Opportunistic Pathogenic Yeasts

The APSES family proteins are transcription factors (TFs) with a basic helix-loop-helix domain, known to regulate growth, development, secondary metabolism, and other biological processes in Aspergillus species. In the genome of the human opportunistic pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, five genes predicted to encode APSES TFs are present. Here, we report the characterization of one of these genes, called mbsA (Afu7g05620). The deletion (Δ) of mbsA resulted in significantly decreased hyphal growth and asexual sporulation (conidiation), and lowered mRNA levels of the key conidiation genes abaA, brlA, and wetA. Moreover, ΔmbsA resulted in reduced spore germination rates, elevated sensitivity toward Nikkomycin Z, and significantly lowered transcripts levels of genes associated with chitin synthesis. The mbsA deletion also resulted in significantly reduced levels of proteins and transcripts of genes associated with the SakA MAP kinase pathway. Importantly, the cell wall hydrophobicity and architecture of the ΔmbsA asexual spores (conidia) were altered, notably lacking the rodlet layer on the surface of the ΔmbsA conidium. Comparative transcriptomic analyses revealed that the ΔmbsA mutant showed higher mRNA levels of gliotoxin (GT) biosynthetic genes, which was corroborated by elevated levels of GT production in the mutant. While the ΔmbsA mutant produced higher amount of GT, ΔmbsA strains showed reduced virulence in the murine model, likely due to the defective spore integrity. In summary, the putative APSES TF MbsA plays a multiple role in governing growth, development, spore wall architecture, GT production, and virulence, which may be associated with the attenuated SakA signaling pathway.

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Stenotrophomonas strain CPCC 101271, an intestinal lifespan-prolonging bacterium for Caenorhabditis elegans that assists in host resistance to “Bacillus nematocida” colonization

Archives of Microbiology ◽

10.1007/s00203-021-02467-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rui Han ◽

Yu Wang ◽

Yang Deng ◽

Yuqin Zhang ◽

Lin Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Caenorhabditis Elegans ◽

Host Resistance ◽

Intestinal Bacteria ◽

Pathogenic Bacterium ◽

Agricultural Pests ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Metagenomic Sequence ◽

C Elegans ◽

Resistance To Infection ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

AbstractThe soil-dwelling, opportunistic pathogenic bacterium "Bacillus nematocida" B16 exhibits strong killing activities against a variety of pathogenic nematodes via a “Trojan horse” mechanism that can kill worm species like Caenorhabditis elegans. The bacterial strain CPCC 101271 was previously isolated from the intestines of C. elegans that were recovered from natural habitats and can serve as a probiotic for C. elegans, while also assisting in resistance to infection by the pathogenic strain B16. In this study, the lifespan of C. elegans fed with strain CPCC 101271 cells was extended by approximately 40% compared with that of worms fed with Escherichia coli OP50 cells. In addition, the colonization of C. elegans by the pathogenic bacterium "B. nematocida" B16 was inhibited when pre-fed with strain CPCC 101271. Metagenomic sequence analysis of intestinal microbiota of C. elegans fed with strain CPCC 101271 and infected with B16 revealed that pre-feeding worms with CPCC 101271 improved the diversity of the intestinal bacteria. Moreover, community structure significantly varied in coordination with Stenotrophomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. abundances when competition between strains CPCC 101271 and B16 was evaluated. In conclusion, the nematode microbiota strain CPCC 101271 assisted in its host resistance to colonization by the pathogen "Bacillus nematocida" and can also promote life span-prolongation in C. elegans. These results underscore that understanding the interactions between C. elegans microbiota and pathogens can provide new insights into achieving effective biological control of agricultural pests.

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Essential oils as alternative promising anti-Candidal agents: progress and prospects

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612827666210914124344 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

Author(s):

Awad Shala ◽

Shweta Singh ◽

Saif Hameed ◽

.M.P. Khurana

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Antifungal Drugs ◽

Fungal Resistance ◽

Antifungal Compounds ◽

Candida Spp ◽

Conventional Antibiotics ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

: Candida albicans is one of the main agents responsible for opportunistic pathogenic infections. The progressive emergence of fungal resistance to conventional antibiotics and its side effects as well as treatment costs are considered as major limitations for antifungal drugs. It has drawn scientists' attention to search for potential substitution and therapeutic reliable alternatives for the antifungal compounds from sources like medicinal plants, which contain numerous bioactive compounds such as essential oils. Essential oils (EO) apart from having lower toxicity and better biodegradability are eco-friendly in nature as compared with conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, extracted essential oils have been reported to possess potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that nominate them as natural promising candidates to combat numerous fungal ailments. Thus, determination of antifungal efficacy of essential oil-bearing plants on Candida spp. will provide miscellaneous knowledge for future clinical studies that are required for development of new formulations as alternative therapeutic agents to control the growth of Candida species. Therefore, this review summarizes the gist of major essential oils that have been investigated for their anti- Candida potential with some recommendations for further study.

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First Case of Subcutaneous Mycoses Caused by Dirkmeia churashimaensis and a Literature Review of Human Ustilaginales Infections

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fcimb.2021.711768 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Fengming Hu ◽

Chong Wang ◽

Peng Wang ◽

Lei Zhang ◽

Qing Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Literature Review ◽

Low Birthweight ◽

Infection Type ◽

Good Efficiency ◽

First Case ◽

Identification Of Fungi ◽

Subcutaneous Mycoses ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic ◽

Present Case Study

ObjectiveDirkmeia churashimaensis, belonging to Ustilaginales fungi, has never been reported as clinical pathogenic until very recently. In this study, we report an unusual subcutaneous infection with Dirkmeia churashimaensis and reviewed all human Ustilaginales infections. The aim is to better understand their epidemiology, infection type, risk factors, and the sensitivity to antifungal agents.MethodsAn 80-year-old female farmer developed extensive plaques and nodules on her left arm within 2 years. Pathological and microbiological examinations identified a new pathological agent, Dirkmeia churashimaensis, as the cause of this infection. The patient was successfully cured by oral itraconazole. We reviewed a total of 31 cases of Ustilaginales cases, among of which only three were skin infections.ResultsLocal barrier damage (i.e., surgery, trauma, and basic dermatosis) and systemic immunodeficiency (i.e., preterm and low birthweight, Crohn’s disease, malignant cancer, and chemotherapy) are risk factors for Ustilaginales infection. The D1/D2 and ITS regions are the frequently used loci for identifying the pathogens together with phenotype. Most patients could survive due to antifungal treatment, whereas seven patients died. Amphotericin B, posaconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole showed good activity against these reported strains, whereas fluconazole, 5-flucytosine, and echinocandins usually showed low susceptibility. Itraconazole had good efficiency for subcutaneous infections.ConclusionsThe present case study and literature review reveal that Ustilaginales can be opportunistic pathogenic normally in immunocompromised and barrier damage people. A proper identification of fungi can be crucial for clinical treatment, and more data of antifungal are needed for choice of medication against this kind of infections.

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Keanekaragaman Kapang Patogen dan Non Patogen pada Imago, Kokon, dan Larva Instar Keenam Ulat Sutera Liar Attacus atlas (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Jurnal Sain Veteriner ◽

10.22146/jsv.48022 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 37 (2) ◽

pp. 232

Author(s):

Agustin Indrawati ◽

Damiana Rita Ekastuti ◽

Erdina Pangestika ◽

Reinilda Alwina

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽

Fusarium Oxysporum ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Microscopic Observation ◽

Potato Dextrose Agar ◽

Aspergillus Versicolor ◽

Wild Silkworm ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

Attacus atlas is one of several mould species in Indonesia known as kupu-kupu gajah. Information about variety of mould is rarely known. The purpose of this research was to obtain data about variety of pathogenic or non pathogenic mould at imago,cocoon, and sixth larvae phase of wild silkworm A. atlas. Mould was isolated from cocoon, integument, alimentary duct and reproduction duct of imago, trachea, midgut and hindgut, also haemolymph of larvae. Isolated mould was cultured on potato dextrose agar. Isolated mould from cocoon and imago was identified by macroscopic and microscopic observation. The results showed that there were two kind of moulds from cocoon which were Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus. There were four kind of moulds from imago A. atlas which were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus fumigatus, Fusarium dimerum, and Aspergillus sp.There were three kind of moulds from sixth larvae which were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium dimerum. The mould which has opportunistic pathogenic for Attacus atlas were Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium dimerum.

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Characteristic features of maxillofacial phlegmon morbidity with assessment of efficiency of detoxication therapy

Perm Medical Journal ◽

10.17816/pmj36229-35 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 29-35

Author(s):

I. A. Boev ◽

A. P. Godovalov ◽

G. I. Shtraube ◽

G. I. Antakov

Keyword(s):

Standard Therapy ◽

Infusion Therapy ◽

Tissue Destruction ◽

Endogenous Intoxication ◽

Sickness Rate ◽

Perm Krai ◽

Characteristic Features ◽

Group 2 ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

Aim. To study the characteristic features of long-term facial phlegmon morbidity in Perm Krai with assessment of the efficiency of infusion therapy using indices of endogenous intoxication expression. Materials and methods. Manifestations of epidemic process of facial phlegmons were studied on the basis of a detailed retrospective analysis of sickness rate among the inhabitants of Perm Krai for the period of 2011–2016. In group 1, all patients besides standard therapy, underwent infusion therapy, and in group 2 – standard therapy alone. Prior to and after the therapy, peripheral blood cellular composition was assessed, and leukocytic indices of intoxication were calculated. Results. A long-term dynamics of facial phlegmon morbidity was established to show the irregularity of process expression according to years. Growth of the quantity of patients is provided by increase in the number of cases with complicated forms. Besides, males play a significant role in formation of sickness rate: the chances for the development of phlegmon among them are 1.49 times higher than in females. In the age structure of morbidity, prevail persons aged 21–30 and 31–50. A half of patients have endogenous intoxication. The course of infusion therapy essentially reduces the expression of endogenous intoxication. Conclusions. There is observed a tendency to growth of facial phlegmon morbidity that is probably connected with changes in etiological structure of pathogenic agents as well as with formation of pathosymbiosis of some opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms. As a rule, phlegmon is being developed against the background of endogenous intoxication, conditioned by both microbial metabolites and tissue destruction products. The efficiency of correction of endogenous intoxication using infusion therapy is shown.

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SUBSTANTIATION AND DIFFERENTIAL APPROACH TO OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Wiadomości Lekarskie ◽

10.36740/wlek202001110 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (1) ◽

pp. 58-62

Author(s):

Olexandr A. Burianov ◽

Volodymyr P. Kvasha ◽

Yuriy L. Sobolevskiy ◽

Roman L. Stepanenko

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Treatment Outcomes ◽

Operative Treatment ◽

Operative Intervention ◽

Pathogenic Microorganism ◽

Differential Approach ◽

Skeletal Disorders ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

The aim: To improve the psoriatic arthritis treatment outcomes by establishing and implementing into practice operative treatment. Materials and methods: The study basis is represented with the results of examination and treatment of 252 patients with psoriatic arthritis. The biopsy samples from the problem psoriatic eruption and intact skins regions, received from 74 patients, were studied. Results: The study has established presence of Staphylococcus aureus in affected skin regions. The authors present their classification of structural muscular-skeletal disorders associated with psoriatic arthritis, which will substantiate the volume and character of operative interventions. Conclusions: Detection of numerous opportunistic pathogenic microorganism colonies stipulates for the necessary skin debridement while planning further operative treatment, aimed at correction of anatomical and biological abnormalities. The operative intervention volume depends on the severity of structural dysfunctions.

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Diagnostic Allele-Specific PCR for the Identification of Candida auris Clades

Journal of Fungi ◽

10.3390/jof7090754 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 754

Author(s):

Hans Carolus ◽

Stef Jacobs ◽

Celia Lobo Romero ◽

Quinten Deparis ◽

Christina A. Cuomo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Clinical Importance ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Phenotypic Traits ◽

Specific Gene ◽

Candida Auris ◽

Pathogenic Yeast ◽

Specific Pcr ◽

Allele Specific ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic

Candida auris is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that emerged worldwide during the past decade. This fungal pathogen poses a significant public health threat due to common multidrug resistance (MDR), alarming hospital outbreaks, and frequent misidentification. Genomic analyses have identified five distinct clades that are linked to five geographic areas of origin and characterized by differences in several phenotypic traits such as virulence and drug resistance. Typing of C. auris strains and the identification of clades can be a powerful tool in molecular epidemiology and might be of clinical importance by estimating outbreak and MDR potential. As C. auris has caused global outbreaks, including in low-income countries, typing C. auris strains quickly and inexpensively is highly valuable. We report five allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) assays for the identification of C. auris and each of the five described clades of C. auris based on conserved mutations in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region and a clade-specific gene cluster. This PCR method provides a fast, cheap, sequencing-free diagnostic tool for the identification of C. auris, C. auris clades, and potentially, the discovery of new clades.

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Management of Postharvest Diseases of Vegetables in a Tropical and Sub-tropical Environment of the Kingdom of Eswatini

Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology ◽

10.9734/cjast/2019/v38i630465 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Diana M. Earnshaw ◽

Michael T. Masarirambi ◽

Bonginkhosi E. Dlamini ◽

Kwanele A. Nxumalo

Keyword(s):

Management Strategies ◽

Pathogenic Fungi ◽

Essential Amino Acids ◽

Point Of View ◽

Postharvest Diseases ◽

Household Level ◽

Post Harvest ◽

Side Dish ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic ◽

And Storage

Vegetables are important in human diets as a side dish eaten either cooked or raw as in salads. They are important for their nutritional contribution as major sources of minerals, vitamins, nine essential amino acids, beneficial phytochemicals, fibre and interesting colour from an aesthetic point of view. Despite the immerse health benefits offered by vegetables there are challenges encountered in their post-harvest handling and storage up to consumption. Challenges include post-harvest losses due to diseases. Some losses occur even at household level when vegetables are not stored appropriately when stored under the sink where humidity can be high leading to an environment which promotes diseases. Diseases in the post-harvest chain are caused by bacteria and opportunistic pathogenic fungi. Post-harvest losses of vegetables are not only a threat to nutritional security but a threat to food security as well. The aim of this research study was to document major post-harvest diseases of vegetables found in the Kingdom of Eswatini and to suggest appropriate management strategies or ways of alleviating them.

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Metabolomic alterations associated with copper stress in Cryptococcus neoformans

Future Microbiology ◽

10.2217/fmb-2020-0290 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tianshu Sun ◽

Xiaogang Li ◽

Wei Song ◽

Shuying Yu ◽

Linqi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽

Metabolic Profile ◽

Pathogenic Fungus ◽

Copper Toxicity ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Copper Stress ◽

Pathway Enrichment Analysis ◽

Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽

Opportunistic Pathogenic ◽

Better Than

Background: Copper stress is an effective host strategy in resisting the opportunistic pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. We studied metabolic changes in C. neoformans under copper stress. Materials & methods: Wild-type and metallothionein-null C. neoformans were treated with copper on agar containing glucose, glycerol or ethanol as the carbon source and their metabolites were analyzed by untarget metabolomics strategy using gas chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry. Results: The metabolic profile of C. neoformans varied in the presence and absence of copper. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially abundant metabolites were related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism. C. neoformans grown on glycerol or ethanol resisted copper toxicity better than C. neoformans grown on glucose. Conclusion: Copper stress alters the metabolic profile of C. neoformans.

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