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Josep Guarro - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Current knowledge on the etiology and epidemiology of Scopulariopsis infections.
Medical mycology, 2020Co-Authors: Alba Pérez-cantero, Josep GuarroAbstract:Scopulariopsis is a common fungus in the environment, characterized by its intrinsic resistance to the available antifungal drugs. Around 70 cases of infection by this fungus have been described in the literature. Pulmonary and disseminated infections are the most common and their treatment is difficult; therefore, very diverse approaches have been taken, with varied results. A successful outcome has been reported in only a few cases, generally attributed to a multitreatment strategy combining medical and surgical procedures that ultimately led to the resection of the infected tissue if possible, identification of the mould, and an aggressive long-term antifungal therapy. Although most of the infections are caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, a few other species have also been linked to these cases, although molecular evidence has not been proven for all of them. On this basis, more knowledge on the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these unusual infections would improve their management. This review aims to compile the current data on Scopulariopsis infections.
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Does a triple combination have better activity than double combinations against multiresistant fungi? Experimental in vitro evaluation
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 2017Co-Authors: Adela Martin-vicente, Josep Guarro, Javier CapillaAbstract:Abstract In this study, the in vitro interactions of amphotericin B (AmB), voriconazole (VRC) and anidulafungin (AFG) in double and triple combinations against four species of multiresistant fungi ( Fusarium solani , Lomentospora prolificans , Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Scopulariopsis brumptii ) were evaluated. In general, AmB combined with AFG was the most synergistic, especially against F. solani (7/8; 87.5%) when low concentrations of AmB were used, i.e. 0.125–0.5 µg/mL. The least active combination was AmB + VRC, with the lowest percentage of synergy against S. brevicaulis (2/11; 18.2%) and, in general, high concentrations of both antifungals were needed to achieve synergy. The triple combination was also highly synergistic against F. solani and S. brevicaulis , especially when the lowest concentrations of AmB were used, suggesting that use of combined therapies would reduce the toxicity of therapy. The triple combination was more effective than the double combinations in some cases, but not against all strains, suggesting that administration of three drugs is not always useful in the treatment of infections due to multiresistant fungi.
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Molecular taxonomy of Scopulariopsis-like fungi with description of new clinical and environmental species
Fungal biology, 2016Co-Authors: Tomasz Jagielski, Magdalena Skóra, Marcelo Sandoval-denis, Limin Yao, Zofia Bakuła, Joanna Kalita, Paweł Krzyściak, G. Sybren De Hoog, Josep GuarroAbstract:The taxonomy of Scopulariopsis-like fungi, comprising numerous human opportunistic species, has recently been reassessed with delineation of the genera Microascus, Pithoascus, PseudoScopulariopsis, and Scopulariopsis, using morphological data and multilocus sequence analysis based on four loci (ITS, LSU, EF-1α, and TUB). In this study, the same genetic markers were used to investigate a set of clinical and environmental isolates, morphologically identified as Microascus and Scopulariopsis spp. The ingroups of the concatenated phylogenetic tree resolved 41 species clades, with isolates distributed in four main lineages corresponding to the genera Microascus, Pithoascus, Scopulariopsis, and newly established genus Fuscoannellis, typified by Scopulariopsis carbonaria. The new species Microascus chinensis, Microascus onychoides, Microascus pseudolongirostris, Pithoascus lunatus, and Scopulariopsis macurae were described. Microascus trigonosporus var. terreus and Scopulariopsis alboflavescens were found different from M. trigonosporus and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, respectively. All the species identified in the study, except Fuscoannellis carbonaria and S. macurae, originated from clinical samples, suggesting their potential role in human disease. The use of a four marker combination was demonstrated an efficient and reliable approach to infer phylogenetic relationships among the Scopulariopsis-like fungi. Yet, the only genetic marker able to discriminate all species was EF-1α, therefore proposed as a secondary barcode for the identification of these fungi.
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Redefining Microascus, Scopulariopsis and allied genera
Persoonia, 2015Co-Authors: Marcelo Sandoval-denis, Deanna A. Sutton, J. F. Cano-lira, Josepa Gené, Cony Decock, G.s. De Hoog, Nathan P. Wiederhold, Josep GuarroAbstract:The genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis comprise species commonly isolated from soil, decaying plant material and indoor environments. A few species are also recognised as opportunistic pathogens of insects and animals, including humans. In the past, the taxonomy of these fungi has been based on morphology only. With the aim to clarify the taxonomy and phylogeny of these fungi, we studied a large set of clinical and environmental isolates, including the available ex-type strains of numerous species, by means of morphological, physiological and molecular analyses. Species delineation was assessed under the Genealogical Phylogenetic Species Recognition (GCPSR) criterion using DNA sequence data of four loci (ITS region, and fragments of rDNA LSU, translation elongation factor 1-α and β-tubulin). The genera Microascus and Scopulariopsis were found to be separated in two distinct lineages. The genus Pithoascus is reinstated and the new genus PseudoScopulariopsis is erected, typified by P. schumacheri. Seven new species of Microascus and one of Scopulariopsis are described, namely M. alveolaris, M. brunneosporus, M. campaniformis, M. expansus, M. intricatus, M. restrictus, M. verrucosus and Scopulariopsis cordiae. Microascus trigonosporus var. macrosporus is accepted as a species distinct from M. trigonosporus. Nine new combinations are introduced. Microascus cinereus, M. longirostris, P. schumacheri and S. flava are neotypified. A table summarising the morphological features of the species treated and identification keys for each genus are provided.
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Scopulariopsis, a Poorly Known Opportunistic Fungus: Spectrum of Species in Clinical Samples and In Vitro Responses to Antifungal Drugs
Journal of clinical microbiology, 2013Co-Authors: Marcelo Sandoval-denis, Deanna A. Sutton, Annette W. Fothergill, J. F. Cano-lira, Josepa Gené, Cony Decock, G.s. De Hoog, Josep GuarroAbstract:Ninety-nine isolates of clinical origin, tentatively identified as Scopulariopsis or Microascus, were morphologically and molecularly characterized by a combined analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the 28S rRNA gene and a fragment of the elongation factor 1-α gene (EF1-α) sequences. The most prevalent species was Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (49.4%), followed by Scopulariopsis gracilis (14.4%), Scopulariopsis brumptii (7.2%), Microascus cinereus (5.2%), the Scopulariopsis candida species complex (3.1%), and Microascus cirrosus (2.1%). The most common anatomic sites of isolation were the respiratory tract (61.6%), superficial tissue (19.2%), and deep tissue or fluid samples (19.2%). The antifungal susceptibilities of the isolates to eight drugs were tested in vitro, with all the drugs generally showing poor activity.
Oscar Len - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Nebulized micafungin treatment for Scopulariopsis/Microascus tracheobronchitis in lung transplant recipients.
Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, 2021Co-Authors: Ibai Los-arcos, Cristina Berastegui, María Teresa Martín-gómez, Santiago Grau, David Campany-herrero, María Deu, Judith Sacanell, Nuria Campillo, Carles Bravo, Oscar LenAbstract:Scopulariopsis/Microascus cause infections with high mortality in lung transplant recipients. Treatment is challenging due to antimicrobial resistance. We describe two cases of Scopulariopsis/Microascus tracheobronchitis in lung transplant recipients successfully treated with nebulized micafungin. This antifungal was well tolerated and achieved high concentrations in epithelial lining fluid up to 14 hours after nebulization without significant plasma concentrations. Nebulized micafungin could be a safe and effective option for the treatment of fungal tracheobronchitis.
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nebulized micafungin treatment for Scopulariopsis microascus tracheobronchitis in lung transplant recipients
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2021Co-Authors: Ibai Losarcos, Cristina Berastegui, Santiago Grau, María Deu, Judith Sacanell, Nuria Campillo, Carles Bravo, Maria Teresa Martingomez, David Campanyherrero, Oscar LenAbstract:Scopulariopsis/Microascus cause infections with high mortality in lung transplant recipients. Treatment is challenging due to antimicrobial resistance. We describe two cases of Scopulariopsis/Microascus tracheobronchitis in lung transplant recipients successfully treated with nebulized micafungin. This antifungal was well tolerated and achieved high concentrations in epithelial lining fluid up to 14 hours after nebulization without significant plasma concentrations. Nebulized micafungin could be a safe and effective option for the treatment of fungal tracheobronchitis.
Tomasz Jagielski - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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PCR-RFLP assays for species-specific identification of fungi belonging to Scopulariopsis and related genera.
Medical mycology, 2018Co-Authors: Milena Kordalewska, Joanna Kalita, Zofia Bakuła, Anna Brillowska-dąbrowska, Tomasz JagielskiAbstract:Fungi of the Scopulariopsis genus, commonly found in the environment, are opportunistic pathogens that can cause various types of human infections. So far, no efficient molecular method has been developed for species differentiation among Scopulariopsis and related genera. In order to advance this field, we have evaluated performance of polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays, based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and β-tubulin genes. The assays resulted in 2-10 restriction patterns, depending on the gene amplified and restriction enzyme applied. Pooled analysis of the patterns allowed to propose an algorithm, that can be successfully used for an accurate species-specific identification of 21 species of the Scopulariopsis-like fungi.
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Rapid Assays for Specific Detection of Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus Genera and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis Species
Mycopathologia, 2016Co-Authors: Milena Kordalewska, Tomasz Jagielski, Anna Brillowska-dąbrowskaAbstract:Purpose Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera cause a wide range of infections, with S. brevicaulis being the most prevalent aetiological agent of mould onychomycosis. Proper identification of these pathogens requires sporulating culture, which considerably delays the diagnosis. So far, sequencing of rDNA regions of clinical isolates has produced ambiguous results due to the lack of reference sequences in publicly available databases. Thus, there is a clear need for the development of new molecular methods that would provide simple, rapid and highly specific identification of Scopulariopsis and Microascus species. The objective of this study was to develop simple and fast assays based on PCR and real-time PCR for specific detection of fungi from Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera, and separately, S. brevicaulis species. Methods On the basis of alignment of β-tubulin gene sequences, Microascus/Scopulariopsis -specific primers were designed and S. brevicaulis -specific primers were reevaluated. DNA from cultured fungal isolates, extracted in a two-step procedure, was used in Microascus/Scopulariopsis -specific and S. brevicaulis -specific PCR and real-time PCR followed by electrophoresis or melting temperature analysis, respectively. Results The specificity of the assays was confirmed, as positive results were obtained only for Scopulariopsis spp. and Microascus spp. isolates tested in Microascus/Scopulariopsis -specific assay, and only for S. brevicaulis and S. koningii (syn. S. brevicaulis ) isolates in a S. brevicaulis -specific assay, respectively, and no positive results were obtained neither for other moulds, dermatophytes, yeast-like fungi, nor for human DNA. Conclusions The developed assays enable fast and unambiguous identification of Microascus spp. and Scopulariopsis spp. pathogens.
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Rapid Assays for Specific Detection of Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus Genera and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis Species.
Mycopathologia, 2016Co-Authors: Milena Kordalewska, Tomasz Jagielski, Anna Brillowska-dąbrowskaAbstract:Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera cause a wide range of infections, with S. brevicaulis being the most prevalent aetiological agent of mould onychomycosis. Proper identification of these pathogens requires sporulating culture, which considerably delays the diagnosis. So far, sequencing of rDNA regions of clinical isolates has produced ambiguous results due to the lack of reference sequences in publicly available databases. Thus, there is a clear need for the development of new molecular methods that would provide simple, rapid and highly specific identification of Scopulariopsis and Microascus species. The objective of this study was to develop simple and fast assays based on PCR and real-time PCR for specific detection of fungi from Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera, and separately, S. brevicaulis species. On the basis of alignment of β-tubulin gene sequences, Microascus/Scopulariopsis-specific primers were designed and S. brevicaulis-specific primers were reevaluated. DNA from cultured fungal isolates, extracted in a two-step procedure, was used in Microascus/Scopulariopsis-specific and S. brevicaulis-specific PCR and real-time PCR followed by electrophoresis or melting temperature analysis, respectively. The specificity of the assays was confirmed, as positive results were obtained only for Scopulariopsis spp. and Microascus spp. isolates tested in Microascus/Scopulariopsis-specific assay, and only for S. brevicaulis and S. koningii (syn. S. brevicaulis) isolates in a S. brevicaulis-specific assay, respectively, and no positive results were obtained neither for other moulds, dermatophytes, yeast-like fungi, nor for human DNA. The developed assays enable fast and unambiguous identification of Microascus spp. and Scopulariopsis spp. pathogens.
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Rapid Assays for Specific Detection of Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus Genera and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis Species.
Mycopathologia, 2016Co-Authors: Milena Kordalewska, Tomasz Jagielski, Anna Brillowska-dąbrowskaAbstract:Purpose Fungi of Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera cause a wide range of infections, with S. brevicaulis being the most prevalent aetiological agent of mould onychomycosis. Proper identification of these pathogens requires sporulating culture, which considerably delays the diagnosis. So far, sequencing of rDNA regions of clinical isolates has produced ambiguous results due to the lack of reference sequences in publicly available databases. Thus, there is a clear need for the development of new molecular methods that would provide simple, rapid and highly specific identification of Scopulariopsis and Microascus species. The objective of this study was to develop simple and fast assays based on PCR and real-time PCR for specific detection of fungi from Scopulariopsis and Microascus genera, and separately, S. brevicaulis species.
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Molecular taxonomy of Scopulariopsis-like fungi with description of new clinical and environmental species
Fungal biology, 2016Co-Authors: Tomasz Jagielski, Magdalena Skóra, Marcelo Sandoval-denis, Limin Yao, Zofia Bakuła, Joanna Kalita, Paweł Krzyściak, G. Sybren De Hoog, Josep GuarroAbstract:The taxonomy of Scopulariopsis-like fungi, comprising numerous human opportunistic species, has recently been reassessed with delineation of the genera Microascus, Pithoascus, PseudoScopulariopsis, and Scopulariopsis, using morphological data and multilocus sequence analysis based on four loci (ITS, LSU, EF-1α, and TUB). In this study, the same genetic markers were used to investigate a set of clinical and environmental isolates, morphologically identified as Microascus and Scopulariopsis spp. The ingroups of the concatenated phylogenetic tree resolved 41 species clades, with isolates distributed in four main lineages corresponding to the genera Microascus, Pithoascus, Scopulariopsis, and newly established genus Fuscoannellis, typified by Scopulariopsis carbonaria. The new species Microascus chinensis, Microascus onychoides, Microascus pseudolongirostris, Pithoascus lunatus, and Scopulariopsis macurae were described. Microascus trigonosporus var. terreus and Scopulariopsis alboflavescens were found different from M. trigonosporus and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, respectively. All the species identified in the study, except Fuscoannellis carbonaria and S. macurae, originated from clinical samples, suggesting their potential role in human disease. The use of a four marker combination was demonstrated an efficient and reliable approach to infer phylogenetic relationships among the Scopulariopsis-like fungi. Yet, the only genetic marker able to discriminate all species was EF-1α, therefore proposed as a secondary barcode for the identification of these fungi.
Chen Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Scopulariopsis microascus isolation in lung transplant recipients a report of three cases and a review of the literature
Mycoses, 2019Co-Authors: Linna Huang, Wenhui Chen, Lijuan Guo, Li Zhao, Bin Cao, Yingmei Liu, Jingyu Chen, Chen WangAbstract:The current knowledge of invasive Scopulariopsis/Microascus infection in lung transplantation has been derived from only four case reports. Although these fungi are uncommon compared with Aspergillus, they are highly resistant to the current antifungal agents, and the mortality is extremely high. To explore the risk factors, clinical manifestations, notable diagnostic characteristics and outcomes of positive Scopulariopsis/Microascus isolation in lung transplantation patients. We included all cases with positive Scopulariopsis/Microascus isolation from lower respiratory tracts or bronchial mucosa biopsies in our lung transplantation centre. Proven cases from the literature were added. Positive isolation occurred in 2% (3/157) in our centre. Four cases from the literature were added. The mortality could be considered as high as 80%, once the two cases of colonisation were excluded. The average interval between transplantation and positive isolation was 106 (19-131) days. A total of 57.1% of patients had experienced a combination of infection with Aspergillus or other fungi as well as long-term azole antifungal agent treatment before the positive isolation, which may be possible risk factors. The combination of micafungin, posaconazole and terbinafine may be an effective treatment. The peak time of positive isolation was consistent with that of some opportunistic pathogens, and the possible risk factors were the infection of other fungi as well as prior long-term azole antifungal administration. In addition to its high mortality, Scopulariopsis/Microascus was also highly resistant to common antifungal agents and the combination of two or three drugs for therapy was recommended.
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Scopulariopsis/Microascus isolation in lung transplant recipients: A report of three cases and a review of the literature.
Mycoses, 2019Co-Authors: Linna Huang, Wenhui Chen, Lijuan Guo, Li Zhao, Bin Cao, Yingmei Liu, Jingyu Chen, Chen WangAbstract:The current knowledge of invasive Scopulariopsis/Microascus infection in lung transplantation has been derived from only four case reports. Although these fungi are uncommon compared with Aspergillus, they are highly resistant to the current antifungal agents, and the mortality is extremely high. To explore the risk factors, clinical manifestations, notable diagnostic characteristics and outcomes of positive Scopulariopsis/Microascus isolation in lung transplantation patients. We included all cases with positive Scopulariopsis/Microascus isolation from lower respiratory tracts or bronchial mucosa biopsies in our lung transplantation centre. Proven cases from the literature were added. Positive isolation occurred in 2% (3/157) in our centre. Four cases from the literature were added. The mortality could be considered as high as 80%, once the two cases of colonisation were excluded. The average interval between transplantation and positive isolation was 106 (19-131) days. A total of 57.1% of patients had experienced a combination of infection with Aspergillus or other fungi as well as long-term azole antifungal agent treatment before the positive isolation, which may be possible risk factors. The combination of micafungin, posaconazole and terbinafine may be an effective treatment. The peak time of positive isolation was consistent with that of some opportunistic pathogens, and the possible risk factors were the infection of other fungi as well as prior long-term azole antifungal administration. In addition to its high mortality, Scopulariopsis/Microascus was also highly resistant to common antifungal agents and the combination of two or three drugs for therapy was recommended.
Lynne Sigler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Invasive Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection in an immunocompromised patient and review of prior cases caused by Scopulariopsis and Microascus species.
Medical mycology, 2012Co-Authors: Peter C. Iwen, Stephanie D. Schutte, Diana F. Florescu, Rhonda K. Noel-hurst, Lynne SiglerAbstract:Scopulariopsis species and their Microascus teleomorphs are cosmopolitan fungi that are uncommonly associated with invasive disease. This report describes a case of fatal disseminated Scopulariopsis brevicaulis disease in a patient with diffuse large B cell lymphoma who underwent high-dose chemotherapy followed by a matched unrelated donor stem cell transplant. This case is compared with 32 prior cases of proven invasive Scopulariopsis (Microascus) infections reported in the literature. A focus of this report is the diagnostic methods utilized which included histopathology and culture with both micromorphologic and genotypic procedures employed to confirm the species identification.
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Use of holomorph characters to delimit Microascus nidicola and M. soppii sp. nov., with notes on the genus Pithoascus
Mycologia, 2002Co-Authors: Sean P. Abbott, Trevor C. Lumley, Lynne SiglerAbstract:Several isolates of a perithecial microascaceous ascomycete having falcate ascospores and a Scopulariopsis anamorph were obtained from rotting wood in the boreal forest of Alberta, Canada. Additional isolates appeared conspecific based on anamorphic characters, but failed to produce a teleomorph. These isolates showed similarities to Microascus nidicola (type species of the genus Pithoascus) and Scopulariopsis flava. Sexual compatibility systems were investigated to establish holomorph concepts for these taxa. The teleomorph obtained in mating trials among anamorphic isolates was identical to that of self-fertile isolates. The new heterothallic species M. soppii is described. The anamorph is S. soppii. Single ascospore isolates derived from M. nidicola demonstrated homothallism and lacked an anamorph. Scopulariopsis flava (basionym Acaulium flavum) is considered a nomen dubium. Generic concepts of Pithoascus are evaluated and the genus is treated as a synonym of Microascus. Pithoascus stoveri is transferr...
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MICROASCUS BREVICAULIS SP. NOV., THE TELEOMORPH OF Scopulariopsis BREVICAULIS, SUPPORTS PLACEMENT OF Scopulariopsis WITH THE MICROASCACEAE
Mycologia, 1998Co-Authors: Sean P. Abbott, Lynne Sigler, Randolph S. CurrahAbstract:Five isolates of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis have been found to form perithecia in addition to typical conidia. The teleomorph is described as Microascus brevicaulis sp. nov., characterized by small...