Article
Microbiology
Emilia Gomez-Molero, Iker De-la-Pinta, Jordan Fernandez-Pereira, Uwe Gross, Michael Weig, Guillermo Quindos, Piet W. J. de Groot, Oliver Bader
Summary: Candida parapsilosis is a common cause of fungal bloodstream infections, especially in critically ill neonates or immunocompromised patients. Biofilm formation increases the risk of infection and complicates treatment, making it an important clinical parameter for guiding therapeutic choices.
Article
Microbiology
Tae Yeul Kim, Hee Jae Huh, Ga Yeong Lee, Min Ji Choi, Hui-Jin Yu, Sun Young Cho, Yun Sil Chang, Yae-Jean Kim, Jong Hee Shin, Nam Yong Lee
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of fluconazole resistance and clonal types of Candida parapsilosis isolates in a South Korean tertiary care hospital. The results revealed that Y132F and N1132D were the major mechanisms of fluconazole resistance. The clonal evolution of Y132F isolates with MRR1 mutations persisted and spread in the hospital setting, leading to an increase in fluconazole resistance.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Luiza S. Rodrigues, Adriele C. Siqueira, Regiane N. Spalanzani, Thais M. Vasconcelos, Bianca Sestren, Saloe P. Bispo, Renata B. V. Abreu, Leticia Kraft, Marinei C. Ricieri, Fabio A. Motta, Libera M. Dalla-Costa
Summary: A 5-year retrospective analysis of invasive candidiasis cases in a Brazilian pediatric hospital revealed high genotypic diversity among C. parapsilosis isolates, suggesting involvement of multiple sources in the epidemiology of the disease in children. The isolates showed high sensitivity to amphotericin B, with no evidence of a clear clonal outbreak or emergence of fluconazole-resistant isolates.
Article
Microbiology
Laura A. Doorley, Jeffrey M. Rybak, Elizabeth L. Berkow, Qing Zhang, Joachim Morschhauser, P. David Rogers
Summary: Candida parapsilosis is a common cause of invasive candidiasis worldwide, particularly in pediatric and neonatal populations. A study found that nonsynonymous mutations in the CpMRR1 gene are important genetic determinants of fluconazole resistance in clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis, primarily driven by upregulation of MFS and ABC transporters.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
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)
Article
Microbiology
Paulo Henrique Peixoto, Maria Laina Silva, Fernando Victor Portela, Bruno da Silva, Edlany Milanez, Denis de Oliveira, Aldaiza Ribeiro, Henrique de Almeida, Reginaldo Lima-Neto, Glaucia Morgana Guedes, Debora Castelo-Branco, Rossana Cordeiro
Summary: This study aims to describe the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of invasive candidiasis caused by C. parapsilosis complex (CPC) in a Brazilian pediatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. CPC was recovered from 124 patients, with C. parapsilosis being the most prevalent species. Antifungal resistance was not detected, and patient age and hospital department were associated with different CPC species and infection outcomes. Catheter removal and antifungal therapy were important measures to prevent mortality.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carlos Ruiz de Alegria Puig, Maria del Sol Garcia Merino, Ana De Malet Pintos-Fonseca, Jesus Aguero Balbin
Summary: In this study, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on 30 strains of Candida parapsilosis complex. The results showed that the Vitek-MSTM system could reliably identify the strains, and all isolates were susceptible to the nine antifungal drugs tested. In addition, there were no significant differences in azole resistance or biofilm formation among the subtypes.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(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)
Article
Dermatology
Selay Demirci-Duarte, Sevtap Arikan-Akdagli, Dolunay Gulmez
Summary: The study aimed to identify and analyze invasive Candida parapsilosis complex strains, their azole resistance rates and molecular mechanisms over a 20-year period at a single center. The results showed rising azole resistance rates particularly after 2011, with the Y132F mutation being the predominant mechanism of resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Guth, Nardus Mollentze, Katia Renault, Daniel G. Streicker, Elisa Visher, Mike Boots, Cara E. Brook
Summary: Identifying virus characteristics associated with the largest public health impacts on human populations is critical. Bats harbor the most virulent zoonotic viruses even when compared to birds, while primates, which are more closely related to humans, have highly transmissible viruses. However, a disproportionately high human death burden is not associated with any animal reservoir, including bats.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eva Alcoceba, Ana Gomez, Paula Lara-Esbri, Antonio Oliver, Adrian Ferre Beltran, Ignacio Ayestaran, Patricia Munoz, Pilar Escribano, Jesus Guinea
Summary: This study reports the presence of Candida parapsilosis isolates resistant to fluconazole in patients admitted to a Spanish hospital. These isolates carry the Y132F ERG11 gene substitution and are mainly found in catheter and blood culture samples. The resistance is attributed to the endemic spread of multiple resistant genotypes within the hospital, rather than prior azole use.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valerie Amann, Ann-Kathrin Kissmann, Vanessa Mildenberger, Imke Krebs, Julio A. Perez-Erviti, Ernesto M. Martell-Huguet, Anselmo J. Otero-Gonzalez, Fidel Morales-Vicente, Gina P. Rodriguez-Castano, Carolina Firacative, Armando Rodriguez, Ludger Staendker, Tanja Weil, Barbara Spellerberg, Steffen Stenger, Frank Rosenau
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising therapeutic biomolecule that can kill a wide range of microorganisms. New peptides that specifically inhibit biofilm formation are gaining importance, as biofilms play a crucial role in the development of virulence for pathogens. In this study, synthetic derivatives of AMP Cm-p5 were shown to effectively inhibit biofilm formation by Candida yeasts and even fluconazole-resistant strains of C. auris.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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
Iacopo Franconi, Cosmeri Rizzato, Arianna Tavanti, Marco Falcone, Antonella Lupetti
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the temporal changes in prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of Candida parapsilosis among other species causing candidemia. The results showed an increasing prevalence of C. parapsilosis and worrisome rates of fluconazole and voriconazole non-susceptibility.
Review
Microbiology
Miriam Govrins, Cornelia Lass-Floerl
Summary: This review summarizes the important yeast species, representatives of the Candida parapsilosis complex, which cause a wide range of human infections, including candidaemia. The complex shows high minimal inhibitory concentrations for antifungal drugs and clonal outbreaks of drug-resistant strains have emerged. The review provides the latest medical data on epidemiology, diagnosis, resistance, and treatment approaches for the complex, as well as comparing the three sister species and highlighting new treatment options.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carla Viegas, Beatriz Almeida, Liliana Aranha Caetano, Anani Afanou, Anne Straumfors, Cristina Verissimo, Paulo Goncalves, Raquel Sabino
Summary: This study assessed the resistance of Aspergillus Fumigati strains in Norwegian sawmills. Through the collection of dust samples and molecular identification, it was found that there is resistance in A. fumigatus sensu stricto strains.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Raquel Sabino, Cristina Verissimo
Summary: This paper provides an overview of recent advancements in research on Aspergillus and aspergillosis, including genomics, immunological studies, clinical areas, and diagnostic areas. It highlights the emergence of new risk groups for aspergillosis, such as patients with influenza- or COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. The increasing prevalence of antifungal resistances is also discussed, as it poses challenges for clinicians in treating these infections.
Article
Ophthalmology
Eduardo Insua Pereira, Ana Paula Sampaio, Madalena Lira
Summary: The use of contact lenses can lead to an increase in the concentration of inflammatory molecules in tears. This study found significant changes in IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, LTB4, and MMP-9. Rigid gas permeable lenses were found to cause a stronger sub-clinical inflammatory response compared to soft contact lenses, with IL-8, MMP-9, and EGF playing important roles. Reusable lenses worn continuously or on a daily modality were more likely to raise the expression of biomarkers compared to daily disposables.
CONTACT LENS & ANTERIOR EYE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Gabriele Sass, Julianne J. Marsh, Pallabi Shrestha, Raquel Sabino, David A. Stevens
Summary: Cystic fibrosis patients frequently suffer from co-infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause airway inflammation and worsen lung function. Recent studies have shown that P. aeruginosa interacts synergistically with the antifungal drug voriconazole, inhibiting A. fumigatus biofilm metabolism. This interaction is mediated by several molecules, including pyoverdine. Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from CF patients show varying degrees of interaction with voriconazole, suggesting that lower concentrations of the drug might be sufficient to control fungal growth during co-infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Pereira-Silva, Diana Meira, Augusto Costa-Barbosa, Diogo Costa, Marco S. Rodrigues, Joel Borges, Ana Machado, Albano Cavaleiro, Paula Sampaio, Filipe Vaz
Summary: This study reports the development of an optical biosensor based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and the use of plasmonic thin films containing Au nanoparticles as its platform. The efficiency and potential of the biosensor platform were demonstrated through post-deposition treatments and functionalization methods.
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Raquel Sabino
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandre Mendonca, Joana Carvalho-Pereira, Ricardo Franco-Duarte, Paula Sampaio
Summary: This study developed a qPCR method for the detection of multiple pathogens using SYBR Green and melting curve analysis. The method was able to accurately identify different fungal pathogens even in samples with low amounts of fungal gDNA. It did not produce false-positive results for non-target species and can be a simpler and more cost-effective alternative for diagnosing invasive filamentous fungi, especially in low-income healthcare institutions.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS & THERAPY
(2022)
Correction
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandre Mendonca, Joana Carvalho-Pereira, Ricardo Franco-Duarte, Paula Sampaio
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS & THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Cogliati, S. Arikan-Akdagli, A. Barac, A. C. Bostanaru, S. Brito, N. Cerikcioglu, M. A. Efstratiou, C. Ergin, M. C. Esposto, M. Frenkel, J. P. Gungneux, A. Gitto, C. I. Goncalves, H. Guegan, N. Gunde-Cimerman, M. Guran, E. Jonikaite, M. Katarzyte, L. Klingspor, M. Mares, W. G. Meijer, W. J. G. Melchers, J. Meletiadis, V. Nastasa, M. Novak Babic, D. Ogunc, B. Ozhak, A. Prigitano, S. Ranque, L. Romano, R. O. Rusu, R. Sabino, A. Sampaio, S. Silva, J. H. Stephens, M. Tehupeiory-Kooreman, A. Velegraki, C. Verissimo, E. Segal, J. Brandao
Summary: The study used data from the Mycosands survey to investigate the factors affecting the distribution of yeasts and molds along European shores. Environmental factors such as climate, soil properties, and water conditions were analyzed using species distribution modelling. The results showed that yeasts and molds have different distributions along European shores, with yeasts being more tolerant of low temperatures and molds showing affinity with specific soil compositions and water conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Tiago Silva-Ribeiro, Eduardo Coelho, Zlatina Genisheva, Jorge Correia-Pinto, Paula Sampaio, Rute S. Moura
Summary: This study demonstrates that electronic cigarette aerosol impairs early lung growth and promotes lung inflammation, although its effects are less detrimental than those of conventional cigarette smoke. These findings provide significant data on the impact of e-cigarette aerosol on embryo development and may lead to new tobacco control recommendations for pregnant women.
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Susana Morais, Cristina Toscano, Helena Simoes, Dina Carpinteiro, Carla Viegas, Cristina Verissimo, Raquel Sabino
Summary: Aspergillus fumigatus is a widespread saprophytic fungus that causes severe infections. Understanding the dynamics and epidemiology of this fungus, especially in relation to COVID-19 patients, is crucial. In this study, a robust typing technique was used to analyze the connection between CAPA isolates and isolates from different sources. The results showed high heterogeneity of genotypes among CAPA isolates, with unique genotypes found in A. fumigatus isolates from COVID+ patients.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Augusto Costa-Barbosa, Maria Ines Pacheco, Catarina Carneiro, Claudia Botelho, Andreia C. Gomes, M. Elisabete C. D. Real Oliveira, Tony Collins, Manuel Vilanova, Celia Pais, Alexandra Correia, Paula Sampaio
Summary: Opportunistic fungi can cause deadly systemic infections and result in high medical costs. Fungal infections have been recognized as important by the World Health Organization and efforts have been made to develop new therapeutic approaches, including fungal vaccine development. In this study, a lipid antigen delivery system based on DODAB: MO was designed and shown to effectively modulate the immune response against fungal infections. The system demonstrated efficient cellular uptake of the antigen and was safe for immunization procedures. Subcutaneous administration of the system induced a strong immune response and high levels of antibodies. These findings suggest that the lipid antigen delivery system has potential as a candidate for enhancing immune responses against fungal infections.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Noelia Gonzalez-Ballesteros, Mario Fernandes, Raul Machado, Paula Sampaio, Andreia C. Gomes, Antonella Cavazza, Franca Bigi, Maria Carmen Rodriguez-Arguelles
Summary: Gold (Au@UP) and silver (Ag@UP) nanoparticles were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Undaria pinnatifida (UP). These nanoparticles exhibited excellent physicochemical properties and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant microbes.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Luisa Fialho, Augusto Costa-Barbosa, Paula Sampaio, Sandra Carvalho
Summary: This study investigates the deposition of zinc-zinc oxide nanoparticles on porous Ta2O5 surfaces to enhance surface antimicrobial activity. The size and amount of nanoparticles, as well as the presence of a thin carbon layer, were explored to modify the surface properties. The results show that surfaces with larger nanoparticles and higher zinc content exhibit better antimicrobial effects, but also induce cell toxicity and cytokine secretion. This research provides insights into the optimal zinc amount for simultaneous inhibition of fungi growth without toxic effects and the antimicrobial mechanisms of zinc-zinc oxide nanoparticles, contributing to future clinical applications.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
M. Oliveira, M. Pinto, H. Simoes, J. P. Gomes, C. Verissimo, R. Sabino
Summary: The study found that molecular techniques, such as real-time multiplex PCR and metagenomics, have the ability to rapidly and accurately detect potential pathogenic fungi in high-risk patients for aspergillosis, improving diagnostic efficiency.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES NOW
(2023)
