A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by<i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i>var.<i>neoformans</i>

Banerjee, Uma; Gupta, Kamini; Venugopal, Prem

doi:10.1080/02681219780001031

Cited by 52 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Cryptococcus neoformans has been shown to colonize and subsequently form biofilms on ventricular shunts [15], peritoneal dialysis fistulas [16], prosthetic hip joints [17], and cardiac valves [18]. Different Trichosporon species can cause disseminated life-threatening infections associated with biofilm-related infections [14, 19, 20], including cardiac grafts [21], catheters [22], and breast implants [23].…”

Section: Clinical Significance Of Fungal Biofilmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Biofilm Resistance

Ramage

Rajendran

Sherry

et al. 2012

International Journal of Microbiology

431

402

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Fungal biofilm infections have become increasingly recognised as a significant clinical problem. One of the major reasons behind this is the impact that these have upon treatment, as antifungal therapy often fails and surgical intervention is required. This places a large financial burden on health care providers. This paper aims to illustrate the importance of fungal biofilms, particularlyCandida albicans, and discusses some of the key fungal biofilm resistance mechanisms that include, extracellular matrix (ECM), efflux pump activity, persisters, cell density, overexpression of drug targets, stress responses, and the general physiology of the cell. The paper demonstrates the multifaceted nature of fungal biofilm resistance, which encompasses some of the newest data and ideas in the field.

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Section: Clinical Significance Of Fungal Biofilmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fungal Biofilm Resistance

Ramage

Rajendran

Sherry

et al. 2012

International Journal of Microbiology

431

402

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“…Finally, histopathological examination of a lung biopsy revealed C. neoformans. This was the rst case of cryptococcal endocarditis diagnosed ante mortem in this country [45]. The organism was demonstrated in liver biopsy and cryptococcal antigen appeared in serum and urine [38].…”

Section: Unusual Presentations Seen At Aiimsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cryptococcosis in India: the awakening of a giant?

et al. 2001

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The menace of cryptococcosis has assumed global proportions over the years. The tropical climate of the Indian subcontinent offers a suitable environment for Cryptococcus neoformans, and the onslaught of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic since the early 1990s has substantially influenced the situation. Coupled with that are the advances in laboratory diagnostic techniques that have made accurate diagnosis increasingly available. These factors together have led to a sharp increase in the number of reported cases of cryptococcosis. This review attempts to present an overview of the status of cryptococcosis in India from its first description to the most recent times. The disease has been reported from almost all parts of the country. C. neoformans var. neoformans is predominantly found in clinical samples, while C. n. var. gattii infection has also been reported. An organ commonly involved is the central nervous system, among others. Both immunocompromised and apparently immunocompetent patients have been affected. Laboratory diagnosis is mostly by conventional methods, while effective therapeutic options are limited. Early diagnosis followed by institution of specific therapy, where possible, has effectively reduced mortality. Awareness of the disease and maintenance of a high index of clinical suspicion is required. An integrated approach to patient management with active interaction between the clinicians and the laboratory personnel would be highly beneficial. The wide variety of presentations of the disease seen in India suggests the possibility of occurrence of strain variation which needs to be investigated fully. Introduction of routine testing of antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates is also important in order to obtain baseline data on susceptibility patterns and to predict in advance any shift in those patterns in the population. To maintain a high standard in all such endeavours, the establishment of an external quality control system is desirable.

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“…For instance, Walsh et al reported on C. neoformans biofilms in ventriculoatrial shunt catheters [9]. In addition, several reports of C. neoformans infection of polytetrafluoroethylene peritoneal dialysis fistula [11] and prosthetic cardiac valves [10] demonstrate the ability of this organism to adhere to medical devices. These observations highlight the importance of investigating the biofilm-forming properties of this organism.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of chitosan to damage Cryptococcus neoformans biofilms

et al. 2010

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The use of indwelling medical devices (e.g. pacemakers, prosthetic joints, catheters, etc) continues to increase, yet these devices are all too often complicated by infections with biofilm-forming microbes with increased resistance to antimicrobial agents and host defense mechanisms. We investigated the ability of chitosan, a polymer isolated from crustacean exoskeletons, to damage biofilms formed by the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. Using 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino) carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium-hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay and CFU determinations, we showed that chitosan significantly reduced both the metabolic activity of the biofilms and cell viability, respectively. We further demonstrated that chitosan penetrated biofilms and damaged fungal cells using confocal and scanning electron microscopy. Notably, melanization, an important virulence determinant of C. neoformans, did not protect cryptococcal biofilms against chitosan. The chitosan concentrations used in this study to evaluate fungal biofilm susceptibility were not toxic to human endothelial cells. Our results indicate that cryptococcal biofilms are susceptible to treatment with chitosan, suggesting an option for the prevention or treatment of fungal biofilms on indwelling medical devices.

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A case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused byCryptococcus neoformansvar.neoformans

Cited by 52 publications

References 12 publications

Fungal Biofilm Resistance

Fungal Biofilm Resistance

Cryptococcosis in India: the awakening of a giant?

The use of chitosan to damage Cryptococcus neoformans biofilms

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