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Acosta-Mosquera Y, Tapia JC, Armas-González R, Cáceres-Valdiviezo MJ, Fernández-Cadena JC, Andrade-Molina D. Prevalence and Species Distribution of Candida Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ecuador Tested from January 2019 to February 2020. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:304. [PMID: 38786659 PMCID: PMC11122525 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of candidemia in healthcare centers is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Frequency varies significantly among regions, with some species being more prevalent than others in Latin America. In this study, 191 clinical Candida isolates were collected from a major hospital in Ecuador from January 2019 to February 2020 aiming to assess their prevalence and distribution. After data processing, 168 isolates characterized by the VITEK 2 system were subsequently identified by ITS sequencing. Results showed diverse Candida species distributions, with C. albicans and C. tropicalis being the most prevalent across different clinical sources. In hospitalized individuals, C. tropicalis (38%) and C. albicans (37%) were the most prevalent, followed by, C. parapsilosis (16%), C. glabrata (5%), and other non-Candida albicans (NCA) species (6%). Conversely, C. parapsilosis (48%), C. albicans (20%), and C. glabrata (14%), associated with candidemia, were the most common in blood and CSF. Additionally, uncommon NCA species such as C. haemulonii, C. kefyr, and C. pelliculosa were identified in Ecuador for the first time. Discrepancies in species identification were observed between the VITEK 2 system and ITS sequencing, coinciding at 85%. This highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and identification efforts in Ecuador's clinical and epidemiological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Tapia
- Omics Science Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador; (J.C.T.); (M.J.C.-V.)
| | - Rubén Armas-González
- Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA), Representación Ecuador-Proyecto-5CN-1RBT, Quito 170518, Ecuador;
- Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador
| | - María José Cáceres-Valdiviezo
- Omics Science Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador; (J.C.T.); (M.J.C.-V.)
| | - Juan Carlos Fernández-Cadena
- African Genome Center, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Lot 660, Hay Moulay Rachid, Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
| | - Derly Andrade-Molina
- Omics Science Laboratory, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Samborondon 092301, Ecuador; (J.C.T.); (M.J.C.-V.)
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What Is Candida Doing in My Food? A Review and Safety Alert on Its Use as Starter Cultures in Fermented Foods. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091855. [PMID: 36144457 PMCID: PMC9502980 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of yeasts as starter cultures was boosted with the emergence of large-scale fermentations in the 20th century. Since then, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been the most common and widely used microorganism in the food industry. However, Candida species have also been used as an adjuvant in cheese production or as starters for coffee, cocoa, vegetable, meat, beer, and wine fermentations. A thorough screening of candidate Candida is sometimes performed to obtain the best performing strains to enhance specific features. Some commonly selected species include C. pulcherrima (teleomorph Metschnikowia pulcherrima) (wine), C. parapsilosis (teleomorph Monilia parapsilosis) (coffee), C. famata (teleomorph Debaryomyces hansenii) (cheese), and C. zeylanoides (teleomorph Kurtzmaniella zeylanoides) and C. norvegensis (teleomorph Pichia norvegensis) (cocoa). These species are associated with the production of key metabolites (food aroma formation) and different enzymes. However, safety-associated selection criteria are often neglected. It is widely known that some Candida species are opportunistic human pathogens, with important clinical relevance. Here, the physiology and metabolism of Candida species are addressed, initially emphasizing their clinical aspects and potential pathogenicity. Then, Candida species used in food fermentations and their functional roles are reported. We recommended that Candida not be used as food cultures if safety assessments are not performed. Some safety features are highlighted to help researchers choose methods and selection criteria.
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Overview on the Infections Related to Rare Candida species. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090963. [PMID: 36145394 PMCID: PMC9505029 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Atypical Candida spp. infections are rising, mostly due to the increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. The most common Candida spp. is still Candida albicans; however, in the last decades, there has been an increase in non-Candida albicans Candida species infections (e.g., Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis). Furthermore, in the last 10 years, the reports on uncommon yeasts, such as Candida lusitaniae, Candida intermedia, or Candida norvegensis, have also worryingly increased. This review summarizes the information, mostly related to the last decade, regarding the infections, diagnosis, treatment, and resistance of these uncommon Candida species. In general, there has been an increase in the number of articles associated with the incidence of these species. Additionally, in several cases, there was a suggestive antifungal resistance, particularly with azoles, which is troublesome for therapeutic success.
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Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Epidemiology and Risk Factors, Pathogenesis, Resistance, and New Therapeutic Options. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-021-00415-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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5
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Rodríguez-Leguizamón G, Ceballos-Garzón A, Suárez CF, Patarroyo MA, Parra-Giraldo CM. Robust, Comprehensive Molecular, and Phenotypical Characterisation of Atypical Candida albicans Clinical Isolates From Bogotá, Colombia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:571147. [PMID: 33344263 PMCID: PMC7738613 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.571147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is commensal in human microbiota and is known to be the commonest opportunistic pathogen, having variable clinical outcomes that can lead to up to 60% mortality. Such wide clinical behaviour can be attributed to its phenotypical plasticity and high genetic diversity. This study characterised 10 Colombian clinical isolates which had already been identified as C. albicans by molecular tests; however, previous bioinformatics analysis of protein mass spectra and phenotypical characteristics has shown that this group of isolates has atypical behaviour, sharing characteristics of both C. africana and C. albicans. This study was aimed at evaluating atypical isolates' pathogenic capability in the Galleria mellonella model; susceptibility profiles were determined and MLST was used for molecular characterisation. Cluster analysis, enabling unbiased bootstrap to classify the isolates and establish their cluster membership and e-BURST, was used for establishing clonal complexes (CC). Both approaches involved using representative MLST data from the 18 traditional C. albicans clades, as well as C. albicans-associated and minor species. Ten atypical isolates were distributed as follows: 6/10 (B71, B41, B60, R6, R41, and R282) were grouped into a statistically well-supported atypical cluster (AC) and constituted a differentiated CC 6; 2/10 of the isolates were clearly grouped in clade 1 and were concurrent in CC 4 (B80, B44). Another 2/10 atypical isolates were grouped in clade 10 and concurred in CC 7 (R425, R111); most atypical isolates were related to geographically distant isolates and some represented new ST. Isolates B41 and R41 in the AC had greater virulence. Isolate B44 was fluconazole-resistant and was grouped in clade 1. The atypical nature of the isolates studied here was demonstrated by the contrast between phenotypical traits (C. africana-like), molecular markers (C. albicans-like), virulence, and antifungal resistance, highlighting the widely described genetic plasticity for this genus. Our results showed that the atypical isolates forming well-differentiated groups belonged to C. albicans. Our findings could contribute towards developing molecular epidemiology approaches for managing hospital-acquired infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Rodríguez-Leguizamón
- Hospital Universitario Mayor Méderi-Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés Ceballos-Garzón
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Carlos F Suárez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,Biomathematics Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Claudia M Parra-Giraldo
- Unidad de Proteómica y Micosis Humanas, Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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Distribution, antifungal susceptibility pattern and intra-Candida albicans species complex prevalence of Candida africana: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237046. [PMID: 32817677 PMCID: PMC7440629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida africana is a pathogenic species within the Candida albicans species complex. Due to the limited knowledge concerning its prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles, a comprehensive study is overdue. Accordingly, we performed a search of the electronic databases for literature published in the English language between 1 January 2001 and 21 March 2020. Citations were screened, relevant articles were identified, and data were extracted to determine overall intra-C. albicans complex prevalence, geographical distribution, and antifungal susceptibility profiles for C. africana. From a total of 366 articles, 41 were eligible for inclusion in this study. Our results showed that C. africana has a worldwide distribution. The pooled intra-C. albicans complex prevalence of C. africana was 1.67% (95% CI 0.98–2.49). Prevalence data were available for 11 countries from 4 continents. Iran (3.02%, 95%CI 1.51–4.92) and Honduras (3.03%, 95% CI 0.83–10.39) had the highest values and Malaysia (0%) had the lowest prevalence. Vaginal specimens were the most common source of C. africana (92.81%; 155 out of 167 isolates with available data). However, this species has also been isolated from cases of balanitis, from patients with oral lesions, and from respiratory, urine, and cutaneous samples. Data concerning the susceptibility of C. africana to 16 antifungal drugs were available in the literature. Generally, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of antifungal drugs against this species were low. In conclusion, C. africana demonstrates geographical variation in prevalence and high susceptibility to antifungal drugs. However, due to the relative scarcity of existing data concerning this species, further studies will be required to establish more firm conclusions.
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Candida africana vulvovaginitis: Prevalence and geographical distribution. J Mycol Med 2020; 30:100966. [PMID: 32317216 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2020.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Candida africana has been recovered principally as a causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) from different countries, which is likely to be misidentified as the typical Candida albicans or Candida dubliniensis. The current study aimed to characterize C. albicans species complex obtained from VVC based on conventional and molecular assays. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed based on CLSI documents. Additionally, due to low knowledge concerning C. africana infections, we reviewed all published papers from 1991 to 2019. One hundred forty-four out of 287 patients were identified with Candida infection, among whom 151 isolates of Candida were obtained. Candida albicans 109 (72.1%), Candida glabrata 21 (13.9%), Candida krusei 8 (5.2%), Candida tropicalis 5 (3.3%), Candida africana 3 (1.9%), Candida parapsilosis 3 (1.9%) and C. dubliniensis 2 (1.3%) were isolated from patients. MIC results showed that C. africana isolates were susceptible to all tested antifungal drugs. Candida africana infections were more prevalent in Africa. One hundred fifteen (40.6%) of patients with C. africana candidiasis were from seven African countries, and Madagascar and Angola had the majority of cases. The epidemiological data, phenotypic, clinical features, ecologic similarity, and antifungal susceptibility profiles for better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and optimal treatment underlying non-CandidaalbicansCandida vulvovaginitis are highly recommended.
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Farahyar S, Izadi S, Razmjou E, Falahati M, Roudbary M, Ashrafi-Khozani M, Ansari S, Fattahi A, Ghahri-Mobaser Z, Rahimi M. Low prevalence of antifungal resistant Candida africana, in the C. albicans complex causing vulvovaginal candidiasis. Heliyon 2020; 6:e03619. [PMID: 32215332 PMCID: PMC7090347 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Candida (C.) albicans complex includes C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. stellatoidea, and C. africana, with the last mentioned as an important emerging agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The aim of the study was to identify C. africana and C. dubliniensis and assess their drug susceptibility in vaginitis. One-hundred Candida isolates of the C. albicans complex from women diagnosed with vaginitis and from vaginal samples in the culture collection of a medical mycology laboratory were examined. Species of the C. albicans complex were identified with conventional and molecular methods using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, PCR for partial amplification of hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene and duplex PCR. The effects of antifungal drugs were evaluated according to standard broth microdilution protocols. Ninety-seven C. albicans (97%) and three C. africana (3%) isolates were identified. Results of susceptibility testing revealed one isolate of C. africana to be resistant to both clotrimazole and fluconazole, and one showed reduced susceptibility to itraconazole. Identification of Candida species especially C. africana in vaginitis is crucial, there are varying levels of resistance to antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Farahyar
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Center (MBiRC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Razmjou
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehraban Falahati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Roudbary
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Ashrafi-Khozani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti, University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Fattahi
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Rahimi
- Department of Gynecology, Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ene IV, Bennett RJ, Anderson MZ. Mechanisms of genome evolution in Candida albicans. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:47-54. [PMID: 31176092 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans exists as a prevalent commensal and an important opportunistic pathogen that can infect multiple niches of its human host. Recent studies have examined the diploid genome of C. albicans by performing both short-term microevolution studies and comparative genomics on collections of clinical isolates. Common mechanisms driving genome dynamics include accumulation of point mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events, large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, and even ploidy change, with important consequences for both drug resistance and host adaptation. Evidence for recombination between C. albicans lineages also highlights a role for (para)sex in shaping the species population structure. Ongoing work will continue to define the contributions of genome evolution to phenotypic variation and the role of host pressures in driving adaptive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana V Ene
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Richard J Bennett
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Matthew Z Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Naeimi B, Mirhendi H, Khamisipour G, Sadeghzadeh F, Ahmadi B. Candida africana in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) patients: frequency and phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:1601-1607. [PMID: 30248002 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Up to 75 % of all women develop vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with symptoms such as vulvar erythema, pruritus and abnormal vaginal discharge. Despite the global distribution of Candida africana, its role in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is still unclear and requires further investigation. Here, we report on the frequency of C. africana among clinical isolates from patients with RVVC in Bushehr in southern Iran. METHODOLOGY Isolated Candida strains were identified by ITS-PCR-RFLP. Hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) was amplified to differentiate C. africana and the resulting sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analyses with a view to identifying similarities and differences in nucleotides. RESULTS Ten out of 119 strains originally identified as C. albicans turned out to be C. africana. Pairwise nucleotide alignment of HWP1 DNA sequences showed 100 % similarity between C. africana strains. Inter-species variation between Iranian C. africana HWP1 sequences and the only three available C. africana type sequences in GenBank revealed 99.7-100 % nucleotide similarity. Phylogenetic analysis of the HWP1 DNA sequences of 10 Iranian C. africana isolates, the 3 C. africana sequences available in GenBank and 2 representative Iranian C. albicans sequences revealed that all 11 Iranian C. africana strains formed a well-supported cluster separated from the remaining C. africana. CONCLUSION In our sample, C. africana was only isolated from 7.8 % of the patients with RVVC. While size polymorphisms in HPW1 genes allowed us to differentiate C. africana from C. albicans, no evidence of sequence variation within the Iranian C. africana isolates was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrouz Naeimi
- 1The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- 2Departments of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Khamisipour
- 3Department of Hematology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Sadeghzadeh
- 4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Bahram Ahmadi
- 4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Miranda-Cadena K, Marcos-Arias C, Mateo E, Aguirre JM, Quindós G, Eraso E. Prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and their close-related species in oral candidiasis. Arch Oral Biol 2018; 95:100-107. [PMID: 30096698 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the importance of Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and their close-related species, Candida bracarensis, Candida nivariensis, Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis in patients with oral candidiasis and, to determine the in vitro activities of antifungal drugs currently used for the treatment. METHODS One hundred fourteen isolates of C. glabrata and 97 of C. parapsilosis, previously identified by conventional mycological methods, were analysed by molecular techniques. In vitro antifungal susceptibility to fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and nystatin was evaluated by CLSI M44-A2 disk diffusion test, and by CLSI M27-A3 microdilution for fluconazole. RESULTS All C. glabrata isolates were identified as C. glabrata sensu stricto, 93 out of 97 C. parapsilosis isolates as C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, three as C. orthopsilosis and one as C. metapsilosis. Candida glabrata was mainly isolated in mixed cultures but C. parapsilosis complex was more frequent in pure culture. Candida metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis were isolated as pure culture and both species were susceptible to all antifungal agents tested. Most C. glabrata isolates were susceptible to miconazole and nystatin, but resistant to fluconazole and itraconazole. Azole cross resistance was also observed. Candida parapsilosis isolates were susceptible to fluconazole although azole cross resistance to miconazole and itraconazole was observed. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of accurate identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of oral Candida isolates in order to have an in-depth understanding of the role of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis in oral candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Miranda-Cadena
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Cristina Marcos-Arias
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Mateo
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - José Manuel Aguirre
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Estomatología II, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Elena Eraso
- UFI 11/25 "Microbios y Salud", Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain.
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12
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Gene flow contributes to diversification of the major fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2253. [PMID: 29884848 PMCID: PMC5993739 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04787-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating population structure and levels of genetic diversity and recombination is necessary to understand the evolution and adaptation of species. Candida albicans is the second most frequent agent of human fungal infections worldwide, causing high-mortality rates. Here we present the genomic sequences of 182 C. albicans isolates collected worldwide, including commensal isolates, as well as ones responsible for superficial and invasive infections, constituting the largest dataset to date for this major fungal pathogen. Although, C. albicans shows a predominantly clonal population structure, we find evidence of gene flow between previously known and newly identified genetic clusters, supporting the occurrence of (para)sexuality in nature. A highly clonal lineage, which experimentally shows reduced fitness, has undergone pseudogenization in genes required for virulence and morphogenesis, which may explain its niche restriction. Candida albicans thus takes advantage of both clonality and gene flow to diversify. The fungal pathogen Candida albicans can undergo a parasexual process that may contribute to genetic diversity, but its actual relevance is unclear. Here, Ropars et al. analyse the genomic sequences of 182 C. albicans isolates collected worldwide and find evidence of gene flow and thus parasexuality in nature.
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Karam El-Din AZA, Al-Basri HM, El-Naggar MY. Critical factors affecting the adherence ofCandida albicansto the vaginal epithelium. JOURNAL OF TAIBAH UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtusci.2012.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heba M. Al-Basri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Taibah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, P.O. Box 30002, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moustafa Y. El-Naggar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Taibah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, P.O. Box 30002, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarrah, Saudi Arabia
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Moharram Bay 21511, Alexandria, Egypt
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Hazirolan G, Altun HU, Gumral R, Gursoy NC, Otlu B, Sancak B. Prevalence of Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis, in vulvovaginal candidiasis: First Turkish Candida africana isolates from vulvovaginal candidiasis. J Mycol Med 2017. [PMID: 28641919 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2017.04.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida africana and C. dubliniensis are closely related species of C. albicans. Current phenotypic methods are not suitable to accurately distinguish all the species belonging to the C. albicans complex. Several molecular-based methods have recently been designed for discriminating among closely related Candida species. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of C. dubliniensis and C. africana in vulvovaginal samples with phenotypic and genotypic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS We re-examined 376 vulvovaginal C. albicans complex isolates. All the isolates were identified with morphological features and HWP1 gene polymorphisms. ITS and D1/D2 sequencing, carbohydrate assimilation, MALDI-TOF MS profiles and antifungal susceptibilities were evaluated for C. africana and C. dubliniensis isolates. RESULTS Of the 376 isolates, three C. africana and three C. dubliniensis isolates (0.8% and 0.8% prevalence, respectively) were identified by molecular methods (HPW1, ITS and D1/D2) Phenotypically, C. africana differed from C. albicans and C. dubliniensis by formation of no/rare pseudohyphae, absence of chlamydospores and, the development of turquoise green colonies on CHROMagar. MALDI-TOF MS and API ID 32C could not revealed C. africana isolates. C. africana and C. dubliniensis isolates showed very low MIC values for all the tested antifungals. DISCUSSION This first report of C. africana from Turkey provides additional data for epidemiological, phenotypic features and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. This study also highlights the importance of using genotypic methods in combination with phenotypic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hazirolan
- Department of microbiology, Ankara Numune training and research hospital, Ulku Mahallesi Talatpasa Bulvari No:5 Altindag, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - H U Altun
- Department of medical microbiology, Turgut Ozal university faculty of medicine, Ayvalı Mah.,Gazze Cad No:7, 06010 Etlik-Keçiören-Ankara, Turkey
| | - R Gumral
- Department of microbiology, Gulhane military medical academy, GATA, 06010 Keçiören-Ankara, Turkey
| | - N C Gursoy
- Department of microbiology, faculty of medicine, university of Inönü, 44000 Üzümlü-Malatya Merkez-Malatya, Turkey
| | - B Otlu
- Department of microbiology, faculty of medicine, university of Inönü, 44000 Üzümlü-Malatya Merkez-Malatya, Turkey
| | - B Sancak
- Department of microbiology, faculty of medicine, university of Hacettepe, Hacettepe university medicine, faculty Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
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Chowdhary A, Hagen F, Sharma C, Al-Hatmi AMS, Giuffrè L, Giosa D, Fan S, Badali H, Felice MR, de Hoog S, Meis JF, Romeo O. Whole Genome-Based Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis Reveals Genetic Diversity in Candida africana. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:556. [PMID: 28421052 PMCID: PMC5377543 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity of a panel of Candida africana strains recovered from vaginal samples in different countries. All fungal strains were heterozygous at the mating-type-like locus and belonged to the genotype A of Candida albicans. Moreover, all examined C. africana strains lack N-acetylglucosamine assimilation and sequence analysis of the HXK1 gene showed a distinctive polymorphism that impair the utilization of this amino sugar in this yeast. Multi-locus sequencing of seven housekeeping genes revealed a substantial genetic homogeneity among the strains, except for the CaMPIb, SYA1 and VPS13 loci which contributed significantly to the classification of our set of C. africana strains into six existing diploid sequence types. Amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprint analysis yielded greater genotypic heterogeneity among the C. africana strains. Overall the data reported here show that in C. africana genetic diversity occurs and the existence of this intriguing group of C. albicans strains with specific phenotypes associated could be useful for future comparative studies in order to better understand the genetics and evolution of this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina HospitalNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Cheshta Sharma
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of DelhiNew Delhi, India
| | - Abdullah M S Al-Hatmi
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity InstituteUtrecht, Netherlands.,Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Ibri HospitalIbri, Oman
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Domenico Giosa
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo",Messina, Italy
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen, China
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Invasive Fungi Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSari, Iran
| | - Maria Rosa Felice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of MessinaMessina, Italy
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity InstituteUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina HospitalNijmegen, Netherlands.,Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius-Wilhelmina ZiekenhuisNijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of MessinaMessina, Italy.,Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care - Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo",Messina, Italy
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Evaluation of Fluorescent Capillary Electrophoresis for Rapid Identification of Candida Fungal Infections. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:1295-303. [PMID: 26935732 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00118-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of fungal infection is critical for initiating antifungal therapy and reducing the high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we focused on rapid and sensitive identification of clinically important Candida species, utilizing the variability in the length of the ITS2 rRNA gene and fluorescent capillary electrophoresis (f-ITS2-PCR-CE). The method was developed and optimized on 29 various Candida reference strains from which 26 Candida species were clearly identified, while Candida guilliermondii, C. fermentati, and C. carpophila, which are closely related, could not be distinguished. The method was subsequently validated on 143 blinded monofungal clinical isolates (comprising 26 species) and was able to identify 88% of species unambiguously. This indicated a higher resolution power than the classical phenotypic approach which correctly identified 73%. Finally, the culture-independent potential of this technique was addressed by the analysis of 55 retrospective DNA samples extracted directly from clinical material. The method showed 100% sensitivity and specificity compared to those of the combined results of cultivation and panfungal PCR followed by sequencing used as a gold standard. In conclusion, this newly developed f-ITS2-PCR-CE analytical approach was shown to be a fast, sensitive, and highly reproducible tool for both culture-dependent and culture-independent identification of clinically important Candida strains, including species of the "psilosis" complex.
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17
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Felice MR, Gulati M, Giuffrè L, Giosa D, Di Bella LM, Criseo G, Nobile CJ, Romeo O, Scordino F. Molecular Characterization of the N-Acetylglucosamine Catabolic Genes in Candida africana, a Natural N-Acetylglucosamine Kinase (HXK1) Mutant. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147902. [PMID: 26808192 PMCID: PMC4726466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In this study we report the genetic characterization, including expression analysis, of the genes involved in the uptake (NGT1) and catabolism (HXK1/NAG5, DAC1/NAG2, NAG1) of the aminosugar N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in Candida africana, a pathogenic biovariant of Candida albicans that is naturally unable to assimilate the GlcNAc. Results DNA sequence analysis of these genes revealed a number of characteristic nucleotide substitutions including a unique and distinctive guanine insertion that shifts the reading frame and generates a premature stop codon (TGA) 154 bp downstream of the ATG start codon of the HXK1 gene encoding the GlcNAc-kinase, a key enzyme of the GlcNAc catabolic pathway. However, all examined genes produced transcripts even though different levels of expression were observed among the Candida isolates examined. In particular, we found an HXK1-idependent relationship of the NGT1 gene and a considerable influence of the GlcNAc-kinase functionality on the transcription of the DAC1 and NAG1 genes. Additional phenotypic analysis revealed that C. africana isolates are hyperfilamentous in the first 24-48h of growth on filament-inducing media and revert to the yeast morphological form after 72h of incubation on these media. Conclusions Our results show that C. africana is a natural HXK1 mutant, displaying a number of phenotypic characteristics distinct from typical C. albicans isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosa Felice
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Megha Gulati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Giosa
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Marco Di Bella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Criseo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Clarissa J. Nobile
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, United States of America
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS)—Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabio Scordino
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care (IRCCS)—Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
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Molecular Characterization of Candida africana in Genital Specimens in Shanghai, China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:185387. [PMID: 26665002 PMCID: PMC4668292 DOI: 10.1155/2015/185387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Candida africana, an emerging yeast pathogen, is closely related to Candida albicans and most commonly involved in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). However, its prevalence in candidal balanoposthitis is still unclear. In this study, the prevalence of C. africana in both candidal balanoposthitis and VVC in a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic in Shanghai, China, was analyzed, and the molecular characterization and susceptible profiles of C. africana isolates were investigated. As results, C. africana was only isolated in 5 out of 79 (6.3%) cases of candidal balanoposthitis rather than cases with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Among them, 4 out of 5 isolates share the same genotype of DST 782 with an isolate from vaginal swab in Japan published previously. All C. africana isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin.
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Rodríguez-Leguizamón G, Fiori A, López LF, Gómez BL, Parra-Giraldo CM, Gómez-López A, Suárez CF, Ceballos A, Van Dijck P, Patarroyo MA. Characterising atypical Candida albicans clinical isolates from six third-level hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:199. [PMID: 26438104 PMCID: PMC4594647 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0535-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida species are the most frequently found fungal pathogens causing nosocomial disease in a hospital setting. Such species must be correctly identified to ensure that appropriate control measures are taken and that suitable treatment is given for each species. Candida albicans is causing most fungal disease burden worldwide; the challenge lies in differentiating it from emerging atypical, minor and related species such as Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana. The purpose of this study was to compare identification based on MALDI-TOF MS to standard identification systems using a set of nosocomial isolates. METHODS Eleven nosocomial samples were collected from 6 third-level hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. All the samples were identified by combining MALDI-TOF MS with morphological characters, carbohydrate assimilation and molecular markers (D1/D2 and HWP1). RESULTS The present work describes the first collection of atypical Colombian Candida clinical isolates; these were identified as Candida albicans/Candida africana by their MALDI-TOF MS profile. Phenotypical characteristics showed that they were unable to produce chlamydospores, assimilate trehalose, glucosamine, N- acetyl-glucosamine and barely grew at 42 °C, as would be expected for Candida africana. The molecular identification of the D1/D2 region of large subunit ribosomal RNA and HWP1 hyphal cell wall protein 1 sequences from these isolates was consistent with those for Candida albicans. The mass spectra obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were analysed by multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis, differences being revealed between Candida albicans, Candida africana, Candida dubliniensis reference spectra and two clinical isolate groups which clustered according to the clinical setting, one of them being clearly related to C. albicans. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of using MALDI-TOF MS in combination with morphology, substrate assimilation and molecular markers for characterising Candida albicans-related and atypical C. albicans species, thereby overcoming conventional identification methods. This is the first report of hospital-obtained isolates of this type in Colombia; the approach followed might be useful for gathering knowledge regarding local epidemiology which could, in turn, have an impact on clinical management. The findings highlight the complexity of distinguishing between typical and atypical Candida albicans isolates in hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Rodríguez-Leguizamón
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia. .,VIB Department of Molecular Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium. .,KU Leuven Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Alessandro Fiori
- VIB Department of Molecular Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium. .,KU Leuven Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Luisa F López
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Unit, Corporación para las Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Beatriz L Gómez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Medical and Experimental Mycology Unit, Corporación para las Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Claudia M Parra-Giraldo
- Infectious Diseases Research Group, Microbiology Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Arley Gómez-López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Carlos F Suárez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Biomathematics Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Andrés Ceballos
- Infectious Diseases Research Group, Microbiology Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- VIB Department of Molecular Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium. .,KU Leuven Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.
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20
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Molecular Characterization of Highly Susceptible Candida africana from Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Mycopathologia 2015; 180:317-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9924-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gil-Alonso S, Jauregizar N, Cantón E, Eraso E, Quindós G. Comparison of the in vitro activity of echinocandins against Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, and Candida africana by time-kill curves. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 82:57-61. [PMID: 25703894 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans remains the most common fungal pathogen. This species is closely related to 2 phenotypically similar cryptic species, Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana. This study aims to compare the antifungal activities of echinocandins against 7 C. albicans, 5 C. dubliniensis, and 2 C. africana strains by time-kill methodology. MIC values were similar for the 3 species; however, differences in killing activity were observed among species, isolates, and echinocandins. Echinocandins produced weak killing activity against the 3 species. In all drugs, the fungicidal endpoint (99.9% mortality) was reached at ≤31 h with ≥0.5 μg/mL for anidulafungin in 4 C. albicans and 1 C. dubliniensis, for caspofungin in 1 C. albicans and 2 C. dubliniensis, and for micafungin in 4 C. albicans and 1 C. dubliniensis. None of echinocandins showed lethality against C. africana. Identification of these new cryptic species and time-kill studies would be recommendable when echinocandin treatment fails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Gil-Alonso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar "Microbios y Salud" (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain; Departamento de Farmacología, (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Nerea Jauregizar
- Departamento de Farmacología, (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Emilia Cantón
- Unidad de Microbiología Experimental, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Elena Eraso
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar "Microbios y Salud" (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Guillermo Quindós
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Unidad de formación e investigación multidisciplinar "Microbios y Salud" (UFI 11/25), Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Bilbao, Spain.
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Shan Y, Fan S, Liu X, Li J. Prevalence of Candida albicans-closely related yeasts, Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis, in vulvovaginal candidiasis. Med Mycol 2014; 52:636-40. [PMID: 25023482 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolates of Candida africana and C. dubliniensis were recovered from patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The isolates were initially identified as C. albicans through use of the API Candida System. We retrospectively reexamined 1014 vaginal isolates presumptively determined to be C. albicans at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 1 January 2003 through 31 December 2012. Our objective was to determine, via detection of the HWP1 gene, if any of the isolates were C. africana or C. dubliniensis. One and a half percent of these isolates (15/1014) were found to be C. africana, whereas C. dubliniensis was not detected. The 15 C. africana isolates were susceptible to nystatin, fluconazole, itraconazole, miconazole, and clotrimazole. Candida africana could not be recovered from clinical vaginal specimens from the 15 patients at follow-up on days 7-14 and days 30-35 when treated with different antifungal agents. We conclude that C. africana, but not C. dubliniensis, was present in the vaginal samples of patients with VVC. The C. africana isolates were susceptible to the tested antifungal agents. VVC caused by C. africana appears to respond well to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shangrong Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China Shenzhen Key Laboratory Of Gynecological Diagnostic Technology Research, Shenzhen, 518036, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Laboratory Science, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Sharma C, Muralidhar S, Xu J, Meis JF, Chowdhary A. Multilocus sequence typing ofCandida africanafrom patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis in New Delhi, India. Mycoses 2014; 57:544-52. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheshta Sharma
- Department of Medical Mycology; Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute; University of Delhi; Delhi India
| | - Sumathi Muralidhar
- Regional STD Teaching, Training & Research Center; Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjang Hospital; New Delhi India
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology; Radboud University Medical Centre; Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital; Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology; Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute; University of Delhi; Delhi India
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Yazdanpanah A, Khaithir TMN. Issues in identifying germ tube positive yeasts by conventional methods. J Clin Lab Anal 2013; 28:1-9. [PMID: 24375729 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.21635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida speciation is vital for epidemiology and management of candidiasis. Nonmolecular conventional methods often fail to identify closely related germ tube positive yeasts from clinical specimens. The present study was conducted to identify these yeasts and to highlight issues in conventional versus molecular methods of identification. A total of 98 germ tube positive yeasts from high vaginal swabs were studied over a 12-month period. Isolates were examined with various methods including growth at 42 °C and 45 °C on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), color development on CHROMagar Candida medium, chlamydospore production on corn meal agar at 25 °C, carbohydrate assimilation using ID 32C system, and polymerase chain reaction using a single pair of primers targeting the hyphal wall protein 1 (Hwp1) gene. Of all the isolates studied, 97 were molecularly confirmed as C. albicans and one isolate was identified as C. dubliniensis. No C. africana was detected in this study. The molecular method used in our study was an accurate and useful tool for discriminating C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. africana. The conventional methods, however, were less accurate and riddled with many issues that will be discussed in further details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atta Yazdanpanah
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Czaika V, Nenoff P, Glöckner A, Fegeler W, Becker K, Schmalreck AF. Epidemiology and changes in patient-related factors from 1997 to 2009 in clinical yeast isolates related to dermatology, gynaecology, and paediatrics. Int J Microbiol 2013; 2013:703905. [PMID: 24391669 PMCID: PMC3874336 DOI: 10.1155/2013/703905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
From 1997 to 2009, 1,862 dermatology, gynaecology, and paediatrics (DGP) associated clinical yeast isolates were analysed for species occurrence, specimen origin and type, (multi-) resistance pattern, and testing period. The top seven of the isolated DGP-associated species remained the same as compared to total medical wards, with Candida albicans (45%) as most frequent pathogen. However, the DGP wards and DGP ICUs showed species-specific profiles; that is, the species distribution is clinic-specific similar and however differs in their percentage from ward to ward. By applying the "one fungus one name" principle, respectively, the appropriate current taxonomic species denominations, it has been shown that no trend to emerging species from 1998 to 2008 could be detected. In particular the frequently isolated non-Candida albicans species isolated in the DGP departments have already been detected in or before 1997. As yeasts are part of the cutaneous microbiota and play an important role as opportunistic pathogens for superficial infections, proper identification of the isolates according to the new nomenclature deems to be essential for specific and calculated antifungal therapy for yeast-like DGP-related infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Czaika
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pietro Nenoff
- Laboratorium für medizinische Mikrobiologie, Straße des Friedens 8, 04579 Mölbis, Germany
| | - Andreas Glöckner
- BDH-Klinik Greifswald GmbH, Karl-Liebknecht-Ring 26a, 17491 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Fegeler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Domagkstraße 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Karsten Becker
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Domagkstraße 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility, and pathogenicity of Candida africana isolates from the United Kingdom. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:967-72. [PMID: 23303503 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02816-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida africana was previously proposed as a new species within the Candida albicans species complex, together with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis, although further phylogenetic analyses better support its status as an unusual variant within C. albicans. Here we show that C. africana can be distinguished from C. albicans and C. dubliniensis by pyrosequencing of a short region of ITS2, and we have evaluated its occurrence in clinical samples by pyrosequencing all presumptive isolates of C. albicans submitted to the Mycology Reference Laboratory over a 9-month period. The C. albicans complex constituted 826/1,839 (44.9%) of yeast isolates received over the study period and included 783 isolates of C. albicans, 28 isolates of C. dubliniensis, and 15 isolates of C. africana. In agreement with previous reports, C. africana was isolated exclusively from genital specimens, in women in the 18-to-35-year age group. Indeed, C. africana constituted 15/251 (6%) of "C. albicans" isolates from female genital specimens during the study period. C. africana isolates were germ tube positive, grew significantly more slowly than C. albicans and C. dubliniensis on conventional mycological media, could be distinguished from the other members of the C. albicans complex by appearance on chromogenic agar, and were incapable of forming chlamydospores. Here we present the detailed evaluation of epidemiological, phenotypic, and clinical features and antifungal susceptibility profiles of United Kingdom isolates of C. africana. Furthermore, we demonstrate that C. africana is significantly less pathogenic than C. albicans and C. dubliniensis in the Galleria mellonella insect systemic infection model.
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28
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Identification de trois souches de Candida africana au Sénégal. J Mycol Med 2012; 22:335-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2012.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Quindós G, Eraso E, López-Soria LM, Ezpeleta G. [Invasive fungal disease: conventional or molecular mycological diagnosis?]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2011; 30:560-71. [PMID: 22206948 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2011.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 10/18/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of invasive mycoses is a difficult challenge due to the limitations and low sensitivity of traditional microbiology methods which lead to diagnostic and therapeutic delays. The aim of this review is to summarise the state of the art of the molecular diagnosis of invasive fungal disease and to clarify its current role in the clinical practice. Conventional microbiological methods could be complemented with molecular methods in the rapid and definitive identification of fungal isolates. Biomarkers (β-glucan, galactomannan) are very useful in immunocompromised patients and have been included as probable invasive mycoses by the EORTC/MSG. Nucleic acid detection is currently used as a complementary tool for diagnosis. However, PCR can be very useful in mould invasive mycoses. Finally, the combined detection using biomarkers can improve the diagnosis. However, their applicability in the microbiology laboratory is not so easy and further studies are required for the appropriate evaluation of its clinical usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Quindós
- Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad del País Vasco, Bilbao, España.
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Lack of Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis in Vaginal Candida albicans Isolates in Turkey Using HWP1 Gene Polymorphisms. Mycopathologia 2011; 172:73-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-011-9401-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Candida africana is a recently described opportunistic yeast pathogen that has been linked to vaginal candidiasis. This yeast was first described, in 1995, as atypical chlamydospore-negative Candida albicans strain, and subsequently proposed as a new Candida species on the basis of morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics clearly different from those of typical C. albicans isolates. Phylogenetic studies based on the comparison of ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrated that C. africana and C. albicans isolates are too closely related to draw any conclusions regarding the status of a new species. Therefore, on the basis of these studies, some authors considered C. africana as a biovar of C. albicans even if genetic differences may be found if additional regions of genomic DNA are sequenced. The taxonomic situation of C. africana and its phylogenetic relationship with other Candida species is still controversial and remains, at present, a matter of debate. Our goal is to review the current knowledge about C. africana and highlight the development of rapid and accurate tests for its discrimination from C. albicans, Candida dubliniensis and Candida stellatoidea. Furthermore, through the analysis of literature data, we have found that C. africana has a worldwide distribution and a considerable number of features making its study particularly interesting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Romeo
- Department of Life Sciences Marcello Malpighi, Section of Microbiological, Genetic and Molecular Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Molecular identification of veterinary yeast isolates by use of sequence-based analysis of the D1/D2 region of the large ribosomal subunit. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:2140-6. [PMID: 20392917 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02306-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional methods of yeast identification are often time-consuming and difficult; however, recent studies of sequence-based identification methods have shown promise. Additionally, little is known about the diversity of yeasts identified from various animal species in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Therefore, in this study, we examined three methods of identification by using 109 yeast samples isolated during a 1-year period from veterinary clinical samples. Comparison of the three methods-traditional substrate assimilation, fatty acid profile analysis, and sequence-based analysis of the region spanning the D1 and D2 regions (D1/D2) of the large ribosomal subunit-showed that sequence analysis provided the highest percent identification among the three. Sequence analysis identified 87% of isolates to the species level, whereas substrate assimilation and fatty acid profile analysis identified only 54% and 47%, respectively. Less-stringent criteria for identification increased the percentage of isolates identified to 98% for sequence analysis, 62% for substrate assimilation, and 55% for fatty acid profile analysis. We also found that sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region provided further identification for 36% of yeast not identified to the species level by D1/D2 sequence analysis. Additionally, we identified a large variety of yeast from animal sources, with at least 30 different species among the isolates tested, and with the majority not belonging to the common Candida spp., such as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and the C. parapsilosis group. Thus, we determined that sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region was the best method for identification of the variety of yeasts found in a veterinary population.
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Romeo O, De Leo F, Criseo G. Adherence ability of Candida africana: a comparative study with Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis. Mycoses 2010; 54:e57-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2009.01833.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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34
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Molecular epidemiology of Candida albicans and its closely related yeasts Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 47:212-4. [PMID: 18987171 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01540-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed a molecular study to determine the occurrence of Candida albicans, Candida africana, and Candida dubliniensis in different clinical samples. The study provides new insights into the epidemiology of candidiasis in hospitalized patients in three hospitals in southern Italy. It also reports the first detailed epidemiological data concerning the occurrence of C. africana in clinical samples.
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Romeo O, Criseo G. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterisation of the first Italian Candida africana isolate. Mycoses 2008; 52:454-7. [PMID: 18983430 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01630.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
One atypical isolate of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans was isolated from an Italian patient with vulvovaginitis. The strain, germ tube positive and chlamydospore-negative showed white-thin turquoise colonies on Candida ID 2 medium. The yeast was identified as Candida africana by using morphological and biochemical tests. On the basis of the molecular results obtained in this study as well as in other studies, C. africana cannot be yet considered as a new species of Candida. It is possible that C. africana represents a new variant of C. albicans like the well-known Candida stellatoidea. To our knowledge, this is the first isolation of C. africana in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orazio Romeo
- Department of Microbiological, Genetic and Molecular Sciences, University of Messina, Italy
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First molecular method for discriminating between Candida africana, Candida albicans, and Candida dubliniensis by using hwp1 gene. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2008; 62:230-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2008.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2008] [Revised: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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