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Venice F, Spina F, Davolos D, Ghignone S, Varese GC. The genomes of Scedosporium between environmental challenges and opportunism. IMA Fungus 2023; 14:25. [PMID: 38049914 PMCID: PMC10694956 DOI: 10.1186/s43008-023-00128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging fungal pathogens are a global challenge for humankind. Many efforts have been made to understand the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity in bacteria, and OMICs techniques are largely responsible for those advancements. By contrast, our limited understanding of opportunism and antifungal resistance is preventing us from identifying, limiting and interpreting the emergence of fungal pathogens. The genus Scedosporium (Microascaceae) includes fungi with high tolerance to environmental pollution, whilst some species can be considered major human pathogens, such as Scedosporium apiospermum and Scedosporium boydii. However, unlike other fungal pathogens, little is known about the genome evolution of these organisms. We sequenced two novel genomes of Scedosporium aurantiacum and Scedosporium minutisporum isolated from extreme, strongly anthropized environments. We compared all the available Scedosporium and Microascaceae genomes, that we systematically annotated and characterized ex novo in most cases. The genomes in this family were integrated in a Phylum-level comparison to infer the presence of putative, shared genomic traits in filamentous ascomycetes with pathogenic potential. The analysis included the genomes of 100 environmental and clinical fungi, revealing poor evolutionary convergence of putative pathogenicity traits. By contrast, several features in Microascaceae and Scedosporium were detected that might have a dual role in responding to environmental challenges and allowing colonization of the human body, including chitin, melanin and other cell wall related genes, proteases, glutaredoxins and magnesium transporters. We found these gene families to be impacted by expansions, orthologous transposon insertions, and point mutations. With RNA-seq, we demonstrated that most of these anciently impacted genomic features responded to the stress imposed by an antifungal compound (voriconazole) in the two environmental strains S. aurantiacum MUT6114 and S. minutisporum MUT6113. Therefore, the present genomics and transcriptomics investigation stands on the edge between stress resistance and pathogenic potential, to elucidate whether fungi were pre-adapted to infect humans. We highlight the strengths and limitations of genomics applied to opportunistic human pathogens, the multifactoriality of pathogenicity and resistance to drugs, and suggest a scenario where pressures other than anthropic contributed to forge filamentous human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Venice
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Spina
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Domenico Davolos
- Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Settlements (DIT), INAIL, Research Area, Via R. Ferruzzi 38/40, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP), SS Turin-National Research Council (CNR), Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cristina Varese
- Department of Life Sciences and System Biology, University of Turin, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Turin, Italy.
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Mello TP, Aor AC, Barcellos IC, Pereira MM, McCann M, Devereux M, Branquinha MH, Santos AL. Active Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ag(I) 1,10-phenanthroline/1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione/dicarboxylate chelates: effects on Scedosporium. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:1049-1059. [PMID: 37284767 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are human pathogens that are resistant to almost all antifungals currently available in clinical practice. Methods: The effects of 16 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)/1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione/dicarboxylate chelates containing Cu(II), Mn(II) and Ag(I) against Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium minutisporum, Scedosporium aurantiacum and Lomentospora prolificans were evaluated. Results: To different degrees, all of the test chelates inhibited the viability of planktonic conidial cells, displaying MICs ranging from 0.029 to 72.08 μM. Generally, Mn(II)-containing chelates were the least toxic to lung epithelial cells, particularly [Mn2(oda)(phen)4(H2O)2][Mn2(oda)(phen)4(oda)2].4H2O (MICs: 1.62-3.25 μM: selectivity indexes >64). Moreover, this manganese-based chelate reduced the biofilm biomass formation and diminished the mature biofilm viability. Conclusion: [Mn2(oda)(phen)4(H2O)2][Mn2(oda)(phen)4(oda)2].4H2O opens a new chemotherapeutic avenue for the deactivation of these emergent, multidrug-resistant filamentous fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P Mello
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Aor
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iuri C Barcellos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Matheus M Pereira
- Chemical Engineering Processes and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Malachy McCann
- Chemistry Department, Maynooth University, National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Michael Devereux
- The Centre for Biomimetic and Therapeutic Research, Focas Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Ls Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rede Micologia RJ and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
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Konsoula A, Agouridis AP, Markaki L, Tsioutis C, Spernovasilis N. Lomentospora prolificans Disseminated Infections: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases. Pathogens 2022; 12. [PMID: 36678415 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lomentospora prolificans, a rare, highly virulent filamentous fungus with high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals, has been associated with different types of infections in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent individuals. OBJECTIVE To systematically address all relevant evidence regarding L. prolificans disseminated infections in the literature. METHODS We searched Medline via PubMed and Scopus databases through July 2022. We performed a qualitative synthesis of published articles reporting disseminated infections from L. prolificans in humans. RESULTS A total of 87 studies describing 142 cases were included in our systematic review. The pathogen was most frequently reported in disseminated infections in Spain (n = 47), Australia (n = 33), the USA (n = 21), and Germany (n = 10). Among 142 reported cases, 48.5% were males. Underlying conditions identified for the majority of patients included malignancy (72.5%), hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (23.2%), solid organ transplantation (16%), and AIDS (2%). Lungs, central nervous system, skin, eyes, heart and bones/joints were the most commonly affected organs. Neutropenia was recorded in 52% of patients. The mortality rate was as high as 87.3%. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on disseminated infections due to this rare microorganism. Physicians should be aware that L. prolificans can cause a diversity of infections with high mortality and primarily affects immunocompromised and neutropenic patients.
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Kitisin T, Muangkaew W, Ampawong S, Sansurin N, Thitipramote N, Sukphopetch P. Development and efficacy of tryptophol-containing emulgel for reducing subcutaneous fungal nodules from Scedosporium apiospermum eumycetoma. Res Pharm Sci 2022; 17:707-722. [PMID: 36704435 PMCID: PMC9872179 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.359437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Subcutaneous infections caused by Scedosporium apiospermum present as chronic eumycetomatous manifestations in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Serious adverse effects/toxicities from the long-term use of antifungal drugs and antifungal resistance have been reported in patients with S. apiospermum infections. The present study aimed to determine the anti-S. apiospermum activities of fungal quorum sensing molecule known as tryptophol (TOH) and to develop a TOH-containing emulgel for treating S. apiospermum eumycetoma. Experimental approach Anti-S. apiospermum activities of TOH were determined and compared with voriconazole. Effects of TOH on S. apiospermum biofilm formation and human foreskin fibroblast (HFF)-1 cell cytotoxicity were determined. Moreover, TOH-containing emulgel was developed and physical properties, in vitro, and in vivo antifungal activities against S. apiospermum eumycetoma were evaluated. Findings/Results The minimal concentration of TOH at 100 µM exhibited anti-S. apiospermum activities by reducing growth rate, germination rate, and biofilm formation with less cytotoxicity to HFF-1 cells than voriconazole. Further study on the development of an emulgel revealed that TOH-containing emulgel exhibited excellent physical properties including homogeneity, consistency, and stability. Treatment by TOH-containing emulgel significantly reduced subcutaneous mass in a mouse model of S. apiospermum eumycetoma. The histopathological assessment showed marked improvement after 14 days of TOH-containing emulgel treatment. Conclusion and implications TOH could be used as an anti-fungal agent against S. apiospermum infections. A novel and stable TOH-containing emulgel was developed with excellent anti-S. apiospermum activities suggesting the utilization of TOH-containing emulgel as an innovative therapeutic approach in the treatment of S. apiospermum eumycetoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thitinan Kitisin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watcharamat Muangkaew
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nichapa Sansurin
- Northeast Laboratory Animal Center, Khon Kaen University, 40002, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Natthawut Thitipramote
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Innovation, Mae Fah Luang University, 57100, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Passanesh Sukphopetch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Bangkok, Thailand,Corresponding author: P. Sukphopetch Tel: +66-23549100, Fax: +66-2643 5583
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Konsoula A, Tsioutis C, Markaki I, Papadakis M, Agouridis AP, Spernovasilis N. Lomentospora prolificans: An Emerging Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071317. [PMID: 35889036 PMCID: PMC9316904 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals leading to disseminated disease with high mortality rates while also causing infections in healthy populations. Successful recovery from infection is difficult due to high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals. Rapid and readily available diagnostic methods, aggressive surgical debridement wherever appropriate, and effective and timely antifungal treatment are the pillars for successful management. Future research will need to clarify the environmental niche of the fungus, further investigate the pathophysiology of infection and define species-specific therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afroditi Konsoula
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Sitia, 72300 Sitia, Greece;
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22559413
| | - Ioulia Markaki
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, “Sotiria” General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Michail Papadakis
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Agios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikaia, 18454 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Aris P. Agouridis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Department of Internal Medicine, German Oncology Center, Limassol 4108, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos Spernovasilis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, German Oncology Center, Limassol 4108, Cyprus;
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71303 Heraklion, Greece
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Mello TP, Lackner M, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Impact of biofilm formation and azoles' susceptibility in Scedosporium/Lomentospora species using an in vitro model that mimics the cystic fibrosis patients' airway environment. J Cyst Fibros 2020; 20:303-309. [PMID: 33334714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scedosporium species are the second most isolated filamentous fungi from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients; however, little is known about their virulence aspects in a CF environment. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate the (i) antifungal susceptibility profiles, (ii) ability to form biofilm and (iii) impact of biofilm formation on the susceptibility to azoles in 21 clinical isolates of Scedosporium recovered from CF patients. METHODS Scedosporium apiospermum (n=6), S. aurantiacum (n=6), S. minutisporum (n=3) and Lomentospora prolificans (n=6) were firstly used to compare the antifungal susceptibility profile using a standard culture broth (RPMI-1640) and a mucin (M)-containing synthetic CF sputum medium (SCFM). The ability to form biofilms was investigated in polystyrene microtiter plates containing Sabouraud-dextrose (a classical medium), SCFM and SCFM+M. Mature biofilms were tested for their susceptibility to azoles by microdilution assay. RESULTS Our results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for planktonic conidia ranged from 0.25 to >16.0 mg/L for voriconazole and 1.0 to >16.0 mg/L for posaconazole. Overall, the MICs for azoles increased from 2- to 8-folds when the susceptibility tests were performed using SCFM+M compared to RPMI-1640. All fungi formed robust biofilms on polystyrene surface at 72 h, with a significant increase in the MICs (ranging from 128- to 1024-times) against both azoles compared to the planktonic cells. CONCLUSION These findings confirm the challenge of antifungal treatment of CF patients infected with Scedosporium/Lomentospora and also demonstrated a strong biofilm formation, with extensive increase in antifungal resistance, triggered underconditions mimicking the CF patient airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P Mello
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Schöpfstrasse 41, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Mello TP, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Biofilms formed by Scedosporium and Lomentospora species: focus on the extracellular matrix. Biofouling 2020; 36:308-318. [PMID: 32401558 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1759558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the biofilm formed by Scedosporium apiospermum, S. aurantiacum, S. minutisporum and Lomentospora prolificans on a polystyrene surface was investigated. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a dense mycelial mass, with an ECM covering/interspersing the fungal cells and containing carbohydrate-rich molecules (e.g. glycoproteins) and extracellular DNA. The ECMs that were chemically extracted from mature biofilms formed by each of these fungi was predominantly composed of polysaccharides, followed by proteins, nucleic acids and sterols. In general, the amount of biofilm ECM was significantly greater in S. minutisporum and S. aurantiacum than in S. apiospermum and L. prolificans. Corroborating these results, the disarticulation of mature biofilms with enzymes, sodium metaperiodate and chelating agents occurred mainly in S. minutisporum and S. aurantiacum. Collectively, these results have revealed for the first time the composition of the ECM of the biofilms formed by Scedosporium/Lomentospora species and the role it plays in their architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P Mello
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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de Mello TP, Aor AC, Branquinha MH, Dos Santos ALS. Insights into the interaction of Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, Scedosporium minutisporum, and Lomentospora prolificans with lung epithelial cells. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:427-36. [PMID: 31736016 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans are filamentous fungi that emerged as human pathogens; however, their mechanisms of virulence/pathogenesis are still largely unknown. In the present work, we have evaluated the interaction of S. apiospermum, S. minutisporum, S. aurantiacum, and L. prolificans with lung epithelial cells (A549 line). The results showed that conidia were able to interact with A549 cells, displaying association indexes of 73.20, 117.98, 188.01, and 241.63 regarding S. apiospermum, L. prolificans, S. minutisporum, and S. aurantiacum, respectively. Light microscopy images evidenced morphological changes in epithelial cells, including rounding and detachment, especially during the interaction with L. prolificans. Plasma membrane injuries were detected in A549 cells after 1 h of co-culturing with S. aurantiacum and S. minutisporum and after 4 h with S. apiospermum and L. prolificans, as judged by the passive incorporation of propidium iodide. After 24 h of fungi-epithelial cells interaction, only mycelia were observed covering the A549 monolayer. Interestingly, the mycelial trap induced severe damage in the A549 cells, culminating in epithelial cell death. Our results demonstrate some relevant events that occur during the contact between lung epithelial cells and Scedosporium/Lomentospora species, including conidial adhesion and hyphal growth with consequent irreversible injury on A549 cells, adding light to the infection process caused by these opportunistic and multidrug-resistant fungi.
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Hammoudi N, Cassagne C, Armstrong N, Ranque S, Henrissat B, Drancourt M, Bouam A. Mycobacterium ulcerans mycolactones-fungi crosstalking. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3028. [PMID: 30816261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39927-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Mycobacterium ulcerans, which is responsible for Buruli ulcer, synthesizes a series of plasmid-encoded macrolide exotoxins termed mycolactones. These toxins destabilize cell membranes and induce apoptosis-associated pleiotropic effects including tissue destruction, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite its medical interest, M. ulcerans is primarily an environmental mycobacterium and the primary functions of mycolactones in the natural ecosystems are unknown. High throughput biochemical profiling findings suggested that M. ulcerans may interact with fungi. Here, we report that semi-purified and purified mycolactones significantly enhance spore germination of Scedosporium apiospermum, Fusarium equiseti and Mucor circinelloides; and that M. ulcerans mycolactones significantly attract colonies of M. circinelloides whereas no significant effect was observed on S. apiospermum and F. equiseti. These experimental results suggest that mycolactones exhibit a chemoattractant activity independent of their cytotoxicity. In natural ecosystems, M. ulcerans mycolactones may act as spore germination inducers and chemoattractants for some fungi, suggesting a novel role for this unique class of mycobacterial toxins in natural ecosystems.
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Mello TP, Bittencourt VCB, Liporagi-Lopes LC, Aor AC, Branquinha MH, Santos AL. Insights into the social life and obscure side of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species: ubiquitous, emerging and multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Aor AC, Mello TP, Sangenito LS, Fonseca BB, Rozental S, Lione VF, Veiga VF, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Ultrastructural viewpoints on the interaction events of Scedosporium apiospermum conidia with lung and macrophage cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e180311. [PMID: 30304087 PMCID: PMC6174640 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous, emerging and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen with still rather unknown virulence mechanisms. OBJECTIVES/METHODS The cellular basis of the in vitro interaction between fungi and host cells/tissues is the determinant factor for the development of a successful in vivo infection. Herein, we evaluated the interaction of S. apiospermum conidia with lung epithelial (A549), lung fibroblast (MRC-5) and RAW 264.7 macrophages by light and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. FINDINGS After 4 h of fungi-host cell contact, the percentage of infected mammalian cells and the number of fungi per infected cell was measured by light microscopy, and the following association indexes were calculated for A549, MRC-5 and macrophage cells: 73.2 ± 25.9, 69.7 ± 22.5 and 59.7 ± 11.1, respectively. Both conidia and germinated conidia were regularly observed interacting with the evaluated cells, with a higher prevalence of non-germinated conidia. Interestingly, nests of germinated conidia were evidenced at the surface of lung cells by scanning electron microscopy. Some germination projections and hyphae were seen penetrating/evading the mammalian cells. Furthermore, internalised conidia were seen within vacuoles as visualised by transmission electron microscopy. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study contributes to a better understanding of S. apiospermum pathogenesis by demonstrating the first steps of the infection process of this opportunistic fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Aor
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thaís P Mello
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Leandro S Sangenito
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Beatriz B Fonseca
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sonia Rozental
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biologia Celular de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Viviane F Lione
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Farmácia, Laboratório de Bioensaios Farmacêuticos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Venício F Veiga
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Setor de Microscopia Eletrônica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André LS Santos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Química, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Mello TP, Oliveira SSC, Frasés S, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Surface properties, adhesion and biofilm formation on different surfaces by Scedosporium spp. and Lomentospora prolificans. Biofouling 2018; 34:800-814. [PMID: 30354689 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2018.1503652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, some surface properties of the fungi Scedosporium apiospermum, S. aurantiacum, S. minutisporum, and Lomentospora prolificans and their capability to adhere to and form a biofilm on diverse surfaces were evaluated. All four species had high conidial surface hydrophobicity and elevated electronegative zeta potentials. Abundant quantities of melanin were detected at the conidial surface, whereas sialic acid was absent. The numbers of non-germinated and germinated conidia adhered to poly-L-lysine-covered slides was higher than on glass after 4 h of fungi-surface contact. Additionally, after 72 h of interaction a typical biofilm structure had formed. Mature biofilms were also observed after 72 h on a nasogastric catheter (made from polyvinyl chloride), a late bladder catheter (siliconized latex), and a nasoenteric catheter (polyurethane). Interestingly, biofilm biomass increased considerably when the catheters had previously been incubated with serum. These results confirm that Scedosporium/Lomentospora spp. are capable of forming biofilms on diverse abiotic surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís P Mello
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Simone S C Oliveira
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Susana Frasés
- b Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer , Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- a Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral , Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
- c Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica , Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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Mello TPD, Aor AC, Gonçalves DDS, Seabra SH, Branquinha MH, Santos ALSD. Scedosporium apiospermum, Scedosporium aurantiacum, Scedosporium minutisporum and Lomentospora prolificans: a comparative study of surface molecules produced by conidial and germinated conidial cells. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2018; 113:e180102. [PMID: 29924142 PMCID: PMC6001581 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scedosporium/Lomentospora species are opportunistic mould pathogens, presenting notable antifungal resistance. OBJECTIVES/METHODS We analysed the conidia and germinated conidia of S. apiospermum (Sap), S. aurantiacum (Sau), S. minutisporum (Smi) and L. prolificans (Lpr) by scanning electron microscopy and exposition of surface molecules by fluorescence microscopy. FINDINGS Conidia of Sap, Smi and Sau had oval, ellipsoidal and cylindrical shape, respectively, with several irregularities surrounding all surface areas, whereas Lpr conidia were rounded with a smooth surface. The germination of Sap occurred at the conidial bottom, while Smi and Sau germination primarily occurred at the centre of the conidial cell, and Lpr germination initiated at any part of the conidial surface. The staining of N-acetylglucosamine-containing molecules by fluorescein-labelled WGA primarily occurred during the germination of all studied fungi and in the conidial scars, which is the primary location of germination. Calcofluor white, which recognises the polysaccharide chitin, strongly stained the conidial cells and, to a lesser extent, the germination. Both mannose-rich glycoconjugates (evidenced by fluoresceinated-ConA) and cell wall externally located polypeptides presented distinct surface locations and expression according to both morphotypes and fungal species. In contrast, sialic acid and galactose-containing structures were not detected at fungal surfaces. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated the differential production/exposition of surface molecules on distinct morphotypes of Scedosporium/Lomentospora species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Pereira de Mello
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ana Carolina Aor
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Diego de Souza Gonçalves
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Tecnologia em Cultura de Células, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marta Helena Branquinha
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - André Luis Souza Dos Santos
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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Staerck C, Godon C, Bouchara JP, Fleury MJJ. Varying susceptibility of clinical and environmental Scedosporium isolates to chemical oxidative stress in conidial germination. Arch Microbiol 2018; 200:517-523. [PMID: 29464281 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-018-1491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Scedosporium species are opportunistic pathogens causing a great variety of infections in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. The Scedosporium genus ranks the second among the filamentous fungi colonizing the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), after Aspergillus fumigatus, and most species are capable to chronically colonize the respiratory tract of these patients. Nevertheless, few data are available regarding evasion of the inhaled conidia to the host immune response. Upon microbial infection, macrophages and neutrophils release reactive oxygen species (ROS). To colonize the respiratory tract, the conidia need to germinate despite the oxidative stress generated by phagocytic cells. Germination of spores from different clinical or environmental isolates of the major Scedosporium species was investigated in oxidative stress conditions. All tested species showed susceptibility to oxidative stress. However, when comparing clinical and environmental isolates, differences in germination capabilities under oxidative stress conditions were seen between species as well as within each species. Among environmental isolates, Scedosporium aurantiacum isolates were the most resistant to oxidative stress whereas Scedosporium dehoogii were the most susceptible. Overall, the differences observed between Scedosporium species in the capacity to germinate under oxidative stress conditions could explain their varying prevalence and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Staerck
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), Institut de Biologie en Santé-IRIS, CHU, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Charlotte Godon
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), Institut de Biologie en Santé-IRIS, CHU, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), Institut de Biologie en Santé-IRIS, CHU, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Maxime J J Fleury
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142), Institut de Biologie en Santé-IRIS, CHU, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Université Bretagne-Loire, 4 rue Larrey, 49933, Angers, France.
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