The Experts below are selected from a list of 1737 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

G. S. De Hoog - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Combination of Amphotericin B and Terbinafine against Melanized Fungi Associated with Chromoblastomycosis
    Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2018
    Co-Authors: Shuwen Deng, G. S. De Hoog, L. Yang, Roxana G. Vitale, Haleh Rafati, M. Seyedmousavi, Ali Tolooe, Wanqing Liao
    Abstract:

    Our in vitro studies showed that a combination of amphotericin B and terbinafine had synergistic effects against the majority of melanized fungi associated with chromoblastomycosis (CBM) and similar infections, including those with Cladophialophora carrionii , Cladophialophora arxii , Exophiala dermatitidis , Exophiala spinifera , Fonsecaea monophora , Fonsecaea nubica , Fonsecaea pedrosoi , and Phialophora verrucosa. This drug combination could provide an option for the treatment of severe or unresponsive cases of CBM, particularly in cases due to species of Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora .

  • Fonsecaea and Chromoblastomycosis
    Current Progress in Medical Mycology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Peiying Feng, G. S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by traumatic inoculation of a specific group of melanized fungi, with species of Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora as prevalent etiological agents. Chromoblastomycosis has a global distribution, particularly in tropical and subtropical rural areas. Fonsecaea spp. are prevalent in humid tropical climates, whereas Cladophialophora is found under arid conditions. The disease is difficult to treat due to its recalcitrant nature, which may lead to severe clinical forms with high morbidity, even leading to neoplastic transformation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on Fonsecaea and chromoblastomycosis, including the taxonomy of Fonsecaea, pathogenic potentials of species, their epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. Notes on diagnostics and therapeutic options are provided.

  • Black yeast-like fungi associated with Lethargic Crab Disease (LCD) in the mangrove-land crab, Ucides cordatus (Ocypodidae).
    Veterinary microbiology, 2012
    Co-Authors: Vania A. Vicente, Jacques F. Meis, Jiufeng Sun, M.j. Najafzadeh, R Orélis-ribeiro, Raquel Schier Guerra, Stephanie Miesch, Antonio Ostrensky, Corné H Klaassen, G. S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Lethargic Crab Disease (LCD) caused extensive epizootic mortality of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) along the Brazilian coast, mainly in the Northeastern region. The disease was named after the symptoms of slow movement of infected crabs. Causative agents were suspected to be two black yeast-like fungi of the family Herpotrichiellaceae (ascomycete order Chaetothyriales), judged by infected tissue biopsies from moribund U. cordatus. The aim of the present study is to prove that two species are involved in the disease: the recently described black yeast Exophiala cancerae, but also a less virulent, hitherto undescribed Fonsecaea-like species, introduced here as the novel species Fonsecaea brasiliensis. Strains were identified by ITS rDNA sequencing, and species borderlines were established by multilocus sequencing and AFLP analysis. Fonsecaea brasiliensis proved to be closely related to the pathogenic species Cladophialophora devriesii which originally was isolated from a systemic infection in a human patient. The virulence of F. brasiliensis is lower than that of E. cancerae, as established by artificial inoculation of mangrove crabs.

  • Black yeast-like fungi associated with Lethargic Crab Disease (LCD) in the mangrove-land crab, Ucides cordatus (Ocypodidae).
    'Elsevier BV', 2012
    Co-Authors: Vicente V.a., Najafzadeh M.j., Sun J., Orelis-ribeiro R., Guerra R.s., Miesch S., Ostrensky A., Meis J.f.g.m., Klaassen C.h., G. S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Item does not contain fulltextLethargic Crab Disease (LCD) caused extensive epizootic mortality of the mangrove land crab Ucides cordatus (Brachyura: Ocypodidae) along the Brazilian coast, mainly in the Northeastern region. The disease was named after the symptoms of slow movement of infected crabs. Causative agents were suspected to be two black yeast-like fungi of the family Herpotrichiellaceae (ascomycete order Chaetothyriales), judged by infected tissue biopsies from moribund U. cordatus. The aim of the present study is to prove that two species are involved in the disease: the recently described black yeast Exophiala cancerae, but also a less virulent, hitherto undescribed Fonsecaea-like species, introduced here as the novel species Fonsecaea brasiliensis. Strains were identified by ITS rDNA sequencing, and species borderlines were established by multilocus sequencing and AFLP analysis. Fonsecaea brasiliensis proved to be closely related to the pathogenic species Cladophialophora devriesii which originally was isolated from a systemic infection in a human patient. The virulence of F. brasiliensis is lower than that of E. cancerae, as established by artificial inoculation of mangrove crabs

  • Rapid identification of fungal pathogens by rolling circle amplification using Fonsecaea as a model.
    Mycoses, 2011
    Co-Authors: M.j. Najafzadeh, Vânia Aparecida Vicente, J Sun, G. S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    We aimed to describe a rapid and sensitive assay for identification of pathogenic fungi without sequencing. The method of rolling circle amplification (RCA) is presented with species of Fonsecaea, agents of human chromoblastomycosis, as a model. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA region of 103 Fonsecaea strains was sequenced and aligned in view of designing three specific padlock probes to be used for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms in three Fonsecaea species. The 38 strains included for testing the specificity of RCA comprised 17 isolates of Fonsecaea pedrosoi, 13 of Fonsecaea monophora and eight of Fonsecaea nubica. The assay successfully amplified DNA of the target fungi at the level of species, while no cross reactivity was observed. The amplification product was visualised on a 1% agarose gel to verify the specificity of probe-template binding. Amounts of reagents were minimised to avoid the generation of false-positive results. The simplicity, sensitivity, robustness and low costs provide RCA a distinct position among isothermal techniques for DNA diagnostics as a very practical identification method.

Jiufeng Sun - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Molecular Characterization of Pathogenic Members of the Genus Fonsecaea Using Multilocus Analysis
    2016
    Co-Authors: Jiufeng Sun, Peiying Feng, Vania A. Vicente, Mohammed J. Najafzadeh, Gerrit S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Members of the fungal genus Fonsecaea causing human chromoblastomycosis show substantial geographic structuring. Genetic identity of clinical and environmental strains suggests transmission from plant debris, while the evolutionary processes that have led to spatially separated populations have remained unexplained. Sequences of ITS, BT2, ACT1, Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were analyzed, either by direct sequencing or by cloning. Thirty-seven clinical and environmental Fonsecaea strains from Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe were sequenced and possible recombination events were calculated. Phylogenetic trees of Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were statistically supported, but ITS, BT2 and ACT1 trees were not. The Standardized Index of Association (IA S) did not detect recombination (IA S = 0.4778), neither did the Phi-test for separate genes. In Fonsecaea nubica non-synonymous mutations causing functional changes were observed in Lac gene, even though no selection pressures were detected with the neutrality test (Tajima D test, p.0.05). Genetic differentiation of populations for each gene showed separation of American, African and Asian populations. Strains of clinical vs

  • Draft Genome Sequence of Fonsecaea nubica Strain CBS 269.64, Causative Agent of Human Chromoblastomycosis.
    Genome announcements, 2016
    Co-Authors: Flávia F. Costa, Jiufeng Sun, Amanda Bombassaro, Aniele C. R. Leão, Sybren De Hoog, Vinicius A. Weiss, Emanuel M. Souza, Leandro F. Moreno, Roberto Tadeu Raittz, Fábio O. Pedrosa
    Abstract:

    On the basis of multilocus phylogenetic data, Fonsecaea nubica was described in 2010 as a molecular sibling of F. monophora, an established agent of the human skin disease chomoblastomycosis in tropical zones. Genome analysis of these pathogens is mandatory to identify genes involved in the interaction with host and virulence. © 2016 Costa et al.

  • Global Spread of Human Chromoblastomycosis Is Driven by Recombinant Cladophialophora carrionii and Predominantly Clonal Fonsecaea Species
    PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2015
    Co-Authors: Shuwen Deng, Hamid Badali, Jacques F. Meis, Clement K. M. Tsui, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Ferry Hagen, L. Yang, Jiufeng Sun
    Abstract:

    Global distribution patterns of Cladophialophora carrionii, agent of human chromoblastomycosis in arid climates of Africa, Asia, Australia, Central-and South-America, were compared with similar data of the vicarious Fonsecaea spp., agents of the disease in tropical rain forests. Population diversities among 73 C. carrionii strains and 60 strains of three Fonsecaea species were analyzed for rDNA ITS, partial β-tubulin, and amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprints. Populations differed significantly between continents. Lowest haplotype diversity was found in South American populations, while African strains were the most diverse. Gene flow was noted between the African population and all other continents. The general pattern of Fonsecaea agents of chromoblastomycosis differed significantly from that of C. carrionii and revealed deeper divergence among three differentiated species with smaller numbers of haplotypes, indicating a longer evolutionary history.

  • Genetic differentiation among populations occurring on different continents of Fonsecaea spp. based on concatenated ITS-BT2 sequence, Fst indices for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, F. monophora, F. nubica (n = 60) groups.
    2015
    Co-Authors: Shuwen Deng, Hamid Badali, Jacques F. Meis, Clement K. M. Tsui, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Liyue Yang, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Ferry Hagen, Jiufeng Sun
    Abstract:

    Fst indices interpretion:0–0.05: little genetic differentiation; 0.05–0.15: moderate genetic differentiation0.15–0.25: great genetic differentiation; > 0.25: very great genetic differentiation (isolation)Genetic differentiation among populations occurring on different continents of Fonsecaea spp. based on concatenated ITS-BT2 sequence, Fst indices for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, F. monophora, F. nubica (n = 60) groups.

  • Molecular Characterization of Pathogenic Members of the Genus Fonsecaea Using Multilocus Analysis
    PloS one, 2012
    Co-Authors: Jiufeng Sun, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Peiying Feng, Vania A. Vicente, Mohammed J. Najafzadeh, Gerrit S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Members of the fungal genus Fonsecaea causing human chromoblastomycosis show substantial geographic structuring. Genetic identity of clinical and environmental strains suggests transmission from plant debris, while the evolutionary processes that have led to spatially separated populations have remained unexplained. Sequences of ITS, BT2, ACT1, Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were analyzed, either by direct sequencing or by cloning. Thirty-seven clinical and environmental Fonsecaea strains from Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe were sequenced and possible recombination events were calculated. Phylogenetic trees of Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were statistically supported, but ITS, BT2 and ACT1 trees were not. The Standardized Index of Association (I(A) (S)) did not detect recombination (I(A) (S) = 0.4778), neither did the Phi-test for separate genes. In Fonsecaea nubica non-synonymous mutations causing functional changes were observed in Lac gene, even though no selection pressures were detected with the neutrality test (Tajima D test, p>0.05). Genetic differentiation of populations for each gene showed separation of American, African and Asian populations. Strains of clinical vs. environmental origin showed genetic distances that were comparable or lower than found in geographic differentiation. In conclusion, here we demonstrated clonality of sibling species using multilocus data, geographic structuring of populations, and a low functional and structural selective constraint during evolution of the genus Fonsecaea.

Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Three Isothermal Amplification Techniques for Rapid Identification of Cladophialophora carrionii, an Agent of Human Chromoblastomycosis
    2016
    Co-Authors: Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Wanqing C Liao, Ruoyu A Lii
    Abstract:

    In this study, we developed rapid and sensitive assays for the detection of Cladophialophora carrionii, a common agent of hu-man chromoblastomycosis. The isothermal techniques evaluated were rolling-circle amplification (RCA), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The probes for RCA andMLPA were designed with target sequences in the rDNA internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS) region, and LAMP primers were de-signed using the elongation factor 1 gene (EF1); these probes and primers specifically amplified DNA of isolates of the species. The three techniques were sufficiently specific and sensitive for discriminating target DNA of C. carrionii from that of related Cladophialophora species and other agents of chromoblastomycosis. RCA, MLPA, and LAMP are advantageous in their reliabil-ity and ease of operation compared to standard PCR and conventional methods. Chromoblastomycosis is an endemic, mutilating skin diseasecaused bymelanized fungi. Several species have been reported as etiologic agents, but in the great majority of proven cases, Fon-secaea pedrosoi, Fonsecaea monophora, Fonsecaea nubica, or Cla-dophialophora carrioniiwere concerned.C. carrionii is prevalent i

  • Global Spread of Human Chromoblastomycosis Is Driven by Recombinant Cladophialophora carrionii and Predominantly Clonal Fonsecaea Species
    PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2015
    Co-Authors: Shuwen Deng, Hamid Badali, Jacques F. Meis, Clement K. M. Tsui, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Ferry Hagen, L. Yang, Jiufeng Sun
    Abstract:

    Global distribution patterns of Cladophialophora carrionii, agent of human chromoblastomycosis in arid climates of Africa, Asia, Australia, Central-and South-America, were compared with similar data of the vicarious Fonsecaea spp., agents of the disease in tropical rain forests. Population diversities among 73 C. carrionii strains and 60 strains of three Fonsecaea species were analyzed for rDNA ITS, partial β-tubulin, and amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprints. Populations differed significantly between continents. Lowest haplotype diversity was found in South American populations, while African strains were the most diverse. Gene flow was noted between the African population and all other continents. The general pattern of Fonsecaea agents of chromoblastomycosis differed significantly from that of C. carrionii and revealed deeper divergence among three differentiated species with smaller numbers of haplotypes, indicating a longer evolutionary history.

  • Genetic differentiation among populations occurring on different continents of Fonsecaea spp. based on concatenated ITS-BT2 sequence, Fst indices for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, F. monophora, F. nubica (n = 60) groups.
    2015
    Co-Authors: Shuwen Deng, Hamid Badali, Jacques F. Meis, Clement K. M. Tsui, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Liyue Yang, Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Ferry Hagen, Jiufeng Sun
    Abstract:

    Fst indices interpretion:0–0.05: little genetic differentiation; 0.05–0.15: moderate genetic differentiation0.15–0.25: great genetic differentiation; > 0.25: very great genetic differentiation (isolation)Genetic differentiation among populations occurring on different continents of Fonsecaea spp. based on concatenated ITS-BT2 sequence, Fst indices for Fonsecaea pedrosoi, F. monophora, F. nubica (n = 60) groups.

  • molecular epidemiology of Fonsecaea species
    Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2011
    Co-Authors: Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Jiufeng Sun, Vania A. Vicente, Corne H W Klaassen, Alexandro Bonifaz, Gerrits Van Den Ende Ah, Steph B J Menken
    Abstract:

    To assess population diversities among 81 strains of fungi in the genus Fonsecaea that had been identified down to species level, we applied amplified fragment-length polymorphism (AFLP) technology and sequenced the internal transcribed spacer regions and the partial cell division cycle, β-tubulin, and actin genes. Many species of the genus Fonsecaea cause human chromoblastomycosis. Strains originated from a global sampling of clinical and environmental sources in the Western Hemisphere, Asia, Africa, and Europe. According to AFLP fingerprinting, Fonsecaea isolates clustered in 5 groups corresponding with F. pedrosoi, F. monophora, and F. nubica: the latter 2 species each comprised 2 groups, and F. pedrosoi appeared to be of monophyletic origin. F. pedrosoi was found nearly exclusively in Central and South America. F. monophora and F. nubica were distributed worldwide, but both showed substantial geographic structuring. Clinical cases outside areas where Fonsecaea is endemic were probably distributed by human migration.

  • In Vitro Activities of Eight Antifungal Drugs against 55 Clinical Isolates of Fonsecaea spp.
    Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 2010
    Co-Authors: Mohammad Javad Najafzadeh, Hamid Badali, Maria Teresa Illnait-zaragozi, G. Sybren De Hoog, Jacques F. Meis
    Abstract:

    The in vitro activities of eight antifungal drugs against clinical isolates of Fonsecaea pedrosoi (n = 21), Fonsecaea monophora (n = 25), and Fonsecaea nubica (n = 9) were tested. The resulting MIC(90)s for all strains (n = 55) were as follows, in increasing order: posaconazole, 0.063 microg/ml; itraconazole, 0.125 microg/ml; isavuconazole, 0.25 microg/ml; voriconazole, 0.5 microg/ml; amphotericin B, 2 microg/ml; caspofungin, 2 microg/ml; anidulafungin, 2 microg/ml; and fluconazole, 32 microg/ml.

Vania A. Vicente - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Comparative Genomics of Sibling Species of Fonsecaea Associated with Human Chromoblastomycosis
    Frontiers in microbiology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Vania A. Vicente, Renata R. Gomes, Amanda Bombassaro, Flávia F. Costa, Aniele C. R. Leão, Vinicius A. Weiss, Leandro F. Moreno, Roberto Tadeu Raittz, Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca, Gheniffer Fornari
    Abstract:

    Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora are genera of black yeast-like fungi harboring agents of a mutilating implantation disease in humans, along with strictly environmental species. The current hypothesis suggests that those species reside in somewhat adverse microhabitats, and pathogenic siblings share virulence factors enabling survival in mammal tissue after coincidental inoculation driven by pathogenic adaptation. A comparative genomic analysis of environmental and pathogenic siblings of Fonsecaea and Cladophialophora was undertaken, including de novo assembly of F. erecta from plant material. The genome size of Fonsecaea species varied between 33.39 and 35.23 Mb, and the core genomes of those species comprises almost 70% of the genes. Expansions of protein domains such as glyoxalases and peptidases suggested ability for pathogenicity in clinical agents, while the use of nitrogen and degradation of phenolic compounds was enriched in environmental species. The similarity of carbohydrate-active vs. protein-degrading enzymes associated with the occurrence of virulence factors suggested a general tolerance to extreme conditions, which might explain the opportunistic tendency of Fonsecaea sibling species. Virulence was tested in the Galleria mellonella model and immunological assays were performed in order to support this hypothesis. Larvae infected by environmental F. erecta had a lower survival. Fungal macrophage murine co-culture showed that F. erecta induced high levels of TNF-α contributing to macrophage activation that could increase the ability to control intracellular fungal growth although hyphal death were not observed, suggesting a higher level of extremotolerance of environmental species.

  • Genome Sequence of Type Strain Fonsecaea multimorphosa CBS 980.96T, a Causal Agent of Feline Cerebral Phaeohyphomycosis.
    Genome announcements, 2017
    Co-Authors: Aniele C. R. Leão, Renata R. Gomes, Amanda Bombassaro, Flávia F. Costa, Vania A. Vicente, Vinicius A. Weiss, Roberto Tadeu Raittz, Maria B. R. Steffens, Fábio O. Pedrosa, Valter A. Baura
    Abstract:

    A draft genome sequence of type strain Fonsecaea multimorphosa CBS 980.96T was obtained. This species was first isolated from a cat with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis in Queensland, Australia.

  • genome sequence of type strain Fonsecaea multimorphosa cbs 980 96t a causal agent of feline cerebral phaeohyphomycosis
    Genome Announcements, 2017
    Co-Authors: Aniele C. R. Leão, Renata R. Gomes, Amanda Bombassaro, Flávia F. Costa, Vania A. Vicente, Vinicius A. Weiss, Roberto Tadeu Raittz, Maria B. R. Steffens, Fábio O. Pedrosa, Valter A. Baura
    Abstract:

    This paper related search results about a draft genome sequence of type strain Fonsecaea multimorphosa CBS980.96T was obtained. This species was first isolated from a cat with cerebral phaeohyphomycosis in Queensland, Australia.

  • Molecular Characterization of Pathogenic Members of the Genus Fonsecaea Using Multilocus Analysis
    2016
    Co-Authors: Jiufeng Sun, Peiying Feng, Vania A. Vicente, Mohammed J. Najafzadeh, Gerrit S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Members of the fungal genus Fonsecaea causing human chromoblastomycosis show substantial geographic structuring. Genetic identity of clinical and environmental strains suggests transmission from plant debris, while the evolutionary processes that have led to spatially separated populations have remained unexplained. Sequences of ITS, BT2, ACT1, Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were analyzed, either by direct sequencing or by cloning. Thirty-seven clinical and environmental Fonsecaea strains from Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe were sequenced and possible recombination events were calculated. Phylogenetic trees of Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were statistically supported, but ITS, BT2 and ACT1 trees were not. The Standardized Index of Association (IA S) did not detect recombination (IA S = 0.4778), neither did the Phi-test for separate genes. In Fonsecaea nubica non-synonymous mutations causing functional changes were observed in Lac gene, even though no selection pressures were detected with the neutrality test (Tajima D test, p.0.05). Genetic differentiation of populations for each gene showed separation of American, African and Asian populations. Strains of clinical vs

  • Molecular Characterization of Pathogenic Members of the Genus Fonsecaea Using Multilocus Analysis
    PloS one, 2012
    Co-Authors: Jiufeng Sun, A. Gerrits H. G. Van Den Ende, Peiying Feng, Vania A. Vicente, Mohammed J. Najafzadeh, Gerrit S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    Members of the fungal genus Fonsecaea causing human chromoblastomycosis show substantial geographic structuring. Genetic identity of clinical and environmental strains suggests transmission from plant debris, while the evolutionary processes that have led to spatially separated populations have remained unexplained. Sequences of ITS, BT2, ACT1, Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were analyzed, either by direct sequencing or by cloning. Thirty-seven clinical and environmental Fonsecaea strains from Central and South America, Asia, Africa and Europe were sequenced and possible recombination events were calculated. Phylogenetic trees of Cdc42, Lac and HmgA were statistically supported, but ITS, BT2 and ACT1 trees were not. The Standardized Index of Association (I(A) (S)) did not detect recombination (I(A) (S) = 0.4778), neither did the Phi-test for separate genes. In Fonsecaea nubica non-synonymous mutations causing functional changes were observed in Lac gene, even though no selection pressures were detected with the neutrality test (Tajima D test, p>0.05). Genetic differentiation of populations for each gene showed separation of American, African and Asian populations. Strains of clinical vs. environmental origin showed genetic distances that were comparable or lower than found in geographic differentiation. In conclusion, here we demonstrated clonality of sibling species using multilocus data, geographic structuring of populations, and a low functional and structural selective constraint during evolution of the genus Fonsecaea.

Junmin Zhang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • An optimized Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for random insertional mutagenesis in Fonsecaea monophora.
    Journal of microbiological methods, 2020
    Co-Authors: Xing Xiao, Jinglin Qin, Wenying Cai, Zhiwen Chen, Junmin Zhang
    Abstract:

    Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic cutaneous or subcutaneous mycosis that is prevalent worldwide. Though CBM tends not to be fatal, it is difficult to treat and complications can include chronic, marked lesions, lymphatic damage, and neoplastic transformation. Fonsecaea monophora, as a new species segregated from Fonsecaea pedrosoi, is the predominant causative pathogen of CBM in southern China. However, research about F. monophora has been limited, which may be due to a lack of an effective genetic manipulation system for F. monophora. In this study, we successfully established a random insertional mutagenesis system by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) in F. monophora for the first time. In order to improve the efficiency of ATMT, various co-culture conditions were optimized, including: acetosyringone (AS) concentrations, co-culture duration, ratio of bacteria to conidia, and the A. tumefaciens strains. In addition, thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR) was performed to identify the transferred DNA (T-DNA) flanking sequences of the F. monophora transformants. The valuable transformants obtained in this study will be used for research in the future.

  • High-resolution melting analysis assay for identification of Fonsecaea species.
    Journal of clinical laboratory analysis, 2017
    Co-Authors: Minglan Shi, Jiao Feng, Shulin Jia, Xing Xiao, Chunmei Chen, Cindy Fransisca, Junmin Zhang
    Abstract:

    Background Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic fungal disease. In China, the principle etiologic agent was a group of dematiaceous fungi, including Fonsecaea monophora, Fonsecaea nubica, and Cladophialophora carrionii. Although the Fonsecaea species have similar morphology, their pathogenicity is quite different. This study aims to establish a new solution for early identification of Fonsecaea species because of their distinctive potential infection risk. Methods Five reference strains and 35 clinical isolates from patients with CBM, preserved in our laboratory, were used in this study. The universal primer ITS1 and ITS2 were chosen to amplify the highly conserved regions of rDNA. High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was performed using the LIGHTCYCLER® 96 System. All the amplicons were verified by direct sequencing and the sequence were aligned with those in GenBank by BLAST analysis. Results We successfully differentiated the five strains according to their different Tm values and curve shapes. The 35 clinical isolates from patients were identified as 24 strains for F. monophora and 11 strains for F. nubica, which is consistent with the DNA sequencing results. Conclusion It is the first time to use HRM analysis for identification of Fonsecaea species. Since the CBM etiologic agent in South China is mainly F. monophora and F. nubica, this strategy is sufficient to be applied in the clinical examination with high accuracy, speed, and throughput.

  • Synergistic effects of terbinafine and itraconazole on clinical isolates of Fonsecaea monophora
    European journal of dermatology : EJD, 2009
    Co-Authors: Junmin Zhang, Zhi Xie, Hui Zhang, Jiufeng Sun
    Abstract:

    Our objective was to develop new approaches to the chemotherapy of invasive infections caused by Fonsecaea monophora. The in vitro effects of a combination of terbinafine with itraconazole on 18 clinical isolates were evaluated using a checkerboard microdilution method. The mode of interaction between the two drugs on the 18 isolates was analyzed using fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) analysis. FICI analysis demonstrated that 12 (67%) were synergistic, 4 (22%) were additive, and 2 (11%) were indifferent, with no antagonism being observed. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) obtained with the terbinafine-itraconazole combination were within levels that can be achieved in plasma at clinically relevant doses. Our results indicate the terbinafine-itraconazole combination may be an effective therapy for Fonsecaea monophora infection, which should be tested in clinical setting with patients with this disease.

  • Chromoblastomycosis caused by a meristematic mutant of Fonsecaea monophora.
    Medical mycology, 2008
    Co-Authors: Jiufeng Sun, Honfang Liu, Zhi Xie, Junmin Zhang, G. S. De Hoog
    Abstract:

    We report the first case of chromoblastomycosis caused by a meristematic mutant of Fonsecaea monophora in an 81-year-old Cantonese male. The patient had a seven-month history of a red plaque with thick yellow crust and purulent exudates on the back of his right hand. Microscopic examination of direct smears revealed brown sclerotic cells and black colonies were recovered in culture from samples of the purulent exudantes. The microscopic appearance of this isolate was quite different from that of other Fonsecaea species, exhibiting mere meristematic growth. The rDNA ITS sequence data confirmed that this isolate was a mutant of Fonsecaea monophora. The patient showed good response to treatment with itraconazole and complete healing was achieved without relapse after long-term follow-up.

  • Successful treatment for chromoblastomycosis caused by Fonsecaea monophora: a report of three cases in Guangdong, China.
    Mycoses, 2008
    Co-Authors: Junmin Zhang, Zhi Xie, Ting Xie, Hui Zhang, De Hoog Sybren
    Abstract:

    Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the most prevalent aetiological agent of chromoblastomycosis. Fonsecaea monophora is a new species segregated from Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Herein, we report on three cases of chromoblastomycosis caused by F. monophora that were successfully treated with terbinafine and/or itraconazole. Clinical characteristics and mycological parameters are described. Two of the three patients underwent combination therapy with itraconazole and terbinafine during early stages of treatment and were completely healed in a relatively short course of treatment.