Article
Microbiology
Yao Wang, Xin Fan, He Wang, Timothy Kudinha, Ya-Ning Mei, Fang Ni, Yu-Hong Pan, Lan-Mei Gao, Hui Xu, Hai-Shen Kong, Qing Yang, Wei-Ping Wang, Hai-Yan Xi, Yan-Ping Luo, Li-Yan Ye, Meng Xiao
Summary: The study found that azole resistance in C. tropicalis causing invasive candidiasis in China has been increasing, particularly to fluconazole, with a high rate of cross-resistance to voriconazole. Despite low echinocandin resistance, multi-drug resistance was observed in some isolates, indicating a growing nationwide challenge that requires effective interventions.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Samuel P. Simon, Rosanna Li, Michael Silver, Justin Andrade, Biju Tharian, Lung Fu, Diana Villanueva, Daniel Gonzalez Abascal, Ariel Mayer, James Truong, Nilka Figueroa, Monica Ghitan, Edward Chapnick, Yu Shia Lin
Summary: This study compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with bloodstream infections caused by Candida auris and those caused by other Candida spp. The study found that patients with C. auris candidemia did not have a higher mortality risk compared to those with candidemia caused by other Candida spp., but they had a higher risk of microbiologic recurrence within 60 days after completion of antifungal therapy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Farnaz Daneshnia, Amir Arastehfar, Lisa Lombardi, Ulrike Binder, Jakob Scheler, Roya Vahedi Shahandashti, Ferry Hagen, Cornelia Lass-Floerl, Michael K. Mansour, Geraldine Butler, David S. Perlin
Summary: Candida parapsilosis is a significant cause of candidemia worldwide. Mutations in the FKS1 gene outside the hotspot regions can result in a higher level of echinocandin tolerance, potentially leading to the development of echinocandin resistance. This study supports the cataloging of these mutations for better understanding and management of Candida parapsilosis infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Rashi Verma, Dibyabhaba Pradhan, Ziaul Hasan, Harpreet Singh, Arun Kumar Jain, Luqman Ahmad Khan
Summary: This study presents the distribution and antifungal resistance patterns of Candida species among the Indian population, which could assist in forming treatment recommendations for the region and beyond in the future.
Article
Microbiology
Ali Korhan Sig, Meliha Cagla Sonmezer, Dolunay Gulmez, Serhat Duyan, Omrum Uzun, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli
Summary: The frequency of invasive fungal infections is increasing, with a shift towards non-albicans Candida species. This includes the emergence of echinocandin resistance in Candida glabrata, highlighting the importance of routine antifungal susceptibility testing and clinical attention to this trend.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alessandra Leal Silva Chaves, Luciana Trilles, Gabriela Machado Alves, Maria Helena Galdino Figueiredo-Carvalho, Fabio Brito-Santos, Rowena Alves Coelho, Ianick S. Martins, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical and microbiological aspects of six patients with bloodstream infections caused by the Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex in Brazil, highlighting reduced antifungal susceptibility and variable production of virulence-related enzymes. Neutropenic patients with BSI caused by this emerging species complex had a poor prognosis.
Review
Immunology
Shima Aboutalebian, Bahram Nikmanesh, Masoud Mohammadpour, Arezoo Charsizadeh, Hossein Mirhendi
Summary: Candidemia caused by rare and uncommon Candida species is increasing in pediatric healthcare settings. This study reports the first documented case of C. palmioleophila candidemia in Iran, occurring in a male infant with biliary atresia. Proper identification and epidemiological surveillance studies are crucial in understanding the exact prevalence of these emerging yeast pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tirdad T. Zangeneh, William D. Lainhart, Nathan P. Wiederhold, Mohanad M. Al-Obaidi
Summary: This study discusses the clinical course of eight patients with severe or chronic coccidioidomycosis and the subsequent Coccidioides AST, providing insights into the clinical utility of Coccidioides species antifungal susceptibility testing.
Article
Microbiology
Aline El Zakhem, Rachid Istambouli, Maria Alkozah, Amal Gharamti, Mohamad Ali Tfaily, Jean-Francois Jabbour, George F. Araj, Hani Tamim, Souha S. Kanj
Summary: Retrospective study in Lebanon from 2004-2019 showed higher prevalence of non-albicans candidemia, increased fluconazole resistance, high mortality rate not associated with fungal species.
Article
Microbiology
Milena Kordalewska, Geselle Cancino-Prado, Joao Nobrega de Almeida Jr, Igor Brasil Brandao, Renata Tigulini de Souza Peral, Arnaldo. L. L. Colombo, David. S. S. Perlin
Summary: We investigated the echinocandin susceptibility and FKS1 genotypes in clinical isolates of Candida auris from patients in Salvador, Brazil. Three isolates with a novel FKS1 mutation were found to be resistant to echinocandins, causing elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations. Introduction of the Fks1 W691L mutation into susceptible strains also resulted in increased resistance to echinocandins.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jong Hun Kim, Jin Woong Suh, Min Ja Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of fluconazole and echinocandins in treating candidemia caused by susceptible common Candida species. The results showed no significant difference in 60-day mortality rates between the two antifungal treatments.
Article
Immunology
Anna Carlota Mott Barrientos, Joao Nobrega de Almeida Junior, Nadia Litvinov, Vera Bain, Lilian Maria Cristofani, Maria Fernanda Badue Pereira, Camila Sanson Yoshino de Paula, Adriana Lopes Motta, Flavia Rossi, Gilda Maria Barbaro Del Negro, Danilo Yamamoto Thomaz, Heloisa Helena Sousa Marques
Summary: In a study of 19 cases of breakthrough candidemia from a referral pediatric cancer center in Brazil, most patients were under micafungin prophylaxis and treated with amphotericin B formulations. The main etiologic agent was Candida parapsilosis, with no evidence of horizontal transmission found through microsatellite analysis. The 30-day mortality rate after treatment with amphotericin B formulations was 21%.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yating Ning, Meng Xiao, David S. Perlin, Yanan Zhao, Minya Lu, Yi Li, Zhengyu Luo, Rongchen Dai, Shengjie Li, Jiajun Xu, Lingli Liu, Hong He, Yun Liu, Fushun Li, Yuguang Guo, Zhongju Chen, Yingchun Xu, Tianshu Sun, Li Zhang
Summary: Candida parapsilosis is a significant cause of invasive candidiasis in China. Echinocandins are preferred for treatment and prevention of this infection. However, resistance to echinocandins in C. parapsilosis is emerging, and little is known about susceptibility and resistance mechanisms in China.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sehnaz Alp, Dolunay Gulmez, Riza Can Kardas, Gizem Karahan, Zahit Tas, Gamze Gursoy, Caglayan Merve Ayaz-Ceylan, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli, Murat Akova
Summary: Fungemia caused by uncommon Candida species is a rare but emerging threat with potential resistance to antifungal agents. The study found echinocandins and voriconazole to be effective against all tested isolates, but some species showed reduced susceptibility to fluconazole.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yu-Te Tsai, Po-Liang Lu, Hung-Jen Tang, Chung-Hao Huang, Wei-Chun Hung, Yi-Ting Tseng, Kun-Mu Lee, Shang-Yi Lin
Summary: This article reports the first case of Candida auris candidemia in Taiwan, along with a comparison to a previously reported case. The isolates from both cases were found to be susceptible to common antifungal drugs and belonged to the South Asian clade. This study highlights the importance of monitoring and understanding C. auris.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ming-Chi Li, Hung-Jen Tang, Chi-Jung Wu, Shin-Wei Wang, Shu-Li Su, Wei-Lun Liu, Wen-Chien Ko, Yee-Chun Chen
Summary: This study aimed to compare the identification performance of two MALDI-TOF MS systems and an oligonucleotide array for uncommon Candida species isolates. The results showed that the oligonucleotide array and the two MALDI-TOF MS systems had high identification rates for these isolates. Elevated fluconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations were observed for some uncommon Candida species.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yu-Lin Lee, Wen-Chien Ko, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: This study investigated the resistance patterns and mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Asia-Pacific region from 2015 to 2019. The results showed significant variations in resistance patterns and associated genes among different countries in the region.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Jia-Arng Lee, Shin-Hei Du, Tai-fen Lee, Yu-Shan Huang, Chun-Hsing Liao, Yu-Tsung Huang, Po-Ren Hsueh
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Yuag-Meng Liu, Wen-Chien Ko, Mao-Wang Ho, Yu-Lin Lee, Po-Ren Hsueh
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Jiaxin Yu, Hsiu-Hsien Lin, Kun-Hao Tseng, Ni Tien, Po-Ren Hsueh, Der-Yang Cho
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Virology
Chih-Cheng Lai, Chi-Kuei Hsu, Shun-Chung Hsueh, Muh-Yong Yen, Wen-Chien Ko, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: Following the emergence of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a similar clinical scenario called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) has been observed. Although the prevalence of MIS-A is low and likely underdiagnosed, it can be associated with high mortality. MIS-A is a multisystem disease that affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, hematologic, and neurologic systems. The diagnosis of MIS-A requires clinical manifestations, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The appropriate treatment for MIS-A is still uncertain, but anti-inflammatory agents like intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids are commonly used. Further research is needed to determine the true prevalence, pathogenesis, and effective treatment for MIS-A.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Chih-Cheng Lai, Po-Ren Hsueh
Summary: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV-r) is an effective antiviral agent for treating nonhospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, there have been rare cases of virologic and symptomatic rebound after NMV-r treatment, which is a cause for concern. This review provides comprehensive information on the frequency, mechanism, outcomes, and management of COVID-19 rebound after NMV-r. The incidence of rebound was less than 2% and most cases had mild symptoms, with favorable clinical outcomes.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yu-Hung Lai, Wei-Lun Liu, Tsung-Ying Lee, Chung-Wen Kuo, Yu-Ru Liu, Chi-Yuan Huang, Yung-Hsiang Chen, I-Ling Chen, Szu-Hui Wu, Shu-Chi Wang, Po-Yen Lee, Ching-Chih Liu, Jung Lo, Yo-Chen Chang, Hsuan-Fu Kuo, Chong-Chao Hsieh, Chia-Yang Li, Po-Len Liu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the treatment of retinoblastoma caused by early embryonic development. The results showed that Magnolol could inhibit the development of retinoblastoma by regulating EMT, suppressing tumor growth and metastasis.
Article
Immunology
Ahmad Rifai, Wan-Ching Wu, Yu-Wen Tang, Mei-Yun Lu, Pei-Jen Chiu, Carol Strong, Chung-Ying Lin, Po-Lin Chen, Wen-Chien Ko, Nai-Ying Ko
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused psychological distress among healthcare workers (HCWs), and this study investigated the association between psychological distress and adverse events (AEs), as well as the determinants of protective behaviors in Taiwanese HCWs. The results showed that depression, distress, and anger were significantly associated with physical AEs, while suicidal thoughts were related to systemic AEs after COVID-19 vaccination. Older age and female gender were associated with more engagement in preventive behaviors, and suicidal thoughts were related to the occurrence of systemic AEs among HCWs. Doctors performed better at preventive behaviors compared to nurses and other HCWs, and HCWs experiencing anxiety and nervousness tended to avoid crowds.
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Pin-Han Wu, Chih-Hao Chen, Wen-Hsin Hsih, Chia-Huei Chou, Chih-Yu Chi, Mao-Wang Ho, Yu-Tzu Lin, Hsiu-Hsien Lin, Kun-Hao Tseng, Po-Ren Hsueh
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Chin-Shiang Tsai, Jiun-Ling Wang, Nan-Yao Lee, Po-Lin Chen, Ying-Jun Lin, Huey-Pin Tsai, Shu-Li Su, Hsin-Hui Huang, Lin-Wen Mao, Han Siong Toh, Wen-Chien Ko
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ching-Chi Lee, Yuan-Pin Hung, Chih-Chia Hsieh, Ching-Yu Ho, Chiao-Ya Hsu, Cheng-Te Li, Wen-Chien Ko
Summary: This study aimed to develop scoring systems to predict short-term mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with bacteraemia. The study found that clinical variables that dynamically changed from day 0 to day 3 were crucial in predicting the outcomes.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ming-Ta Chuang, Mei-Tsz Su, Chen-Hsi Chou, Yu-Ling Liang, Hsing-Fen Tsai, Pei-Hsiu Yu, Meng-Hsing Wu, Wen-Chien Ko, Pei-Yin Tsai
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
I-Ru Chen, Guei-Jane Wang, Po-Ren Hsueh, Chia-Hui Chou, Long-Bin Jeng, Hui-Ju Lin, Huang-Jiun Liao, Ping-Chin Lai, Jan-Gowth Chang, Chiu-Ching Huang
Summary: This study evaluated the immune responses and safety of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) in Taiwan. The results showed that the vaccines effectively protected aHUS patients from severe COVID-19 complications without significant safety concerns. Transplant aHUS patients had lower immune response titers, indicating a need for additional vaccine doses.
Article
Microbiology
Jen-Chieh Lee, Chun-Wei Chiu, Pei-Jane Tsai, Ching-Chi Lee, I-Hsiu Huang, Wen-Chien Ko, Yuan-Pin Hung
Summary: The study found that the therapeutic effect of Clostridium butyricum for adult patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) was non inferior to metronidazole, but patients with diabetes mellitus had a lower treatment success rate.
BIOSCIENCE OF MICROBIOTA FOOD AND HEALTH
(2022)