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Shawn R Lockhart - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Timing the Origin of Cryptococcus gattii sensu stricto, Southeastern United States.
    Emerging infectious diseases, 2018
    Co-Authors: Shawn R Lockhart, Chandler C. Roe, David M. Engelthaler
    Abstract:

    We conducted molecular clock analysis of whole-genome sequences from a set of autochthonous isolates of Cryptococcus gattii sensu stricto from the southeastern United States. Our analysis indicates that C. gattii arrived in the southeastern United States approximately 9,000-19,000 years ago, long before its arrival in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Whole-Genome Analysis of Cryptococcus gattii, Southeastern United States
    Emerging infectious diseases, 2016
    Co-Authors: Shawn R Lockhart, Chandler C. Roe, David M. Engelthaler
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcus gattii is a recognized pathogenic fungus along the Pacific coast of the United States from California to Washington. Here we report that C. gattii may also be endemic to the southeastern United States and has probably been present there longer than in the Pacific Northwest.

  • Isolation of Cryptococcus gattii from Oregon soil and tree bark, 2010–2011
    BMC microbiology, 2014
    Co-Authors: Emilio Debess, Shawn R Lockhart, Naureen Iqbal, Paul R. Cieslak
    Abstract:

    Background In Oregon, human and animal infections by C. gattii were first identified in 2004. Cryptococcus gattii is considered to be an emerging non-zoonotic infection affecting animals and humans in Oregon. We report a longitudinal environmental isolation of C. gattii after an Oregon dog was diagnosed with the disease in 2009.

  • Management of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis
    The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Carlos Franco-paredes, Shawn R Lockhart, Brenda Sellers, Allison L. Hays, Kalpesh Patel, Tanea Womack, Teri Bohlmeyer, Jairo Lizarazo, Wajid Siddiqui, Kieren A Marr
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. By inhalation and subsequent pulmonary infection, it may disseminate to the CNS and cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Most cases occur in immunosuppressed hosts, including patients with HIV/AIDS, patients receiving immunosuppressing drugs, and solid organ transplant recipients. However, cryptococcosis also occurs in individuals with apparently healthy immune systems. A growing number of cases are caused by C gattii, with infections occurring in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. In the majority of documented cases, treatment of C gattii infection of the CNS requires aggressive management of raised intracranial pressure along with standard antifungal therapy. Early cerebrospinal fluid evacuation is often needed through placement of a percutaneous lumbar drain or ventriculostomy. Furthermore, pharmacological immunosuppression with a high dose of dexamethasone is sometimes needed to ameliorate a persistently increased inflammatory response and to reduce intracranial pressure. In this Grand Round, we present the case of an otherwise healthy adolescent female patient, who, despite aggressive management, succumbed to C gattii meningoencephalitis. We also present a review of the existing literature and discuss optimum clinical management of meningoencephalitis caused by C gattii.

  • Cryptococcus gattii Infections and Virulence
    Current Fungal Infection Reports, 2014
    Co-Authors: Julie R. Harris, Eleni Galanis, Shawn R Lockhart
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcus gattii is an emerging fungal pathogen in many areas of the world. Since the start of an outbreak in North America in 1999, scientific interest in C. gattii has increased greatly. Much discussion has centered around the comparative virulence of C. gattii infections, both in relation to the related and more common C. neoformans infections and among the different molecular types and subtypes of C. gattii. We review current data and present outstanding questions that remain to be answered regarding C. gattii virulence.

David M. Engelthaler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Carlos Franco-paredes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Corticosteroids for Posttransplant Immune Reconstitution Syndrome in Cryptococcus gattii Meningoencephalitis: Case Report and Literature Review
    Open forum infectious diseases, 2019
    Co-Authors: Gregory S Canfield, Carlos Franco-paredes, Andrés F. Henao-martínez, Kristen Zhelnin, Michael L. Wilson, Katherine C Shihadeh, David L. Wyles, Edward M. Gardner
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcus gattii represents an emerging fungal pathogen of immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts in the United States. To our knowledge, this is the first case of posttransplant immune reconstitution syndrome due to C. gattii meningoencephalitis successfully treated with corticosteroids. We also report successful maintenance phase treatment with isavuconazole, a novel triazole, following fluconazole-induced prolonged QT syndrome.

  • Cryptococcus gattii Complex Infections in HIV-Infected Patients, Southeastern United States.
    Emerging infectious diseases, 2018
    Co-Authors: Kaylee T. Bruner, Carlos Franco-paredes, Andrés F. Henao-martínez, Gregory M. Steele, Daniel B. Chastain
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcus gattii traditionally infects immunocompetent hosts and causes devastating pulmonary or central nervous system disease. However, this infection rarely occurs in patients infected with HIV. We report 3 cases of HIV-associated C. gattii complex infections in the southeastern United States. Detection of C. gattii in HIV-infected patients in this region warrants increased awareness of this threat to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment to optimize patient outcomes.

  • Management of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis
    The Lancet. Infectious diseases, 2014
    Co-Authors: Carlos Franco-paredes, Shawn R Lockhart, Brenda Sellers, Allison L. Hays, Kalpesh Patel, Tanea Womack, Teri Bohlmeyer, Jairo Lizarazo, Wajid Siddiqui, Kieren A Marr
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. By inhalation and subsequent pulmonary infection, it may disseminate to the CNS and cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Most cases occur in immunosuppressed hosts, including patients with HIV/AIDS, patients receiving immunosuppressing drugs, and solid organ transplant recipients. However, cryptococcosis also occurs in individuals with apparently healthy immune systems. A growing number of cases are caused by C gattii, with infections occurring in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. In the majority of documented cases, treatment of C gattii infection of the CNS requires aggressive management of raised intracranial pressure along with standard antifungal therapy. Early cerebrospinal fluid evacuation is often needed through placement of a percutaneous lumbar drain or ventriculostomy. Furthermore, pharmacological immunosuppression with a high dose of dexamethasone is sometimes needed to ameliorate a persistently increased inflammatory response and to reduce intracranial pressure. In this Grand Round, we present the case of an otherwise healthy adolescent female patient, who, despite aggressive management, succumbed to C gattii meningoencephalitis. We also present a review of the existing literature and discuss optimum clinical management of meningoencephalitis caused by C gattii.

  • Cryptococcus gattii: an emerging fungal pathogen in the Southeastern United States.
    The American journal of the medical sciences, 2012
    Co-Authors: Brenda Sellers, Shawn R Lockhart, Peggy Hall, Stalina Cine-gowdie, Allison L. Hays, Kalpesh Patel, Carlos Franco-paredes
    Abstract:

    The authors present a case of severe meningoencephalitis with cryptococcomas and hydrocephalus due to Cryptococcus gattii of the molecular type VGI in an otherwise healthy man native to Southwest Georgia without any history of travel. Clinicians need to be aware of this fungal emerging pathogen in the Southern United States.

Chandler C. Roe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

Ferry Hagen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Differential Cytokine Induction by the Species of Cryptococcus gattii Complex
    Infection and Immunity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Patricia F. Herkert, Ferry Hagen, Jéssica Cristina Dos Santos, Fátima Ribeiro-dias, Flavio Queiroz-telles, Mihai G. Netea, Jacques F. Meis, Leo A. B. Joosten
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcal species vary in capsule and cell size, thermotolerance, geographic distribution, and affected populations. Cryptococcus gattii sensu stricto and C. deuterogattii affect mainly immunocompetent hosts; however, C. bacillisporus, C. decagattii, and C. tetragattii cause infections mainly in immunocompromised hosts. This study aimed to compare the capacities of different species of the C. gattii species complex to induce cytokines and antimicrobial molecules in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cryptococcus bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii induced the lowest levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 among the five species of the C. gattii complex. Cryptococcus deuterogattii induced higher levels of IL-22 than those induced by C. tetragattii and the environmental species C. flavescens In addition, C. bacillisporus and C. gattii sensu stricto proliferated inside human monocyte-derived macrophages after 24 h of infection. All Cryptococcus species were able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human PBMCs, with C. bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii being more efficient than the other species. In conclusion, C. bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii induce lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and higher ROS levels than those induced by the other species. Species of the Cryptococcus gattii complex have different abilities to induce cytokine and ROS production by human PBMCs.

  • Differential In Vitro Cytokine Induction by the Species of Cryptococcus gattii Complex
    Infection and immunity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Patricia F. Herkert, Ferry Hagen, Jéssica Cristina Dos Santos, Fátima Ribeiro-dias, Flavio Queiroz-telles, Mihai G. Netea, Jacques F. Meis, Leo A. B. Joosten
    Abstract:

    Cryptococcal species vary in capsule and cell size, thermotolerance, geographic distribution, and affected populations. Cryptococcus gattii sensu stricto and C. deuterogattii affect mainly immunocompetent hosts; however, C. bacillisporus, C. decagattii, and C. tetragattii cause infections mainly in immunocompromised hosts. This study aimed to compare the capacities of different species of the C. gattii species complex to induce cytokines and antimicrobial molecules in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cryptococcus bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii induced the lowest levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 among the five species of the C. gattii complex. Cryptococcus deuterogattii induced higher levels of IL-22 than those induced by C. tetragattii and the environmental species C. flavescens In addition, C. bacillisporus and C. gattii sensu stricto proliferated inside human monocyte-derived macrophages after 24 h of infection. All Cryptococcus species were able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human PBMCs, with C. bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii being more efficient than the other species. In conclusion, C. bacillisporus and C. deuterogattii induce lower levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and higher ROS levels than those induced by the other species. Species of the Cryptococcus gattii complex have different abilities to induce cytokine and ROS production by human PBMCs.

  • isolation of Cryptococcus gattii from a castanopsis argyrophylla tree hollow mai kaw chiang mai thailand
    Mycopathologia, 2017
    Co-Authors: Kantarawee Khayhan, Ferry Hagen, Teun Boekhout, Treepradab Norkaew, Tanpalang Puengchan, Pojana Sriburee
    Abstract:

    The pathogenic yeast Cryptococcus gattii was isolated from a tree hollow of a Castanopsis argyrophylla King ex Hook.f. (Fagaceae) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Molecular characterization with amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis and multi-locus sequence typing showed that this isolate belonged to genotype AFLP4/VGI representing C. gattii sensu stricto. Subsequent comparison of the environmental isolate with those from clinical samples from Thailand showed that they grouped closely together in a single cluster.

  • ceratonia siliqua carob trees as natural habitat and source of infection by Cryptococcus gattii in the mediterranean environment
    Medical Mycology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Maria Francisca Colom, Ferry Hagen, Teun Boekhout, Alfonso Javier Garcia Gonzalez, Axelle Mellado, Neus Morera, Carlos Linares, David F Garcia, Joaquin S Penataro, Manuel Marin Sanchez
    Abstract:

    Recent Cryptococcus gattii infections in humans and animals, including several outbreaks in goats, were the basis of this environmental survey in six provinces of Spain. A total of 479 samples from 20 tree species were studied. Cryptococcus gattii was found for the first time in autochthonous Mediterranean trees in Spain. Fourteen isolates of this pathogen were obtained from seven trees of three different species: 12 from carob (Ceratonia siliqua), one from Mediterranean stone pine (Pinus halepensis) and another from eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). All C. gattii isolates were genotype AFLP4/VGI and mating type alpha, and were found to be genetically identical with C. gattii strains isolated from humans and animals in Spain. This supports the hypothesis that these trees may be a natural source for infection of humans and mammals in the Mediterranean area.

  • Autochthonous and dormant Cryptococcus gattii infections in Europe
    Emerging infectious diseases, 2012
    Co-Authors: Ferry Hagen, Massimo Cogliati, Roberta Iatta, Maria Teresa Montagna, Josep M. Torres-rodríguez, M. Francisca Colom, Danielle Swinne, Kathrin Tintelnot, Aristea Velegraki, Arjan Burggraaf
    Abstract:

    Until recently, Cryptococcus gattii infections occurred mainly in tropical and subtropical climate zones. However, during the past decade, C. gattii infections in humans and animals in Europe have increased. To determine whether the infections in Europe were acquired from an autochthonous source or associated with travel, we used multilocus sequence typing to compare 100 isolates from Europe (57 from 40 human patients, 22 from the environment, and 21 from animals) with 191 isolates from around the world. Of the 57 human patient isolates, 47 (83%) were obtained since 1995. Among the 40 patients, 24 (60%) probably acquired the C. gattii infection outside Europe; the remaining 16 (40%) probably acquired the infection within Europe. Human patient isolates from Mediterranean Europe clustered into a distinct genotype with animal and environmental isolates. These results indicate that reactivation of dormant C. gattii infections can occur many years after the infectious agent was acquired elsewhere.