocystis order to propose the different factors that could be related to jirovecii, has also been associated with HAI by person- healthcare-associated histoplasmosis and discuss the features to-person airborne transmission [48–58]. Infection by P. thatcouldfavorthepresenceofthisfungusinthehospital jirovecii presents as an interstitial pneumonia in immuno- environment. compromised hosts, particularly HIV patients; in this group, pneumocystosis is considered an AIDS-definitory condition, 2. Etiologic Agents of HAI when CD4+ T lymphocytes are below 200 cells/L[59]. Cur- rently, an increase of pneumocystosis in non-HIV patients The etiologic agents of HAI are mainly bacteria (85%) and is being observed, especially in patients with transplants, fungi (13%), in contrast to viruses and parasites that are rarely individuals with autoimmune disorders or malignancies, and reported. Some environmental factors have been identified those using immunosuppressive treatments, like steroids and to increase the risk for fungal HAI, particularly the use of immunobiological drugs [50, 55, 60–62]. Molecular biology medical devices, like central venous and urinary catheters; techniques have detected a high prevalence of colonization thepresenceofseverecuts,wounds,andburns;staysin (10–55%) in immunocompromised patients and in the gen- the intensive care unit, surgery, and hospital reconstruction eralpopulation.IndividualscolonizedbyP. jirov e c ii can works [4]. be considered reservoirs and therefore contribute to the Host factors, such as extremes of age and underlying transmission of this pathogen among immunosuppressed diseases, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune patients in the hospital environment [62]. deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), malignancy, and trans- Other important respiratory pathogens, such as Blas- plants, can increase susceptibility to infection, as well as a tomyces dermatitidis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis,andH. variety of medications that alter the normal flora, like antimi- capsulatum, have never been associated with infections in crobial agents, gastric acid suppressants, steroids, antirejec- the hospital environment; however, B. dermatitidis has been tion drugs, antineoplastic agents, and immunosuppressive found in pseudooutbreaks associated with contaminated drugs [2]. bronchoscopes [63]. MostHAIassociatedwithfungiarecausedbyCandida spp. These infections
Recommended publications
  • Bats (Myotis Lucifugus)
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center Wildlife Damage for January 1994 Bats (Myotis lucifugus) Arthur M. Greenhall Research Associate, Department of Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York 10024 Stephen C. Frantz Vertebrate Vector Specialist, Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-0509 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdmhandbook Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Greenhall, Arthur M. and Frantz, Stephen C., "Bats (Myotis lucifugus)" (1994). The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. 46. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdmhandbook/46 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Arthur M. Greenhall Research Associate Department of Mammalogy BATS American Museum of Natural History New York, New York 10024 Stephen C. Frantz Vertebrate Vector Specialist Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research New York State Department of Health Albany, New York 12201-0509 Fig. 1. Little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus Damage Prevention and Air drafts/ventilation. Removal of Occasional Bat Intruders Control Methods Ultrasonic devices: not effective. When no bite or contact has occurred, Sticky deterrents: limited efficacy. Exclusion help the bat escape (otherwise Toxicants submit it for rabies testing). Polypropylene netting checkvalves simplify getting bats out. None are registered.
    [Show full text]
  • Monoclonal Antibodies As Tools to Combat Fungal Infections
    Journal of Fungi Review Monoclonal Antibodies as Tools to Combat Fungal Infections Sebastian Ulrich and Frank Ebel * Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, D-80539 Munich, Germany; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 26 November 2019; Accepted: 31 January 2020; Published: 4 February 2020 Abstract: Antibodies represent an important element in the adaptive immune response and a major tool to eliminate microbial pathogens. For many bacterial and viral infections, efficient vaccines exist, but not for fungal pathogens. For a long time, antibodies have been assumed to be of minor importance for a successful clearance of fungal infections; however this perception has been challenged by a large number of studies over the last three decades. In this review, we focus on the potential therapeutic and prophylactic use of monoclonal antibodies. Since systemic mycoses normally occur in severely immunocompromised patients, a passive immunization using monoclonal antibodies is a promising approach to directly attack the fungal pathogen and/or to activate and strengthen the residual antifungal immune response in these patients. Keywords: monoclonal antibodies; invasive fungal infections; therapy; prophylaxis; opsonization 1. Introduction Fungal pathogens represent a major threat for immunocompromised individuals [1]. Mortality rates associated with deep mycoses are generally high, reflecting shortcomings in diagnostics as well as limited and often insufficient treatment options. Apart from the development of novel antifungal agents, it is a promising approach to activate antimicrobial mechanisms employed by the immune system to eliminate microbial intruders. Antibodies represent a major tool to mark and combat microbes. Moreover, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly specific reagents that opened new avenues for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
    [Show full text]
  • HHE Report No. HETA-92-0348-2361, First United
    ThisThis Heal Healthth Ha Hazzardard E Evvaluaaluationtion ( H(HHHEE) )report report and and any any r ereccoommmmendendaatitonsions m madeade herein herein are are f orfor t hethe s sppeeccifiicfic f afacciliilityty e evvaluaaluatedted and and may may not not b bee un univeriverssaalllyly appappliliccabable.le. A Anyny re reccoommmmendaendatitoionnss m madeade are are n noot tt oto be be c consonsideredidered as as f ifnalinal s statatetemmeenntsts of of N NIOIOSSHH po polilcicyy or or of of any any agen agenccyy or or i ndindivivididuualal i nvoinvolvlved.ed. AdditionalAdditional HHE HHE repor reportsts are are ava availilabablele at at h htttptp:/://ww/wwww.c.cddcc.gov.gov/n/nioiosshh/hhe/hhe/repor/reportsts ThisThis HealHealtthh HaHazzardard EEvvaluaaluattionion ((HHHHEE)) reportreport andand anyany rreeccoommmmendendaattiionsons mmadeade hereinherein areare fforor tthehe ssppeecciifficic ffaacciliilittyy eevvaluaaluatteded andand maymay notnot bbee ununiiververssaallllyy appappapplililicccababablle.e.le. A AAnynyny re rerecccooommmmmmendaendaendattitiooionnnsss m mmadeadeade are areare n nnooott t t totoo be bebe c cconsonsonsiideredderedidered as asas f fifinalnalinal s ssttataatteteemmmeeennnttstss of ofof N NNIIOIOOSSSHHH po popolliilccicyyy or oror of ofof any anyany agen agenagencccyyy or oror i indndindiivviviiddiduuualalal i invonvoinvollvvlved.ed.ed. AdditionalAdditional HHEHHE reporreporttss areare avaavaililabablele atat hhtttpp::///wwwwww..ccddcc..govgov//nnioiosshh//hhehhe//reporreporttss This Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) report and any recommendations made herein are for the specific facility evaluated and may not be universally applicable. Any recommendations made are not to be considered as final statements of NIOSH policy or of any agency or individual involved. Additional HHE reports are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports HETA 92-0348-2361 NIOSH INVESTIGATOR: OCTOBER 1993 STEVEN W.
    [Show full text]
  • Histoplasma Capsulatum Antibody
    Lab Dept: Serology Test Name: HISTOPLASMA CAPSULATUM ANTIBODY General Information Lab Order Codes: HAB – Complement Fixation Synonyms: Histoplasma Antibody, Serum; Histoplasma Ab; Histoplasma Complement Fixation; Immunodiffusion for Fungi CPT Codes: 86698 X3 - Antibody; histoplasma Test Includes: Histoplasma Antibody by Complement Fixation Logistics Test Indications: Useful as an aid in the diagnosis of respiratory disease when Histoplasma infection is suspected. Histoplasma capsulatum is a soil saprophyte that grows well in soil enriched with bird droppings. The usual disease is self-limited, affects the lungs and is asymptomatic. Chronic cavitary pulmonary disease, disseminated disease, and meningitis may occur and can be fatal, especially in young children and in immunosuppressed patients. Lab Testing Sections: Serology - Sendouts Referred to: Mayo Medical Laboratories (Mayo Test: SHSTO) Phone Numbers: MIN Lab: 612-813-6280 STP Lab: 651-220-6550 Test Availability: Daily, 24 hours Turnaround Time: 1 – 2 days, test is set up Sunday - Friday Special Instructions: N/A Specimen Specimen Type: Blood Container: SST (Gold, marble or red) Draw Volume: 6 mL (Minimum: 1.5 mL) blood Processed Volume: 2 mL (Minimum: 0.5 mL) serum Collection: Routine blood collection Special Processing: Lab Staff: Centrifuge specimen and remove serum aliquot into a screw- capped round bottom plastic tube. Store and send serum refrigerated. Forward promptly. Patient Preparation: None Sample Rejection: Specimen collected in incorrect container; specimen other than serum; gross hemolysis; mislabeled or unlabeled specimens Interpretive Reference Range: Complement Fixation/Immunodiffusion test: Mycelial by complement fixation: negative (positives reported as titer) Yeast by complement fixation: negative (positives reported as titer) Antibody by immunodiffusion: negative (positives reported as band present) Complement fixation (CF) titers ≥1:32 indicate active disease.
    [Show full text]
  • Cryptococcus Neoformans and Histoplasma Capsulatum in Dove's
    MICROBIOLOGÍA ORIGINAL ARTICLE cana de i noamer i and sta Lat Cryptococcus neoformans Histoplasma capsula- i Rev Vol. 48, No. 1 tum in dove’s (Columbia livia) excreta in Bolívar State, January - March. 2006 pp. 6 - 9 Venezuela Julman R. Cermeño,* Isabel Hernández,* Ismery Cabello,** Yida Orellán,* Julmery J. Cer- meño,** Rosa Albornoz,* Elba Padrón,* Gerardo Godoy* ABSTRACT. Dove’s excreta samples from state Bolívar several RESUMEN. Se estudiaron muestras de excretas de palomas obteni- places in Venezuela, were evaluated to determine the presence of das de varios lugares del estado Bolívar, Venezuela, con la finali- primary pathogen fungi in dove’s excreta. Filamentous fungi such dad de determinar la presencia de hongos patógenos primarios. as: Aspergillus spp (31.1%), Mucor spp (20.2%), Penicillium spp Hongos filamentosos tales como: Aspergillus spp (31.1%), Mucor (9.5%) and Fusarium spp (6.7%) were the most frequently isolated spp (20,2%), Penicillium spp (9.5%) y Fusarium spp (6.7%) fue- strains. Species such as Candida albicans (4.1%), Cryptococcus al- ron los aislados más frecuentes. Especies como Candida albicans bidus and Rhodotorula spp (2.7%), C. neoformans var neoformans (4.1%), Cryptococcus albidus y Rhodotorula spp (2.7%), C. neo- (1.4%), Trichosporum asahii (1.4%), Curvularia, Microsporum and formans var neoformans (1.4%), Trichosporum asahii (1.4%), Cur- Phoma as well as Histoplasma capsulatum (1.3%) were less fre- vularia, Microsporum y Phoma, así como de Histoplasma capsula- cuently isolated. This study shows the presence of C. neoformans tum (1.3%) se aislaron con menor frecuencia. Este estudio demostró and H.
    [Show full text]
  • Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis Outbreaks, United States, 1938–2013
    Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3201/eid2203.151117 Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis Outbreaks, United States, 1938–2013 Technical Appendix References for Reported Histoplasmosis Outbreaks by Setting, United States, 1938–2013* Building Bartlett PC, Vonbehren LA, Tewari RP, Martin RJ, Eagleton L, Isaac MJ, et al. Bats in the belfry: an outbreak of histoplasmosis. Am J Public Health. 1982;72:1369–72. http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.72.12.1369 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Histoplasmosis—Kentucky, 1995. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1995;44:701–3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiological reports—histoplasmosis. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1956;5:1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiological reports—histoplasmosis. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 1956;5:8. Chick EW, Bauman DS, Lapp NL, Morgan WK. A combined field and laboratory epidemic of histoplasmosis. Isolation from bat feces in West Virginia. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1972;105:968–71. Dean AG, Bates JH, Sorrels C, Sorrels T, Germany W, Ajello L, et al. An outbreak of histoplasmosis at an Arkansas courthouse, with five cases of probable reinfection. Am J Epidemiol. 1978;108:36– 46. Fournier M, Quinlisk P, Garvey A. Histoplasmosis infections associated with a demolition site—Iowa, 2008 [abstract]. Presented at: 58th Annual Epidemic Intelligence Service Conference; 2009 Apr 20–24; Atlanta, Georgia, USA. p. 56–57 [cited 2015 Mar 16]. http://www.cdc.gov/eis/downloads/2009.eis.conference.pdf Page 1 of 8 Gordon MA, Ziment I. Epidemic of acute Histoplasmosis in western New York State. N Y State J Med.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 12: Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Parasites
    I. FUNGI (Mycology) u Diverse group of heterotrophs. u Many are ecologically important saprophytes(consume dead and decaying matter) Chapter 12: u Others are parasites. Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and u Most are multicellular, but yeasts are unicellular. u Most are aerobes or facultative anaerobes. Parasites u Cell walls are made up of chitin (polysaccharide). u Over 100,000 fungal species identified. Only about 100 are human or animal pathogens. u Most human fungal infections are nosocomial and/or occur in immunocompromised individuals (opportunistic infections). u Fungal diseases in plants cause over 1 billion dollars/year in losses. CHARACTERISTICS OFFUNGI (Continued) CHARACTERISTICS OFFUNGI 2. Molds and Fleshy Fungi 1. Yeasts u Multicellular, filamentous fungi. u Unicellular fungi, nonfilamentous, typically oval or u Identified by physical appearance, colony characteristics, spherical cells. Reproduce by mitosis: and reproductive spores. u Fission yeasts: Divide evenly to produce two new cells u Thallus: Body of a mold or fleshy fungus. Consists of many (Schizosaccharomyces). hyphae. u Budding yeasts: Divide unevenly by budding (Saccharomyces). u Hyphae (Sing: Hypha): Long filaments of cells joined together. Budding yeasts can form pseudohypha, a short chain of u Septate hyphae: Cells are divided by cross-walls (septa). undetached cells. u Coenocytic (Aseptate) hyphae: Long, continuous cells that are not divided by septa. Candida albicans invade tissues through pseudohyphae. Hyphae grow by elongating at the tips. u Yeasts are facultative anaerobes, which allows them to Each part of a hypha is capable of growth. grow in a variety of environments. u Vegetative Hypha: Portion that obtains nutrients. u Reproductive or Aerial Hypha: Portion connected with u When oxygen is available, they carry out aerobic respiration.
    [Show full text]
  • Serious Fungal Infections in Ecuador
    Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis DOI 10.1007/s10096-017-2928-5 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Serious fungal infections in Ecuador J. Zurita1,2 & D. W. Denning3 & A. Paz-y-Miño 2 & M. B. Solís2 & L. M. Arias1 Received: 21 December 2016 /Accepted: 21 December 2016 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2017 Abstract There is a dearth of data from Ecuador on the bur- Pneumocystis pneumonia. The burden of candidemia is den of life-threatening fungal disease entities; therefore, we 1037. Recurrent Candida vaginitis (≥4 episodes per year) af- estimated the burden of serious fungal infections in Ecuador fects 307,593 women aged 15–50 years. Chronic pulmonary based on the populations at risk and available epidemiological aspergillosis probably affects ∼476 patients following tuber- databases and publications. A full literature search was done culosis (TB). Invasive aspergillosis is estimated to affect 748 to identify all epidemiology papers reporting fungal infection patients (∼5.5/100,000). In addition, allergic rates. WHO, ONU-AIDS, Index Mundi, Global Asthma bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthma and se- Report, Globocan, and national data [Instituto Nacional de vere asthma with fungal sensitization (SAFS) were estimated Estadística y Censos (INEC), Ministerio de Salud Pública to affect 26,642 and 45,013 people, respectively. Our esti- (MSP), Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer (SOLCA), mates indicate that 433,856 (3%) of the population in Instituto Nacional de Donación y Trasplante de Órganos, Ecuador is affected by serious fungal infection. Tejidos y Células (INDOT)] were reviewed. When no data existed, risk populations were used to estimate frequencies of fungal infections, using previously described methodology Introduction by LIFE.
    [Show full text]
  • Occurrence of Histoplasmosis in the Indian Sub-Continent: an Overview and Update
    REVIEW ARTICLE Occurrence of Histoplasmosis in the Indian Sub-Continent: An Overview and Update https://doi.org/10.20936/jmrp/07/03/02 Harbans S Randhawa* and Harish C Gugnani** ISSN : 2162-6391 (Print) 2162-6375 (Online) ABSTRACT The occurrence of histoplasmosis and its environmental sources of infection are reviewed. It covers the regional distribution of 388 cases of histoplasmosis reported since 1995 to till date. The highest number of cases occurred in West Bengal, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Delhi Union territory (UT), Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Bihar. A sharp rising trend in reporting cases observed in recent years is particularly noteworthy. Also, discussed are the variable clinico-pathological manifestations of 388 cases from India, 20 from Bangladesh, five from Nepal, four from Pakistan, and three from Sri Lanka. Being a primary pathogen, the etiological agent Histoplasma capsulatum can infect immunocompetent as well as the immunocompromised patients. The disease is fatal unless diagnosed early and treated with specific antifungal drugs. It has a predilection for reticuloendothelial system, leading to hepatosplenomegaly, a prominent feature of disseminated histoplasmosis. It poses an ever-increasing threat to public health due to burgeoning population of immunocompromised patients resulting from the spread of AIDS and immunosuppressive therapy in patients undergoing organs transplantation. Non-recognition of the true burden of histoplasmosis in the Indian sub-continent is attributed to possible misdiagnosis as tuberculosis, malignancy or other diseases, and to lack of awareness and inadequate mycological diagnostic facilities. The need for exploring the natural foci of H. capsulatum infections, using molecular techniques, and delineating the endemic zones of histoplasmosis is strongly emphasized.
    [Show full text]
  • Remodeling of the Histoplasma Capsulatum Membrane Induced by Monoclonal Antibodies
    Article Remodeling of the Histoplasma Capsulatum Membrane Induced by Monoclonal Antibodies 1, 2, 1 1 Meagan C. Burnet y, Daniel Zamith-Miranda y, Heino M. Heyman , Karl K. Weitz , Erin L. Bredeweg 3, Joshua D. Nosanchuk 2,* and Ernesto S. Nakayasu 1,* 1 Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA; [email protected] (M.C.B.); [email protected] (H.M.H.); [email protected] (K.K.W.) 2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; [email protected] 3 Environmental and Molecular Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] (J.D.N.); [email protected] (E.S.N.) These authors contributed equally to the work. y Received: 24 April 2020; Accepted: 31 May 2020; Published: 2 June 2020 Abstract: Antibodies play a central role in host immunity by directly inactivating or recognizing an invading pathogen to enhance different immune responses to combat the invader. However, the cellular responses of pathogens to the presence of antibodies are not well-characterized. Here, we used different mass spectrometry techniques to study the cellular responses of the pathogenic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum to monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against HSP60, the surface protein involved in infection. A proteomic analysis of H. capsulatum yeast cells revealed that mAb binding regulates a variety of metabolic and signaling pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, sterol metabolism, MAPK signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. The regulation of the fatty acid metabolism was accompanied by increases in the level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which further augmented the degree of unsaturated lipids in H.
    [Show full text]
  • Pathology of Fungal Infection
    14/10/56 Pathology of Fungal Infection Julintorn Somran, MD. Growth form of fungi Filamentous or hyphae Yeasts 1 14/10/56 Dimorphic fungi • Presence of both filamentous forms and yeasts in their cycle – Histoplasma spp. • Hyphae at environmental temperatures and yeast form in the body – Candida spp. • Hyphae, pseudohyphae, and yeast form in the body Three types of fungal infection (Mycoses) 1. Superficial mycoses: – Skin, hair, and nails 2. Cutaneous and Subcutaneous mycoses: – deeper layer of skin 3. Systemic or deep mycoses: – internal organ involvement – Including opportunistic infection 2 14/10/56 Superficial mycoses Tinea (Ringworm) Ptyriasis versicolor Cutaneous and Subcutaneous mycoses Eumycotic mycetoma 3 14/10/56 Systemic or deep mycoses Mucormycosis or Zygomycosis Systemic or deep mycoses Pulmonary aspergilllosis 4 14/10/56 Host – Agent relationship Immunocompetent Nosocomial host infection Pathogenic agents Environment Organisms Host Infectious disease Impaired Defense mechanism Immunocompromise Opportunistic host infection Superficial mycoses Representative Causative Growth form disease organisms in Tissue Dermatophytosis Microsporum, Filamentous form Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton Pityriasis versicolor or Malassezia Yeast and filamentous skin infection via form malassezia Tinea nigra or Exophialia Filamentous form keratomycosis nigrican (Phaeoanellomyces) (pigmented) palmaris wernekii Onychomycosis Microsporum, Filamentous form Trichophyton, Epidermophyton etc. 5 14/10/56 DERMATOPHYTOSIS • Definition and Epidemiology: – Common superficial infection caused by fungi that able to invade keratinized tissue – stratum corneum, hair, and nails. – World wide in distribution – The source of infection – another person, animal or soil • Etiologic agents: – Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton – T rubrum – most common for tinea pedis and onychomycosis in temperate climate, and tinea cruris and tinea corporis in the tropics.
    [Show full text]
  • Descriptions of Medical Fungi
    DESCRIPTIONS OF MEDICAL FUNGI THIRD EDITION (revised November 2016) SARAH KIDD1,3, CATRIONA HALLIDAY2, HELEN ALEXIOU1 and DAVID ELLIS1,3 1NaTIONal MycOlOgy REfERENcE cENTRE Sa PaTHOlOgy, aDElaIDE, SOUTH aUSTRalIa 2clINIcal MycOlOgy REfERENcE labORatory cENTRE fOR INfEcTIOUS DISEaSES aND MIcRObIOlOgy labORatory SERvIcES, PaTHOlOgy WEST, IcPMR, WESTMEaD HOSPITal, WESTMEaD, NEW SOUTH WalES 3 DEPaRTMENT Of MOlEcUlaR & cEllUlaR bIOlOgy ScHOOl Of bIOlOgIcal ScIENcES UNIvERSITy Of aDElaIDE, aDElaIDE aUSTRalIa 2016 We thank Pfizera ustralia for an unrestricted educational grant to the australian and New Zealand Mycology Interest group to cover the cost of the printing. Published by the authors contact: Dr. Sarah E. Kidd Head, National Mycology Reference centre Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Sa Pathology frome Rd, adelaide, Sa 5000 Email: [email protected] Phone: (08) 8222 3571 fax: (08) 8222 3543 www.mycology.adelaide.edu.au © copyright 2016 The National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry: creator: Kidd, Sarah, author. Title: Descriptions of medical fungi / Sarah Kidd, catriona Halliday, Helen alexiou, David Ellis. Edition: Third edition. ISbN: 9780646951294 (paperback). Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Subjects: fungi--Indexes. Mycology--Indexes. Other creators/contributors: Halliday, catriona l., author. Alexiou, Helen, author. Ellis, David (David H.), author. Dewey Number: 579.5 Printed in adelaide by Newstyle Printing 41 Manchester Street Mile End, South australia 5031 front cover: Cryptococcus neoformans, and montages including Syncephalastrum, Scedosporium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Microsporum, Purpureocillium, Paecilomyces and Trichophyton. back cover: the colours of Trichophyton spp. Descriptions of Medical Fungi iii PREFACE The first edition of this book entitled Descriptions of Medical QaP fungi was published in 1992 by David Ellis, Steve Davis, Helen alexiou, Tania Pfeiffer and Zabeta Manatakis.
    [Show full text]