scholarly journals Development of a simple model for studying the effects of antifungal agents on multicellular communities of Aspergillus fumigatus

2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 1205-1212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eilidh Mowat ◽  
John Butcher ◽  
Sue Lang ◽  
Craig Williams ◽  
Gordon Ramage
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

Aspergillus fumigatus is an increasingly prevalent opportunistic fungal pathogen of various immunocompromised individuals. It has the ability to form filaments within the lungs, producing dense intertwined mycelial balls, which are difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to develop a suitable model of A. fumigatus to examine the effects of antifungal challenge on these intertwined filamentous communities. A. fumigatus NCPF 7367 growth conditions were optimized on both Thermanox coverslips and on flat-bottomed microtitre plates to establish optimal conidial seeding densities. Isolates were treated with itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B and caspofungin and their overall killing efficiency was measured using an XTT formazan metabolic dye assay. This was compared with the CLSI (formerly NCCLS) methodology of broth microdilution of moulds (standard M38-A). It was shown that 1×105 conidia ml−1 in RPMI 1640 was the optimum concentration of spores for biofilm formation. Filamentous growth characteristics were not observed until 10 h incubation, followed by an exponential increase in the biofilm biomass (hyphae and extracellular material) and cellular activity (metabolism). When susceptibility testing of biofilms was compared with that of planktonic cells by CLSI broth microdilution testing, all antifungal drugs were at least 1000 times less effective at reducing the overall metabolic activity of 90 % of the cells. Overall, this study showed that A. fumigatus has the ability to form coherent multicellular biofilm structures that are resistant to the effects of antifungal drugs.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Sensititre YeastOne and CLSI M38-A2 Microdilution Methods in Determining the Activity of Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Voriconazole, and Posaconazole against Aspergillus Species

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hsuan-Chen Wang ◽  
Ming-I Hsieh ◽  
Pui-Ching Choi ◽  
Chi-Jung Wu
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Aspergillus Species ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT This study compared the YeastOne and reference CLSI M38-A2 broth microdilution methods for antifungal susceptibility testing of Aspergillus species. The MICs of antifungal agents were determined for 100 Aspergillus isolates, including 54 Aspergillus fumigatus (24 TR34/L98H isolates), 23 A. flavus, 13 A. terreus, and 10 A. niger isolates. The overall agreement (within 2 2-fold dilutions) between the two methods was 100%, 95%, 92%, and 90% for voriconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B, respectively. The voriconazole geometric mean (GM) MICs were nearly identical for all isolates using both methods, whereas the itraconazole and posaconazole GM MICs obtained using the YeastOne method were approximately 1 dilution lower than those obtained using the reference method. In contrast, the amphotericin B GM MIC obtained using the YeastOne method was 3.3-fold higher than that observed using the reference method. For the 24 A. fumigatus TR34/L98H isolates assayed, the categorical agreement (classified according to the CLSI epidemiological cutoff values) was 100%, 87.5%, and 83.3% for itraconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole, respectively. For four A. niger isolates, the itraconazole MICs were >8 μg/ml using the M38-A2 method due to trailing growth, whereas the corresponding itraconazole MICs obtained using the YeastOne method were all ≤0.25 μg/ml without trailing growth. These data suggest that the YeastOne method can be used as an alternative for azole susceptibility testing of Aspergillus species and for detecting the A. fumigatus TR34/L98H isolates but that this method fails to detect A. niger isolates exhibiting trailing growth with itraconazole. Additionally, for isolates with azole MICs that approach or that are at susceptibility breakpoints or with high amphotericin B MICs detected using the YeastOne method, further MIC confirmation using the reference CLSI method is needed.

scholarly journals Effect of antifungal agents, lysozyme and human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 on clinical Candida isolates with high biofilm production

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Chen ◽  
Fang-Ju Chen ◽  
Chen-Hsiang Lee
Keyword(s):  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Xtt Assay ◽  
Biofilm Production ◽  
Visual Reading

Introduction. Candida species can form biofilms on tissues and medical devices, making them less susceptible to antifungal agents. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Antifungal combination may be an effective strategy to fight against Candida biofilm. Aim. In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity of fluconazole, caspofungin and amphotericin B, alone and in combination, against 17 clinical Candida tropicalis and 6 Candida parapsilosis isolates with high biofilm formation. We also tested LL-37 and lysozyme for anti-biofilm activity against a selected C. tropicalis isolate. Methodology. Candida biofilms were prepared using the 96-well plate-based method. The minimum biofilm eradication concentrations were determined for single and combined antifungal drugs. The activity of LL-37 and lysozyme was determined by visual reading for planktonic cells and using the XTT assay for biofilms. Results. Under biofilm conditions, fluconazole plus caspofungin showed synergistic effects against 60.9% (14 of 23) of the tested isolates, including 70.6% of C. tropicalis [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), 0.26–1.03] and 33.3% of C. parapsilosis (FICI, 0.04–2.03) isolates. Using this combination, no antagonism was observed. Amphotericin B plus caspofungin showed no effects against 78.3% (18 of 23) of the tested isolates. Amphotericin B plus fluconazole showed no effects against 65.2% (15 of 23) of the tested isolates and may have led to antagonism against 2 C. tropicalis and 2 C. parapsilosis isolates. LL-37 and lysozyme had no effect on biofilms of the selected C. tropicalis isolate. Conclusions. We found that fluconazole plus caspofungin led to a synergistic effect against C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis biofilms. The efficacy of the antifungal combination therapies of the proposed schemes against biofilm-associated Candida infections requires careful and constant evaluation.

scholarly journals Transcriptome Assembly and Profiling of Candida auris Reveals Novel Insights into Biofilm-Mediated Resistance

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Kean ◽  
Christopher Delaney ◽  
Leighann Sherry ◽  
Andrew Borman ◽  
Elizabeth M. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Transcriptome Assembly ◽  
Efflux Pumps ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT Candida auris has emerged as a significant global nosocomial pathogen. This is primarily due to its antifungal resistance profile but also its capacity to form adherent biofilm communities on a range of clinically important substrates. While we have a comprehensive understanding of how other Candida species resist and respond to antifungal challenge within the sessile phenotype, our current understanding of C. auris biofilm-mediated resistance is lacking. In this study, we are the first to perform transcriptomic analysis of temporally developing C. auris biofilms, which were shown to exhibit phase- and antifungal class-dependent resistance profiles. A de novo transcriptome assembly was performed, where sequenced sample reads were assembled into an ~11.5-Mb transcriptome consisting of 5,848 genes. Differential expression (DE) analysis demonstrated that 791 and 464 genes were upregulated in biofilm formation and planktonic cells, respectively, with a minimum 2-fold change. Adhesin-related glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall genes were upregulated at all time points of biofilm formation. As the biofilm developed into intermediate and mature stages, a number of genes encoding efflux pumps were upregulated, including ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and major facilitator superfamily (MFS) transporters. When we assessed efflux pump activity biochemically, biofilm efflux was greater than that of planktonic cells at 12 and 24 h. When these were inhibited, fluconazole sensitivity was enhanced 4- to 16-fold. This study demonstrates the importance of efflux-mediated resistance within complex C. auris communities and may explain the resistance of C. auris to a range of antimicrobial agents within the hospital environment. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections represent an important cause of human morbidity and mortality, particularly if the fungi adhere to and grow on both biological and inanimate surfaces as communities of cells (biofilms). Recently, a previously unrecognized yeast, Candida auris, has emerged globally that has led to widespread concern due to the difficulty in treating it with existing antifungal agents. Alarmingly, it is also able to grow as a biofilm that is highly resistant to antifungal agents, yet we are unclear about how it does this. Here, we used a molecular approach to investigate the genes that are important in causing the cells to be resistant within the biofilm. The work provides significant insights into the importance of efflux pumps, which actively pump out toxic antifungal drugs and therefore enhance fungal survival within a variety of harsh environments.

scholarly journals Evaluation of susceptibility of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum clinical isolates to antifungal drugs using a modified CLSI microdilution method (M38-A)

2007 ◽  
Vol 56 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Elisabete da Silva Barros ◽  
Daniel de Assis Santos ◽  
Júnia Soares Hamdan
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Trichophyton Rubrum ◽  
Trichophyton Mentagrophytes ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Standard Protocol ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Microdilution Method ◽  
Broth Microdilution Method

Onychomycosis is a common adult human mycosis, and dermatophytes of the Trichophyton genera are the most common causative agent. Many antimycotic agents are safe and highly effective for the treatment of dermatophytosis, and are available for clinical practice. Successful treatment depends on the ability of antifungal drugs to eradicate the fungal isolates. The aim of this work was to determine the MICs of four antifungal drugs (fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin) recognized for ungual dermatophytosis treatment caused by Trichophyton species, especially Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum. MICs were determined using a broth microdilution method in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute approved standard M38-A with some modifications, such as an incubation temperature of 28 °C, an incubation time of 7 days and inocula constituted of only microconidia. The results showed that the activities of terbinafine and itraconazole were significantly higher (MICs of <0.007–0.031 and 0.015–0.25 μg ml−1, respectively) than other tested agents. All isolates had reduced susceptibility to fluconazole (1–64 μg ml−1). The MIC of griseofulvin varied among strains (MICs of 0.062–1 μg ml−1). The parameters adopted to perform susceptibility testing of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes to antifungal agents appeared to be suitable and reliable, and could contribute to the possible development of a standard protocol.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Modified EUCAST Fragmented-Mycelium Inoculum Method forIn VitroSusceptibility Testing of Dermatophytes and the Activity of Novel Antifungal Agents

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 3675-3682 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Risslegger ◽  
C. Lass-Flörl ◽  
G. Blum ◽  
M. Lackner
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Preparation Method ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Microdilution Method ◽  
Broth Microdilution Method ◽  
Inoculum Preparation ◽  
Minimal Effective Concentration

ABSTRACTFor antifungal susceptibility testing of nonsporulating or poorly sporulating dermatophytes, a fragmented-mycelium inoculum preparation method was established and compared to broth microdilution testing according to CLSI and EUCAST guidelines. Moreover, thein vitroactivity of new antifungal agents against dermatophytes was evaluated. Agreement between the mycelial inoculum method and the CLSI broth microdilution method was high (93% to 100%). Echinocandins (minimal effective concentration [MEC], ≤0.5 mg/liter) and posaconazole (MIC, ≤3.00 mg/liter) showed good activity against all tested dermatophytes.

scholarly journals Evaluation of semisolid agar method for antifungal susceptibility test of T. rubrum

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Sultana Razia ◽  
Shahida Anwar ◽  
Md. Ruhul Amin Miah ◽  
Najmun Nahar ◽  
Ripon Barua
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Susceptibility Test ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Microdilution Method ◽  
Broth Microdilution Method ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility Test ◽  
Mic Value

<p><strong>Background:</strong> With increasing fungal disease many newer antifungal drugs are available with different spectrum of activ­ity. Antifungal susceptibility test will help clinicians for selection of effective drug and thereby treatment of patient.<strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Objective:</strong> The study was undertaken to perform a simple screening drug susceptibility test of T. rnbrum by Semi Solid Agar Antifungal Susceptibility (SAAS) <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Method:</strong> Perfonnance of susceptibility method was assessed by comparing the MICs of three commonly prescribed antifungal agents namely- tluconazole (FCZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and terbinafine (TER) to the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute) recommended M-38, a broth microdilution method. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results:</strong> In SAAS method, among twenty nine T. rubrum, twenty five (86.2%) were susceptible (MIC range 0.5-64 µg/ml) to Fluconazole (FCZ) and four (13.7%) were resistant (MIC value &gt;64 µg/ml). In broth microdilution method, among twenty nine T. rubrum, twenty six (89.6%) were susceptible (MIC range 0.3-64 µg/ml) to FCZ and three (10.3%) were resistant (MIC value &gt;64 µg/ml). In case of both ITZ and TER, all were susceptible (MIC range 0.3-64 µg/ml) to both methods. The SAAS method demonstrated the susceptibility pattern of T. rubrum against FCZ, ITZ and TER usually within 72 to 96 hours after organism isolation and results were concordance with the results of CLSI broth microdilution method. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Though it is a newer method with proper standardization of the test method, SAAS method is simple and easily applicable screening method for susceptibility testing of antifungal agents against dermatophytes in any microbiology laboratories.</p>

scholarly journals Darunavir inhibits Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex growth and increases the susceptibility of biofilms to antifungal drugs

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 830-837
Author(s):  
Raimunda Sâmia Nogueira Brilhante ◽  
José Alexandre Telmos Silva ◽  
Géssica dos Santos Araújo ◽  
Vandbergue Santos Pereira ◽  
Wilker Jose Perez Gotay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Metabolic Activity ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Species Complex ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Planktonic Cells ◽  
Species Activity ◽  
Checkerboard Assay

Introduction. Cryptococcus species are pathogens commonly associated with cases of meningoencephalitis in individuals who are immunosuppressed due to AIDS. Aim. The aim was to evaluate the effects of the antiretroviral darunavir alone or associated with fluconazole, 5-flucytosine and amphotericin B against planktonic cells and biofilms of Cryptococcus species. Methodology. Susceptibility testing of darunavir and the common antifungals against 12 members of the Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex was evaluated by broth microdilution. The interaction between darunavir and antifungals against planktonic cells was tested by a checkerboard assay. The effects of darunavir against biofilm metabolic activity and biomass were evaluated by the XTT reduction assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. Results. Darunavir combined with amphotericin B showed a synergistic interaction against planktonic cells. No antagonistic interaction was observed between darunavir and the antifungals used. All Cryptococcus species strains were strong biofilm producers. Darunavir alone reduced biofilm metabolic activity and biomass when added during and after biofilm formation (P<0.05). The combination of darunavir with antifungals caused a significant reduction in biofilm metabolic activity and biomass when compared to darunavir alone (P<0.05). Conclusion. Darunavir presents antifungal activity against planktonic cells of Cryptococcus species and synergism with amphotericin B. In addition, darunavir led to reduced biofilm formation and showed activity against mature biofilms of Cryptococcus species. Activity of the antifungals against mature biofilms was enhanced in the presence of darunavir.

scholarly journals Plant-Derived Substances in the Fight Against Infections Caused by Candida Species

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6131
Author(s):  
Ibeth Guevara-Lora ◽  
Grazyna Bras ◽  
Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta ◽  
Miriam González-González ◽  
Kinga Ceballos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Species ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Standard Treatment ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Host Immune System ◽  
Plant Metabolites ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Mucosal Surfaces

Yeast-like fungi from the Candida genus are predominantly harmless commensals that colonize human skin and mucosal surfaces, but under conditions of impaired host immune system change into dangerous pathogens. The pathogenicity of these fungi is typically accompanied by increased adhesion and formation of complex biofilms, making candidal infections challenging to treat. Although a variety of antifungal drugs have been developed that preferably attack the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane, these pathogens have acquired novel defense mechanisms that make them resistant to standard treatment. This causes an increase in the incidence of candidiasis and enforces the urgent need for an intensified search for new specifics that could be helpful, alone or synergistically with traditional drugs, for controlling Candida pathogenicity. Currently, numerous reports have indicated the effectiveness of plant metabolites as potent antifungal agents. These substances have been shown to inhibit growth and to alter the virulence of different Candida species in both the planktonic and hyphal form and during the biofilm formation. This review focuses on the most recent findings that provide evidence of decreasing candidal pathogenicity by different substances of plant origin, with a special emphasis on the mechanisms of their action. This is a particularly important issue in the light of the currently increasing frequency of emerging Candida strains and species resistant to standard antifungal treatment.

scholarly journals Marine Bioactive Compounds against Aspergillus fumigatus: Challenges and Future Prospects

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Chukwuemeka Samson Ahamefule ◽  
Blessing C. Ezeuduji ◽  
James C. Ogbonna ◽  
Anene N. Moneke ◽  
Anthony C. Ike ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Invasive Aspergillosis ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Marine Resources ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Speed Up

With the mortality rate of invasive aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus reaching almost 100% among some groups of patients, and with the rapidly increasing resistance of A. fumigatus to available antifungal drugs, new antifungal agents have never been more desirable than now. Numerous bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized from marine resources. However, only a few exhibited a potent activity against A. fumigatus when compared to the multitude that did against some other pathogens. Here, we review the marine bioactive compounds that display a bioactivity against A. fumigatus. The challenges hampering the discovery of antifungal agents from this rich habitat are also critically analyzed. Further, we propose strategies that could speed up an efficient discovery and broaden the dimensions of screening in order to obtain promising in vivo antifungal agents with new modes of action.

scholarly journals In VitroInteractions of Antifungal Agents and Tacrolimus against Aspergillus Biofilms

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 7097-7099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lujuan Gao ◽  
Yi Sun
Keyword(s):  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Inhibitory Activity ◽  
Aspergillus Terreus ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Antagonistic Effects

ABSTRACTAspergillusbiofilms were prepared fromAspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus flavus, andAspergillus terreusvia a 96-well plate-based method, and the combined antifungal activity of tacrolimus with azoles or amphotericin B againstAspergillusbiofilms was investigated via a broth microdilution checkerboard technique system. Our results suggest that combinations of tacrolimus with voriconazole or amphotericin B have synergistic inhibitory activity againstAspergillusbiofilms. However, combinations of tacrolimus with itraconazole or posaconazole exhibit no synergistic or antagonistic effects.

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