scholarly journals Application of Bioluminescence Imaging forIn VivoMonitoring of Fungal Infections

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Brock
Keyword(s):  
Bioluminescence Imaging ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Immunocompromised Host ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Temporal And Spatial ◽  
Infection Processes

Fungi can cause severe invasive infections especially in the immunocompromised host. Patient populations at risk are increasing due to ongoing developments in cancer treatment and transplantation medicine. Only limited diagnostic tools and few antifungals are available, rendering a significant number of invasive fungal infections life threatening. To reduce mortality rates, a better understanding of the infection processes is urgently required. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is a powerful tool for such purposes, since it allows visualisation of temporal and spatial progression of infections in real time. BLI has been successfully used to monitor infections caused by various microorganisms, in particular bacteria. However, first studies have also been performed on the fungiCandida albicansandAspergillus fumigatus. Although BLI was, in principle, suitable to study the infection process, some limitations remained. Here, different luciferase systems are introduced, and current approaches are summarised. Finally, suggestions for further improvements of BLI to monitor fungal infections are provided.

scholarly journals Reinforcing the Immunocompromised Host Defense against Fungi: Progress beyond the Current State of the Art

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 451
Author(s):  
Georgios Karavalakis ◽  
Evangelia Yannaki ◽  
Anastasia Papadopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Host Defense ◽  
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Solid Organ Transplantation ◽  
Immunocompromised Host ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Cell Immunotherapy ◽  
Life Threatening

Despite the availability of a variety of antifungal drugs, opportunistic fungal infections still remain life-threatening for immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation or solid organ transplantation. Suboptimal efficacy, toxicity, development of resistant variants and recurrent episodes are limitations associated with current antifungal drug therapy. Adjunctive immunotherapies reinforcing the host defense against fungi and aiding in clearance of opportunistic pathogens are continuously gaining ground in this battle. Here, we review alternative approaches for the management of fungal infections going beyond the state of the art and placing an emphasis on fungus-specific T cell immunotherapy. Harnessing the power of T cells in the form of adoptive immunotherapy represents the strenuous protagonist of the current immunotherapeutic approaches towards combating invasive fungal infections. The progress that has been made over the last years in this field and remaining challenges as well, will be discussed.

scholarly journals Targeting adhesion in fungal pathogen Candida albicans

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harlei Martin ◽  
Kevin Kavanagh ◽  
Trinidad Velasco-Torrijos
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Receptor Interactions ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Wall Components

Fungal infections with increasing resistance to conventional therapies are a growing concern. Candida albicans is a major opportunistic yeast responsible for mucosal and invasive infections. Targeting the initial step of the infection process (i.e., C. albicans adhesion to the host cell) is a promising strategy. A wide variety of molecules can interfere with adhesion processes via an assortment of mechanisms. Herein, we focus on how small molecules disrupt biosynthesis of fungal cell wall components and membrane structure, prevent the localization of GPI-anchor proteins, inhibit production of enzymes involved in adhesion, downregulate genes encoding adhesins and competitively inhibit receptor interactions. As a result, adhesion of C. albicans to host cells is reduced, paving the way to new classes of antifungal agents.

Emerging Virulence, Drug Resistance and Future Anti-fungal Drugs for Candida Pathogens

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 759-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vartika Srivastava ◽  
Rajeev Kumar Singla ◽  
Ashok Kumar Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Candida Spp ◽  
Candida Sp ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
Superficial Type ◽  
Anti Fungal

Increased incidences of Candida infection have augmented morbidity and mortality in human population, particularly among severely immunocompromised patients and those having a long stay in hospitals (nosocomial infections). Many virulence factors and fitness attributes are reported to be associated with the pathogenicity of Candida sp. It can cause infections ranging from easily treatable superficial type to life-threatening invasive infections. Additionally, it has the capability to infect humans of all age groups. Indeed, overutilization of broad-spectrum antibiotics has further complicated the scenario by leading the emergence of less sensitive Candida strains especially non-albicans. Despite our developed armamentarium, the diagnosis and treatment of human fungal infections remain a challenge. This review focuses on the prevalence of Candida spp. as human pathogens with emerging resistance to existing anti-fungal drugs. Furthermore, factors and mechanisms contributing to the pathogenicity of Candida spp. and the challenges being faced in combating the devastating infections associated with these pathogens have been discussed. Moreover, pros and cons of the current and future anti-mycotic drugs have been analyzed.

scholarly journals Filamentous Fungal Infections in a Tertiary Care Setting: Epidemiology and Clinical Outcome

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Miriam Van den Nest ◽  
Gernot Wagner ◽  
Martin Riesenhuber ◽  
Constantin Dolle ◽  
Elisabeth Presterl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
European Organization ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Frequent Site

Information on the distribution of filamentous fungal pathogens, which cause potential life-threatening invasive infections mostly in immunocompromised persons, is of great importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical outcome in patients with infections due to filamentous fungi at the University Hospital of Vienna, Austria. We conducted a retrospective observational study and consecutively included patients of any age with filamentous fungal infections between 2009 and 2017. The classification for probable and proven invasive filamentous fungal infections was based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group (EORTC) criteria or the expert opinion of an experienced clinical mycologist. We included 129 patients (median age: 52 years; 47.3% female) with episodes of 101 proven and probable invasive and 35 localized filamentous fungal infections (16 sinus, 14 eye, one ear, and four deep cutaneous). Aspergillus fumigatus alone accounted for 50.3% of the fungi, which was followed by the Mucorales group (13.7%) and Fusarium spp. (8.5%). Diagnosis was mainly based on culture findings. The lung was the most frequent site of infection. The 30-day and 90-day overall mortality of invasive fungal infections was 30.2% and 42.7%, respectively. We observed a high all-cause mortality among patients with invasive filamentous fungal infections. Prospective data collection in a nationwide registry would be necessary to provide important information on surveillance to clinicians and other decision-makers.

scholarly journals Invasive Candida Infections in the ICU: Diagnosis and Therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 129-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Péter Hankovszky ◽  
Domokos Társy ◽  
Nándor Öveges ◽  
Zsolt Molnár
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Candida Species ◽  
Antifungal Agents ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Invasive Infections ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Candida Infections ◽  
Current Guidelines

AbstractInvasive fungal infections have become a serious problem in the critically ill. One of the main reasons is the development of an immunocompromised condition. The most frequently found pathogens are Candida species. In order to provide adequate treatment, understanding this potentially life-threatening infection is mandatory. The aim of this summary is to view Candida infections from a different perspective and to give an overview on epidemiology, the range of pathophysiology from colonization to the invasive infections, and its impact on mortality. New therapeutic options will also be discussed and how these relate to current guidelines. Finally, the key issue of the choice of antifungal agents will be evaluated.

scholarly journals Estimated Burden of Fungal Infections in Oman

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi ◽  
Mohammed A. Al-Shuhoumi ◽  
David W. Denning
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Vaginal Candidiasis ◽  
Skin Infections ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Rhinosinusitis ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Underlying Pathology

For many years, fungi have emerged as significant and frequent opportunistic pathogens and nosocomial infections in many different populations at risk. Fungal infections include disease that varies from superficial to disseminated infections which are often fatal. No fungal disease is reportable in Oman. Many cases are admitted with underlying pathology, and fungal infection is often not documented. The burden of fungal infections in Oman is still unknown. Using disease frequencies from heterogeneous and robust data sources, we provide an estimation of the incidence and prevalence of Oman’s fungal diseases. An estimated 79,520 people in Oman are affected by a serious fungal infection each year, 1.7% of the population, not including fungal skin infections, chronic fungal rhinosinusitis or otitis externa. These figures are dominated by vaginal candidiasis, followed by allergic respiratory disease (fungal asthma). An estimated 244 patients develop invasive aspergillosis and at least 230 candidemia annually (5.4 and 5.0 per 100,000). Only culture and microscopy are currently available for diagnosis, so case detection is suboptimal. Uncertainty surrounds these figures that trigger the need for urgent local epidemiological studies with more sensitive diagnostics.

Systemic Diseases Associated with Nasal Symptoms

1987 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy A. Settipane
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Systemic Diseases ◽  
Proper Treatment ◽  
Csf Rhinorrhea ◽  
Nasal Symptoms ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Careful History

Many systemic diseases are associated with nasal symptoms, Rhinitis associated with asthma is probably the most common with leprosy and fungal infections being the rarest. A careful history and nasal examination in a patient with rhinitis may lead to the discovery of more significant systemic diseases. Proper treatment of systemic disease will often cure or improve the associated rhinitis. Similarly, appropriate treatment of the rhinitis/sinusitis may reduce systemic complaints such as asthma. At times, identification of the cause of rhinitis as in CSF rhinorrhea, Wegeners’ syndrome, etc., alerts one to a life-threatening entity. Thus, it is apparent that the nose is an excellent mirror of some systemic diseases and identifying and understanding the differential diagnosis of nasal symptoms may be a tremendous help in diagnosing the disease and treating the whole patient.

scholarly journals The p47phox mouse knock-out model of chronic granulomatous disease.

1995 ◽  
Vol 182 (3) ◽  
pp. 751-758 ◽  
Author(s):  
S H Jackson ◽  
J I Gallin ◽  
S M Holland
Keyword(s):  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Chronic Granulomatous Disease ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Granulomatous Inflammation ◽  
Mammalian Host ◽  
Granulomatous Disease ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Phagocyte Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Life Threatening

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is caused by a congenital defect in phagocyte reduced nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase production of superoxide and related species. It is characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections and tissue granuloma formation. We have created a mouse model of CGD by targeted disruption of p47phox, one of the genes in which mutations cause human CGD. Identical to the case in human CGD, leukocytes from p47phox-/- mice produced no superoxide and killed staphylococci ineffectively. p47phox-/- mice developed lethal infections and granulomatous inflammation similar to those encountered in human CGD patients. This model mirrors human CGD and confirms a critical role for the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in mammalian host defense.

Recent advances in the treatment of life-threatening, invasive fungal infections

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 2361-2374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H Drew ◽  
Mary L Townsend ◽  
Melanie W Pound ◽  
Steven W Johnson ◽  
John R Perfect
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infections ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Life Threatening

scholarly journals Human Babesiosis in Europe

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1165
Author(s):  
Anke Hildebrandt ◽  
Annetta Zintl ◽  
Estrella Montero ◽  
Klaus-Peter Hunfeld ◽  
Jeremy Gray
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Management ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Genetic Characteristics ◽  
Susceptibility To Infection ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Etiological Agents ◽  
Human Babesiosis

Babesiosis is attracting increasing attention as a worldwide emerging zoonosis. The first case of human babesiosis in Europe was described in the late 1950s and since then more than 60 cases have been reported in Europe. While the disease is relatively rare in Europe, it is significant because the majority of cases present as life-threatening fulminant infections, mainly in immunocompromised patients. Although appearing clinically similar to human babesiosis elsewhere, particularly in the USA, most European forms of the disease are distinct entities, especially concerning epidemiology, human susceptibility to infection and clinical management. This paper describes the history of the disease and reviews all published cases that have occurred in Europe with regard to the identity and genetic characteristics of the etiological agents, pathogenesis, aspects of epidemiology including the eco-epidemiology of the vectors, the clinical courses of infection, diagnostic tools and clinical management and treatment.

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