bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P445 Clinical evaluation of the performance of the most commonly used eumycetoma diagnostic tests using sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer region as the golden standard
Authors: Siddig Emmanuel , Nyuykonge Bertrand , Mhmoud Najwa , Abdallah Omnia , Bahar Mustafa , Ahmed Eiman , Nyaoke Borna , Zijlstra Eduard , Verbon Annelies , Bakhiet Sahar , Fahal Ahmed , van de Sande Wendy 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Objective
Mycetoma is a neglected tropical skin disease, caused by 70 different causative agents. For most of the causative agents, molecular identification is the only reliable method to identify the species level. In practice, ultrasound, histopathology, culturing, and species-specific PCRs are most commonly used for species identification. However, the performance of these different tests was not validated using molecular identification by sequencing barcoding genes.

Methods
In this study, we validated the performance of the most commonly used diagnostic tools including culture, histopathology, Ultrasound and two species-specific PCR for Madurella mycetomatis on 222 patients suspected of fungal mycetoma by M. mycetomatis; the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each method was calculated.

Results
From the 222 patients, 154 (69.3%) were correctly identified by ultrasound, histology, culture, and both species-specific PCRs. For five patients all tests were negative and for three only the ultrasound was indicative of mycetoma. For the other 60 patients, at least one of the assays was negative for M. mycetomatis. The two species-specific PCRs were the most sensitive and specific, followed by culture and histology. Ultrasound was the least specific as it only allows to differentiate between actinomycetoma and eumycetoma. However, with ultrasound, an identification could be obtained in 9.38 min. PCR took 3.76 h, histology 8.5 days, and culturing 21 days.

Conclusion
We concluded that PCR directly on DNA isolated from grains is the most rapid and reliable diagnostic tool to identify M. mycetomatis from eumycetoma grains to use species-specific PCRs. In order to shorten the time to identification of other causative agents, the focus should be on developing more molecular assays for those species.
P457 Clinical correlation of beta galactomannan with culture and patient outcome in a tertiary care center in south india
Authors: K. Vichitra , Kindo Anupma 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Background
Invasive aspergillosis has increased in the last decade. They mainly occur in neutropenic patients (following anticancer treatment) and in patients treated with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. The galactomannan antigen in serum appears to be a serological method able to aid in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis also the antigen detection in bronchoalveolar lavage has proven to be advantageous for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.

Objectives

Methods
A total of 175 samples were collected from patients suspected to have fungal infections from the period of January 2018 to March 2022 from a tertiary care center in South India. The galactomannan assay and culture were done for these samples. Data of age, sex, gender, diagnosis, underlying conditions, antifungal treatment, and outcomes were collected.

Results
Out of 175 samples collected from patients suspected with Aspergillosis, 120 were males and 55 were females (7 were repeat samples).
The major underlying conditions were diabetes and hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and Hematopoetic malignancy such as B Cell lymphomas, ALL, and AML (Fig. 1).

Conclusion
Galactomannan alone cannot be taken as a diagnostic marker. Clinical correlation, radiologic findings, as well as underlying risk factors play a major role for decision on the initiation of empiric treatment.
P465 Aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins
Authors: Trápaga Mariana , Melo Aryse Martins , Poester Vanice , Canabarro Paula Lima , Silva Andrine , Estima Sérgio , Frere Esteban , Xavier Melissa Orzechowski 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal disease caused by the Aspergillus genus, mostly by Aspergillus section Fumigati. Captive Magellanic penguins are vulnerable to Aspergillus infection, being this mycosis a limiting factor during the process of rehabilitation with a mortality rate of around 50%.

Objectives
Giving the scarce data regarding the occurrence of aspergillosis in non-captive penguins, we aimed to evaluate the proportional mortality by aspergillosis in free-ranging Magellanic penguins during their migration and reproductive season.

Methods
Carcasses of Magellanic penguins were collected from the Southern coast of Brazil between June 2017 and October 2019 between Barra do Chui beach (Southern RS, Brazil - 33°44'19.9‘S 53°21'56.3’W) and the isthmus with the Lagoa do Peixe (Southern RS, Brazil - 31°26' S, 51°10' W 31°14'S, 50°54'W). In addition, in January 2019, penguins found dead in the reproducing colony in four islands localized in Puerto Deseado City (Santa Cruz, Patagonian, Argentina - 47°45′00″S 65°55′00″W) were collected. All animals were necropsied, and macroscopic alterations were observed. Samples of macroscopic lesions and/or respiratory systems were collected for histopathology and mycological culture. Only proven aspergillosis cases, defined by suggestive lesions at necropsy, associated with hyaline, septate, and 45° branched hyphae in histopathological slides and isolation of Aspergillus sp. in the culture were computed. Fungal isolates were identified by molecular techniques.

Results
A total of 98 Magellanic penguins were included in our study, being 80 recovered on the Southern RS beach, and 18 from the Patagonian colony. Two penguins collected in Southern Brazil were diagnosed with aspergillosis, both juveniles, one showing nodules in the lung parenchyma, and the other nodules and fungal colonies at the lung and air sac, resulting in a proportionate mortality rate of 2.5%. Both isolates were identified as A. fumigatus sensu stricto. Regarding the carcasses collected from the reproductive colony (Patagonian islands), no penguin had anatomopathological or mycological evidence of aspergillosis.

Conclusion
Given the already known importance of aspergillosis in seabirds undergoing rehabilitation, these data suggest that penguins may already arrive in these centers infected by Aspergillus spp. The absence of aspergillosis cases in the reproductive period could be attributed to the low number of carcasses included. Our study is an initial step to demonstrate aspergillosis as one of the causes of mortality also in free-living penguins, especially during the migration process, instigating more studies, in other routes of migration, as well as in reproductive colonies.
P467 Aspergillosis in Humboldt penguins — susceptibility patterns of clinical and environmental isolates from a Belgian zoo, 2018-2022
Authors: Debergh Hanne , Goens Karine , Vercammen Francis , Saegerman Claude , Packeu Ann 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Objectives
Avian aspergillosis causes a heavy burden on birds in captivity, such as Humboldt penguins. In recent years the colony of a Belgian zoo has experienced very high mortality rates and the zoo has already taken several measures to lower the burden. This study was set up to see if the penguins acquire A. fumigatus via the environment and if so, if additional measures can be taken to limit the incidence.

Methods
A total of 29 clinical strains collected from 2018 to 2022 were included in the study. From April 2021 until January 2022, four samplings have been performed, accounting for every season. A combination of sand, water, nest swabs, and air was analyzed for the presence of (azole-resistant) A. fumigatus. In brief, air samples were collected at fixed locations in the penguin enclosure by impacting 1000 L on an agar plate [malt + chloramphenicol (MC) and MC + tebuconazole (MC + T)]. A total of 100 mL water was collected and 50 mL water was filtered through a 0.22 μm filter and placed on an MC plate, and repeated with the other 50 ml on MC + T. A total of 9 ml 0.1% Tween 20 + 0.85% NaCl was added to 1 g of sand and vortexed for 1 min. Both MC and MC + T plates were incubated with 100 μL of this suspension. All plates were incubated at 48°C ± 1°C for 48 h. The phenotypical resistance pattern of all clinical isolates was determined using the EUCAST method.

Results
The phenotypical resistance pattern showed resistance in 7 isolates (24%) with 5 of them showing resistance to posaconazole, one was resistant against voriconazole, isavuconazole, and posaconazole, and 1 showing pan-resistance. No A. fumigatus colonies could be detected from water samples, nor from the sand. One A. fumigatus isolate was retrieved from the nest swabs. In total 64 A. fumigatus colonies were isolated from air samples collected on MC + T medium. All have been subjected to EUCAST microbroth dilution determination and 4 resistant isolates could be detected (all had a MIC value for posaconazole of 0.5 μg/ml and one strain showed additional resistance against isavuconazole with a MIC of 4 μg/ml. Cyp51a sequencing of all resistant strains is ongoing and will give more insight in the molecular mechanisms involved to investigate the potential link with the environment.

Conclusion
This study showed high resistance rates in the clinical isolates. Four resistant isolates were found in environmental air samples. Sequencing of the cyp51A gene will give more information on a possible relation between the resistance mechanisms found in the clinical and the environmental isolates. More research should be done to investigate the origin of the resistant isolates in the environment.
P468 Aspergillosis in a colony of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) under managed care: a clinical and environmental investigation in a French zoological park
Authors: Perraud-Cateau Estelle , Leclerc Antoine , Cartier Noémie , Valsechi Isabel , Bailly Eric , Senechal Ronan Le , Becerra Margaux , Gallou Brice Le , Lavergne Rose-Anne , Chesnay Adélaïde , Robin Jean-Patrice , Cray Carolyn , Goddard Nicolas , Thorel Milan , Guillot Jacques , Mulot Baptiste , Desoubeaux Guillaume 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Objectives
Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection due to Aspergillus spp., and primarily A. fumigatus. The disease is pervasive in avian populations, especially those under managed care. The incidence and the management of avian aspergillosis can be critically impacted by exposure to high levels of spores via environmental contamination and by strains resistant to azole drugs. The present study aimed at assessing the impact of environmental contamination on the clinical incidence of aspergillosis in penguins managed under human care. ZooParc de Beauval was chosen for the investigations, because this zoological facility hosts a large colony of Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and it is geographically located in the rural countryside of the Loir-et-Cher district, France, surrounded by numerous large crop fields

Material and methods
The fungal contamination in the environment was assessed through three serial sessions of surface sampling in bird nests: all isolates were counted, identified by DNA sequencing, and then systematically screened for resistance mutations and MICs (minimal inhibitory concentrations) elevation for the A. fumigatus strains. In addition, the clinical incidence of aspergillosis was evaluated in the penguin population over a 3-year period. A microsatellite-based analysis tracked A. fumigatus isolates circulation.

Results
Environmental investigations highlighted a substantial increase in the fungal load during the Autumn season (&gt;12-fold vs. the other timepoints) and a large overrepresentation of species belonging to the Aspergillus section Fumigati (ranging from 22.7 to 94.6%) (Fig. 1). Only one cryptic species (A. nishimurae) and one isolate exhibiting resistance mutation (G138S in the cyp51A gene; MIC itraconazole &gt;4 μg/ml) were detected. The overall incidence of aspergillosis was measured at ∼3.4% case-years and was observed mostly in juvenile penguins (Fig. 1). The analysis of microsatellite polymorphism revealed a high level of genetic diversity among A. fumigatus isolates, except for one strain that was largely over-represented during the Autumn sampling session. A limited number of isolate genotypes was collected from clinical cases and from the environment.

Conclusions
Fungal environmental contamination and incidence of aspergillosis in penguins appeared variable depending on seasons, but the rural location of the penguin habitat did not seem to influence the emergence of resistant strains.
P471 Feline sporotrichosis outcome and its impact in public health in Southern Brazil
Authors: Esperon Bruna , Poester Vanice , Munhoz Lívia , Trápaga Mariana , Sanchotene Karine , Benelli Jéssica , Klafke Gabriel , Xavier Melissa 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Sporotrichosis due to Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging and neglected disease in Brazil. Domestic cats are susceptible to a severe presentation of this mycosis, carrying a high fungal load in their lesions. They frequently infect other animals and even humans by scratches and/or bites. Thus, the correct management and treatment of feline sporotrichosis are crucial aspects of the control of the disease in a population.

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the management and outcome of feline sporotrichosis cases in a hyperendemic city in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state).

Methods
Database from the Mycology Laboratory (LabMyco) of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FaMed–FURG) was consulted to gather data from all proven feline sporotrichosis cases (confirmed by mycological culture), between January 2019 and December 2021. It was included in this study in all cases in which the phone number of the cat owners was available. All of them were contacted and invited for an interview by quick and short questions regarding the management and the outcome of their cats with sporotrichosis. Disagreement to participate, and change/incorrect phone number contacted were used as exclusion criteria.

Results
During the 3-year period studied a total of 62 owners, from 165 felines diagnosed with sporotrichosis in the LabMyco, had a phone number available. A total of 35 owners were excluded, totalizing 27 participants in this study. More than half (51.8%; n = 14) reported returning only once to the veterinarian to clinical accomplishment, 48.1% (n = 13) of them do not use personal protective equipment to handle the infected animal, 44.4% (n = 12) highlighted the difficulty in daily administering drugs to the cat and only 18.5% (n = 5) affirmed to had isolated the infected animal during the treatment. Two animals (7.4%) with advanced signs of disseminate sporotrichosis died before starting treatment, and the others received itraconazole and/or potassium iodide as the drug of choice. Clinical cure was achieved in 40% of the cats treated (10/25), 28% (7/25) evolved to death, 16% (4/25) are still in treatment due to new lesions (recidive), and the other four animals were abandoned in the streets. In addition, zoonotic transmission occurred in three (11.1%) owners, which developed lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis after a scratch or bite by the infected cat.

Conclusion
Sporotrichosis in Southern Brazil is a public health threat, in view of this, our study shows the urgent necessity of government strategies and interventions that promote health education and implement a service to attend, and provide treatment accomplishment to feline sporotrichosis in view of control the current hyperendemic of this mycosis.
P472 The mechanism of action of antifungal activity of Zanthoxylum armatum fruit's oil against Candida cells does not involve ROS generation
Authors: Pasrija Ritu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Objective
To explore the antifungal activity of Zanthoxylum armatum fruit's oil against different Candida species and its mechanism of action.

Methods
The Z. armatum fruit's oil activity was assessed against C. albicans, C. krusei, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. guilliermondii through different drug susceptibility assays including, MIC, agar diffusion and spot assay. The mechanism of action was explored through sterol analysis, germ tube inhibition, epithelial cells adherence, and ROS generation.

Results
The oil from the fruits of Z. armatum was subjected to GC-MS analysis, and linalool (72%) was found as the major component. The drug susceptibility measured through different methods, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), where end-point was 3% v/v for different species tested, and the same pattern was observed in agar diffusion and spot assay. The antifungal activity was found to be fungicidal in nature and the major reason appeared to be the reduction in ergosterol levels inside cells. It resulted in lowered germ tube formation, an important indicator in virulence of C. albicans. The oil reduced adherence of Candida cells to buccal epithelium significantly, which is the first step in invasion, biofilm formation, and damage to oral epithelial cells. Interestingly, unlike most antifungals, where reactive oxygen species generation mediated killing is involved, was not found significant in the present study.

Conclusions
The Z. armatum fruits oil exerts its antifungal activity by inhibiting ergosterol formation and reduced germ tube formation.
P481 Antifungal vaccines: An alternative approach to combat multidrug resistance in the post-antibiotic era
Authors: Ahmad Aijaz 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Poster session 1, September 21, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Alexander Fleming's discovery of the antibiotic ‘Penicillin’ and many more has inspired after saving millions of lives and spared immeasurable suffering worldwide. However, he also warned about the consequences of abuse of antibiotics that could lead to the expiry of the golden age of antibiotics. Current decreasing effectiveness of antibiotics in general and antifungals in particular, evolution of new drug-resistant forms, and species and lack of commercial interests to develop new antifungals is a clear indication of a post-antibiotic era. There is an amplified warning for the pharmaceutical industries, academic and research institutions, and governments to invest the necessary resources to produce next-generation, safe and effective antifungal vaccines. Candida auris is one of the emerging pan-resistant pathogenic yeast among immunocompromised patients worldwide. Early diagnostics and vaccines are the best alternatives to handle this drug-resistant pathogen. Cell wall proteins are responsible for eliciting an immune response in the host and therefore, can be promising candidates for the development of therapeutic biomarkers and vaccines against C. auris.

Antifungal susceptibility profiling against standard antifungal drugs was performed using CLSI guidelines. The cell wall proteome was characterized by using LC-MS followed by bioinformatic and functional analyses. Furthermore, the protective effect of the cell wall-associated protein against C. auris infection was evaluated in BALB/c female mice.

A total of 60 proteins were predicted to be immunodominant. In vivo results demonstrated lowered fungal burden in target organs and increased survival in vaccinated mice as compared with the infection control group revealing the immunogenic property of cell wall-associated proteins.

This study validates the mass-spectrometry approach to identify antigenic proteins of C. auris and the potential of these proteins to serve as biomarkers for the development of diagnostic assays and/or vaccines against infections caused by C. auris.
P482 Burden of serious fungal infections in India
Authors: Ray Animesh , K Adarsh Aayilliath , Banerjee Sayantan , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Denning David W. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

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

Fungal disease is frequent in India but its incidence and prevalence are unclear. Literature searches yielded over 2900 papers; 434 papers with incidence/prevalence/proportion data were analyzed. Deterministic modeling allowed annual incident and prevalence estimates for multiple life and sight-threatening infections with significant morbidity. An estimated 55 916 148 of 1 393 400 000 people in India (4.01/100 000) suffer from a serious fungal disease. The prevalence (in millions) of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is 24.3, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is 2.0, tinea capitis in school-age children is 25, severe asthma with fungal sensitization of 1.36, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis of 1.75 and chronic fungal rhinosinusitis of 1.52. The annual incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia (58 400), invasive aspergillosis (250 900), mucormycosis (195 000), esophageal candidiasis in HIV (266 600), candidemia (18 800), fungal keratitis (1 017 100) and cryptococcal meningitis (11 300) were also determined. Histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, mycetoma, and chromoblastomycosis are less frequent. India's fungal burden is high and under-appreciated in clinical practice.
See Figures below.