scholarly journals Candida Infections of the Genitourinary Tract

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline M. Achkar ◽  
Bettina C. Fries
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Genitourinary Tract ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Candida Infections

SUMMARYAll humans are colonized withCandidaspecies, mostlyCandida albicans, yet some develop diseases due toCandida, among which genitourinary manifestations are extremely common. The forms of genitourinary candidiasis are distinct from each other and affect different populations. While vulvovaginal candidiasis affects mostly healthy women, candiduria occurs typically in elderly, hospitalized, or immunocompromised patients and in neonates. Despite its high incidence and clinical relevance, genitourinary candidiasis is understudied, and therefore, important questions about pathogenesis and treatment guidelines remain to be resolved. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about genitourinary candidiasis.

scholarly journals Pathogenicity Mechanism of Candida albicans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snigdha Pattnaik ◽  
Laxmidhar Maharana ◽  
Manoj Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Candida Species ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Human Microbiome ◽  
Mannose Receptor ◽  
Human Pathogen ◽  
Lectin Receptors ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Normal Human

In normal human microbiome, the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans is a crucial member. C. albicans resides mostly in individual as harmless commensal life. In specific situations, however, C. albicans can cause diseases that cause contaminations of the skin to life-threatening fundamental contaminations. Pathogenesis of Candida species is contributed by multiple factors. Some of the major contributors are enlisted here. These include host pathogen interaction, receptors molecule like TLR recognition, TLR signaling, C type lectin receptors, Dectin 1,2 and 3, mannose receptor, mincle, DC sign, Nod-Like Receptors (NLRs) and inflammasomes, soluble molecules in candida recognition, cellular responses to candida such as neutrophils, macrophages. This chapter enlightens all the components of candida pathogenicity by the assessment of Candida species pathogenic determinants. All together these will explain the current knowledge about how these determinant factors and receptors modulate virulence as well as consequent infection. Better understanding of candida pathogenicity mechanism can be the resultant of better treatment guidelines along with development of novel antifungal agents. Overall, in this review we present an update in the current understanding of the insight of pathogenicity mechanisms in this important human pathogen.

scholarly journals Azole Resistance and Detection of the ERG11 Gene in Clinical Candida albicans Isolated from Pregnant Women with Vulvovaginitis Attending Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Abdulrasheed B. Abdu ◽  
Tolulope Alade ◽  
Catherine Omotu
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Vaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Second Line ◽  
First Line ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Candida Infections

Introduction: Candida albicans is one of the most important aetiological agents causing vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women. Most women will experience at least one episode during their reproductive years. Antifungal resistance is a particular problem with Candida infections. Some types of Candida are increasingly resistant to the first-line and second-line antifungal medications. Objective: To investigate the azole susceptibility of Candida albicans (C. albicans) from pregnant vulvovaginal candidiasis patients and to detect ERG11 gene in these azole resistance isolates. Methods: Forty-one clinical isolates of C. albicans were collected. Azole susceptibility was tested in vitro using microdilution techniques. The ERG11 genes of 27 isolates of C. albicans (All resistant to azoles) were amplified using PCR method. Results: Of the 67 isolates recovered, 41(61.19%) were C. albicans, of which 27 (65.85%) each, and 25(60.98%) were resistant to Fluconazole, Voriconazole, and Nystatin respectively. In total, ERG11 genes were detected among 24(88.89%) of 27 C. albicans azole resistant isolates. Conclusions: Twenty four ERG11 genes were detected among 27 azole resistant C. albicans isolates, which indicates a possible relation with the increase in resistance to azole drugs and the recurrence of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

scholarly journals Thrombocytopathies: Not Just Aggregation Defects—The Clinical Relevance of Procoagulant Platelets

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 894
Author(s):  
Alessandro Aliotta ◽  
Debora Bertaggia Calderara ◽  
Maxime G. Zermatten ◽  
Matteo Marchetti ◽  
Lorenzo Alberio
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Activation ◽  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Procoagulant Activity ◽  
Key Players ◽  
Platelet Defects

Platelets are active key players in haemostasis. Qualitative platelet dysfunctions result in thrombocytopathies variously characterized by defects of their adhesive and procoagulant activation endpoints. In this review, we summarize the traditional platelet defects in adhesion, secretion, and aggregation. In addition, we review the current knowledge about procoagulant platelets, focusing on their role in bleeding or thrombotic pathologies and their pharmaceutical modulation. Procoagulant activity is an important feature of platelet activation, which should be specifically evaluated during the investigation of a suspected thrombocytopathy.

scholarly journals Oral Candidiasis and COVID-19 in Users of Removable Dentures: Is Special Oral Care Needed?

Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Laura Silva Jerônimo ◽  
Rafael Paschoal Esteves Lima ◽  
Thaís Yumi Umeda Suzuki ◽  
José Augusto César Discacciati ◽  
Cláudia Lopes Brilhante Bhering
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Oral Candidiasis ◽  
Oral Care ◽  
Antifungal Treatment ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Appropriate Care

Elderly patients with systemic disorders and immunocompromised patients seem to have a higher risk of developing morbidity from COVID-19. <i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>C. albicans</i>) is a potentially dangerous pathogen for these patients, especially for denture wearers with prosthetic stomatitis who require mechanical ventilation. <i>C. albicans</i> infection, the main candidiasis infection associated with denture wear, can complicate COVID-19 and increase the associated morbidity and mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis of <i>C. albicans</i> infection in COVID-19 patients is important to establish more effective antifungal treatment methods and prophylaxis strategies. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients should undergo an oral examination to assess their oral health, and those with poor oral health should receive the appropriate care and monitoring.

scholarly journals Lactobacillus crispatus BC1 Biosurfactant Delivered by Hyalurosomes: An Advanced Strategy to Counteract Candida Biofilm

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Angela Abruzzo ◽  
Barbara Giordani ◽  
Carola Parolin ◽  
Priscilla R. De Gregorio ◽  
Claudio Foschi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Storage Period ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Adhesive Properties ◽  
Lactobacillus Crispatus ◽  
Natural Substances ◽  
Candida Infections ◽  
Emergence Of Resistance ◽  
Potential Stability ◽  
Candida Biofilm

The emergence of resistance to antifungal drugs has made the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) very challenging. Among natural substances, biosurfactants (BS) produced by Lactobacillus have gained increasing interest in counteracting Candida infections for their proven anti-adhesive properties and safety profile. In the present study, liposomes (LP-BS) or liposomes coated with hyaluronic acid (HY-LP-BS) were prepared in the presence of the BS isolated from the vaginal strain Lactobacillus crispatus BC1 and characterized in terms of size, ζ potential, stability and mucoadhesion. The anti-biofilm activity of free BS, LP-BS and HY-LP-BS was investigated against different Candida albicans and non-albicans strains (C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis), clinically isolated from patients affected by VVC. The inhibition of biofilm formation and the dispersal of pre-formed biofilm were evaluated. The obtained phospholipid vesicles showed suitable size for vaginal application and good stability over the storage period. HY-LP-BS exhibited good mucoadhesive properties and the best anti-biofilm profile, both in preventing or limiting the surface colonization by a broad spectrum of Candida species. In conclusion, the formulation of a novel antifungal agent derived from the vaginal microbiota into mucoadhesive nanocarriers appears to be a promising biotherapeutic strategy to counteract vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Risks for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Caused by Non-Albicans Candida Versus Candida Albicans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Boyd Tressler ◽  
Metabel Markwei ◽  
Chelsea Fortin ◽  
Meng Yao ◽  
Gary W. Procop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Spilanthol as a promising antifungal alkylamide for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo L Fabri ◽  
Jhamine C O Freitas ◽  
Ari S O Lemos ◽  
Lara M Campos ◽  
Irley O M Diniz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Antifungal Activity ◽  
Cell Membrane ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Fungal Strain ◽  
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Biofilm Matrix

Abstract Spilanthol is a bioactive alkylamide from the native Amazon plant species, Acmella oleracea. However, antifungal activities of spilanthol and its application to the therapeutic treatment of candidiasis remains to be explored. This study sought to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of spilanthol previously isolated from A. oleracea (spilanthol(AcO)) against Candida albicans ATCC® 10231™, a multidrug-resistant fungal strain. Microdilution methods were used to determine inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations of spilanthol(AcO). In planktonic cultures, the fungal growth kinetics, yeast cell metabolic activity, cell membrane permeability and cell wall integrity were investigated. The effect of spilanthol(AcO) on the proliferation and adhesion of fungal biofilms was evaluated by whole slide imaging and scanning electron microscopy. The biochemical composition of the biofilm matrix was also analyzed. In parallel, spilanthol(AcO) was tested in vivo in an experimental vulvovaginal candidiasis model. Our in vitro analyses in C. albicans planktonic cultures detected a significant inhibitory effect of spilanthol(AcO), which affects both yeast cell membrane and cell wall integrity, interfering with the fungus growth. C. albicans biofilm proliferation and adhesion, as well as, carbohydrates and DNA in biofilm matrix were reduced after spilanthol(AcO) treatment. Moreover, infected rats treated with spilanthol(AcO) showed consistent reduction of both fungal burden and inflammatory processes compared to the untreated animals. Altogether, our findings demonstrated that spilanthol(AcO) is an bioactive compound against planktonic and biofilm forms of a multidrug resistant C. albicans strain. Furthermore, spilanthol(AcO) can be potentially considered for therapeutical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans. Lay Abstract This study sought to evaluate the antifungal activity of spilanthol against Candida albicans ATCC® 10 231™, a multidrug-resistant fungal strain. Our findings demonstrated that spilanthol(AcO) can be potentially considered for therapeutical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by C. albicans.

scholarly journals Nutcracker syndrome - a mini review on current knowledge

2021 ◽  
pp. e527
Author(s):  
Jakub Tomasz Kramek ◽  
Zbigniew Krasiński ◽  
Hubert Stępak
Keyword(s):  
Renal Vein ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Varicose Veins ◽  
Left Renal Vein ◽  
Nutcracker Syndrome ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Macroscopic Hematuria ◽  
Orthostatic Proteinuria ◽  
Renal Autotransplantation

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) seems to be an under-diagnosed condition defined as external compression of the left renal vein and consequent blood outflow impairment. The majority of cases involve the left renal vein entrapment between abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. The exact epidemiology is unknown due to lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria and often asymptomatic courses. NCS may occur at any age with peak presentation in the second and third decade of life. There is a slight prevalence in females. The most frequent presentations include micro and macroscopic hematuria, orthostatic proteinuria, orthostatic hypotension, flank pain. Patients may develop pelvic congestion syndrome comprising dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, abdominal pain, pelvic, gluteal, vulvar varicose veins and varicocele in men. Clinical suspicion of NCS based on signs and symptoms, requires imaging confirmation utilising modalities such as doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography, intravascular ultrasound and phlebography. Treatment options of NCS range from conservative surveillance to nephrectomy, thus appropriate approach should be based on clinical manifestation and severity of symptoms. Patients presenting with mild to moderate haematuria, and acceptable symptoms should be treated conservatively. In cases of severe symptoms or when conservative management fails, invasive treatment should be considered. Recommended open surgical procedures include left renal vein distal transposition and renal autotransplantation. Endovascular stenting approach seems to be an encouraging solution.  Further long term follow-up is required to create objective treatment guidelines.

scholarly journals CD137 Signaling is Critical in Fungal Clearance During Systemic Candida albicans Infection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vu Vi Giang Tran ◽  
Zen Na Nu Nguyen ◽  
Byungsuk Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Innate Immunity ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Tumor Necrosis ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Fungal Growth ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Agonistic Antibody ◽  
Innate Defense ◽  
Surface Receptor

Invasive fungal infections by Candida albicans frequently cause mortality in immunocompromised patients. Neutrophils are particularly important for fungal clearance at the early phase of infections, yet little has been known regarding which surface receptor controls neutrophil phagocytic activities during systemic C. albicans infection. CD137, which is encoded by Tnfrsf9, belongs to the tumor necrosis receptor superfamily and has been shown to regulate neutrophils in Gram-positive bacterial infection. Here, we used genetic and immunological tools to probe the involvement of CD137 signaling in innate defense mechanisms against systemic C. albicans infection. We first found that Tnfrsf9-/- mice were susceptible to C. albicans infection, whereas injection of anti-CD137 agonistic antibody protected the host from infection, suggesting that CD137 signaling is indispensable for innate immunity against C. albicans infection. Priming of isolated neutrophils with anti-CD137 antibody promoted their phagocytic and fungicidal activities through phospholipase C. In addition, injection of anti-CD137 antibody significantly augmented restriction of fungal growth in Tnfrsf9-/- mice that received WT neutrophils. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CD137 signaling contributes to defense mechanisms against systemic C. albicans infection by promoting rapid fungal clearance whereby harmful immunopathology-induced tissue injuries are minimalized.

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