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[Antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Scopulariopsis species]

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Abstract

Introduction: Scopulariopsis is a common soil saprophyte. In the last years the infections caused by Scopulariopsis species have increased, included superficial and invasive mycoses. This fungi has been reported resistant in vitro to some antifungal agents, although there is little information about this. The aim of the study was to establish in vitro antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Scopulariopsis species against to broad-spectrum antifungal agents. Methods: A total of 28 Scopulariopsis strains (10 S. brevicaulis, 7 S. koningii, 3 S. acremonium, 3 S. candida, 3 S. flava, 1 S. brumptii and 1 S. fusca) were tested using Sensititre Yeast One and broth microdilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole and 5-fluorocytosine, and minimun effective concentration (MECs) to anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin. Results: Our data confirm the high in vitro resistance of Scopulariopsis to antifungal agents. Anidulafungin, caspofungin, micafungin (MICs ≥ 8 mg/L), 5-fluorocytosine (MICs ≥ 64 mg/L), and fluconazole (MICs ≥ 128 mg/L) were inactive in vitro in all species. MICs of amphotericin B (range 2 to ≥ 8 mg/L) and itraconazole (0.5 to ≥ 16 mg/L) were high. The best antifungal activity was observed for posaconazole and voriconazole (0.5 to ≥ 8 mg/L). With Sensititre Yeast One method MICs obtained slightly lower. Scopulariopsis candida, S. flava and S. fusca were the most resistant species, while S. acremonium and S. brevicaulis showed the lowest MICs. Conclusions: MICs of all tested antifungal agents for Scopulariopsis were very high. Infections caused by Scopulariopsis species may not respond to antifungal treatment. Voriconazole is the drug of choice for treatment. We consider it appropriate to add amphotericin B in serious infections.
Palabras clave: Scopulariopsis. Antifúngicos. Hongos filamentosos. Voriconazol.
Sensititre YeastOne.
Antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of
Scopulariopsis
species
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Scopulariopsis is a common soil sapro-
phyte. In the last years the infections caused by Scopulariopsis
species have increased, included superficial and invasive my-
coses. This fungi has been reported resistant in vitro to some
antifungal agents, although there is little information about
this. The aim of the study was to establish in vitro antifun-
gal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Scopulariopsis species
against to broad-spectrum antifungal agents.
Methods. A total of 28 Scopulariopsis strains (10 S. brev-
icaulis, 7 S. koningii, 3 S. acremonium, 3 S. candida, 3 S. fla-
va, 1 S. brumptii and 1 S. fusca) were tested using Sensititre
YeastOne and broth microdilution methods to determine the
minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to amphotericin
B, fluconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole and
5-fluorocytosine, and minimun effective concentration (MECs)
to anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin.
Results. Our data confirm the high in vitro resistance of
Scopulariopsis to antifungal agents. Anidulafungin, caspo-
fungin, micafungin (MICs 8 mg/L), 5-fluorocytosine (MICs
64 mg/L), and fluconazole (MICs 128 mg/L) were inactive
in vitro in all species. MICs of amphotericin B (range 2 to
8 mg/L) and itraconazole (0.5 to 16 mg/L) were high. The
best antifungal activity was observed for posaconazole and
voriconazole (0.5 to 8 mg/L). With Sensititre YeastOne meth-
od MICs obtained slightly lower. Scopulariopsis candida, S. fla-
va and S. fusca were the most resistant species, while S. acre-
monium and S. brevicaulis showed the lowest MICs.
Conclusions. MICs of all tested antifungal agents for
Scopulariopsis were very high. Infections caused by Scopu-
lariopsis species may not respond to antifungal treatment.
Voriconazole is the drug of choice for treatment. We consider
it appropriate to add amphotericin B in serious infections.
RESUMEN
Introducción. Scopulariopsis es un hongo saprofito del sue-
lo. En los últimos años se ha incrementado el número y diversidad
de las infecciones causadas por este hongo, incluyendo micosis
superficiales e invasoras, y se ha descrito resistencia in vitro a an-
tifúngicos, aunque existe escasa información al respecto. Nuestro
objetivo fue establecer la sensibilidad in vitro de especies de origen
clínico frente a un amplio número de antifúngicos.
Material y métodos. Veintiocho cepas de Scopulariopsis
(10 S. brevicaulis, 7 S. koningii, 3 S. acremonium, 3 S. candida,
3 S. flava, 1 S. brumptii y 1 S. fusca) fueron ensayadas median-
te el método Sensititre YeastOne y el de microdilución en cal-
do, para determinar las concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias
(CMIs) frente a anfotericina B, fluconazol, itraconazol, posa-
conazol, voriconazol y 5-fluorocitosina, y las concentraciones
mínimas efectivas (CMEs) frente a anidulafungina, caspofungi-
na y micafungina.
Resultados. Nuestros datos confirman la alta resistencia
in vitro a los antifúngicos de Scopulariopsis. Anidulafungina,
caspofungina, micafungina (CMIs 8 mg/L), 5-fluorocitosina
(CMIs 64 mg/L) y fluconazol (CMIs 128 mg/L) fueron inacti-
vas para todas las especies. Las CMIs para anfotericina B (rango
2 a 8 mg/L) e itraconazol (0,5 a 16 mg/L) fueron altas. La
mejor actividad se observó para posaconazol y voriconazol (0,5
a 8 mg/L). Con el método Sensititre YeastOne se obtuvieron
CMIs ligeramente inferiores. Scopulariopsis candida, S. flava y
S. fusca, fueron las especies más resistentes; S. acremonium y
S. brevicaulis las de CMIs más bajas.
Conclusiones. Las CMIs de todos los antifúngicos ensayados
fueron elevadas para Scopulariopsis, lo que demuestra que las
infecciones causadas por especies de Scopulariopsis podrían no
responder al tratamiento. En infecciones graves, voriconazol sería
una buena elección para el tratamiento, asociado a anfotericina B.
Sensibilidad a antifúngicos de especies de
Scopulariopsis de origen clínico
Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz
Valle Odero
Lidia García-Agudo
Inmaculada Guerrero
Pilar Aznar
Pedro García-Martos
Manuel Rodríguez-Iglesias
Correspondencia:
Dr. Pedro García-Martos
Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar.
Avda. Andalucía, 61-3ºA
11007 Cádiz (Spain)
E-mail: pedromartos@hotmail.com
Original
17
Rev Esp Quimioter 2014;27(1): 17-21
18 Rev Esp Quimioter 2014;27(1): 17-21
Key words: Scopulariopsis. Antifungal agents. Filamen-
tous fungi. Voriconazole. Sensititre YeastOne.
INTRODUCCIÓN
En los últimos años se ha observado un incremento de in-
fecciones por hongos filamentosos poco habituales cuya sen-
sibilidad a antifúngicos es variable y puede constituir un pro-
blema a la hora de instaurar una terapia empírica. El género
Scopulariopsis se incluye en este grupo de hongos resistentes
a un amplio número de antifúngicos1,2. Se trata de hongos hi-
fomicetos saprofitos del suelo, aislados con frecuencia de ali-
mentos y una gran variedad de sustratos. Se conocen 11 espe-
cies de Scopulariopsis: S. acremonium, S. candida (anamorfo
de Microascus manginii), S. brevicaulis, S. cinereus (anamorfo
de Microascus cinereus), S.asperula, S.brumptii, S. flava, S. fus-
ca, S. koningii, S. paisii (anamorfo de Microascus cirrosus) y
S. trigonospora (anamorfo de Microascus trigonosporus)3. La
mayoría de estas especies, sobre todo S. brevicaulis, se asocian
con frecuencia con onicomicosis4,5, y algunas se han implica-
do en lesiones dérmicas6-8, queratitis9,10, sinusitis invasora11,12,
neumonía13,14, endoftalmitis15, absceso cerebral16,17, meningi-
tis18, endocarditis19 e infección invasora en pacientes con en-
fermedades graves y factores predisponentes, como trasplante,
inmunodepresión, administración de corticosteroides, diálisis
peritoneal y cirugía20-24.
El tratamiento de las infecciones producidas por Scopu-
lariopsis es complicado, dado el alto nivel de resistencia que
presentan la mayoría de las especies. Algunos autores han des-
crito que S. brevicaulis es resistente in vitro a anfotericina B,
fluorocitosina y azoles1,2, pero apenas existen estudios sobre la
sensibilidad de especies de Scopulariopsis a los antifúngicos.
El objetivo de nuestro trabajo ha sido determinar la sen-
sibilidad de varias especies de Scopulariopsis a los antifúngi-
cos de uso habitual, mediante el método comercial Sensititre
YeastOne y el método de microdilución en caldo, con el fin de
establecer con más precisión el perfil de resistencia de especies
de este género diferentes de S. brevicaulis.
MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS
Se estudiaron un total de 28 cepas del género Scopula-
riopsis de origen clínico, productoras de onicomicosis, pertene-
cientes a 7 especies (10 S. brevicaulis, 7 S. koningii, 3 S. acre-
monium, 3 S. candida, 3 S. flava, 1 S. brumptii y 1 S. fusca). La
identificación de las cepas se llevó a cabo mediante el estudio
de las características macro y microscópicas de las colonias
crecidas en agar de Sabouraud. Se determinó la sensibilidad
de estas cepas frente a anfotericina B, fluconazol, itracona-
zol, posaconazol, voriconazol, 5-fluorocitosina, caspofungina,
micafungina y anidulafungina, mediante el método Sensititre
YeastOne® (Trek Diagnostics System, UK), el cual ha demostra-
do su utilidad y concordancia con el M38-A2 propuesto por
el CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) para la
determinación de la sensibilidad a los antifúngicos de hongos
filamentosos25,26. Este método consiste en una microplaca que
contiene los antifúngicos a diluciones crecientes, con un in-
dicador de crecimiento de óxido-reducción (colorante Alamar
Blue) que facilita la lectura de los puntos finales por un cambio
de color, de azul (negativo) a rojo (positivo).
Paralelamente se ensayó la sensibilidad de las cepas me-
diante el método de microdilución en caldo propuesto por el
CLSI en el documento M38-A227. Los antifúngicos fueron dilui-
dos en dimetil sulfóxido o agua destilada estéril según su solu-
bilidad, preparando una solución madre de 1280 mg/L, a partir
de la cual se obtuvieron las concentraciones finales desde 128
mg/L hasta 0,125 mg/L, utilizando como diluyente RPMI 1640
suplementado con glucosa al 2%.
El inóculo se preparó tras cultivo de las cepas en agar de
Sabouraud durante siete días a 30ºC. La superficie del agar fue
inundada con 1 ml de solución salina estéril conteniendo un
0,05% de tween 80 y frotada suavemente con un escobillón
para obtener una suspensión de conidios en 5 ml de agua des-
tilada estéril. Esta suspensión se filtró a través de gasa estéril
de cuatro dobleces para eliminar las hifas acompañantes, y se
diluyó para ajustar la concentración del inóculo en un espec-
trofotómetro a 530 nm hasta obtener una transmitancia del
80% al 82%, equivalente a una concentración de 4 x 105 a 5
x 106 conidios/ml. A partir de esta suspensión se efectuó una
dilución en caldo RPMI 1640 tamponado con MOPS a pH 7
hasta alcanzar un inóculo final de 0,4-5 x 104 conidios/ml. La
inoculación de los pocillos de la placa se efectuó con 100 ml
de esta suspensión. Las placas se incubaron a 35ºC durante 72
horas, antes de realizar la lectura definitiva. Todas las prue-
bas se realizaron por duplicado para evitar errores de técnica.
Como CMI (concentración mínima inhibitoria) se consideró la
concentración más baja que produjo inhibición del crecimien-
to. Para equinocandinas se consideró la CME (concentración
mínima efectiva), menor concentración que causa cambios es-
tructurales en el hongo, equivalente a la llamada CMI-2 (50%
de inhibición del crecimiento)28.
Incorporamos en el estudio una cepa de Aspergillus flavus
ATCC 204304 y otra de Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC 204305,
como cepas control.
RESULTADOS
Fluconazol (128 mg/L) y 5-fluorocitosina (64 mg/L) pre-
sentaron CMIs muy elevadas para todas las especies de Scopula-
riopsis en los dos métodos de sensibilidad ensayados. Igualmen-
te, todas las equinocandinas (caspofungina, micafungina y ani-
dulafungina) mostraron CMEs de 8 mg/L en ambos métodos.
Con el resto de antifúngicos se obtuvieron CMIs comprendidas
entre 1 y 8 mg/L para anfotericina B; 0,5 y 16 mg/L para itra-
conazol; y 0,5 y 8 mg/L para posaconazol y voriconazol. En la
tabla 1 se reflejan las CMIs de anfotericina B, itraconazol, posa-
conazol y voriconazol, obtenidas con los dos métodos de sensi-
bilidad ensayados para las diferentes especies de Scopulariopsis.
Con el método Sensititre YeastOne las CMIs son ligeramente in-
feriores a las del método de microdilución en caldo.
Sensibilidad a antifúngicos de especies de Scopulariopsis de origen clínicoV. Odero, et al.
19
Rev Esp Quimioter 2014;27(1): 17-21
tividad es cuestionable1,9,28,30-32. Algunos autores
aseguran que la cirugía asociada a combinacio-
nes de antifúngicos, particularmente anfoterici-
na B y azoles, puede mejorar los resultados del
tratamiento1,22,33.
Existe escasa información sobre la actividad
in vitro de muchos antifúngicos frente a Sco-
pulariopsis. La mayoría de los datos publicados
se refieren a la especie S. brevicaulis y descri-
ben una susceptibilidad moderada a anfoteri-
cina B y resistencia a itraconazol, fluconazol y
5-fluorocitosina, aunque los datos son contra-
dictorios, debido probablemente a la variedad
de métodos utilizados para determinar la sensi-
bilidad1,2,11,25,32,34. Sí coinciden todas las publica-
ciones en que la sensibilidad de Scopulariopsis a
los antifúngicos disponibles es reducida.
El método elegido por nosotros para de-
terminar la sensibilidad a antifúngicos, Sensi-
titre YeastOne, ha demostrado ser de utilidad
para hongos filamentosos, a pesar de que las
pruebas de sensibilidad para estos hongos son
controvertidas y los resultados in vitro pueden
no concordar con la respuesta clínica. Su co-
rrelación con el método de microdilución en
caldo recomendado por el CLSI es satisfactoria.
Los resultados obtenidos en nuestro estudio
con este método muestran CMIs ligeramente
inferiores a las del método de referencia pe-
ro coinciden con los publicados por los pocos
autores que han realizado estudios de sensi-
bilidad en especies de Scopulariopsis, Estos
resultados confirman que las equinocandinas,
5-fluorocitosina y fluconazol son ineficaces
para Scopulariopsis; anfotericina B e itraco-
nazol muestran alguna actividad frente a de-
terminadas especies, mientras que posaconazol
y voriconazol son eficaces frente a un número
mayor de especies. Aunque nosotros no hemos
ensayado la actividad de terbinafina, es eficaz
frente a S. brevicaulis2,25 según algunos auto-
res, y otros opinan lo contrario22,33,35.
Podemos concluir que las diferentes especies del género
Scopulariopsis muestran resistencia frente a los antifúngicos
de uso habitual en el tratamiento de la infecciones por hongos
filamentosos oportunistas; solamente posaconazol y voricona-
zol parecen ser una buena elección para el tratamiento, aso-
ciados a anfotericina B en infecciones graves.
FINANCIACIÓN
Los autores no han recibido financiación por parte de or-
ganismos públicos ni privados.
En general, estos antifúngicos mostraron CMIs más eleva-
das para S. candida, S. flava y S. fusca, mientras que las CMIs
de anfotericina B, posaconazol y voriconazol fueron más mo-
deradas para S. acremonium y S. brevicaulis.
DISCUSIÓN
En las infecciones por especies de Scopulariopsis existe
poca experiencia sobre la efectividad de los antifúngicos y no
están bien definidas las pautas de tratamiento. La mayoría de
los casos han sido tratados con anfotericina B, aunque su efec-
Sensibilidad a antifúngicos de especies de Scopulariopsis de origen clínicoV. Odero, et al.
Tabla 1 Distribución de 28 cepas de especies de
Scopulariopsis
según su sensibilidad a anfotericina B, itraconazol,
posaconazol y voriconazol, por el método Sensititre
YeastOne y el método de microdilución en caldo (CLSI).
Especie (n) Antifúngicos
Rango
Distribución según sensibilidad (CMI mg/L)
Sensititre YeastOne / Microdilución en caldo
0,5 1 2 4 816
S. brevicaulis (10)
C. koningii (7)
S. acremonium (3)
S. candida (3)
S. flava (3)
S. brumptii (1)
S. fusca (1)
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
Anfotericina B
Itraconazol
Posaconazol
Voriconazol
1 - 8
1 - 16
1 - 4
1 - 8
2 - 8
0,5 - 16
1 - 8
0,5 - 8
1 - 2
2 - 8
0,5 - 2
1 - 2
2 - 4
16
8
4 - 8
4 - 8
16
4 - 8
2 - 8
8
16
4
4
8
16
8
8
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
2 / -
- / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
2 / 3
3 / -
5 / 3
1 / 3
5 / 6
6 / -
1 / 1
- / 1
- / 1
- / -
2 / 2
1 / 1
- / 3
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / -
1 / 3
6 / 2
4 / 3
2 / 7
3 / 2
- / -
- / -
- / -
2 / -
2 / 3
1 / 1
1 / 1
1 / 1
- / 1
- / 1
- / 1
3 / 4
2 / 1
- / 1
- / 3
3 / 4
- / -
6 / 6
5 / 6
- / 2
3 / 3
2 / 2
2 / 2
2 / 2
2 / 2
1 / 1
1 / 1
1 / 1
1 / 1
- / 4
6 / 6
3 / 3
3 / 3
1 / 1
1 / 1
20 Rev Esp Quimioter 2014;27(1): 17-21
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... The prognosis in invasive infections is poor, and many of the reported cases have ended in death. Therapeutic difficulties have been associated with patients' underlying disease, lack of clear guidelines for treatment, and resistance of the fungi to antimycotics (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). Data on the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Scopulariopsis and Microascus are scant and relate almost exclusively to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, which has been clinically the most frequently isolated species. ...
... Data on the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Scopulariopsis and Microascus are scant and relate almost exclusively to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, which has been clinically the most frequently isolated species. Most of these studies have indicated that S. brevicaulis exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). To the best of our knowledge, there have been only three published studies reporting on drug susceptibility results also for other than S. brevicaulis species (12,13,21). ...
... Most of these studies have indicated that S. brevicaulis exhibited a multidrug-resistant phenotype (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). To the best of our knowledge, there have been only three published studies reporting on drug susceptibility results also for other than S. brevicaulis species (12,13,21). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activities of 11 antifungal drugs against various Scopulariopsis and Microascus species, including rare species, which were not tested before. ...
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The in vitro activities of eleven antifungal drugs against 68 Scopulariopsis and Microascus strains were investigated. Amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and ciclopirox showed either no or only poor antifungal effect. The best activity exhibited terbinafine and caspofungin. The MIC/MEC ranges were 0.0313->16 μg/ml and 0.125-16 μg/ml, MIC/MEC modes 1 μg/ml, MIC50/MEC50 1 μg/ml, and MIC90/MEC90 4 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.
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This book is now in its 4th edition, available from https://atlasclinicalfungi.org.
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BACKGROUND: The incidence and clinical significance of other than dermatophytes fungi or moulds causing onychomycosis is unknown, because they may be colonising organisms rather than pathogen. This report presents the results of a study conducted between 1997 and 1999 to determine the incidence and aetiology of onychomycosis by non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi in the population of Cádiz (Spain). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Diagnosis of onychomycosis was performed by direct microscopic examination, culture and, some times, by histologic examination, on samples from 610 patients with clinical suspected fungal nail infections. RESULTS: Among 196 (32%) cases of ungual mycosis detected, 29 (15%) of them were caused by non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi, presenting positive direct microscopy and repeated cultures. Superficial and distal onychomycosis were the most frequent clinical types. Twenty two patients had onychomycosis of toenails. The highest incidence was found in women and subjects over the age 40. Scopulariopsis spp. (n = 11), Aspergillus spp. (n = 6), Alternaria spp. (n = 5) and Fusarium spp. (n = 4) were the most common fungi. Occasionally, Acremonium spp. and Scedosporium spp. were isolated. CONCLUSION: The incidence of onychomycosis caused by opportunistic fungi is not well known. For their diagnosis, it is important to select correctly the appropriate site for specimen collection, as well as direct microscopy and fungal cultures. The incidence of onychomycosis is high in Cádiz (Spain), being higher in women and older people. Predisponent factors are not always identified in the patients. Toenails were infected more than fingernails in both sexes. The results of our study suggest that Scopulariopsis spp. is an important agent of onychomycosis. Epidemiological investigations should be performed in every country in order to determine the fungal species responsible of onychomycosis.
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Acute invasive fungal sinusitis (AIFS) appears mainly in immunocompromized patients and may be caused by various pathogens. We describe a teenager with invasive sinonasal Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and review all the reports on this rare pathogen. A literature search on Scopulariopsis sinonasal invasive infections was performed and clinical data including age, gender, co-morbidities, treatment and prognosis was collected on all the patients. A 17 years old boy with acute myelocytic leukemia and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis sinonasal infection was successfully treated at our department with a combination of extensive surgical debridement and antifungal antibiotics. We found six articled describing six patients with AIFS due to Scopulariopsis species. Four patients were adults and two were children, 3 males and 3 females. Two had an infection with Scopulariopsis acremoium, one with Scopulariopsis candida and for 3 patients no data was given on the specific Scopulariopsis species. All the patients except one were immunocompromized. One patient was treated with antifungal drugs, 2 with surgery and 4 patients received antifungals and were operated. One patient died due to the fungal infection and two patients died due to other causes. Scopulariopsis AIFS is a life threatening disease affecting mainly immunocompromized patients, both children and adults. No clear treatment regimen has been established yet. We describe the first case of a teenager with Scopulariopsis brevicaulis sinonasal infection treated successfully with a combination of wide local excision and antifungal therapy.