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Bandegani A, Abastabar M, Sharifisooraki J, Abtahian Z, Vaseghi N, Khodavaisy S, Fakharian A, Khalilzadeh S, Modaresi MR, Haghani I, Ahmadi A, Ghazanfari M, Valadan R, Badali H. High Prevalence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus Among Iranian Cystic Fibrosis Patients: Should We Be Concerned? Mycoses 2024; 67:e13791. [PMID: 39239666 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited autosomal recessive disorder, is linked with high morbidity and mortality rates due to bacteria, filamentous, yeast and black yeast-like fungi colonisation in the upper respiratory tract. Although Candida species are the most common fungi isolated from CF patients, azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is a big concern for invasive aspergillosis. Notably, the exact prevalences of Aspergillus species and the prevalence of ARAf isolates among Iranian CF patients have yet to be previously reported and are unknown. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of ARAf isolates in CF patients among Iranian populations by focusing on molecular mechanisms of the mutations in the target gene. METHODS The 1 year prospective study recovered 120 sputum samples from 103 CF patients. Of these, 55.1% (86/156) yielded Aspergillus species, screened for ARAf using plates containing itraconazole (4 mg/L) and voriconazole (1 mg/L). According to the CLSI-M38 guidelines, antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the broth microdilution method. In all phenotypically resistant isolates, the target of azole agents, the cyp51A gene, was sequenced to detect any possible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) mediating resistance. RESULTS Of 120 samples, 101 (84.2%) were positive for filamentous fungi and yeast-like relatives, with 156 fungal isolates. The most common colonising fungi were Aspergillus species (55.1%, 86/156), followed by Candida species (39.8%, 62/156), Exophiala species (3.8%, 6/156) and Scedosporium species (1.3%, 2/156). Forty out of 86 (46.5%) were identified for section Fumigati, 36 (41.9%) for section Flavi, 6 (7%) for section Nigri and 4 (4.6%) for section Terrei. Fourteen out of 40 A. fumigatus isolates were phenotypically resistant. The overall proportion of ARAf in total fungal isolates was 9% (14/156). cyp51A gene analysis in resistant isolates revealed that 13 isolates harboured G448S, G432C, T289F, D255E, M220I, M172V, G138C, G54E and F46Y mutations and one isolate carried G448S, G432C, T289F, D255E, M220I, G138C, G54E and F46Y mutations. Additionally, this study detects two novel cyp51A single-nucleotide polymorphisms (I242V and D490E). CONCLUSIONS This study first investigated ARAf isolates in Iranian CF patients. Due to a resistance rate of up to 9%, it is recommended that susceptibility testing of Aspergillus isolates from CF patients receiving antifungal treatment be a part of the routine diagnostic workup. However, extensive multicentre studies with a high volume of CF patients are highly warranted to determine the impact of ARAf on CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Bandegani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Joobin Sharifisooraki
- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Abtahian
- Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Vaseghi
- Department of Pathobiology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Fakharian
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Khalilzadeh
- Pediatric Respiratory Diseases Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Modaresi
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Iran CF Foundation (ICFF), Tehran, Iran
- Pediatric Pulmonary Disease and Sleep Medicine Research Center, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Haghani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Ghazanfari
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology/Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center (MCBRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at san Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Vena A, Bassetti M, Mezzogori L, Marchesi F, Hoenigl M, Giacobbe DR, Corcione S, Bartoletti M, Stemler J, Pagano L, Cornely OA, Salmanton-García J. Laboratory and clinical management capacity for invasive fungal infections: the Italian landscape. Infection 2024; 52:197-208. [PMID: 37656348 PMCID: PMC10811091 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the laboratory diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in Italy to detect limitations and potential for improvement. METHODS The survey was available online at www.clinicalsurveys.net/uc/IFI management capacity/, and collected variables such as (a) institution profile, (b) perceptions of IFD in the respective institution, (c) microscopy, (d) culture and fungal identification, (e) serology, (f) antigen detection, (g) molecular tests, (h) susceptibility testing and (i) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). RESULTS The laboratory capacity study received responses from 49 Italian centres, with an equitable geographical distribution of locations. The majority of respondents (n = 36, 73%) assessed the occurrence of IFD as moderate-high, with Aspergillus spp. being the pathogen of highest concern, followed by Candida spp. and Mucorales. Although 46 (94%) of the institutions had access to microscopy, less than half of them performed direct microscopy on clinical specimens always when IFD was suspected. Cultures were available in all assessed laboratories, while molecular testing and serology were available in 41 (83%), each. Antigen detection tests and antifungal drugs were also generally accessible (> 90%) among the participating institutions. Nevertheless, access to TDM was limited (n = 31, 63%), with a significant association established between therapeutic drug monitoring availability and higher gross domestic product per capita. CONCLUSIONS Apart from TDM, Italy is adequately prepared for the diagnosis and treatment of IFD, with no significant disparities depending on gross domestic product. Future efforts may need to focus on enhancing the availability and application of direct microscopic methods, as well as TDM, to promote optimal treatment and better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Mezzogori
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Center of Excellence for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele Bartoletti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Infectious Disease Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster On Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, University of Cologne, Herderstraße 52-54, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany
| | - Livio Pagano
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Hematology Unit, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster On Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, University of Cologne, Herderstraße 52-54, 50931, Cologne, Germany
- Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jon Salmanton-García
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster On Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, University of Cologne, Herderstraße 52-54, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Cologne, Germany.
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De Francesco MA. Drug-Resistant Aspergillus spp.: A Literature Review of Its Resistance Mechanisms and Its Prevalence in Europe. Pathogens 2023; 12:1305. [PMID: 38003770 PMCID: PMC10674884 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections due to the Aspergillus species constitute an important challenge for human health. Invasive aspergillosis represents a life-threatening disease, mostly in patients with immune defects. Drugs used for fungal infections comprise amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins. However, in the last decade, an increased emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus strains has been reported, principally belonging to Aspergillus fumigatus species. Therefore, both the early diagnosis of aspergillosis and its epidemiological surveillance are very important to establish the correct antifungal therapy and to ensure a successful patient outcome. In this paper, a literature review is performed to analyze the prevalence of Aspergillus antifungal resistance in European countries. Amphotericin B resistance is observed in 2.6% and 10.8% of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Denmark and Greece, respectively. A prevalence of 84% of amphotericin B-resistant Aspergillus flavus isolates is reported in France, followed by 49.4%, 35.1%, 21.7%, and 20% in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and amphotericin B resistance of Aspergillus niger isolates is observed in Greece and Belgium with a prevalence of 75% and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of triazole resistance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, the most studied mold obtained from the included studies, is 0.3% in Austria, 1% in Greece, 1.2% in Switzerland, 2.1% in France, 3.9% in Portugal, 4.9% in Italy, 5.3% in Germany, 6.1% in Denmark, 7.4% in Spain, 8.3% in Belgium, 11% in the Netherlands, and 13.2% in the United Kingdom. The mechanism of resistance is mainly driven by the TR34/L98H mutation. In Europe, no in vivo resistance is reported for echinocandins. Future studies are needed to implement the knowledge on the spread of drug-resistant Aspergillus spp. with the aim of defining optimal treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonia De Francesco
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Institute of Microbiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Khojasteh S, Abastabar M, Haghani I, Valadan R, Ghazanfari S, Abbasi K, Ahangarkani F, Zarrinfar H, Khodavaisy S, Badali H. Five-year surveillance study of clinical and environmental Triazole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in Iran. Mycoses 2023; 66:98-105. [PMID: 36196507 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections and azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is a growing medical concern in high-risk patients. To our knowledge, there is no comprehensive epidemiological surveillance study on the prevalence and incidence of ARAf isolates available in Iran. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to report a five-year survey of triazole phenotypes and genotype patterns concerning the resistance in clinical and environmental A. fumigatus in Iran. METHODS During the study time frame (2016-2021), a total of 1208 clinical and environmental Aspergillus species were collected. Isolates were examined and characterised by in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing (CLSI M38 broth microdilution) and cyp51A sequencing. RESULTS In total, 485 Aspergillus section Fumigati strains were recovered (clinical, n = 23; 4.74% and environment, n = 462; 95.26%). Of which A. fumigatus isolates were the most prevalent species (n = 483; 99.59%). Amphotericin B and the echinocandins demonstrated good in vitro activity against the majority of isolates in comparison to triazole. Overall, 16.15% (n = 78) of isolates were phenotypically resistant to at least one of the azoles. However, 9.73% of A. fumigatus isolates for voriconazole were classified as resistant, 89.03% were susceptible, and 1.24% were intermediate. While, for itraconazole and posaconazole, using the epidemiological cut-off value 16.15% and 6.83% of isolates were non-wild types, respectively. Remarkably, in 21.79% (n = 17) phenotypically resistant isolates, no mutations were detected within the cyp51A gene. CONCLUSION Although the incidence of ARAf varies from country to country, in Iran the rate has ranged from 3.3% to 18%, significantly increasing from 2013 to 2021. Strikingly, a quarter of the phenotypically resistant isolates harboured no mutations in the cyp51A gene. It seems that other mechanisms of resistance are importantly increasing. To fill a gap in our understanding of the mechanism for azole resistance in the non-cyp51A strains, we highly recommend further and more extensive monitoring of the soil with or without exposure to fungicides in agricultural and hospital areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Khojasteh
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Abastabar
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Iman Haghani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sahar Ghazanfari
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiana Abbasi
- Department of Microbiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahangarkani
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Zarrinfar
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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5
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A Practical Workflow for the Identification of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucorales by MALDI-TOF MS: Database, Medium, and Incubation Optimization. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0103222. [PMID: 36326257 PMCID: PMC9769873 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01032-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing body of literature on the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in the identification of filamentous fungi. However, the process still lacks standardization. In this study, we attempted to establish a practical workflow for the identification of three clinically important molds: Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Mucorales using MALDI-TOF MS. We evaluated the performance of Bruker Filamentous Fungi database v3.0 for the identification of these fungi, highlighting when there would be a benefit of using an additional database, the MSI-2 for further identification. We also examined two other variables, namely, medium effect and incubation time on the accuracy of fungal identification. The Bruker database achieved correct species level identification in 85.7% of Aspergillus and 90% of Mucorales, and correct species-complex level in 94.4% of Fusarium. Analysis of spectra using the MSI-2 database would also offer additional value for species identification of Aspergillus species, especially when suspecting species with known identification limits within the Bruker database. This issue would only be of importance in selected cases where species-level identification would impact therapeutic options. Id-Fungi plates (IDFP) had almost equivalent performance to Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) for species-level identification of isolates and enabled an easier harvest of the isolates with occasional faster identification. Our study showed accurate identification at 24 h for Fusarium and Mucorales species, but not for Aspergillus species, which generally required 48 h.
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Verweij PE, Arendrup MC, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Gold JAW, Lockhart SR, Chiller T, White PL. Dual use of antifungals in medicine and agriculture: How do we help prevent resistance developing in human pathogens? Drug Resist Updat 2022; 65:100885. [PMID: 36283187 PMCID: PMC10693676 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a One Health resistance threat, where azole fungicide exposure compromises the efficacy of medical azoles. The use of the recently authorized fungicide ipflufenoquin, which shares its mode-of-action with a new antifungal olorofim, underscores the need for risk assessment for dual use of antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Maiken C Arendrup
- Unit for Mycology, Statens Serum Insitut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeremy A W Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Shawn R Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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7
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Fioriti S, Cirioni O, Simonetti O, Franca L, Candelaresi B, Pallotta F, Neubauer D, Kamysz E, Kamysz W, Canovari B, Brescini L, Morroni G, Barchiesi F. In Vitro Activity of Novel Lipopeptides against Triazole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080872. [PMID: 36012859 PMCID: PMC9409728 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis, which is mainly sustained by Aspergillus fumigatus, includes a broad spectrum of diseases. They are usually severe in patients with co-morbidities. The first-line therapy includes triazoles, for which an increasing incidence of drug resistance has been lately described. As a consequence of this, the need for new and alternative antifungal molecules is absolutely necessary. As peptides represent promising antimicrobial molecules, two lipopeptides (C14-NleRR-NH2, C14-WRR-NH2) were tested to assess the antifungal activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus. Antifungal activity was evaluated by determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), time–kill curves, XTT assay, optical microscopy, and checkerboard combination with isavuconazole. Both lipopeptides showed antifungal activity, with MICs ranging from 8 mg/L to 16 mg/L, and a dose-dependent effect was confirmed by both time–kill curves and XTT assays. Microscopy showed that hyphae growth was hampered at concentrations equal to or higher than MICs. The rising antifungal resistance highlights the usefulness of novel compounds to treat severe fungal infections. Although further studies assessing the activity of lipopeptides are necessary, these molecules could be effective antifungal alternatives that overcome the current resistances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Fioriti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Oscar Cirioni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Oriana Simonetti
- Dermatological Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Franca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61122 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Bianca Candelaresi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Damian Neubauer
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Kamysz
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Biological Macromolecules, Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61122 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Brescini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria “Ospedali Riuniti”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Morroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0712206298; Fax: +39-0712206297
| | - Francesco Barchiesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord, 61122 Pesaro, Italy
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8
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Risum M, Hare RK, Gertsen JB, Kristensen L, Rosenvinge FS, Sulim S, Abou-Chakra N, Bangsborg J, Løwe Røder B, Marmolin ES, Marie Thyssen Astvad K, Pedersen M, Dzajic E, Andersen SL, Arendrup MC. Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. The first 2-year's Data from the Danish National Surveillance Study, 2018-2020. Mycoses 2022; 65:419-428. [PMID: 35104010 PMCID: PMC9302650 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azole resistance complicates treatment of patients with invasive aspergillosis with an increased mortality. Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus is a growing problem and associated with human and environmental azole use. Denmark has a considerable and highly efficient agricultural sector. Following reports on environmental azole resistance in A. fumigatus from Danish patients the ministry of health requested a prospective national surveillance of azole resistant A. fumigatus and particularly that of environmental origin. OBJECTIVES To present the data from the first two years of the surveillance programme. METHODS Unique isolates regarded as clinically relevant and any A. fumigatus isolated on a preferred weekday (background samples) were included. EUCAST susceptibility testing was performed and azole-resistant isolates underwent cyp51A gene sequencing. RESULTS The azole resistance prevalence was 6.1% (66/1083) at patient level. The TR34 /L98H prevalence was 3.6% (39/1083) and included the variants TR34 /L98H, TR34 3 /L98H and TR34 /L98H/S297T/F495I. Resistance caused by other Cyp51A variants accounted for 1.3% (14/1083) and included G54R, P216S, F219L, G54W, M220I, M220K, M220R, G432S, G448S and Y121F alterations. Non-Cyp51A mediated resistance accounted for 1.2% (13/1083). Proportionally, TR34 /L98H, other Cyp51A variants and non-Cyp51A mediated resistance accounted for 59.1% (39/66), 21.2% (14/66) and 19.7% (13/66), respectively, of all resistance. Azole resistance was detected in all five Regions in Denmark, and TR34 /L98H specifically, in four of five regions during the surveillance period. CONCLUSION The azole resistance prevalence does not lead to a change in the initial treatment of aspergillosis at this point, but causes concern and leads to therapeutic challenges in the affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lise Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital
| | - Flemming Schønning Rosenvinge
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, and Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense
| | - Sofia Sulim
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital
| | | | - Jette Bangsborg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen
| | | | - Ea Sofie Marmolin
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sygehus Lillebaelt, Vejle Sygehus
| | - Karen Marie Thyssen Astvad
- Mycology Unit, Statens Serum Institut.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen
| | - Michael Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen
| | - Esad Dzajic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sydvestjysk Sygehus, Esbjerg Sygehus
| | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Mycology Unit, Statens Serum Institut.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University
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9
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Bastos RW, Rossato L, Goldman GH, Santos DA. Fungicide effects on human fungal pathogens: Cross-resistance to medical drugs and beyond. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010073. [PMID: 34882756 PMCID: PMC8659312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are underestimated threats that affect over 1 billion people, and Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., and Aspergillus spp. are the 3 most fatal fungi. The treatment of these infections is performed with a limited arsenal of antifungal drugs, and the class of the azoles is the most used. Although these drugs present low toxicity for the host, there is an emergence of therapeutic failure due to azole resistance. Drug resistance normally develops in patients undergoing azole long-term therapy, when the fungus in contact with the drug can adapt and survive. Conversely, several reports have been showing that resistant isolates are also recovered from patients with no prior history of azole therapy, suggesting that other routes might be driving antifungal resistance. Intriguingly, antifungal resistance also happens in the environment since resistant strains have been isolated from plant materials, soil, decomposing matter, and compost, where important human fungal pathogens live. As the resistant fungi can be isolated from the environment, in places where agrochemicals are extensively used in agriculture and wood industry, the hypothesis that fungicides could be driving and selecting resistance mechanism in nature, before the contact of the fungus with the host, has gained more attention. The effects of fungicide exposure on fungal resistance have been extensively studied in Aspergillus fumigatus and less investigated in other human fungal pathogens. Here, we discuss not only classic and recent studies showing that environmental azole exposure selects cross-resistance to medical azoles in A. fumigatus, but also how this phenomenon affects Candida and Cryptococcus, other 2 important human fungal pathogens found in the environment. We also examine data showing that fungicide exposure can select relevant changes in the morphophysiology and virulence of those pathogens, suggesting that its effect goes beyond the cross-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael W. Bastos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Rossato
- Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados-MS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel A. Santos
- Laboratory of Mycology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
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10
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Nematollahi S, Permpalung N, Zhang SX, Morales M, Marr KA. Aspergillus lentulus: An Under-recognized Cause of Antifungal Drug-Resistant Aspergillosis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab392. [PMID: 34466628 PMCID: PMC8403229 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus lentulus is a drug-resistant species that is phenotypically similar to A. fumigatus. It was discovered as a cause of azole-breakthrough disease, consistent with in vitro resistance. Clinical labs can misidentify the species as fumigatus based on phenotypic typing. We describe 4 recent cases and provide a brief review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Nematollahi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nitipong Permpalung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sean X Zhang
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan Morales
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kieren A Marr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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