Saksenaea Vasiformis

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection caused by Mucorales fungi. Saksenaea vasiformis (S. vasiformis) is a member of the order Mucorales and it is an emerging pathogenic fungus that is capable of causing mucormycosis in humans. Due to the lack of cheap but effective alternatives of existing antifungals, there is an unmet clinical need of antifungal therapy. To assist our clients' specific objectives of antifungal drug discovery, Creative Biolabs is proud to offer the most comprehensive service list which has covered each essential milestone, including target identification and validation, Hit identification, Hit to lead, Lead optimization, and IND enabling.

Mucormycosis Caused by S. vasiformis

S. vasiformis is mostly involved in infections associated with cutaneous or subcutaneous lesions following trauma caused by contact with contaminated soil. Its clinical manifestations range from chronic focal infections to acute, severe infections with rapid progression. 80% of S.vasiformis infections occur in immunocompetent patients. However, it can also be the etiologic agent of infections in immunocompromised patients, most commonly those with leukemia and other hematological conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, and under therapy with corticoids.

Fig.1 A.Non-septate hyphae of S. vasiformis in rhinosinusitis tissue visualized by Blankophor P fluorescent stain microscopy, (x40). B Histopathology of the rhinosinusitis specimen showing invasion by right-angle branched non-septate fungal hyphae of S. vasiformis, H&E stain (x100). (Taj-Aldeen, 2012)

Treatment of S. vasiformis Infections

Generally, treatment of S. vasiformis infections is achieved by surgical debridement followed by antifungal drug treatment. Because this species is resistant to many antifungal agents, the number of available antifungal agents is limited. Antifungals that are successfully used to treat S. vasiformis infections include amphotericin B. However, the use of amphotericin B brings some side effects, such as renal toxicity. This can be reduced by using liposomal amphotericin B. However, many of the patients are unable to afford this therapy. Conclusively, there is a great demand for the development of new, effective antifungal agents to treat infections caused by S. vasiformis.

Features of our Services

Creative Biolabs offers services that are characterized by:

• High quality – robust, efficient processes combined with quality systems
• Expertise – scientists and staff with profound expertise and hands-on experience
• Versatile – focuses on a wide range of fungal diseases, pathogens, and potential drug targets
• Flexibility – customized study designs to meet your specific needs

Other fungi that are implicated in mucormycosis include:

• Rhizopus Oryzae
• Rhizopus Microsporus
• Lichtheimia Corymbifera
• Lichtheimia Ramosa
• Rhizomucor Pusillus
• Mucor Circinelloides
• Apophysomyces Elegans
• Cunninghamella Bertholletiae

Creative Biolabs develops and delivers state-of-the-art integrated antifungal drug discovery services to support the rapidly growing interests in this field. Our Ph. D level research group is confident in tailoring the services to achieve your goals in a high-quality, reliable and cost-effective manner. If you are interested in our services, please contact us or send us an inquiry.

Reference

1. Taj-Aldeen, S. J.; et al. Rare pediatric rhino-orbital infection caused by Saksenaea vasiformis. Infection. 2012, 40(6): 703-707.

For Research Use Only.