Antifungal efficacy of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-based thiosemicarbazones and thiazolidinediones against Sporothrix species.

Aim: To evaluate antifungal potential of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine hybrids based on thiosemicarbazones and thiazolidinediones against pathogenic Sporothrix species. Methods: Antifungal activity of nine compounds were assessed by broth microdilution. Interactions between active compounds and itraconazole were evaluated by the checkerboard assay using non-wild-type isolates. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was determined. Results: Four C-3 substituted analogs showed antifungal activity, unrelated to thiosemicarbazone or thiazolidinedione functions. Synergistic interactions between the four compounds and itraconazole, and low toxicity on mouse fibroblast cells were observed. Activity of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine hybrids against Sporothrix depended on the substitution on the imidazopyrazine ring. Conclusion: Antifungal potential, overcoming itraconazole resistance and low toxicity indicate the possible use of that series of compounds in a therapeutic alternative for treatment of sporotrichosis.

Refractory esophagitis caused by Candida nivariensis: second description of this yeast in Brazil and a literature review.

Candida nivariensis caused refractory esophagitis in a 36-year-old Brazilian man coinfected with HIV and Leishmania. A literature review on this rare fungal pathogen is also presented. The diagnosis was made, and pathogen identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and sequencing of the LSU/26S region. An antifungigram was performed using broth microdilution. A literature search of PubMed was performed. The causative agent, C. nivariensis, was resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole. The patient's condition worsened considerably, and he passed away. This is the second report of this Candida species in Brazil and the first case reported worldwide of refractory esophagitis in a patient coinfected with HIV and Leishmania. The case illustrates the importance of precise identification and antifungal susceptibility testing when isolating this emerging pathogen.

Epidemiological features and geographical expansion of sporotrichosis in the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil.

Aim: Cases of sporotrichosis are emerging in several states of Brazil, especially in the southeast. Recently, sporotrichosis has been reported in the state of Pernambuco in the northeastern region. The goal of this study was to shed new light on sporotrichosis in terms of the geographic distribution of human cases and provide an overview of sporotrichosis associated with zoonotic transmission. Patients & methods: From March 2017 to November 2019, 179 patients were diagnosed with sporotrichosis. Georeferencing analysis, spatial distribution and epidemiological features of all cases are described. Results: The data show the dynamics of accelerated transmission of sporotrichosis across urban and coastal areas of the state of Pernambuco. Conclusion: There is a need to decentralize health services and implement a One Health approach to this emerging disease.