Fungal infection in cystic fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirmehdi Sarvestani ◽  
Mohammad Almasian ◽  
Amirhossein Nafari
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Resistant Species ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
New Treatments

Background: The prevalence of fungal infections has been increasing in recent years. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects organs such as the intestines, liver, pancreas, and especially the lungs. Introduction: Fungal pathogens are becoming a challenge in CF. Advanced medical science is associated with longer life expectancy in some patient groups. Method: A review was conducted on studies found on such online databases as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Internet-based searches were performed on these databases for cystic fibrosis, respiratory infections, and fungal infection profiling to identify all relevant studies published between 2010 and 2020. Result: Fungal pathogens most frequently isolated from the respiratory tract include the Aspergillus genus, the Candida genus, Scedosporium apiospermum, and the Rasamsonia genus. In cystic fibrosis, these organisms usually colonize the respiratory and intestinal tracts and cause hypersensitivity responses and invasive diseases. Conclusion: Fungus-patient interactions are complicated and depend on various factors. Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant species is a serious health issue, and the development of new treatments is crucial.

Fungal Infection in Cystic Fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-124
Author(s):  
Amirmehdi Sarvestani ◽  
Mohammad Almasian ◽  
Amirhossein Nafari
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Resistant Species ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
New Treatments

Background: The prevalence of fungal infections has been increasing in recent years. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects organs such as the intestines, liver, pancreas, and especially the lungs. Introduction: Fungal pathogens are becoming a challenge in CF. Advanced medical science is associated with longer life expectancy in some patient groups. Method: A review was conducted on studies found on online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Internet-based searches were performed on these databases for cystic fibrosis, respiratory infections, and fungal infection profiling to identify all relevant studies published between 2010 and 2020. Result: Fungal pathogens most frequently isolated from the respiratory tract include the Aspergillus genus, the Candida genus, Scedosporium apiospermum, and the Rasamsonia genus. In cystic fibrosis, these organisms usually colonize the respiratory and intestinal tracts and cause hypersensitivity responses and invasive diseases. Conclusion: Fungus-patient interactions are complicated and depend on various factors. Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant species is a serious health issue, and the development of new treatments is crucial.

scholarly journals Glivne okužbe pri bolnikih s cistično fibrozo

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rok Tomazin ◽  
Tadeja Matos
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Scedosporium Apiospermum ◽  
High Frequencies ◽  
Patient Interactions ◽  
Invasive Diseases ◽  
Patient Groups

In the last two decades prevalence of fungal infections is increasing for various reasons. One of them is the advance of medical science and the associated longer life expectancy in some patient groups. This includes cystic fibrosis patients who encounter fungal diseases already in their childhood. Fungal pathogens isolated in high frequencies from the respiratory tract include Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans and Scedosporium apiospermum. In the case of cystic fibrosis, these organisms normaly colonise the respiratory and intestinal mucosae and can cause hipersensitivity reactions and invasive diseases. The fungus-patient interactions are complex and depend on several different factors which determine what course will the colonisation/infection take.

scholarly journals Post-Translational Modifications Drive Success and Failure of Fungal–Host Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Charmaine Retanal ◽  
Brianna Ball ◽  
Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Fungal Host ◽  
Resistant Species

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) change the structure and function of proteins and regulate a diverse array of biological processes. Fungal pathogens rely on PTMs to modulate protein production and activity during infection, manipulate the host response, and ultimately, promote fungal survival. Given the high mortality rates of fungal infections on a global scale, along with the emergence of antifungal-resistant species, identifying new treatment options is critical. In this review, we focus on the role of PTMs (e.g., phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, and methylation) among the highly prevalent and medically relevant fungal pathogens, Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Cryptococcus spp. We explore the role of PTMs in fungal stress response and host adaptation, the use of PTMs to manipulate host cells and the immune system upon fungal invasion, and the importance of PTMs in conferring antifungal resistance. We also provide a critical view on the current knowledgebase, pose questions key to our understanding of the intricate roles of PTMs within fungal pathogens, and provide research opportunities to uncover new therapeutic strategies.

Identification and in Vitro Susceptibility Pattern of Fungal Pathogens in Immunocompromised Patients with invasive Fungal Infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-134
Author(s):  
Shaimaa A.S. Selem ◽  
Neveen A. Hassan ◽  
Mohamed Z. Abd El-Rahman ◽  
Doaa M. Abd El-Kareem
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Vitek 2

Background: In intensive care units, invasive fungal infections have become more common, particularly among immunocompromised patients. Early identification and starting the treatment of those patients with antifungal therapy is critical for preventing unnecessary use of toxic antifungal agents. Objective: The aim of this research is to determine which common fungi cause invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, as well as their antifungal susceptibility patterns in vitro, in Assiut University Hospitals. Methodology: This was a hospital based descriptive study conducted on 120 patients with clinical suspicion of having fungal infections admitted at different Intensive Care Units (ICUs) at Assiut University Hospitals. Direct microscopic examination and inoculation on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) were performed on the collected specimens. Isolated yeasts were classified using phenotypic methods such as chromogenic media (Brilliance Candida agar), germ tube examination, and the Vitek 2 system for certain isolates, while the identification of mould isolates was primarily based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Moulds were tested in vitro for antifungal susceptibility using the disc diffusion, and yeast were tested using Vitek 2 device cards. Results: In this study, 100 out of 120 (83.3%) of the samples were positive for fungal infection. Candida and Aspergillus species were the most commonly isolated fungal pathogens. The isolates had the highest sensitivity to Amphotericin B (95 %), followed by Micafungin (94 %) in an in vitro sensitivity survey. Conclusion: Invasive fungal infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, with Candida albicans being the most frequently isolated yeast from various clinical specimens; however, the rise in resistance, especially to azoles, is a major concern.

scholarly journals Fungal Infection in Lung Transplantation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 471-482
Author(s):  
Cassie C. Kennedy ◽  
Kelly M. Pennington ◽  
Elena Beam ◽  
Raymund R. Razonable
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Lung Transplant ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Diagnostic Strategies ◽  
Culture Techniques

AbstractInvasive fungal infections threaten lung transplant outcomes with high associated morbidity and mortality. Pharmacologic prophylaxis may be key to prevent posttransplant invasive fungal infections, but cost, adverse effects, and absorption issues are barriers to effective prophylaxis. Trends in fungal infection diagnostic strategies utilize molecular diagnostic methodologies to complement traditional histopathology and culture techniques. While lung transplant recipients are susceptible to a variety of fungal pathogens, Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. infections remain the most common. With emerging resistant organisms and multiple novel antifungal agents in the research pipeline, it is likely that treatment strategies will continue to evolve.

Opportunistic Fungal Infection

Chest Imaging ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 209-213
Author(s):  
Sonia L. Betancourt
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Opportunistic Infection ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Hematologic Malignancy ◽  
Solid Organ Transplantation ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Common Opportunistic Infection ◽  
Cryptococcus Spp

Opportunistic fungal infections are caused by fungi that are nonpathogenic in the immunocompetent host, many of which are part of the normal upper respiratory tract flora. These organisms may cause pulmonary infection in immunocompromised hosts. Immunocompromised patients and patients with febrile neutropenia with opportunistic fungal infections may have normal chest radiographs. Thus, chest CT should be performed for further evaluation. Imaging abnormalities in this patient population should raise suspicion for opportunistic infection. Neutropenia is the single most important risk factor for Aspergillosis. Aspergillus is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with hematologic malignancy and bone marrow transplantation. Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., and Cryptococcus spp. are the most common fungal infections in patients with solid organ transplantation. Pneumocystis jirovecii is the most common fungal infection in patients AIDS with CD4 count s<200 cells/mm3. Cryptococcal pneumonia is also common in this population. There has been a recent increase in uncommon fungal pathogens causing invasive pulmonary disease.

scholarly journals Fungal Genomics in Respiratory Medicine: What, How and When?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelie P. Brackin ◽  
Sam J. Hemmings ◽  
Matthew C. Fisher ◽  
Johanna Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Fungal Genomics ◽  
Risk Of Mortality

AbstractRespiratory infections caused by fungal pathogens present a growing global health concern and are a major cause of death in immunocompromised patients. Worryingly, coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome has been shown to predispose some patients to airborne fungal co-infections. These include secondary pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Aspergillosis is most commonly caused by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and primarily treated using the triazole drug group, however in recent years, this fungus has been rapidly gaining resistance against these antifungals. This is of serious clinical concern as multi-azole resistant forms of aspergillosis have a higher risk of mortality when compared against azole-susceptible infections. With the increasing numbers of COVID-19 and other classes of immunocompromised patients, early diagnosis of fungal infections is critical to ensuring patient survival. However, time-limited diagnosis is difficult to achieve with current culture-based methods. Advances within fungal genomics have enabled molecular diagnostic methods to become a fast, reproducible, and cost-effective alternative for diagnosis of respiratory fungal pathogens and detection of antifungal resistance. Here, we describe what techniques are currently available within molecular diagnostics, how they work and when they have been used.

scholarly journals The prevalence of skin and venereal diseases among the geriatric patients attending in a tertiary care Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-135
Author(s):  
Mohd Nurul Alam ◽  
Md Anwar Husain ◽  
Ayesha Siddiqua ◽  
Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babar ◽  
Md Rashidul Hasan
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Venereal Diseases ◽  
Eczematous Dermatitis

Background: The prevalence of skin and venereal diseases among geriatric populations generally differ in different countries and within various regions of a country depending upon social, economic, racial & environmental factor. The morbidity in elderly associated with skin and venereal diseases makes them an important public health problem. Very scanty literature was found on this geriatric problem in our country which is either disease based, community based or specified population group based. Objective: To assess the dermatological & venereal complaints of the elderly attending a dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 1303 geriatric patients who were 60 years and above and came to the OPD of dermatology & venereology department of Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over a period of 3½ year from January, 2014 to June, 2017. Data were collected on special proforma and analyzed with appropriate method. Results: Among 1303 patients 676 (51.88%) were male and 627 (48.12%) were female and most of the patients belonged to the age group 60-69 year (73.6%), mean age being 66.8 ± 7.06 year. The most commonly presented skin complaints were eczematous dermatitis (42.6%), fungal infection (19.14%), generalized pruritus (5.06%), seborrheic dermatitis (5.06%), urticaria (4.75%) and viral infections (4.29%) respectively. Tinea corporis (29.3%) was the most common of fungal infections and herpes zoster (82.14%) was the most frequent of viral infections. Conclusion: Eczematous dermatitis was found to be the most common noninfectious disease and fungal infection was the most common infectious disease in all age groups and genders. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.18(1) 2019 p.130-135

scholarly journals Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: An Update on the Newest Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Approaches

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 716
Author(s):  
Claudia Lattanzi ◽  
Giulia Messina ◽  
Valentina Fainardi ◽  
Maria Candida Tripodi ◽  
Giovanna Pisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
The Impact

Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common autosomal-recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is characterized by frequent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Fungal species are commonly found in patients with CF, and among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequently isolated. While bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a well-established negative effect on CF lung disease, the impact of fungal infections remains unclear. In patients with CF, inhalation of Aspergillus conidia can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a Th2-mediated lung disease that can contribute to disease progression. Clinical features, diagnostic criteria and treatment of ABPA are still a matter of debate. Given the consequences of a late ABPA diagnosis or the risk of ABPA overdiagnosis, it is imperative that the diagnostic criteria guidelines are reviewed and standardized. Along with traditional criteria, radiological features are emerging as tools for further classification as well as novel immunological tests. Corticosteroids, itraconazole and voriconazole continue to be the bedrock of ABPA therapy, but other molecules, such as posaconazole, vitamin D, recombinant INF-γ and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) modulators, have been showing positive results. However, few studies have been conducted recruiting CF patients, and more research is needed to improve the prevention and the classification of clinical manifestations as well as to personalize treatment. Early recognition and early treatment of fungal infections may be fundamental to prevent progression of CF disease. The aim of this narrative review is to give an update on ABPA in children with CF.

scholarly journals From Naturally-Sourced Protease Inhibitors to New Treatments for Fungal Infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1016
Author(s):  
Davier Gutierrez-Gongora ◽  
Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Keyword(s):  
Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Large Reservoir ◽  
Low Cytotoxicity ◽  
New Treatments ◽  
Inhibitory Molecules

Proteases are involved in a broad range of physiological processes, including host invasion by fungal pathogens, and enzymatic inhibition is a key molecular mechanism controlling proteolytic activity. Importantly, inhibitors from natural or synthetic sources have demonstrated applications in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine. However, the need to discover new reservoirs of these inhibitory molecules with improved efficacy and target range has been underscored by recent protease characterization related to infection and antimicrobial resistance. In this regard, naturally-sourced inhibitors show promise for application in diverse biological systems due to high stability at physiological conditions and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, natural sources (e.g., plants, invertebrates, and microbes) provide a large reservoir of undiscovered and/or uncharacterized bioactive molecules involved in host defense against predators and pathogens. In this Review, we highlight discoveries of protease inhibitors from environmental sources, propose new opportunities for assessment of antifungal activity, and discuss novel applications to combat biomedically-relevant fungal diseases with in vivo and clinical purpose.

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