Mycobacterium avium complex infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mycobacterial Interspersed Repeat Unit-Variable Number Tandem Repeat Typing of Mycobacterium avium Strains Isolated from the Lymph Nodes of Free-Living Carnivorous Animals in Poland

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, of which some, especially those of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), may be opportunistic animal and human pathogens. Infection with NTM can interfere with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and induce zoonoses, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Diseases caused by NTM have become more readily recognized; however, they are likely still underestimated. In this study, we identified and genotyped Mycobacterium avium strains that were isolated during TB monitoring among free-living carnivorous animals from southeastern Poland. In 2011-2020, lymph node samples from 192 such animals were tested for mycobacteria. A total of 41 isolates of M. avium strains were detected with the use of IS901, IS900, IS1245, and mycobacterial interspersed repeat unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) identification. Thirty-three were identified as M. avium subsp. avium. These strains were derived from 1 beech marten (Martes foina), 1 common buzzard (Buteo buteo), 2 European badgers (Meles meles), 3 wolves (Canis lupus), and 26 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). One strain isolated from a wolf was identified as M. avium subsp. hominissuis. The results show the widespread occurrence of MAC bacilli in the studied environment and additionally comprise new data on the molecular characteristics of M. avium subspecies carried by free-living southeastern Polish carnivores.

Splenic infarction due to Mycobacterium avium complex infection in an HIV-infected patient with immune reconstitution failure: a case report

Splenic infarction is extremely rare in human immunodeficiency virus-infected populations. We report a rare case of splenic infarction involving Mycobacterium avium complex infection in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome with immune reconstitution failure. A young man was initially admitted with cryptococcus meningitis and found to be infected with human immunodeficiency virus. He had anti-cryptococcosis treatment performed in combination with placement of an Ommaya capsule because of persistent intracranial hypertension, and first-line therapy followed by second-line anti-retroviral therapy were performed. Although there was an absence of immune reconstitution, the patient refused to take prophylactic sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, isoniazid, and clarithromycin continuously because of gastrointestinal intolerance. Pneumocystis pneumonia then developed. Finally, the patient developed a fever again accompanied by abdominal pain and splenic infarction. M. avium complex infection was verified by a metagenomic next-generation sequencing test using a whole blood sample. M. avium complex infection should be considered as an etiology of splenic infarction in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with an extremely low CD₄⁺T-cell count.

Cabenuva: the last FDA-approved drug to treat HIV

INTRODUCTION

The conventional combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) besides all its benefits, exhibited poor adherence to daily pill administration, life-long treatment period and emergence of viral resistance. The development of long-acting (LA) drugs have changed the management of common medical conditions for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cabenuva is the first LA antiretroviral injectable drug composed of nano-formulation of cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV).

AREAS COVERED

In this review article, we aim to have a brief overview of results of major clinical trials which administrated cabenuva for patients considering the efficacy and safety profiles. Moreover, we discuss about CAB and RPV chemical structure, mechanism of action, ‎activity against drug-sensitive and resistant HIV and pharmacodynamics/ pharmacokinetics properties.

EXPERT OPINION

Based on the results of the ATLAS and FLAIR trials, cabenuva regimen once-monthly has shown equal effectivity to oral cART in maintaining HIV-1 suppression in patients. Furthermore, ATLAS-2M study revealed the non-inferiority of cabenuva regimen every 8 weeks compared to every 4 weeks. The injectable LA ART, reduces the number of treatment intake as well as increases adherence especially in patients with HIV-related stigma. Administration of extended-release agents probably minimize the risk of treatment-related toxicity and resistance related to sub-optimal adherence to oral ART, so cabenuva can be suggested as a suitable alternative for HIV infection control in current era.

Comorbidities and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It seems that there is an association between blood cancer and an increased risk of severe COVID-19. This study aimed to review the literature reporting the COVID-19 outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using the following keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, blood cancer, myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia. All the published articles in English from January 1, 2019, until March 10, 2021 were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 53 studies with 2395 patients were included based on inclusion criteria. Most of these studies took place in Spain (14.81%), followed by the USA (11.11%), China (9.26%), and the UK (9.26%). More than half of COVID-19 patients with hematological malignancy were male (56.73%). Oxygen therapy played an important role in COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, anticoagulant therapies such as enoxaparin and heparin were two great assists for these patients. Fever (74.24%), cough (67.64%), and fatigue (53.19%) were the most reported clinical manifestations. In addition, hypertension and dyslipidemia were the most common comorbidities. The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies was 21.34%.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that hematologic cancer patients were more susceptible to a severe COVID-19 than patients without blood cancer. Thus, the management of COVID-19 in these patients requires much more attention, and their screening should perform regularly.

Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections: current state and future management

Currently, there is a trend of increasing incidence in pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (PNTM) together with a decrease in tuberculosis (TB) incidence, particularly in developed countries. The prevalence of PNTM in underdeveloped and developing countries remains unclear as there is still a lack of detection methods that could clearly diagnose PNTM applicable in these low-resource settings. Since non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens, the vicinity favouring host-pathogen interactions is known as important predisposing factor for PNTM. The ongoing changes in world population, as well as socio-political and economic factors, are linked to the rise in the incidence of PNTM. Development is an important factor for the improvement of population well-being, but it has also been linked, in general, to detrimental environmental consequences, including the rise of emergent (usually neglected) infectious diseases, such as PNTM. The rise of neglected PNTM infections requires the expansion of the current efforts on the development of diagnostics, therapies and vaccines for mycobacterial diseases, which at present, are mainly focused on TB. This review discuss the current situation of PNTM and its predisposing factors, as well as the efforts and challenges for their control.