bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P032 Efficacy of novel azole compounds (ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2) against Candida albicans in a murine model of invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Badali Hamid , Fakhim Hamed , Vaezi Afsane , Emami Saeed , Nasiry Davood , Hashemi Seyedeh Mahdieh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives
Candida albicans is the most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. However, limited therapeutic approaches against invasive candidiasis are available. The rise in antifungal resistance highlights the urgent need to develop new therapeutic options and novel treatment strategies to combat later infections. A novel compound Aryl-1, 2, 4-triazol-3- ylthio, fluconazole alcohol-derived analogs (ATTAFs), has newly developed with potent in vitro activity against Candida species, including fluconazole-resistant isolates. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the in vivo effectiveness in a murine model of invasive candidiasis due to C. albicans.

Methods
Treatment with ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 significantly increased the survival of infected mice compared to the control group (5% DMSO plus inoculum).

Results
The antifungal action of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 and their median survival time provided no evidence of a difference versus fluconazole. Although there was an obvious fungal load (mean log CFU/g of tissue) decrease by ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 in the kidney, spleen, and liver of the treated mice in comparison with the control group and not similar to each other in regard of the dose, fluconazole showed a significant decrease in the number of fungal loads, similar to the group treated with ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2. Nevertheless, the results of this study indicate that the use of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 as a therapeutic agent can exert significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal effects against C. albicans, increasing animal survival and significantly decreasing fungal loads.

Conclusion
Although we have identified two new compounds, ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2, as novel promising Candidates for the treatment of Candida infection, more studies of ATTAF-1 and ATTAF-2 activity and their action mechanisms in animal models are warranted to enhance our understanding and establish their efficacy.
P036 Epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility profile of infections caused by Fusarium species
Authors: Capoor Malini R , Kashyap Sanchi , Gupta Ankit , Ramesh V 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Aim
This study was performed to evaluate the clinical, epidemiological, and antifungal susceptibility profile of Fusarium species from clinical cases.

Methods
This study was conducted over a period of 14 years in a tertiary hospital in North India, 84 clinical isolates of Fusarium species isolated from various clinical samples like corneal scrapings, nail, tissue, and blood. The isolates were characterized phenotypically, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method as per document CLSI M38-A3.

Results
On phenotypic identification, 69.04% were Fusarium solani sensu stricto, followed by Fusarium oxysporum (22.61%), Fusarium dimerum (8.33%) and Fusarium incarnatum (1.19%). The infection spectrum of Fusarium spp. was onychomycosis (54.76%), keratomycosis (19.04%), fusariosis (15.47%), white grain mycetoma (3.57%), burn wound infection (3.57%), hyalohyphomycosis (3.57%). In all 92.85% isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B (0.125-1 μg/ml). For voriconazole, 70.23% strains had MIC ranging between 0.5-1 μg/ml, while 29.76% had MIC &gt;4 μg/ml. High MICs were found to itraconazole (&gt;16 μg/ml), caspofungin (&gt;16 μg/ml) and fluconazole (&gt;64 μg/ml).

Conclusion
Fusarium solani is the most common species isolated. Fusarium spp. causes a broad spectrum of infections in humans including superficial, locally invasive, and disseminated infections. The clinical form of Fusarium species infections depends largely on the immune status of the host and the portal of entry of pathogen. Antifungal susceptibility testing is recommended owing to the variable susceptibility pattern of Fusarium spp. Large-scale studies are required to know the exact epidemiological, clinical factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns of Fusarium infections.
P043 Amphotericin B in pediatrics: analysis by age stratification suggests a greater chance of adverse events from 13-month of age onward
Authors: Cavassin Francelise Bridi , Baú-Carneiro João Luiz , de Araújo Motta Fabio , Ville Ana Paula Matzenbacher , Staszczak Leticia , de Queiroz-Telles Flavio 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Background
Deoxycholate amphotericin B (D-AMB) remains an antifungal of great therapeutic value in pediatrics. It is generally accepted that its use in neonates is safer than in older children. However, childhood presents different periods of development which deserves to be evaluated more precisely. Our goal was to assess the usage profile of D-AMB in stratified pediatric age groups, adapted according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) classification.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional observational study at a Brazilian tertiary children's hospital. Nonparametric tests were applied, such as the chi-square test to compare proportions and Fisher's exact test to assess the association between categorical variables or in contingency tables.

Results
A total of 127 medical records were stratified as preterm neonatal (birth &lt;37 weeks postmenstrual age), term neonatal (birth 27 days), infants (28 days-12 months), toddler (13 months-2 years), early childhood (3-5 years), middle childhood (6-11 years) and early adolescence (12-18 years). Very few acute infusion-related side effects were observed during administration of D-AMB in pediatrics. We found an unfavorable impact of D-AMB from 13 months onward, suggesting this group as a turning point for a greater chance of adverse events, and not soon after the neonatal period as is conventionally known (Fig. 1).

Conclusions
Clinical or observational studies based on age stratification are essential to precisely elucidate whether drugs with toxicity potential can be used safely in the pediatric population. Searching for a turning point has been shown to contribute to the accuracy of the study, while providing more substantial information on the impact of D-AMB on different pediatric age groups.
P045 The association of performance of air pollutants on Candida drug resistance
Authors: Ghazanfari Sahar , mohammadi Shahla Roudbar , Rezaei Sasan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objective
Therapeutic methods are very important in the prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections, which are among the main causes of human diseases. In this study, air pollution agents that are in direct contact with microorganisms and as a carbon source using CO2 and MTBE and their effects on aspects such as growth and particularly the evaluation of changes in the expression of interfering genes in susceptibility and drug resistance in these fungi were investigated.

Materials and Methods
Collecting samples and isolating Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) with phenotypic methods were accomplished. In this way, evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with M27A4 protocol of CLSI was done. Adjusting to sensitive strains from the MIC test, which included 20 C. albicans and 10 C. glabrata which were sensitive to fluconazole and itraconazole drugs with 5% CO2 and 5 mg/ml MTBE interfering agents that are considered as air pollutants and also re-evaluating MIC testing to separate strains resistant to azole drug were accomplished.

Results
Up-regulation of some genes on two mentioned yeast had led to drug resistance in them, which were previously sensitive to both drugs. Correspondingly, 41% of C. glabrata samples in sputum showed sensitivity to these drugs. Up-regulation of ERG11(71%) and EPA1 (90%) were observed in resistant strains. Up regulation of genes associated with aspartate proteins and down regulation of SAP3 genes were recognized in C. glabrata in sputum and a 15% down-regulation of BAL isolate and 50% up-regulation of SAP1 gene in C. albicans sensitive samples were observed and compared with fluconazole and itraconazole with oral and joint source. Remarkably, decreased SAP2 expression in oral sources and 60% increase in resistant strains in C. albicans was observed. The down-regulation of SAP3 expression showed in the joint samples. An increase in HWP1expression (30%) was noted in isolated and drug-sensitive samples at the sputum and BAL source. CDR1 expression was increased in MTBE-affected species however, it decreased in the vicinity of CT.

Conclusion
Air pollutants such as CO2 and MTBE eventually caused drug resistance in Candida, which can be one of the causes of drug resistance in candidiasis infections.
P226 Malassezia hyphae play possible roles in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Li Juanjuan , Shi Leyao , Shi Dongmei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Background
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss that seriously affects the appearance and psychology of patients. Some studies show that Malassezia seems to participate in the development of AGA, but there is still debate on this because of absent hyphae in the alopecia area. Interestingly, M. hyphae were found in scalp alopecia area of AGA patients. Thus, we speculate that the hyphae form of Malassezia may be not causal in AGA patients, and the M. hyphae may play a possible role in AGA.

Objective
The present study aims to elucidate the correlation of M. mycelia with hair loss in AGA patients and compare the species distribution of Malassezia in scalp between AGA patients and healthy individuals.

Methods
We sampled scales from scalp alopecia area from the patients diagnosed with AGA. The specimen was stained with calcofluor white staining (CFW) and observed for Malassezia structure under light microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. In the meanwhile, the scales were used for DNA direct extraction and sequencing. The other part of the specimen was inoculated onto Modified Dixon agar and culture at 37°C for 7 days. The isolates were identified by morphological and molecular sequencing (ITS1 and ITS4).

Results
The fungal load of Malassezia was significantly increased and short club-shaped mycelia exist in AGA patients, accounting for 48.89%, The fungal load was positively correlated with the skin inflammation of the hair loss area. The skin inflammation on the hair loss scalp was relieved after the treatment with antifungal agents, accompanying the disappearance of M. hyphae and decreasing of fungal load. There is no difference in species distribution of Malassezia in both AGA patients and healthy individuals. M. globosa and M. restricta are the two most common species isolated from the hair loss area.

Conclusion
Malassezia mycelia exist in patients with mild to moderate AGA, accounting for a certain percentage. The hair loss stopped accompanied with the disappearance of M. hyphae and decreasing of fungal burden. Our data suggest that the presence of M. hyphae may contribute to the pathogenesis of AGA.
P299 A clinicomycological study of suspected mucormycosis in post-COVID patients attending a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Tak Kiran , Rastogi Vijaylatha , Verma Pushpanjali , Gehlot Vikas , Gupta Mansi , Rawat Digvijay , Prajapati Shailja , Parihar Geeta 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objective
To study the fungal etiology, clinical, and epidemiological profile of suspected mucormycosis in post-COVID patients.

Methods
A prospective observational study was undertaken over a period of 10 months from March to December 2021. A total of 175 biopsy samples were collected from 150 suspected cases of post-COVID mucormycosis patients in sterile normal saline at the ENT department and received in the department of microbiology. MRI of brain, orbital, and paranasal sinus was done in all patients.
Tissue specimens were examined by direct KOH mount and cultures were inoculated on SDA with chloramphenicol and incubated at 22°C and 37°C for a minimum of 3-5 days and up to 4 weeks before declaring negative. The cultures were identified based on standard mycological protocols.

Results
The prevalence of mucormycosis laboratory confirmed was found to be 42.66%. Out of 150 patients, 47 were KOH positive while 33 were culture positive. The most common isolate was Rhizopus arrhizus (84.85%) followed by R.microsporus var. rhizopodiformis (9.09%), Rhizomucor pusillus (3.03%), and Saksenaea vasiformis (3.03%).
Rhino-orbital-cerebral mycormycosis was the most common clinical form (33 cases). Diabetes mellitus was the most common predisposing factor n = 112 (74.66%). Many patients had multiple symptoms like periorbital swelling (52%), headache (44.7%), fever (41.3%), loss of vision (16%), facial swelling (27.3%), and nasal pain (8.7%). Invasive fungal sinusitis was seen in MRI in 116 (77.33%) cases.
Tissue debridement was done in all positive patients along with treatment with liposomal amphotericin B (1.5-5.0 mg/kg/d) and then switched over to oral posaconazole 300 mg BD on the first day then 300 mg OD for several weeks. Inspite of rigorous treatment in 4.6% cases the prognosis was not good resulting in mortality. Also, in 40% of the patients who recovered, long-term morbidity related to vision was observed.

Conclusion
Present study determined the fungal etiology of post covid mucormycosis with R. arrhizus being the most common cause in our region compared to other studies from India. The identification of risk factors, clinical features, and laboratory findings helped in early diagnosis, leading to prompt treatment, and favorable outcomes. With diabetes mellitus being the most common predisposing factor seen, it is suggested that a holistic approach to prevent, revert and treat this condition needs to be strengthened.
P343 Novel hydrophobic binding surface proteins are instrumental for phagocytosis of Lichtheimia corymbifera by macrophages
Authors: Hassan Mohamed Abdelwahab , España Jaime David Acosta , Hea-Reung Park , Schwartze Volker U. , Schäuble Sascha , Krüger Thomas , Kniemeyer Olaf , Brakhage Axel A. , Voigt Kerstin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Objectives

Methods
Two strains of L. corymbifera (JMRC: FSU: 09682 and JMRC: FSU: 10164) were used in this study. For phagocytosis assay, the spores were labeled with 0.1 mg/ml Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) (Sigma Aldrich Chemie) in 0.1 M Na2CO3 for 30 min 146 at 30°C. Murine alveolar macrophages MH-S (ATCC:CRL-2019) were cultivated in RPMI-1640 (Sigma, 30-2001) supplemented.
Identification of the surface proteins of L. corymbifera was carried out as described before with minor modification.1 The supernatants were stored at −80°C for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Secreted proteins of L. corymbifera were determined as described in a previous study with minor modification2.
The raw files generated by the LC-MS/MS were further processed by the software Proteome Discoverer v1.4.0.288 (Thermo). Tandem mass spectra were searched against the NCBI L. corymbifera protein database.3 Approximately 10 000 MH-S cells were cultivated onto 96-well microplates (NUNC 163320) in 100 μL RPMI-1640 medium (Sigma, 30-2001). Images were acquired by the Zeiss Axio Observer 7 Spinning Disk Confocal Microscope (ZEISS, Jena, Germany) and processed with ZEN 2.1 Software (ZEISS) by 63x objective lens.

Results
Abundant surface proteins were found which serve as Candidates for secretome analysis. A total of 113 proteins were identified. Thirty proteins were confirmed to be on the spore surface based on the presence of signal peptides3. The following proteins were predominantly identified: Spore coat protein (CotH), hydrophobic surface binding protein A (HsbA), aconitase, ricin-like lectin, two transition elongation factors, multi-copper oxidase, heat shock protein 70 family (Hsp70), malate synthase, putative allergen Candidates, etc.
These proteins were heterologsly overexpressed in yeast. Successful overexpression was confirmed by LC-MS/MS. The yeast mutants were subjected to phagocytosis assays (Fig. 1). The role of surface proteins in macrophages is discussed.

Conclusion
The surface proteins are instrumental for recognition of L. corymbifera by macrophages and for intracellular survival in macrophages. The role of surface proteins is discussed in the light of evolution from environmental to human pathogenic fungus.

Sources
P404 Biofilm formation by Cryptococcus species isolated from Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Authors: Ningthoujam Priyolakshmi , Sawian Robertson , Khuraijam Ranjana Devi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Introduction
Cases of Cryptococcal meningitis have increased exponentially in the last 30 years due to the advent of AIDS, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, and chemotherapeutic agents. Among HIV-infected patients’ relapse is seen often. The ability of Cryptococcus to form biofilm may influence the clinical outcome of patients though poor adherence to ART and/or anti-fungal therapy is a known factor for relapse.

Methods
During a period of 2 years and 8 months (August 2019 to March 2022), 11 Cryptococcus sps. were isolated from 59 cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) collected from patients clinically suspected of meningitis. Samples were examined and processed by direct microscopy and fungal culture. Identification of cryptococcal isolates was carried out by conventional method and by using an automated VITEK-2 (Biomerieux) identification system. Biofilm production was estimated by XTT reduction assay. Statistical analysis was done in SPSS version 21 (IBM) and Fischer's exact was used to find an association between biofilm formation and relapse.

Results
Out of 11 Cryptococcus isolated 10 were identified as C. neoformans and one was C. gattii. Three HIV-infected patients had recurrent cryptococcal meningitis. A total of 6 (42.8%) cases reported non-adherence to ART and/or anti-fungal therapy. Biofilm was detected in 3 isolates one of which was from a patient with re-current cryptococcal meningitis but the association is not statistically significant.

Discussion
Non-adherence to HAART among HIV patients is known to increase the rate of hospitalization and mortality. Recurrence of cryptococcal meningitis has been thought to be due to drug resistance. But Illnait-zaragozí MT et al. based on STR typing technique, concluded that recurrence was due to co-infection with different strains or strains genetically modified during the long maintenance therapy. Biofilms produced by bacteria as well as fungus have been associated with more stubborn, recurrent, and persistent infections, especially among the immunocompromised population. Although biofilm production was detected in only one out of 3 isolates from recurrent cryptococcal meningitis, it may be a contributing factor along with non-adherence to treatment.

Conclusion
Non-adherence to ART and/or antifungal therapy is an important cause of relapse of cryptococcal meningitis. Biofilm production may be responsible for recurrence, especially among non-adherent patients. Further studies with a larger sample size may shed more light on the association between biofilm formation and recurrence.
P491 Scedosporium Apiospermum brain abscess in an immunocompetent host: Rare case from Southern India
Authors: Joshi Divya , Sridharan Sowmya , Gopalakrishnan Ram 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Objectives/Introduction
Scedosporium apiospermum is a filamentous fungus that causes a broad spectrum of diseases in an immunocompromised host involving the lungs, skin, bones, eyes, joints, and the central nervous system. It is a rare cause of fungal brain abscess, more so in an immunocompetent individual. Here, we report a case of brain abscess in an immunocompetent host caused by S. apiospermum.

Methods
A 78-year-old retired railway officer from Chennai, presented to our hospital on May 4, 2022, with a 3-month history of weakness, gait instability followed by difficulty in walking, and left hemiparesis. In all, 20 days before the presentation, he had an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure with worsening of his neurological state resulting in bed-bound status. His medical history included Pemphigus vulgaris for which he was on topical treatment, well-controlled diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease.
He underwent an MRI brain which revealed a T2 heterointense intra-axial right parietal lesion with significant perilesional edema. A provisional diagnosis of a cerebral abscess and malignancy was entertained. He was subjected to craniotomy and the surgical findings were consistent with a brain abscess and the pus was evacuated and sent for microbiological analysis. The pus fungal stain was consistent with septate hyphae and the cultures grew S. apiospermum. The histopathological findings were also consistent with a brain abscess caused by septate fungi (Aspergillus like fungi).

Results/Treatment
He was started on Liposomal Amphotericin B 5 mg/kg dose IV OD and injectable voriconazole. There was an initial clinical improvement with respect to sensorium and neurological status. He subsequently developed bradycardia with worsening sensorium to which he finally succumbed.

Conclusion
Scedosporium apiospermum is an asexual form of Pseudoallescheria boydii, a fungus found in soil, contaminated water, and sewage. It is a rare cause of brain abscess in immunocompromised individuals. Near drowning or trauma may be the causative factors for immunocompetent individuals. Our patient was a well-controlled diabetic host with no apparent immunosuppression.
Scedosporium apiospermum is diagnosed on the basis of culture and microbiological examination. Due to the similarities in the clinical and histopathological presentation of Scedosporium with other similar fungi, culture becomes the gold standard tool for diagnosis.
Treatment includes surgical drainage of the abscess along with intravenous voriconazole for at least 8-12 weeks. The prognosis depends upon the immune status, surgical intervention, and medical antifungal therapy.