10th Trends in Medical Mycology

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungal Pathogenesis and Disease Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 25276

Special Issue Editors

Reference Unit for Parasitic and Fungal Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Av. Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: fungal infections diagnosis; Aspergillus; fungi; infectious diseases; fungal epidemiology and public health; antifungal resistance; molecular biology
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Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
Interests: antifungal resistance; antifungal stewardship, and host-fungus interactions

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Guest Editor
UMR_S 1085—Inserm, Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail, CHU de Rennes, Université de Rennes, 35000 Rennes, France
Interests: fungal diagnosis; treatment; prevention and assessment of environmental risk
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Dept Med, Dept Internal Med, Dept Internal Med SAN DIEGO, University of California, San Diego Web of Science Researcher, San Diego, CA, USA
Interests: antifungal resistance; antifungal stewardship; host-fungus interactions
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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
Interests: medical mycology with emphasis on yeast research; candida pathogenesis and experimental antifungal polyenes; environmental fungi
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Trends in Medical Mycology (TIMM), organized by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM), is one of the major meetings in the field of clinical mycology, attracting scientists and clinicians from all over the world. Thus, we are excited to once again assemble many of them in the 10th TIMM meeting, to take place in Aberdeen, Scotland, from 8 to 11 October 2021. The TIMM 2021 will mark the 10th anniversary of the TIMM meetings, and we expect to have the opportunity to celebrate it appropriately.

Although the world became a different place in these two past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these moments of crisis may also present opportunities to evolve and change. In fact, we have never before seen such a tight bond between scientists, clinicians and industry. In this context, fungal infections have gained a higher prominence and were in the spotlight for several occasions, making all of us work even harder to combat the fungal infections associated with COVID-19 patients. As such, TIMM-10 will of course cover fungal/viral coinfections, but also, and as always, all the other aspects of mycology, as diagnostics, ecology, emerging pathogens, epidemiology antifungals, endemic mycosis, host defence, molecular and cellular mycology, and new antifungal agents, among others.

All TIMM meetings are characterized by the high-quality level of their presentations. Hence, we are pleased to announce the publication of a Conference Supplement, including original manuscripts from abstract presenters and invited speakers, in the Journal of Fungi. Several Guest Editors with different expertise will be leading the 10th such Supplement.

We are very excited to promote this issue and we look forward to your participation!

Dr. Raquel Sabino
Prof. Dr. Adilia Warris
Prof. Dr. Jean-Pierre Gangneux
Prof. Dr. Martin Hoenigl
Prof. Dr. Esther Segal
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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1 pages, 138 KiB  
Editorial
Educational Session at the “Trends in Medical Mycology” (TIMM) 2021 Congress Teaching Medical Mycology to Students of Medicine
by Esther Segal
J. Fungi 2021, 7(11), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7110953 - 10 Nov 2021
Viewed by 1400
Abstract
Medical Mycology is part of Medical Microbiology [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)

Research

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8 pages, 923 KiB  
Article
Development of a Real-Time PCR Assay to Identify and Distinguish between Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Species Complexes
by Enoch Tay, Sharon C-A. Chen, Wendy Green, Ronald Lopez and Catriona L. Halliday
J. Fungi 2022, 8(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8050462 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3170
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the principle causative agents of cryptococcosis. Differences in epidemiological and clinical features, and also treatment, mean it is important for diagnostic laboratories to distinguish between the two species. Molecular methods are potentially more rapid than culture and [...] Read more.
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the principle causative agents of cryptococcosis. Differences in epidemiological and clinical features, and also treatment, mean it is important for diagnostic laboratories to distinguish between the two species. Molecular methods are potentially more rapid than culture and cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) detection; however, commercial PCR-based assays that target Cryptococcus do not distinguish between species. Here, we developed a real-time PCR assay targeting the multicopy mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) gene to detect C. neoformans and C. gattii in clinical specimens. Assay performance was compared with culture, histopathology, CRAG and panfungal PCR/DNA sequencing. The cyt b-directed assay accurately detected and identified all eight C. neoformans/gattii genotypes. High-resolution melt curve analysis unambiguously discriminated between the two species. Overall, assay sensitivity (96.4%) compared favorably with panfungal PCR (76.9%) and culture (14.5%); assay specificity was 100%. Of 25 fresh frozen paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens, assay sensitivity was 96% (76% for panfungal PCR; 68% for histopathology). The Cryptococcus-specific PCR is a rapid (~4 h) sensitive method to diagnose (or exclude) cryptococcosis and differentiate between the two major species. It is suitable for use on diverse clinical specimens and may be the preferred molecular method for FFPE specimens where clinical suspicion of cryptococcosis is high. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
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11 pages, 654 KiB  
Article
The Utility of EQUAL Candida Score in Predicting Mortality in Patients with Candidemia
by Aline El Zakhem, Rozana El Eid, Rachid Istambouli, Hani Tamim and Souha S. Kanj
J. Fungi 2022, 8(3), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8030238 - 27 Feb 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2589
Abstract
In an effort to standardize practice, the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) developed the European Confederation of Medical Mycology Quality of Clinical Candidaemia Management (EQUAL) Candida score. This study investigated the utility of the EQUAL Candida score in predicting mortality in patients [...] Read more.
In an effort to standardize practice, the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) developed the European Confederation of Medical Mycology Quality of Clinical Candidaemia Management (EQUAL) Candida score. This study investigated the utility of the EQUAL Candida score in predicting mortality in patients with candidemia admitted between January 2004 and July 2019. A total of 142 cases were included in the study, and 43.6% died within 30 days of candidemia diagnosis. There were no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in terms of comorbidities predisposing to candidemia, except for malignancy (p = 0.021). The overall mean EQUAL score was 11.5 in the total population and 11.8 ± 3.82 and 11.03 ± 4.59 in survivors and non-survivors, respectively. When patients with a central venous catheter (CVC) were considered alone, survivors were found to have significantly higher scores than non-survivors (13.1 ± 3.19 vs. 11.3 ± 4.77, p = 0.025). When assessing components of the EQUAL Score separately, only candida speciation (p = 0.013), susceptibility testing (p = 0.012) and echocardiography results (p = 0.012) were significantly associated with a lower case-fatality rate. A higher EQUAL Candida score was able to predict a lower case-fatality rate in patients with a CVC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
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9 pages, 508 KiB  
Article
T2Candida Assay in the Diagnosis of Intraabdominal Candidiasis: A Prospective Multicenter Study
by Anders Krifors, Måns Ullberg, Markus Castegren, Johan Petersson, Ernesto Sparrelid, Helena Hammarström, Jan Sjölin, Volkan Özenci and Ola Blennow
J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010086 - 16 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2620
Abstract
The T2Candida magnetic resonance assay is a direct-from-blood pathogen detection assay that delivers a result within 3–5 h, targeting the most clinically relevant Candida species. Between February 2019 and March 2021, the study included consecutive patients aged >18 years admitted to an intensive [...] Read more.
The T2Candida magnetic resonance assay is a direct-from-blood pathogen detection assay that delivers a result within 3–5 h, targeting the most clinically relevant Candida species. Between February 2019 and March 2021, the study included consecutive patients aged >18 years admitted to an intensive care unit or surgical high-dependency unit due to gastrointestinal surgery or necrotizing pancreatitis and from whom diagnostic blood cultures were obtained. Blood samples were tested in parallel with T2Candida and 1,3-β-D-glucan. Of 134 evaluable patients, 13 (10%) were classified as having proven intraabdominal candidiasis (IAC) according to the EORTC/MSG criteria. Two of the thirteen patients (15%) had concurrent candidemia. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value, respectively, were 46%, 97%, 61%, and 94% for T2Candida and 85%, 83%, 36%, and 98% for 1,3-β-D-glucan. All positive T2Candida results were consistent with the culture results at the species level, except for one case of dual infection. The performance of T2Candida was comparable with that of 1,3-β-D-glucan for candidemic IAC but had a lower sensitivity for non-candidemic IAC (36% vs. 82%). In conclusion, T2Candida may be a valuable complement to 1,3-β-D-glucan in the clinical management of high-risk surgical patients because of its rapid results and ease of use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
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13 pages, 1204 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Multiplex Real-Time PCR DermaGenius® Assay for the Detection of Dermatophytes in Hair Samples from Senegal
by Mouhamadou Ndiaye, Rosalie Sacheli, Khadim Diongue, Caroline Adjetey, Rajae Darfouf, Mame Cheikh Seck, Aida Sadikh Badiane, Mamadou Alpha Diallo, Therese Dieng, Marie-Pierre Hayette and Daouda Ndiaye
J. Fungi 2022, 8(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8010011 - 24 Dec 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3280
Abstract
For the successful treatment of dermatophytoses, especially tinea capitis, there is a need for accurate and rapid diagnostic methods. A lot of recent literature has focused on the detection of dermatophytes directly on sample material such as nails, hair and skin scrapings. Molecular [...] Read more.
For the successful treatment of dermatophytoses, especially tinea capitis, there is a need for accurate and rapid diagnostic methods. A lot of recent literature has focused on the detection of dermatophytes directly on sample material such as nails, hair and skin scrapings. Molecular tools offer the ability to rapidly diagnose dermatophytosis within 48 h. This study aimed to compare the results of a commercial real-time PCR (real-time PCR) assay DermaGenius®(DG) 2.0 complete multiplex kit with those of conventional diagnostic methods (direct microscopy and culture). A total of 129 hair samples were collected in Dakar (Senegal) from patients suspected of dermatophytosis. DG was applied for the molecular detection of Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum/soudanense, T. interdigitale, T. tonsurans, T. mentagrophytes, T. violaceum, Microsporum canis, M. audouinii, Epidermophyton floccosum, T. benhamiae and T. verrucosum. Dermatophytes species and C. albicans were differentiated by melting curve analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay were 89.3% and 75.3%, respectively. DG PCR was significantly more sensitive than culture (p < 0.001). DG PCR is fast and robust to contamination. In this paper, the main questions discussed were the replacement of culture by a broad-spectrum fungal real-time PCR and the implementation of DG PCR into a routine laboratory in Senegal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
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Other

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8 pages, 251 KiB  
Brief Report
Diagnosis from Tissue: Histology and Identification
by Raquel Sabino and Nathan Wiederhold
J. Fungi 2022, 8(5), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8050505 - 13 May 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3246
Abstract
The diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment against invasive fungal infections depend upon accurate identification of pathogens by pathologists and clinical microbiologists. Histopathology is often critical in providing diagnostic insight in patients with suspected fungal infections, and such findings are incorporated into the [...] Read more.
The diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment against invasive fungal infections depend upon accurate identification of pathogens by pathologists and clinical microbiologists. Histopathology is often critical in providing diagnostic insight in patients with suspected fungal infections, and such findings are incorporated into the definitions of proven or probable disease caused by certain pathogens. Such examinations can offer provisional identifications of fungal organisms, which can help guide initial therapy while laboratory results are pending. Common etiologic agents of invasive mycoses may be recognized based on morphologic characteristics observed in tissue and biologic fluids, such as those obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial washings. However, care should be taken in the interpretation of these findings, as there may be a false sense of the ability to correctly categorize fungal organisms to the genus or species level by morphologic features alone. Studies have demonstrated discordant results between histopathology and laboratory results due to overlapping morphologic features, morphologic mimics, and sampling errors. Thus, histopathology plays an integral role in providing a differential of potential fungal pathogens but must be combined with results from laboratory studies, including cultures, antigen tests, serology, and molecular assays, in order to improve accuracy in the identification of etiologic agents of fungal infections. Inaccurate identification of the infecting organism can lead to inappropriate antifungal therapy and possibly poor clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
329 pages, 6129 KiB  
Conference Report
10th Trends in Medical Mycology Held on 8 to 11 October 2021, Aberdeen, Scotland, Organized by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
by Oliver A. Cornely, Neil Gow, Martin Hoenigl and Adilia Warris
J. Fungi 2021, 7(11), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7110916 - 28 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6920
Abstract
Plenary Sessions: [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Trends in Medical Mycology)
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