BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific clinical/imaging features,as well as the fact that the proposed clinica...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific clinical/imaging features,as well as the fact that the proposed clinically diagnostic algorithms do not necessarily apply to COVID-19 patients.In addition,Fusarium spp.is a rare cause of opportunistic life-threatening fungal infections.Disseminated Fusarium infection in an immunocompromised host is intractable,with a high likelihood of resulting mortality.To our knowledge,this is the first case of secondary pulmonary infection by Fusarium solani(F.solani)and Aspergillus niger(A.niger)during systemic steroid treatment for COVID-19.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was transported to our hospital by ambulance with a complaint of fever and dyspnea.We established a diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia,complicated with COVID-19 and septic shock,together with acute renal failure.He was admitted to the intensive care unit,to be treated with piperacillin/tazobactam,vancomycin,and 6.6 mg per day of dexamethasone sodium phosphate,along with noradrenaline as a vasopressor,ventilator management,and continuous hemodiafiltration.His condition improved,and we finished the vasopressor on the fifth hospital day.We administered dexamethasone for ten days,and finished the course of treatment.On the eleventh day,patient respiratory deterioration was observed,and a computed tomography scan showed an exacerbation of bilateral ground-glass-opacity-like consolidation,together with newly appeared cavitary lesions in the lung.we changed antibiotics to meropenem plus vancomycin.In addition,a fungal infection was considered as a possibility based on microscopic findings of sputum,and we began coadministration of voriconazole.However,the pneumonia worsened,and the patient died on the seventeenth day of illness.Later,F.solani and A.niger were identified from sputum collected on the twelfth day.It was believed that he developed a cell-mediated immune deficiency during COVID-19 treatment,which led to the complication of pneumonia caused by the above-mentioned fungi,contributing to his death.CONCLUSION Because early initiation of intense antifungal therapy offers the best chance for survival in pulmonary fusariosis,computed tomography scans and appropriate microbiologic investigations should be obtained for severely immunocompromised patients.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the early expression of surfactant proteins D(SP-D) in Fusarium solani infected rat cornea. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into group A, B and C randomly. The right eyes were chosen as the exper...AIM: To investigate the early expression of surfactant proteins D(SP-D) in Fusarium solani infected rat cornea. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into group A, B and C randomly. The right eyes were chosen as the experiment one. Group A was control group. Group B was not inoculated with Fusarium solani. Group C was taken as fusarium solani keratitis model. Five rats in group B and C were executed randomly at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours respectively after the experimental model being established. The expression of SP-D was assessed through immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polyrnerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). RESULTS: RT-PCR detected that the SP-D mRNA expression was low in the corneal of normal rats and group B. The expression of fungal infected cornea increased gradually and reached the peak at 24 hours in group C. The synchronous expression of group B and C were in significant difference (P<0.01). Immunohistochemisty discovered the protein of SP-D expression was increased gradually from 12 hours and reached the peak at 48 hours in group C. The synchronous expression of group B and C were also in significant difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There exists SP-D in rat corneal tissue and the expression is significantly increased at the early period of fusarium solani infected cornea. SP-D may play a role in the early innate immunity response of the corneal resistance to Fusarium solani infection.展开更多
AIMTo observe the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in human specimen and immortalized human corneal epithelium cells (HCEC) when challenged with fusarium solani. Moreover, we decided to discover the pathway of V...AIMTo observe the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in human specimen and immortalized human corneal epithelium cells (HCEC) when challenged with fusarium solani. Moreover, we decided to discover the pathway of VDR expression. Also, we would like to detect the expression of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) in the downstream pathway of VDR.METHODSImmunohistochemistry was used to examine the VDR expression in HCEC from healthy and fungal keratitis patients. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to observe the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) change of VDR when immortalized HCEC were challenged with fusarium solani for different hours. CAMP was detected at both mRNA and protein levels.RESULTSWe found out that the VDR expression in fusarium solani keratitis patients' specimen was much more than that in healthy people. The mRNA and protein expression of VDR increased when we stimulated HCEC with fusarium solani antigen (P<0.01) and it could be inhibited by toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) monoclonal antibody. The CAMP expression was decreased because of fusarium solani antigen stimulation (P<0.01).CONCLUSIONThe VDR expression can be increased via TLR2/1-VDR pathway while the CAMP expression is decreased by the stimulation of fusarium solani antigen.展开更多
AIM: To establish a repeatable rat model of Fusarium solani keratitis (F. solani keratitis) that mimicked fungal keratitis in humans. METHODS: Wistar rats' corneas were scratched on the superficial stroma after sc...AIM: To establish a repeatable rat model of Fusarium solani keratitis (F. solani keratitis) that mimicked fungal keratitis in humans. METHODS: Wistar rats' corneas were scratched on the superficial stroma after scraping the unilateral corneal epithelia. Then, the corneal surface was inoculated with different inoculum dose of E solanispore suspension. Doses ranged from 10(6) to 10(9) colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL). The treated corneas were covered by contact lenses that were made of Parafilm M membrane. Negative controls were inoculated with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For statistical analysis, corneas were evaluated daily on a 12-point scale to check the state of corneal inflammation. Furthermore, the pathological characteristics of this model were investigated. RESULTS: The rat model of F solani keratitis was established by the combination methods of corneal trauma and parafilm-made contact lens and inoculation of fungus spore suspension. 10(6) and 10(7)CFU/mL of F solani induced mild corneal infection, while 10(8)CFU/mL of F solani was sufficient to induce moderate infection that was consistent with human keratomycosis. Dose of 10(9)CFU/mL of E solani was excessive and led to perforated corneas. CONCLUSION: The rat model of E solani keratitis, established by the combinational methods of corneal trauma, parafilm-made contact lens and the appropriate dose of inoculum, that imitates the developing processes of F solani keratitis in human beings and provides a repeatable method of creating a rat model.展开更多
AIM: To investigate matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)expression during the progress of fusarium solani(F.solani) keratitis in a rat model.· METHODS: A rat mo...AIM: To investigate matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)expression during the progress of fusarium solani(F.solani) keratitis in a rat model.· METHODS: A rat model of F.solani keratitis was produced using corneal scarification and a hand-made contact lens. MMPs and TIMPs expressiond were explored in this rat model of F.solani keratitis using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and DIF.GM6001(400 μmol/m L) was used to treat infected corneas. The keratitis duration, amount and area of corneal neovascularization(CNV) were evaluated.·RESULTS: MMP-3 expression was 66.3 times higher in infected corneas compared to normal corneas. MMP-8,-9,and-13 expressions were significantly upregulated in the mid-period of the infection, with infected- to-normal ratios of 4.03, 39.86, and 5.94, respectively. MMP-2 and-7expressions increased in the late period, with the infected-to-normal ratios of 5.94 and 16.22, respectively.TIMP-1 expression was upregulated in the early period,and it was 43.17 times higher in infected compared to normal corneas, but TIMP-2,-3, and-4 expressions were mildly downregulated or unchanged. The results of DIF were consistent with the result of real-time PCR.GM6001, a MMPs inhibitor, decreased the duration of F.solani infection and the amount and area of CNV.·CONCLUSION: MMPs and TIMPs contributed into the progress of F.solani keratitis.展开更多
In this study,the response of Dectin-1 on macrophages to Fusarium solani(F.solani) and the expression patterns of Dectin-1 in experimentally F.solani-induced keratomycosis were investigated.Peritoneal macrophages is...In this study,the response of Dectin-1 on macrophages to Fusarium solani(F.solani) and the expression patterns of Dectin-1 in experimentally F.solani-induced keratomycosis were investigated.Peritoneal macrophages isolated after intraperitoneal injection of sodium thioglycollate were co-cultured with laminarin and spores of F.solani for 12 h.The expression levels of Dectin-1 and CARD9 were detected by immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.A mouse model of fungal keratitis was established by substromal inoculation with spores of F.solani.Corneal lesions and inflammatory responses were observed by slit-lamp and histopathology at 1,2,3,5,and 7 day(s) after infection.Dectin-1 expression was significantly upregulated on macrophages stimulated by spores of F.solani.Dectin-1 was not detected in normal corneas of C57 BL/6 mice,but detected in infected corneas from the first day after inoculation,with high m RNA levels observed on days 2 and 3.CARD9,a key transducer of Dectin-1 signaling,was also upregulated in infected corneas.In conclusion,Dectin-1 is an important recognition receptor in F.solani-induced keratitis,but the molecular mechanisms warrant further investigation.Key words展开更多
Detection of F. solani f. sp. cucurbitae causal agent of the crown and root rot disease of melon race 1, race 2 is difficult. It is based only on morphological characteristic. In this study, forty isolates identified ...Detection of F. solani f. sp. cucurbitae causal agent of the crown and root rot disease of melon race 1, race 2 is difficult. It is based only on morphological characteristic. In this study, forty isolates identified as Fusarium solani based on morphological characterization, F. solani was one of the most frequently isolated species. Molecular identification of these isolates by PCR technique using species-specific primer, indicated that thirty-two isolates, amplified product 580 bp (race 1) and two isolate amplified product 580 bp (race 2), while six isolates were not amplified with primer of both races. Production of Trichothecenes (T2-toxen, DON.) by Fusarium solani was conducted on isolates confirmed as belonging in the F. solani by PCR. The results indicated that the presence of Tri5, Tri13 genes is coding the ability of synthesis mycotoxin. In vitro, the results indicated that NPs (AgNPs, MgNPs) and chemical (Phylex) possess the antifungal properties against at various level. Treatment with (AgNPs 150 ppm, MgNPs 2%, 3% ppm) and 3% Phylex resulted in maximum inhabitation of F. solani . In vivo, five characters (height plant, hoot ant root fresh and dry weight) were measured based on the greenhouse, field experimental results. Treatment with (AgNPs, MgNPs) and Phylex had higher measured parameters than positive control.展开更多
Laboratory experiments have been carried out to determine the effects of lemon, cedar, pine and thyme oils as well as Citrocept on the growth of Fusarium solani Mart. (Sacc.) mycelium isolated from stored potato tuber...Laboratory experiments have been carried out to determine the effects of lemon, cedar, pine and thyme oils as well as Citrocept on the growth of Fusarium solani Mart. (Sacc.) mycelium isolated from stored potato tubers. The biotic property of essential oils and Citrocept in inhibiting the linear growth of F. solani was assessed with the use of poisoned culture media, whereas the fungistatic property was determined by calculating, with the use of Abbott formula, the percentage indicating how many fungal colonies were inhibited from growth. A complete inhibition of the pathogen’s growth was observed in the presence of thyme oil at a concentration of 0.2% to 2% as well as in the presence of lemon oil at a concentration of 5% and 15%. Citrosept only at high concentrations caused a slower growth of F. solani. No fungistatic effects of cedar and pine oils were observed.展开更多
In order to investigate the mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene uptake by a filamentous fungus Fusarium solani, a biochemical characterization of its concentrated culture filtrate has been conducted. The preparation contained...In order to investigate the mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene uptake by a filamentous fungus Fusarium solani, a biochemical characterization of its concentrated culture filtrate has been conducted. The preparation contained approximately (w/w): 50% of total carbohydrate, 6.5% of uronic acid and 6% protein, as determined by colorimetric tests. Gel filtration and anion-exchange chromatographic profiles indicated that the main product of the culture filtrate was a glycoprotein, which contained mannose, glucose and galactose in an approximate molar ratio of 1.5: 0.8: 1. The polysaccharide fraction of the culture filtrate was prepared by treatment with proteinase K, followed by gel-filtration chromatography. Its chemical structure was studied by methylation analysis, gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The major carbohydrate was a polymer of β-(1 → 6)-linked galactofuranose units fully branched at positions O-2 by single residues of α-glucopyranose. The Fusarium concentrated culture filtrate increased 4-fold the BaP solubilization in comparison with its aqueous solubility and suggested that the carbohydrate present in this filtrate should probably be involved in this enhancement. Our findings point out the potential role of fungal glycoproteins in PAH microbial bioavaibility, an important step for PAH biodegradation.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its non-specific clinical/imaging features,as well as the fact that the proposed clinically diagnostic algorithms do not necessarily apply to COVID-19 patients.In addition,Fusarium spp.is a rare cause of opportunistic life-threatening fungal infections.Disseminated Fusarium infection in an immunocompromised host is intractable,with a high likelihood of resulting mortality.To our knowledge,this is the first case of secondary pulmonary infection by Fusarium solani(F.solani)and Aspergillus niger(A.niger)during systemic steroid treatment for COVID-19.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male was transported to our hospital by ambulance with a complaint of fever and dyspnea.We established a diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia,complicated with COVID-19 and septic shock,together with acute renal failure.He was admitted to the intensive care unit,to be treated with piperacillin/tazobactam,vancomycin,and 6.6 mg per day of dexamethasone sodium phosphate,along with noradrenaline as a vasopressor,ventilator management,and continuous hemodiafiltration.His condition improved,and we finished the vasopressor on the fifth hospital day.We administered dexamethasone for ten days,and finished the course of treatment.On the eleventh day,patient respiratory deterioration was observed,and a computed tomography scan showed an exacerbation of bilateral ground-glass-opacity-like consolidation,together with newly appeared cavitary lesions in the lung.we changed antibiotics to meropenem plus vancomycin.In addition,a fungal infection was considered as a possibility based on microscopic findings of sputum,and we began coadministration of voriconazole.However,the pneumonia worsened,and the patient died on the seventeenth day of illness.Later,F.solani and A.niger were identified from sputum collected on the twelfth day.It was believed that he developed a cell-mediated immune deficiency during COVID-19 treatment,which led to the complication of pneumonia caused by the above-mentioned fungi,contributing to his death.CONCLUSION Because early initiation of intense antifungal therapy offers the best chance for survival in pulmonary fusariosis,computed tomography scans and appropriate microbiologic investigations should be obtained for severely immunocompromised patients.
文摘AIM: To investigate the early expression of surfactant proteins D(SP-D) in Fusarium solani infected rat cornea. METHODS: Wistar rats were divided into group A, B and C randomly. The right eyes were chosen as the experiment one. Group A was control group. Group B was not inoculated with Fusarium solani. Group C was taken as fusarium solani keratitis model. Five rats in group B and C were executed randomly at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours respectively after the experimental model being established. The expression of SP-D was assessed through immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polyrnerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). RESULTS: RT-PCR detected that the SP-D mRNA expression was low in the corneal of normal rats and group B. The expression of fungal infected cornea increased gradually and reached the peak at 24 hours in group C. The synchronous expression of group B and C were in significant difference (P<0.01). Immunohistochemisty discovered the protein of SP-D expression was increased gradually from 12 hours and reached the peak at 48 hours in group C. The synchronous expression of group B and C were also in significant difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: There exists SP-D in rat corneal tissue and the expression is significantly increased at the early period of fusarium solani infected cornea. SP-D may play a role in the early innate immunity response of the corneal resistance to Fusarium solani infection.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81170825)
文摘AIMTo observe the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in human specimen and immortalized human corneal epithelium cells (HCEC) when challenged with fusarium solani. Moreover, we decided to discover the pathway of VDR expression. Also, we would like to detect the expression of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) in the downstream pathway of VDR.METHODSImmunohistochemistry was used to examine the VDR expression in HCEC from healthy and fungal keratitis patients. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to observe the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) change of VDR when immortalized HCEC were challenged with fusarium solani for different hours. CAMP was detected at both mRNA and protein levels.RESULTSWe found out that the VDR expression in fusarium solani keratitis patients' specimen was much more than that in healthy people. The mRNA and protein expression of VDR increased when we stimulated HCEC with fusarium solani antigen (P<0.01) and it could be inhibited by toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) monoclonal antibody. The CAMP expression was decreased because of fusarium solani antigen stimulation (P<0.01).CONCLUSIONThe VDR expression can be increased via TLR2/1-VDR pathway while the CAMP expression is decreased by the stimulation of fusarium solani antigen.
基金Shanghai Science and Technology Commission,China (No. 08JC1419600)
文摘AIM: To establish a repeatable rat model of Fusarium solani keratitis (F. solani keratitis) that mimicked fungal keratitis in humans. METHODS: Wistar rats' corneas were scratched on the superficial stroma after scraping the unilateral corneal epithelia. Then, the corneal surface was inoculated with different inoculum dose of E solanispore suspension. Doses ranged from 10(6) to 10(9) colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL). The treated corneas were covered by contact lenses that were made of Parafilm M membrane. Negative controls were inoculated with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). For statistical analysis, corneas were evaluated daily on a 12-point scale to check the state of corneal inflammation. Furthermore, the pathological characteristics of this model were investigated. RESULTS: The rat model of F solani keratitis was established by the combination methods of corneal trauma and parafilm-made contact lens and inoculation of fungus spore suspension. 10(6) and 10(7)CFU/mL of F solani induced mild corneal infection, while 10(8)CFU/mL of F solani was sufficient to induce moderate infection that was consistent with human keratomycosis. Dose of 10(9)CFU/mL of E solani was excessive and led to perforated corneas. CONCLUSION: The rat model of E solani keratitis, established by the combinational methods of corneal trauma, parafilm-made contact lens and the appropriate dose of inoculum, that imitates the developing processes of F solani keratitis in human beings and provides a repeatable method of creating a rat model.
基金Supported by Tongji University,Shanghai,China(No.2012KJ042)
文摘AIM: To investigate matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)expression during the progress of fusarium solani(F.solani) keratitis in a rat model.· METHODS: A rat model of F.solani keratitis was produced using corneal scarification and a hand-made contact lens. MMPs and TIMPs expressiond were explored in this rat model of F.solani keratitis using real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and DIF.GM6001(400 μmol/m L) was used to treat infected corneas. The keratitis duration, amount and area of corneal neovascularization(CNV) were evaluated.·RESULTS: MMP-3 expression was 66.3 times higher in infected corneas compared to normal corneas. MMP-8,-9,and-13 expressions were significantly upregulated in the mid-period of the infection, with infected- to-normal ratios of 4.03, 39.86, and 5.94, respectively. MMP-2 and-7expressions increased in the late period, with the infected-to-normal ratios of 5.94 and 16.22, respectively.TIMP-1 expression was upregulated in the early period,and it was 43.17 times higher in infected compared to normal corneas, but TIMP-2,-3, and-4 expressions were mildly downregulated or unchanged. The results of DIF were consistent with the result of real-time PCR.GM6001, a MMPs inhibitor, decreased the duration of F.solani infection and the amount and area of CNV.·CONCLUSION: MMPs and TIMPs contributed into the progress of F.solani keratitis.
文摘In this study,the response of Dectin-1 on macrophages to Fusarium solani(F.solani) and the expression patterns of Dectin-1 in experimentally F.solani-induced keratomycosis were investigated.Peritoneal macrophages isolated after intraperitoneal injection of sodium thioglycollate were co-cultured with laminarin and spores of F.solani for 12 h.The expression levels of Dectin-1 and CARD9 were detected by immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.A mouse model of fungal keratitis was established by substromal inoculation with spores of F.solani.Corneal lesions and inflammatory responses were observed by slit-lamp and histopathology at 1,2,3,5,and 7 day(s) after infection.Dectin-1 expression was significantly upregulated on macrophages stimulated by spores of F.solani.Dectin-1 was not detected in normal corneas of C57 BL/6 mice,but detected in infected corneas from the first day after inoculation,with high m RNA levels observed on days 2 and 3.CARD9,a key transducer of Dectin-1 signaling,was also upregulated in infected corneas.In conclusion,Dectin-1 is an important recognition receptor in F.solani-induced keratitis,but the molecular mechanisms warrant further investigation.Key words
文摘Detection of F. solani f. sp. cucurbitae causal agent of the crown and root rot disease of melon race 1, race 2 is difficult. It is based only on morphological characteristic. In this study, forty isolates identified as Fusarium solani based on morphological characterization, F. solani was one of the most frequently isolated species. Molecular identification of these isolates by PCR technique using species-specific primer, indicated that thirty-two isolates, amplified product 580 bp (race 1) and two isolate amplified product 580 bp (race 2), while six isolates were not amplified with primer of both races. Production of Trichothecenes (T2-toxen, DON.) by Fusarium solani was conducted on isolates confirmed as belonging in the F. solani by PCR. The results indicated that the presence of Tri5, Tri13 genes is coding the ability of synthesis mycotoxin. In vitro, the results indicated that NPs (AgNPs, MgNPs) and chemical (Phylex) possess the antifungal properties against at various level. Treatment with (AgNPs 150 ppm, MgNPs 2%, 3% ppm) and 3% Phylex resulted in maximum inhabitation of F. solani . In vivo, five characters (height plant, hoot ant root fresh and dry weight) were measured based on the greenhouse, field experimental results. Treatment with (AgNPs, MgNPs) and Phylex had higher measured parameters than positive control.
文摘Laboratory experiments have been carried out to determine the effects of lemon, cedar, pine and thyme oils as well as Citrocept on the growth of Fusarium solani Mart. (Sacc.) mycelium isolated from stored potato tubers. The biotic property of essential oils and Citrocept in inhibiting the linear growth of F. solani was assessed with the use of poisoned culture media, whereas the fungistatic property was determined by calculating, with the use of Abbott formula, the percentage indicating how many fungal colonies were inhibited from growth. A complete inhibition of the pathogen’s growth was observed in the presence of thyme oil at a concentration of 0.2% to 2% as well as in the presence of lemon oil at a concentration of 5% and 15%. Citrosept only at high concentrations caused a slower growth of F. solani. No fungistatic effects of cedar and pine oils were observed.
文摘In order to investigate the mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene uptake by a filamentous fungus Fusarium solani, a biochemical characterization of its concentrated culture filtrate has been conducted. The preparation contained approximately (w/w): 50% of total carbohydrate, 6.5% of uronic acid and 6% protein, as determined by colorimetric tests. Gel filtration and anion-exchange chromatographic profiles indicated that the main product of the culture filtrate was a glycoprotein, which contained mannose, glucose and galactose in an approximate molar ratio of 1.5: 0.8: 1. The polysaccharide fraction of the culture filtrate was prepared by treatment with proteinase K, followed by gel-filtration chromatography. Its chemical structure was studied by methylation analysis, gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR). The major carbohydrate was a polymer of β-(1 → 6)-linked galactofuranose units fully branched at positions O-2 by single residues of α-glucopyranose. The Fusarium concentrated culture filtrate increased 4-fold the BaP solubilization in comparison with its aqueous solubility and suggested that the carbohydrate present in this filtrate should probably be involved in this enhancement. Our findings point out the potential role of fungal glycoproteins in PAH microbial bioavaibility, an important step for PAH biodegradation.