A conceptual framework for nomenclatural stability and validity of medically important fungi: a proposed global consensus guideline for fungal name changes supported by ABP, ASM, CLSI, ECMM, ESCMID-EFISG, EUCAST-AFST, FDLC, IDSA, ISHAM, MMSA, and MSGERC

The rapid pace of name changes of medically important fungi is creating challenges for clinical laboratories and clinicians involved in patient care. We describe two sources of name change which have different drivers, at the species versus the genus level. Some suggestions are made here to reduce the number of name changes. We urge taxonomists to provide diagnostic markers of taxonomic novelties. Given the instability of phylogenetic trees due to variable taxon sampling, we advocate to maintain genera at the largest possible size. Reporting of identified species in complexes or series should where possible comprise both the name of the overarching species and that of the molecular sibling, often cryptic species. Because the use of different names for the same species will be unavoidable for many years to come, an open access online database of the names of all medically important fungi, with proper nomenclatural designation and synonymy, is essential. We further recommend that while taxonomic discovery continues, the adaptation of new name changes by clinical laboratories and clinicians be reviewed routinely by a standing committee for validation and stability over time, with reference to an open access database, wherein reasons for changes are listed in a transparent way.

Hydrophobin RodA protein is essential for masking the host immune response and enhancing fungal survival of Aspergillus fumigatus during corneal infection (55.9)

Fungal infections of the cornea (i.e keratitis) are caused mainly by filamentous fungi, with Fusarium and Aspergillus species being the most common agents. The surface layer of A.fumigatus spores is composed of hydrophobic RodA protein (RodAp) that coats the conidial surface, making it inert to the immune system. Thus, we proposed that RodA protein (RodAp) masks surface β-glucan immune recognition in the cornea during fungal keratitis. Chemical removal of RodA (using hydrofluoric acid (HFl)) and genetic removal (ΔrodA) lead to increased exposure of surface β-glucan in conidia, and decreased macrophage activation. Dectin-1-/- mice corneas infected with ΔrodA conidia for 6h exhibited decreased cytokine production, and neutrophil infiltration into the cornea. Dectin-1-/- macrophages exposed to ΔrodA and HFl treated conidia showed decreased cytokine production, NFkB activation, and phagocytosis. To study the role of RodAp in innate immune evasion, C57Bl/6 mice corneas infected with ΔrodA conidia for 96h exhibited less corneal opacity and enhanced ability to kill the fungus when compared to the corneas infected with the WT strain. Also, human and murine neutrophils showed increased fungal killing when exposed to ΔrodA hyphae in vitro, compared to the G10 strain. This data shows a role for RodAp in masking the host mediated β-glucan immune response to conidia and establishes a novel role for surface RodAp in enhancing fungal survival in the cornea during fungal keratitis.