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Wu S, Jia W, Lu Y, Jiang H, Huang C, Tang S, Du L. Mechanism and bioinformatics analysis of the effect of berberine-enhanced fluconazole against drug-resistant Candida albicans. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:196. [PMID: 38849761 PMCID: PMC11157861 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03334-0] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms produced by Candida albicans present a challenge in treatment with antifungal drug. Enhancing the sensitivity to fluconazole (FLC) is a reasonable method for treating FLC-resistant species. Moreover, several lines of evidence have demonstrated that berberine (BBR) can have antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to clarify the underlying mechanism of these effects. We conducted a comparative study of the inhibition of FLC-resistant strain growth by FLC treatment alone, BBR treatment alone, and the synergistic effect of combined FLC and BBR treatment. Twenty-four isolated strains showed distinct biofilm formation capabilities. The antifungal effect of combined FLC and BBR treatment in terms of the growth and biofilm formation of Candida albicans species was determined via checkerboard, time-kill, and fluorescence microscopy assays. The synergistic effect of BBR and FLC downregulated the expression of the efflux pump genes CDR1 and MDR, the hyphal gene HWP1, and the adhesion gene ALS3; however, the gene expression of the transcriptional repressor TUP1 was upregulated following treatment with this drug combination. Furthermore, the addition of BBR led to a marked reduction in cell surface hydrophobicity. To identify resistance-related genes and virulence factors through genome-wide sequencing analysis, we investigated the inhibition of related resistance gene expression by the combination of BBR and FLC, as well as the associated signaling pathways and metabolic pathways. The KEGG metabolic map showed that the metabolic genes in this strain are mainly involved in amino acid and carbon metabolism. The metabolic pathway map showed that several ergosterol (ERG) genes were involved in the synthesis of cell membrane sterols, which may be related to drug resistance. In this study, BBR + FLC combination treatment upregulated the expression of the ERG1, ERG3, ERG4, ERG5, ERG24, and ERG25 genes and downregulated the expression of the ERG6 and ERG9 genes compared with fluconazole treatment alone (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Wei Jia
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Hongkun Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Chunlan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Shifu Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China
| | - Le Du
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Viral Diseases, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Clinical Biotechnology, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liu Zhou, 545006, China.
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Morovati H, Kord M, Ahmadikia K, Eslami S, Hemmatzadeh M, Kurdestani KM, Khademi M, Darabian S. A Comprehensive Review of Identification Methods for Pathogenic Yeasts: Challenges and Approaches. Adv Biomed Res 2023; 12:187. [PMID: 37694259 PMCID: PMC10492613 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_375_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] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the increasing incidence of yeast infections and the presence of drug-resistant isolates, accurate identification of the pathogenic yeasts is essential for the management of yeast infections. In this review, we tried to introduce the routine and novel techniques applied for yeast identification. Laboratory identification methods of pathogenic yeast are classified into three categories; I. conventional methods, including microscopical and culture-base methods II. biochemical/physiological-processes methods III. molecular methods. While conventional and biochemical methods require more precautions and are not specific in some cases, molecular diagnostic methods are the optimum tools for diagnosing pathogenic yeasts in a short time with high accuracy and specificity, and having various methods that cover different purposes, and affordable costs for researchers. Nucleotide sequencing is a reference or gold standard for identifying pathogenic yeasts. Since it is an expensive method, it is not widely used in developing countries. However, novel identification techniques are constantly updated, and we recommend further studies in this field. The results of this study will guide researchers in finding more accurate diagnostic method(s) for their studies in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Morovati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kord
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saba Eslami
- Central Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Hemmatzadeh
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kian M. Kurdestani
- Department of Microbiology, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Sima Darabian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Safari F, Madani M, Kheirollahi M, Mirhendi H. Development and Validation of Specific Conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR Assays for Rapid Detection/Identification of C. auris from Yeast Isolates and Clinical Specimens. Mycoses 2022; 65:1137-1145. [PMID: 35860950 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The accurate occurrence rate of C. auris infections is still not clear, mainly due to defects in detection and identification tools routinely used. In this study, we used conventional PCR and real-time PCR assays for sensitive and specific detection/identification of C. auris from either yeast isolates or clinical specimens collected from various patients in different parts of Iran. Our survey is the first large scale study rating the incidence of C. auris infections in Iran. METHODS A total of 439 yeast isolates and 590 clinical specimens were screened by specific C. auris-PCR, targeting the ITS region. The validity of positive samples was assessed by sequencing. RESULTS Four out of 590 clinical specimens (0.68%) were positive by conventional PCR, while in real-time PCR performed on 100 clinical samples, including those four samples positive in conventional samples, 6 samples were positive. A complete agreement of the identification of positive cases with sequencing results was documented. Among 439 culture isolate, none was positive for C. auris. After following up and resampling of the patients with positive PCR, only one specimen showed positive culture for C. auris, which was confirmed by sequencing. CONCLUSION C. auris is not a common cause of systemic or superficial fungal infections in Iran, and a few detected positive cases can be considered as a commensal, colonizer, or infecting yeast which may potentially emerge in some clinical and therapeutical conditions. Mycological and phenotypical assays are not sensitive approaches for isolation/identification of C. auris, unless a specific and sensitive molecular-based method is applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Madani
- Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Kheirollahi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine; & Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Jafarzadeh L, Ranjbar M, Nazari T, Naeimi Eshkaleti M, Aghaei Gharehbolagh S, Sobel JD, Mahmoudi S. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: An overview of mycological, clinical, and immunological aspects. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:1546-1560. [PMID: 35445492 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To provide an overview of clinical, immunological, and mycological aspects of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). METHODS A literature search was conducted to find relevant articles about different aspects of VVC. Related data from retrieved articles were summarized in different headings. RESULTS VVC has a global distribution and Candida albicans is the leading cause of infection except for specific patient groups like postmenopausal, diabetic, or immunocompromised women. VVC has a range of clinical presentations, accordingly, its diagnosis should be based on clinical examination coupled with laboratory investigations. The best therapeutic regimen depends on the patient's conditions and the causative agent. Moreover, factors like drug resistance of the causative agents and different mutations in the immunity-related genes could affect the treatment outcome. CONCLUSION As a globally distributed disease, VVC needs further attention, especially in areas related to the treatment failure and recurrence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Ranjbar
- Department of Persian Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tina Nazari
- Department of Medical Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Naeimi Eshkaleti
- 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
| | - Sanaz Aghaei Gharehbolagh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jack D Sobel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Salehipour K, Aboutalebian S, Charsizadeh A, Ahmadi B, Mirhendi H. Differentiation of Candida albicans complex species isolated from invasive and non-invasive infections using HWP1 gene size polymorphism. Curr Med Mycol 2022; 7:34-38. [PMID: 35028483 PMCID: PMC8740857 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.2.7034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Taxonomy of Candida is controversial and has changed due to the investigation of the novel species. Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis are new members of the C. albicans complex that are currently gaining both clinical and epidemiologic significance. This study aimed to report the prevalence of C. africana among the strains isolated from patients using hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene size polymorphism. Materials and Methods In total, 235 yeasts confirmed as C. albicans complex based on chromogenic media and internal transcribed spacers sequencing isolated from various clinical forms of invasive and non-invasive candidiasis mainly candidemia were re-identified using HWP1 gene polymorphisms. The HWP1-polymerase chain reaction amplicons were re-confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis. Results Based on the HWP1 gene size polymorphism, 223 strains were identified as C. albicans (94.89%) from which 7 isolates produced two DNA fragments (850 and 941 bp). The C. dubliniensis (n=4, 1.7%), C. africana (n=1, 0.42%), and mix of C. albicans and C. africana (n=7, 2.97%) were also identified. Conclusion It can be said that C. albicans remains the most common Candida species, while C. dubliniensis and C. africana are rarely found among the patient isolates. Due to limited information on the molecular epidemiology of this novel yeast, more studies using molecular methods are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Salehipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Core Facilities Research Laboratory, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Shokoohi G, Javidnia J, Mirhendi H, Rasekh-Jahromi A, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Ansari S, Maryami F, Goodarzi S, Romeo O. Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis: A single-centre experience in Iran. Mycoses 2021; 64:771-779. [PMID: 33811780 PMCID: PMC8251901 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common and debilitating long‐term illness affecting million women worldwide. This disease is caused mainly by Candida albicans and a lesser extent by other species, including the two phylogenetically closely related pathogens Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis. Objectives In this study, we report detailed molecular epidemiological data about the occurrence of these two pathogenic yeasts in Iranian patients affected by VVC, or its chronic recurrent form (RVVC), and provide, for the first time, data on the antifungal activity of two new drugs, efinaconazole (EFN) and luliconazole (LUL). Methods A total of 133 vaginal yeast isolates, presumptively identified as Calbicans by phenotypic and restriction analysis of rDNA, were further analysed by using a specific molecular method targeting the HWP1 gene. All Cafricana and Cdubliniensis isolates were also tested for their in vitro susceptibility to a panel of modern and classical antifungal drugs. Results and Conclusions Based on the molecular results, among 133 germ‐tube positive isolates, we identify 119 Calbicans (89.47%), 11 Cafricana (8.27%) and 3 Cdubliniensis (2.26%) isolates. Cafricana and Cdubliniensis showed low MIC values for most of the antifungal drugs tested, especially for EFN and LUL, which exhibited a remarkable antifungal activity. High MIC values were observed only for nystatin and terbinafine. Although Calbicans remains the most common Candida species recovered from Iranian VVC/RVVC patients, our data show that its prevalence may be slightly overestimated due to the presence of difficult‐to‐identify closely related yeast, especially Cafricana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Shokoohi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Zoonosis Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Student Research Committee Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Athar Rasekh-Jahromi
- Department of Obstetrician and Gynecology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeze Maryami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Zoonosis Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Sahand Goodarzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Zoonosis Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Comparison of PCR-RFLP with 21-plex PCR and rDNA Sequencing for Identification of Clinical Yeast Isolates. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:213-220. [PMID: 33398667 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00522-0] [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: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Non-albicans Candida species and other rare yeasts have emerged as major opportunistic pathogens in fungal infections. Identification of opportunistic yeasts in developing countries is mainly performed by phenotypic assay, which are time-consuming and prone to errors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PCR-RFLP as a routinely used identification technique for the most clinically important Candida species in Iran and make a comparison with a novel multiplex PCR, called 21-plex PCR. One hundred and seventy-three yeast isolates from clinical sources were selected and identified with sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of rDNA (LSU rDNA) sequencing as the gold standard method. The results were compared with those obtained by PCR-RFLP using MspI restriction enzyme and the 21-plex PCR. PCR-RFLP correctly identified 93.4% of common pathogenic Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and P. kudriavsevii (= C. krusei)) and was able to identify 45.5% of isolates of the uncommon yeast species compared to the D1/D2 rDNA sequencing. Compared with PCR-RFLP, all common Candida species and 72.7% of uncommon yeast species were correctly identified by the 21-plex PCR. The application of the 21-plex PCR assay as a non-sequence-based molecular method for the identification of common and rare yeasts can reduce turnaround time and costs for the identification of clinically important yeasts and can be applied in resource-limited settings.
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