1
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Marek A, Meijer EFJ, Tartari E, Zakhour J, Chowdhary A, Voss A, Kanj SS, Bal AM. Environmental monitoring for filamentous fungal pathogens in hematopoietic cell transplant units. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad103. [PMID: 37793805 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) is on the rise due to increasing numbers of highly immunocompromized patients. Nosocomial IFD remains common despite our better understanding of its risk factors and pathophysiology. High-efficiency particulate air filtration with or without laminar air flow, frequent air exchanges, a positive pressure care environment, and environmental hygiene, amongst other measures, have been shown to reduce the mould burden in the patient environment. Environmental monitoring for moulds in areas where high-risk patients are cared for, such as hematopoietic cell transplant units, has been considered an adjunct to other routine environmental precautions. As a collaborative effort between authors affiliated to the Infection Prevention and Control Working Group and the Fungal Infection Working Group of the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC), we reviewed the English language literature and international guidance to describe the evidence behind the need for environmental monitoring for filamentous fungi as a quality assurance approach with an emphasis on required additional precautions during periods of construction. Many different clinical sampling approaches have been described for air, water, and surface sampling with significant variation in laboratory methodologies between reports. Importantly, there are no agreed-upon thresholds that correlate with an increase in the clinical risk of mould infections. We highlight important areas for future research to assure a safe environment for highly immunocompromized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Marek
- Department of Microbiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Eelco F J Meijer
- Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Ermira Tartari
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Johnny Zakhour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Andreas Voss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Infection Control Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine and Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
| | - Abhijit M Bal
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
- Fungal Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
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2
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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3
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Colabardini AC, Wang F, Miao Z, Pardeshi L, Valero C, de Castro PA, Akiyama DY, Tan K, Nora LC, Silva-Rocha R, Marcet-Houben M, Gabaldón T, Fill T, Wong KH, Goldman GH. Chromatin profiling reveals heterogeneity in clinical isolates of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010001. [PMID: 35007279 PMCID: PMC8782537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis, which is caused by the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, is a life-threatening infection for immunosuppressed patients. Chromatin structure regulation is important for genome stability maintenance and has the potential to drive genome rearrangements and affect virulence and pathogenesis of pathogens. Here, we performed the first A. fumigatus global chromatin profiling of two histone modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K9me3, focusing on the two most investigated A. fumigatus clinical isolates, Af293 and CEA17. In eukaryotes, H3K4me3 is associated with active transcription, while H3K9me3 often marks silent genes, DNA repeats, and transposons. We found that H3K4me3 deposition is similar between the two isolates, while H3K9me3 is more variable and does not always represent transcriptional silencing. Our work uncovered striking differences in the number, locations, and expression of transposable elements between Af293 and CEA17, and the differences are correlated with H3K9me3 modifications and higher genomic variations among strains of Af293 background. Moreover, we further showed that the Af293 strains from different laboratories actually differ in their genome contents and found a frequently lost region in chromosome VIII. For one such Af293 variant, we identified the chromosomal changes and demonstrated their impacts on its secondary metabolites production, growth and virulence. Overall, our findings not only emphasize the influence of genome heterogeneity on A. fumigatus fitness, but also caution about unnoticed chromosomal variations among common laboratory strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina Colabardini
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Fang Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Intensive Care Unit, Biomedical Research Center, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhengqiang Miao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Lakhansing Pardeshi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Clara Valero
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Alves de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Yuri Akiyama
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kaeling Tan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Genomics, Bioinformatics and Single Cell Analysis Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Luisa Czamanski Nora
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Silva-Rocha
- Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Marcet-Houben
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS). Jordi Girona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Centre (BSC-CNS). Jordi Girona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac, Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Taicia Fill
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Koon Ho Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
- MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR of China
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Lv Q, Elders BBLJ, Warris A, Caudri D, Ciet P, Tiddens HAWM. Aspergillus-related lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis: can imaging help us to diagnose disease? Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210103. [PMID: 34789463 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0103-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), viscous sputum and dysfunction of the mucociliary escalator leads to early and chronic infections. The prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus in sputum is high in PwCF and the contribution of A. fumigatus to the progression of structural lung disease has been reported. However, overall, relatively little is known about the contribution of A. fumigatus to CF lung disease. More knowledge is needed to aid clinical decisions on whether to start antifungal treatment. In this review, we give an overview of A. fumigatus colonisation and infection in PwCF and the different types of pulmonary disease caused by it. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence for structural lung damage associated with A. fumigatus in PwCF on chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We conclude that radiological outcomes to identify disease caused by A. fumigatus can be important for clinical studies and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Lv
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadette B L J Elders
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Daan Caudri
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierluigi Ciet
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm A W M Tiddens
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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van Rhijn N, Coleman J, Collier L, Moore C, Richardson MD, Bright-Thomas RJ, Jones AM. Meteorological Factors Influence the Presence of Fungi in the Air; A 14-Month Surveillance Study at an Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:759944. [PMID: 34900752 PMCID: PMC8662344 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759944] [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: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that predisposes to progressive lung damage. Cystic fibrosis patients are particularly prone to developing pulmonary infections. Fungal species are commonly isolated in lower airway samples from patients with cystic fibrosis. Fungal spores are prevalent in the air. Methods We performed environmental air sampling surveillance at the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, UK (MACFC) over a 14-month period to assess fungal growth inside and outside the CF center. Results Airborne counts of fungal spores peaked from May to October, both in outdoor and indoor samples. Collection of meteorological data allowed us to correlate fungal presence in the air with elevated temperatures and low wind speeds. Additionally, we demonstrated patient rooms containing windows had elevated fungal counts compared to rooms not directly connected to the outdoors. Conclusions This study suggests that airborne Aspergillus fumigatus spores were more abundant during the summer months of the survey period, which appeared to be driven by increased temperatures and lower wind speeds. Indoor counts directly correlated to outdoor A. fumigatus levels and were elevated in patient rooms that were directly connected to the outdoor environment via an openable window designed for ventilation purposes. Further studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings for cystic fibrosis patients who are predisposed to Aspergillus related diseases, and in particular whether there is seasonal influence on incidence of Aspergillus related conditions and if screening for such complications such be increased during summer months and precautions intensified for those with a known history of Aspergillus related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Coleman
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Collier
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Moore
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rowland J Bright-Thomas
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Jones
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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6
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Doughty KJ, Sierotzki H, Semar M, Goertz A. Selection and Amplification of Fungicide Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus in Relation to DMI Fungicide Use in Agronomic Settings: Hotspots versus Coldspots. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2439. [PMID: 34946041 PMCID: PMC8704312 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus. Inhalation of A. fumigatus spores can lead to Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) in people with weakened immune systems. The use of triazole antifungals with the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) mode of action to treat IA is being hampered by the spread of DMI-resistant "ARAf" (azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus) genotypes. DMIs are also used in the environment, for example, as fungicides to protect yield and quality in agronomic settings, which may lead to exposure of A. fumigatus to DMI residues. An agronomic setting can be a "hotspot" for ARAf if it provides a suitable substrate and favourable conditions for the growth of A. fumigatus in the presence of DMI fungicides at concentrations capable of selecting ARAf genotypes at the expense of the susceptible wild-type, followed by the release of predominantly resistant spores. Agronomic settings that do not provide these conditions are considered "coldspots". Identifying and mitigating hotspots will be key to securing the agronomic use of DMIs without compromising their use in medicine. We provide a review of studies of the prevalence of ARAf in various agronomic settings and discuss the mitigation options for confirmed hotspots, particularly those relating to the management of crop waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Doughty
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
| | - Helge Sierotzki
- Syngenta Crop Protection, Schaffhauserstrasse 101, 4332 Stein, Switzerland;
| | - Martin Semar
- BASF SE, Speyerer Strasse 2, 67117 Limburgerhof, Germany;
| | - Andreas Goertz
- Bayer AG, Alfred Nobel Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim-am-Rhein, Germany;
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7
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Ashley BK, Hassan U. Point-of-critical-care diagnostics for sepsis enabled by multiplexed micro and nanosensing technologies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 13:e1701. [PMID: 33650293 PMCID: PMC8447248 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis is responsible for the highest economic and mortality burden in critical care settings around the world, prompting the World Health Organization in 2018 to designate it as a global health priority. Despite its high universal prevalence and mortality rate, a disproportionately low amount of sponsored research funding is directed toward diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, when early treatment has been shown to significantly improve survival. Additionally, current technologies and methods are inadequate to provide an accurate and timely diagnosis of septic patients in multiple clinical environments. For improved patient outcomes, a comprehensive immunological evaluation is critical which is comprised of both traditional testing and quantifying recently proposed biomarkers for sepsis. There is an urgent need to develop novel point-of-care, low-cost systems which can accurately stratify patients. These point-of-critical-care sensors should adopt a multiplexed approach utilizing multimodal sensing for heterogenous biomarker detection. For effective multiplexing, the sensors must satisfy criteria including rapid sample to result delivery, low sample volumes for clinical sample sparring, and reduced costs per test. A compendium of currently developed multiplexed micro and nano (M/N)-based diagnostic technologies for potential applications toward sepsis are presented. We have also explored the various biomarkers targeted for sepsis including immune cell morphology changes, circulating proteins, small molecules, and presence of infectious pathogens. An overview of different M/N detection mechanisms are also provided, along with recent advances in related nanotechnologies which have shown improved patient outcomes and perspectives on what future successful technologies may encompass. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K. Ashley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Umer Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Global Health Institute, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey. Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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8
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van der Torre MH, Whitby C, Eades CP, Moore CB, Novak-Frazer L, Richardson MD, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Absence of Azole Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolated from Root Vegetables Harvested from UK Arable and Horticultural Soils. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E208. [PMID: 33036151 PMCID: PMC7711775 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) complicates the treatment of aspergillosis and can nearly double the mortality from invasive aspergillosis (IA). ARAf has been isolated from many different environmental sites and indoor environments and thus presents a significant risk for susceptible patients. Local surveillance of environmental ARAf can guide antifungal prescribing and improve patient outcomes. In this study, seventy-four soils samples collected from the surface of a variety of root vegetables from farm shops and private gardens covering a wide geographical area of the UK, were cultured to assess the presence of A. fumigatus, and the prevalence and nature of any resistance mechanisms. A high-throughput in-house antifungal susceptibility screening method was developed and validated using the EUCAST MIC reference method, E.DEF 9.3.1. A total of 146 isolates were recovered and analysed. Even though the study premise was that soil-covered root vegetables and other fresh produce could represent a conduit for ARAf exposure in vulnerable patients, no ARAf were found in the soil samples despite 55% of samples harbouring A. fumigatus. The sample type and screening method used could be suitable for more extensive monitoring of the soil to detect trends in the prevalence of ARAf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Cheryl Whitby
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
| | - Christopher P. Eades
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Caroline B. Moore
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Malcolm D. Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Centre of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (C.W.); (C.B.M.); (L.N.-F.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Infection, Inflammation and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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9
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Guruceaga X, Perez-Cuesta U, Abad-Diaz de Cerio A, Gonzalez O, Alonso RM, Hernando FL, Ramirez-Garcia A, Rementeria A. Fumagillin, a Mycotoxin of Aspergillus fumigatus: Biosynthesis, Biological Activities, Detection, and Applications. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 12:E7. [PMID: 31861936 PMCID: PMC7020470 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fumagillin is a mycotoxin produced, above all, by the saprophytic filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. This mold is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause invasive aspergillosis, a disease that has high mortality rates linked to it. Its ability to adapt to environmental stresses through the production of secondary metabolites, including several mycotoxins (gliotoxin, fumagillin, pseurotin A, etc.) also seem to play an important role in causing these infections. Since the discovery of the A. fumigatus fumagillin in 1949, many studies have focused on this toxin and in this review we gather all the information currently available. First of all, the structural characteristics of this mycotoxin and the different methods developed for its determination are given in detail. Then, the biosynthetic gene cluster and the metabolic pathway involved in its production and regulation are explained. The activity of fumagillin on its target, the methionine aminopeptidase type 2 (MetAP2) enzyme, and the effects of blocking this enzyme in the host are also described. Finally, the applications that this toxin and its derivatives have in different fields, such as the treatment of cancer and its microsporicidal activity in the treatment of honeybee hive infections with Nosema spp., are reviewed. Therefore, this work offers a complete review of all the information currently related to the fumagillin mycotoxin secreted by A. fumigatus, important because of its role in the fungal infection process but also because it has many other applications, notably in beekeeping, the treatment of infectious diseases, and in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Guruceaga
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
| | - Uxue Perez-Cuesta
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
| | - Ana Abad-Diaz de Cerio
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
| | - Oskar Gonzalez
- FARMARTEM Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (O.G.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Rosa M. Alonso
- FARMARTEM Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (O.G.); (R.M.A.)
| | - Fernando Luis Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (X.G.); (U.P.-C.); (A.A.-D.d.C.); (F.L.H.)
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10
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Bilgi EA, Kiraz N. Klinik Örneklerden İzole Edilen Aspergillus Türlerinin Tanımlanmasında Geleneksel Yöntemler, MALDI-TOF MS ve Dizi Analizi Yöntemlerinin Karşılaştırılması. DICLE MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.5798/dicletip.620589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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11
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Nakpan W, Yermakov M, Indugula R, Reponen T, Grinshpun SA. Inactivation of bacterial and fungal spores by UV irradiation and gaseous iodine treatment applied to air handling filters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 671:59-65. [PMID: 30927728 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to viable bacterial and fungal spores re-aerosolized from air handling filters may create a major health risk. Assessing and controlling this exposure have been of interest to the bio-defense and indoor air quality communities. Methods are being developed for inactivating stress-resistant viable microorganisms collected on ventilation filters. Here we investigated the inactivation of spores of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a recognized simulant for B. antracis, and Aspergillus fumigatus, a common opportunistic pathogen used as an indicator for indoor air quality. The viability change was measured on filters treated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and gaseous iodine. The spores were collected on high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and non-HEPA filters, both flattened for testing purposes to represent "surface" filters. A mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter was also tested as a reference. Additionally, a commercial HEPA unit with a deep-bed (non-flattened) filter was tested. Combined treatments of Btk spores with UV and iodine on MCE filter produced a synergistic inactivation effect. No similar synergy was observed for A. fumigatus. For spores collected on an MCE filter, the inactivation effect was about an order of magnitude greater for Btk compared to A. fumigatus. The filter type was found to be an important factor affecting the inactivation of Btk spores while it was not as influential for A. fumigatus. Overall, the combined effect of UV irradiation and gaseous iodine on viable bacterial and fungal spores collected on flat filters was found to be potent. The benefit of either simultaneous or sequential treatment was much lower for Btk spores embedded inside the deep-bed (non-flattened) HEPA filter, but for A. fumigatus the inactivation on flattened and non-flattened HEPA filters was comparable. For both species, applying UV first and gaseous iodine second produced significantly higher inactivation than when applying them simultaneously or in an opposite sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worrawit Nakpan
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Michael Yermakov
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Reshmi Indugula
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Tiina Reponen
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Sergey A Grinshpun
- Center for Health-Related Aerosol Studies, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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12
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Park JH, Ryu SH, Lee JY, Kim HJ, Kwak SH, Jung J, Lee J, Sung H, Kim SH. Airborne fungal spores and invasive aspergillosis in hematologic units in a tertiary hospital during construction: a prospective cohort study. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2019; 8:88. [PMID: 31161035 PMCID: PMC6542016 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an opportunistic fungal infection that mostly occurs in immunocompromised patients, such as those having hematologic malignancy or receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Inhalation of Aspergillus spores is the main transmission route of IA in immunocompromised patients. Construction work in hospitals is a risk factor for environmental fungal contamination. We measured airborne fungal contamination and the incidence of IA among immunocompromised patients, and evaluated their correlation with different types of construction works. Methods Our tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea underwent facility construction from September 2017 to February 2018. We divided the entire construction period into period 1 (heavier works: demolition and excavation) and period 2 (lighter works: framing, interior designing, plumbing, and finishing). We conducted monthly air sampling for environmental spore surveillance in three hematologic wards. We evaluated the incidence of IA among all immunocompromised patients hospitalized in the three hematologic wards (2 adult wards and 1 pediatric ward) during this period. IA was categorized into proven, probable, and possible aspergillosis based on the revised European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycosis Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria. Results A total of 15 patients was diagnosed with proven (1 case), probable (8 cases), or possible (6 cases) hospital-acquired IA during period 1. In period 2, 14 patients were diagnosed with either proven (1 case), probable (10 cases), or possible (3 cases) hospital-acquired IA. Total mold and Aspergillus spp. spore levels in the air tended to be higher in period 1 (p = 0.06 and 0.48, respectively). The incidence rate of all IA by the EORTC/MSG criteria was significantly higher in period 1 than in period 2 (1.891 vs. 0.930 per 1000 person-days, p = 0.05). Conclusions Airborne fungal spore levels tended to be higher during the period with heavier construction works involving demolition and excavation, during which the incidence of IA was significantly higher as well. We recommend monitoring airborne fungal spore levels during construction periods in hospitals with immunocompromised patients. Subsequently, the effect of airborne fungal spore level monitoring in reducing hospital-acquired IA should be evaluated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13756-019-0543-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joung Ha Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro-43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hee Ryu
- 2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Young Lee
- 2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Jeong Kim
- 2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hee Kwak
- 2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro-43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 Republic of Korea.,2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Lee
- 3Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heungsup Sung
- 4Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Han Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro-43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05505 Republic of Korea.,2Office for Infection Control, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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13
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Patel K, Bailey C, Harding AH, Biggin M, Crook B. Background levels of micro-organisms in the busy urban environment of transport hubs. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:1541-1551. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K.V. Patel
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - C.L. Bailey
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - A.-H. Harding
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
| | - M. Biggin
- Safety Technical and Engineering; Network Rail; Milton Keynes UK
| | - B. Crook
- Health and Safety Executive Science Division; Buxton UK
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14
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Zhao S, Gibbons JG. A population genomic characterization of copy number variation in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201611. [PMID: 30071059 PMCID: PMC6072042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a potentially deadly opportunistic fungal pathogen. Molecular studies have shaped our understanding of the genes, proteins, and molecules that contribute to A. fumigatus pathogenicity, but few studies have characterized genome-wide patterns of genetic variation at the population level. Of A. fumigatus genomic studies to-date, most focus mainly on single nucleotide polymorphisms and large structural variants, while overlooking the contribution of copy number variation (CNV). CNV is a class of small structural variation defined as loci that vary in their number of copies between individuals due to duplication, gain, or deletion. CNV can influence phenotype, including fungal virulence. In the present study, we characterized the population genomic patterns of CNV in a diverse collection of 71 A. fumigatus isolates using publicly available sequencing data. We used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to infer the population structure of these isolates and identified three populations consisting of at least 8 isolates. We then computationally predicted genome-wide CNV profiles for each isolate and conducted analyses at the species-, population-, and individual levels. Our results suggest that CNV contributes to genetic variation in A. fumigatus, with ~10% of the genome being CN variable. Our analysis indicates that CNV is non-randomly distributed across the A. fumigatus genome, and is overrepresented in subtelomeric regions. Analysis of gene ontology categories in genes that overlapped CN variants revealed an enrichment of genes related to transposable element and secondary metabolism functions. We further identified 72 loci containing 33 genes that showed divergent copy number profiles between the three A. fumigatus populations. Many of these genes encode proteins that interact with the cell surface or are involved in pathogenicity. Our results suggest that CNV is an important source of genetic variation that could account for some of the phenotypic differences between A. fumigatus populations and isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhao
- Biology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John G. Gibbons
- Biology Department, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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15
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Aspergillus Species in Bronchiectasis: Challenges in the Cystic Fibrosis and Non-cystic Fibrosis Airways. Mycopathologia 2017; 183:45-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0143-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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16
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Could we predict airborne Aspergillus contamination during construction work? Am J Infect Control 2017; 45:39-41. [PMID: 27665035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus fumigatus is a major opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infection. Hospital outbreaks of invasive aspergillosis have been associated with demolition and building construction. This study was designed to examine the impact of meteorologic factors and different periods of work on outdoor fungal airborne concentrations. METHODS The study was conducted at Necker Enfants Malades Hospital, a 650-bed teaching care hospital recently involved in a large construction program, including renovation, construction, and demolition. During the work phases, prospective external air samplings were performed 3 times a week, and meteorologic parameters were collected every day. RESULTS Two hundred and one samples were collected. Aspergillus spp were found in 80.1% of samples, with a median concentration of 16 colony forming units (CFU)/m3. A significant increase in the colony count of molds occurred after demolition. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated with overall fungi concentration were the type of work construction and temperature. Elevated Aspergillus spp concentrations (>20 CFU/m3) were associated with higher temperature. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underline the importance of environmental surveillance. According to our results we suggest that demolition work should be performed during the winter and fall seasons.
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17
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Development of a Dot-Blot Assay for the Detection of Mould-Specific IgE in the Belgian Population. Mycopathologia 2016; 182:319-329. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-016-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Air and Surfaces of the International Space Station. mSphere 2016; 1:mSphere00227-16. [PMID: 27830189 PMCID: PMC5082629 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00227-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One mission of the Microbial Observatory Experiments on the International Space Station (ISS) is to examine the traits and diversity of fungal isolates to gain a better understanding of how fungi may adapt to microgravity environments and how this may affect interactions with humans in a closed habitat. Here, we report an initial characterization of two isolates, ISSFT-021 and IF1SW-F4, of Aspergillus fumigatus collected from the ISS and a comparison to the experimentally established clinical isolates Af293 and CEA10. Whole-genome sequencing of ISSFT-021 and IF1SW-F4 showed 54,960 and 52,129 single nucleotide polymorphisms, respectively, compared to Af293, which is consistent with observed genetic heterogeneity among sequenced A. fumigatus isolates from diverse clinical and environmental sources. Assessment of in vitro growth characteristics, secondary metabolite production, and susceptibility to chemical stresses revealed no outstanding differences between ISS and clinical strains that would suggest special adaptation to life aboard the ISS. Virulence assessment in a neutrophil-deficient larval zebrafish model of invasive aspergillosis revealed that both ISSFT-021 and IF1SW-F4 were significantly more lethal than Af293 and CEA10. Taken together, these genomic, in vitro, and in vivo analyses of two A. fumigatus strains isolated from the ISS provide a benchmark for future investigations of these strains and for continuing research on specific microbial isolates from manned space environments. IMPORTANCE As durations of manned space missions increase, it is imperative to understand the long-term consequence of microbial exposure on human health in a closed human habitat. To date, studies aimed at bacterial and fungal contamination of space vessels have highlighted species compositions biased toward hardy, persistent organisms capable of withstanding harsh conditions. In the current study, we assessed traits of two independent Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from the International Space Station. Ubiquitously found in terrestrial soil and atmospheric environments, A. fumigatus is a significant opportunistic fungal threat to human health, particularly among the immunocompromised. Using two well-known clinical isolates of A. fumigatus as comparators, we found that both ISS isolates exhibited normal in vitro growth and chemical stress tolerance yet caused higher lethality in a vertebrate model of invasive disease. These findings substantiate the need for additional studies of physical traits and biological activities of microbes adapted to microgravity and other extreme extraterrestrial conditions.
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Schlosser O, Robert S, Debeaupuis C. Aspergillus fumigatus and mesophilic moulds in air in the surrounding environment downwind of non-hazardous waste landfill sites. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2016; 219:239-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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20
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Ramsay KA, Stockwell RE, Bell SC, Kidd TJ. Infection in cystic fibrosis: impact of the environment and climate. Expert Rev Respir Med 2016; 10:505-19. [PMID: 26949990 DOI: 10.1586/17476348.2016.1162715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In many countries numbers of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) exceed that of children, with median survival predicted to surpass 50 years. Increasing longevity is, in part, due to intensive therapies including eradication of early infection and suppressive therapies and pulmonary exacerbations. Initial infections with common CF pathogens are thought to arise from the natural environment. We review the impact of climate and environment on infection in CF. Specifically, several studies indicate that higher ambient temperatures, proximity to the equator and the summer season may be linked to the increased prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with CF. The environment may also play an important role in the acquisition of Gram negative organisms other than P. aeruginosa. There is emerging data suggesting that climatic and environmental factors are likely to impact on the risk of infection with NTM and fungi in people which are found extensively throughout the natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Ramsay
- a Lung Bacteria Group , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia.,b Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.,c School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
| | - R E Stockwell
- a Lung Bacteria Group , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - S C Bell
- a Lung Bacteria Group , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia.,c School of Medicine , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.,d Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre , The Prince Charles Hospital , Brisbane , Australia
| | - T J Kidd
- b Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia.,e Centre for Infection and Immunity , Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , UK.,f School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences , The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia
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21
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Teutschbein J, Simon S, Lother J, Springer J, Hortschansky P, Morton CO, Löffler J, Einsele H, Conneally E, Rogers TR, Guthke R, Brakhage AA, Kniemeyer O. Proteomic Profiling of Serological Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus Antigens in Patients with Invasive Aspergillosis. J Proteome Res 2016; 15:1580-91. [PMID: 26974881 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.6b00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the species that most commonly causes the opportunistic infection invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients being treated for hematological malignancies. Little is known about the A. fumigatus proteins that trigger the production of Aspergillus-specific IgG antibodies during the course of IA. To characterize the serological response to A. fumigatus protein antigens, mycelial proteins were separated by 2-D gel electrophoresis. The gels were immunoblotted with sera from patients with probable and proven IA and control patients without IA. We identified 49 different fungal proteins, which gave a positive IgG antibody signal. Most of these antigens play a role in primary metabolism and stress responses. Overall, our analysis identified 18 novel protein antigens from A. fumigatus. To determine whether these antigens can be used as diagnostic or prognostic markers or exhibit a protective activity, we employed supervised machine learning with decision trees. We identified two candidates for further analysis, the protein antigens CpcB and Shm2. Heterologously produced Shm2 induced a strongly proinflammatory response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells after in vitro stimulation. In contrast, CpcB did not activate the immune response of PBMCs. These findings could serve as the basis for the development of an immunotherapy of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janka Teutschbein
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University , 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Svenja Simon
- Research Group Systems Biology/Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jasmin Lother
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Springer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University , 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - C Oliver Morton
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jürgen Löffler
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg , 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas R Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin , Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Haematology, St. James's Hospital , Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Reinhard Guthke
- Research Group Systems Biology/Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University , 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans-Knöll-Institute (HKI) , 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University , 07743 Jena, Germany.,Integrated Research and Treatment Center, Center for Sepsis Control and Care Jena (CSCC), University Hospital , 07747 Jena, Germany
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22
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Alshareef F, Robson GD. Genetic and virulence variation in an environmental population of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2014; 160:742-751. [PMID: 24464798 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.072520-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Environmental populations of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus have been shown to be genotypically diverse and to contain a range of isolates with varying pathogenic potential. In this study, we combined two RAPD primers to investigate the genetic diversity of environmental isolates from Manchester collected monthly over 1 year alongside Dublin environmental isolates and clinical isolates from patients. RAPD analysis revealed a diverse genotype, but with three major clinical isolate clusters. When the pathogenicity of clinical and Dublin isolates was compared with a random selection of Manchester isolates in a Galleria mellonella larvae model, as a group, clinical isolates were significantly more pathogenic than environmental isolates. Moreover, when relative pathogenicity of individual isolates was compared, clinical isolates were the most pathogenic, Dublin isolates were the least pathogenic and Manchester isolates showed a range in pathogenicity. Overall, this suggests that the environmental population is genetically diverse, displaying a range in pathogenicity, and that the most pathogenic strains from the environment are selected during patient infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa Alshareef
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Manchester M16 8QW, UK
| | - Geoffrey D Robson
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Michael Smith Building, University of Manchester, Manchester M16 8QW, UK
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