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de Holanda Fonseca DL, Silva DMWD, de Albuquerque Maranhão FC. Molecular characterization of clinical and environmental isolates from the Cryptococcus neoformans/C. Gattii species complexes of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2024:10.1007/s42770-024-01313-1. [PMID: 38619732 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is one of the major life-threatening opportunistic/systemic fungal diseases of worldwide occurrence, which can be asymptomatic or establish pneumonia and meningoencephalitis mainly in immunosuppressed patients, caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes. Acquisition is by inhaling fungal propagules from avian droppings, tree hollows and decaying wood, and the association of the molecular types with geographic origin, virulence and antifungal resistance have epidemiological importance. Since data on cryptococcosis in Alagoas are limited, we sought to determine the molecular types of etiological agents collected from clinical and environmental sources. We evaluated 21 isolates previously collected from cerebrospinal fluid and from environment sources (pigeon droppings and tree hollows) in Maceió-Alagoas (Brazil). Restriction fragment length polymorphism of URA5 gene was performed to characterize among the eight standard molecular types (VNI-VNIV and VGI-VGIV). Among isolates, 66.67% (14) were assigned to C. neoformans VNI - 12 of them (12/14) recovered from liquor and 2 from a tree hollow (2/14). One isolate from pigeon droppings (4.76%) corresponded to C. neoformans VNIV, while five strains from tree hollows and one from pigeon droppings (6, 28.57%) to C. gattii VGII. VNI-type was present in clinical and environmental samples and most C. neoformans infections were observed in HIV-positive patients, while types VNIV and VGII were prevalent in environmental sources in Alagoas. This is the first molecular characterization of Cryptococcus spp. in Alagoas, our study provides additional information on the ecoepidemiology of Cryptococcus spp. in Brazil, contributing to a closer view of the endemic species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise Maria Wanderlei da Silva
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Sector of Microbiology, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cristina de Albuquerque Maranhão
- Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Sector of Microbiology, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Federal University of Alagoas, Av. Lourival de Melo Mota, S/N, Tabuleiro do Martins, Maceió, 57072-900, Alagoas, Brazil.
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Gifford A, Jayawardena N, Carlesse F, Lizarazo J, McMullan B, Groll AH, Warris A. Pediatric Cryptococcosis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:307-312. [PMID: 38241632 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroprevalence studies have shown that 70% of children are exposed to Cryptococcus , the most common cause of meningitis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but reported pediatric disease prevalence is much lower than in adults. METHODS PubMed and Ovid Global Health databases were searched with the terms "cryptococcosis," "cryptococcal meningitis," " Cryptococcus neoformans " or " Cryptococcus gattii ." All studies reporting pediatric specific data in the English language from 1980 up until December 2022 were included. RESULTS One hundred sixty-eight publications were reviewed totaling 1469 children, with the majority reported from Africa (54.2%). Sixty-five percent (961) were HIV positive, 10% (147) were non-HIV immunocompromised and 19% (281) were immunocompetent. Clinical signs and symptoms were only reported for 458 children, with fever (64%), headache (55%) and vomiting (39%) being the most common. Most children (80%) suffered from meningoencephalitis. Lung involvement was rarely described in HIV-positive children (1%), but significantly more common in the non-HIV immunocompromised (36%) and immunocompetent (40%) groups ( P < 0.0001). Only 22% received the recommended antifungal combination therapy, which was significantly higher in immunocompetent children than those with HIV (39% vs. 6.8%; P < 0.0001). Overall mortality was 23%. A significant higher mortality was observed in children with HIV compared with immunocompetent children (32% vs. 16%; P < 0.001), but not compared with children with non-HIV immunosuppression (25). CONCLUSIONS This is the largest review of pediatric cryptococcosis with new observations on differences in clinical presentation and outcome depending on the underlying condition. The lack of granular clinical data urges prospective clinical epidemiological studies for improved insight in the epidemiology, management and outcome of cryptococcosis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Gifford
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Naamal Jayawardena
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Fabianne Carlesse
- Pediatric Department, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paolo, Brazil
- Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer (GRAACC), Oncology Pediatric Institute, Federal University of São Paulo, Sao Paolo, Brazil
| | - Jairo Lizarazo
- Faculty of Health, Hospital Universitario Erasmo Meoz de Cúcuta, Universidad de Pamplona, Cucuta, Colombia
| | - Brendan McMullan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andreas H Groll
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Infectious Disease Research Program, Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation, Children's University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Arango-Franco CA, Rojas J, Firacative C, Agudelo CI, Franco JL, Casanova JL, Puel A, Lizarazo J, Castañeda E, Arias AA. Autoantibodies neutralizing GM-CSF in HIV-negative Colombian patients infected with Cryptococcus gattii and C. neoformans. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3873029. [PMID: 38313298 PMCID: PMC10836105 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3873029/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or C. gattii. Autoantibodies (auto-Abs) neutralizing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in otherwise healthy adults with cryptococcal meningitis have been described since 2013. We searched for neutralizing auto-Abs in sera from Colombian patients with non-HIV related cryptococcosis in a retrospective national cohort collected from 1997 to 2016. Methods We reviewed clinical and laboratory records and assessed the presence of neutralizing auto-Abs in 30 HIV (-) adults presenting cryptococcosis (13 by C. gattii, and 17 by C. neoformans). Results We detected auto-Abs neutralizing GM-CSF in the plasma of 9 out of 13 (69%) patients infected with C. gattii and 1 out of 17 (6%) patients with C. neoformans. Conclusions We report ten Colombian patients with cryptococcosis due to auto-Abs neutralizing GM-CSF. Nine of the ten patients were infected with C. gattii, and only one with C. neoformans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Puel
- INSERM U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children
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Bashardoust B, Alavi Darazam I, Daie Ghazvini R, Hashemi SJ, Salehi M, Abbasian L, Dehghan Manshadi SA, Abdorahimi M, Mohamadi A, Zamani F, Ardi P, Khodavaisy S. Clinical and mycological implications of cryptococcal meningitis in Iran. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21395. [PMID: 37908716 PMCID: PMC10613884 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an uncommon and severe infection that tends to affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts. To gain insights into the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CM in Iran, this study evaluated patients with subacute or chronic meningitis referred to 15 Iranian hospitals. Relevant clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Diagnosis of CM cases was performed by microscopic examination, culture, latex agglutination assay, lateral flow assay, and multiplex PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The isolates were processed and subjected to molecular identification and in vitro susceptibility antifungal profile. Among the 272 evaluated patients, 7 (2.6 %) CM cases were diagnosed. Out of seven CM cases, 6 (86 %) were male with a median age of 36 years. The most common neurological signs were headache (100 %), followed by nausea and vomiting (71.4 %). All CSF samples from CM patients exhibited positive results across all mycological tests conducted. The isolates were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans (86 %) and Cryptococcus gattii (14 %). All isolates were susceptible to voriconazole and fluconazole, while resistance was observed with itraconazole (MIC value of 0.5 μg/mL) and amphotericin B (MIC values of 4 and 1 μg/mL). The highest mortality (6/7, 86 %) was observed among patients. While a comprehensive study on this subject is currently lacking in Iran, the data acquired through this research play a crucial role in enhancing the clinical and epidemiological understanding of this infection, particularly within low-income countries. Moreover, these findings will serve as a cornerstone for future international comparative studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Bashardoust
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ilad Alavi Darazam
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daie Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Salehi
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Abbasian
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Abdorahimi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Mohamadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Zamani
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Ardi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Damasceno LS, Cézar RC, Canuto MCDS, Barbosa Neto JDP, Leitão TDMJS. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis: Risk factors associated to death in a hospital in Northeastern Brazil. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101407. [PMID: 37295283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101407] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic systemic mycosis caused by pathogenic encapsulated yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with death of patients diagnosed with meningitis due to Cryptococcus spp. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to the São José Hospital (SJH) with Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis (CM) who were diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Data collection was carried out by reviewing the patients' medical records. Death during hospitalization was considered the primary outcome. RESULTS From 2010 to 2018, 21,519 patients were admitted to the HSJ, 124 of whom were hospitalized due to CM. The CM incidence rate was 5.8 cases/103 hospitalizations. We included 112 patients in the study. Male patients were the most affected (82.1%), and the median age was 37 years [IQR: 29-45]. HIV coinfection occurred in 79.4% of the patients. Fever (65.2%) and headache (88.4%) were the most frequent symptoms. Greater cellularity in the CSF was the most related factor to CM in non-HIV individuals (p < 0.05). Death during hospitalization occurred in 28.6% (n = 32) of the patients. The independent risk factors associated with death during the hospitalization were women (p = 0.009), age > 35 years (p = 0.046), focal neurological deficits (p = 0.013), altered mental status (p = 0.018) and HIV infection (p = 0.040). The twelve-month survival was lower in HIV-positive patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Early diagnosis, optimal treatment, and clinical follow-up strategies, especially in HIV patients, should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandra Serra Damasceno
- Departamento de Saúde Comunitária, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Renan Carrasco Cézar
- Departamento de Saúde Comunitária, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Terezinha do Menino Jesus Silva Leitão
- Departamento de Saúde Comunitária, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Kakizaki MIT, Melhem MDESC. CRYPTOCOCCOSIS: A bibliographic narrative review on antifungal resistance. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20220862. [PMID: 37466540 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320220862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an infectious fungal disease widely studied for its epidemiological importance in the context of public health, given the high morbidity and mortality associated with this invasive fungal infection. Many cases of the disease present clinical resistance and progress to death, even in the presence of antifungal therapy. The prolonged use of triazole drugs to maintain the treatment of cryptococcosis in AIDS patients, can lead to selective pressure from mutant strains, among other resistance mechanisms, justifying the poor clinical evolution of some cases. In this study, a narrative review of the literature on the occurrence of antifungal resistance in cryptococcosis agents was performed. Publications from 2010 to 2022 that address this topic were selected using Google Scholars and Scopus website. Data from the studies were analyzed for the values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of drugs used in the management of cryptococcosis. The review showed that the highest MIC values occurred for voriconazole, especially against C. neoformans. It is concluded that there is a lack of studies with statistical analysis of the data obtained, in order to provide a better dimensioning of the resistance rates of cryptococcosis agents to different antifungal agents, both in geographical and temporal context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ismênia T Kakizaki
- Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual: Iamspe, Setor de Oncologia e Hematologia, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 1800, Vila Clementino, 04039-901 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia DE S C Melhem
- Departmento de Micologia, Associado de pesquisa sênior, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 355, Cerqueira César, 01246-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Departamento de Medicina, Av. Costa e Silva, s/n, Pioneiros, 79070-900 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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Oliveira EP, de Sousa BR, de Freitas JF, Neves RP, Jucá MB, de Araújo PSR, da Costa Lima JL, Maciel MAV, de Lima-Neto RG. Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Neurocryptococcosis Associated with HIV in Northeastern Brazil. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051206. [PMID: 37243290 DOI: 10.3390/v15051206] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system that is predominant in developing countries, caused by fungi of the genus Cryptococcus, and which affects immunosuppressed patients, especially those with HIV. Here, we aim to diagnose and characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of cryptococcosis in patients admitted to two tertiary public hospitals in northeastern Brazil. The study is divided into three moments: (1) the isolation of fungus and diagnosis from biological samples collected between 2017 and 2019, (2) a description of the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients, and (3) the experimental tests related to an in vitro susceptibility antifungal profile. The species were identified by MALDI-TOF/MS. Among the 100 patients evaluated, 24 (24.5%) were diagnosed with cryptococcosis based on positive culture. Clinical-epidemiological analysis showed a slightly higher prevalence in men between 30 and 39 years. When comparing the date of HIV diagnosis and the development of cryptococcosis, it was observed that 50% received the diagnosis of infection by cryptococcosis after or equal to a period of 12 months from being diagnosed with HIV; the other 50% received it within the first 30 days of the HIV diagnosis. Neurocryptococcosis was the most prevalent clinical form, and, at the time of hospital admission, the most common clinical signs were high fever (75%), intense headache (62.50%), and neck stiffness (33.33%). The cerebrospinal fluid showed 100% sensitivity and positivity for direct examination by India ink, and fungal culture. The mortality rate in this study was 46% (11/24), a lower rate than in the other literature. An antifungigram showed that 20 (83.33%) isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B and 15 (62.5%) to fluconazole. Mass spectrometry identified 100% of the isolates as Cryptococcus neoformans. In Brazil, this infection is not mandatory notifiable. Therefore, although there is little information on the subject, it is obsolete and does not express the reality of the facts, mainly in the northeast region, where this information is insufficient. The data obtained in this research contribute to the epidemiological knowledge of this mycosis in Brazil and will serve as a basis for future globally comparative epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertênia Paiva Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Fungal Biology, Federal University Federal of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-570, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Bruna Rodrigues de Sousa
- Postgraduate Program in Fungal Biology, Federal University Federal of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-570, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jucieli Firmino de Freitas
- Postgraduate Program in Fungal Biology, Federal University Federal of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-570, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rejane Pereira Neves
- Postgraduate Program in Fungal Biology, Federal University Federal of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-570, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Moacir Batista Jucá
- Hospital Correia Picanço, Department of Health from the State of Pernambuco, Recife 52060-060, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sérgio Ramos de Araújo
- Hospital das Clínicas, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Medical Sciences, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jailton Lobo da Costa Lima
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Medical Sciences, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Maria Amélia Vieira Maciel
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Medical Sciences, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo Gonçalves de Lima-Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Fungal Biology, Federal University Federal of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife 50740-570, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Medical Sciences, UFPE, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Cryptococcus spp. and Cryptococcosis: focusing on the infection in Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1321-1337. [PMID: 35486354 PMCID: PMC9433474 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00744-y] [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: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a global fungal infection caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii yeast complex. This infection is acquired by inhalation of propagules such as basidiospores or dry yeast, initially causing lung infections with the possibility of progressing to the meninges. This infection mainly affects immunocompromised HIV and transplant patients; however, immunocompetent patients can also be affected. This review proposes to evaluate cryptococcosis focusing on studies of this mycosis in Brazilian territory; moreover, recent advances in the understanding of its virulence mechanism, animal models in research are also assessed. For this, literature review as realized in PubMed, Scielo, and Brazilian legislation. In Brazil, cryptococcosis has been identified as one of the most lethal fungal infections among HIV patients and C. neoformans VNI and C. gattii VGII are the most prevalent genotypes. Moreover, different clinical settings published in Brazil were described. As in other countries, cryptococcosis is difficult to treat due to a limited therapeutic arsenal, which is highly toxic and costly. The presence of a polysaccharide capsule, thermo-tolerance, production of melanin, biofilm formation, mechanisms for iron use, and morphological alterations is an important virulence mechanism of these yeasts. The introduction of cryptococcosis as a compulsory notification disease could improve data regarding incidence and help in the management of these infections.
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de Oliveira L, Melhem MDSC, Buccheri R, Chagas OJ, Vidal JE, Diaz-Quijano FA. Early clinical and microbiological predictors of outcome in hospitalized patients with cryptococcal meningitis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:138. [PMID: 35139801 PMCID: PMC8830130 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07118-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis causes high mortality in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The objective of this study was to identify early predictors of clinical outcome, available at the first days of hospitalization, in patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a tertiary center in Brazil. Methods Ninety-six cases of cryptococcal meningitis with clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data, and identification and antifungal susceptibility of the strains were analyzed. Quantitative CSF yeast counts were performed by direct microscopic exam with a Fuchs-Rosenthal cell counting chamber using an institutional protocol. Univariable and multiple analyses using logistic regression were performed to identify predictors, available at the beginning of hospitalization, of in-hospital mortality. Moreover, we performed a secondary analysis for a composite outcome defined by hospital mortality and intensive care unit transfer. Results The species and the antifungal susceptibility were not associated with the outcomes evaluated. The variables significantly associated with the mortality were age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.02–1.15), the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) yeasts count (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.20–2.27), systemic arterial hypertension (OR = 22.63, 95% CI 1.64–312.91) and neurological impairment identified by computed tomography (OR = 41.73, 95% CI 3.10–561.65). At the secondary analysis, CSF yeast count was also associated with the composite outcome, in addition to the culture of Cryptococcus spp. from bloodstream and cerebral toxoplasmosis. The associations were consistent with survival models evaluated. Conclusions Age and CSF yeast count were independently associated with in-hospital mortality of patients with cryptococcal meningitis but Cryptococcus species identification and antifungal susceptibility were not associated with the outcomes. Quantitative CSF yeast counts used in this study can be evaluated and implemented in other low and middle-income settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07118-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiane de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil.
| | - Marcia de Souza Carvalho Melhem
- Mycology Unit of Adolfo Lutz Institute, Public Health Reference Laboratory, Secretary of Health, Av. Dr.Arnaldo, 351, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bairro Universitário, Av. Costa e Silva, s/no, Campo Grande, MS, CEP 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Renata Buccheri
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil
| | - Oscar José Chagas
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil
| | - José Ernesto Vidal
- Department of Neurology, Emílio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 165, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05411-000, Brazil.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Fredi Alexander Diaz-Quijano
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01246-904, Brazil
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10
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Firacative C, Meyer W, Castañeda E. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes in Latin America: A Map of Molecular Types, Genotypic Diversity, and Antifungal Susceptibility as Reported by the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040282. [PMID: 33918572 PMCID: PMC8069395 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis, is caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. In Latin America, cryptococcal meningitis is still an important health threat with a significant clinical burden. Analysis of publicly available molecular data from 5686 clinical, environmental, and veterinary cryptococcal isolates from member countries of the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group showed that, as worldwide, C. neoformans molecular type VNI is the most common cause of cryptococcosis (76.01%) in HIV-infected people, followed by C. gattii molecular type VGII (12.37%), affecting mostly otherwise healthy hosts. These two molecular types also predominate in the environment (68.60% for VNI and 20.70% for VGII). Among the scarce number of veterinary cases, VGII is the predominant molecular type (73.68%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed that, in Latin America, the C. neoformans population is less diverse than the C. gattii population (D of 0.7104 vs. 0.9755). Analysis of antifungal susceptibility data showed the presence of non-wild-type VNI, VGI, VGII, and VGIII isolates in the region. Overall, the data presented herein summarize the progress that has been made towards the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcal isolates in Latin America, contributing to the characterization of the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of these globally spreading pathogenic yeasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-1-297-0200 (ext. 3404)
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Research and Education Network Westmead Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School-Westmead Clinical School, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2145, Australia;
| | - Elizabeth Castañeda
- Grupo de Microbiología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
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Zhang W, Liao Q, Liu Y, Wu S, Deng J, Xiao Y, Ma Y, Xie Y, Kang M. PTX3 gene polymorphism associated with cryptococcosis in HIV-uninfected Chinese patients. Mycoses 2021; 64:405-411. [PMID: 33320373 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For Chinese Han populations, cryptococcosis are more likely to occur in HIV-uninfected patients instead of HIV-infected patients compared with other countries and regions, implying that there may be genetic predisposing factors for cryptococcosis in the Chinese Han populations. However, the retail mechanism has not been clarified. OBJECTIVES We aimed to conduct an association analysis between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of pattern recognition receptors (PRR) genes and the susceptibility to cryptococcosis in HIV-uninfected Chinese patients, which may provide new genetic predisposing factors for early-risk prediction of disease, individualised treatment and prognosis monitoring. PATIENTS/METHODS Using the SNaPshot SNP typing technique, eight SNPs of PRR genes (Dectin-2, Dectin-1, PTX3, CXCL8, IL12B, IFIH1, TLR1 and CD209) were typed on 97 HIV-uninfected cryptococcosis patients and 120 healthy controls who admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University, China, from 1 March 2018 to 30 December 2018. The results were analysed by the SHEsis software and SPSS 20.0 software. RESULTS It was found that that PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphism was associated with cryptococcosis in HIV-uninfected patients. Compared with the GG genotype, AA genotype increased the risk of cryptococcosis in HIV-uninfected patients (p = .015, OR, 2.579; 95% CI, 1.202-5.535). In the immunocompetent patients, the AA genotype had a higher risk (p = .002, OR, 4.399; 95% CI, 1.745-11.088). Further verification found that the plasma PTX3 level of the AA genotype was significantly higher than the GA or GG genotype (60.28 ± 16.12 vs 7.32 ± 0.79, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS PTX3 rs2305619 polymorphism was associated with cryptococcosis in HIV-uninfected Chinese patients. The AA genotype increased the risk of cryptococcosis, and its plasma PTX3 level was significantly higher than that of GA or GG genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanfeng Liao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Siying Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuling Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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12
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Okurut S, Meya DB, Bwanga F, Olobo J, Eller MA, Cham-Jallow F, Bohjanen PR, Pratap H, Palmer BE, Hullsiek KH, Manabe YC, Boulware DR, Janoff EN. B Cell Compartmentalization in Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid of HIV-Infected Ugandans with Cryptococcal Meningitis. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00779-19. [PMID: 31871098 PMCID: PMC7035924 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00779-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated B cells modulate infection by differentiating into pathogen-specific antibody-producing effector plasmablasts/plasma cells, memory cells, and immune regulatory B cells. In this context, the B cell phenotypes that infiltrate the central nervous system during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cryptococcal meningitis coinfection are ill defined. We characterized clinical parameters, mortality, and B cell phenotypes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by flow cytometry in HIV-infected adults with cryptococcal (n = 31) and noncryptococcal (n = 12) meningitis and in heathy control subjects with neither infection (n = 10). Activation of circulating B cells (CD21low) was significantly higher in the blood of subjects with HIV infection than in that of healthy controls and greater yet in matched CSF B cells (P < 0.001). Among B cell subsets, elevated frequencies of memory and plasmablasts/plasma cells most clearly distinguished the CSF from blood compartments. With cryptococcal meningitis, lower frequencies of expression of the regulatory protein programmed death-1 (PD-1) on plasmablasts/plasma cells in blood (median, 7%) at presentation were associated with significantly decreased 28-day survival (29% [4/14 subjects]), whereas higher PD-1 expression (median, 46%) characterized subjects with higher survival (88% [14/16 subjects]). With HIV infection, B cell differentiation and regulatory markers are discrete elements of the circulating and CSF compartments with clinical implications for cryptococcal disease outcome, potentially due to their effects on the fungus and other local immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Okurut
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Laboratory Department, Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Freddie Bwanga
- Department of Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Olobo
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael A Eller
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Fatim Cham-Jallow
- Laboratory Department, Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul R Bohjanen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Harsh Pratap
- Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Brent E Palmer
- Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Katharine H Hullsiek
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Edward N Janoff
- Mucosal and Vaccine Research Program Colorado, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
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13
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Prospective cohort of AIDS patients screened for cryptococcal antigenaemia, pre-emptively treated and followed in Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219928. [PMID: 31344140 PMCID: PMC6658077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis has a high morbidity and mortality among AIDS population. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) detection is considered an independent predictor for meningitis and death. Since 2011, the World Health Organization recommends CrAg screening for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) with CD4 counts <100–200 cells/μl. Its implementation is still limited in low-middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of CrAg positivity in PLHAs. We also evaluated outcomes among those who were CrAg-positive. Methods Prospective cohort conducted at an infectious diseases hospital, in Brazil. Adults with CD4 <200 cells/μl, without previous cryptococcal disease and regardless of symptoms, were enrolled from 2015 to 2018. CrAg tests were performed by LFA. Lumbar puncture was done in CrAg+ individuals and pre-emptive therapy was offered for those without meningitis. Results Of 214 individuals recruited, 88% were antiretroviral experienced, of which only 11.6% with viral suppression. Overall, CrAg prevalence was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.7–12.4). In CD4 ≤100 cells/μl group it was 7.5% (95% CI, 4.1–12.6) and 9.1% (95% CI, 3.4–19.0) in the group with CD4 101 to 199 cells/μl (p = 0.17). Prevalence in asymptomatic subjects was 5.3% (95% CI, 1.4–13.1). One among 17 CrAg+ participants had documented meningoencephalitis and no subclinical meningitis was detected. Adherence to pre-emptive treatment was 68.7% (11/16). There were no statistically significant differences in sociodemographic, clinical or laboratory characteristics to predict CrAg positivity. No case of cryptococcal disease was diagnosed among CrAg + subjects, followed by a median of 12 months. Conclusions CrAg screening for severely immunosuppressed PLHAs in Brazil yielded a prevalence of 7.9%. No difference was found in the prevalence of CrAg stratified by CD4 values (CD4 <100 versus CD4 101–199 cells/μl). No clinical nor laboratory factors predicted CrAg positivity, corroborating the need for the implementation of universal CrAg screening for PLHAs with CD4 <200 cells/μl in similar settings.
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Costa MC, Pereira de Sá N, Johann S, Santos DA. Social, environmental and microbiologic aspects of endemic mycoses in Brazil. New Microbes New Infect 2019; 29:100496. [PMID: 30949344 PMCID: PMC6430732 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many factors that lead to host immunosuppression are clearly known to predispose the host to fungal diseases, significantly influencing the occurrence of mycoses. However, little or nothing has been discussed regarding social or economic factors that can influence the occurrence of diseases caused by fungi. In this minireview, we discuss several factors that may affect the occurrence of mycoses in Brazil, a continentally extended country that is marked by large climatic variations and severe socioeconomic distortions that may limit access to health services for the population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N Pereira de Sá
- Laboratório de Taxonomia e Biologia de Leveduras, Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - S Johann
- Laboratório de Taxonomia e Biologia de Leveduras, Departamento de Microbiologia, ICB-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Mohanty A, Bhatia M, Kabi A, Chatterjee K, Kaistha N, Omar BJ, Gupta PK, Gupta P. Cryptococcal meningitis: An under-reported disease from the hills of Uttarakhand: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2019; 8:2008-2011. [PMID: 31334171 PMCID: PMC6618182 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_216_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptococcal meningitis is a fatal opportunistic neuroinfection and an AIDS defining illness. It can also occur in non-HIV patients who are immunodefecient due to chronic glucocorticoid use, organ transplantation, malignancy and sarcodiosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from July to December 2018. CSF samples of 364 patients were received by Microbiology laboratory during this period for the purpose of aerobic bacterial, fungal and TB culture, respectively. All samples were subjected to examination by direct wet mount, Gram stain and India ink preparation. Ziehl Neelsen staining, solid culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis on Lowenstein Jensen medium and Gene Xpert was also performed on all CSF samples. These samples were further subjected to fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used for identifying all bacterial (except M. tuberculosis) and fungal isolates. Results: Out of 364 CSF samples received, 288 were sterile after 48 hours of aerobic incubation. Bacterial isolates, M. tuberculosis and Cryptococcus spp. were obtained in culture from 51, 21 and 4 samples, respectively. The prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis in our study was 1.09% (4/364). Cryptococcus neoformans var grubii was the most common isolate (2/4; 50%) followed by Cryptococcus neoformans var neoformans (1/4; 25%) and Cryptococcus neoformans var gattii (1/4; 25%), respectively. Conclusion: Cryptococcal meningitis is a rapidly fatal condition which requires a high index of suspicion and calls for a collective effort from family physicians and diagnosticians alike. This disease is under-reported from Uttarakhand and therefore calls for further research from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ankita Kabi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kuhu Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Neelam Kaistha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Balram Ji Omar
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Puneet K Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Molecular types of Cryptococcus species isolated from patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a Brazilian tertiary care hospital. Braz J Infect Dis 2018; 22:495-498. [PMID: 30508502 PMCID: PMC9425640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Brazil. Here, we report on the identification of the molecular pattern of the Cryptococcus species that caused meningitis in patients admitted in a Brazilian reference tertiary care hospital, and review the published studies addressing the molecular epidemiology of Cryptococcus in Brazil. Our study has shown the predominance of molecular type VNII in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Molecular types VNII and VGII were occasionally detected in HIV-infected and non-infected patients with meningoencephalitis. In contrast, previous studies have shown that several regions exhibited a high prevalence of the VNI molecular type and sporadic cases of the VNII and VGII molecular types in patients with cryptococcosis in Brazil. Additional studies including VNII isolates will contribute to understanding the epidemiology and phylogenetic relationship of these genotype compared to the other ones. So far, no clear correlation has been established between genotypes, antifungal susceptibility for Cryptococcus and clinical outcome in cryptococcosis.
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