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1.
Ital J Pediatr ; 50(1): 113, 2024 Jun 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38853280

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the clinical use of voriconazole (VRC) in pediatric patients. MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2000, to August 15, 2023 for relevant clinical studies on VRC use in pediatric patients. Data were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a systematic review was performed on recent research related to the use of VRC in pediatric patients. This systematic review included a total of 35 observational studies among which there were 16 studies investigating factors influencing VRC plasma trough concentrations (Ctrough) in pediatric patients, 14 studies exploring VRC maintenance doses required to achieve target range of Ctrough, and 11 studies focusing on population pharmacokinetic (PPK) research of VRC in pediatric patients. Our study found that the Ctrough of VRC were influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. The optimal dosing of VRC was correlated with age in pediatric patients, and younger children usually required higher VRC doses to achieve target Ctrough compared to older children. Establishing a PPK model for VRC can assist in achieving more precise individualized dosing in children.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Voriconazole , Voriconazole/administration & dosage , Humans , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Child , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Mycoses/drug therapy
2.
J Zoo Wildl Med ; 55(2): 453-461, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38875202

ABSTRACT

Chytridiomycosis caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has been documented in greater sirens (Siren lacertina) in the wild and in the pet trade. This study evaluated the use of terbinafine-impregnated implants for chytridiomycosis prophylaxis in greater sirens exposed to Bd. Implants were placed intracoelomically in both control (blank implant, n = 4) and treatment (24.5 mg of terbinafine implant, n = 4) groups. Sirens were exposed to Bd zoospores via 24-h immersion bath at 1 and 2 mon postimplant placement. Blood was collected monthly for plasma terbinafine levels, and skin swabs were collected weekly for Bd quantitative PCR. Animals with terbinafine implants had detectable concentrations of plasma terbinafine ranging from 17 to 102 ng/ml. Only one terbinafine-implanted animal had a peak concentration above the published minimum inhibitory concentration for terbinafine against Bd zoospores (63 ng/ml); however, it is unknown how plasma terbinafine concentrations relate to concentrations in the skin. There was no difference between the two treatment groups in clinical signs or Bd clearance rate, and no adverse effects from implants were observed. These findings indicate using intracoelomic drug implants for drug delivery in amphibians is safe; however, terbinafine efficacy in preventing Bd chytridiomycosis in sirens remains unclear. Further investigation of the use of intracoelomic implants and identification of effective drugs and doses in other amphibian species against Bd and other infectious diseases is warranted, as this may provide a practical method for long-term drug delivery in wildlife.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Terbinafine , Terbinafine/administration & dosage , Terbinafine/therapeutic use , Terbinafine/pharmacology , Animals , Pilot Projects , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/pharmacokinetics , Drug Implants , Batrachochytrium/drug effects , Male , Mycoses/veterinary , Mycoses/drug therapy , Amphibians
3.
Med Mycol J ; 65(2): 33-38, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38825528

ABSTRACT

Antifungal stewardship (AFS), compared with antimicrobial stewardship (AS), requires more advanced knowledge, skills, and multidisciplinary collaboration in its implementation. Therefore, fewer facilities are performing AFS compared with AS. At our hospital, we started AS and AFS in 2014. Our AFS programs include the following: i) interventions for patients with yeast-positive blood cultures, ii) introduction of a conditional antifungal notification system, and iii) commencement of AS team rounds. AFS for filamentous fungi includes bronchoscopy and microbial identification, including genetic and drug susceptibility testing. These AFS activities have improved several processes and outcome measures. However, our AFS team has faced several problems owing to the impact of COVID-19. This review introduces the practice of AFS, which we initiated at our hospital in 2014, and presents the current problems.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Antimicrobial Stewardship , Hospitals, University , Humans , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antimicrobial Stewardship/methods , Japan , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2/drug effects , Mycoses/drug therapy
4.
BMC Infect Dis ; 24(1): 473, 2024 May 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection has increased in recent years with the development of organ transplantation and the widespread use of immunosuppressive agents. However, the lack of clinical suspicion leading to delay or misdiagnosis is an important reason for the high mortality rate in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-endemic population. Herein, we report a case of disseminated T. marneffei infection in a non-HIV and non-endemic recipient after renal transplant, who initially presented with skin rashes and subcutaneous nodules and developed gastrointestinal bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 54-year-old renal transplantation recipient presented with scattered rashes, subcutaneous nodules and ulcerations on the head, face, abdomen, and right upper limb. The HIV antibody test was negative. The patient had no obvious symptoms such as fever, cough, etc. Histopathological result of the skin lesion sites showed chronic suppurative inflammation with a large number of fungal spores. Subsequent fungal culture suggested T. marneffei infection. Amphotericin B deoxycholate was given for antifungal treatment, and there was no deterioration in the parameters of liver and kidney function. Unfortunately, the patient was soon diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding, gastrointestinal perforation and acute peritonitis. Then he rapidly developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and abandoned treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of fatal gastrointestinal bleeding can be significantly increased in kidney transplant patients with T. marneffei infection because of the long-term side effects of post-transplant medications. Strengthening clinical awareness and using mNGS or mass spectrometry technologies to improve the detection rate and early diagnosis of T. marneffei are crucial for clinical treatment in non-HIV and non-endemic population.


Subject(s)
Kidney Transplantation , Mycoses , Talaromyces , Transplant Recipients , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Amphotericin B/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Deoxycholic Acid , Dermatomycoses/diagnosis , Dermatomycoses/microbiology , Dermatomycoses/drug therapy , Drug Combinations , Fatal Outcome , Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects , Mycoses/diagnosis , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/microbiology , Talaromyces/isolation & purification
6.
Transpl Infect Dis ; 26(3): e14283, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38698640

ABSTRACT

Over the last decade, the therapeutic landscape for hematological malignancies (HMs) has witnessed a remarkable surge in the development of novel biological and small-molecule-targeted immunomodulatory agents. These therapies have drastically improved survival, but some come at the cost of increased risk of bacterial, viral, and/or fungal infections and on-target off-tumor immunological side effects. To mitigate such risks, physicians must be well informed about infectious complications and necessary preventive measures, such as screening, vaccinations, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Furthermore, physicians should be vigilant about the noninfectious side effects of these agents that can mimic infections and understand their potential drug-drug interactions with antimicrobials. Strengthening and harmonizing the current surveillance and reporting system for drug-associated infections in real-world settings is essential to better ascertain the potential infections associated with these agents. In this review, we aimed to summarize the infection risks associated with novel agents used for specific HMs and outline recommended strategies for monitoring and prophylaxis.


Subject(s)
Hematologic Neoplasms , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Humans , Hematologic Neoplasms/complications , Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods , Adult , Mycoses/prevention & control , Mycoses/drug therapy
7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710584

ABSTRACT

The growing prevalence of fungal infections alongside rising resistance to antifungal drugs poses a significant challenge to public health safety. At the close of the 2000s, major pharmaceutical firms began to scale back on antimicrobial research due to repeated setbacks and diminished economic gains, leaving only smaller companies and research labs to pursue new antifungal solutions. Among various natural sources explored for novel antifungal compounds, antifungal peptides (AFPs) emerge as particularly promising. Despite their potential, AFPs receive less focus than their antibacterial counterparts. These peptides have been sourced extensively from nature, including plants, animals, insects, and especially bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, with advancements in recombinant biotechnology and computational biology, AFPs can also be synthesized in lab settings, facilitating peptide production. AFPs are noted for their wide-ranging efficacy, in vitro and in vivo safety, and ability to combat biofilms. They are distinguished by their high specificity, minimal toxicity to cells, and reduced likelihood of resistance development. This review aims to comprehensively cover AFPs, including their sources-both natural and synthetic-their antifungal and biofilm-fighting capabilities in laboratory and real-world settings, their action mechanisms, and the current status of AFP research. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY: This comprehensive review of AFPs will be helpful for further research in antifungal research.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Biofilms , Fungi , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Biofilms/drug effects , Fungi/drug effects , Animals , Humans , Mycoses/drug therapy , Peptides/pharmacology , Peptides/chemistry , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Antimicrobial Peptides/pharmacology , Antimicrobial Peptides/chemistry
8.
Ther Adv Respir Dis ; 18: 17534666241254090, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38780228

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A significant decline in pulmonary exacerbation rates has been reported in CF patients homozygous for F508del treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. However, it is still unclear whether this reduction reflects a diminished microbiological burden. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of lumacaftor/ivacaftor on the bacterial and fungal burden. DESIGN: The study is a prospective multicenter cohort study including 132 CF patients homozygous for F508del treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. METHODS: Clinical parameters as well as bacterial and fungal outcomes 1 year after initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor were compared to data from 2 years prior to initiation of the treatment. Changes in the slope of the outcomes before and after the onset of treatment were assessed. RESULTS: Lung function measured as ppFEV1 (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) in adults (p < 0.001), and BMI z-score in children (p = 0.007) were improved after initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor. In addition, the slope of the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (p = 0.007) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (p < 0.001) shifted from positive to negative, that is, became less prevalent, 1 year after treatment, while the slope for Candida albicans (p = 0.009), Penicillium spp (p = 0.026), and Scedosporium apiospermum (p < 0.001) shifted from negative to positive. CONCLUSION: The current study showed a significant improvement in clinical parameters and a reduction of some of CF respiratory microorganisms 1 year after starting with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. However, no significant changes were observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Aspergillus fumigatus, key pathogens in the CF context.


Subject(s)
Aminophenols , Aminopyridines , Benzodioxoles , Cystic Fibrosis , Drug Combinations , Quinolones , Humans , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/microbiology , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Male , Prospective Studies , Female , Aminophenols/therapeutic use , Benzodioxoles/therapeutic use , Child , Adult , Young Adult , Adolescent , Aminopyridines/pharmacology , Aminopyridines/administration & dosage , Aminopyridines/therapeutic use , Aminopyridines/adverse effects , Quinolones/pharmacology , Sweden , Treatment Outcome , Mycoses/microbiology , Mycoses/drug therapy , Respiratory Tract Infections/microbiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics , Lung/microbiology , Lung/physiopathology , Lung/drug effects , Chloride Channel Agonists/therapeutic use , Time Factors , Fungi/isolation & purification , Bacterial Infections/microbiology , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy
9.
BMC Infect Dis ; 24(1): 506, 2024 May 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773459

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The sharp increase in fungal infections, insufficient diagnostic and treatment capabilities for fungal infections, poor prognosis of patients with fungal infections as well as the increasing drug resistance of fungi are serious clinical problems. It is necessary to explore the implementation and evaluation methods of antifungal stewardship (AFS) to promote the standardized use of antifungal drugs. METHODS: The AFS programme was implemented at a tertiary first-class hospital in China using a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) quality management tool. A baseline investigation was carried out to determine the utilization of antifungal drugs in pilot hospitals, analyse the existing problems and causes, and propose corresponding solutions. The AFS programme was proposed and implemented beginning in 2021, and included various aspects, such as team building, establishment of regulations, information construction, prescription review and professional training. The management effectiveness was recorded from multiple perspectives, such as the consumption of antifungal drugs, the microbial inspection rate of clinical specimens, and the proportion of rational prescriptions. The PDCA management concept was used for continuous improvement to achieve closed-loop management. RESULTS: In the first year after the implementation of the AFS programme, the consumption cost, use intensity and utilization rate of antifungal drugs decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The proportion of rational antifungal drug prescriptions markedly increased, with the proportion of prescriptions with indications increasing from 86.4% in 2019 to 97.0% in 2022, and the proportion of prescriptions with appropriate usage and dosage increased from 51.9 to 87.1%. In addition, after the implementation of the AFS programme, physicians' awareness of the need to complete microbial examinations improved, and the number of fungal cultures and serological examinations increased substantially. Statistics from drug susceptibility tests revealed a decrease in the resistance rate of Candida to fluconazole. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that the combination of AFS and the PDCA cycle could effectively reduce antifungal consumption and promote the rational use of antifungal drugs, providing a reference for other health care systems to reduce the overuse of antifungal drugs and delay the progression of fungal resistance.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Antimicrobial Stewardship , Mycoses , Tertiary Care Centers , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , China , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/microbiology , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Drug Utilization/standards , Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data
10.
J Med Chem ; 67(10): 8420-8444, 2024 May 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38718180

ABSTRACT

Faced with increasingly serious fungal infections and drug resistance issues, three different series of novel dual-target (programmed death ligand 1/14 α-demethylase) compounds were constructed through the fragment combination pathway in the study. Their chemical structures were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated. Among them, preferred compounds 10c-1, 17b-1, and 18b-2 could efficiently exert their antifungal and antidrug-resistant fungal ability through blocking ergosterol biosynthesis, inducing the upregulation of reactive oxygen species level, and triggering apoptosis. Especially, compound 18b-2 exhibited the synergistic function of fungal inhibition and immune activation. Moreover, the covalent organic framework carrier was also generated based on the acidic microenvironment of fungal infection to improve the bioavailability and targeting of preferred compounds; this finally accelerated the body's recovery rate.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemical synthesis , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Humans , Animals , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Structure-Activity Relationship , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Apoptosis/drug effects , 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors/pharmacology , 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors/chemistry , 14-alpha Demethylase Inhibitors/chemical synthesis , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mice , Candida albicans/drug effects , Ergosterol/metabolism , Molecular Structure
11.
Surg Infect (Larchmt) ; 25(4): 272-290, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38700753

ABSTRACT

Background: Improvements in liver transplant (LT) outcomes are attributed to advances in surgical techniques, use of potent immunosuppressants, and rigorous pre-LT testing. Despite these improvements, post-LT infections remain the most common complication in this population. Bacteria constitute the most common infectious agents, while fungal and viral infections are also frequently encountered. Multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections develop because of polymicrobial overuse and prolonged hospital stays. Immediate post-LT infections are commonly caused by viruses. Conclusions: Appropriate vaccination, screening of both donor and recipients before LT and antiviral prophylaxis in high-risk individuals are recommended. Antimicrobial drug resistance is common in high-risk LT and associated with poor outcomes; epidemiology and management of these cases is discussed. Additionally, we also discuss the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and monkeypox in the LT population.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Liver Transplantation , Transplant Recipients , Humans , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , COVID-19/epidemiology , Bacterial Infections/epidemiology , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Bacterial Infections/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Mycoses/epidemiology , Mycoses/drug therapy , Virus Diseases/epidemiology , Virus Diseases/prevention & control
12.
J Antimicrob Chemother ; 79(6): 1203-1217, 2024 Jun 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38629250

ABSTRACT

Systemic antifungal therapy is critical for reducing the mortality from many invasive and chronic fungal infections. Triazole antifungals are the most frequently prescribed antifungals but require attention to dosing and drug interactions. Nearly 600 severe drug-drug interactions and over 1100 moderate interactions requiring dose modifications are described or anticipated with systemic antifungal agents (see https://www.aspergillus.org.uk/antifungal-drug-interactions/). In this article, we address the common and less common, but serious, drug interactions observed in clinical practice with triazole antifungals, including a group of drugs that cannot be prescribed with all or most triazole antifungals (ivabradine, ranolazine, eplerenone, fentanyl, apomorphine, quetiapine, bedaquiline, rifampicin, rifabutin, sirolimus, phenytoin and carbamazepine). We highlight interactions with drugs used in children and new agents introduced for the treatment of haematological malignancies or graft versus host disease (midostaurin, ibrutinib, ruxolitinib and venetoclax). We also summarize the multiple interactions between oral and inhaled corticosteroids and triazole antifungals, and the strategies needed to optimize the therapeutic benefits of triazole antifungal therapy while minimizing potential harm to patients.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Drug Interactions , Triazoles , Humans , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Triazoles/therapeutic use , Triazoles/administration & dosage , Mycoses/drug therapy , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
13.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol ; 14: 1210857, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38590441

ABSTRACT

Background: Timely diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are critical for improving the prognosis of patients with invasive fungal disease (IFD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated the performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and conventional microbiological testing (CMT), as well as the diagnosis, therapeutic management, and outcomes of IFD after HSCT. Methods: We retrospectively studied 189 patients who underwent HSCT and were considered at risk for IFD. In total, 46 patients with IFD were enrolled in this study. The IFD consensus was followed for classifying IFD incidents. Results: Forty-six patients were diagnosed with proven/probable (n = 12), possible (n = 27), and undefined (n = 7) IFD. Aspergillus was the most commonly detected fungal genus. Mucormycosis was found in 15 patients; two had Aspergillus, and one had Candida infections. Compared to CMT, mNGS significantly reduced the time required to identify pathogens (P = 0.0016). mNGS had a much higher sensitivity than CMT (84.78% vs. 36.96%; P < 0.0001). A total of 76.09% of patients received antifungal prophylaxis during fungal infections. All Pneumocystis infections occurred later than 100 days after transplantation. Among patients with Pneumocystis infection, 71.43% occurred following sulfonamide withdrawal, and subsequent treatment with sulfonamide alone or in combination with other drugs was effective. Based on the empirical antifungal treatment, the dosages, modes of administration, frequency of administration, or antifungal of 55.26% of the patients were changed according to the mNGS results. The 4-year overall survival rate of patients diagnosed with IFD after transplantation was 71.55% (95% CI, 55.18%-85.82%). Hypoproteinemia and corticosteroid use are independent risk factors for IFD. Conclusion: mNGS, which has a high sensitivity and a short detection time, aids in the diagnosis and prognosis of pathogenic fungi. As a powerful technology, mNGS can influence treatment decisions in patients with IFD following HSCT.


Subject(s)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Invasive Fungal Infections , Mycoses , Humans , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects , Mycoses/drug therapy , Invasive Fungal Infections/diagnosis , Invasive Fungal Infections/drug therapy , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
14.
Nat Microbiol ; 9(5): 1325-1339, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38589468

ABSTRACT

Drug-resistant fungal infections pose a significant threat to human health. Dual-targeting compounds, which have multiple targets on a single pathogen, offer an effective approach to combat drug-resistant pathogens, although ensuring potent activity and high selectivity remains a challenge. Here we propose a dual-targeting strategy for designing antifungal compounds. We incorporate DNA-binding naphthalene groups as the hydrophobic moieties into the host defence peptide-mimicking poly(2-oxazoline)s. This resulted in a compound, (Gly0.8Nap0.2)20, which targets both the fungal membrane and DNA. This compound kills clinical strains of multidrug-resistant fungi including Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii and Aspergillus fumigatus. (Gly0.8Nap0.2)20 shows superior performance compared with amphotericin B by showing not only potent antifungal activities but also high antifungal selectivity. The compound also does not induce antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, (Gly0.8Nap0.2)20 exhibits promising in vivo therapeutic activities against drug-resistant Candida albicans in mouse models of skin abrasion, corneal infection and systemic infection. This study shows that dual-targeting antifungal compounds may be effective in combating drug-resistant fungal pathogens and mitigating fungal resistance.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Animals , Mice , Humans , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Fungal , Disease Models, Animal , Cryptococcus neoformans/drug effects , Aspergillus fumigatus/drug effects , Candida albicans/drug effects , Naphthalenes/pharmacology , Naphthalenes/chemistry , Oxazoles/pharmacology , Oxazoles/chemistry , Candida/drug effects , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/microbiology
15.
Clin Microbiol Rev ; 37(2): e0000423, 2024 Jun 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38551323

ABSTRACT

SUMMARYAlthough Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans are uncommon causes of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), these infections are associated with high mortality and are costly to treat with a limited armamentarium of antifungal drugs. In light of recent advances, including in the area of new antifungals, the present review provides a timely and updated overview of these IFDs, with a focus on the taxonomy, clinical epidemiology, pathogenesis and host immune response, disease manifestations, diagnosis, antifungal susceptibility, and treatment. An expansion of hosts at risk for these difficult-to-treat infections has emerged over the last two decades given the increased use of, and broader population treated with, immunomodulatory and targeted molecular agents as well as wider adoption of antifungal prophylaxis. Clinical presentations differ not only between genera but also across the different Scedosporium species. L. prolificans is intrinsically resistant to most currently available antifungal agents, and the prognosis of immunocompromised patients with lomentosporiosis is poor. Development of, and improved access to, diagnostic modalities for early detection of these rare mold infections is paramount for timely targeted antifungal therapy and surgery if indicated. New antifungal agents (e.g., olorofim, fosmanogepix) with novel mechanisms of action and less cross-resistance to existing classes, availability of formulations for oral administration, and fewer drug-drug interactions are now in late-stage clinical trials, and soon, could extend options to treat scedosporiosis/lomentosporiosis. Much work remains to increase our understanding of these infections, especially in the pediatric setting. Knowledge gaps for future research are highlighted in the review.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Scedosporium , Humans , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Scedosporium/drug effects , Scedosporium/classification , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/diagnosis , Mycoses/microbiology , Invasive Fungal Infections/drug therapy , Invasive Fungal Infections/diagnosis , Ascomycota/classification , Ascomycota/drug effects
16.
J Mycol Med ; 34(2): 101473, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38493607

ABSTRACT

Diagnosis and management of fungal infections are challenging in both animals and humans, especially in immunologically weakened hosts. Due to its broad spectrum and safety profile when compared to other antifungals, itraconazole (ITZ) has been widely used in the treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections, both in human and veterinary medicine. The dose and duration of management depend on factors such as the type of fungal pathogen, the site of infection, sensitivity to ITZ, chronic stages of the disease, the health status of the hosts, pharmacological interactions with other medications and the therapeutic protocol used. In veterinary practice, ITZ doses generally vary between 3 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, once or twice a day. In humans, doses usually vary between 100 and 400 mg/day. As human and veterinary fungal infections are increasingly associated, and ITZ is one of the main medications used, this review addresses relevant aspects related to the use of this drug in both clinics, including case reports and different clinical aspects available in the literature.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Itraconazole , Mycoses , Humans , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/veterinary , Mycoses/microbiology , Animals , Veterinary Medicine/methods
17.
APMIS ; 132(5): 291-316, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38465406

ABSTRACT

Invasive fungal infections in humans caused by several Candida species, increased considerably in immunocompromised or critically ill patients, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality. Candida albicans is the most prevalent species, although the frequency of these organisms varies greatly according to geographic region. Infections with C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species have become more common, especially in the past 20 years, as a result of aging, immunosuppressive medication use, endocrine disorders, malnourishment, extended use of medical equipment, and an increase in immunogenic diseases. Despite C. albicans being the species most frequently associated with human infections, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei also have been identified. Several antifungal drugs with different modes of action are approved for use in clinical settings to treat fungal infections. However, due to the common eukaryotic structure of humans and fungi, only a limited number of antifungal drugs are available for therapeutic use. Furthermore, drug resistance in Candida species has emerged as a result of the growing use of currently available antifungal drugs against fungal infections. Amphotericin B (AmB), a polyene class of antifungal drugs, is mainly used for the treatment of serious systemic fungal infections. AmB interacts with fungal plasma membrane ergosterol, triggering cellular ion leakage via pore formation, or extracting the ergosterol from the plasma membrane inducing cellular death. AmB resistance is primarily caused by changes in the content or structure of ergosterol. This review summarizes the antifungal drug resistance exhibited by Candida species, with a special focus on AmB.


Subject(s)
Amphotericin B , Mycoses , Humans , Amphotericin B/pharmacology , Amphotericin B/therapeutic use , Candida , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Mycoses/drug therapy , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Ergosterol/therapeutic use
18.
Bioorg Chem ; 145: 107254, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38432152

ABSTRACT

Vanillic acid (VA) - a naturally occurring phenolic compound in plants - is not only used as a flavoring agent but also a prominent metabolite post tea consumption. VA and its associated compounds are believed to play a significant role in preventing diseases, underscoring the need for a systematic investigation. Herein, we report a 4-step synthesis employing the classical organic reactions, such as Willamson's alkylation, Fischer-Spier reaction, and Steglich esterification, complemented with a protection-deprotection strategy to prepare 46 VA derivatives across the five series (1a-1i, 2a-2i, 3, 3a-3i, 4a-4i, 5a-5i) in high yields. The synthesized compounds were investigated for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and toxic effects. Notably, compound 1a demonstrated remarkable ROS inhibition with an IC50 value of 5.1 ± 0.7 µg/mL, which is more than twice as effective as the standard ibuprofen drug. A subset of the synthesized derivatives (2b, 2c, 2e, 3b-3d, 4a-4c, 5a, and 5e) manifested their antifungal effect against drug-resistant Candida strains. Compound 5g, in particular, revealed synergism with the established antifungal drugs amphotericin B (AMB) and fluconazole (FLZ), doubling FLZ's potency against azole resistant Candida albican ATCC 36082. Furthermore, 5g improved the potency of these antifungals against FLZ-sensitive strains, including C. glabrata ATCC 2001 and C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, as well as various multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida strains, namely C. albicans ATCC 14053, C. albicans CL1, and C. krusei SH2L OM341600. Additionally, pharmacodynamics of compound 5g was examined using time-kill assay, and a benign safety profile was observed with no hemolytic activity in whole blood, and no cytotoxicity towards the normal BJ human cell line. The synergistic potential of 5g was further investigated through both experimental methods and docking simulations.These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of VA derivatives, particularly in addressing inflammation and circumventing FLZ resistance in Candida albicans.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Mycoses , Humans , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Vanillic Acid/pharmacology , Vanillic Acid/therapeutic use , Azoles/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Mycoses/drug therapy , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Candida , Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , Inflammation/drug therapy
19.
J Med Chem ; 67(6): 4298-4321, 2024 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38470824

ABSTRACT

The progressive increase in fungal infections and the decrease in the effectiveness of current therapy explain research on new drugs. The synthesis of compounds with proven antifungal activity, favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties affecting their pharmaceutical availability and bioavailability, and limiting or eliminating side effects has become the goal of many studies. The publication describes the directions of searching for new compounds with antifungal activity, focusing on conjugates. The described modifications include, among others, azoles or amphotericin B in combination with fatty acids, polysaccharides, proteins, and synthetic polymers. The benefits of these combinations in terms of activity, mechanism of action, and bioavailability were indicated. The possibilities of creating or using nanoparticles, "umbrella" conjugates, siderophores (iron-chelating compounds), and monoclonal antibodies were also presented. Taking into account the role of vaccinations in prevention, the scope of research related to developing a vaccine protecting against fungal infections was also indicated.


Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents , Mycoses , Humans , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Antifungal Agents/chemistry , Amphotericin B , Mycoses/drug therapy , Azoles/therapeutic use , Fatty Acids
20.
Med Mycol ; 62(4)2024 Mar 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38533658

ABSTRACT

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and pheohyphomycosis (PHM) are the most common implantation mycoses caused by dematiaceous fungi. In the past, flucytosine (5-FC) has been used to treat CBM, but development of resistance is common. Carmofur belongs to the same class as 5-FC and has in vitro inhibitory activity against the main agents of CBM and PHM. The aim of this study was to compare the action of these two pyrimidine analog drugs against CBM and PHM agents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the selectivity index based on cytotoxicity tests of these two drugs against some agents of these mycoses were determined, with carmofur presenting a higher selectivity index than 5-FC. Carmofur demonstrated here synergistic interactions with itraconazole and amphotericin B against Exophiala heteromorpha, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Fonsecaea monophora, and Fonsecaea nubica strains. Additionally, carmofur plus itraconazole demonstrated here synergism against a Phialophora verrucosa strain. To evaluate the development of carmofur resistance, passages in culture medium containing subinhibitory concentrations of this pyrimidine analog were carried out, followed by in vitro susceptibility tests. Exophiala dermatitidis quickly developed resistance, whereas F. pedrosoi took seven passages in carmofur-supplemented medium to develop resistance. Moreover, resistance was permanent in E. dermatitidis but transient in F. pedrosoi. Hence, carmofur has exhibited certain advantages, albeit accompanied by limitations such as the development of resistance, which was expected as with 5-FC. This underscores its therapeutic potential in combination with other drugs, emphasizing the need for a meticulous evaluation of its application in the fight against dematiaceous fungi.


Subject(s)
Chromoblastomycosis , Mycoses , Humans , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Flucytosine/pharmacology , Itraconazole/pharmacology , Itraconazole/therapeutic use , Fungi , Chromoblastomycosis/microbiology , Chromoblastomycosis/veterinary , Mycoses/drug therapy , Mycoses/veterinary , Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary
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