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Published on: December 28, 2017
First molecular typing of cryptococcemia-causing cryptococcus in central-west Brazil
Rosianne Assis de Sousa Tsujisaki1, Anamaria Mello Miranda Paniago, Manoel Sebastião da Costa Lima Júnior
1Microbiological Research Laboratory, Biology and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, CEP 79070-900, Brazil.
Cryptococcosis bloodstream infections are common in HIV/AIDS patients in Brazil, with high mortality. Molecular typing identified Cryptococcus neoformans VNI as the predominant genotype, showing susceptibility to standard antifungals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Cryptococcosis bloodstream infections (cryptococcemia) are a significant global health concern, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Limited molecular epidemiology data exists for cryptococcemia in central-west Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical presentation of cryptococcemia patients.
- To identify the molecular types of Cryptococcus species causing bloodstream infections.
- To determine antifungal susceptibility profiles of the isolated strains.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 48 cryptococcemia cases over 14 years.
- Molecular typing using URA5 restriction fragment length polymorphism PCR.
- Antifungal susceptibility testing via Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute microdilution method.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (72.9%) were male, with a median age of 40 years.
- A high prevalence of HIV/AIDS (81.3%) and mortality (72.9%) was observed.
- Cryptococcus neoformans (97.9%) was the most frequent species, with VNI (93.7%) as the predominant genotype; Cryptococcus gattii VGII was also identified.
- All isolates were susceptible to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B in vitro.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first molecular characterization of cryptococcemia agents in central-west Brazil.
- The high lethality, especially in HIV-negative patients, underscores the need for early diagnosis and prompt antifungal treatment.
- Understanding the molecular epidemiology and antifungal susceptibility is crucial for effective management of cryptococcosis.
