In vitro susceptibility testing of amphotericin B for Cryptococcus neoformans variety grubii AFLP1/VNI and Cryptococcus gattii AFLP6/VGII by CLSI and flow cytometry.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI is the main causative agent of cryptococcosis associated with AIDS in the world. Cryptococcus gattii AFLP6/VGII causes mainly endemic primary infection in immunocompetent hosts. To determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of C. neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI and C. gattii AFLP6/VGII against amphotericin B (AMB) in a short period of time, flow cytometry (FCM) with FUN-1 fluorochrome was used to compare with broth microdilution method (CLSI M27-A3). The minimum incubation period was evaluated by minimum fungicidal concentration procedure. Seventeen clinical isolates of C. neoformans var. grubii AFLP1/VNI and 18 of C. gattii AFLP6/VGII were analysed. The time for the determination of MICs by FCM was 2 h against 72 h by CLSI M27-A3 and the comparison of MIC showed a positive significant correlation (P = 0.048). It is important to highlight the role of the FCM as an alternative method to determine the MICs for AMB in within a day, with positive cost-benefit.

Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii against fluconazole by flow cytometry.

Recent studies have used flow cytometry (FCM) as an important alternative method to determine the antifungal susceptibility of yeasts compared to the broth microdilution Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference procedure. We present a comparative study of the broth microdilution method and flow cytometry to assess the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans (n = 16) and C. gattii (n = 24) to fluconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays by flow cytometry were defined as the lowest drug concentration that showed ∼50% of the count of acridine orange negative cells compared to that of the growth control. Categorical classification showed all C. neoformans isolates were susceptible to fluconazole. Three isolates of C. gattii were susceptible dose-dependent and the remaining 21 isolates were classified as susceptible. MICs comparison of both methodologies demonstrated 100% categorical agreement of the results obtained for C. neoformans and C. gattii. The MICs obtained with the CLSI-approved method and flow cytometry were compared by the Spearman correlation test and a significant Pv = 0.001. The flow cytometric method has the advantage of analyzing a large and constant number of cells in less time, i.e., 9 h incubation for fluconazole using acridine orange versus 72 h for broth microdilution method. In conclusion, the two methods were comparable and flow cytometry method can expedite and improve the results of in vitro susceptibility tests of C. neoformans and C. gattii against fluconazole and also allows comparative studies in vitro/in vivo more rapidly, which along with clinical data, could assist in selecting the most appropriate treatment choice.

Techniques for the detection of pathogenic Cryptococcus species in wood decay substrata and the evaluation of viability in stored samples.

In this study, we evaluated several techniques for the detection of the yeast form of Cryptococcus in decaying wood and measured the viability of these fungi in environmental samples stored in the laboratory. Samples were collected from a tree known to be positive for Cryptococcus and were each inoculated on 10 Niger seed agar (NSA) plates. The conventional technique (CT) yielded a greater number of positive samples and indicated a higher fungal density [in colony forming units per gram of wood (CFU x g(-1))] compared to the humid swab technique (ST). However, the difference in positive and false negative results between the CT-ST was not significant. The threshold of detection for the CT was 0.05.10³ CFU x g(-1), while the threshold for the ST was greater than 0.1.10³ CFU(-1). No colonies were recovered using the dry swab technique. We also determined the viability of Cryptococcus in wood samples stored for 45 days at 25ºC using the CT and ST and found that samples not only continued to yield a positive response, but also exhibited an increase in CFU x g(-1), suggesting that Cryptococcus is able to grow in stored environmental samples. The ST.1, in which samples collected with swabs were immediately plated on NSA medium, was more efficient and less laborious than either the CT or ST and required approximately 10 min to perform; however, additional studies are needed to validate this technique.

Regional pattern of the molecular types of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Brazil.

The molecular types of 443 Brazilian isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii were analyzed to determine their geographic distribution within Brazil and their underlying host conditions. The following data, imported from previous epidemiological studies as well as two culture collections, were analyzed for: place of isolation, source (clinical or environmental), host risk factors, species, serotype, mating type, and molecular type. Molecular typing by PCR-fingerprinting using primers for the minisatellite-specific core sequence of the wild-type phage M13 or microsatellites [(GACA)4, (GTG)5], restriction fragment length polymorphism of URA5 gene analysis, and/or amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) identified eight major genotypes: VNI/AFLP1, VNII/AFLP1A, VNIII/AFLP2, and VNIV/AFLP3 for C. neoformans, and VGI/AFLP4, VGII/AFLP6, VGIII/AFLP5, and VGIV/AFLP7 for C. gattii. The most common molecular type found in Brazil was VNI (64%), followed by VGII (21%), VNII (5%), VGIII (4%), VGI and VNIV (3% each), and VNIII (< 1%). Primary cryptococcosis caused by the molecular type VGII (serotype B, MAT alpha) prevails in immunocompetent hosts in the North and Northeast regions, disclosing an endemic regional pattern for this specific molecular type in the Northern Brazil.

Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII as agent of meningitis in a healthy child in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: report of an autochthonous case.

Cryptococcus gattii causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent hosts, occurring endemically in some tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, this fungus was involved in an outbreak in Vancouver Island and British Columbia (Canada). In this temperate region, the VGII type is predominant. The paper describes an autochthonous case of meningoencephalitis by C. gattii VGII in a previously health child in Rio de Janeiro, considered nonendemic region of Brazil. The fungus was identified by biochemical tests and the molecular type was determined by URA5-RFLP. The present report highlights the need for clinical vigilance for primary cryptococcal meningitis in nonendemic areas.

Techniques for the detection of pathogenic Cryptococcus species in wood decay substrata and the evaluation of viability in stored samples

In this study, we evaluated several techniques for the detection of the yeast form of Cryptococcus in decaying wood and measured the viability of these fungi in environmental samples stored in the laboratory. Samples were collected from a tree known to be positive for Cryptococcus and were each inoculated on 10 Niger seed agar (NSA) plates. The conventional technique (CT) yielded a greater number of positive samples and indicated a higher fungal density [in colony forming units per gram of wood (CFU.g-1)] compared to the humid swab technique (ST). However, the difference in positive and false negative results between the CT-ST was not significant. The threshold of detection for the CT was 0.05.10³ CFU.g-1, while the threshold for the ST was greater than 0.1.10³ CFU-1. No colonies were recovered using the dry swab technique. We also determined the viability of Cryptococcus in wood samples stored for 45 days at 25ºC using the CT and ST and found that samples not only continued to yield a positive response, but also exhibited an increase in CFU.g-1, suggesting that Cryptococcus is able to grow in stored environmental samples. The ST.1, in which samples collected with swabs were immediately plated on NSA medium, was more efficient and less laborious than either the CT or ST and required approximately 10 min to perform; however, additional studies are needed to validate this technique.

Cryptococcus gattii molecular type VGII as agent of meningitis in a healthy child in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: report of an autochthonous case / Cryptococcus gattii tipo molecular VGII como agente causador de meningoencefalite em criança saudável no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: relato de um caso autóctone

Cryptococcus gattii causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompetent hosts, occurring endemically in some tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, this fungus was involved in an outbreak in Vancouver Island and British Columbia (Canada). In this temperate region, the VGII type is predominant. The paper describes an autochthonous case of meningoencephalitis by C. gattii VGII in a previously health child in Rio de Janeiro, considered nonendemic region of Brazil. The fungus was identified by biochemical tests and the molecular type was determined by URA5-RFLP. The present report highlights the need for clinical vigilance for primary cryptococcal meningitis in nonendemic areas.

Cryptococcus gattii é causa de meningoencefalite em hospedeiros imunocompetentes, ocorrendo endemicamente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Recentemente foi causador de surtos na Ilha de Vancouver e na Columbia Britânica (Canadá). Nesta região de clima temperado, o tipo VGII é predominante. Relatamos um caso de meningoencefalite pelo C.gattii tipo VGII acometendo criança previamente saudável autóctone do Rio de Janeiro, região não endêmica do Brasil. O agente foi identificado por testes bioquímicos e o tipo molecular determinado através de URA5-RFLP. O presente relato enfatiza a necessidade de vigilância clínica para a meningite criptocóccica primária em áreas não endêmicas.

Suscetibilidade in vitro e resistência a antifúngicos - estudo comparativo entre os tipos moleculares vni de cryptococcus neoformans e vgi, vgii de cryptococcus gattii pela citometria de fluxo / In vitro susceptibility and resistance to antifungal drugs - a comparative study of the molecular types of cryptococcus neoformans vni, cryptococcus gattii vgi and vgii by flow cytometry

A criptococose é uma micose sistêmica adquirida pela inalação de basidiosporos ou leveduras desidratadas de Cryptococus neoformans e Cryptococus gattii, estas duas espécies podem causar criptococose oportunista e primária respectivamente. C. neoformans está constituído de tipos moleculares VNI-VNIV e C. gattii de VGI-VGIV que apresentam distribuição geográfica diferenciada, como por exemplo, o tipo VNI é cosmopolita e está associado a AIDS e VGI predominando na Austrália e EUA, o tipo VGII predominando no Brasil e America Latina. Este trabalho tem por objetivo realizar estudo comparado dos tipos moleculares VNI de C. neoformans, VGI e VGII de C. gattii analisando diferentes aspectos tais como: 1- Determinar o perfil da suscetibilidade in vitro da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de fluconazol (FLZ), itraconazol (ITZ), 5-fluorocitosina (5FC) e anfotericina B (AMB), isoladamente e de forma combinada de AMB com 5FC e AMB com Voriconazol (VRZ); 2- Determinar CIM pela citometria de fluxo (CMF) frente a FLZ, ITZ e AMB; 3- Definir a concentração mínima letal (CML) de AMB e 5FC, isoladamente e em combinação; 4- Avaliar a ação da melanina frente a 5FC e AMB na forma combinada e isolada de 5FC; 5- Induzir a resistência in vitro para FLZ e padronizar os fluorocromos: acetoximetil - calceína (calceina-AM), acetoximetil - 2’, 7’ -bis-(2-carboxietil)-5-(e -6)- carboxifluoresceína (BCECF-AM), rodamina 123 (Rh123) e iodeto de 3, 3’ –dipentiloxacarbocianina (DiOC5) na CMF para verificar a expressão de bombas de efluxo; 6- Comparar a expressão de bombas de efluxo...

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis acquired by inhalation of dried yeasts or basidiospores of Cryptococus neoformans and Cryptococus gattii, these species can cause cryptococcosis opportunistic and primary respectively. C. neoformans is composed of molecular types VNI - VNIV and C. gattii VGI - VGIV they have different geographical distribution, the VNI type is cosmopolitan and is associated with AIDS, VGI type is predominant in Australia and the USA; while VGII type occurs in Brazil and Latin America. This paper aims to conduct a comparative study of the molecular types VNI C. neoformans and VGI, VGII C. gattii analyzing different aspects such as: 1 – The susceptibility profile in vitro of fluconazole ( FLZ ), itraconazole ( ITZ ), 5 - fluorocytosine ( 5FC ) and amphotericin B ( AMB ) alone and in combination with 5FC and AMB with voriconazole ( VRZ ) 2 – The minimum inhibitory concentration ( MIC ) by flow cytometry ( FCM ) comparing MIC of FLZ, ITZ and AMB with CLSI; 3 - The minimum lethal concentration ( MLC ) of AMB and 5FC, alone and in combination; 4 - The action of melanin against 5FC and AMB alone and combined 5FC, 5 – The induced resistance in vitro to FLZ and standardize the fluorochromes: acetoximetil - calceína (calceina-AM), acetoximetil - 2’, 7’ -bis-(2-carboxietil)-5-(e -6)- carboxifluoresceína (BCECF-AM), rodamina 123 (Rh123) e iodeto de 3, 3’ – dipentiloxacarbocianina (DiOC5) in FCM to verify expression of efflux pumps; 6 - The compare the expression of efflux pumps...

Suscetibilidade in vitro de cryptococcus neoformans e cryptococcus gattii frente a drogas antifungicas pela citometria de fluxo / In vitro susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii against antifungal drugs by flow cytometry

Cryptococcus neoformans (C. n) e Cryptococcus gattii (C. g) são agentes da criptococose. A carência de publicações sobre teste de suscetibilidade de C. n e principalmente de C. g é evidente. A maioria de isolados clínicos de C. g mostra-se suscetível in vitro a fluconazol e itraconazol; no entanto o surgimento de resistência a drogas antifúngicas incentivou os testes de suscetibilidade in vitro. Como conseqüência, Clinical and Laboratory Standadards Institute – CLSI, anteriormente National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards – NCCLS, publicaram metodologia padronizada M27-A2 para alcançar reprodutibilidade e permitir a comparação de resultados de suscetibilidade entre laboratórios, porém alguns problemas como o tempo de incubação e o padrão de leitura levaram à busca de técnicas alternativas, tais como a citometria de fluxo. O objetivo deste trabalho é padronizar a técnica de citometria de fluxo para o teste de suscetibilidade in vitro de C.n e C.g. visando a redução do tempo de incubação, a utilização de leitura automatizada e a obtenção de resultados rápidos e reprodutíveis...

A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) de 20 isolados de C.n e 21 de C.g foi determinada por citometria de fluxo e os resultados comparados com o protocolo padrão proposto pelo CLSI/M27A-2. Após duas horas de incubação com anfotericina B utilizando FUN-1, C. gattii resultou em 100 por cento de concordância entre as duas técnicas para diluição de 2g/mL e 95,2 por cento para 1mg/mL e C. neoformans resultou em 100 por cento de concordância para 1 e 2mg/mL. Para azólicos e flucitosina, foram obtidos resultados reprodutíveis com o fluorocromo Acridine Orange após 18 horas de incubação, que resultou em 78 por cento de concordância entre as duas técnicas para fluconazol, 85 por cento para itraconazol e 97 por cento para flucitosina. Em ambas as metodologias, C. gattii foi menos suscetível do que C. neoformans frente ao itraconazol e flucitosina (p<0,05). A citometria de fluxo é uma ferramenta útil, com potencial para testes in vitro e determinação da CIM dos antifúngicos estudados, com apreciável redução do tempo mínimo para obtenção de resultados...