bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P370 Low rate of Sporothrix spp. recovery from storage in mineral oil: along period study
Authors: Poester Vanice , Roca Beatriz , Vieira Mariana , Trápaga Mariana , Munhoz Lívia , Klafke Gabriel , Xavier Melissa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Fungus collection is an essential approach to allow future studies, including molecular, and epidemiological characteristics, virulence factors, susceptibility profile, and others. Ideal methods should keep the isolates viable for long periods of storage. The mineral oil method is theoretically a secure and efficient method for the storage of filamentous and dimorphic fungi, including Sporothrix spp., for long periods.

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the recovery rate of isolates of Sporothrix spp. maintained for years through the mineral oil technique in a fungal collection.

Methods
Sporothrix spp. isolates were originally cultivated in tubes with potato dextrose agar, incubated at 30°C for at least 7 days, and covered by mineral oil, until around 1 cm above the surface, after the growth and sporulation of the colonies. Tubes were maintained at room temperature (∼25°C). A total of 238 isolates of Sporothrix spp. (mostly S. brasiliensis) maintained for 4-108 months (mean of 49.7 months) were included in the study, being 191 isolates from cats (80%), 31 from humans (13%), 14 from dogs (6%), and 2 (1%) from the environment. To evaluate the rate of recovery, a fragment of the colonies was cultivated in duplicate in plates with Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 25°C until the fungal growth or for 30 days. To analyze the results, frequency, mean, and standard deviation (SD) were calculated, as well and the Kruskal-Wallis test was performed, using the SPSS statistical program.

Results
Only 14% (n = 34) of the fungal isolates were recovered from oil minerals after a mean of 64 months of storage (SD = 18.4), being 82% (n = 28) of the recovered isolates from cats, 12% (n = 4) from humans, and 6% (n = 2) from dogs (n = 1), or environment (n = 1). The 204 isolates that could not be recovered, were stored for a mean of 47 months (SD = 25.5) (P ˃ 0.05).

Conclusion
Disagreeing with previous reports, mineral oil was a failure method to keep Sporothrix spp. isolates viable independently of the period of storage. Therefore, optimization of this methodology is necessary, and/or other methods must be implemented to guarantee the preservation of Sporothrix spp. isolates in fungal collections.
P371 The relation of mating type (MAT) preference and source in the opportunistic pathogen Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Lu Sha , Sha Lu , Liyan Xi , Zhou Xin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Background
Genome-wide comparisons have shown Talaromyces marneffei possessed a stable mating type locus in its meiosis genes. But the function of the mating-type locus in T. marneffei is not clear. The potential sex recombination might lead to problems in clinical, such as the evolution of increased resistance to antifungal drugs and virulence.

Objectives
To determine mating type in a sample of 107 strains and to explore the possible relationship between mating-type and fungus virulence.

Methods
We used PCR analysis to determine the distribution of mating-type genes in 107 T. marneffei strains. We also analyzed the relationship between mating-type and isolated sources (including HIV-positive patients, HIV-negative patients, bamboo rats, and environment). Further, Drosophila melanogaster model of infection was used to compare the virulence difference between different mating-type and source strains.

Results
The results showed an entire sample population of T. marneffei with an overabundance of MAT1-2 alleles, but with a higher ratio of MAT1-1 in the isolates from HIV-negative patients. However, no significant differences in the survival of the Drosophila melanogaster infected neither with MAT1-1 (6.5 days) nor MAT1-2 (4 days) isolates. Similar results were also observed in virulence analysis tested with different sources of isolates.

Conclusions
All isolates bearing single mating type idiomorphs and unequal distribution. The distribution of the MAT genes seems related to different sources. And the pathogenicity differences are independent of mating type genotype and source.
P373 Does biofilm forming capacity of Candida tropicalis vary with echinocandin susceptibility?
Authors: Ritika  , Paul Raees A. , Kaur Harsimran , Ghosh Anup K. , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Candida tropicalis is a common cause of nosocomial candidemia and candiduria. The role of biofilm formation in virulence and antimicrobial resistance in C. tropicalis remains under-investigated. We aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity of C. tropicalis isolates exhibiting resistance, borderline resistance, and sensitivity to echinocandins.

Methods
The echinocandin resistant, borderline resistant, and susceptible isolates of C. tropicalis were collected based on their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values according to Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution guidelines. The isolates were subjected to FKS1 gene sequencing. To estimate biofilm production, echinocandin resistant (n = 2), borderline resistant (n = 5), and susceptible isolates (n = 3) were seeded at the cell concentration of 1 × 10⁶ cells/mL in RPMI-1640 with 0.165 M MOPS in polystyrene 96-well microtiter plates and incubated for 24 and 48 h at 37°C. The biofilm was quantified by crystal violet/safranin-based spectrophotometric method and XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide) reduction assay. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post-hoc test for multiple comparisons among the groups.

Results
FKS1 sequencing analysis revealed S654P mutation in HS1 in both resistant isolates while isolates exhibiting borderline MIC to echinocandins carried wild-type FKS1 gene. Biofilm formation in borderline echinocandin-resistant C. tropicalis isolates was significantly (P &lt;.005) higher compared with resistant and susceptible isolates. However, no significant difference in biofilm formation was noted among resistant and susceptible isolates.

Conclusion
This study suggests differential biofilm-formation capacity among C. tropicalis isolates with reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. However, this warrants further studies before any definitive inference can be made.
P378 Insecticidal potential of isolated fungal species in targeting Drosophila melanogaster and Zaprionus indianus
Authors: Sharma Aanchal 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Fruit flies are polyphagous insects that attack a variety of commercially significant plants, which resulted in the build-up of insecticide resistance making the research focus shift toward alternative pest management tools in order to reduce risks to humans, environment, and non-target organisms.

Methods
Fungal species were isolated and molecularly characterized from Drosophila culture medium. Virulence assay was conducted against third instar larvae and adults of Drosophila melanogaster and Zaprionus indianus. Percent adult emergence and larval mortality were calculated.

Results
Three species: Meyerozyma caribbica, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Aspergillus flavus were identified by ITS region sequencing. A. flavus was the most virulent against larvae and adults of D. melanogaster and Z. indianus followed by P. kudriavzevii and M. caribbica (44%-100% mortality). Lethal time to 90% mortality (LT90) ranged from 4.5 to 7 days (P. kudriavzevii) and 3.2 to 4.5 days (A. flavus).

Conclusion
These preliminary findings suggest that the isolated fungal species can be deployed in targeting the developmental life stages of Drosophila species and hence, controlling invasive insect pests in an eco-friendly way. The use of these biological control agents could further minimize the use of harmful insecticides which has substantial global health benefits.
P383 ‘It's not Fungus, its Nocardia’—an elementary diagnostic challenge for draining sinus on abdominal wall (rare): a case report
Authors: Tigga Richa Anjleen , Keche Archana Y , Ganguly Satyaki , Chand Anjali 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Introduction
A rare finding of abdominal wall clinical presentation of persistent progressive tumefaction with draining sinus with no granules caused by Nocardia brasiliensis.

Methods
History: A 22-year-old presented to the Dermatology OPD with complaints of swelling and tenderness and discharging sinuses with no granules around the periumbilical region in the lower abdominal area for three years. His initial fine needle aspiration cytology specimen report was inconclusive. He received anti-Kochs treatment based on a positive Montoux test and family history from outside the hospital.
Initially punch biopsy samples were sent for fungal processing to our laboratory which was inconclusive. Repeat pus aspirate and punch biopsy samples were subjected to conventional techniques. The sample was inoculated on Sabouraud's Dextrose agar, Brain heart Infusion agar, and Lowenstein-Jensen media. Direct Smear was subjected to Gram stain and Modified Zeihl Neelson stain with 1% Sulfuric acid as decoloriser.

Results

Conclusion
P386 Molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility of fungi causing sinusitis in arid climate region
Authors: Zhou Shaoqin , Ismail Mawahib , Kang Yingqian , Gabr Aida , de Hoog Sybren , Mahgoub Elsheikh , Ahmed Sarah 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Fungal sinusitis is a common problem worldwide with an increasing burden in arid climate regions. Clinical presentations of the disease range from allergic to acute invasive or chronic forms. In the present study, we aim to identify the etiology of fungal sinusitis in an arid climate region of Africa using molecular methods and to determine the antifungal susceptibility of the clinical isolates.

Methods
A total of 60 isolates collected from patients diagnosed with fungal sinusitis in Khartoum, Sudan were included. Direct microscopic examination and culture from nasal biopsies were performed at the mycology reference laboratory in Khartoum. To confirm the presence of fungal elements in tissue, histology was performed for all samples. Cultured isolates were then identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin, and calmodulin gene regions. Antifungal susceptibility was tested using the protocol of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST).

Results
Sequencing of the three genes identified the following species: Aspergillus flavus (n = 48), A. citrinoterreus (n = 3), A. caespitosus (n = 2), A. sydowii (n = 2), Exserohilum sp. (n = 2), Purpureocillium lilacinum (n = 1), Trichosporon asahii (n = 1), and Fusarium chlamydosporum (n = 1).

Conclusion
The fungi associated with sinusitis are of high diversity; the 60 isolates were found to belong to 8 different species. With the exception of cryptic species, a large concordance was found between molecular and phenotypic identification methods. Aspergillus is the most commonly reported genus with A. flavus as the most prevalent species.
P388 High rate of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis in active TB patients in Indonesia with GeneXpert positive
Authors: Setianingrum Findra , Rozaliyani Anna , Adawiyah Robiatul , Sjam Ridhawati , Tugiran Mulyati , Sari Cut Yulia Indah , Wahyuningsih Retno , Richardson Riina R , Denning David W 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) commonly affects post-tuberculosis (TB) patients. However, the existence of this slowly destructive disease is also increasingly being reported in patients with active TB. The study aimed to identify the clinical, radiological, and serological characteristics of probable CPA patients between proven TB with GeneXpert positive and clinically diagnosed TB (GeneXpert negative) in early TB therapy.

Methods
All patients were on anti-tuberculous therapy in the early phase (0–2 months). Clinical profiles and radiology findings were collected from hospitals in Jakarta and Depok, Indonesia. Aspergillus antibodies were measured using Immulite automated ELISA. Sputum was tested for TB with GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.

Result
A total of 70 patients with a median age of 37 years were studied. Overall, 29% (n = 20) met the criteria for proven or probable CPA. The rate of CPA in GeneXpert positive was 50%, whereas it was only 14% in GeneXpert negative patients (P = .001). Most of CPA patients had GeneXpert result intermediate (n = 7, 35%), 4 of them (6%) had a high load of TB proven by GeneXpert. Cough was the most common symptom in GeneXpert positive groups (n = 11, 39%). Fatigue was frequently founded in GeneXpert negative groups (n = 8, 19%). The proportion of cavities (90% vs 44%), paracavitary fibrosis (70% vs 26%), and pleural thickening (60% vs 24%) were significantly higher in CPA patients. The median score of Aspergillus antibody in non-CPA patients was lower (7.7, range 3.1-15.2 mg/L) compare with CPA patients (11.9, range 4.3-344 mg/L) (P = .024).

Conclusion
Aspergillus spp is a fatal fungal pathogen that might cause co-infection in active TB patients. The measurement of Aspergillus antibodies is a hallmark for the diagnosis of CPA. The coexistence of CPA in active TB patients is underdiagnosed.
P398 COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: Species distribution and susceptibility profiles
Authors: Fakhim Hamed , vaezi Afsane , nasri Elahe , Sadeghi Somayeh , Shelerangkon Mahsa , Rizi Mahnaz Hosseini , Ghafel Safiyeh , Badali Hamid , Mirhendi Hossein 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the species distribution and susceptibility profiles of Aspergillus species isolated from patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe COVID-19 in Isfahan, Iran, between April 2021 and March 2022.

Methods
This retrospective study included intubated patients with COVID-19 in three referral COVID-19 hospitals. Tracheal aspirate (TA) samples were taken from 267 patients to investigate pulmonary co-infections. COVID-19-associated aspergillosis (CAPA) was defined according to the 2020 European Confederation of Medical Mycology/International Society of Human and Animal Mycosis consensus criteria. Aspergillus species obtained from samples were characterized based on conventional and molecular assays. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing was performed on the obtained isolates according to the guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.

Results
The mean age of the patients was 61.73 ± 12.69 years. The mean length of hospitalization and admission in ICU were 18.77 ± 12.94 and 13.51 ± 9.83 days, respectively. A total of 61 (22.9%) patients presented with a single cavity lesion. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm was seen in seven patients and post-COVID-19 changes were seen in all patients. Based on the conventional and molecular techniques, 72 isolates of Aspergillus species (26.9%), including A. flavus (10.1%%), A. fumigatus (8.6%%), A. niger (3.3%), A. tubingensis (2.9%), A. terreus (1.1%), A. luchuensis (0.37%) A. quadrillineatus, and (0.37%), were obtained from 267 patients. MIC results showed that all Aspergillus species were susceptible to all tested antifungal drugs.

Conclusion
Access to priority clinical groups, improving the care of patients with simultaneous pulmonary aspergillosis with COVID-19, and identifying Aspergillus species are essential steps in the care cascade to manage those affected by them.
P410 Aspergillus fumigatus sensitization among the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)— a cross sectional study
Authors: Subhagan Haritha , Padaki Priyadarshini , Savio Jayanthi , Ramachandran Priya , Rajeshwari V. , Raj John Michael 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) caused by hypersensitivity to A. fumigatus complicates the course of asthma. Fungal sensitization due to A. fumigatus among asthmatic patients and their progression to ABPA is well studied. Similar data on Aspergillus sensitization among patients with COPD and their progression are still not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Total serum IgE (TIgE) and A. fumigatus specific IgE (Af sp IgE) levels among patients with COPD.

Method
A total of 100 stable patients with COPD above 40 years of age from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine were included. TIgE and Af sp IgE levels were detected using VIDAS total IgE assay and M3 ImmunoCap with Phadia 100 respectively. The subjects were grouped into three (TIgE &lt;500 IU/l, 500-1000 IU/l, and &gt;1000 IU/l) based on the TIgE values. They were also categorized based on Af sp IgE levels as sensitization likely (AS ≥0.35 kUA/l), sensitization indeterminate (AI 0.1-0.35 kUA/l), and sensitization unlikely (AU ≤0.1 kUA/l). This categorization was based on the kit manufacturer's guidelines that sensitization is unlikely with specific IgE &lt;0.1 kUA/l and the proposed ISHAM ABPA working group criteria of &gt;0.35 kUA/l for diagnosis of sensitization. A comparison of Asf sp IgE with TIgE was done using the Fischer exact test.

Result
Among 100 patients, the prevalence of elevated TIgE [&gt;150 IU/l (kit cutoff)] and Aspergillus sensitization [Af Sp IgE &gt;0.35kUA/l (ISHAM cutoff)] was 47% and 6%, respectively. A total of 5% of subjects satisfied the criteria for serological ABPA. The results of the comparison of Asf sp IgE with total IgE using the Fischer exact test are given in Table 1.
AS category: TIgE was &gt;1000 IU/l in 5 (83.3%) of the 6 subjects. One (16.7%) had between 500-1000 IU/l. None of them had TIgE &lt;500IU/l. Aspergillus sensitization was higher in 3/5 subjects with TIgE &gt;1000 IU/ml (Asf sp IgE values of 2.55KUA/l, 12KUA/l, 14KUA/l, 0.38KUA/l, and 0.45KUA/l) compared with the one subject with TIgE &lt;1000IU/l (Asf sp IgE of 0.73KUA/l). The clinical characteristics of subjects in the AS category is given in Table 2.
AI category: A total of 7 (50%) of the 14 subjects had the TIgE value &gt;1000 IU/l, 5 (35.7%) had the TIgE between 500-1000 IU/l, and 2 subjects had the TIgE &lt;500 IU/l.
AU category: In all, 1 (1.25%) had the TIgE value &gt;1000 IU/l, 5 (6.25%) had the TIgE between 500-1000 IU/l. TIgE was &lt;500 IU/l in 74 (92.5%) subjects.

Conclusion
The study results suggest the co-existence of COPD and Aspergillus sensitization/ABPA. Patients in the AI group (Af sp IgE level 0.1-0.35 kUA/l) must be evaluated and monitored to prevent the progression of the disease. Studies involving a larger patient population are warranted.
P416 Efficient and accurate diagnosis of otomycosis using an ensemble deep learning model
Authors: Chenggang Mao , Aimin Li , Juehui Wang , Yi Sun , Dan Peng 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Otomycosis accounts for ˃15% of the cases with external otitis worldwide. And otomycosis is more frequently observed in humid regions and people enjoying the culture of ear cleaning in China. Aspergillus and Candida are the major pathogens that could cause long-term infection. Early endoscopic and microbiological examinations are important for appropriate medical treatment to otomycosis. However, accurate diagnosis always needs experts such as otologist and microbiologist. Deep learning model is a novel efficient method to provide quick diagnosis which is an automatically diagnostic program using a large database of images acquired in the cliniC. This paper puts forward a mechanic learning model to address the diagnosis of otomycosis caused by Aspergillus and Candida accurately and quickly.

Methods
We proposed a computer-aided decision system that is based on a deep learning model consisting of two subsystems, a java-based web application, and picture classification. The web application subsystem mainly provides a user-friendly page for collecting consulted pictures as well as displaying the calculation results. The picture classification subsystem mainly uses trained neural network models for end-to-end data inference. The end user only needs to upload a few pictures of the ear endoscope, and the system will return the classification results to the user in the form of category probability value.
In order to accurately diagnose otomycosis, we generally kept endoscopic images and took the secretion for fungal culture for further identification. Positive fluorescence fungal staining, culture, and further DNA sequencing were taken to confirm the pathogens, Aspergillus or Candida sp. In addition, impacted cerumen, external otitis, and normal external auditory canal endoscopic images are retained for reference. We merged these four types of images into an endoscopic images gallery.

Results
In order to achieve better accuracy and generalization ability after model training, we selected 2750 samples from nearly 4000 ear endoscopic images as training samples and 454 as validation samples. On the selection of deep neural network models, we tested the resnet, senet, and efficientnet neural network models with different numbers of layers. Considering the accuracy and operation speed, we finally chose the efficientnet-b6 model and output the probability values of the four categories of otomycosis, external otitis, impacted cerumen, and normal cases. After multiple iterative sample training, the overall validation sample accuracy reached 94.71%, and the average cross-validation accuracy of the 4 classifications reached 94.3%.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the system can be used as a reference for general practitioners to make better decisions in the diagnosis of otomycosis.