Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where s...Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.展开更多
Purpose: Recently, Candida haemulonii complex (Candida haemulonii, Candida duobushaemulonii and Candida haemulonii var. vulnera) and two genetically close species (Candida pseudohaemulonii and Candida auris) have emer...Purpose: Recently, Candida haemulonii complex (Candida haemulonii, Candida duobushaemulonii and Candida haemulonii var. vulnera) and two genetically close species (Candida pseudohaemulonii and Candida auris) have emerged as an opportunistic fungal pathogen associated with various infectious diseases of humans, and most of those isolates have displayed antifungal resistance. Because it is difficult to differentiate these microorganisms by a current technique, unfortunately, it is important to establish a method for identifying them accurately. The purpose of the present study was to design species-specific primers in order to identify and detect C. auris, C. pseudohaemulonii, and C. haemulonii complex, i.e. , C. haemulonii, C. duobushaemulonii and C. haemulonii var. vulnera using a multiplex PCR. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed based on partial sequences of the 26S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and RPB1 genes and ITS region of five Candida species. Results: The multiplex PCR method developed in this study was able to distinguish five Candida species clearly. Conclusion: Our developed one-step multiplex PCR method is accurate, specific, cost-effective, time-saving, and works without requiring DNA extraction.展开更多
Background: Superficial candidiasis is a very frequent opportunistic disease caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Among Candida types, some, such as Candida auris, have developed resistance to several antifungal age...Background: Superficial candidiasis is a very frequent opportunistic disease caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Among Candida types, some, such as Candida auris, have developed resistance to several antifungal agents. The objective of this study was to determine the hospital frequency of superficial candidiasis diagnosed at the CHU Fann and to investigate the presence of C. auris among the identified Candida strains. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2019. It involved all patients received at the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the CHU of Fann for suspected superficial candidiasis. Nails, skin, and vaginal specimens were subjected to direct examination and culture to identify yeasts of the genus Candida. The Candida strains were then tested by molecular biology targeting the specific C. auris ITS2 region. Results: A total of 1196 patients were examined. One thousand two hundred and five specimens (1205) were collected, including 1042 vaginal specimens, 92 nail specimens, and 71 skin specimens. Superficial candidiasis was diagnosed in 408 patients (37%). Women (34.52%) and patients under 30 years of age (39.60%) were the most affected. Yeasts of the genus Candida were found in 411 specimens (349 vaginal swabs, 36 nail fragments, and 26 skin flakes) by routine mycological techniques. The Candida albicans complex (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. africana) represented 75.91% of the Candida strains isolated. Molecular biology did not identify C. auris. Conclusion: Superficial candidiasis remains very common in hospitals in Senegal. Candida auris was not found in our study. Due to its rapid spread, surveillance is necessary to prevent epidemics in our hospitals.展开更多
Background:Candida auris infections pose a threat to public health,necessitating increased awareness in China.This study aimed to analyze the strains of C.auris,assess the infection status,and investigate clinical cha...Background:Candida auris infections pose a threat to public health,necessitating increased awareness in China.This study aimed to analyze the strains of C.auris,assess the infection status,and investigate clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with Candida auris infection.We focused on evaluating basic characteristics,strain sources,and antibacterial susceptibility test results.Statistical methods were used to determine clinical features and identify risk factors for death.Results:The strain type,composition ratio,and specimen source of C.auris were not associated with mortality.Neither the infection index nor the length of hospitalization showed an association with the prognosis.However,significant risk factors for mortality included cerebral infarction,cardiac disease,renal dysfunction,hypoproteinemia,and anemia(all p<0.05).Conclusions:Cerebral infarction,cardiac disease,renal dysfunction,hypoproteinemia,and anemia are significant risk factors for death in C.auris infections.These findings indicate the importance of recognizing and addressing these factors in the clinical management of C.auris infection.展开更多
An account is provided of the world’s ten most feared fungi.Within areas of interest,we have organized the entries in the order of concern.We put four human pathogens first as this is of concern to most people.This i...An account is provided of the world’s ten most feared fungi.Within areas of interest,we have organized the entries in the order of concern.We put four human pathogens first as this is of concern to most people.This is followed by fungi producing mycotoxins that are highly harmful for humans;Aspergillus flavus,the main producer of aflatoxins,was used as an example.Problems due to indoor air fungi may also directly affect our health and we use Stachybotrys chartarum as an example.Not everyone collects and eats edible mushrooms.However,fatalities caused by mushroom intoxications often make news headlines and therefore we include one of the most poisonous of all mushrooms,Amanita phalloides,as an example.We then move on to the fungi that damage our dwellings causing serious anxiety by rotting our timber structures and flooring.Serpula lacrymans,which causes dry rot is an excellent example.The next example serves to represent all plant and forest pathogens.Here we chose Austropuccinia psidii as it is causing devastating effects in Australia and will probably do likewise in New Zealand.Finally,we chose an important amphibian pathogen which is causing serious declines in the numbers of frogs and other amphibians worldwide.Although we target the top ten most feared fungi,numerous others are causing serious concern to human health,plant production,forestry,other animals and our factories and dwellings.By highlighting ten feared fungi as an example,we aim to promote public awareness of the cost and importance of fungi.展开更多
The frequency of co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens has constantly increased among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)during the pandemic.Candidemia was the most frequently re...The frequency of co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens has constantly increased among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)during the pandemic.Candidemia was the most frequently reported invasive fungal co-infection.The onset of candidemia in COVID-19 patients was often delayed compared to non-COVID-19 patients.Additionally,Candida invasive infections in COVID-19 patients were more often linked to invasive procedures(e.g.,invasive mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy)during the intensive care stay and the severity of illness rather than more“classic”risk factors present in patients without COVID-19(e.g.,underlying diseases and prior hospitalization).Moreover,apart from the increased incidence of candidemia during the pandemic,a worrying rise in fluconazole-resistant strains was reported,including a rise in the multidrug-resistant Candida auris.Regarding outcomes,the development of invasive Candida co-infection had a negative impact,increasing morbidity and mortality compared to non-co-infected COVID-19 patients.In this narrative review,we present and critically discuss information on the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp.in critically ill COVID-19 patients.展开更多
The aim of this research paper is to model the effects of misidentification in the transmissiondynamics of the super yeast, Candida auris (or C. auris), among patients receivingtreatment in the Intensive Care Units (I...The aim of this research paper is to model the effects of misidentification in the transmissiondynamics of the super yeast, Candida auris (or C. auris), among patients receivingtreatment in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The mathematical analysis is carried outby obtaining the reproduction number of the C. auris model using the next generationmatrix and utilizing it as a threshold value to establish the local and global stabilityproperties at the points of equilibria. The numerical investigations carried out in thispaper establish the outcomes of the effect of variations in the values of important parameterson the dynamics of C. auris colonization and infections in the health care settings.The corresponding results from the numerical simulations are illustrated graphically.展开更多
Rationale:Candida auris is a potential emerging pathogen among Candida and causes serious health threats globally.Patient concerns:We reported a case of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida auris.A 26-year-old f...Rationale:Candida auris is a potential emerging pathogen among Candida and causes serious health threats globally.Patient concerns:We reported a case of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida auris.A 26-year-old female presented with complaints of vaginal discharge,itching and low back pain.Diagnosis:High vaginal swab culture yielded Candida.The strain was confirmed as Candida auris by amplification and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region.Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was resistant to fluconazole,amphotericin B and clotrimazole and susceptible to ketoconazole and nystatin.The isolate also exhibited biofilm forming ability.Interventions:Her symptoms did not subside with initial management with fluconazole and clotrimazole.Later,she was started on ketoconazole therapy.The patient responded well to ketoconazole.Outcome and lessons:To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report about the presence of a drug resistant biofilm forming Candida auris strain isolated from a vaginal swab sample from Chennai area.Biofilm forming ability might contribute to its drug resistance.Nucleic acid analysis helps in rapid and accurate identification of such rare species.展开更多
文摘Candida auris since it discovery in 2009 is becoming a severe threat to human health due to its very quickly spread, its worldwide high resistance to systemic antifungal drugs. In resource-constrained settings where several conditions are met for its emergence and spread, this worrisome fungus could cause large hospital and/or community-based outbreaks. This review aimed to summarize the available data on C. auris in Africa focusing on its epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile. Major databases were searched for articles on the epidemiology and antifungal resistance profile of C. auris in Africa. Out of 2,521 articles identified 22 met the inclusion criteria. In Africa, nearly 89% of African countries have no published data on C. auris. The prevalence of C. auris in Africa was 8.74%. The case fatality rate of C. auris infection in Africa was 39.46%. The main C. auris risk factors reported in Africa were cardiovascular disease, renal failure, diabetes, HIV, recent intake of antimicrobial drugs, ICU admissions, surgery, hemodialysis, parenteral nutrition and indwelling devices. Four phylogenetic clades were reported in Africa, namely clades I, II, III and IV. Candida auris showed a pan-African very high resistance rate to fluconazole, moderate resistance to amphotericin B, and high susceptibility to echinocandins. Finally, C. auris clade-specific mutations were observed within the ERG2, ERG3, ERG9, ERG11, FKS1, TAC1b and MRR1 genes in Africa. This systematic review showed the presence of C. auris in the African continent and a worrying unavailability of data on this resilient fungus in most African countries.
文摘Purpose: Recently, Candida haemulonii complex (Candida haemulonii, Candida duobushaemulonii and Candida haemulonii var. vulnera) and two genetically close species (Candida pseudohaemulonii and Candida auris) have emerged as an opportunistic fungal pathogen associated with various infectious diseases of humans, and most of those isolates have displayed antifungal resistance. Because it is difficult to differentiate these microorganisms by a current technique, unfortunately, it is important to establish a method for identifying them accurately. The purpose of the present study was to design species-specific primers in order to identify and detect C. auris, C. pseudohaemulonii, and C. haemulonii complex, i.e. , C. haemulonii, C. duobushaemulonii and C. haemulonii var. vulnera using a multiplex PCR. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were designed based on partial sequences of the 26S rRNA, 18S rRNA, and RPB1 genes and ITS region of five Candida species. Results: The multiplex PCR method developed in this study was able to distinguish five Candida species clearly. Conclusion: Our developed one-step multiplex PCR method is accurate, specific, cost-effective, time-saving, and works without requiring DNA extraction.
文摘Background: Superficial candidiasis is a very frequent opportunistic disease caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Among Candida types, some, such as Candida auris, have developed resistance to several antifungal agents. The objective of this study was to determine the hospital frequency of superficial candidiasis diagnosed at the CHU Fann and to investigate the presence of C. auris among the identified Candida strains. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2019. It involved all patients received at the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the CHU of Fann for suspected superficial candidiasis. Nails, skin, and vaginal specimens were subjected to direct examination and culture to identify yeasts of the genus Candida. The Candida strains were then tested by molecular biology targeting the specific C. auris ITS2 region. Results: A total of 1196 patients were examined. One thousand two hundred and five specimens (1205) were collected, including 1042 vaginal specimens, 92 nail specimens, and 71 skin specimens. Superficial candidiasis was diagnosed in 408 patients (37%). Women (34.52%) and patients under 30 years of age (39.60%) were the most affected. Yeasts of the genus Candida were found in 411 specimens (349 vaginal swabs, 36 nail fragments, and 26 skin flakes) by routine mycological techniques. The Candida albicans complex (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. africana) represented 75.91% of the Candida strains isolated. Molecular biology did not identify C. auris. Conclusion: Superficial candidiasis remains very common in hospitals in Senegal. Candida auris was not found in our study. Due to its rapid spread, surveillance is necessary to prevent epidemics in our hospitals.
文摘Background:Candida auris infections pose a threat to public health,necessitating increased awareness in China.This study aimed to analyze the strains of C.auris,assess the infection status,and investigate clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with Candida auris infection.We focused on evaluating basic characteristics,strain sources,and antibacterial susceptibility test results.Statistical methods were used to determine clinical features and identify risk factors for death.Results:The strain type,composition ratio,and specimen source of C.auris were not associated with mortality.Neither the infection index nor the length of hospitalization showed an association with the prognosis.However,significant risk factors for mortality included cerebral infarction,cardiac disease,renal dysfunction,hypoproteinemia,and anemia(all p<0.05).Conclusions:Cerebral infarction,cardiac disease,renal dysfunction,hypoproteinemia,and anemia are significant risk factors for death in C.auris infections.These findings indicate the importance of recognizing and addressing these factors in the clinical management of C.auris infection.
文摘An account is provided of the world’s ten most feared fungi.Within areas of interest,we have organized the entries in the order of concern.We put four human pathogens first as this is of concern to most people.This is followed by fungi producing mycotoxins that are highly harmful for humans;Aspergillus flavus,the main producer of aflatoxins,was used as an example.Problems due to indoor air fungi may also directly affect our health and we use Stachybotrys chartarum as an example.Not everyone collects and eats edible mushrooms.However,fatalities caused by mushroom intoxications often make news headlines and therefore we include one of the most poisonous of all mushrooms,Amanita phalloides,as an example.We then move on to the fungi that damage our dwellings causing serious anxiety by rotting our timber structures and flooring.Serpula lacrymans,which causes dry rot is an excellent example.The next example serves to represent all plant and forest pathogens.Here we chose Austropuccinia psidii as it is causing devastating effects in Australia and will probably do likewise in New Zealand.Finally,we chose an important amphibian pathogen which is causing serious declines in the numbers of frogs and other amphibians worldwide.Although we target the top ten most feared fungi,numerous others are causing serious concern to human health,plant production,forestry,other animals and our factories and dwellings.By highlighting ten feared fungi as an example,we aim to promote public awareness of the cost and importance of fungi.
文摘The frequency of co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens has constantly increased among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)during the pandemic.Candidemia was the most frequently reported invasive fungal co-infection.The onset of candidemia in COVID-19 patients was often delayed compared to non-COVID-19 patients.Additionally,Candida invasive infections in COVID-19 patients were more often linked to invasive procedures(e.g.,invasive mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy)during the intensive care stay and the severity of illness rather than more“classic”risk factors present in patients without COVID-19(e.g.,underlying diseases and prior hospitalization).Moreover,apart from the increased incidence of candidemia during the pandemic,a worrying rise in fluconazole-resistant strains was reported,including a rise in the multidrug-resistant Candida auris.Regarding outcomes,the development of invasive Candida co-infection had a negative impact,increasing morbidity and mortality compared to non-co-infected COVID-19 patients.In this narrative review,we present and critically discuss information on the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp.in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
文摘The aim of this research paper is to model the effects of misidentification in the transmissiondynamics of the super yeast, Candida auris (or C. auris), among patients receivingtreatment in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The mathematical analysis is carried outby obtaining the reproduction number of the C. auris model using the next generationmatrix and utilizing it as a threshold value to establish the local and global stabilityproperties at the points of equilibria. The numerical investigations carried out in thispaper establish the outcomes of the effect of variations in the values of important parameterson the dynamics of C. auris colonization and infections in the health care settings.The corresponding results from the numerical simulations are illustrated graphically.
基金Financial support to PN from the Department of Biotechnology(DBT),Ministry of science and Technology,New Delhi(BT/PR/23592/MED/29/1203/2017)
文摘Rationale:Candida auris is a potential emerging pathogen among Candida and causes serious health threats globally.Patient concerns:We reported a case of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida auris.A 26-year-old female presented with complaints of vaginal discharge,itching and low back pain.Diagnosis:High vaginal swab culture yielded Candida.The strain was confirmed as Candida auris by amplification and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region.Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was resistant to fluconazole,amphotericin B and clotrimazole and susceptible to ketoconazole and nystatin.The isolate also exhibited biofilm forming ability.Interventions:Her symptoms did not subside with initial management with fluconazole and clotrimazole.Later,she was started on ketoconazole therapy.The patient responded well to ketoconazole.Outcome and lessons:To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report about the presence of a drug resistant biofilm forming Candida auris strain isolated from a vaginal swab sample from Chennai area.Biofilm forming ability might contribute to its drug resistance.Nucleic acid analysis helps in rapid and accurate identification of such rare species.
