Fungal Infections
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Candida Krusei: Biology, Epidemiology, Pathogenicity and Clinical Manifestations of an Emerging Pathogen
J. Med. Microbiol. - Vol. 41 (1994), 295-310 0 1994 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland REVIEW ARTICLE: CLINICAL MYCOLOGY Candida krusei: biology, epidemiology, pathogenicity and clinical manifestations of an emerging pathogen YUTHIKA H. SAMARANAYAKE and L. P. SAMARANAYAKE” Department of Pathology (Oral), Faculty of Medicine and Ord diology Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Hong Kong Summary. Early reports of Candida krusei in man describe the organism as a transient, infrequent isolate of minor clinical significance inhabiting the mucosal surfaces. More recently it has emerged as a notable pathogen with a spectrum of clinical manifestations such as fungaemia, endophthalmitis, arthritis and endocarditis, most of which usually occur in compromised patient groups in a nosocomial setting. The advent of human immunodeficiency virus infection and the widespread use of the newer triazole fluconazole to suppress fungal infections in these patients have contributed to a significant increase in C. krusei infection, particularly because of the high incidence of resistance of the yeast to this drug. Experimental studies have generally shown C. krusei to be less virulent than C. albicans in terms of its adherence to both epithelial and prosthetic surfaces, proteolytic potential and production of phospholipases. Furthermore, it would seem that C. krusei is significantlydifferent from other medically important Candida spp. in its structural and metabolic features, and exhibits different behaviour patterns towards host defences, adding credence to the belief that it should be re-assigned taxonomically. An increased awareness of the pathogenic potential of this yeast coupled with the newer molecular biological approaches to its study may facilitate the continued exploration of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of C. -
Central Nervous System Infections by Members of the Pseudallescheria
Review article Central nervous system infections by members of the Pseudallescheria boydii species complex in healthy and immunocompromised hosts: epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcome A. Serda Kantarcioglu,1 Josep Guarro2 and G. S. de Hoog3 1Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey, 2Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain and 3Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, and Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Summary Infections caused by members of the Pseudallescheria boydii species complex are currently among the most common mould infections. These fungi show a particular tropism for the central nervous system (CNS). We reviewed all the available reports on CNS infections, focusing on the geographical distribution, infection routes, immunity status of infected individuals, type and location of infections, clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome. A total of 99 case reports were identified, with similar percentage of healthy and immunocompromised patients (44% vs. 56%; P = 0.26). Main clinical types were brain abscess (69%), co-infection of brain tissue and ⁄ or spinal cord with meninges (10%) and meningitis (9%). The mortality rate was 74%, regardless of the patientÕs immune status, or the infection type and ⁄ or location. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was revealed as a not very important tool as the percentage of positive samples for P. boydii complex was not different from that of negative ones (67% vs. 33%; P = 0.10). In immunocompetent patients, CNS infection was preceded by near drowning or trauma. In these patients, the infection was characterised by localised involvement and a high fatality rate (76%). -
Candida Auris
microorganisms Review Candida auris: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Infection Control Measures to Combat the Spread of Infections in Healthcare Facilities Suhail Ahmad * and Wadha Alfouzan Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +965-2463-6503 Abstract: Candida auris, a recently recognized, often multidrug-resistant yeast, has become a sig- nificant fungal pathogen due to its ability to cause invasive infections and outbreaks in healthcare facilities which have been difficult to control and treat. The extraordinary abilities of C. auris to easily contaminate the environment around colonized patients and persist for long periods have recently re- sulted in major outbreaks in many countries. C. auris resists elimination by robust cleaning and other decontamination procedures, likely due to the formation of ‘dry’ biofilms. Susceptible hospitalized patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities in intensive care settings, acquire C. auris rather easily from close contact with C. auris-infected patients, their environment, or the equipment used on colonized patients, often with fatal consequences. This review highlights the lessons learned from recent studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, susceptibility, and molecular basis of resistance to antifungal drugs and infection control measures to combat the spread of C. auris Citation: Ahmad, S.; Alfouzan, W. Candida auris: Epidemiology, infections in healthcare facilities. Particular emphasis is given to interventions aiming to prevent new Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Antifungal infections in healthcare facilities, including the screening of susceptible patients for colonization; the Susceptibility, and Infection Control cleaning and decontamination of the environment, equipment, and colonized patients; and successful Measures to Combat the Spread of approaches to identify and treat infected patients, particularly during outbreaks. -
1. Economic, Ecological and Cultural Importance of Fungi
1. Economic, ecological and cultural importance of Fungi Fungi as food Yeast fermentations, Saccaromyces cerevesiae [Ascomycota] alcoholic beverages, yeast leavened bread Glucose 2 glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate + 2 ATP 2 NAD O2 2 NADH2 2 pyruvate + 2 ATP + 2 H2O 2 ethanol 2 acetaldehyde + 2 ATP + 2 CO2 Fungi as food Citric acid Aspergillus niger Fungi as food Cheese Penicillium camembertii, Penicillium roquefortii Rennet, chymosin produced by Rhizomucor miehei and recombinant Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevesiae chymosin first GM enzyme approved for use in food Fungi as food Quorn mycoprotein, produced from biomass of Fusarium venenatum [Ascomycota] Fungi as food Red yeast rice, Monascus purpureus Soy fermentations, Aspergillus oryzae [Ascomycota] contains lovastatin? Tempeh, made with Rhizopus oligosporus [Zygomycota] Fungi as food Other fungal food products: vitamins and enzymes • vitamins: riboflavin (vitamin B2), commercially produced by Ashbya gossypii • chocolate: cacao beans fermented before being made into chocolate with a mixture of yeasts and filamentous fungi: Candida krusei, Geotrichum candidum, Hansenula anomala, Pichia fermentans • candy: invertase, commercially produced by Aspergillus niger, various yeasts, enzyme splits disaccharide sucrose into glucose and fructose, used to make candy with soft centers • glucoamylase: Aspergillus niger, used in baking to increase fermentable sugar, also a cause of “baker’s asthma” • pectinases, proteases, glucanases for clarifying juices, beverages Fungi as food Perigord truffle, Tuber -
Diagnosis and Treatment of Tinea Versicolor Ronald Savin, MD New Haven, Connecticut
■ CLINICAL REVIEW Diagnosis and Treatment of Tinea Versicolor Ronald Savin, MD New Haven, Connecticut Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is a common imidazole, has been used for years both orally and top superficial fungal infection of the stratum corneum. ically with great success, although it has not been Caused by the fungus Malassezia furfur, this chronical approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the ly recurring disease is most prevalent in the tropics but indication of tinea versicolor. Newer derivatives, such is also common in temperate climates. Treatments are as fluconazole and itraconazole, have recently been available and cure rates are high, although recurrences introduced. Side effects associated with these triazoles are common. Traditional topical agents such as seleni tend to be minor and low in incidence. Except for keto um sulfide are effective, but recurrence following treat conazole, oral antifungals carry a low risk of hepato- ment with these agents is likely and often rapid. toxicity. Currently, therapeutic interest is focused on synthetic Key Words: Tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor; anti “-azole” antifungal drugs, which interfere with the sterol fungal agents. metabolism of the infectious agent. Ketoconazole, an (J Fam Pract 1996; 43:127-132) ormal skin flora includes two morpho than formerly thought. In one study, children under logically discrete lipophilic yeasts: a age 14 represented nearly 5% of confirmed cases spherical form, Pityrosporum orbicu- of the disease.3 In many of these cases, the face lare, and an ovoid form, Pityrosporum was involved, a rare manifestation of the disease in ovale. Whether these are separate enti adults.1 The condition is most prevalent in tropical tiesN or different morphologic forms in the cell and semitropical areas, where up to 40% of some cycle of the same organism remains unclear.: In the populations are affected. -
Trichosporon Beigelii Infection Presenting As White Piedra and Onychomycosis in the Same Patient
Trichosporon beigelii Infection Presenting as White Piedra and Onychomycosis in the Same Patient Lt Col Kathleen B. Elmer, USAF; COL Dirk M. Elston, MC, USA; COL Lester F. Libow, MC, USA Trichosporon beigelii is a fungal organism that causes white piedra and has occasionally been implicated as a nail pathogen. We describe a patient with both hair and nail changes associated with T beigelii. richosporon beigelii is a basidiomycetous yeast, phylogenetically similar to Cryptococcus.1 T T beigelii has been found on a variety of mammals and is present in soil, water, decaying plants, and animals.2 T beigelii is known to colonize normal human skin, as well as the respiratory, gas- trointestinal, and urinary tracts.3 It is the causative agent of white piedra, a superficial fungal infection of the hair shaft and also has been described as a rare cause of onychomycosis.4 T beigelii can cause endo- carditis and septicemia in immunocompromised hosts.5 We describe a healthy patient with both white piedra and T beigelii–induced onychomycosis. Case Report A 62-year-old healthy man who worked as a pool maintenance employee was evaluated for thickened, discolored thumb nails (Figure 1). He had been aware of progressive brown-to-black discoloration of the involved nails for 8 months. In addition, soft, light yellow-brown nodules were noted along the shafts of several axillary hairs (Figure 2). Microscopic analysis of the hairs revealed nodal concretions along the shafts (Figure 3). No pubic, scalp, eyebrow, eyelash, Figure 1. Onychomycotic thumb nail. or beard hair involvement was present. Cultures of thumb nail clippings on Sabouraud dextrose agar grew T beigelii and Candida parapsilosis. -
New and Emerging Yeast Pathogens KEVIN C
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Oct. 1995, p. 462–478 Vol. 8, No. 4 0893-8512/95/$04.0010 Copyright q 1995, American Society for Microbiology New and Emerging Yeast Pathogens KEVIN C. HAZEN* Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................462 DEFINITION OF NEW OR EMERGING YEAST PATHOGENS ......................................................................462 WHICH YEASTS ARE NEW OR EMERGING PATHOGENS? .........................................................................463 ANATOMIC SITES ATTACKED BY YEASTS.......................................................................................................464 HISTOPATHOLOGY .................................................................................................................................................466 TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS DUE TO UNUSUAL YEASTS .......................................................................466 Catheter Removal ...................................................................................................................................................466 Antifungal Therapy.................................................................................................................................................469 MICROBIOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................469 -
New Species and Changes in Fungal Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Journal of Fungi Review From the Clinical Mycology Laboratory: New Species and Changes in Fungal Taxonomy and Nomenclature Nathan P. Wiederhold * and Connie F. C. Gibas Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 29 October 2018; Accepted: 13 December 2018; Published: 16 December 2018 Abstract: Fungal taxonomy is the branch of mycology by which we classify and group fungi based on similarities or differences. Historically, this was done by morphologic characteristics and other phenotypic traits. However, with the advent of the molecular age in mycology, phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences has replaced these classic means for grouping related species. This, along with the abandonment of the dual nomenclature system, has led to a marked increase in the number of new species and reclassification of known species. Although these evaluations and changes are necessary to move the field forward, there is concern among medical mycologists that the rapidity by which fungal nomenclature is changing could cause confusion in the clinical literature. Thus, there is a proposal to allow medical mycologists to adopt changes in taxonomy and nomenclature at a slower pace. In this review, changes in the taxonomy and nomenclature of medically relevant fungi will be discussed along with the impact this may have on clinicians and patient care. Specific examples of changes and current controversies will also be given. Keywords: taxonomy; fungal nomenclature; phylogenetics; species complex 1. Introduction Kingdom Fungi is a large and diverse group of organisms for which our knowledge is rapidly expanding. -
Isolation of Cryptococcus Neoformans and Other Opportunistic Fungi from Pigeon Droppings Rticle Maryam Soltani, Mansour Bayat, Seyed J
Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and other opportunistic fungi from pigeon droppings RTICLE Maryam Soltani, Mansour Bayat, Seyed J. Hashemi1, Mohammadali Zia2, Nader Pestechian3 A Department of Medical and Veterinary Mycology, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Science, Science and Research Branch,1Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 2Department of Basic Sciences, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, 3Department of Mycology and Parasitolog, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran Background: Invasive fungal infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Pigeon droppings could especially be a potential carrier in the spread of pathogenic yeasts and mold fungi into the environment. The objective of this RIGINAL study was to isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and other opportunistic fungi from pigeon droppings. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty samples of pigeon droppings were suspended 1:10 in saline solution and then cultured. Identification of C. neoformans O was performed on bird seed agar, presence of a capsule on India ink preparation, urease production on urea agar medium and RapID yeast plus system. The identification of candida species was based on micro‑morphological analysis on corn meal‑Tween 80 agar, RapID yeast plus system and growth in CHROMagar candida. The identification of other fungi was based on macromorphologic, microscopic, biochemical and physiological characteristics. Results: The highest frequency of yeasts and mold fungi were observed in Candida albicans 6.6% and Penicillium spp. 25%. The frequency rate of C. neoformans isolation was 2.5%. Conclusion: Several types of fungi are present in pigeon droppings that can spread in environment and transmit to children and elderly as well as immunocompromised patients who are at increased risk of contracting opportunistic diseases. -
Scedosporium, Chrysosporium, Sepedonium Ve Beauveria)
Simpozyum: Hyalen küfler ve hyalohifomikozlar (Aspergillus dışı) TEK KONİDİYUM OLUŞTURAN HYALEN KÜFLER VE İNFEKSİYONLARI (SCEDOSPORIUM, CHRYSOSPORIUM, SEPEDONIUM VE BEAUVERIA) Şaban GÜRCAN Trakya Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Mikrobiyoloji ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Anabilim Dalı, Edirne, ([email protected]) Scedosporium Scedosporium cinsinin tıpta önemli olan ve isimleri birkaç kez değiştirilmiş olan iki türü vardır: Scedosporium apiospermum ve Scedosporium prolificans (1-3). Bunlar esasen immünkompro- mize hastalarda öldürücü pulmoner veya yaygın infeksiyonlara, immünkompetan hastalarda travma, cerrahi uygulama, boğulma veya intravenöz ilaç kullanımını takiben lokalize infeksi- yonlara neden olabilen hifomiçetlerdir (4-6). İnvazif ve yaygın infeksiyonlar organ nakli, lösemi, lenfoma, sistemik lupus eritamatozus veya Crohn Hastalığı için immünsüpresif tedavi veya kortikosteroit alan hastalarda görülür (7-9). Pseudallescheria boydii’nin aseksüel formu olan S. apiospermum tüm dünyada yaygın olarak bulunur ancak olgular daha çok İspanya, Avustralya ve takiben Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nden bildirilmiştir (6, 7, 10). Genel virulans özellikleri düşük olmasına rağmen diğer saprofitlerle kıyaslandığında Pseudallescheria/ Scedosporium göreceli yüksek virulansa sahiptir (2, 7). Pseudallescheria/Scedosporium türleri toprak, çürüyen bitki, lağım pisliği, kirli su ve çiftlik hayvanlarının gübrelerinden izole edilebilirler (2, 7). İnsanlarda ise kütanöz (miçetom, madura ayağı), solunum sistemi ve santral sinir sistemi infeksiyonları sırasıyla en -
Scedosporium Brain Abscess in an Individual with Crohn's Disease On
J Case Rep Images Med 2016;2:78–82. Liew et al. 78 www.edoriumjournals.com/case-reports/jcrm CASE REPORT PEER REVIEWED OPEN| OPEN ACCESS ACCESS Scedosporium brain abscess in an individual with Crohn’s disease on chronic immunosuppression Jean Liew, Jia Luo, Graeme Forrest, Adam Obley ABSTRACT lesions, even in patients with lesser degrees of immunosuppression. Clinical suspicion and Introduction: Scedosporium species are early diagnosis is critical because Scedosporium ubiquitous molds found in the environment species are resistant to many antifungal agents that are uncommon pathogens in humans. including amphotericin B, but may respond to Infections usually occur in immunosuppressed voriconazole. hosts. Scedosporium infection of the central nervous system is an even rarer manifestation Keywords: Brain abscess, Crohn’s disease, Fun- that has mostly been described in transplant gal infection, Immunosuppression, Opportunis- recipients and in cases of near-drowning. tic infection Case Report: We present a case of an elderly man with a history of Crohn’s disease on moderate How to cite this article immunosuppressive therapy, who presented with subacute progressive encephalopathy and Liew J, Luo J, Forrest G, Obley A. Scedosporium was found to have a rim-enhancing lesion in brain abscess in an individual with Crohn’s disease the left frontal lobe. Cultures from biopsy of on chronic immunosuppression. J Case Rep Images the lesion grew Scedosporium apiospermum. Med 2016;2:78–82. Although the patient was appropriately treated with voriconazole, -
Mycology Proficiency Testing Program
Mycology Proficiency Testing Program Test Event Critique January 2013 Mycology Laboratory Table of Contents Mycology Laboratory 2 Mycology Proficiency Testing Program 3 Test Specimens & Grading Policy 5 Test Analyte Master Lists 7 Performance Summary 11 Commercial Device Usage Statistics 15 Mold Descriptions 16 M-1 Exserohilum species 16 M-2 Phialophora species 20 M-3 Chrysosporium species 25 M-4 Fusarium species 30 M-5 Rhizopus species 34 Yeast Descriptions 38 Y-1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 38 Y-2 Trichosporon asahii 41 Y-3 Candida glabrata 44 Y-4 Candida albicans 47 Y-5 Geotrichum candidum 50 Direct Detection - Cryptococcal Antigen 53 Antifungal Susceptibility Testing - Yeast 55 Antifungal Susceptibility Testing - Mold (Educational) 60 1 Mycology Laboratory Mycology Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is a reference diagnostic laboratory for the fungal diseases. The laboratory services include testing for the dimorphic pathogenic fungi, unusual molds and yeasts pathogens, antifungal susceptibility testing including tests with research protocols, molecular tests including rapid identification and strain typing, outbreak and pseudo-outbreak investigations, laboratory contamination and accident investigations and related environmental surveys. The Fungal Culture Collection of the Mycology Laboratory is an important resource for high quality cultures used in the proficiency-testing program and for the in-house development and standardization of new diagnostic tests. Mycology Proficiency Testing Program provides technical expertise to NYSDOH Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP). The program is responsible for conducting the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-compliant Proficiency Testing (Mycology) for clinical laboratories in New York State. All analytes for these test events are prepared and standardized internally.