Mucocutaneous Candidiasis Research Articles

Intracranial Calcifications in Autoimmune Polyendocrine Ectodermal Dystrophy Syndrome (APECED): About A Case Report

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I (APS I), is an uncommon, but debilitating autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE), It is characterized by a broad and diverse clinical spectrum which can lead to severe metabolic alterations and eventually life-threatening events. Hypoparathyroidism is one of the major criteria for clinical diagnosis, in addition to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. This component is responsible for the forming of brain calcifications which tend to have a characteristic predilection for the basal ganglia. In this article, we report an additional case to the literature and provide a literature review of the expanding radiological spectrum of this syndrome

Autoimmune hepatitis as the first manifestation of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 in a 5-year-old girl

Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology; the prevalence of juvenile autoimmune hepatitis is unknown. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs in 10–20% of patients with type 1 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome, a rare (orphan) disease, which is characterized by a clinical triad in 70–100% of cases: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypopara thy roidismand adrenal insufficiency, as well as more 25 possible autoimmune endocrine and non-endocrine manifestations.Thisstudy describes a case of a 5-year-old girl with autoimmune hepatitis as the first clinical manifestation of the disease. The symptoms of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis enabled us to suggest and genetically confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune poly endocrine syndrome type 1 before the lesions of endocrine organs. The girl had nonsense mutations R257 * and p.Q94* of the AIRE gene in a compound heterozygous state. Later, there appeared another autoimmune disorder – common vitiligo.Timelydiagnosisoftype1autoimmunepolyendocrinesyndromeinachildwiththefirstnon-endocrine autoimmune manifestation, initiation of therapy and further medical management made it possible to preventseve recomplications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Hypoadrenalism as the Single Presentation of Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1

Type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1) is a rare hereditary disease affecting nearly 600 patients worldwide. The first of its cardinal manifestations, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, or Addison’s disease, presents in childhood. Additional nonclassical landmarks of APS1 continue to develop as late as the fifth decade of life. Two thirds of patients develop the full triad before 25 years of age. Only 20% of patients develop the entire triad simultaneously. Addison’s disease is rarely reported as the first manifestation. According to APS1 classifications, restricted criteria for a single cardinal component, although elements of suspicion are not sufficient to diagnose APS1. This case report is peculiar as hypoadrenalism was the first and only manifestation of APS1 for nearly 3 decades since its diagnosis. Theoretically, exceptions from the protocol of APS1 diagnostic criteria would be recognized as acceptable for diagnosis in the future, when similar case reports of only 1 component of APS1 appear.

Comment on "Aberrant type 1 immunity drives susceptibility to mucosal fungal infections".

Break et al. (Research Articles, 15 January 2021, eaay5731) conclude that T cell overproduction of interferon-γ causes chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), a typical early feature of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). This contradicts studies implicating interleukin IL-17 and IL-22 deficiencies as a cause of CMC. We propose that Break et al. have focused on late-arising events rather than more common primary causes of CMC.

Comment on "Aberrant type 1 immunity drives susceptibility to mucosal fungal infections".

Break et al. (Research Articles, 15 January 2021, eaay5731) suggest that chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis in humans with inborn errors of AIRE and autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 is due to excessive interferon-γ production and not to autoantibodies neutralizing interleukin-17 cytokines. We argue that both claims are not conclusively supported by their data and are at odds with 35 years of study.

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN ONCO-PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT A REFERRAL HOSPITAL

Aim: to identify the epidemiology of fungal infections in the pediatric service of a reference hospital for the treatment of cancer for 2016 to 2019, through the dispensing of antifungal drugs by the hospital pharmacy. Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of 1.211 antifungal requests. Results and Discussion: 1.211 treatments with antifungal agents were performed in the period, with 71.9% of cases treated with empirical therapy, 64.1% of cases of mucocutaneous candidiasis and with the use of nystatin in 48.6% of cases. There were 114 episodes of IFIs, in which probable fungal pneumonia represented 40.4% of the therapeuticindications, based on suggestive tomographic images and clinical and epidemiological criteria in 40.3% of cases. Conclusions: There was an agreement between the epidemiology of fungal infections and the worldwide epidemiology, but there was disagreement between the therapies applied in the study hospital and the recent guidelines.

Chemical composition and antifungal activities of aromatic water of Zataria multiflora Boiss.

Background and Purpose: In Iranian culture, aromatic waters harboring a slight amount of essential oil have been popularly used for many years as a pleasant non-alcoholic drink with various medicinal properties.In this study, chemical composition of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) aromatic water was determined and its in vitro and in vivo antifungal properties were investigated. Materials and Methods: Chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from aromatic water (AW) of ZM was analyzed by Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the AW against Candida species was determined by broth micro-dilution methods. Additionally, biofilm formation inhibition and antioxidant activity of the AW were measured using XTT reduction and DPPH methods, respectively. Antifungal activities of the AW in the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) candidiasis in animal models were also evaluated.Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of ZM AW were Carvacrol (46.56%) and Thymol (40.67%). The ZM AW inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Candida species in the range of 0.25-0.5 V/V. Moreover, ZM AW significantly decreased Candida colonization in therapeutic groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: Given the wide therapeutic potential of ZM AW, including antifungal and antioxidant activities, it might be possible to use it in the management of mucocutaneous or alimentary candidiasis.

Defects of the Innate Immune System and Related Immune Deficiencies.

The innate immune system is the host's first line of defense against pathogens. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that mediate recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. TLRs also activate signaling transduction pathways involved in host defense, inflammation, development, and the production of inflammatory cytokines. Innate immunodeficiencies associated with defective TLR signaling include mutations in NEMO, IKBA, MyD88, and IRAK4. Other innate immune defects have been associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex encephalitis, viral infections, and mycobacterial disease, as well as chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Phagocytes and natural killer cells are essential members of the innate immune system and defects in number and/or function of these cells can lead to recurrent infections. Complement is another important part of the innate immune system. Complement deficiencies can lead to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, or impaired immune complex clearance. The innate immune system must work to quickly recognize and eliminate pathogens as well as coordinate an immune response and engage the adaptive immune system. Defects of the innate immune system can lead to failure to quickly identify pathogens and activate the immune response, resulting in susceptibility to severe or recurrent infections.

Genetic Analysis of a Cohort of 275 Patients with Hyper-IgE Syndromes and/or Chronic Mucocutaneous Candidiasis

Hyper-IgE syndromes and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis constitute rare primary immunodeficiency syndromes with an overlapping clinical phenotype. In recent years, a growing number of underlying genetic defects have been identified. To characterize the underlying genetic defects in a large international cohort of 275 patients, of whom 211 had been clinically diagnosed with hyper-IgE syndrome and 64 with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, targeted panel sequencing was performed, relying on Agilent HaloPlex and Illumina MiSeq technologies. The targeted panel sequencing approach allowed us to identify 87 (32 novel and 55 previously described) mutations in 78 patients, which generated a diagnostic success rate of 28.4%. Specifically, mutations in DOCK8 (26 patients), STAT3 (21), STAT1 (15), CARD9 (6), AIRE (3), IL17RA (2), SPINK5 (3), ZNF341 (2), CARMIL2/RLTPR (1), IL12RB1 (1), and WAS (1) have been detected. The most common clinical findings in this cohort were elevated IgE (81.5%), eczema (71.7%), and eosinophilia (62.9%). Regarding infections, 54.7% of patients had a history of radiologically proven pneumonia, and 28.3% have had other serious infections. History of fungal infection was noted in 53% of cases and skin abscesses in 52.9%. Skeletal or dental abnormalities were observed in 46.2% of patients with a characteristic face being the most commonly reported feature (23.1%), followed by retained primary teeth in 18.9% of patients. Targeted panel sequencing provides a cost-effective first-line genetic screening method which allows for the identification of mutations also in patients with atypical clinical presentations and should be routinely implemented in referral centers.

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 with diabetes insipidus: a case report

BackgroundAutoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare monogenic inherited disease caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE). The three major components of this syndrome are chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism and adrenocortical insufficiency.Case presentationWe report a 20-year-old male who was clinically diagnosed with APS-1 at the age of 15. He was admitted to our department this time for suffering from polyuria and polydipsia for 6 months and was finally diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel compound heterozygous mutation of the AIRE gene —the c.239 T > G (p.Val80Gly) variant on one allele and the copy number variant (CNV) of 21q22.3(chr21:45,670,150–45,706,528)*1 on the other.ConclusionsThis case suggests that diabetes insipidus is a rare component of APS-1 and expands the variety of mutations on AIRE gene.

Treatment of severe atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis with dupilumab in a 14-year-old boy with autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome

Autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES), also known as Job syndrome and Buckley syndrome, is characterized by elevated IgE levels, eosinophilia, recurrent cutaneous and internal organ abscesses, pneumonia leading to pneumatoceles, mucocutaneous candidiasis, characteristic facies, delayed shedding of primary teeth, bone fractures due to minor trauma, joint hypermobility, and scoliosis.1 In addition, allergic disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy, and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)2 may be associated with AD-HIES.

Chronic demodicosis in patients with immune dysregulation: An unexpected infectious manifestation of Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 gain-of-function.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 heterozygous gain-of-function (GOF) mutations are known to induce immune dysregulation and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC). Previous reports suggest an association between demodicosis and STAT1 GOF. However, immune characterization of these patients is lacking. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of patients with immune dysregulation and STAT1 GOF who presented with facial and ocular demodicosis. In-depth immune phenotyping and functional studies were used to characterize the patients. We identified five patients (three males) from two non-consanguineous Jewish families. The mean age at presentation was 11.11 (range=0.58-24) years. Clinical presentation included CMCC, chronic demodicosis and immune dysregulation in all patients. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous c.1386C>A; p.S462R STAT1 GOF mutation in four of the five patients. Immunophenotyping demonstrated increased phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription in response to interferon-α stimuli in all patients. The patients also exhibited decreased T cell proliferation capacity and low counts of interleukin-17-producing T cells, as well as low forkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T cells. Specific antibody deficiency was noted in one patient. Treatment for demodicosis included topical ivermectin and metronidazole. Demodicosis may indicate an underlying primary immune deficiency and can be found in patients with STAT1 GOF. Thus, the management of patients with chronic demodicosis should include an immunogenetic evaluation.

Vitiligo – Study In view of familial occurence

Vitiligo – Study In view of familial occurence

Characterization of the clinical and genetic spectrum of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 in Chinese case series

BackgroundAutoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a hereditary disease caused by mutations in the AIRE gene with both endocrine and non-endocrine organ involvement. The existing data from China are limited, and this study aims to describe the phenotypes and genetic characterization in Chinese APS1 patients. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, comprehensive endocrine and extra-endocrine manifestations were collected, and genetic analysis in AIRE was conducted in patients with APS1 between the years of 1984 and 2018 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.ResultsIn total, 13 patients from 12 unrelated families were enrolled, seven of whom were female, with hypoparathyroidism, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, and Addison’s disease being the most frequently observed manifestations. Up to 84.7% presented with two or three of the above-mentioned manifestations, and nearly 4.9 ± 1.8 components presented in patients aged 21.2 ± 7.9 years old. Several less common phenotypes, such as myeloproliferative disease, pure red cell aplasia, renal tubular acidosis, asplenia, autoimmune hepatitis, and ankylosing spondylitis, were also observed in patients. Altogether, seven different AIRE mutations were found in six patients, four of which (K161fs, G208V, A246fs, and L308F) had not been previously reported in patients with APS1.ConclusionWe have provided a comprehensive profile of Chinese patients with APS1, with less commonly observed features being observed in addition to more regularly seen manifestations. Additionally, different AIRE mutations that were observed have expanded the genetic spectrum, which will help with future understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of APS1.

Report of two siblings with APECED in Serbia: is there a founder effect of c.769C>T AIRE genotype?

BackgroundAutoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) or autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 1 is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome. The disorder is caused by mutations in the AIRE (AutoImmune Regulator) gene. According to the classic criteria, clinical diagnosis requires the presence of at least two of three main components: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism and primary adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, patients are often affected by other endocrine or non-endocrine associated autoimmune conditions. The enrichment of the non-classical triad seems to occur differently in different cohorts. Screenings of the population revealed that homozygous AIRE mutations c.769C > T, c.415C > T and c.254A > G have a founder effect in Finnish, Sardinian and Iranian Jew populations respectively.Case presentationWe report here the clinical and genetic characteristics of two new Serbian APECED siblings, one male and one female, actual age of 27 and 24 respectively, born from non-consanguineous parents. Addison’s disease was diagnosed in the male at the age of 3.5 and hypoparathyroidism at the age of 4. The female developed hypoparathyroidism at 4 years of age. She presented diffuse alopecia, madarosis, onychomycosis, teeth enamel dysplasia. She further developed Addison’s disease at the age of 11 and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis at the age of 13.5. She had menarche at the age of 14 but developed autoimmune oophoritis and premature ovarian failure at the age of 16. A treatment with hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone and alfacalcidiol was established for both siblings; L-T4 (levo-thyroxine) for thyroid dysfunction and levonorgestrel and etinilestradiol for POF were also administered to the female.Genetic screening revealed a homozygous c.769C > T (R257X (p.Arg257X)) AIRE mutation. We additionally reviewed the literature on 11 previously published Serbian patients and evaluated the frequency of their main diseases in comparison to Finnish, Sardinian, Turkish, Indian and North/South American cohorts.ConclusionA founder effect was discovered for the R257X genotype detected in the DNA of 10 homozygous and 2 heterozygous patients. Of note, all Serbian APECED patients were affected by adrenal insufficiency and 10 out of 13 patients presented CMC.

Chronic mucocutaneous Candidiasis caused by a novel STAT1 mutation: a report of 4 patients

Background: Chronic mucocutaneous Candidiasis (CMCC) is characterized by recurrent or persistent fungal infections of the skin, nails, and oral and genital mucosae. There are several underlying genetic causes for CMCC, with mutations in Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 (STAT1) accounting for the majority of cases. Aim: To broaden the genotypic spectrum of CMCC caused by STAT1 mutations. Methods: We evaluated a young patient and her family with CMCC. Immune workup and targeted gene sequencing were performed. Results: The proband presented at 7 years of age with persistent oral thrush. Immune evaluation revealed her cellular and humoral immunity to be within normal range. Given that her family history was significant for oral lesions in father, siblings, and paternal family members, STAT1 gene sequencing was performed. A novel heterozygous missense c.G799A, predicting a p. Ala267Thr amino acid change within the coiled-coil domain, was identified in our patient and 3 of her family members. Conclusion: Gain-of-function mutations in STAT1 have been associated with a variety of phenotypes, ranging from isolated CMCC to severe fatal combined immunodeficiency, mycobacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, as well as malignancy and aneurysms. Here, we describe a novel STAT1 mutation, c.G799A, resulting in a very mild phenotype of isolated CMCC in 4 members of one kindred. Statement of novelty: We describe 4 patients with a mild phenotype of CMCC caused by a novel STAT1 heterozygous mutation.

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1: an Italian survey on 158 patients

BackgroundAutoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare recessive inherited disease, caused by AutoImmune Regulator (AIRE) gene mutations and characterized by three major manifestations: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), chronic hypoparathyroidism (CH) and Addison’s disease (AD).MethodsAutoimmune conditions and associated autoantibodies (Abs) were analyzed in 158 Italian patients (103 females and 55 males; F/M 1.9/1) at the onset and during a follow-up of 23.7 ± 15.1 years. AIRE mutations were determined.ResultsThe prevalence of APS-1 was 2.6 cases/million (range 0.5–17 in different regions). At the onset 93% of patients presented with one or more components of the classical triad and 7% with other components. At the end of follow-up, 86.1% had CH, 77.2% AD, 74.7% CMC, 49.5% premature menopause, 29.7% autoimmune intestinal dysfunction, 27.8% autoimmune thyroid diseases, 25.9% autoimmune gastritis/pernicious anemia, 25.3% ectodermal dystrophy, 24% alopecia, 21.5% autoimmune hepatitis, 17% vitiligo, 13.3% cholelithiasis, 5.7% connective diseases, 4.4% asplenia, 2.5% celiac disease and 13.9% cancer. Overall, 991 diseases (6.3 diseases/patient) were found. Interferon-ω Abs (IFNωAbs) were positive in 91.1% of patients. Overall mortality was 14.6%. The AIRE mutation R139X was found in 21.3% of tested alleles, R257X in 11.8%, W78R in 11.4%, C322fsX372 in 8.8%, T16M in 6.2%, R203X in 4%, and A21V in 2.9%. Less frequent mutations were present in 12.9%, very rare in 9.6% while no mutations in 11% of the cases.ConclusionsIn Italy, APS-1 is a rare disorder presenting with the three major manifestations and associated with different AIRE gene mutations. IFNωAbs are markers of APS-1 and other organ-specific autoantibodies are markers of clinical, subclinical or potential autoimmune conditions.

Case Report: Dental Findings Can Aid in Early Diagnosis of APECED Syndrome.

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), also known as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1), is a rare genetic disorder caused most often by biallelic mutations in the AIRE gene. Classic clinical findings of the disease are chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and autoimmunity that primarily targets endocrine tissues, such as hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency. Recently, however, it has been appreciated that enamel hypoplasia, together with intestinal malabsorption and a characteristic APECED rash, is a prominent early disease manifestation of APECED which can aid in the diagnosis of disease before other potentially life-threatening disease manifestations occur. To demonstrate this point, we present data from a cohort of APECED patients, approximately 70% of who present with enamel dysplasia at an early age. Importantly, early life presentation with enamel dysplasia was predictive of likelihood of development of a subsequent APECED diagnosis. Furthermore, we present a case of a patient with APECED and severe enamel defects and discuss the utility of medical-dental professional co-operation in the diagnosis and management of this complex disorder.

Neonatal T Helper 17 Responses Are Skewed Towards an Immunoregulatory Interleukin-22 Phenotype.

Newborns are frequently affected by mucocutaneous candidiasis. Th17 cells essentially limit mucosal invasion by commensal Candida spp. Here, we sought to understand the molecular basis for the developmental lack of Th17 cell responses in circulating blood neonatal T cells. Naive cord blood CD4 T cells stimulated in Th17-differentiating conditions inherently produced high levels of the interleukin-22 immunoregulatory cytokine, particularly in the presence of neonatal antigen-presenting cells. A genome-wide transcriptome analysis comparing neonatal and adult naïve CD4 T cells ex vivo revealed major developmental differences in gene networks regulating Small Drosophila Mothers Against Decapentaplegic (SMAD) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling. These changes were functionally validated by experiments showing that the requirement for TGF-β in human Th17 cell differentiation is age-dependent. Moreover, STAT3 activity was profoundly diminished while overexpression of the STAT3 gene restored Th17 cell differentiation capacity in neonatal T cells. These data reveal that Th17 cell responses are developmentally regulated at the gene expression level in human neonates. These developmental changes may protect newborns against pathological Th17 cell responses, at the same time increasing their susceptibility to mucocutaneous candidiasis.

STAT1 gain of function mutation impairs immune response to viral infections

Abstract Regulation of T cells by interferons and other cytokines, which act via STAT family transcription factors, is critical for host defense. Patients with STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations exhibit heightened STAT1 activation after cytokine stimulation and develop lifelong ailments, including chronic infections, autoimmunity, and cancer. A characteristic feature of this disorder is chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), related to exagerated type 1/IFNγ bias that antagonizes a type 3/Th17 response required for fungal clearance. However, this type 1/IFNγ bias does not explain why almost 40% of reported patients exhibit chronic and sometimes lethal viral infections. This observation is unexpected, as cells with STAT1-GOF mutations exhibit increased expression of interferon stimulated genes following IFNα/β and IFNγ stimulation and patients show more IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells. This paradox emphasizes the critical need to understand basic principles of cytokine signaling, specifically how a STAT1-GOF mutation alters cytokine output. Using a novel conditional knock-in mouse expressing a common GOF STAT1 mutation, T385M, we found that this model recapitulates observations in patients (i.e. elevated STAT1 activation, increased total STAT1 protein, susceptibility to CMC), as well as a strong type 1/interferon bias at steady state. Despite this type 1 bias, STAT1-GOF exhibit impaired NK and CD8 T cell response to systemic viral infections. These results reveal that STAT1 activity must be tuned for proper immune response to viral infections.