scholarly journals Is the Insect Cuticle the only Entry Gate for Fungal Infection? Insights into Alternative Modes of Action of Entomopathogenic Fungi

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Constanza Mannino ◽  
Carla Huarte-Bonnet ◽  
Belén Davyt-Colo ◽  
Nicolás Pedrini
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Integral Approach ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Infection Processes ◽  
Fungal Genes

Entomopathogenic fungi are the only insect pathogens able to infect their host by adhesion to the surface and penetration through the cuticle. Although the possibility of fungal infection per os was described almost a century ago, there is an information gap of several decades regarding this topic, which was poorly explored due to the continuous elucidation of cuticular infection processes that lead to insect death by mycosis. Recently, with the advent of next-generation sequencing technologies, the genomes of the main entomopathogenic fungi became available, and many fungal genes potentially useful for oral infection were described. Among the entomopathogenic Hypocreales that have been sequenced, Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin (Cordycipitaceae) is the main candidate to explore this pathway since it has a major number of shared genes with other non-fungal pathogens that infect orally, such as Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae). This finding gives B. bassiana a potential advantage over other entomopathogenic fungi: the possibility to infect through both routes, oral and cuticular. In this review, we explore all known entry gates for entomopathogenic fungi, with emphasis on the infection per os. We also set out the fungal infection process in a more integral approach, as a need to exploit its full potential for insect control, considering all of its virulence factors and the conditions needed to improve its virulence against insect that might offer some resistance to the common infection through the cuticle.

Observation on the Occurrence of Fungal Pathogens of Aphids and the Spreading of the Pathogens with the Dispersal of the Infected Alates in Southern Part of Yunnan, China

2011 ◽  
Vol 356-360 ◽  
pp. 2778-2784
Author(s):  
Zhi Hong Huang ◽  
Yun Gang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Entomopathogenic Fungi ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Great Species ◽  
First Time

It was the first time the survey of entomopathogenic fungi infecting aphids was conducted in this subtropical - tropical region, a great species diversity of fungal pathogens including 9 entomophthorales and 1 hyphomycete entomopathogens were observed. Over 4000 alates of three species aphids were trapped from air, 19.22% of them were infected by fungal pathogens and survived less than 3 days although only 5 of 741 B. brassicae were infected , P. neoaphidis was predominant, and most of the infection occurrence in monsoon season over 75% RH. Infected alates from air have proved highly capable of independently initiating progeny colonies in which the fungal infection could be transmitted.

#78: Use of Isavuconazonium for Treatment Of Invasive Fungal Infection in Immunocompromised Pediatric Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S2-S2
Author(s):  
Sindhu Mohandas ◽  
Kanokporn Mongkolrattanothai ◽  
Leslie Stach ◽  
Regina Orbach ◽  
Michael Neely
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infection ◽  
Liposomal Amphotericin ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Dual Therapy ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Cardiac Transplant ◽  
Serum Concentrations

Abstract Background Isavuconazole (ISZ), dosed as the pre-drug isavuconazonium (ISM), is active against a wide variety of clinically important fungal pathogens. ISM is approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in adults ≥18 years of age. We present our experience with ISM to treat proven or probable fungal infection in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Methods Retrospective review of patients who received ISM at our institution between April 2016 and April 2019, we abstracted demographic information, primary diagnosis, indication for ISM therapy, ISZ serum concentrations if available, and outcomes. Results Of 14 patients who received ISM, 11 were ≤18 years of age (range 6–18 years). Underlying conditions included leukemia (n = 7), lymphoma (n = 1), post BMT (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), and cardiac transplant (n = 1). Nine (82%) had proven invasive fungal infection (IFI) with aspergillosis (n = 2), zygomycosis (n = 3), mixed aspergillosis and zygomycosis (n = 2), mixed Rhizopus and Scedosporium (n = 1), and pathology only (n = 1) and 2 had probable IFI. Five of these 11 patients received combination ISM and liposomal amphotericin initially and the other 6 received liposomal amphotericin with or without other azoles prior to changing to ISM monotherapy. This was followed by monotherapy with ISM in 10 patients after a mean of 26 days (range 6–63) and continued dual therapy in the one. ISM dosing was 10 mg/kg q8h on days 1 and 2, followed by q24 thereafter, up to a maximum of 372 mg/dose. There were 19 measured ISZ serum concentrations obtained from 8 patients after >1 week of verified inpatient dosing, ranging from 1.0 to 7.5 mg/L, above the MIC in all cases when known. Three (27%) patients died of underlying non-mycological causes, 1 (9%) died of progressive scedosporiosis, and 7 (64%) improved. ISM was well tolerated with no dose-limiting, drug-related toxicities noted. Conclusions ISM is a well-tolerated therapeutic option in pediatric patients at risk for or with invasive mycosis. Only 1 of our 11 patients died from progressive fungal disease.

scholarly journals Induced Expression of Sarcotoxin IA Enhanced Host Resistance Against Both Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens in Transgenic Tobacco

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 860-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ichiro Mitsuhara ◽  
Hiroki Matsufuru ◽  
Masahiro Ohshima ◽  
Hisatoshi Kaku ◽  
Yuki Nakajima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Transgenic Tobacco ◽  
Pseudomonas Syringae ◽  
Host Resistance ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Erwinia Carotovora ◽  
Induced Expression ◽  
Sarcotoxin Ia ◽  
Resistance To Infection

We demonstrate here that induced expression of sarcotoxin IA, a bactericidal peptide from Sarcophaga peregrina, enhanced the resistance of transgenic tobacco plants to both bacterial and fungal pathogens. The peptide was produced with a modified PR1a promoter, which is further activated by salicylic acid treatment and necrotic lesion formation by pathogen infection. Host resistance to infection of bacteria Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci was shown to be dependent on the amounts of sarcotoxin IA expressed. Since we found antifungal activity of the peptide in vitro, transgenic seedlings were also inoculated with fungal pathogens Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium aphanidermatum. Transgenic plants expressing higher levels of sarcotoxin were able to withstand fungal infection and remained healthy even after 4 weeks, while control plants were dead by fungal infection after 2 weeks.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Infection Processes and Resulting Disease Caused by Dendryphion penicillatum and Pleospora papaveracea on Papaver somniferum

2000 ◽  
Vol 90 (7) ◽  
pp. 699-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Bailey ◽  
Patricia C. Apel-Birkhold ◽  
Nichole R. O'Neill ◽  
James Plaskowitz ◽  
Sharon Alavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Corn Oil ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Opium Poppy ◽  
Conidial Suspension ◽  
Yield Losses ◽  
Poppy Seed ◽  
Fungal Treatment ◽  
Infection Processes ◽  
Stem Lesions

Two pathogenic fungi of opium poppy, Pleospora papaveracea and Dendryphion penicillatum, were isolated from field material in Beltsville, MD. The processes of infection by these two fungi were studied to determine the optimal environmental conditions for infection. Both fungi formed appressoria capable of penetrating directly through the plant epidermal layer. Of the two fungi, P. papaveracea was more aggressive, causing more rapid necrosis. Appressorial formation by P. papaveracea occurred as early as 4 h after application of a conidial suspension to poppy leaves. P. papaveracea formed more appressoria than did D. penicillatum, especially at cool temperatures (7 to 13°C). In greenhouse studies, P. papaveracea caused more damage to opium poppy than did D. penicillatum when applied in 10% unrefined corn oil. In the field, P. papaveracea was more consistent in its effects on opium poppy from a local seed source designated Indian Grocery. P. papaveracea caused higher disease ratings, more stem lesions, and equal or greater yield losses than did D. penicillatum on Indian Grocery. The late-maturing opium poppy variety White Cloud was severely damaged by disease, regardless of formulation or fungal treatment. P. papaveracea was the predominant fungus isolated from poppy seed capsules and the only fungus reisolated from the field the following year. These studies provide a better understanding of the infection process and the differences between these two pathogenic fungi and will be beneficial for the development of the fungi as biological control agents.

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.

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.

Isolation and Identification of Fungal Isolates caused Otomycosis from some Hospitals and Clinics in Mosul with Determination of Their Virulence Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nabeel Al-Sharrad ◽  
Muhammad A. Al-Kataan ◽  
Maha A. Al-Rejaboo
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Candida Parapsilosis ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Biofilm Production ◽  
Etiological Agents

Otomycosis is a fungal infection that frequently involves the external auditory canal. In this study, we aimed to isolation and identification the fungal isolates as etiological agents of otomycosis from some hospitals and clinics in Mosul with determination of their virulence factors of fungal etiological agents. Positive fungal infection was found in (43) samples (71.6%). The most common fungal pathogens were Candida and Aspergillus species, with Candida parapsilosis being the predominant isolates in (11) samples (16.6%). Otomycosis was more common in Female in (26) samples (43.3%).Otomycosis was the highest prevalence aged group 15-40 years (19) samples (31.3%). The present study of virulence factors revealed that the highest biofilm formation isolates were C. parapsilosis is (10) isolates which were distributed between (2) strong and (8) weak biofilm formation.Where C.trpicales, was recorded as least isolates for biofilm production.

Systems Biology of Human-Pathogenic Fungi

2009 ◽  
pp. 403-421
Author(s):  
Daniela Albrecht ◽  
Reinhard Guthke
Keyword(s):  
Systems Biology ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Infection Process ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Whole Process ◽  
Proteomic Data ◽  
General Aspects ◽  
Near Future

This chapter describes a holistic approach to understand the molecular biology and infection process of human-pathogenic fungi. It comprises the whole process of analyzing transcriptomic and proteomic data. Starting with biological background, information on Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, two of the most important fungal pathogens, is given. Afterwards, techniques to create transcriptome and proteome data are described. The chapter continues with explaining methods for data processing and analysis. It shows the need for, and problems with data integration, as well as the role of standards, ontologies, and databases. General aspects of these 3 major topics are explained and connected to the research on human-pathogenic fungi. Finally, the near future of this research topic is highlighted. This chapter aims to provide an overview on analyses of data from different cellular levels of human-pathogenic fungi. It describes their integration and application of systems biology methodologies.

scholarly journals 2122. Isavuconazonium for Invasive Fungal Therapy: Single-Center Pediatric Experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S718-S718
Author(s):  
Kanokporn Mongkolrattanothai ◽  
Sindhu Mohandas ◽  
Leslie Stach ◽  
Regina Orbach ◽  
Michael Neely
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Liposomal Amphotericin ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Dual Therapy ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Cardiac Transplant ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Patients At Risk

Abstract Background Isavuconazole (ISZ), dosed as the pre-drug isavuconazonium (ISM), is active against a wide variety of clinically important fungal pathogens. ISM is approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in adults ≥18 years of age. We present our experience with ISM to treat proven or to prevent fungal infection in pediatric patients. Methods In a retrospective review of patients who received ISM at our institution between April 2016 and April 2019, we abstracted demographic information, primary diagnosis, indication for ISM therapy, ISZ serum concentrations if available, and outcomes. Results Of 16 patients who received ISM, 12 were < 18 years of age (range 6–17 years). Underlying conditions included leukemia (n = 8), lymphoma (n = 1), post BMT (n = 1), diabetes (n = 1), and cardiac transplant (n = 1). Nine (75%) had proven invasive fungal infection with aspergillosis (n = 2), zygomycosis (n = 3), mixed aspergillosis and zygomycosis (n = 2), mixed Rhizopus and Scedosporium (n = 1), and pathology only (n = 1). Five of these 9 patients received combination ISM and liposomal amphotericin initially, followed by monotherapy with ISM in 4 patients after a mean of 26 days (range 6–63), and continued dual therapy in the fifth. The other 4 received liposomal amphotericin with or without other azoles prior to changing to ISM monotherapy. ISM dosing was 10 mg/kg q8h on days 1 and 2, followed by q24 thereafter, up to a maximum of 372 mg/dose. There were 19 measured ISZ serum concentrations obtained from 8 patients after >1 week of verified inpatient dosing, ranging from 1.0 to 7.5 mg/L, above the MIC in all cases when known. Five (42%) patients died of underlying non-mycological causes, 1 (8%) died of progressive scedosporiosis, and 6 (50%) improved. The two patients receiving ISM prophylaxis did not suffer a breakthrough fungal infection. ISM was well tolerated with no dose-limiting, drug-related toxicities noted. Conclusion ISM is a well-tolerated therapeutic option in pediatric patients at risk for or with invasive mycosis. Only 1 of our 12 patients died from progressive fungal disease. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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