1
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Burgel PR, Southern KW, Addy C, Battezzati A, Berry C, Bouchara JP, Brokaar E, Brown W, Azevedo P, Durieu I, Ekkelenkamp M, Finlayson F, Forton J, Gardecki J, Hodkova P, Hong G, Lowdon J, Madge S, Martin C, McKone E, Munck A, Ooi CY, Perrem L, Piper A, Prayle A, Ratjen F, Rosenfeld M, Sanders DB, Schwarz C, Taccetti G, Wainwright C, West NE, Wilschanski M, Bevan A, Castellani C, Drevinek P, Gartner S, Gramegna A, Lammertyn E, Landau EEC, Plant BJ, Smyth AR, van Koningsbruggen-Rietschel S, Middleton PG. Standards for the care of people with cystic fibrosis (CF); recognising and addressing CF health issues. J Cyst Fibros 2024; 23:187-202. [PMID: 38233247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2024.01.005] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
This is the third in a series of four papers updating the European Cystic Fibrosis Society (ECFS) standards for the care of people with CF. This paper focuses on recognising and addressing CF health issues. The guidance was produced with wide stakeholder engagement, including people from the CF community, using an evidence-based framework. Authors contributed sections, and summary statements which were reviewed by a Delphi consultation. Monitoring and treating airway infection, inflammation and pulmonary exacerbations remains important, despite the widespread availability of CFTR modulators and their accompanying health improvements. Extrapulmonary CF-specific health issues persist, such as diabetes, liver disease, bone disease, stones and other renal issues, and intestinal obstruction. These health issues require multidisciplinary care with input from the relevant specialists. Cancer is more common in people with CF compared to the general population, and requires regular screening. The CF life journey requires mental and emotional adaptation to psychosocial and physical challenges, with support from the CF team and the CF psychologist. This is particularly important when life gets challenging, with disease progression requiring increased treatments, breathing support and potentially transplantation. Planning for end of life remains a necessary aspect of care and should be discussed openly, honestly, with sensitivity and compassion for the person with CF and their family. CF teams should proactively recognise and address CF-specific health issues, and support mental and emotional wellbeing while accompanying people with CF and their families on their life journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Régis Burgel
- Respiratory Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis National Reference Center, Cochin Hospital, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kevin W Southern
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute in the Park, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, University of Liverpool, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.
| | - Charlotte Addy
- All Wales Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alberto Battezzati
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, and ICANS-DIS, Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claire Berry
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alder Hey Children's NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- University of Brest, Fungal Respiratory Infections Research Unit, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Edwin Brokaar
- Department of Pharmacy, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Whitney Brown
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Pilar Azevedo
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Centre-Centro, Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Portugal
| | - Isabelle Durieu
- Cystic Fibrosis Reference Center (Constitutif), Service de médecine interne et de pathologie vasculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Lyon Sud, RESearch on HealthcAre PErformance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 8 avenue Rockefeller, 69373 Lyon Cedex 08, France; ERN-Lung Cystic Fibrosis Network, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miquel Ekkelenkamp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Felicity Finlayson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Johanna Gardecki
- CF Centre at Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pavla Hodkova
- CF Center at University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gina Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Lowdon
- Clinical Specialist Paediatric Cystic Fibrosis Dietitian, Leeds Children's Hospital, UK
| | - Su Madge
- Royal Brompton Hospital, Part of Guys and StThomas's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Clémence Martin
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Université Paris-Cité and National Reference Center for Cystic Fibrosis, Hôpital Cochin AP-HP, ERN-Lung CF Network, Paris 75014, France
| | - Edward McKone
- St.Vincent's University Hospital and University College Dublin School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Munck
- Hospital Necker Enfants-Malades, AP-HP, CF Centre, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Chee Y Ooi
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucy Perrem
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Piper
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Prayle
- Child Health, Lifespan and Population Health & Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Felix Ratjen
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Translational Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margaret Rosenfeld
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Don B Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, CF Center, Clinic Westbrandenburg, HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Giovanni Taccetti
- Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Cystic Fibrosis Regional Reference Centre, Italy
| | | | - Natalie E West
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Wilschanski
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, CF Center, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amanda Bevan
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Carlo Castellani
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, Genova 16147, Italy
| | - Pavel Drevinek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Silvia Gartner
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit and Pediatric Pulmonology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Gramegna
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Respiratory Unit and Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Elise Lammertyn
- Cystic Fibrosis Europe, Brussels, Belgium and the Belgian CF Association, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eddie Edwina C Landau
- The Graub CF Center, Pulmonary Institute, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Barry J Plant
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Alan R Smyth
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Belfast and NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Queens University Belfast, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Peter G Middleton
- Westmead Clinical School, Department Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney and CITRICA, Westmead, Australia
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2
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Schwarz C, Eschenhagen PN, Mainz JG, Schmidergall T, Schuette H, Romanowska E. Pulmonary Aspergillosis in People with Cystic Fibrosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:128-140. [PMID: 38286138 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, fungal respiratory diseases have been increasingly investigated for their impact on the clinical course of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on infections caused by Aspergillus spp. The most common organisms from this genus detected from respiratory cultures are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus nidulans. These species have been identified to be both chronic colonizers and sources of active infection and may negatively impact lung function in people with CF. This review article discusses definitions of aspergillosis, challenges in clinical practice, and current literature available for laboratory findings, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options for pulmonary diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. in people with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schwarz
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - P N Eschenhagen
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - J G Mainz
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Brandenburg a. d. Havel, Germany
- University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg a. d. Havel, Germany
| | - T Schmidergall
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - H Schuette
- Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine, Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum, Potsdam, Germany
| | - E Romanowska
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
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3
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Janssens I, Lambrecht BN, Van Braeckel E. Aspergillus and the Lung. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:3-20. [PMID: 38286136 PMCID: PMC10857890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777259] [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: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus causes a wide spectrum of diseases in the human lung, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most pathogenic and allergenic subspecies. The broad range of clinical syndromes that can develop from the presence of Aspergillus in the respiratory tract is determined by the interaction between host and pathogen. In this review, an oversight of the different clinical entities of pulmonary aspergillosis is given, categorized by their main pathophysiological mechanisms. The underlying immune processes are discussed, and the main clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological findings are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Janssens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC; Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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4
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Laurent F, Benlala I, Dournes G. Radiological Diagnosis of Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:50-60. [PMID: 38286137 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Imaging plays an important role in the various forms of Aspergillus-related pulmonary disease. Depending on the immune status of the patient, three forms are described with distinct imaging characteristics: invasive aspergillosis affecting severely immunocompromised patients, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affecting less severely immunocompromised patients but suffering from a pre-existing structural lung disease, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis related to respiratory exposure to Aspergillus species in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Computed tomography (CT) has been demonstrated more sensitive and specific than chest radiographs and its use has largely contributed to the diagnosis, follow-up, and evaluation of treatment in each condition. In the last few decades, CT has also been described in the specific context of cystic fibrosis. In this particular clinical setting, magnetic resonance imaging and the recent developments in artificial intelligence have shown promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Laurent
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Ilyes Benlala
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service d'Imagerie Thoracique et Cardiovasculaire, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Gael Dournes
- Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- CHU Bordeaux, Service d'Imagerie Thoracique et Cardiovasculaire, Centre de Recherche Cardio-thoracique de Bordeaux, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
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5
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Jensen HE, Becker CB. Pathological Diagnosis of Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:41-49. [PMID: 38266999 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis constitutes an increasingly prevalent and potentially fatal complex of mycotic diseases, caused by different species of Aspergillus. The broad spectrum of pathological manifestations associated with pulmonary aspergillosis necessitates a differentiation of commensalism from saprophytic colonization, hypersensitivity reactions, and true invasive infections, which highlights the importance of histopathology as a gold standard in a diagnostic setting. For the past decades, changes in terminology and contradicting contributions from different diagnostic disciplines have made the classification of pulmonary aspergillosis rather confusing. This review offers a categorization of aspergillosis lesions based on what can be histopathologically identified and distinguished, differentiating between acute invasive infection and forms of subacute, chronic, and allergic diseases and coinfections, and summarizes important manifestations of lesions associated with the different forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik E Jensen
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie B Becker
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Birnie JD, Ahmed T, Kidd SE, Westall GP, Snell GI, Peleg AY, Morrissey CO. Multi-Locus Microsatellite Typing of Colonising and Invasive Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Patients Post Lung Transplantation and with Chronic Lung Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:95. [PMID: 38392766 PMCID: PMC10889758 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause different clinical manifestations/phenotypes in lung transplant (LTx) recipients and patients with chronic respiratory diseases. It can also precipitate chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in LTx recipients. Many host factors have been linked with the severity of A. fumigatus infection, but little is known about the contribution of different A. fumigatus strains to the development of different phenotypes and CLAD. We used multi-locus microsatellite typing (MLMT) to determine if there is a relationship between strain (i.e., genotype) and phenotype in 60 patients post LTx or with chronic respiratory disease across two time periods (1 November 2006-31 March 2009 and 1 November 2015-30 June 2017). The MLMT (STRAf) assay was highly discriminatory (Simpson's diversity index of 0.9819-0.9942) with no dominant strain detected. No specific genotype-phenotype link was detected, but several clusters and related strains were associated with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and colonisation in the absence of CLAD. Host factors were linked to clinical phenotypes, with prior lymphopenia significantly more common in IA cases as compared with A. fumigatus-colonised patients (12/16 [75%] vs. 13/36 [36.1%]; p = 0.01), and prior Staphylococcus aureus infection was a significant risk factor for the development of IA (odds ratio 13.8; 95% confidence interval [2.01-279.23]). A trend toward a greater incidence of CMV reactivation post-A. fumigatus isolation was observed (0 vs. 5; p = 0.06) in LTx recipients. Further research is required to determine the pathogenicity and immunogenicity of specific A. fumigatus strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Birnie
- University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Tanveer Ahmed
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sarah E Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Glen P Westall
- Lung Transplant Service, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Gregory I Snell
- Lung Transplant Service, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Anton Y Peleg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Catherine Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Al Shakirchi M, Sorjonen K, Hjelte L, Klingspor L, Bergman P, Ericson P, Svedberg M, Lindberg U, Hansen C, de Monestrol I. Impact of lumacaftor/ivacaftor on the bacterial and fungal respiratory pathogens in cystic fibrosis: a prospective multicenter cohort study in Sweden. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2024; 18:17534666241254090. [PMID: 38780228 PMCID: PMC11119492 DOI: 10.1177/17534666241254090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant decline in pulmonary exacerbation rates has been reported in CF patients homozygous for F508del treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. However, it is still unclear whether this reduction reflects a diminished microbiological burden. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the impact of lumacaftor/ivacaftor on the bacterial and fungal burden. DESIGN The study is a prospective multicenter cohort study including 132 CF patients homozygous for F508del treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. METHODS Clinical parameters as well as bacterial and fungal outcomes 1 year after initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor were compared to data from 2 years prior to initiation of the treatment. Changes in the slope of the outcomes before and after the onset of treatment were assessed. RESULTS Lung function measured as ppFEV1 (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) in adults (p < 0.001), and BMI z-score in children (p = 0.007) were improved after initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor. In addition, the slope of the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (p = 0.007) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (p < 0.001) shifted from positive to negative, that is, became less prevalent, 1 year after treatment, while the slope for Candida albicans (p = 0.009), Penicillium spp (p = 0.026), and Scedosporium apiospermum (p < 0.001) shifted from negative to positive. CONCLUSION The current study showed a significant improvement in clinical parameters and a reduction of some of CF respiratory microorganisms 1 year after starting with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. However, no significant changes were observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, or Aspergillus fumigatus, key pathogens in the CF context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasin Al Shakirchi
- Stockholm CF Centre, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Sweden
- Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Kimmo Sorjonen
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Hjelte
- Stockholm CF Centre, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Klingspor
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Bergman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Immunodeficiency Unit, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petrea Ericson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Svedberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Science, Gothenburg University, Sweden
| | | | | | - Isabelle de Monestrol
- Stockholm CF Centre, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Earle K, Valero C, Conn DP, Vere G, Cook PC, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Gago S. Pathogenicity and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2023; 14:2172264. [PMID: 36752587 PMCID: PMC10732619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2172264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory conditions or more recently, concomitant viral or bacterial pulmonary infections are recognised risks factors for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis. In this review, we will summarise our current knowledge of the mechanistic basis of pulmonary aspergillosis with a focus on emerging at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George Vere
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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9
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Juříková T, Mácha H, Lupjanová V, Pluháček T, Marešová H, Papoušková B, Luptáková D, Patil RH, Benada O, Grulich M, Palyzová A. The Deciphering of Growth-Dependent Strategies for Quorum-Sensing Networks in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2329. [PMID: 37764173 PMCID: PMC10534576 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among nosocomial pathogens. In respiratory infections, P. aeruginosa acts not only as a single player but also collaborates with the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. This study introduced a QS molecule portfolio as a potential new biomarker that affects the secretion of virulence factors and biofilm formation. The quantitative levels of QS molecules, including 3-o-C12-HSL, 3-o-C8-HSL, C4-HSL, C6-HSL, HHQ, PQS, and PYO, measured using mass spectrometry in a monoculture, indicated metabolic changes during the transition from planktonic to sessile cells. In the co-cultures with A. fumigatus, the profile of abundant QS molecules was reduced to 3-o-C12-HSL, C4-HSL, PQS, and PYO. A decrease in C4-HSL by 50% to 170.6 ± 11.8 ng/mL and an increase 3-o-C12-HSL by 30% up to 784.4 ± 0.6 ng/mL were detected at the stage of the coverage of the hyphae with bacteria. Using scanning electron microscopy, we showed the morphological stages of the P. aeruginosa biofilm, such as cell aggregates, maturated biofilm, and cell dispersion. qPCR quantification of the genome equivalents of both microorganisms suggested that they exhibited an interplay strategy rather than antagonism. This is the first study demonstrating the quantitative growth-dependent appearance of QS molecule secretion in a monoculture of P. aeruginosa and a co-culture with A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Juříková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Hynek Mácha
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (T.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Vanda Lupjanová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Tomáš Pluháček
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (T.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Helena Marešová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Barbora Papoušková
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (T.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Dominika Luptáková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Rutuja H. Patil
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (T.P.); (B.P.)
| | - Oldřich Benada
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Michal Grulich
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Andrea Palyzová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (T.J.); (H.M.); (V.L.); (H.M.); (D.L.); (R.H.P.); (O.B.); (M.G.)
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10
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Hong G, Daniel SG, Lee JJ, Bittinger K, Glaser L, Mattei LM, Dorgan DJ, Hadjiliadis D, Kawut SM, Collman RG. Distinct community structures of the fungal microbiome and respiratory health in adults with cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2023; 22:636-643. [PMID: 36822979 PMCID: PMC10440372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The respiratory tract fungal microbiome in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been understudied despite increasing recognition of fungal pathogens in CF lung disease. We sought to better understand the fungal communities in adults with CF, and to define relationships between fungal profiles and clinical characteristics. METHODS We enrolled 66 adults with CF and collected expectorated sputum, spirometry, Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-revised, and clinical data. Fungi were molecularly profiled by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Total fungal abundance was measured by quantitative PCR. Relative abundance and qPCR-corrected abundances were determined. Selective fungus culture identified cultivable fungi. Alpha diversity and beta diversity were measured and relationships with clinical parameters were interrogated. RESULTS Median age was 29 years and median FEV1 percent predicted 58%. Members of the Candida genus were the most frequent dominant taxa in CF sputum. Apiotrichum, Trichosporon, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Scedosporium were present in high relative abundance in few samples; whereas, Aspergillus species were detected at low levels. Higher FEV1% predicted and CFTR modulator use were associated with greater alpha-diversity. Chronic azithromycin use was associated with lower alpha-diversity. Patients with acute pulmonary had distinct fungal community composition compared to clinically stable subjects. Differing yeast species were mainly responsible for the community differences. CONCLUSION The respiratory tract fungal microbiome in adults with CF is associated with lung function, pulmonary exacerbation status, macrolide use, and CFTR modulator use. Future work to better understand fungal diversity in the CF airway and its impact on lung health is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Hong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Palestine, State of.
| | - Scott G Daniel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia 19104
| | - Jung-Jin Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia 19104
| | - Kyle Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia 19104
| | - Laurel Glaser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lisa M Mattei
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia 19104
| | - Daniel J Dorgan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Palestine, State of
| | - Denis Hadjiliadis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Palestine, State of
| | - Steven M Kawut
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Palestine, State of
| | - Ronald G Collman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Palestine, State of
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11
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Dunne K, Reece E, McClean S, Doyle S, Rogers TR, Murphy P, Renwick J. Aspergillus fumigatus Supernatants Disrupt Bronchial Epithelial Monolayers: Potential Role for Enhanced Invasion in Cystic Fibrosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040490. [PMID: 37108944 PMCID: PMC10141846 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most commonly isolated fungus in chronic lung diseases, with a prevalence of up to 60% in cystic fibrosis patients. Despite this, the impact of A. fumigatus colonisation on lung epithelia has not been thoroughly explored. We investigated the influence of A. fumigatus supernatants and the secondary metabolite, gliotoxin, on human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) and CF bronchial epithelial (CFBE) cells. CFBE (F508del CFBE41o-) and HBE (16HBE14o-) trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured following exposure to A. fumigatus reference and clinical isolates, a gliotoxin-deficient mutant (ΔgliG) and pure gliotoxin. The impact on tight junction (TJ) proteins, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) were determined by western blot analysis and confocal microscopy. A. fumigatus conidia and supernatants caused significant disruption to CFBE and HBE TJs within 24 h. Supernatants from later cultures (72 h) caused the greatest disruption while ΔgliG mutant supernatants caused no disruption to TJ integrity. The ZO-1 and JAM-A distribution in epithelial monolayers were altered by A. fumigatus supernatants but not by ΔgliG supernatants, suggesting that gliotoxin is involved in this process. The fact that ΔgliG conidia were still capable of disrupting epithelial monolayers indicates that direct cell-cell contact also plays a role, independently of gliotoxin production. Gliotoxin is capable of disrupting TJ integrity which has the potential to contribute to airway damage, and enhance microbial invasion and sensitisation in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Dunne
- Discipline of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma Reece
- Discipline of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhán McClean
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, W23 F2K8 Kildare, Ireland
| | - Thomas R Rogers
- Discipline of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philip Murphy
- Discipline of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Renwick
- Discipline of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Abstract
In cystic fibrosis, a new era has started with the approval and use of highly effective cystic fibrosis transport regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. As pulmonary function is increasing and exacerbation rate significantly decreases, the current meaning of fungal pulmonary diseases is questioned. During the past couple of decades, several studies have been conducted regarding fungal colonization and infection of the airways in people with cystic fibrosis. Although Aspergillus fumigatus for filamentous fungi and Candida albicans for yeasts remain by far the most common fungal species in patients with cystic fibrosis, the pattern of fungal species associated with cystic fibrosis has considerably diversified recently. Fungi such as Scedosporium apiospermum or Exophiala dermatitidis are recognized as pathogenic in cystic fibrosis and therefore need attention in clinical settings. In this article, current definitions are stated. Important diagnostic steps are described, and their usefulness discussed. Furthermore, clinical treatment strategies and recommendations are named and evaluated. In cystic fibrosis, fungal entities can be divided into different subgroups. Besides colonization, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchitis, sensitization, pneumonia, and aspergilloma can occur as a fungal disease entity. For allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and aspergilloma, clear indications for therapy exist but this is not the case for sensitization or colonization. Different pulmonary fungal disease entities in people with cystic fibrosis will continue to occur also in an era of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy. Whether the percentage will decrease or not will be the task of future evaluations in studies and registry analysis. Using the established definition for different categories of fungal diseases is recommended and should be taken into account if patients are deteriorating without responding to antibiotic treatment. Drug-drug interactions, in particular when using azoles, should be recognized and therapies need to be adjusted accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Education and Research, Health and Medical University-Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.,Division of Cystic Fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Center West Brandenburg, Postdam, Germany
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13
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Schwarz C, Eschenhagen P, Schmidt H, Hohnstein T, Iwert C, Grehn C, Roehmel J, Steinke E, Stahl M, Lozza L, Tikhonova E, Rosati E, Stervbo U, Babel N, Mainz JG, Wisplinghoff H, Ebel F, Jia LJ, Blango MG, Hortschansky P, Brunke S, Hube B, Brakhage AA, Kniemeyer O, Scheffold A, Bacher P. Antigen specificity and cross-reactivity drive functionally diverse anti-Aspergillus fumigatus T cell responses in cystic fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:161593. [PMID: 36701198 PMCID: PMC9974102 DOI: 10.1172/jci161593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDThe fungus Aspergillus fumigatus causes a variety of clinical phenotypes in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Th cells orchestrate immune responses against fungi, but the types of A. fumigatus-specific Th cells in pwCF and their contribution to protective immunity or inflammation remain poorly characterized.METHODSWe used antigen-reactive T cell enrichment (ARTE) to investigate fungus-reactive Th cells in peripheral blood of pwCF and healthy controls.RESULTSWe show that clonally expanded, high-avidity A. fumigatus-specific effector Th cells, which were absent in healthy donors, developed in pwCF. Individual patients were characterized by distinct Th1-, Th2-, or Th17-dominated responses that remained stable over several years. These different Th subsets target different A. fumigatus proteins, indicating that differential antigen uptake and presentation directs Th cell subset development. Patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) are characterized by high frequencies of Th2 cells that cross-recognize various filamentous fungi.CONCLUSIONOur data highlight the development of heterogenous Th responses targeting different protein fractions of a single fungal pathogen and identify the development of multispecies cross-reactive Th2 cells as a potential risk factor for ABPA.FUNDINGGerman Research Foundation (DFG), under Germany's Excellence Strategy (EXC 2167-390884018 "Precision Medicine in Chronic Inflammation" and EXC 2051-390713860 "Balance of the Microverse"); Oskar Helene Heim Stiftung; Christiane Herzog Stiftung; Mukoviszidose Institut gGmb; German Cystic Fibrosis Association Mukoviszidose e.V; German Federal Ministry of Education and Science (BMBF) InfectControl 2020 Projects AnDiPath (BMBF 03ZZ0838A+B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schwarz
- Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Campus Potsdam, Cystic Fibrosis Section, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Patience Eschenhagen
- Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Campus Potsdam, Cystic Fibrosis Section, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Henrijette Schmidt
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thordis Hohnstein
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christina Iwert
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Translational Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Grehn
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jobst Roehmel
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva Steinke
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirjam Stahl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt – Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), associated partner site, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Lozza
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Precision for Medicine GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Tikhonova
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Elisa Rosati
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Jochen G. Mainz
- Brandenburg Medical School/Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg (MHB), University, Pediatric Pulmonology/Cystic Fibrosis, Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Hilmar Wisplinghoff
- Labor Dr. Wisplinghoff, Cologne, Germany.,Institute for Virology and Microbiology, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G. Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Scheffold
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany.,Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and UKSH Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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14
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Effect of Flagellin Pre-Exposure on the Inflammatory and Antifungal Response of Bronchial Epithelial Cells to Fungal Pathogens. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121268. [PMID: 36547601 PMCID: PMC9782670 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) play a crucial role in innate immunity against inhaled fungi. Indeed, in response to microorganisms, BEC synthesize proinflammatory cytokines involved in the recruitment of neutrophils. We have recently shown that BEC exert antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus by inhibiting filament growth. In the present study, we first analyzed the inflammatory and antifungal responses of BEC infected by several fungal species such as Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium apiospermum and Candida albicans, which are frequently isolated from the sputum of people with chronic pulmonary diseases. The airways of these patients, such as people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), are mainly colonized by P. aeruginosa and secondary by fungal pathogens. We have previously demonstrated that BEC are capable of innate immune memory, allowing them to increase their inflammatory response against A. fumigatus following a previous contact with Pseudomonas aeruginosa flagellin. To identify the impact of bacteria exposure on BEC responses to other fungal infections, we extended the analysis of BEC innate immune memory to Aspergillus spp., Scedosporium apiospermum and Candida albicans infection. Our results show that BEC are able to recognize and respond to Aspergillus spp., S. apiospermum and C. albicans infection and that the modulation of BEC responses by pre-exposure to flagellin varies according to the fungal species encountered. Deepening our knowledge of the innate immune memory of BEC should open new therapeutic avenues to modulate the inflammatory response against polymicrobial infections observed in chronic pulmonary diseases such as CF.
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15
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Hong G. Progress and challenges in fungal lung disease in cystic fibrosis. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2022; 28:584-590. [PMID: 36101907 PMCID: PMC9547960 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review is an overview of the recent progress made for the diagnosis and understanding of fungal lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with a focus on Aspergillus fumigatus , the most common filamentous fungus in the CF airway. Currently, the longstanding question of the clinical significance of Aspergillus fumigatus and other fungi in CF respiratory cultures, in the absence of allergy, remains. Clinical criteria and biomarkers are needed to classify fungal lung disease and determine who may warrant therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Several retrospective and prospective studies have described the prevalence of A. fumigatus and other fungi in the CF lung and factors contributing to the changes in fungal epidemiology. Selective fungus culture testing for the detection of fungi in CF sputa has been well studied, yet a standardized fungus culture protocol has yet to be defined. Culture-independent molecular studies and other fungal diagnostic testing have been conducted in the CF population, leading to efforts to better understand the clinical role of these tests. Recent works have aimed to determine whether chronic A. fumigatus colonization is associated with lung disease progression measured by FEV 1 percentage predicted, structural lung disease, lung clearance index and respiratory quality-of-life. However, the existing knowledge gaps remain: definition of a fungal respiratory infection, the association between fungal infection and clinical outcomes, and indications for antifungal therapy. SUMMARY Significant progress has been made for the detection and diagnosis of fungal lung disease. Yet, the role and impact of A. fumigatus and other fungal infections on respiratory health in people with CF remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Blanchard AC, Waters VJ. Opportunistic Pathogens in Cystic Fibrosis: Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Lung Infection. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2022; 11:S3-S12. [PMID: 36069904 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common life-shortening genetic diseases in Caucasians. Due to abnormal accumulation of mucus, respiratory failure caused by chronic infections is the leading cause of mortality in this patient population. The microbiology of these respiratory infections includes a distinct set of opportunistic pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia spp., Achromobacter spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, anaerobes, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and fungi. In recent years, culture-independent methods have shown the polymicrobial nature of lung infections, and the dynamics of microbial communities. The unique environment of the CF airway predisposes to infections caused by opportunistic pathogens. In this review, we will highlight how the epidemiology and role in disease of these pathogens in CF differ from that in individuals with other medical conditions. Infectious diseases (ID) physicians should be aware of these differences and the specific characteristics of infections associated with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Blanchard
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Valerie J Waters
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
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17
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Secondary Metabolites Produced during Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation. mBio 2022; 13:e0185022. [PMID: 35856657 PMCID: PMC9426470 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01850-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), mucus plaques are formed in the patient's lungs, creating a hypoxic condition and a propitious environment for colonization and persistence of many microorganisms. There is clinical evidence showing that Aspergillus fumigatus can cocolonize CF patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has been associated with lung function decline. P. aeruginosa produces several compounds with inhibitory and antibiofilm effects against A. fumigatus in vitro; however, little is known about the fungal compounds produced in counterattack. Here, we annotated fungal and bacterial secondary metabolites (SM) produced in mixed biofilms under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. We detected nine SM produced by P. aeruginosa. Phenazines and different analogs of pyoverdin were the main compounds produced by P. aeruginosa, and their secretion levels were increased by the fungal presence. The roles of the two operons responsible for phenazine production (phzA1 and phzA2) were also investigated, and mutants lacking one of those operons were able to produce partial sets of phenazines. We detected a total of 20 SM secreted by A. fumigatus either in monoculture or in coculture with P. aeruginosa. All these compounds were secreted during biofilm formation in either normoxia or hypoxia. However, only eight compounds (demethoxyfumitremorgin C, fumitremorgin, ferrichrome, ferricrocin, triacetylfusigen, gliotoxin, gliotoxin E, and pyripyropene A) were detected during biofilm formation by the coculture of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. Overall, we showed how diverse SM secretion is during A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa mixed culture and how this can affect biofilm formation in normoxia and hypoxia. IMPORTANCE The interaction between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus has been well characterized in vitro. In this scenario, the bacterium exerts a strong inhibitory effect against the fungus. However, little is known about the metabolites produced by the fungus to counterattack the bacteria. Our work aimed to annotate secondary metabolites (SM) secreted during coculture between P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus during biofilm formation in both normoxia and hypoxia. The bacterium produces several different types of phenazines and pyoverdins in response to presence of the fungus. In contrast, we were able to annotate 29 metabolites produced during A. fumigatus biofilm formation, but only 8 compounds were detected during biofilm formation by the coculture of A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa upon either normoxia or hypoxia. In conclusion, we detected many SM secreted during A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation. This analysis provides several opportunities to understand the interactions between these two species.
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18
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Blomquist A, Inghammar M, Al Shakirchi M, Ericson P, Krantz C, Svedberg M, Lindblad A, Påhlman LI. Persistent Aspergillus fumigatus infection in cystic fibrosis: impact on lung function and role of treatment of asymptomatic colonization-a registry-based case-control study. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:263. [PMID: 35790954 PMCID: PMC9258124 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common filamentous fungus isolated from the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to investigate how chronic A. fumigatus colonization affects lung function in people with CF, to identify risk factors for colonization, and to evaluate antifungal treatment of asymptomatic Aspergillus colonization.
Methods Data from 2014–2018 was collected from the Swedish CF registry and medical records. Baseline data before the start of A. fumigatus colonization was compared with the two succeeding years to evaluate how colonization and treatment affected lung function and other clinical aspects.
Results A total of 437 patients were included, of which 64 (14.6%) became colonized with A. fumigatus during the study period. Inhaled antibiotics was associated with A. fumigatus colonization (adjusted OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6–5.9, p < 0.05). Fungal colonization was not associated with a more rapid lung function decline or increased use of IV-antibiotics compared to the non-colonized group, but patients with A. fumigatus had more hospital days, a higher increase of total IgE, and higher eosinophil counts. In the Aspergillus group, 42 patients were considered to be asymptomatic. Of these, 19 patients received antifungal treatment. Over the follow up period, the treated group had a more pronounced decrease in percent predicted Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (ppFEV1) compared to untreated patients (− 8.7 vs − 1.4 percentage points, p < 0.05). Conclusion Inhaled antibiotics was associated with A. fumigatus colonization, but no association was found between persistent A. fumigatus and subsequent lung function decline. No obvious benefits of treating asymptomatic A. fumigatus colonization were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Blomquist
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section for Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, BMC B14, 221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Inghammar
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section for Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, BMC B14, 221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mahasin Al Shakirchi
- Stockholm Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petrea Ericson
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christina Krantz
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcus Svedberg
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Science at The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Lindblad
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Science at The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa I Påhlman
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section for Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, BMC B14, 221 84, Lund, Sweden. .,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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19
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Wu DM, He M, Zhao YY, Deng SH, Liu T, Zhang T, Zhang F, Wang YY, Xu Y. Increased susceptibility of irradiated mice to Aspergillus fumigatus infection via NLRP3/GSDMD pathway in pulmonary bronchial epithelia. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:98. [PMID: 35761358 PMCID: PMC9238178 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus infection is difficult to diagnose clinically and can develop into invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, which has a high fatality rate. The incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus infection has increased die to widespread application of radiotherapy technology. However, knowledge regarding A. fumigatus infection following radiation exposure is limited, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model to explore the effect of radiation on A. fumigatus infection and the associated mechanisms. Methods In this study, a mouse model of A. fumigatus infection after radiation was established by irradiating with 5 Gy on the chest and instilling 5 × 107/ml Aspergillus fumigatus conidia into trachea after 24 h to explore the effect and study its function and mechanism. Mice were compared among the following groups: normal controls (CON), radiation only (RA), infection only (Af), and radiation + infection (RA + Af). Staining analyses were used to detect infection and damage in lung tissues. Changes in protein and mRNA levels of pyroptosis-related molecules were assessed by western blot analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Protein concentrations in the serum and alveolar lavage fluid were also measured. An immunofluorescence colocalization analysis was performed to confirm that NLRP3 inflammasomes activated pyroptosis. Results Radiation destroyed the pulmonary epithelial barrier and significantly increased the pulmonary fungal burden of A. fumigatus. The active end of caspase-1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) were highly expressed even after infection. Release of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) provided further evidence of pyroptosis. NLRP3 knockout inhibited pyroptosis, which effectively attenuated damage to the pulmonary epithelial barrier and reduced the burden of A. fumigatus. Conclusions Our findings indicated that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes following radiation exposure increased susceptibility to A. fumigatus infection. Due to pyroptosis in lung epithelial cells, it resulted in the destruction of the lung epithelial barrier and further damage to lung tissue. Moreover, we found that NLRP3 knockout effectively inhibited the pyroptosis and reducing susceptibility to A. fumigatus infection and further lung damage. Overall, our results suggest that NLRP3/GSDMD pathway mediated-pyroptosis in the lungs may be a key event in this process and provide new insights into the underlying mechanism of infection. Video abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00907-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ming Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang-Yang Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Hua Deng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yi Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Clinical Impact of Aspergillus fumigatus in Children with Cystic Fibrosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040739. [PMID: 35456789 PMCID: PMC9032721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The clinical relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of Af disease in our cohort of CF patients and evaluate whether allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and sensitization to Af affected lung function, body mass index (BMI) and exacerbations. Methods. Clinical data and lung function of CF patients aged 6−18 years followed at the CF Centre of Parma (Italy) were recorded. Patients were classified as: patients with no signs of Af, patients sensitized or colonized by Af, patients with ABPA or patients with Aspergillus bronchitis (Ab). Results. Of 38 CF patients (14.2 years (6.2−18.8) M 23), 8 (21%) showed Af sensitization, 7 (18.4%) showed ABPA, 1 (2.6%) showed Af colonization and 1 (2.6%) showed Ab. Compared to non-ABPA, patients with ABPA had lower BMI (15.9 ± 1.6 vs. 19.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.005), lower lung function (FEV1 61.5 ± 25.9% vs. 92.3 ± 19.3%, p < 0.001) and more exacerbations/year (4.43 ± 2.44 vs. 1.74 ± 2.33, p < 0.005). Patients with Af sensitization showed more exacerbations/year than non-Af patients (3.5 ± 3.2 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, p < 0.005). ABPA and sensitized patients had more abnormalities on chest CT scans. Conclusion. This study showed the relevant clinical impact of ABPA and Af sensitization in terms of exacerbations and lung structural damage.
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21
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Lv Q, Elders BBLJ, Warris A, Caudri D, Ciet P, Tiddens HAWM. Aspergillus-related lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis: can imaging help us to diagnose disease? Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210103. [PMID: 34789463 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0103-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), viscous sputum and dysfunction of the mucociliary escalator leads to early and chronic infections. The prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus in sputum is high in PwCF and the contribution of A. fumigatus to the progression of structural lung disease has been reported. However, overall, relatively little is known about the contribution of A. fumigatus to CF lung disease. More knowledge is needed to aid clinical decisions on whether to start antifungal treatment. In this review, we give an overview of A. fumigatus colonisation and infection in PwCF and the different types of pulmonary disease caused by it. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence for structural lung damage associated with A. fumigatus in PwCF on chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We conclude that radiological outcomes to identify disease caused by A. fumigatus can be important for clinical studies and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Lv
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadette B L J Elders
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Daan Caudri
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierluigi Ciet
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm A W M Tiddens
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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van Rhijn N, Coleman J, Collier L, Moore C, Richardson MD, Bright-Thomas RJ, Jones AM. Meteorological Factors Influence the Presence of Fungi in the Air; A 14-Month Surveillance Study at an Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:759944. [PMID: 34900752 PMCID: PMC8662344 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.759944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that predisposes to progressive lung damage. Cystic fibrosis patients are particularly prone to developing pulmonary infections. Fungal species are commonly isolated in lower airway samples from patients with cystic fibrosis. Fungal spores are prevalent in the air. Methods We performed environmental air sampling surveillance at the Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, UK (MACFC) over a 14-month period to assess fungal growth inside and outside the CF center. Results Airborne counts of fungal spores peaked from May to October, both in outdoor and indoor samples. Collection of meteorological data allowed us to correlate fungal presence in the air with elevated temperatures and low wind speeds. Additionally, we demonstrated patient rooms containing windows had elevated fungal counts compared to rooms not directly connected to the outdoors. Conclusions This study suggests that airborne Aspergillus fumigatus spores were more abundant during the summer months of the survey period, which appeared to be driven by increased temperatures and lower wind speeds. Indoor counts directly correlated to outdoor A. fumigatus levels and were elevated in patient rooms that were directly connected to the outdoor environment via an openable window designed for ventilation purposes. Further studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings for cystic fibrosis patients who are predisposed to Aspergillus related diseases, and in particular whether there is seasonal influence on incidence of Aspergillus related conditions and if screening for such complications such be increased during summer months and precautions intensified for those with a known history of Aspergillus related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - James Coleman
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Collier
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Moore
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rowland J Bright-Thomas
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Jones
- Manchester Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Mycology Reference Centre, European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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23
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Morelli KA, Kerkaert JD, Cramer RA. Aspergillus fumigatus biofilms: Toward understanding how growth as a multicellular network increases antifungal resistance and disease progression. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009794. [PMID: 34437655 PMCID: PMC8389518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic, filamentous fungus found in soils and compost and the causative agent of several pulmonary diseases in humans, birds, and other mammals. A. fumigatus and other filamentous fungi grow as networks of filamentous hyphae that have characteristics of a classic microbial biofilm. These characteristics include production of an extracellular matrix (ECM), surface adhesion, multicellularity, and increased antimicrobial drug resistance. A. fumigatus biofilm growth occurs in vivo at sites of infection, highlighting the importance of defining mechanisms underlying biofilm development and associated emergent properties. We propose that there are 3 distinct phases in the development of A. fumigatus biofilms: biofilm initiation, immature biofilm, and mature biofilm. These stages are defined both temporally and by unique genetic and structural changes over the course of development. Here, we review known mechanisms within each of these stages that contribute to biofilm structure, ECM production, and increased resistance to contemporary antifungal drugs. We highlight gaps in our understanding of biofilm development and function that when addressed are expected to aid in the development of novel antifungal therapies capable of killing filamentous fungal biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaesi A. Morelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Joshua D. Kerkaert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Robert A. Cramer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Hong G, Desai S, Moss RB, Eschenhagen P, Quon BS, Schwarz C. Clinician variability in the diagnosis and treatment of aspergillus fumigatus-related conditions in cystic fibrosis: An international survey. J Cyst Fibros 2021; 21:136-142. [PMID: 34332906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-related conditions remain a challenge in cystic fibrosis (CF) due to overlapping features of disease and absence of clinical guidelines for Af-related conditions outside of ABPA. OBJECTIVE To investigate the differences of clinical practice in the diagnosis and management of Af-related conditions in CF. METHODS We conducted an international survey to CF clinicians to ascertain the screening, diagnostic, and treatment practices for Af-related conditions in CF. Respondents were grouped into geographical regions and regional comparisons using chi-square tests of independence or Fisher's tests were performed. RESULTS A total of 319 survey responses from 35 countries were analyzed. We observed differences in use and frequency of fungus culture, Aspergillus-specific IgE and IgG, skin prick testing, and pulmonary function testing as screening for Af-related conditions between the geographical regions. ABPA and Aspergillus bronchitis diagnostic criteria selection differed by region; significantly greater proportion of United States (US) and Canadian clinicians were unable to define Aspergillus bronchitis compared to Europe and other regions. Decision to treat ABPA was uniform across regions, but the consideration of Aspergillus bronchitis as a clinical disease warranting therapy differed between regions. The use of glucocorticoid and itraconazole was the first-line treatment of ABPA among clinicians; however, prednisone monotherapy was more common in US and Canada. CONCLUSIONS Significant variability in the diagnosis and management of Aspergillus-related conditions in CF was observed. Future studies are necessary to better harmonize the approach to Af-related disease in CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sameer Desai
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Richard B Moss
- Center of Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Patience Eschenhagen
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bradley S Quon
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia and St. Paul's Hospital; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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25
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Abstract
In the past three decades, fungal respiratory colonization and fungal respiratory infections increasingly raised concern in cystic fibrosis (CF). Reasons for this are a better knowledge of the pathogenicity of fungi, whereby detection is sought in more and more CF centers, but also improvement of detection methods. However, differences in fungal detection rates within and between geographical regions exist and indicate the need for standardization of mycological examination of respiratory secretions. The still existing lack of standardization also complicates the assessment of fungal pathogenicity, relevance of fungal detection and risk factors for fungal infections. Nevertheless, numerous studies have now been conducted on differences in detection methods, epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenicity and therapy of fungal diseases in CF. Meanwhile, some research groups now have classified fungal disease entities in CF and developed diagnostic criteria as well as therapeutic guidelines.The following review presents an overview on fungal species relevant in CF. Cultural detection methods with their respective success rates as well as susceptibility testing will be presented, and the problem of increasing azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus will be highlighted. Next, current data and conflicting evidence on the epidemiology and risk factors for fungal diseases in patients with CF will be discussed. Finally, an overview of fungal disease entities in CF with their current definitions, diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options will be presented.
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26
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The Spectrum of Fungal Colonization and Their Attributable Effects on Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Rare CFTR Genetic Mutations. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres12030042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic airway colonization by bacteria and fungi is very common in CF patients, causing irreversible lung damage. It is known that rates of fungal infections are much lower than those of bacterial infections, however they can worsen the medical condition of CF patients. In this study, we identify the most common fungal species isolated from 31 adult CF patients in Qatar and analyze their correlation with lung function, pulmonary exacerbations, bronchial asthma, and pancreatic insufficiency. Mycological evaluation, as well as medical records, were reviewed for the patients regularly under the adult CF service at Hamad General Hospital in the period between 2017–2019. All CF patients included in this study carry rare CFTR mutations. The majority of those patients (n = 25) carried the c.3700A>G; I1234V mutation, whereas three patients carried the heterozygous mutation (c.1657C>T and c.1115A>T) and the remaining three carried the homozygous mutation (c.920G>A). Twenty-two of the adult CF participants (70.9%) were colonized with fungal species regardless of the type of the CFTR mutation. Candida and Aspergillus species were the most common, colonizing 81% and 45% of the patients, respectively. For Candida colonized patients, Candida dubliniensis was the most frequently reported species (55.6%), whereas Aspergillus fumigatus colonization was the most common (50.0%) among Aspergillus colonized patients. These identified fungal pathogens were associated with poor lung function, pancreatic insufficiency, and asthma in this cohort. Such colonization could possibly aggravate the most known CF complications, notably pulmonary exacerbations, asthma, and pancreatic insufficiency.
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27
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Keizer EM, Valdes ID, Forn-Cuni G, Klijn E, Meijer AH, Hillman F, Wösten HAB, de Cock H. Variation of virulence of five Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in four different infection models. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252948. [PMID: 34242260 PMCID: PMC8270121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus are inhaled by humans on daily basis. As a consequence, these conidia can cause infections that differ in severity ranging from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis to invasive aspergillosis. In this study we compared virulence of five A. fumigatus isolates in four different infection models to address the predictive value of different model systems. Two of the A. fumigatus strains were isolated from dogs with a non-invasive sino-nasal aspergillosis (DTO271-B5 and DTO303-F3), while three strains were isolated from human patients with invasive aspergillosis (Af293, ATCC46645 and CEA10). Infection models used encompassed cultured type II A549 lung epithelial cells, Protostelium aurantium amoeba, Galleria melonella larvae and zebrafish embryos. No major differences in virulence between these five strains were observed in the lung epithelial cell model. In contrast, strain ATCC46645 was most virulent in the amoeba and zebrafish model, whereas it was much less virulent in the Galleria infection model. DTO303-F3 was most virulent in the latter model. In general, reference strain Af293 was less virulent as compared to the other strains. Genome sequence analysis showed that this latter strain differed from the other four strains in 136 SNPs in virulence-related genes. Together, our results show that virulence of individual A. fumigatus strains show significant differences between infection models. We conclude that the predictive value of different model systems varies since the relative virulence across fungal strains does not hold up across different infection model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. M. Keizer
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I. D. Valdes
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G. Forn-Cuni
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - E. Klijn
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A. H. Meijer
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - F. Hillman
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - H. A. B. Wösten
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H. de Cock
- Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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28
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Pashley CH, Wardlaw AJ. Allergic fungal airways disease (AFAD): an under-recognised asthma endotype. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:609-622. [PMID: 34043134 PMCID: PMC8536613 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00562-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The term allergic fungal airways disease has a liberal definition based on IgE sensitisation to thermotolerant fungi and evidence of fungal-related lung damage. It arose from a body of work looking into the role of fungi in asthma. Historically fungi were considered a rare complication of asthma, exemplified by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; however, there is a significant proportion of individuals with Aspergillus fumigatus sensitisation who do not meet these criteria, who are at high risk for the development of lung damage. The fungi that play a role in asthma can be divided into two groups; those that can grow at body temperature referred to as thermotolerant, which are capable of both infection and allergy, and those that cannot but can still act as allergens in IgE sensitised individuals. Sensitisation to thermotolerant filamentous fungi (Aspergillus and Penicillium), and not non-thermotolerant fungi (Alternaria and Cladosporium) is associated with lower lung function and radiological abnormalities (bronchiectasis, tree-in-bud, fleeting shadows, collapse/consolidation and fibrosis). For antifungals to play a role in treatment, the focus should be on fungi capable of growing in the airways thereby causing a persistent chronic allergenic stimulus and releasing tissue damaging proteases and other enzymes which may disrupt the airway epithelial barrier and cause mucosal damage and airway remodelling. All patients with IgE sensitisation to thermotolerant fungi in the context of asthma and other airway disease are at risk of progressive lung damage, and as such should be monitored closely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Pashley
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Andrew J Wardlaw
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
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29
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Wardlaw AJ, Rick EM, Pur Ozyigit L, Scadding A, Gaillard EA, Pashley CH. New Perspectives in the Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Fungal Airway Disease. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:557-573. [PMID: 34079294 PMCID: PMC8164695 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s251709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy to airway-colonising, thermotolerant, filamentous fungi represents a distinct eosinophilic endotype of often severe lung disease. This endotype, which particularly affects adult asthma, but also complicates other airway diseases and sometimes occurs de novo, has a heterogeneous presentation ranging from severe eosinophilic asthma to lobar collapse. Its hallmark is lung damage, characterised by fixed airflow obstruction (FAO), bronchiectasis and lung fibrosis. It has a number of monikers including severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis (ABPA/M), but these exclusive terms constitute only sub-sets of the condition. In order to capture the full extent of the syndrome we prefer the inclusive term allergic fungal airway disease (AFAD), the criteria for which are IgE sensitisation to relevant fungi in association with airway disease. The primary fungus involved is Aspergillus fumigatus, but a number of other thermotolerant species from several genera have been implicated. The unifying mechanism involves germination of inhaled fungal spores in the lung in the context of IgE sensitisation, leading to a persistent and vigorous eosinophilic inflammatory response in association with release of fungal proteases. Most allergenic fungi, including Alternaria and Cladosporium species, are not thermotolerant and cannot germinate in the airways so only act as aeroallergens and do not cause AFAD. Studies of the airway mycobiome have shown that A. fumigatus colonises the normal as much as the asthmatic airway, suggesting it is the tendency to become IgE-sensitised that is the critical triggering factor for AFAD rather than colonisation per se. Treatment is aimed at preventing exacerbations with glucocorticoids and increasingly by the use of anti-T2 biological therapies. Anti-fungal therapy has a limited place in management, but is an effective treatment for fungal bronchitis which complicates AFAD in about 10% of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Wardlaw
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, and Allergy and Respiratory Medicine Service, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Eva-Maria Rick
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, and Allergy and Respiratory Medicine Service, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Leyla Pur Ozyigit
- Allergy and Respiratory Services University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Alys Scadding
- Allergy and Respiratory Services University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Erol A Gaillard
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Catherine H Pashley
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, and Allergy and Respiratory Medicine Service, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Respiratory, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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30
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Fungal Infection and Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10050618. [PMID: 34069863 PMCID: PMC8157353 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are frequently recovered from lower airway samples from people with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the role of fungi in the progression of lung disease is debated. Recent studies suggest worsening clinical outcomes associated with airway fungal detection, although most studies to date are retrospective or observational. The presence of fungi can elicit a T helper cell type 2 (Th-2) mediated inflammatory reaction known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), particularly in those with a genetic atopic predisposition. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of fungal infections in people with CF, risk factors associated with development of fungal infections, and microbiologic approaches for isolation and identification of fungi. We review the spectrum of fungal disease presentations, clinical outcomes after isolation of fungi from airway samples, and the importance of considering airway co-infections. Finally, we discuss the association between fungi and airway inflammation highlighting gaps in knowledge and future research questions that may further elucidate the role of fungus in lung disease progression.
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Bercusson A, Jarvis G, Shah A. CF Fungal Disease in the Age of CFTR Modulators. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:655-664. [PMID: 33813719 PMCID: PMC8536598 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are increasingly recognised to have a significant role in the progression of lung disease in Cystic fibrosis with Aspergillus fumigatus the most common fungus isolated during respiratory sampling. The emergence of novel CFTR modulators has, however, significantly changed the outlook of disease progression in CF. In this review we discuss what impact novel CFTR modulators will have on fungal lung disease and its management in CF. We discuss how CFTR modulators affect antifungal innate immunity and consider the impact of Ivacaftor on fungal disease in individuals with gating mutations. We further review the increasing complication of drug-drug interactions with concurrent use of azole antifungal medication and highlight key unknowns that require addressing to fully understand the impact of CFTR modulators on fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bercusson
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - George Jarvis
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Di Paolo M, Hewitt L, Nwankwo E, Ni M, Vidal-Diaz A, Fisher MC, Armstrong-James D, Shah A. A retrospective 'real-world' cohort study of azole therapeutic drug monitoring and evolution of antifungal resistance in cystic fibrosis. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2021; 3:dlab026. [PMID: 34223100 PMCID: PMC8210303 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an increased susceptibility to fungal infection/allergy, with triazoles often used as first-line therapy. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is essential due to significant pharmacokinetic variability and the recent emergence of triazole resistance worldwide. OBJECTIVES In this retrospective study we analysed the 'real-world' TDM of azole therapy in a large CF cohort, risk factors for subtherapeutic dosing, and the emergence of azole resistance. METHODS All adults with CF on azole therapy in a large single UK centre were included. Clinical demographics, TDM and microbiology were analysed over a 2 year study period (2015-17) with multivariate logistic regression used to identify risk factors for subtherapeutic dosing. RESULTS 91 adults were treated with azole medication during the study period. A high prevalence of chronic subtherapeutic azole dosing was seen with voriconazole (60.8%) and itraconazole capsule (59.6%) use, representing significant risk factors for subtherapeutic levels. Rapid emergence of azole resistance was additionally seen over the follow-up period with a 21.4% probability of CF patients developing a resistant fungal isolate after 2 years. No significant relationship was found however between subtherapeutic azole dosing and azole resistance emergence. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of subtherapeutic azole levels in CF adults with increased risk using itraconazole capsules and voriconazole therapy. We show rapid emergence of azole resistance highlighting the need for effective antifungal stewardship. Further large longitudinal studies are needed to understand the effects of antifungal resistance on outcome in CF and the implications of subtherapeutic dosing on resistance evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Di Paolo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - L Hewitt
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - E Nwankwo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - M Ni
- London In Vitro Diagnostics Collaborative, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - A Vidal-Diaz
- London In Vitro Diagnostics Collaborative, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - M C Fisher
- MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - D Armstrong-James
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - A Shah
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
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Eschenhagen P, Grehn C, Schwarz C. Prospective Evaluation of Aspergillus fumigatus-Specific IgG in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:602836. [PMID: 33553006 PMCID: PMC7862129 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.602836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the airways are often colonized by opportunistic fungi. The most frequently detected mold is Aspergillus fumigatus (Af). Af diseases are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The most common clinical picture caused by Af is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), triggered by an immunological reaction against Af. Af bronchitis and invasive aspergillosis rarely occur in CF as a result of spore colonization and germination. Since pulmonary mycoses and exacerbations by other pathogens overlap in clinical, radiological, and immunological characteristics, diagnosis still remains a challenge. The search for reliable, widely available biomarkers for Af diseases is therefore still an important task today. Objectives Af-specific IgG m3 is broadly available. Sensitivity and specificity data are contradictory and differ depending on the study population. In our prospective study on pulmonary Af diseases in CF, we determined specific IgG m3 in order to test its suitability as a biomarker for acute Af diseases and as a follow-up parameter. Methods In this prospective single center study, 109 patients with CF were screened from 2016 to 2019 for Af-associated diseases. According to diagnostic criteria, they were divided into four groups (control, bronchitis, ABPA, pneumonia). The groups were compared with respect to the level of Af-specific IgG (ImmunoCAP Gm3). We performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine cut-off, sensitivity and specificity. Twenty-one patients could be enrolled for a follow-up examination. Results Of the 109 patients, 36 were classified as acute Af-disease (Af bronchitis, ABPA, Af pneumonia). Of these, 21 patients completed follow up-screening. The median Af-specific Gm3 was higher in the acute Af-disease groups. There was a significant difference in Af-specific IgG m3 compared to the control group without acute Af-disease. Overall, there was a large interindividual distribution of Gm3. A cut-off value of 78.05 mg/L for Gm3 was calculated to discriminate controls and patients with ABPA/pneumonia with a specificity of 75% and a sensitivity of 74.6%. The follow up examination of 21 patients showed a decrease of Gm3 in most patients without statistical significance due to the small number of follow up patients. Conclusion Af specific IgG may be a useful biomarker for acute ABPA and Af pneumonia, but not for Af bronchitis in CF. However, due to the large interindividual variability of Gm3, it should only be interpreted alongside other biomarkers. Therefore, due to its broad availability, it could be suitable as a biomarker for ABPA and Af pneumonia in CF, if the results can be supported by a larger multicenter cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Eschenhagen
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Grehn
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Ozyigit LP, Monteiro W, Rick EM, Satchwell J, Pashley CH, Wardlaw AJ. Fungal bronchitis is a distinct clinical entity which is responsive to antifungal therapy. Chron Respir Dis 2021; 18:1479973120964448. [PMID: 33472416 PMCID: PMC7829604 DOI: 10.1177/1479973120964448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic productive cough in the context of exacerbations of airway disease can be
associated with positive sputum cultures for fungi, in particular
Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp.,
suggesting fungal bronchitis, a condition not widely recognised, as a possible
cause for the exacerbation. Our objective was to determine the response to
antifungal therapy in patients with suspected fungal bronchitis. Retrospective
analysis of data extracted from case records of patients under secondary care
respiratory clinics who had been treated with triazole therapy for suspected
fungal bronchitis between 2010–2017. Primary outcome was lung function response
after 1 month of treatment. Nineteen patients with fungal bronchitis due to
A. fumigatus and 12 patients due to
Candida spp., were included in the study. Most of the
patients, particularly in the Aspergillus group, had allergic
fungal airway disease on a background of asthma. All but one of the patients in
each group were recorded as showing clinical improvement with antifungal
therapy. In the majority of patients this was reflected in an improvement in
lung function. Aspergillus group: FEV1 (1.44 ± 0.8 L
vs 1.6 ± 0.8 L: p < 0.02), FVC (2.49 ± 1.08 L vs 2.8 ± 1.1 L: p = 0.01), and
PEF (260 ± 150L/min vs 297 ± 194ml/min: p < 0.02). Candida
group: FEV1 (1.6 ± 0.76 L vs 2.0 ± 0.72 L: p < 0.004), FVC (2.69 ±
0.91 L vs 3.13 ± 0.7 L: p = 0.05), and PEF (271± 139L/min vs 333 ± 156 L/min: p
= 0.01). Side effects of treatment were common, but resolved on stopping
treatment. This service improvement project supports the idea that fungal
bronchitis is a distinct clinical entity which is responsive to treatment.
Controlled clinical trials to confirm the clinical impression that this is
relatively common and treatable complication of complex airway disease are
required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Pur Ozyigit
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Will Monteiro
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, 4488University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Eva-Maria Rick
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, 4488University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jack Satchwell
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, 4488University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Catherine Helen Pashley
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, 4488University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew John Wardlaw
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Sciences, 4488University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Renner S, Nachbaur E, Jaksch P, Dehlink E. Update on Respiratory Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease and after Lung Transplantation. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040381. [PMID: 33371198 PMCID: PMC7766476 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal-recessive metabolic disease in the Western world. Impaired trans-membrane chloride transport via the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein causes thickened body fluids. In the respiratory system, this leads to chronic suppurative cough and recurrent pulmonary infective exacerbations, resulting in progressive lung damage and respiratory failure. Whilst the impact of bacterial infections on CF lung disease has long been recognized, our understanding of pulmonary mycosis is less clear. The range and detection rates of fungal taxa isolated from CF airway samples are expanding, however, in the absence of consensus criteria and univocal treatment protocols for most respiratory fungal conditions, interpretation of laboratory reports and the decision to treat remain challenging. In this review, we give an overview on fungal airway infections in CF and CF-lung transplant recipients and focus on the most common fungal taxa detected in CF, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida spp., Scedosporium apiospermum complex, Lomentospora species, and Exophiala dermatitidis, their clinical presentations, common treatments and prophylactic strategies, and clinical challenges from a physician’s point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Renner
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Associated National Center in the European Reference Network on Rare Respiratory Diseases ERN-LUNG and the European Reference Network on Transplantation in Children, ERN TRANSPLANT-CHILD, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Edith Nachbaur
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Associated National Center in the European Reference Network on Rare Respiratory Diseases ERN-LUNG and the European Reference Network on Transplantation in Children, ERN TRANSPLANT-CHILD, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Peter Jaksch
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Eleonora Dehlink
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Associated National Center in the European Reference Network on Rare Respiratory Diseases ERN-LUNG and the European Reference Network on Transplantation in Children, ERN TRANSPLANT-CHILD, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (S.R.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Grehn C, Eschenhagen P, Temming S, Düesberg U, Neumann K, Schwarz C. Urban Life as Risk Factor for Aspergillosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:601834. [PMID: 33224902 PMCID: PMC7667220 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.601834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) frequently colonizes the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and can cause severe diseases, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, Af bronchitis or even Af pneumonia. However, risk factors, including environmental factors, for acquiring Af in the respiratory tract of patients with CF are rarely studied and described. The aim of this study was to investigate whether urban or rural life could affect colonization with Af in the respiratory tract of patients with CF. Due to privacy policy, registry data are usually not linked to patients´ home addresses. It is therefore very difficult to analyze the influence of the patient´s residential environment. This prospective questionnaire survey was carried out in 31 German CF centers in 2018. Only completed surveys, including a clearly assigned type of residential area were included. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-squared test and logistic regression models. A total of 1016 questionnaires were analyzed (Patients` age: 23 ± 13; 0–88 years; female gender: n=492; 48%). The majority of patients with CF live in large cities (n =314; 30.9%) or urban districts (n=461; 45.4%). Prevalence of 30.2% was found for Af, within the 12 months of investigation period. Af colonization was significantly associated with urban life (p=0.004). Urban live should be considered as possible new risk factor for colonization with Af in the respiratory tract of patients with CF. These new results may raise the awareness of the influence of environmental factors on patient outcomes and should be included in patient guidance and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Grehn
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patience Eschenhagen
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Temming
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Konrad Neumann
- Institute for Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, CF Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Keown K, Reid A, Moore JE, Taggart CC, Downey DG. Coinfection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/158/200011. [PMID: 33208485 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0011-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterised by mucus stasis, chronic infection and inflammation, causing progressive structural lung disease and eventual respiratory failure. CF airways are inhabited by an ecologically diverse polymicrobial environment with vast potential for interspecies interactions, which may be a contributing factor to disease progression. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus are the most common bacterial and fungal species present in CF airways respectively and coinfection results in a worse disease phenotype. METHODS In this review we examine existing expert knowledge of chronic co-infection with P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in CF patients. We summarise the mechanisms of interaction and evaluate the clinical and inflammatory impacts of this co-infection. RESULTS P. aeruginosa inhibits A. fumigatus through multiple mechanisms: phenazine secretion, iron competition, quorum sensing and through diffusible small molecules. A. fumigatus reciprocates inhibition through gliotoxin release and phenotypic adaptations enabling evasion of P. aeruginosa inhibition. Volatile organic compounds secreted by P. aeruginosa stimulate A. fumigatus growth, while A. fumigatus stimulates P. aeruginosa production of cytotoxic elastase. CONCLUSION A complex bi-directional relationship exists between P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus, exhibiting both mutually antagonistic and cooperative facets. Cross-sectional data indicate a worsened disease state in coinfected patients; however, robust longitudinal studies are required to derive causality and to determine whether interspecies interaction contributes to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Keown
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK.,Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Alastair Reid
- Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, UK
| | - John E Moore
- Northern Ireland Public Health Laboratory, Dept of Bacteriology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Clifford C Taggart
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Damian G Downey
- Wellcome Wolfson Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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38
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Risk factors for respiratory Aspergillus fumigatus in German Cystic Fibrosis patients and impact on lung function. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18999. [PMID: 33149181 PMCID: PMC7643137 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75886-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway inflammation and chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are mostly caused by bacteria, e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). The role of fungi in the CF lung is still not well elucidated, but evidence for a harmful and complex role is getting stronger. The most common filamentous fungus in CF is Aspergillus fumigatus (AF). Age and continuous antibiotic treatment have been discussed as risk factors for AF colonisation but did not differentiate between transient and persistent AF colonisation. Also, the impact of co-colonisation of PA and AF on lung function is still under investigation. Data from patients with CF registered in the German Cystic Fibrosis Registry database in 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively analysed, involving descriptive and multivariate analysis to assess risk factors for transient or persistent AF colonisation. Age represented an independent risk factor for persistent AF colonisation. Prevalence was low in children less than ten years, highest in the middle age and getting lower in higher age (≥ 50 years). Continuous antibiotic lung treatment was significantly associated with AF prevalence in all age groups. CF patients with chronic PA infection had a lower lung function (FEV1%predicted), which was not influenced by an additional AF colonisation. AF colonisation without chronic PA infection, however, was significantly associated with a lower function, too. Older age up to 49 years and continuous antibiotic use were found to be the main risk factors for AF permanent colonisation. AF might be associated with decrease of lung function if not disguised by chronic PA infection.
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Wei T, Sui H, Su Y, Cheng W, Liu Y, He Z, Ji Q, Xu C. Research advances in molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis: From technical improvement to clinical applications (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4992-5002. [PMID: 33173976 PMCID: PMC7646950 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease causing severe impairment to the respiratory system and digestive tracts. Currently, CF is incurable. As an autosomal recessive disorder, the morbidity of CF is significantly higher among Caucasians of European descent, whereas it is less pervasive among African and Asian populations. The disease is caused by identical mutations (homozygosity) or different mutations (heterozygosity) of an autosomal recessive mutation at position 7q31.2-q31.1 of chromosome 7. Diagnostic criteria and guidelines work concurrently with laboratory detection to facilitate precise CF detection. With technological advances, the understanding of CF pathogenesis has reached an unprecedented level, allowing for increasingly precise carrier screening, more effective early stage CF intervention and improved prognostic outcomes. These advances significantly increase the life quality and expectancy of patients with CF. Given the numerous improvements in the field of CF, the current review summarized the technical advances in the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying CF, as well as how these improvements facilitate the clinical outcomes of CF. Furthermore, challenges and obstacles to overcome are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Hongshu Sui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Wanjing Cheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Yunhua Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Zilin He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Qingchao Ji
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Changlong Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530031, P.R. China
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40
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Lattanzi C, Messina G, Fainardi V, Tripodi MC, Pisi G, Esposito S. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: An Update on the Newest Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Approaches. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090716. [PMID: 32878014 PMCID: PMC7559707 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common autosomal-recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is characterized by frequent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Fungal species are commonly found in patients with CF, and among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequently isolated. While bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a well-established negative effect on CF lung disease, the impact of fungal infections remains unclear. In patients with CF, inhalation of Aspergillus conidia can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a Th2-mediated lung disease that can contribute to disease progression. Clinical features, diagnostic criteria and treatment of ABPA are still a matter of debate. Given the consequences of a late ABPA diagnosis or the risk of ABPA overdiagnosis, it is imperative that the diagnostic criteria guidelines are reviewed and standardized. Along with traditional criteria, radiological features are emerging as tools for further classification as well as novel immunological tests. Corticosteroids, itraconazole and voriconazole continue to be the bedrock of ABPA therapy, but other molecules, such as posaconazole, vitamin D, recombinant INF-γ and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) modulators, have been showing positive results. However, few studies have been conducted recruiting CF patients, and more research is needed to improve the prevention and the classification of clinical manifestations as well as to personalize treatment. Early recognition and early treatment of fungal infections may be fundamental to prevent progression of CF disease. The aim of this narrative review is to give an update on ABPA in children with CF.
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Brito Devoto T, Hermida‐Alva K, Posse G, Finquelievich JL, García‐Effrón G, Cuestas ML. High prevalence of triazole‐resistant
Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto
in an Argentinean cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis. Mycoses 2020; 63:937-941. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Brito Devoto
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
| | - Katherine Hermida‐Alva
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Gladys Posse
- Laboratorio de Micología Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Jorge L. Finquelievich
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Guillermo García‐Effrón
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
- Laboratorio de Micología y Diagnóstico Molecular Cátedra de Parasitología y Micología Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Nacional del Litoral Santa Fe Argentina
| | - María L. Cuestas
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM) Universidad de Buenos AiresCONICET Buenos Aires Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas Argentina
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Beswick E, Amich J, Gago S. Factoring in the Complexity of the Cystic Fibrosis Lung to Understand Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Interactions. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080639. [PMID: 32781694 PMCID: PMC7460534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa has long been established as the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, with opportunistic infection causing profound morbidity and mortality. Recently, Aspergillus fumigatus has also been recognised as a key contributor to CF lung deterioration, being consistently associated with decreased lung function and worsened prognosis in these patients. As clinical evidence for the common occurrence of combined infection with these two pathogens increases, research into the mechanism and consequences of their interaction is becoming more relevant. Clinical evidence suggests a synergistic effect of combined infection, which translates into a poorer prognosis for the patients. In vitro results from the laboratory have identified a variety of possible synergistic and antagonistic interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the complex environment of the CF lung and discuss how it needs to be considered to determine the exact molecular interactions that A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa undergo during combined infection and their effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Academic Unit of Medical Education, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2TG, UK;
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, UK
- Correspondence: (J.A.); (S.G.)
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Almughem FA, Aldossary AM, Tawfik EA, Alomary MN, Alharbi WS, Alshahrani MY, Alshehri AA. Cystic Fibrosis: Overview of the Current Development Trends and Innovative Therapeutic Strategies. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E616. [PMID: 32630625 PMCID: PMC7407299 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic Fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive genetic disease, is caused by a mutation in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This mutation reduces the release of chloride ions (Cl-) in epithelial tissues, and hyperactivates the epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) which aid in the absorption of sodium ions (Na+). Consequently, the mucus becomes dehydrated and thickened, making it a suitable medium for microbial growth. CF causes several chronic lung complications like thickened mucus, bacterial infection and inflammation, progressive loss of lung function, and ultimately, death. Until recently, the standard of clinical care in CF treatment had focused on preventing and treating the disease complications. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on CF pathogenesis and provided an outlook on the current therapeutic approaches relevant to CF (i.e., CFTR modulators and ENaC inhibitors). The enormous potential in targeting bacterial biofilms using antibiofilm peptides, and the innovative therapeutic strategies in using the CRISPR/Cas approach as a gene-editing tool to repair the CFTR mutation have been reviewed. Finally, we have discussed the wide range of drug delivery systems available, particularly non-viral vectors, and the optimal properties of nanocarriers which are essential for successful drug delivery to the lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad A. Almughem
- National Centre for Pharmaceutical Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Ahmad M. Aldossary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Essam A. Tawfik
- National Centre for Pharmaceutical Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Mohammad N. Alomary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.A.); (M.N.A.)
| | - Waleed S. Alharbi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80260, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Y. Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 61413, Abha 9088, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdullah A. Alshehri
- National Centre for Pharmaceutical Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), P.O. Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.); (E.A.T.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Aspergillus spp. cause a clinical spectrum of disease with severity of disease dependent on degree of immune compromise, nature and intensity of inflammatory host response, and/or underlying lung disease. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis encompasses a spectrum of diseases including aspergilloma, Aspergillus nodules, chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic fibrosing pulmonary aspergillosis, and subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) paradoxically is an immune hypersensitivity manifestation in the lungs that almost always occurs in the setting of underlying asthma or cystic fibrosis. These chronic Aspergillus conditions are now becoming more prevalent than invasive Aspergillus, thus it is important to be aware of the current literature of these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS High-level research assessing the clinical significance and treatment options of these chronic diseases are lacking. Recent literature suggests colonization is antecedent for local airway infection (Aspergillus bronchitis), chronic or allergic bronchopulmonary disease, or invasive and potentially disseminated disease. There have been few advances in assessment of treatment of ABPA. SUMMARY Research assessing the clinical significance and treatment options is currently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Chacko
- Queensland Respiratory and Sleep Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard B Moss
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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A 16-year retrospective study on fungal prevalence and diversity in patients with cystic fibrosis: Candida dubliniensis was associated with a decline in lung function. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 96:663-670. [PMID: 32450290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the prevalence of fungal species in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients over a 16 years period. To examine the impact of Candida albicans (C. albicans), Candida dubliniensis (C. dubliniensis) and Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) on lung function. METHODS Observational single-center cohort study (2000-2015) including 133 CF patients (ages 6-66 years). Linear mixed models with autoregressive covariance matrix were used. RESULTS The most common fungus was C. albicans (prevalence 62%) followed by A. fumigatus (22%) and C. dubliniensis (11%). In the initial year of detection, there was no impact of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis or A. fumigatus on lung function. However, one and two years after detection of C. dubliniensis a reduction in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second (ppFEV1) was observed of 3.8% (p = 0.022) and 4.1% (p = 0.017), respectively, compared with CF patients without these findings. Furthermore, patients with positive cultures for any of these fungal species for three consecutive years exhibited a decline in lung function: C. dubliniensis, 7.6% reduction in ppFEV1 (p = 0.001); A. fumigatus, 4.9% (p = 0.007); C. albicans, 2.6% (p = 0.014). The results were adjusted for age, CFTR genotype, chronic and intermittent P. aeruginosa colonization, and numbers of intravenous antibiotic treatments per year. Persistence of C. dubliniensis for three consecutive years was positively correlated to age and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (both p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cystic fibrosis patients who were cultured positive for C. dubliniensis, C. albicans or A. fumigatus in sputum exhibited a decline in ppFEV1 over time. The effect was most pronounced for C. dubliniensis.
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Bigot J, Guillot L, Guitard J, Ruffin M, Corvol H, Balloy V, Hennequin C. Bronchial Epithelial Cells on the Front Line to Fight Lung Infection-Causing Aspergillus fumigatus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1041. [PMID: 32528481 PMCID: PMC7257779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an environmental filamentous fungus that can be pathogenic for humans, wherein it is responsible for a large variety of clinical forms ranging from allergic diseases to life-threatening disseminated infections. The contamination occurs by inhalation of conidia present in the air, and the first encounter of this fungus in the human host is most likely with the bronchial epithelial cells. Although alveolar macrophages have been widely studied in the Aspergillus–lung interaction, increasing evidence suggests that bronchial epithelium plays a key role in responding to the fungus. This review focuses on the innate immune response of the bronchial epithelial cells against A. fumigatus, the predominant pathogenic species. We have also detailed the molecular interactants and the effects of the different modes of interaction between these cells and the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Bigot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Guillot
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Manon Ruffin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Harriet Corvol
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Trousseau, Service de Pneumologie Pédiatrique, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Balloy
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
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Kids, Difficult Asthma and Fungus. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020055. [PMID: 32349347 PMCID: PMC7345103 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi have many potential roles in paediatric asthma, predominantly by being a source of allergens (severe asthma with fungal sensitization, SAFS), and also directly damaging the epithelial barrier and underlying tissue by releasing proteolytic enzymes (fungal bronchitis). The umbrella term ‘fungal asthma’ is proposed for these manifestations. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is not a feature of childhood asthma, for unclear reasons. Diagnostic criteria for SAFS are based on sensitivity to fungal allergen(s) demonstrated either by skin prick test or specific IgE. In children, there are no exclusion criteria on total IgE levels or IgG precipitins because of the rarity of ABPA. Diagnostic criteria for fungal bronchitis are much less well established. Data in adults and children suggest SAFS is associated with worse asthma control and greater susceptibility to asthma attacks than non-sensitized patients. The data on whether anti-fungal therapy is beneficial are conflicting. The pathophysiology of SAFS is unclear, but the epithelial alarmin interleukin-33 is implicated. However, whether individual fungi have different pathobiologies is unclear. There are many unanswered questions needing further research, including how fungi interact with other allergens, bacteria, and viruses, and what optimal therapy should be, including whether anti-neutrophilic strategies, such as macrolides, should be used. Considerable further research is needed to unravel the complex roles of different fungi in severe asthma.
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Scott J, Sueiro-Olivares M, Ahmed W, Heddergott C, Zhao C, Thomas R, Bromley M, Latgé JP, Krappmann S, Fowler S, Bignell E, Amich J. Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Derived Volatile Sulfur Compounds Promote Distal Aspergillus fumigatus Growth and a Synergistic Pathogen-Pathogen Interaction That Increases Pathogenicity in Co-infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2311. [PMID: 31649650 PMCID: PMC6794476 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogen-pathogen interactions in polymicrobial infections are known to directly impact, often to worsen, disease outcomes. For example, co-infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively the most common bacterial and fungal pathogens isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) airways, leads to a worsened prognosis. Recent studies of in vitro microbial cross-talk demonstrated that P. aeruginosa-derived volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) can promote A. fumigatus growth in vitro. However, the mechanistic basis of such cross-talk and its physiological relevance during co-infection remains unknown. In this study we combine genetic approaches and GC-MS-mediated volatile analysis to show that A. fumigatus assimilates VSCs via cysteine (CysB)- or homocysteine (CysD)-synthase. This process is essential for utilization of VSCs as sulfur sources, since P. aeruginosa-derived VSCs trigger growth of A. fumigatus wild-type, but not of a ΔcysBΔcysD mutant, on sulfur-limiting media. P. aeruginosa produces VSCs when infecting Galleria mellonella and co-infection with A. fumigatus in this model results in a synergistic increase in mortality and of fungal and bacterial burdens. Interestingly, the increment in mortality is much greater with the A. fumigatus wild-type than with the ΔcysBΔcysD mutant. Therefore, A. fumigatus' ability to assimilate P. aeruginosa derived VSCs significantly triggers a synergistic association that increases the pathobiology of infection. Finally, we show that P. aeruginosa can promote fungal growth when growing on substrates that resemble the lung environment, which suggests that this volatile based synergism is likely to occur during co-infection of the human respiratory airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monica Sueiro-Olivares
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Waqar Ahmed
- Respiratory and Allergy Research Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Can Zhao
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Riba Thomas
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stephen Fowler
- Respiratory and Allergy Research Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre - Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Due to continuous development of new drugs and better treatment strategies, survival of patients with cystic fibrosis has changed dramatically. Recently, targeted therapy of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have become available. Despite these promising developments, treatment of this complex multiorgan disease constitutes a high and variable amount of other drugs. Complications of pharmacotherapeutic treatment are, therefore, expected to become more prevalent. This gives cause to review drug-related side effects in this new era in cystic fibrosis treatment. RECENT FINDINGS We will discuss cystic fibrosis-related pharmacotherapies with a focus on indication of treatment, side effects and their complications, drug--drug interactions, and options to monitor and prevent drug-induced toxicity. Many recent publications about pharmacotherapy in cystic fibrosis, focus on antifungal therapy and CFTR modulators. We will give an overview of the most important studies. SUMMARY With increased life expectancy which is, in part, because of better treatment options, the burden of pharmacotherapy in cystic fibrosis patients will increase. This has a high impact on quality of life as pharmacotherapy is time consuming and may cause side effects. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of possible pharmacotherapy-related side effects and their complications, drug--drug interactions, and options to monitor and prevent drug-induced toxicity.
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50
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Hong G, Alby K, Ng SCW, Fleck V, Kubrak C, Rubenstein RC, Dorgan DJ, Kawut SM, Hadjiliadis D. The presence of Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with worse respiratory quality of life in cystic fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros 2019; 19:125-130. [PMID: 31446018 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical effects of Aspergillus fumigatus in the cystic fibrosis (CF) airway, with the exception of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, is unclear. METHODS CF adolescents and adults (age 14 years and older) underwent bacterial and semi-selective fungal culture testing to determine the prevalence of fungi in the CF respiratory tract and the independent association between the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Aspergillus fumigatus (10.3%) and Candida species (57.8%) were the most common filamentous fungi and yeast seen respectively in the sputa of 206 individuals with CF. Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use was more common in Aspergillus fumigatus-positive than Aspergillus fumigatusnegative (100% versus 75.8%, p = .01). Aspergillus fumigatus was significantly associated with lower respiratory domain score (β -8.74, 95% CI -16.6, -0.88, p = .03), representing worse respiratory-related quality of life, accounting for demographics, disease characteristics, and the presence of a pulmonary exacerbation. CONCLUSION The presence of Aspergillus fumigatus in CF sputum was associated with worse respiratory quality of life in CF in a crosssectional, single center study. Longitudinal analysis examining the clinical implications of Aspergillus fumigatus on respiratory health over time is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kevin Alby
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sharon C W Ng
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Victoria Fleck
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christina Kubrak
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronald C Rubenstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Dorgan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Kawut
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denis Hadjiliadis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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