Review
Microbiology
Iacopo Franconi, Cosmeri Rizzato, Noemi Poma, Arianna Tavanti, Antonella Lupetti
Summary: Fungal diseases cause a significant number of deaths annually, with antifungal resistance becoming a major concern in public health. The prevalence of non-albicans species, particularly Candida parapsilosis, as a cause of candidemia has been increasing in various countries. Acquired azole resistance has reached alarming levels, and there is a need to explore tolerance and heteroresistance to antifungal compounds. This review aims to assess the distribution of known antifungal resistance mechanisms in Candida species infections, focusing on C. parapsilosis.
Article
Microbiology
Jian Guo, Min Zhang, Dan Qiao, Hui Shen, Lili Wang, Dongjiang Wang, Li Li, Yun Liu, Huaiwei Lu, Chun Wang, Hui Ding, Shuping Zhou, Wanqing Zhou, Yingjue Wei, Haomin Zhang, Wei Xi, Yi Zheng, Yueling Wang, Rong Tang, Lingbing Zeng, Heping Xu, Wenjuan Wu
Summary: The study evaluated the antifungal susceptibilities of C. parapsilosis complex isolates to 10 drugs, finding that non-bloodstream C. parapsilosis had significantly higher MICs for CAS, MFG, FLZ, VRZ, ITZ, and POZ compared to bloodstream isolates. The MIC distributions of C. parapsilosis strains from 2019 to 2020 for VRZ, POZ, and ITZ were significantly higher than those from 2005 to 2018.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Anna Selmecki
Summary: This study systematically analyzed copy number variations (CNVs) in 170 diverse clinical and environmental isolates of Candida parapsilosis, revealing two CNVs that are closely associated with drug resistance. The study highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms and impact of CNVs on virulence and drug resistance in diverse fungal pathogens.
Article
Microbiology
Arnaud Fekkar, Marion Blaize, Adrien Bougle, Anne-Cecile Normand, Audrey Raoelina, Dimitri Kornblum, Laure Kamus, Renaud Piarroux, Sebastien Imbert
Summary: Research on multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis revealed a higher spread rate and increased likelihood of invasive infections among resistant isolates, emphasizing the need for enhanced monitoring and control measures for this species.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Judith Diaz-Garcia, Marina Machado, Luis Alcala, Elena Reigadas, Ana Perez-Ayala, Elia Gomez-Garcia de la Pedrosa, Fernando Gonzalez-Romo, Maria Soledad Cuetara, Coral Garcia-Esteban, Inmaculada Quiles-Melero, Nelly Daniela Zurita, Maria Munoz-Algarra, Maria Teresa Duran-Valle, Aida Sanchez-Garcia, Patricia Munoz, Pilar Escribano, Jesus Guinea, CANDIMAD Study Grp
Summary: A surveillance study on Candida epidemiology and antifungal resistance in Madrid revealed an increase in fluconazole-resistant Candida parapsilosis. Data from isolates collected in 2022 were presented, along with the analysis of epidemiology and antifungal resistance trends throughout the study period. Candida albicans was the most common species found, while Candida auris was not detected. Resistance to antifungal drugs was generally low, except for fluconazole, which showed a resistance rate of 12.0%, mainly due to fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis clones.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Eun Jeong Won, Min Ji Choi, Seok Hoon Jeong, Dokyun Kim, Kyeong Seob Shin, Jeong Hwan Shin, Young Ree Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Young Ah Kim, Young Uh, Namhee Ryoo, Jeong Su Park, Kyoung Un Park, Seung A. Byun, Ga Yeong Lee, Soo Hyun Kim, Jong Hee Shin
Summary: This study incorporated nationwide Candida antifungal surveillance into the Korea Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System. The results showed a high proportion of Candida species among blood pathogens, with a majority originating in hospitals and occurring in intensive care unit patients. Furthermore, non-susceptibility and resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs were identified in certain Candida isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Suchavadee Tantasuwan, Piriyaporn Chongtrakool, Amiroh Waesamaae, Methee Chayakulkeeree
Summary: The study compared the effectiveness of fluconazole DD testing with BMD in antifungal de-escalation for candidemia patients. Results showed that DD testing led to higher rates of de-escalation within a shorter time period, potentially reducing mortality and costs. The agreement between DD and BMD results was high, indicating that DD testing may be a suitable substitute for BMD in antifungal stewardship.
Article
Dermatology
Cecilia G. Carvalhaes, Paul R. Rhomberg, Michael A. Pfaller, Jeffrey B. Locke, Mariana Castanheira
Summary: This study evaluated the post-antifungal effect (PAFE) of the new antifungal drug Rezafungin compared to Micafungin against different Candida species. The results showed that Rezafungin exhibited equivalent or longer PAFE values compared to Micafungin against most Candida strains, suggesting it may provide better efficacy in anti-infective treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Yasutaka Sakamoto, Kazuhiro Kawabe, Tomoyo Suzuki, Kayoko Sano, Kazuo Ide, Tetsuta Nishigaki, Yuki Enoki, Kazuaki Taguchi, Hirofumi Koike, Hideaki Kato, Yukiko Sahashi, Kazuaki Matsumoto
Summary: The study demonstrated that prior micafungin use increased the risk of C. parapsilosis and low susceptibility to micafungin in non-parapsilosis Candida species. Further antifungal stewardship considering azole antifungal agents use is recommended due to limited antifungal options.
Article
Immunology
Nuria Trevijano-Contador, Alba Torres-Cano, Cristina Carballo-Gonzalez, Mireia Puig-Asensio, Maria Teresa Martin-Gomez, Emilio Jimenez-Martinez, Daniel Romero, Francesc Xavier Nuvials, Roberto Olmos-Arenas, Maria Clara Moreto-Castellsague, Lucia Fernandez-Delgado, Graciela Rodriguez-Sevilla, Maria-Mercedes Aguilar-Sanchez, Josefina Ayats-Ardite, Carmen Ardanuy-Tisaire, Isabel Sanchez-Romero, Maria Munoz-Algarra, Paloma Merino-Amador, Fernando Gonzalez-Romo, Gregoria Megias-Lobon, Jose Angel Garcia-Campos, Maria Angeles Mantecon-Vallejo, Eva Alcoceba, Pilar Escribano, Jesus Guinea, Maria Teresa Duran-Valle, Arturo Manuel Fraile-Torres, Maria Pia Roiz-Mesones, Isabel Lara-Plaza, Ana Perez de Ayala, Maria Simon-Sacristan, Ana Collazos-Blanco, Teresa Nebreda-Mayoral, Gabriel March-Rosello, Laura Alcazar-Fuoli, Oscar Zaragoza
Summary: Concurrently with the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the number of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates has been observed in Spain. Specific clones have expanded across different centers. Further research is needed to determine the factors underlying the successful expansion of these clones and their potential genetic relatedness.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Natalie S. Nunnally, Tajah Damm, Shawn R. Lockhart, Elizabeth L. Berkow
Summary: The CLSI M44ed3E disk diffusion method showed overall categorical agreement with the CLSI M27ed4 broth microdilution method in evaluating the susceptibility of Candida auris isolates. The concordant results for caspofungin and fluconazole were high, while there were varying levels of errors for amphotericin B. The disk diffusion method provides an accurate way to determine susceptibility for caspofungin and fluconazole, as well as identifying a majority of amphotericin B-susceptible isolates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nesrine Hassoun, Issmat I. Kassem, Monzer Hamze, Jad El Tom, Nicolas Papon, Marwan Osman
Summary: Antifungal resistance is a serious threat in low- and middle-income countries, including Lebanon. The lack of antifungal use and resistance surveillance programs in Lebanon makes the impact of antifungal resistance unclear, especially during the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Candida and Aspergillus species show marked antimicrobial resistance, and incidences of Candida auris infections have increased in Lebanese hospitals with resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin-B. A One Health approach, reliable diagnostics, and prudent antifungal use are necessary to control the spread of resistant fungal pathogens.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Glushakova, Aleksey Kachalkin
Summary: Yeast complexes in fecal samples of wild and partially synanthropic birds were studied. A total of 18 yeast species were identified, with Candida species exhibiting resistance to antifungal drugs in partially synanthropic birds.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Ophthalmology
Nandini Venkateswaran, Paramjit K. Bhullar, Faith Birnbaum, Priya R. Gupta, Preeya K. Gupta
Summary: This article presents a rare case of DMEK fungal stromal keratitis and describes the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities that led to the resolution of the infection and preservation of visual acuity.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thiago Henrique Lemes, Julyanna Andrade Silva Nascentes, Luis Octavio Regasini, Joao Paulo Zen Siqueira, Taiza Maschio-Lima, Veridianna Camilo Pattini, Mariela Domiciano Ribeiro, Bianca Gottardo de Almeida, Margarete Teresa Gottardo de Almeida
Summary: This study evaluated the combination effect of different cultured extracts of Candida parapsilosis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum with fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum. The results showed that the extracts in combination with the drugs exhibited a synergistic action and decreased minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. The extracts were found to predominantly act on the fungal cell membrane rather than the cell wall.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Takaaki Kobayashi, John Heinemann, Alexandra Trannel, Alexandre R. Marra, Mohammed Alsuhaibani, William Etienne, Lorinda L. Sheeler, Oluchi Abosi, Stephanie Holley, Mary Beth Kukla, Angelique Dains, Kyle E. Jenn, Holly Meacham, Beth Hanna, Bradley Ford, Karen Brust, Melanie Wellington, Patrick G. Hartley, Daniel J. Diekema, Jorge L. Salinas
Summary: This study describes COVID-19 cases among nonphysician healthcare personnel (HCP) by their work location. The highest proportion of HCP with COVID-19 was found in the emergency department, while the lowest proportion was among those working remotely. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units had similar proportions of HCP with COVID-19 (13%). Cases decreased across all work locations following COVID-19 vaccination.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marin L. Schweizer, Loreen A. Herwaldt, Linda Boyken, Jean Pottinger, Rachel Quinn, Daniel J. Diekema, Fiona Armstrong-Pavlik, Melissa Ward, Poorani Sekar, Michael C. Willey
Summary: We evaluated the effectiveness of povidone-iodine decolonization and patient satisfaction among fracture-fixation surgery patients. The results showed that povidone-iodine significantly reduced S. aureus concentrations, and a majority of patients felt neutral or positive about their experience with povidone-iodine.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Elaine Cristina Francisco, Chendo Dieleman, Ferry Hagen, Arnaldo Lopes Colombo, Trichosporon Brazilian Network
Summary: The in vitro activity of isavuconazole was evaluated on 154 strains of Trichosporon asahii, Trichosporon asteroides, Trichosporon coremiiforme, Trichosporon faecale, and Trichosporon inkin using the EUCAST broth microdilution method and Liofilchem MIC Test Strips. The results showed variable in vitro activity of isavuconazole among the different Trichosporon species. The study also suggested that there is no advantage in extending the reading time for the MTS test from 24 to 48 hours for Trichosporon yeasts.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Bram Spruijtenburg, Cynthea C. S. Z. Baqueiro, Arnaldo L. Colombo, Eelco F. J. Meijer, Joao N. de Almeida, Indira Berrio, Norma B. Fernandez, Guilherme M. Chaves, Jacques F. Meis, Theun de Groot
Summary: Candida tropicalis is a common opportunistic pathogen causing infections in Latin America, and the rise of antifungal-resistant isolates is becoming a concern. This study utilized short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping and antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) to investigate the population genomics and resistance patterns of 230 C. tropicalis isolates. The results revealed outbreak events, the presence of anidulafungin-resistant isolates, and azole resistance-associated substitutions. The findings highlight the importance of this STR genotyping scheme for identifying outbreaks and understanding the spread of antifungal-resistant C. tropicalis isolates.
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Guillermo Rodriguez-Nava, Daniel J. Diekema, Jorge L. Salinas
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Valeria Fabre, Angelina Davis, Daniel J. Diekema, Bruno Granwehr, Mary K. Hayden, Christopher F. Lowe, Christopher D. Pfeiffer, Anna C. Sick-Samuels, Kaede V. Sullivan, Trevor C. Van Schooneveld, Daniel J. Morgan
Summary: This document provides an overview of diagnostic stewardship, including the diagnostic pathway and interventions, strategies for interventions, the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, and key microbiologic diagnostic tests for diagnostic stewardship. It focuses on microbiologic laboratory testing for adult and pediatric patients and targets healthcare workers involved in diagnostic stewardship interventions and all workers affected by any step of the diagnostic pathway. This document was developed by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America Diagnostic Stewardship Taskforce.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel J. Morgan, Preeti N. Malani, Daniel J. Diekema
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Paula Massaroni Pecanha-Pietrobom, Andres Tirado-Sanchez, Sarah Santos Goncalves, Alexandro Bonifaz, Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
Summary: Coccidioidomycosis (CM) and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) are highly endemic systemic fungal infections in Latin America and have been recently included on the World Health Organization (WHO) Fungal Priority Pathogens List. This paper critically analyzes the strategies for diagnosis and clinical management of CM and PCM. Recognizing their epidemiological aspects and clinical manifestations is crucial for clinicians to include them in the differential diagnosis of lung diseases and prevent delayed diagnosis.
Article
Microbiology
Caroline Agnelli, Thais Guimaraes, Teresa Sukiennik, Paulo Roberto Passos Lima, Mauro Jose Salles, Giovanni Luis Breda, Flavio Queiroz-Telles, Marcello Mihailenko Chaves Magri, Ana Verena Mendes, Luis Fernando Aranha Camargo, Hugo Morales, Viviane Maria de Carvalho Hessel Dias, Flavia Rossi, Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
Summary: This study aimed to describe the trends in the epidemiology, therapeutic practices, and mortality of candidemia in Brazil. It found an increase in the number of cases, a high prevalence of comorbidities, and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. Despite improvements in treatment, mortality rates remained high.
Article
Microbiology
Bianca T. M. Oliveira, Thales M. H. Dourado, Patrick W. S. Santos, Tamires A. Bitencourt, Carlos R. Tirapelli, Arnaldo L. Colombo, Fausto Almeida
Summary: This study demonstrated that low concentrations of Candida haemulonii EVs are not recognized by the classical pathway of the oxidative burst generated by macrophages, allowing them to transport virulence factors and evade host immune system. However, high concentrations of EVs activated microbicidal actions in macrophages. Therefore, EVs may contribute to the virulence of Candida haemulonii and could be potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Immunology
Daniel J. Diekema, Priya Nori, Michael P. Stevens, Matthew W. Smith, K. C. Coffey, Daniel J. Morgan
Summary: The recently updated practice recommendations for MRSA prevention list contact precautions (CPs) as an essential practice, but we argue that the current evidence does not support this recommendation. We suggest that CP be considered an additional approach and implemented under specific circumstances.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Karen B. Brust, Takaaki Kobayashi, Daniel J. Diekema
Summary: Due to the decline in community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and severity of COVID-19, increased availability of vaccines and treatments, and better understanding of transmission pathways in healthcare settings, our hospital discontinued universal testing for all persons admitted to acute care hospitals. The decision was based on considerations of additional strain on resources, unintended adverse consequences for patients, and poor test performance for detection of infectiousness. No increase in hospital-onset COVID-19 has been observed since discontinuation of admission testing.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tsun Sheng N. Ku, Mayar Al Mohajer, James A. Newton, Marie H. Wilson, Elizabeth Monsees, Mary K. Hayden, Kevin Messacar, Jamie J. Kisgen, Daniel J. Diekema, Daniel J. Morgan, Costi D. Sifri, Valerie M. Vaughn
Summary: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to improve antibiotic use and reduce antimicrobial resistance. Diagnostic stewardship focuses on improving clinician diagnostic testing and test result interpretation. ASPs and diagnostic stewardship are synergistic and can work together to optimize antibiotic decision making.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
M. A. Pfaller, R. E. Mendes, H. S. Sader, M. Castanheira, C. G. Carvalhaes
Summary: Oritavancin demonstrated potent activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive pathogens in European hospitals, with minimal differences in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and varying resistance phenotypes between Eastern and Western Europe.
JOURNAL OF CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Mycology
Elaine Cristina Francisco, Auke Wiebren de Jong, Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
Summary: The Candida haemulonii species complex (CHSC) is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in at-risk populations worldwide. A recent laboratory survey revealed an increase in prevalence rates of Candida haemulonii complex isolates from 0.9% to 1.7% between 2008 and 2019. In this mini-review, we discuss recent updates on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and therapy of CHSC infections.