scholarly journals Recent Advances in Cryptococcus and Cryptococcosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Carolina Firacative ◽  
Luciana Trilles ◽  
Wieland Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Etiological Agents

The members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes are the main etiological agents of cryptococcosis, a life-threatening fungal infection affecting mostly immunocompromised people, but also immunocompetent hosts or those with unrecognized risk factors [...]

scholarly journals Adaptation to Fluconazole via Aneuploidy Enables Cross-Adaptation to Amphotericin B and Flucytosine in Cryptococcus neoformans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Yang ◽  
Vladimir Gritsenko ◽  
Hui Lu ◽  
Cheng Zhen ◽  
Lu Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infection ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Therapeutic Drugs ◽  
Cross Adaptation ◽  
Pyrimidine Analogues ◽  
Globally Distributed

Cryptococcosis is a globally distributed invasive fungal infection caused by infections with Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii . Only three classes of therapeutic drugs are clinically available for treating cryptococcosis: polyenes (amphotericin B), azoles (fluconazole), and pyrimidine analogues (flucytosine).

scholarly journals COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis Complicated by Gangrenous and Bone Necrosis—A Case Report from Honduras

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 826
Author(s):  
Elsa Yolanda Palou ◽  
María Auxiliadora Ramos ◽  
Emec Cherenfant ◽  
Adoni Duarte ◽  
Itzel Carolina Fuentes-Barahona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Invasive Fungal Infection ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Bone Necrosis ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Prompt Treatment ◽  
Life Threatening

Background: Mucormycosis is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection most commonly observed in immunocompromised patients. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Mucorales associated infections, now termed COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM), have been reported. Despite an increase in fatality reports, no cases of rhino-orbital CAM complicated with gangrenous bone necrosis have been described in the literature to date. Case: A 56-year-old male with a recent COVID-19 diagnosis developed rhino-orbital mucormycosis after 22 days of treatment with dexamethasone. Cultures and histopathological assessment of tissue biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient survived after treatment with amphotericin B. Conclusions: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection affecting mostly immunocompromised patients. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, the inappropriate use of steroids, in addition to concurrent risk factors, such as diabetes, has led to an increase in the occurrence of these devastating mycoses, leading to the development of severe presentations and complications, as observed in many cases. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in order to avoid dissemination and fatal outcomes.

scholarly journals Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes in Latin America: A Map of Molecular Types, Genotypic Diversity, and Antifungal Susceptibility as Reported by the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 282
Author(s):  
Carolina Firacative ◽  
Wieland Meyer ◽  
Elizabeth Castañeda
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Genotypic Diversity ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Molecular Type ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Species Complexes

Cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal mycosis, is caused by members of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes. In Latin America, cryptococcal meningitis is still an important health threat with a significant clinical burden. Analysis of publicly available molecular data from 5686 clinical, environmental, and veterinary cryptococcal isolates from member countries of the Latin American Cryptococcal Study Group showed that, as worldwide, C. neoformans molecular type VNI is the most common cause of cryptococcosis (76.01%) in HIV-infected people, followed by C. gattii molecular type VGII (12.37%), affecting mostly otherwise healthy hosts. These two molecular types also predominate in the environment (68.60% for VNI and 20.70% for VGII). Among the scarce number of veterinary cases, VGII is the predominant molecular type (73.68%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis showed that, in Latin America, the C. neoformans population is less diverse than the C. gattii population (D of 0.7104 vs. 0.9755). Analysis of antifungal susceptibility data showed the presence of non-wild-type VNI, VGI, VGII, and VGIII isolates in the region. Overall, the data presented herein summarize the progress that has been made towards the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcal isolates in Latin America, contributing to the characterization of the genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility of these globally spreading pathogenic yeasts.

scholarly journals Frequency and geographical distribution of genotypes and mating types of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes in Argentina

2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-188
Author(s):  
Constanza Giselle Taverna ◽  
María Eugenia Bosco-Borgeat ◽  
Mariana Mazza ◽  
Matías Ezequiel Vivot ◽  
Graciela Davel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Mating Types ◽  
Species Complexes

scholarly journals Orbital mucormycosis in immunocompetent children; review of risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Amanati ◽  
Hamide Barzegar ◽  
Gholamreza Pouladfar ◽  
Anahita Sanaei Dashti ◽  
Mohamad Bagher Abtahi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Fungal Infection ◽  
Clinical Presentation ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Surgical Drainage ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Life Threatening

Abstract Background Orbital mucormycosis is a rare but potentially severe and troublesome invasive fungal infection that could be occurred even in healthy individuals. The initial clinical presentation is similar to bacterial pre-septal or septal cellulitis, especially in early stages. Case presentation Herein, we describe the successful management of a series of five cases presenting with orbital mucormycosis in previously healthy children. Conclusions Orbital mucormycosis is extremely rare in healthy children and maybe life-threatening when diagnosis delayed given a similar clinical presentation with bacterial septal cellulitis. Intravenous antifungal therapy with amphotericin B and timely surgical drainage is live-saving.

scholarly journals Genotypes and population genetics of cryptococcus neoformans and cryptococcus gattii species complexes in Europe and the mediterranean area

2019 ◽  
Vol 129 ◽  
pp. 16-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Cogliati ◽  
Marie Desnos-Ollivier ◽  
Ilka McCormick-Smith ◽  
Volker Rickerts ◽  
Kennio Ferreira-Paim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Genetics ◽  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
The Mediterranean

Advances in the understanding of the Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes and cryptococcosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Carolina Firacative ◽  
Luciana Trilles ◽  
Wieland Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Sibling Species ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Fungal Virulence ◽  
Species Complexes ◽  
Interdisciplinary Projects ◽  
Etiological Agents

The rising incidence of cryptococcosis, a potentially fatal fungal infection affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent humans and animals, and the emergence of disease outbreaks, has increased the need for more in-depth studies and constant vigilance of its two etiological agents, the cosmopolitan and well known Cryptococcus neoformans and its sibling species C. gattii. As a result, a global scientific network has established formal links between institutions to gain better insights into Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis, enabling collaborations amongst researchers with different backgrounds, perspectives and skills. Interdisciplinary projects include: (1) the study of the ecology and geographical distribution of the agents of cryptococcosis; (2) the application of new alternative methodologies for the rapid and accurate identification of the two sibling species and major molecular types/possible cryptic species (VNI-VNIV and VGI-VGIV); (3) the use of different animal models of infection to assess cryptococcal pathogenesis and virulence factors; and (4) population genetics studies directed towards the discovery of virulence/tissue tropism associated genetic signatures. These studies enrich the knowledge and understanding of the epidemiology of this mycosis and help to better comprehend fungal virulence, genetics, pathogenesis, antifungal susceptibility, as well as investigating the regional and global spread, to improve treatment options of the disease caused by these important emerging pathogenic yeasts.

Pyrifenox, an ergosterol inhibitor, differentially affects Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 928-937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa K A Silva ◽  
Robin C May ◽  
Marcio L Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Cryptococcus Neoformans ◽  
Efflux Pump ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Cryptococcus Gattii ◽  
Antifungal Compound ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
India Ink ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Therapeutic Protocols ◽  
Mutant Cells

Abstract Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection. New therapeutic approaches are necessary to combat cryptococcosis, as the currently available therapeutic protocols are expensive and generally result in deleterious side effects. Pyrifenox is an antifungal compound that affects phytopathogens by inhibiting the biosynthesis of ergosterol. In this study, we investigated the effects of pyrifenox on Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii growth, capsule architecture and export of the major capsule component, glucuroxylomannan (GXM). Pyrifenox inhibited the growth of C. neoformans, but was significantly less effective against C. gattii. The resistance of C. gattii to pyrifenox was associated with the expression of efflux pump genes, particularly AFR1 and AFR2, since mutant cells lacking expression of these genes became sensitive to pyrifenox. Analysis of the cryptococcal capsule by India ink counterstaining, immunofluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy showed that pyrifenox affected capsular dimensions in both species. However, GXM fibers were shorter and uniformly distributed in C. neoformans, whereas in C. gattii the number of fibers was reduced. Pyrifenox-treated C. gattii developed unusually long chains of undivided cells. The secretion of GXM was markedly reduced in both species after treatment with pyrifenox. Altogether, the results indicated that pyrifenox differently affects C. neoformans and C. gattii. In addition, it highlights a potential role for pyrifenox as an inhibitor of GXM export in experimental models involving pathogenic cryptococci.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document