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Dong S, Lin Q, Dai X, Lin Z. An immunocompetent host with blood-disseminated Aspergillus versicolor spondylitis: a case report and literature review. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241234574. [PMID: 38597095 PMCID: PMC11010765 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241234574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood-disseminated Aspergillus spondylitis in immunocompetent individuals is rare. The clinical, imaging, and pathological manifestations of this condition are not specific. Therefore, this disease is prone to misdiagnosis and a missed diagnosis. Systemic antifungal therapy is the main treatment for Aspergillus spondylitis. We report a case of blood-disseminated Aspergillus versicolor spondylitis in a patient with normal immune function. The first antifungal treatment lasted for 4 months, but Aspergillus spondylitis recurred a few months later. A second antifungal treatment course was initiated for at least 1 year, and follow-up has been ongoing. Currently, there has been no recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangxia Dong
- Department of Respiratory, The Wenzhou Central Hospital and Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qianding Lin
- Department of Respiratory, The Wenzhou Central Hospital and Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xinjian Dai
- Department of Respiratory, The Wenzhou Central Hospital and Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhou Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Wenzhou Central Hospital and Dingli Clinical Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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2
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Jin Y, Yin X. Aspergillus terreus spondylodiscitis following acupuncture and acupotomy in an immunocompetent host: case report and literature review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1269352. [PMID: 38239504 PMCID: PMC10794653 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is a fungus responsible for various infections in human beings; however, spine involvement is uncommon. Herein, we report a case of A. terreus spondylodiscitis following acupuncture and acupotomy in an immunocompetent Chinese patient. Admission lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed infection at the L4/5 level without significant vertebral destruction. After unsuccessful symptomatic and anti-tuberculosis treatments, A. terreus was identified through culture, microscopy of isolate, histological examination and VITEK system. Intravenous voriconazole was then given; however, the patient's spinal condition deteriorated rapidly, resulting in evident destruction of the L4/5 vertebral bodies. Surgeries including L4/5 intervertebral disc debridement, spinal canal decompression, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with allogeneic fibula ring fusion cages, and posterior pedicle screw fixation were then performed. Imaging findings at one-month and six-month follow-up suggested that the patient was successfully treated. This case highlighted two important points: firstly, although acupuncture and acupotomy are generally regarded as safe conservative treatments for pain management, they can still lead to complications such as fungal spinal infection. Therefore, vigilance is necessary when considering these treatments; secondly, PLIF with allogeneic fibula ring fusion cages may be beneficial for A. terreus spondylodiscitis patients with spinal instability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiang Yin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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3
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Li J, Cai X, Xu Y, Zhang R. Individualized Pharmaceutical Care for Antifungal Therapy in a Patient with Aspergillus tubingensis Spondylitis After Discontinuation of Rifampicin: A Case Report. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:4349-4356. [PMID: 37424673 PMCID: PMC10329462 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s417604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus tubingensis spondylitis (AS) is a rare spinal infectious disease with severe clinical symptoms and a challenging diagnosis. Treatment of AS is challenging due to its prolonged duration, substantial side effects, and complex drug-drug interactions. However, there is a lack of experience in individualized pharmaceutical care of AS by clinical pharmacists, especially in the presence of rifampicin, which has sustained liver enzyme induction after discontinuation. Our case described an immunocompetent patient infected with Aspergillus tubingensis spondylitis. Clinical pharmacists proposed an individualized treatment regimen for AS, after considering the effects of sustained liver enzyme induction of rifampicin (after discontinuation) on voriconazole, and utilized caspofungin as a bridge-connection scheme. We also paid attention to changes in indicators during treatment and managed adverse reactions. Therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole was also used to optimize the dosing regimen. With the individualized pharmaceutical care of clinical pharmacists and the efforts of clinicians, the patient's incision healed well after 33 days of hospitalization, and she was discharged with significant improvement. Therefore, individualized pharmaceutical care by a clinical pharmacist can help optimize the treatment of Aspergillus tubingensis spondylitis. In clinical practice, drug-drug and drug-diet interactions may affect voriconazole efficacy, and individualized dose adjustment using therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is critical to improve efficacy and reduce adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmeng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinjun Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruoying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310000, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Kim MGJ, Overton K. Successful treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis due to Aspergillus flavus in an immunocompetent patient. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e251101. [PMID: 36414342 PMCID: PMC9684962 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus osteomyelitis (AO) is a rare and often lethal opportunistic infection in predominantly immunocompromised patients. Treatment has shifted from amphotericin therapy to voriconazole monotherapy due to increased effectiveness and less toxicity. We report a case of an immunocompetent woman with vertebral osteomyelitis due to Aspergillus flavus who was successfully treated with surgery (requiring hardware implantation) and monotherapy posaconazole (following intolerance and hepatitis due to voriconazole). She remained well at follow-up post cessation of 12 months of antifungal therapy. We provide an updated literature review examining the role of azole monotherapy as the gold standard of treatment for AO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myong Gyu Joshua Kim
- University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristen Overton
- University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital and Community Health Services, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
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5
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Tsantes AG, Papadopoulos DV, Markou E, Zarokostas K, Sokou R, Trikoupis I, Mavrogenis AF, Houhoula D, Piovani D, Bonovas S, Tsantes AE, Tsakris A, Vrioni G. Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections: an updated systematic review on the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of 186 confirmed cases. Med Mycol 2022; 60:myac052. [PMID: 35867975 PMCID: PMC9849853 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections are destructive opportunistic infections, while there is no clear consensus on their management. The purpose of this review is to investigate the current literature regarding Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections. An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted considering studies that assessed osteoarticular infections from Aspergillus spp. We included only studies with biopsy proven documentation of positive cultures or histological findings for Aspergillus spp., and those with essential information for each case such as the anatomical location of the infection, the type of treatment (conservative, surgical, combination), the antifungal therapy, and the outcome. Overall, 148 studies from 1965 to 2021 including 186 patients were included in the review. One hundred and seven (57.5%) patients underwent surgical debridement in addition to antifungal therapy, while 79 (42.7%) patients were treated only conservatively. Complete infection resolution was reported in 107 (57.5%) patients, while partial resolution in 29 (15.5%) patients. Surgical debridement resulted in higher complete infection resolution rate compared to only antifungal therapy (70.0% vs. 40.5%, P < 0.001), while complete resolution rate was similar for antifungal monotherapy and combination/sequential therapy (58.3% vs. 54.5%; P = 0.76). Last, complete resolution rate was also similar for monotherapy with amphotericin B (58.1%) and voriconazole (58.6%; P = 0.95). The results of this study indicate that antifungal monotherapy has similar efficacy with combination/sequential therapy, while voriconazole has similar efficacy with amphotericin B. Moreover, surgical debridement of the infected focus results in better outcomes in terms of infection eradication compared to conservative treatment. LAY SUMMARY Antifungal monotherapy has similar efficacy with combination/sequential therapy, and voriconazole has similar efficacy with amphotericin B for the treatment of Aspergillus spp. osteoarticular infections, while surgical debridement of the infected focus improves the infection eradication rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas G Tsantes
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, ‘Saint Savvas’ Oncology Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Eleftheria Markou
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina 45500, Greece
| | | | - Rozeta Sokou
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Agios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikea, Piraeus 18454, Greece
| | - Ioannis Trikoupis
- First Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Andreas F Mavrogenis
- First Department of Orthopaedics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Dimitra Houhoula
- Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attiko” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Daniele Piovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve MI, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089 MI, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefanos Bonovas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve MI, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089 MI, Milan, Italy
| | - Argirios E Tsantes
- Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attiko” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 15772, Greece
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
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Mertens B, Van Daele R, Depypere M, Lagrou K, Debaveye Y, Wauters J, Nijs S, Metsemakers WJ, Spriet I. Isavuconazole in the Treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus Fracture-Related Infection: Case Report and Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030344. [PMID: 35326807 PMCID: PMC8944859 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fracture-related infection (FRI) is a rare, but severe complication in trauma surgery. The optimal antifungal treatment for Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including FRI, has not been established yet, as only cases have been documented and data on bone penetration of antifungal drugs are scarce. We describe a patient with Aspergillus fumigatus FRI of the tibia who was treated with isavuconazole after developing liver function disturbances during voriconazole therapy. Isavuconazole, the active moiety formed after hydrolysis of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate by plasma esterases, was administered in a maintenance dose of 200 mg q24 h, followed by 150 mg q24 h. The patient completed a six-month antifungal treatment course. Although fracture union was not achieved during six months of follow-up after therapy cessation, no confirmatory signs of FRI were observed. Additionally, two literature searches were conducted to review available data on antifungal treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis and bone penetration of antifungals. One hundred and eight cases of Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including six (5.6%) FRI cases, were identified. Voriconazole and (lipid formulations of) amphotericin B were the most commonly used antifungals. In three (2.8%) cases isavuconazole was prescribed as salvage therapy. Data on antifungal bone penetration were reported for itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin and 5-fluorocytosin. Isavuconazole might be a promising alternative for the treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis. However, standardized case documentation is needed to evaluate the efficacy of isavuconazole and other antifungals in the treatment of Aspergillus osteomyelitis, including FRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrijs Mertens
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-34-69-57
| | - Ruth Van Daele
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa Depypere
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
- Belgian National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Debaveye
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Wauters
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.D.); (K.L.); (J.W.)
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Nijs
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.N.); (W.-J.M.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willem-Jan Metsemakers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.N.); (W.-J.M.)
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.V.D.); (I.S.)
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Kably B, Launay M, Derobertmasure A, Lefeuvre S, Dannaoui E, Billaud EM. Antifungal Drugs TDM: Trends and Update. Ther Drug Monit 2022; 44:166-197. [PMID: 34923544 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The increasing burden of invasive fungal infections results in growing challenges to antifungal (AF) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This review aims to provide an overview of recent advances in AF TDM. METHODS We conducted a PubMed search for articles during 2016-2020 using "TDM" or "pharmacokinetics" or "drug-drug-interaction" with "antifungal," consolidated for each AF. Selection was limited to English language articles with human data on drug exposure. RESULTS More than 1000 articles matched the search terms. We selected 566 publications. The latest findings tend to confirm previous observations in real-life clinical settings. The pharmacokinetic variability related to special populations is not specific but must be considered. AF benefit-to-risk ratio, drug-drug interaction (DDI) profiles, and minimal inhibitory concentrations for pathogens must be known to manage at-risk situations and patients. Itraconazole has replaced ketoconazole in healthy volunteers DDI studies. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling is widely used to assess metabolic azole DDI. AF prophylactic use was studied more for Aspergillus spp. and Mucorales in oncohematology and solid organ transplantation than for Candida (already studied). Emergence of central nervous system infection and severe infections in immunocompetent individuals both merit special attention. TDM is more challenging for azoles than amphotericin B and echinocandins. Fewer TDM requirements exist for fluconazole and isavuconazole (ISZ); however, ISZ is frequently used in clinical situations in which TDM is recommended. Voriconazole remains the most challenging of the AF, with toxicity limiting high-dose treatments. Moreover, alternative treatments (posaconazole tablets, ISZ) are now available. CONCLUSIONS TDM seems to be crucial for curative and/or long-term maintenance treatment in highly variable patients. TDM poses fewer cost issues than the drugs themselves or subsequent treatment issues. The integration of clinical pharmacology into multidisciplinary management is now increasingly seen as a part of patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Kably
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP Centre
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Manon Launay
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie-Gaz du sang, Hôpital Nord-CHU Saint Etienne, Saint-Etienne
| | - Audrey Derobertmasure
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP Centre
| | - Sandrine Lefeuvre
- Laboratoire de Toxicologie et Pharmacocinétique, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers; and
| | - Eric Dannaoui
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Eliane M Billaud
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP Centre
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Spondylodiscitis Caused by Aspergillus Species. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101899. [PMID: 34679596 PMCID: PMC8534844 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spondylodiscitis caused by Aspergillus spp. is a rare but life-threatening clinical entity. However, a consensus on diagnostic criteria and most effective medical management is still missing. The present study is a review of all published cases of spondylodiscitis caused by Aspergillus spp., in an effort to elucidate epidemiology, patients’ characteristics, andand the medical and surgical treatment options and their effectiveness. Methods: A thorough review of all existing spondylodiscitis cases caused by Aspergillus was performed. Data regarding demographics, responsible fungus, time between symptoms’ onset and firm diagnosis, antifungal treatment (AFT), surgical intervention, andand the infection’s outcome were investigated. Results: A total of 118 Aspergillus spondylodiscitis cases, yielding 119 Aspergillus spp. isolates, were identified in the literature. The patients’ mean age was 40.6 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (after its introduction) indicated the diagnosis in most cases (66.7%), while definite diagnosis was established through cultures in the majority of cases (73.7%). Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in most cases (73; 61.3%), followed by Aspergillus flavus (15; 12.6%) andand Aspergillus nidulans and terreus (7; 5.9%, each). The mean time between symptoms’ onset and diagnosis was 5.7 months. Amphotericin B was the preferred antifungal regiment (84 cases; 71.2%), followed by voriconazole (31; 26.3%), and the mean AFT duration was 6.1 months. The final outcome was successful in 93 cases (78.8%). Furthermore, 77 patients (65.3%) underwent surgery. Conclusions: Spondylodiscitis caused by Aspergillus spp. represents a clinical challenge, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The present review has shown that prolonged AFT has been the standard of care of the studied cases, while surgical treatment seems to play an important role in selected patents.
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Perna A, Ricciardi L, Fantoni M, Taccari F, Torelli R, Santagada DA, Fumo C, Tamburrelli FC, Proietti L. Spontaneous Vertebral Aspergillosis, the State of Art: A Systematic Literature Review. Neurospine 2020; 18:23-33. [PMID: 33211946 PMCID: PMC8021829 DOI: 10.14245/ns.2040338.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vertebral aspergillosis is quite rare conditions, often misdiagnosed, that requires long-term antibiotic therapy, and sometimes, surgical treatments. The present investigations were aimed to investigate the epidemiology, clinical-radiological aspects, treatment protocols, and outcomes of Aspergillus-mediated vertebral osteomyelitis.
Methods A systematic review of the pertinent English literature according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was performed. The research was conducted on Cochrane library, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus using as search-terms “Aspergillus,” “vertebral osteomyelitis,” “spondylodiscitis,” “spine infection.” A case of vertebral aspergillosis conservatively managed was also reported.
Results Eighty-nine articles were included in our systematic review. Including the reported case, our analysis covered 112 cases of vertebral aspergillosis. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in 68 cases (61.2%), Aspergillus flavus in 14 (12.6%), Aspergillus terreus in 4 (3.6%), Aspergillus nidulans in 2 (1.8%). Seventy-three patients (65.7%) completely recovered at the last follow-up evaluation; in 7 patients (6.3%) radiological signs of chronic infection were reported, whereas 32 patients (28.8%) died during the follow-up.
Conclusion This systematic review summarized the state of the art on vertebral aspergillosis, retrieving data on clinical features, diagnostic criteria and current limitations, treatment alternatives, and their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Perna
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Ricciardi
- UO di Neurochirurgia, Pia fondazione di Culto e Religione Cardinal G. Panico, Tricase, Italy.,UOC di Neurochirurgia, Azienda Ospedaliera Sant'Andrea, Dipartimento NESMOS, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Fantoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Taccari
- Dipartimento di Sicurezza e Bioetica, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Torelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alessandro Santagada
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Fumo
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciro Tamburrelli
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Proietti
- UOC Chirurgia Vertebrale, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di clinica ortopedica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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10
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Aydın Ö, Bektaş B, Aslan A, Yıldırım AN, Arslan F. Voriconazole-treated aspergillus vertebral osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent patient. J Orthop Sci 2020; 28:710-712. [PMID: 33036828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Aydın
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Begüm Bektaş
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Aslan
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Nur Yıldırım
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Arslan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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11
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Dai G, Wang T, Yin C, Sun Y, Xu D, Wang Z, Luan L, Hou J, Li S. Aspergillus spondylitis: case series and literature review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:572. [PMID: 32828133 PMCID: PMC7443290 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03582-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal fungal infections, especially spinal Aspergillus infections, are rare in the clinic. Here, we introduce the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognoses of 6 cases of Aspergillus spondylitis. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the complete clinical data of patients with Aspergillus spondylitis treated in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2020. RESULTS Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in 4 cases, and Aspergillus spp. and Aspergillus niger were isolated in 1 case each. All six patients reported varying degrees of focal spinal pain; one patient reported radiating pain, one patient experienced bowel dysfunction and numbness in both lower limbs, and three patients had fever symptoms. One case involved the thoracic spine, one case involved the thoracolumbar junction, and 4 cases involved the lumbar spine. Three patients were already in an immunosuppressed state, and three patients entered an immunosuppressed state after spinal surgery. All six patients were successfully cured, and five required surgery. Of the 5 patients who underwent surgical treatment, 2 had spinal cord compression symptoms, and 3 had spinal instability. At the end of follow-up, 1 patient reported left back pain and 1 patient reported left limb numbness. CONCLUSION The clinical manifestations of Aspergillus spondylitis are non-specific, and the diagnosis depends on typical imaging findings and microbiological and histopathological examination results. When there is no spinal instability, spinal nerve compression symptoms, or progressive deterioration, antifungal therapy alone may be considered. If spinal instability, spinal nerve compression, or epidural abscess formation is present, surgery combined with antifungal therapy is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Dai
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Chuqiang Yin
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuanliang Sun
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Derong Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhongying Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Liangrui Luan
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jianwen Hou
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuzhong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 jiangsu road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Post Code: 266000, Shandong Province, China.
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12
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Aspergillus terreus spondylodiscitis following an abdominal stab wound: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2019; 13:172. [PMID: 31164170 PMCID: PMC6549268 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-019-2109-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus terreus, a saprophytic fungus, is recognized as an emerging pathogen in various infections in humans. However, bone and joint involvement is uncommon. To the best of our knowledge, only seven cases of spondylodiscitis caused by Aspergillus terreus have been reported previously in humans. We report a case of a patient with Aspergillus terreus spondylodiscitis following an abdominal stab wound. Case presentation A 74-year-old Japanese man with no particular medical history fell from a ladder and sustained a left abdominal stab wound from an L-shaped metal peg. Computed tomography showed the trace of the L-shaped metal peg from the left abdomen to the left rib and left kidney. The scan also showed an anterolateral bone avulsion of the left side of the T12 vertebral body, as well as fractures of the L1 left transverse process and the left 10th–12th ribs. He was hospitalized and treated with conservative therapy for 6 weeks. He was readmitted to the hospital with complaints of sudden back pain, numbness of both legs, and inability to walk 13 weeks after the fall. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were typical of spondylodiscitis. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging indicated increased signal intensity at T11–T12 vertebral bodies and severe cord compression and epidural abscess at T11–T12 associated with infiltration of soft paravertebral tissues. On the seventh day after admission, he underwent partial laminectomy at T11 and posterior fusion at T9 to L2. The result of his blood culture was negative, but Aspergillus terreus was isolated from the material of T11–T12 intervertebral disc and vertebral bodies. His Aspergillus antigen was positive in a blood examination. Histological examination showed chronic suppurative osteomyelitis. On the 35th day after admission, he underwent anterior fusion at T11 and T12 with a rib bone graft. For 5 months, voriconazole was administered, and he wore a rigid corset. Posterior partial laminectomy at T11 and anterior fusion at T11 and T12 resulted in a good clinical course. The patient’s neurological dysfunction was completely recovered, and his back pain disappeared. Two years after the operation, computed tomography was performed and showed bone fusion at T11 and T12. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no evidence of increased signal intensity at T11–T12 vertebral bodies and severe cord compression and epidural abscess at T11–T12. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of spondylodiscitis caused by Aspergillus terreus after an abdominal penetrating injury. The histological finding of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis and the radiological findings strongly suggested direct inoculation of Aspergillus terreus.
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The Curious Case of "Case Report" of Infections Caused by Human and Animal Fungal Pathogens: An Educational Tool, an Online Archive, or a Format in Need of Retooling. Mycopathologia 2019; 183:879-891. [PMID: 30570717 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-018-0314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Case reports describe the unusual occurrence and complications of diseases, diagnostic challenges, and notable therapeutic successes. Some journals have discontinued the case reports, while new case report journals have appeared in recent years. During the eightieth anniversary of Mycopathologia, it is fitting to examine the relevance of the case report since the journal continues to traverse the boundaries of basic and clinical sciences. A random sample of recent case reports and other articles were selected from Mycopathologia. Springer Nature individual article download statistics, and Google Scholar and Scopus citations numbers were compared to assess the reader access and bibliometric impact of case reports. Our analysis indicated that the case report format continues to be a vital element of publication in a cross-disciplinary journal such as Mycopathologia. Medical and veterinary case reports covering fungal pathogens are widely read as evident from their download numbers. The download numbers have a positive correlation with the completeness of the report, the topics and geographic origin of reports have a neutral influence, and the recency leads to lower downloads. There is no discernible trend between the download numbers and the citations of case reports as measured by Google Scholar and Scopus. A specially designed checklist for Mycopathologia case reports and new format MycopathologiaIMAGES are being introduced to improve the quality and relevance of case reports further.
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Abstract
We report the case of a 12-year-old immunocompromised boy with spondylodiscitis of the thoracolumbar spine caused by Aspergillus terreus. Microbiologic diagnosis was confirmed by inoculation of aspiration fluid into blood culture bottles. Because of noncompliance, the patient was treated with extended voriconazole therapy (23 months) with regular serum drug concentration monitoring and intermittent direct observation therapy in an outpatient clinic. The Aspergillus genus contains species that are important causes of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Although the lung is the main target of invasive Aspergillosis, more severe forms such as Aspergillus osteomyelitis can occur. A. fumigatus is the most common cause of Aspergillus osteomyelitis, causing 55%-61% of all cases, whereas A. terreus causes 2.3%-2.8% of cases. The vertebral bodies are the most commonly affected sites, occurring in 46%-49% of cases., Here, we report the case of an immunocompromised 12-year-old boy with thoracolumbar spondylodiscitis caused by A. terreus.
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Haugaard AK, Marquart HV, Kolte L, Ryder LP, Kehrer M, Krogstrup M, Dragsted UB, Dahl B, Gjørup IE, Andersen ÅB, Garred P, Nielsen SD. Quantitative B-lymphocyte deficiency and increased TCRγδ T-lymphocytes in acute infectious spondylodiscitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15174. [PMID: 30310085 PMCID: PMC6181974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33318-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute infectious spondylodiscitis (AIS) is a serious infection of the spine with rising incidence and a mortality of 3–6%. The role of the immune system in AIS is largely unknown. We performed extensive B and T-lymphocyte phenotyping in patients with AIS at diagnosis and after treatment cessation. In this prospective multicentre study, flow cytometric analysis of T and B-lymphocyte subsets was performed in 35 patients at diagnosis and 3 months after treatment cessation. We additionally analysed levels of immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses, serum level and genetic variants of mannose-binding lectin, and somatic hypermutation. A total of 22 (61%) patients had B-lymphocytes below reference limit at baseline, persisting in 7 (30%) patients at follow-up. We found a lower proportion of CD19 + CD27 + IgD+ marginal zone B-lymphocytes and a higher proportion of γδ+ T-lymphocyte receptors compared with controls at both time points. Immunoglobulin levels were elevated at baseline compared to follow-up, and not associated with absolute B-lymphocyte count. In conclusion, a large proportion of AIS patients presented with profound B-lymphocyte deficiency, only partly reversible at follow-up. Identification of immune dysfunction related to AIS may allow for future targeted therapeutic interventions to restore host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Haugaard
- Viro-Imunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Hanne V Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lilian Kolte
- Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Lars Peter Ryder
- Department of Clinical Immunology Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michala Kehrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maria Krogstrup
- Department of Infectious Disease, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ulrik B Dragsted
- Department of Infectious Disease, Roskilde University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Benny Dahl
- Spine Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ida E Gjørup
- Department of Infectious Disease, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Åse B Andersen
- Viro-Imunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Garred
- Department of Clinical Immunology Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne D Nielsen
- Viro-Imunology Research Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bengyella L, Yekwa EL, Subhani MN, Tambo E, Nawaz K, Hetsa BA, Iftikhar S, Waikhom SD, Roy P. Invasive Aspergillus terreus morphological transitions and immunoadaptations mediating antifungal resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2017; 10:425-436. [PMID: 29158685 PMCID: PMC5683776 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s147331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Aspergillus terreus Thom is a pathogen of public health and agricultural importance for its seamless abilities to expand its ecological niche. The aim of this study was holistically to investigate A. terreus morphological and immunoadaptations and their implication in antifungal resistance and proliferation during infection. Materials and methods In-depth unstructured mining of relevant peer-reviewed literature was performed for A. terreus morphological, immune, resistance, and genetic diversity based on the sequenced calmodulin-like gene. Results Accessory conidia and phialidic conidia produced by A. terreus confer discrete anti-fungal resistance that ensures survivability during therapies. Interestingly, by producing unique metabolites such as Asp–melanin and terretonin, A. terreus is capable of hijacking macrophages and scavenging iron, respectively. As such, A. terreus has established a rare mechanism to mitigate phagocytosis and swing the interaction dynamics in favor of its proliferation and survival in hosts. Conclusion It is further unraveled that besides A. terreus genetic diversity, morphological, biochemical, and immunologic adaptations associated with conidia germination and discharge of chemical signals during infection enable masking of the host defense as an integral part of its strategy to survive and rapidly colonize hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Bengyella
- Department of Biomedical Science, The School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.,Department of Biotechnology, University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, India
| | - Elsie Laban Yekwa
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Muhammad Nasir Subhani
- Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ernest Tambo
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté.,Department of Communications, Africa Disease Intelligence and Surveillance, Communication and Response Institute, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Kiran Nawaz
- Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Bakoena Ashton Hetsa
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Sehrish Iftikhar
- Department of Plant Pathology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sayanika Devi Waikhom
- Department of Biomedical Science, The School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Pranab Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Haldia Institute of Technology, Haldia, India
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17
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Zargaran M, Taghipour S, Kiasat N, Aboualigalehdari E, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Zarei Mahmoudabadi A, Shamsizadeh F. Luliconazole, an alternative antifungal agent against Aspergillus terreus. J Mycol Med 2017; 27:351-356. [PMID: 28483449 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus is the fourth leading cause of invasive and non-invasive aspergillosis and one of the causative agents of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised and high-risk patients. A. terreus appears to have increased as a cause of opportunistic fungal infections from superficial to serious invasive infections. Although, invasive aspergillosis is often treated empirically with amphotericin B, most A. terreus isolates are resistant both in vivo and in vitro to some antifungal drugs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate antifungals susceptibility profiles of the different strains of A. terreus against amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and luliconazole. Forty A. terreus strains originating from environmental sources (air and soil) were identified using by macroscopic and microscopic features. Six antifungals including, amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and luliconazole were applied for susceptibility tests. Our results show that tested isolates had different susceptibility to antifungals. The lowest MICGM related to luliconazole (0.00236μg/ml), followed by posaconazole (0.18621μg/ml), voriconazole (0.22925μg/ml), caspofungin (0.86μg/ml), fluconazole (8μg/ml) and amphotericin B (11.12μg/ml). This study demonstrated that luliconazole had an excellent in vitro activity against all tested isolates of A. terreus, with MICGM 0.00236μg/mL than other tested antifungals. As a result, luliconazole could be a possible alternative antifungal for the treatment of aspergillosis due to A. terreus.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zargaran
- Infectious and tropical diseases research center, health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - S Taghipour
- Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - N Kiasat
- Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - E Aboualigalehdari
- Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - A Rezaei-Matehkolaei
- Infectious and tropical diseases research center, health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - A Zarei Mahmoudabadi
- Infectious and tropical diseases research center, health research institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran; Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - F Shamsizadeh
- Department of medical mycology, school of medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur university of medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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