Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto genetic diversity from cystic fibrosis patients.

We aimed to access the genetic diversity of Apergillus fumigatus strains obtained from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients from southern Brazil. A. fumigatus sensu stricto isolates from respiratory clinical specimens were genotyped by microsatellite markers and azole resistance was evaluated by azole-agar screening.

in Intensive Care Setting: The First Case Reported in Portugal.

is an opportunistic human pathogen that has rapidly spread to multiple countries and continents and has been associated with a high number of nosocomial outbreaks. Herein, we report the first case of in Portugal, which was associated with a patient transferred from Angola to an ICU in Portugal for liver transplantation after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. was isolated during the course of bronchoalveolar lavage, and it was subjected to antifungal susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequence analysis.

Strategies for Monitoring Microbial Life in Beach Sand for Protection of Public Health.

The 2021 revised guidelines of the World Health Organization recommend monitoring the quality of sand in addition to water at recreational beaches. This review provides background information about the types of beaches, the characteristics of sand, and the microbiological parameters that should be measured. Analytical approaches are described for quantifying fungi and fecal indicator bacteria from beach sand.

A multicentre external quality assessment: A first step to standardise PCR protocols for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis.

Background: In-house real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly used to diagnose the so-called endemic mycoses as commercial assays are not widely available.

Objectives: To compare the performance of different molecular diagnostic assays for detecting Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides spp. in five European reference laboratories.

Comparison of Multi-locus Genotypes Detected in Isolated from COVID Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) and from Other Clinical and Environmental Sources.

Background: is a saprophytic fungus, ubiquitous in the environment and responsible for causing infections, some of them severe invasive infections. The high morbidity and mortality, together with the increasing burden of triazole-resistant isolates and the emergence of new risk groups, namely COVID-19 patients, have raised a crescent awareness of the need to better comprehend the dynamics of this fungus. The understanding of the epidemiology of this fungus, especially of CAPA isolates, allows a better understanding of the interactions of the fungus in the environment and the human body.

Anti-Aspergillus fumigatus IgG in patients with bronchiectasis and its relationship with clinical outcome.

Aspergillosis is a mycosis, most commonly affecting the airways. This mycosis can worsen the clinical condition of patients with concurrent lung diseases. We assayed for the presence of serum anti-A.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilms Underlying Catheter-Related Bloodstream Coinfection by Complex and .

Biofilm-associated infections are a public health concern especially in the context of healthcare-associated infections such as catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). We evaluated the biofilm formation and antimicrobials resistance (AMR) of complex and co-isolated from a CRBSI patient. Antimicrobial susceptibility of central venous catheters (CVCs) and hemoculture (HC) isolates was evaluated, including whole genome sequencing (WGS) resistome analysis and evaluation of gene expression to obtain insight into their AMR determinants.

Invasive and Subcutaneous Infections Caused by Filamentous Fungi: Report from a Portuguese Multicentric Surveillance Program.

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) have significantly increased over the past years due to advances in medical care for the at-risk immunocompromised population. IFI are often difficult to diagnose and manage, and can be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study aims to contribute to understanding the etiology of invasive and subcutaneous fungal infections, their associated risk factors, and to perceive the outcome of patients who developed invasive disease, raising awareness of these infections at a local level but also in a global context.

Novel Clinical and Laboratorial Challenges in Aspergillosis.

In recent years, research in the areas of and aspergillosis has continued to advance rapidly, including advancements in genomics, immunological studies, clinical areas, and diagnostic areas. Recently, new risk groups for the development of aspergillosis have emerged-patients with influenza- or COVID-19-ssociated pulmonary aspergillosis. The rise and spread of antifungal resistances have also become a clinical concern in some geographic areas and have drawn the attention of clinicians due to difficulties in treating these infections.

COVID-19-Associated Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case Series in a Portuguese Hospital.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) has become a recognizable complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Alveolar damage in the context of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) appears to be the culprit in facilitating fungal invasion in COVID-19 patients, leading to a COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) phenomenon. From November 2020 to 15 February 2021, 248 COVID-19 patients were admitted to our ICUs, of whom ten patients (4% incidence) were classified as either probable (six) or possible (four) CAPA cases.

Attitudes and knowledge in blood donation among nursing students: A cross-sectional study in Spain and Portugal.

Background: Blood donors are key in meeting the ever-increasing blood requirements worldwide. The Spanish and Portuguese donation systems are based on altruism and voluntariness. However, nursing students may not be fully aware of the importance of this social responsibility and their professional skills in this field.

Molecular epidemiology of aspergillosis in Magellanic penguins and susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates.

Aspergillus section Fumigati is reported in up to 99% of aspergillosis cases in penguins. So far, no data regarding molecular epidemiology and azole resistance are available for A. fumigatus isolates collected from Magellanic penguins.

Intimate Relationships as Perceived by Adolescents: Concepts and Meanings.

Adolescence is a period of great changes and the assumption of risk behaviours at the level of sexuality may have implications for health and well-being. Nowadays, adolescents live free from constraints and prioritise freedom, using their own terminology to label their relationships, it becoming in turn important to conceptualise intimacy relationships from their perspective. Therefore, a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was performed.

Trends on Epidemiology-Perspectives from a National Reference Laboratory Surveillance Program.

Identification of to species level is important since sibling species may display variable susceptibilities to multiple antifungal drugs and also because correct identification contributes to improve the knowledge of epidemiological studies. Two retrospective laboratory studies were conducted on surveillance at the Portuguese National Mycology Reference Laboratory. The first, covering the period 2017-2018, aimed to study the molecular epidemiology of 256 isolates obtained from patients with respiratory, subcutaneous, or systemic infections and from environmental samples.

Azole-Resistant Harboring the TR/L98H Mutation: First Report in Portugal in Environmental Samples.

Introduction: The frequency in detection of azole-resistant isolates has increased since 2010. In Portugal, the section is one of the most frequent, and resistant strains to have been found in clinical and environmental contexts. Although several cryptic species within the section show intrinsic resistance to azoles, one factor driving (acquired) resistance is selective pressure deriving from the extensive use of azoles.

Aspergillosis, Avian Species and the One Health Perspective: The Possible Importance of Birds in Azole Resistance.

The One Health context considers health based on three pillars: humans, animals, and environment. This approach is a strong ally in the surveillance of infectious diseases and in the development of prevention strategies. spp.

[Candida auris: The Recent Emergence of a Multiresistant Pathogenic Fungi].

Candida auris was first described as a new species back in 2009. Although it differs markedly from other Candida species, this species can be misidentified as other yeasts in the routine microbiology laboratories. Therefore, its identification to species level should be confirmed by reference laboratories.

Algorithm to assess the presence of resistant strains: The case of Norwegian sawmills.

Association between selection pressure caused by the use of azole fungicides in sawmills and the development of fungal resistance has been described. The aim of this study was to implement an algorithm to assess the presence of section resistant strains in sawmills.Eighty-six full-shift inhalable dust samples were collected from eleven industrial sawmills in Norway.

sphenoidal sinusitis as presentation of a non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

is a basidiomycetes worldwide distributed that has emerged as cause of invasive infections in immunosuppressed patients. We present a case of a man who was simultaneously diagnosed with a small cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a sphenoid sinusitis by . Intraoperative observation and histology description were crucial to consider an alternative diagnosis to mucormycosis suggested by the MRI.

, an Agent of Hospital-Associated Outbreaks: Which Challenging Issues Do We Need to Have in Mind?

The emergence of is considered as one of the most serious problems associated with nosocomial transmission and with infection control practices in hospital environment. This multidrug resistant species is rapidly spreading worldwide, with several described outbreaks. Until now, this species has been isolated from different hospital surfaces, where it can survive for long periods.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis treatment duration in haematology patients in Europe: An EFISG, IDWP-EBMT, EORTC-IDG and SEIFEM survey.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) optimal duration of antifungal treatment is not known. In a joint effort, four international scientific societies/groups performed a survey to capture current practices in European haematology centres regarding management of IPA. We conducted a cross-sectional internet-based questionnaire survey in 2017 to assess practices in sixteen European countries concerning IPA management in haematology patients including tools to evaluate treatment response, duration and discontinuation.

Molecular Detection of : Application of a Real-Time PCR Multiplex Assay in Tissue Samples.

Diagnosis of invasive fungal infections is complex, and the lack of standardization of molecular methods is still a challenge. Several methods are available for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, but their effectiveness will depend on the studied population, the patients' comorbidities, and the use of mold active prophylaxis, among others. The ability to determine the identity of the infecting species, and to detect mutations conferring specific resistance patterns directly from DNA extracted from the biological product, is an advantage of nucleic acid testing compared with antigen-based assays.

collected in specific indoor settings: their molecular identification and susceptibility pattern.

Exposure to conidia is an increased risk factor for the development of respiratory symptoms. The emergence of azole resistance in is a major concern for the scientific community. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular identification of species collected from different occupational and non-occupational indoor settings and to study the azole susceptibility profile of the collected isolates.