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Walker J, McCarty T, McGwin G, Ordaya EE, Vergidis P, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Mammadova M, Spec A, Rauseo AM, Perfect J, Messina J, Vilchez G, McMullen R, Jones CT, Pappas PG. Description of Cryptococcosis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Disease Survey Through the Mycosis Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSG-19). Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:371-377. [PMID: 37713207 PMCID: PMC10874270 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad551] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive fungal infections have been described throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Cryptococcal disease after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been reported in several isolated case reports and 1 larger case series. We sought to describe cryptococcal infections following SARS-CoV-2 through establishing a database to investigate underlying risk factors, disease manifestations, and outcomes. METHODS We created a crowdsourced call for cases solicited through the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infectious Diseases Network, and infectious diseases Twitter groups. Data were collected in a web-based and secure REDCap survey without personal identifiers. RESULTS Sixty-nine cases were identified and submitted by 29 separate institutional sites. Cryptococcosis was diagnosed a median of 22 days (interquartile range, 9-42 days) after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality among those with available follow-up was 72% (26/36) for the immunocompetent group and 48% (15/31) for the immunocompromised group (likelihood ratio, 4.01; P = .045). We observed a correlation between disease manifestation (central nervous system infection, proven/probable disseminated disease, and respiratory) and mortality (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS The mortality rate of 59% for patients with cryptococcosis following SARS-CoV-2 is higher than that of modern Cryptococcus cohorts. There was an association between immunocompromised status and cryptococcal disease manifestations as well as mortality. Moreover, our series emphasizes the need for clinical and laboratory assessment of opportunistic infections beyond 30 days when concerning symptoms develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremey Walker
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Todd McCarty
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gerald McGwin
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Eloy E Ordaya
- Mayo Clinic, Infectious Diseases, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | | | - Mehriban Mammadova
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Infectious Disease, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrej Spec
- Washington University, Division of Infectious Diseases, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Adriana M Rauseo
- Washington University, Division of Infectious Diseases, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John Perfect
- Duke University, Infectious Diseases, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julia Messina
- Duke University, Infectious Diseases, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel Vilchez
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Rachel McMullen
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Carolynn T Jones
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Peter G Pappas
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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2
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Puri O, Bhatia M, Rekha US, Chakraborty D, Dua R, Dhar M, Chauhan U, Prasad A, Kalita D, Kaistha N. Post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections: An unanticipated predicament or a ticking time bomb? Clinico-microbiological profile of cases encountered during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic at a teaching hospital in the Himalayas with a brief literature review. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:3228-3235. [PMID: 38361892 PMCID: PMC10866219 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1073_23] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study attempts to generate preliminary data regarding post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections, namely, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM), and mixed infections from the Himalayas and compares the micro-radio-clinical profile and outcomes of the affected patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective data analysis was conducted, where clinical profiles, microbiological and radiological reports, and outcomes of n = 16 patients of post-COVID pulmonary infections were compared. Results Of n = 16 patients, n = 7 had CAPA (n = 5 Aspergillus fumigatus, n = 1 Aspergillus flavus, and n = 1 Aspergillus niger), n = 5 CAPM (Rhizopus arrhizus), and n = 4 with mixed infections (n = 3 infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus spp. and n = 1 with Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus). Thick-walled cavitary lesions, air-fluid levels, and multiple centrilobular nodules were some of the common radiological findings reported among these patients. Conclusion The immuno-compromised state following COVID-19 infection and treatment might be responsible for the progression of regular exposure to the dense Himalayan vegetation into an invasive pulmonary fungal infection. Suspecting post-COVID pulmonary fungal infection is necessary for primary care physicians to ensure timely referral to higher centers. Mixed pulmonary fungal infections (coinfection with Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp.) are also emerging as important sequelae of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Puri
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Udayakumar S. Rekha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepika Chakraborty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ruchi Dua
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Minakshi Dhar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Udit Chauhan
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amber Prasad
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepjyoti Kalita
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, India
| | - Neelam Kaistha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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3
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Singh A, Kaur A, Chowdhary A. Fungal pathogens and COVID-19. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 75:102365. [PMID: 37625261 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complications of secondary fungal infections that occurred globally in severe cases of coronavirus disease managed in the intensive care units. Furthermore, varied underlying host factors, such as preexisting immunosuppression, the use of immunomodulatory agents, and invasive procedures predisposing lung tissues to fungal colonization and proliferation, caused increased susceptibility to fungal infections in COVID-19 patient populations. These invasive fungal infections directly impact the overall length of hospitalization and mortality. The most commonly reported fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 include aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and mucormycosis. An overall worldwide increase in the prevalence of candidiasis and aspergillosis was observed in COVID-19 patients , whereas outbreaks of mucormycosis were mainly recorded from India. Diagnostic challenges and limited antifungal treatment options make secondary fungal infections among COVID-19 patients more burdensome, which results in improper management and increased mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Singh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amtoj Kaur
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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4
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Casutt A, Lamoth F, Lortholary O, Prior JO, Tonglet A, Manuel O, Bergeron A, Beigelman-Aubry C. Atypical imaging patterns during lung invasive mould diseases: lessons for clinicians. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230086. [PMID: 37758271 PMCID: PMC10523149 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0086-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging of pulmonary invasive mould diseases (IMDs), which represents a cornerstone in their work-up, is mainly based on computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this review is to discuss their CT features, mainly those related to aspergillosis and mucormycosis. We will especially focus on atypical radiological presentations that are increasingly observed among non-neutropenic emerging populations of patients at risk, such as those receiving novel anticancer therapies or those in the intensive care unit. We will also discuss the interest of other available imaging techniques, mainly positron emission tomography/CT, that may play a role in the diagnosis as well as evaluation of disease extent and follow-up. We will show that any new airway-centred abnormality or caveated lesion should evoke IMDs in mildly immunocompromised hosts. Limitations in their recognition may be due to potential underlying abnormalities that increase the complexity of interpretation of lung imaging, as well as the non-specificity of imaging features. In this way, the differentials of all morphological/metabolic aspects must be kept in mind for the optimal management of patients, as well as the benefit of evaluation of the vascular status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Casutt
- Division of Pulmonology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Division of Pulmonology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- University Paris Cité, Necker Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Paris, France
| | - John O Prior
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Tonglet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oriol Manuel
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Transplantation Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Bergeron
- Department of Pulmonology, Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- A. Bergeron and C. Beigelman-Aubry contributed equally to this work
| | - Catherine Beigelman-Aubry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- A. Bergeron and C. Beigelman-Aubry contributed equally to this work
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5
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Swaney R, Jokomo-Nyakabau R, Nguyen AAN, Kenny D, Millner PG, Selim M, Destache CJ, Velagapudi M. Diagnosis and Outcomes of Fungal Co-Infections in COVID-19 Infections: A Retrospective Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2326. [PMID: 37764170 PMCID: PMC10535039 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a public health emergency with unique complications such as the development of fungal co-infections. The diagnosis of fungal infections can be challenging due to confounding imaging studies and difficulty obtaining histopathology. In this retrospective study, 173 patients with COVID-19 receiving antifungal therapy due to concern for fungal co-infection were evaluated. Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and the utility of fungal biomarkers were then evaluated for continuation of antifungal therapy. Data were collected from the electronic health record (EPIC) and analyzed using SPSS (version. 28, IBM, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA) Data are presented as mean ± SD or percentages. A total of 56 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with fungal co-infection and 117 COVID-19 + patients had no fungal infection. Significantly fewer female patients were in the fungal+ group compared to COVID-19 control patients (29% in fungal+ compared to 51% in controls p = 0.005). Fungal diagnostics were all significantly higher in fungal+ patients. These include 1,4-beta-D-glucan (BDG), fungal culture, and bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan (BAL GM). Intensive care unit hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality in fungal+ patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than in control patients. Finally, significantly more fungal+ patients received voriconazole, isavuconazonium, or amphotericin B therapies, whereas control patients received significantly more short-course fluconazole. COVID-19+ patients with fungal co-infection were significantly more likely to be in the ICU and mechanically ventilated, and they result in higher mortality compared to control COVID-19 patients. The use of fungal diagnostics markers were helpful for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Swaney
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Rutendo Jokomo-Nyakabau
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Anny A. N. Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Dorothy Kenny
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Paul G. Millner
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammad Selim
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Christopher J. Destache
- School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Manasa Velagapudi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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6
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Thamban Chandrika N, Green KD, Spencer AC, Tsodikov OV, Garneau-Tsodikova S. Discovery and development of novel substituted monohydrazides as potent antifungal agents. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1351-1361. [PMID: 37484566 PMCID: PMC10357949 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00167a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel substituted monohydrazides synthesized for this study displayed broad-spectrum activity against various fungal strains, including a panel of clinically relevant Candida auris strains. The activity of these compounds was either comparable or superior to amphotericin B against most of the fungal strains tested. These compounds possessed fungistatic activity in a time-kill assay and exhibited no mammalian cell toxicity. In addition, they prevented the formation of fungal biofilms. Even after repeated exposures, the Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (strain A) fungal strain did not develop resistance to these monohydrazides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishad Thamban Chandrika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Keith D Green
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Abbygail C Spencer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Oleg V Tsodikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
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7
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Poth JM, Schewe JC, Lehmann F, Weller J, Schmandt MW, Kreyer S, Muenster S, Putensen C, Ehrentraut SF. COVID-19 Is an Independent Risk Factor for Detrimental Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients on Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:751. [PMID: 37504739 PMCID: PMC10381551 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is associated with the mortality of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Several risk factors for IFD have been identified in patients with or without ECMO. Here, we assessed the relevance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for the occurrence of IFD in patients on veno-venous (V-V) ECMO for respiratory failure. In a retrospective analysis of all ECMO cases between January 2013 and December 2022 (2020-2022 for COVID-19 patients), active COVID-19 and the type, timing and duration of IFD were investigated. Demographics, hospital, ICU length of stay (LoS), duration of ECMO, days on invasive mechanical ventilation, prognostic scores (Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS)-10, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS)-II) and length of survival were assessed. The association of COVID-19 with IFD was investigated using propensity score matching and uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. We identified 814 patients supported with ECMO, and 452 patients were included in further analyses. The incidence of IFD was 4.8% and 11.0% in patients without and with COVID-19, respectively. COVID-19 status represented an independent risk factor for IFD (OR 4.30; CI 1.72-10.85; p: 0.002; multivariable regression analysis). In patients with COVID-19, 84.6% of IFD was candidemia and 15.4% represented invasive aspergillosis (IA). All of these patients died. In patients on V-V ECMO, we report that COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for IFD, which is associated with a detrimental prognosis. Further studies are needed to investigate strategies of antifungal therapy or prophylaxis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Martin Poth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens-Christian Schewe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mathias Willem Schmandt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Kreyer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Muenster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Putensen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Felix Ehrentraut
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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8
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Bogdan I, Reddyreddy AR, Nelluri A, Maganti RK, Bratosin F, Fericean RM, Dumitru C, Barata PI, Tapalaga G, Marincu I. Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1253. [PMID: 37512065 PMCID: PMC10385930 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With an increasing number of severe COVID-19 cases presenting with secondary fungal infections, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal co-infections in severe COVID-19 patients across the six waves, identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with severe COVID-19, and explore any potential links between patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and the prevalence and type of fungal infection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Hospital, "Victor Babes", Romania, between March 2020 and August 2022. Samples were collected from respiratory specimens, blood, and urine, after which a standard nucleic acid extraction protocol was employed. Patients were divided into groups with and without fungal infections, identified using multiplex PCR. The groups were compared based on demographic data, comorbidities, pandemic wave number, and clinical outcomes. Results: Out of 288 patients, 96 (33.3%) had fungal infections, with Candida spp. being the most common. Patients with fungal infections had higher rates of obesity (35.4% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.010) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI > 2) (37.5% vs 25.0%, p = 0.027). Ventilator use was significantly higher in the fungal infection group (45.8% vs. 18.8%; p < 0.001), as was ICU admission (39.6% vs. 26.6%; p = 0.024) and mortality (32.3% vs 12.0%; p < 0.001). The distribution of different fungal species varied across the pandemic waves, with no statistical significance (p = 0.209). The mortality risk notably increased with the degree of drug resistance (OR for three or more drug resistances = 6.71, p < 0.001). The second, fourth, and fifth pandemic waves were significantly associated with higher mortality risk (OR = 3.72, 3.61, and 4.08, respectively, all p < 0.001). Aspergillus spp. and Mucor spp. infections were significantly associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 4.61 and 6.08, respectively, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant presence of fungal co-infections among severe COVID-19 patients that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with drug-resistant infections. These findings underline the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies in managing COVID-19 patients, especially during specific pandemic waves and in patients with particular fungal infections. Further research is required to understand the implications of these co-infections and their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bogdan
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Aditya Nelluri
- School of General Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru 572107, India
| | - Ram Kiran Maganti
- School of General Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar 563101, India
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Irina Barata
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gianina Tapalaga
- Department of Odontotherapy and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Kubota Y, Takasawa A, Ono Y, Aoyama T, Takasawa K, Tada A, Magara K, Murakami T, Daimon F, Yamamoto S, Sato S, Hiratsuka Y, Kyuno D, Osanai M. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with candidiasis: usefulness of molecular and ultrastructural morphological analysis on FFPE tissue for invasive fungal infections. Med Mol Morphol 2023; 56:144-151. [PMID: 36806624 PMCID: PMC9940076 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-023-00349-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is one of the most frequent forms of invasive fungal infections (IFI); however, it is often difficult to identify the pathogenic fungal species and to select appropriate treatments for patients with IFI including IPA. Here, we describe the detailed pathophysiology of an autopsy case of severe respiratory failure due to IPA with candidiasis. The patient developed severe respiratory failure after influenza infection and died, and the autopsy revealed a mixed disease of IPA with candidiasis. In this study, in addition to the routine pathological examination, we further examined formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and partial genomic DNA sequencing. Although optical microscopy alone was insufficient to identify the pathogenic organisms, SEM clearly depicted the characteristic morphology of Aspergillus sp. and Candida sp. as closely overlapping in a nested fashion, providing evidence of mixed infection of both fungal species in a focal site. The technique using FFPE tissue in combination with ultrastructural observation by SEM, elemental analysis by SEM-EDX, and DNA sequencing is promising for analyzing the pathophysiology of IFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusaku Kubota
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Ono
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Aoyama
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Kumi Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Akinori Tada
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Magara
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Taro Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Fuminori Daimon
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Soh Yamamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shota Sato
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Hakodate Municipal Hospital, Hakodate, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hiratsuka
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kin-ikyo Chuo Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kyuno
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
| | - Makoto Osanai
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S1 W17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 060-8556, Japan
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Abdollahizad E, Dadashzadeh S, Bahri S, Abbasian Z, Rezaee E. Amphotericin B Pharmacokinetics: Inter-strain Differences in Rats Following Intravenous Administration of the Most Commonly Marketed Formulations of the Drug. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2023; 22:e134772. [PMID: 38116555 PMCID: PMC10728861 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-134772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Amphotericin B (AmB) is the first-line drug to treat invasive fungal infections. However, its delivery to the body and clinical use faces many challenges because of its poor solubility, poor pharmacokinetics, and severe nephrotoxicity. Objectives Due to the necessity for designing safer and more effective nanocarriers for AmB and the importance of preclinical pharmacokinetic studies in evaluating these novel drug delivery systems, the present study was framed to explore the influence of rat strain on the pharmacokinetic profile of this drug. Methods Twenty-four Wistar and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were intravenously injected with 1 mg/kg AmB as Fungizone or AmBisome, which are the two most commonly marketed formulations of the drug. Blood samples were collected before and at regular intervals up to 24 h after administration. Drug concentration was analyzed by a validated HPLC method, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by the non-compartmental method. Results Irrespective of the type of formulation, the AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values were significantly higher (P < 0.001), and Cl as an important PK parameter was markedly lower (P < 0.001) in SD rats compared to the Wistar strain. For Fungizone, the mean Cl values in SD and Wistar rats were 206.90 and 462.95 mL/h/kg (P < 0.001), respectively. The apparent volume of distribution (Vss) was also lower in SD rats compared to Wistar; however, for AmBisome, the difference in Vss was not statistically significant. Our further investigation suggested that the higher amount of total protein in the SD strain may justify the higher plasma concentrations and lower Cl and Vss of amphotericin B in this strain compared to the Wistar strain. Conclusions Overall, following intravenous administration of AmB, there were significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of the drug between two rat strains for both formulations. The obtained data is important for correctly interpreting experimental data from different research groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Abdollahizad
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Dadashzadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Bahri
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Abbasian
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rezaee
- Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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