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Bian W, Shang Y, Zhao L, Wang K, Li R, Chen Y, Ma X, He Y, Yu W, Chen X, Liu C, Ni W, Gao Z. Clinical performance of BALF droplet digital PCR for differential diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116168. [PMID: 38184984 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116168] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate differentiation between Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pj) infection and colonization is crucial for effective treatment. METHODS From September 2016 to June 2022, 89 immunocompromised patients with unexplained lung infiltrates and clinical suspicion of Pj pneumonia were enrolled at Peking University People's Hospital. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these patients were detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). RESULTS The performance of ddPCR was superior to qPCR in detecting Pj infection. Area under the curve was 0.97 (95 %CI: 0.94-1) for ddPCR of the BALF in all patients. The optimal threshold value for discriminating Pj infection from colonization by ddPCR was 13.98 copies/test, with a sensitivity of 97.96 %, specificity of 85.71 %. No obvious correlation between ddPCR copy number and disease severity was observed. CONCLUSION BALF ddPCR exhibits robust potential in detecting Pj and effectively discriminating colonization and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Bian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Shang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Keqiang Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Yanwen Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Xinqian Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyi Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Wentao Ni
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China
| | - Zhancheng Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, China.
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Li X, Li Z, Ye J, Ye W. Diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:455. [PMID: 37430211 PMCID: PMC10331973 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08440-4] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) can be a life-threatening opportunistic infection. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for PJP. METHODS A comprehensive electronic literature search of Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI and Wanfang data was performed. Bivariate analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), the area under the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve and the Q-point value (Q*). RESULTS The literature search resulted in 9 studies with a total of 1343 patients, including 418 cases diagnosed with PJP and 925 controls. The pooled sensitivity of mNGS for diagnosis of PJP was 0.974 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.953-0.987]. The pooled specificity was 0.943 (95% CI, 0.926-0.957), the DOR was 431.58 (95% CI, 186.77-997.27), the area under the SROC curve was 0.987, and the Q* was 0.951. The I2 test indicated no heterogeneity between studies. The Deek funnel test suggested no potential publication bias. Subgroup analyses showed that the area under the SROC curve of mNGS for diagnosis of PJP in immunocompromised and non-HIV patients was 0.9852 and 0.979, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Current evidence indicates that mNGS exhibits excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of PJP. The mNGS is a promising tool for assessment of PJP in both immunocompromised and non-HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Hospital, 1229 Gudun Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang Hospital, 1229 Gudun Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang Hospital, 1229 Gudun Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Ye
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang Hospital, 1229 Gudun Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 310013, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Apostolopoulou A, Fishman JA. The Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1167. [PMID: 36354934 PMCID: PMC9696632 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jiroveci remains an important fungal pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. The environmental reservoir remains unknown. Pneumonia (PJP) results from airborne transmission, including in nosocomial clusters, or with reactivation after an inadequately treated infection. Pneumocystis pneumonia most often occurs within 6 months of organ transplantation, with intensified or prolonged immunosuppression, notably with corticosteroids and following cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Infection may be recognized during recovery from neutropenia and lymphopenia. Invasive procedures may be required for early diagnosis and therapy. Despite being a well-established entity, aspects of the pathogenesis of PJP remain poorly understood. The goal of this review is to summarize the data on the pathogenesis of PJP, review the strengths and weaknesses of the pertinent diagnostic modalities, and discuss areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Apostolopoulou
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jay A. Fishman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- MGH Transplant Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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4
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Performance of a Real Time PCR for Pneumocystis jirovecii Identification in Induced Sputum of AIDS Patients: Differentiation between Pneumonia and Colonization. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030222. [PMID: 35330224 PMCID: PMC8950466 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030222] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) remains an important cause of morbimortality worldwide and a diagnostic challenge. Conventional methods have low accuracy, hardly discriminating colonization from infection, while some new high-cost or broncho-alveolar lavage-based methods have limited usefulness in developing countries. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests may overcome these limitations due to their high accuracy, possibility of automation, and decreasing cost. We evaluated an in-house qPCR targeting the fungus mtSSU gene using induced sputum. Sensitivity of the assay (ten target gene copies/assay) was determined using recombinant plasmids. We prospectively studied 86 AIDS patients with subacute respiratory symptoms in whom PcP was suspected. qPCR results were determined as quantification cycles (Cq) and compared with a qualitative PCR performed in the same IS, serum 1,3-β-D-Glucan assay, and a clinical/laboratory/radiology index for PcP. The qPCR clustered the patients in three groups: 32 with Cq ≤ 31 (qPCR+), 45 with Cq ≥ 33 (qPCR-), and nine with Cq between 31-33 (intermediary), which, combined with the other three analyses, enabled us to classify the groups as having PcP, not P. jirovecii-infected, and P. jirovecii-colonized, respectively. This molecular assay may contribute to improve PcP management, avoiding unnecessary treatments, and our knowledge of the natural history of this infection.
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Senécal J, Smyth E, Del Corpo O, Hsu JM, Amar-Zifkin A, Bergeron A, Cheng MP, Butler-Laporte G, McDonald EG, Lee TC. Non-invasive diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:23-30. [PMID: 34464734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection commonly affecting immunocompromised people. Diagnosis usually requires invasive techniques to obtain respiratory specimens. Minimally invasive detection tests have been proposed, but their operating characteristics are poorly described. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and meta-analyse the performance of minimally invasive PCP detection tests to inform diagnostic algorithms. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (inception to 15 October 2020). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies of minimally invasive PCP detection tests were included if they contained a minimum of ten PCP cases. PARTICIPANTS Adults at risk of PCP. TESTS Non-invasive PCP detection tests. REFERENCE STANDARD Diagnosis using the combination of clinical and radiographical features with invasive sampling. ASSESSMENT OF RISK BIAS Using the QUADAS-2 tool. METHODS We used bivariate and, when necessary, univariate analysis models to estimate diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were included; most studies (40) comprised exclusively human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected individuals; nine were mixed (HIV and non-HIV), two were non-HIV and one study did not report HIV status. Sampling sites included induced sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate, oral wash and blood. The four testing modalities evaluated were cytological staining, fluorescent antibody, PCR and lactate dehydrogenase. Induced sputum had the most data available; this modality was both highly sensitive at 99% (95% CI 51%-100%) and specific at 96% (95% CI 88%-99%). Induced sputum cytological staining had moderate sensitivity at 50% (95% CI 39%-61%) and high specificity at 100% (95% CI 100%-100%), as did fluorescent antibody testing with sensitivity 74% (95% CI 62%-87%) and specificity 100% (95% CI 91%-100%). CONCLUSION There are several promising minimally invasive PCP diagnostic tests available, some of which may reduce the need for invasive respiratory sampling. Understanding the operating characteristics of these tests can augment current diagnostic strategies and help establish a more confident clinical diagnosis of PCP. Further studies in non-HIV infected populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Senécal
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Smyth
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jimmy M Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Amy Bergeron
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Medical Libraries, Montreal, Canada
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology Department of Laboratory Medicine, MUCH, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Nathan CL, Emmert BE, Nelson E, Berger JR. CNS fungal infections: A review. J Neurol Sci 2021; 422:117325. [PMID: 33516057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cody L Nathan
- Departments of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian E Emmert
- Departments of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ernest Nelson
- Departments of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph R Berger
- Departments of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Menon AA, Berg DD, Gay EB, Fredenburgh LE. Reply to Blaize et al.: COVID-19-related Respiratory Failure and Lymphopenia Do Not Seem Associated with Pneumocystosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202:1736-1737. [PMID: 32941058 PMCID: PMC7737595 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202008-3174le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - David D Berg
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
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8
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Bateman M, Oladele R, Kolls JK. Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: A review of current methods and novel approaches. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1015-1028. [PMID: 32400869 PMCID: PMC7657095 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Traditional diagnostic testing has relied on staining and direct visualization of the life-forms in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This method has proven insensitive, and invasive procedures may be needed to obtain adequate samples. Molecular methods of detection such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and antibody-antigen assays have been developed in an effort to solve these problems. These techniques are very sensitive and have the potential to detect Pneumocystis life-forms in noninvasive samples such as sputum, oral washes, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and serum. This review evaluates 100 studies that compare use of various diagnostic tests for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patient samples. Novel diagnostic methods have been widely used in the research setting but have faced barriers to clinical implementation including: interpretation of low fungal burdens, standardization of techniques, integration into resource-poor settings, poor understanding of the impact of host factors, geographic variations in the organism, heterogeneity of studies, and limited clinician recognition of PCP. Addressing these barriers will require identification of phenotypes that progress to PCP and diagnostic cut-offs for colonization, generation of life-form specific markers, comparison of commercial PCR assays, investigation of cost-effective point of care options, evaluation of host factors such as HIV status that may impact diagnosis, and identification of markers of genetic diversity that may be useful in diagnostic panels. Performing high-quality studies and educating physicians will be crucial to improve the rates of diagnosis of PCP and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bateman
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Rita Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
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Hogea SP, Tudorache E, Pescaru C, Marc M, Oancea C. Bronchoalveolar lavage: role in the evaluation of pulmonary interstitial disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1117-1130. [PMID: 32847429 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1806063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a noninvasive, well-tolerated procedure is an important diagnostic tool that can facilitate the diagnosis of various lung diseases. This procedure allows the assessment of large alveolar compartments, by providing cells as well as non-cellular constituents from the lower respiratory tract. Alterations in BAL fluid and cells ratio reflects pathological changes in the lung parenchyma. In some cases, clinicians use BAL as a differential diagnosis guide for interstitial lung disease. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarized the diagnostic criteria for BAL in interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary infections, lung cancer and other pathologies such as fat embolism, gastroesophageal reflux and collagen vascular disease. For this review, we have selected scientific papers published in the PubMed database in our area of interest. We aimed to highlight the usefulness of BAL in respiratory pathology. EXPERT OPINION Although BAL fluid analyzes has an essential role in the diagnostic work-up of many lung pathologies, it should be performed in selected patients. For accurate results, the BAL technique is very important to be standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanca-Patricia Hogea
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Emanuela Tudorache
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Camelia Pescaru
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Monica Marc
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
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Panizo MM, Ferrara G, García N, Moreno X, Navas T, Calderón E. Diagnosis, Burden and Mortality of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Venezuela. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-020-00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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11
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Hammarström H, Grankvist A, Broman I, Kondori N, Wennerås C, Gisslen M, Friman V. Serum-based diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia by detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA and 1,3-β-D-glucan in HIV-infected patients: a retrospective case control study. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:658. [PMID: 31337356 PMCID: PMC6651925 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common HIV-related opportunistic infections. The diagnosis of PCP is based on analyses from respiratory tract specimens which may require the invasive procedure of a diagnostic bronchoscopy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR in serum combined with the 1,3-β-D-glucan (betaglucan) test for the diagnosis of PCP in HIV-infected patients. METHODS This was a retrospective case-control study including serum samples from 26 HIV-infected patients with PCP collected within 5 days prior to the start of PCP treatment, 21 HIV-infected control subjects matched by blood CD4+ cell counts, and 18 blood donors. The serum samples were analyzed for Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR and betaglucan. The reference standard for PCP was based on previously described microbiological and clinical criteria. RESULTS All patients with PCP had detectabe Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in serum yielding a sensitivity for the Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR assay in serum of 100%. All blood donors had negative Pneumocystis PCR in serum. The specificity when testing HIV-infected patients was 71%, but with a PCR Cycle threshold (Ct) value of 34 as cut-off the specificity was 90%. At a putative pretest probaility of 20%, the negative and positive predictive value for the Pneumocystis PCR assay in serum was 0.99 and 0.71, respectively. Betaglucan with cut-off level 200 pg/ml combined with a positive Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR result had sensitivity and specificity of 92 and 90%, respectively. The concentration of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in serum samples, expressed by the PCR Ct values, correlated inversely to the betaglucan levels in serum. CONCLUSION In this case-control study including 70% of all HIV-infected patients with PCP treated at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during a time period of 13 years, Pneumocystis PCR analysis on serum samples had a very high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of PCP in HIV-infected patients. A serum-based diagnostic procedure either based on Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR alone or in combination with betaglucan analysis may thus be feasible and would facilitate the care of HIV-infected patients with suspected PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hammarström
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. .,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Anna Grankvist
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Isabell Broman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Nahid Kondori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christine Wennerås
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gisslen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vanda Friman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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12
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Pneumocystosis and quantitative PCR. Med Mal Infect 2018; 48:474-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2018.04.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Ma L, Cissé OH, Kovacs JA. A Molecular Window into the Biology and Epidemiology of Pneumocystis spp. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00009-18. [PMID: 29899010 PMCID: PMC6056843 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00009-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis, a unique atypical fungus with an elusive lifestyle, has had an important medical history. It came to prominence as an opportunistic pathogen that not only can cause life-threatening pneumonia in patients with HIV infection and other immunodeficiencies but also can colonize the lungs of healthy individuals from a very early age. The genus Pneumocystis includes a group of closely related but heterogeneous organisms that have a worldwide distribution, have been detected in multiple mammalian species, are highly host species specific, inhabit the lungs almost exclusively, and have never convincingly been cultured in vitro, making Pneumocystis a fascinating but difficult-to-study organism. Improved molecular biologic methodologies have opened a new window into the biology and epidemiology of Pneumocystis. Advances include an improved taxonomic classification, identification of an extremely reduced genome and concomitant inability to metabolize and grow independent of the host lungs, insights into its transmission mode, recognition of its widespread colonization in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, and utilization of strain variation to study drug resistance, epidemiology, and outbreaks of infection among transplant patients. This review summarizes these advances and also identifies some major questions and challenges that need to be addressed to better understand Pneumocystis biology and its relevance to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ousmane H Cissé
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph A Kovacs
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Boyles TH, Brink A, Calligaro GL, Cohen C, Dheda K, Maartens G, Richards GA, van Zyl Smit R, Smith C, Wasserman S, Whitelaw AC, Feldman C. South African guideline for the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:1469-1502. [PMID: 28740661 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.05.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tom H Boyles
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Adrian Brink
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Ampath National Laboratory Services, Milpark Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Greg L Calligaro
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Keertan Dheda
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Guy A Richards
- Department of Critical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard van Zyl Smit
- Lung Infection and Immunity Unit, Division of Pulmonology and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sean Wasserman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew C Whitelaw
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles Feldman
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lee HY, Kang HS, Lee HY, Rhee CK, Lee SY, Kim SC, Kim SJ, Park YJ, Kim YK, Kang JY. Clinical significance of positive Pneumocystis jirovecii polymerase chain reaction in non-human immunodeficiency virus immunocompromised patients in a real practice. Korean J Intern Med 2017; 32:478-485. [PMID: 27951623 PMCID: PMC5432796 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2015.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pneumocystis jirovecii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be helpful in diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP); however it has limitations. We evaluated the prevalence of positive P. jirovecii PCR from non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) immunocompromised patients and tried to determine the risk of PCP development. METHODS Between May 2009 and September 2012, P. jirovecii PCR was performed in bronchoscopic specimens from 1,231 adult non-HIV immunocompromised patients suspected of respiratory infection. Only 169 patients (13.7%) who were tested positive for P. jirovecii PCR were enrolled. Retrospective chart review was performed. PCP was defined in patients with positive P. jirovecii PCR who were treated for PCP based on the clinical decision. RESULTS From 169 P. jirovecii PCR-positive patients, 90 patients were in the PCP group (53.3%) and 79 patients were in the non-PCP group (46.7%). In the PCP group, 38% of patients expired or aggravated after therapy, whereas the majority of patients (84%) in the non-PCP group recovered without treatment for PCP. Independent risk factors for PCP by binary logistic regression analysis were underlying conditions- hematological malignancies, solid tumors or solid organ transplantation, dyspnea, age < 60 years, and albumin < 2.9 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that not all P. jirovecii PCR-positive patients need to be treated for PCP. Among P. jirovecii PCR-positive patients, those who are less than 60 years old, with hematological malignancies, solid tumors or solid organ transplantation, low albumin, and with symptoms of dyspnea, the possibility of PCP might be higher. Treatment should also be selected to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hea Yon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seon Kang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa Young Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chin Kook Rhee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sook Young Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Chan Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Joon Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon Joon Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Kyoon Kim
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Ji Young Kang, M.D. Division of Allergy and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea Tel: +82-2-2258-6060 Fax: +82-2-599-3589 E-mail:
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Development and validation of a Pneumocystis jirovecii real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2015; 26:263-7. [PMID: 26600815 PMCID: PMC4644010 DOI: 10.1155/2015/138787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ), a pathogenic fungus, causes severe interstitial Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) among immunocompromised patients. A laboratory-developed real-time polyermase chain reaction (PCR) assay was validated for PJ detection to improve diagnosis of PCP. METHODS Forty stored bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples (20 known PJ positive [PJ+] and 20 known PJ negative [PJ-]) were initially tested using the molecular assay. Ninety-two sequentially collected BAL samples were then analyzed using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and secondarily tested using the PJ real-time PCR assay. Discrepant results were resolved by retesting BAL samples using another real-time PCR assay with a different target. PJ real-time PCR assay performance was compared with the existing gold standard (ie, IFA) and a modified gold standard, in which a true positive was defined as a sample that tested positive in two of three methods in a patient suspected to have PCP. RESULTS Ninety of 132 (68%) BAL fluid samples were collected from immunocompromised patients. Thirteen of 92 (14%) BALs collected were PJ+ when tested using IFA. A total of 40 BAL samples were PJ+ in the present study including: all IFA positive samples (n=13); all referred PJ+ BAL samples (n=20); and seven additional BAL samples that were IFA negative, but positive using the modified gold standard. Compared with IFA, the PJ real-time PCR had sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100%, 91%, 65% and 100%, respectively. Compared with the modified gold standard, PJ real-time PCR had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100%. CONCLUSION PJ real-time PCR improved detection of PJ in immunocompromised patients.
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Impact of HIV Infection Status on Interpretation of Quantitative PCR for Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:3870-5. [PMID: 26468505 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02072-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is now a key diagnostic tool for Pneumocystis pneumonia. However, cutoffs to distinguish between infected and colonized patients according to their HIV status have not yet been determined. According to clinical, radiological, and biological data, we retrospectively classified bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples subjected to qPCR over a 3-year period into four categories, i.e., definite PCP, probable PCP, Pneumocystis colonization, and no infection. Fungal burden was then analyzed according to the HIV status of the patients. Among 1,212 episodes of pneumonia screened in immunocompromised patients, 52 and 27 HIV-positive patients were diagnosed with a definite and probable PCP, whereas 4 and 22 HIV-negative patients had definite and probable PCP, respectively. Among patients with definite or a probable PCP, HIV-negative patients had a significantly lower burden than HIV-positive patients (P < 10(-4)). In both groups, the median fungal burden was significantly higher in patients with definite PCP than in colonized patients. A single cutoff at 1.5 × 10(4) copies/ml allowed to differentiate colonized and infected HIV-positive patients with 100% sensitivity and specificity. In HIV-negative patients, cutoff values of 2.87 × 10(4) and 3.39 × 10(3) copies/ml resulted in 100% specificity and sensitivity, respectively. Using cutoffs determined for the whole population would have led us to set aside the diagnosis of PCP in 9 HIV-negative patients with definite or probable PCP. qPCR appeared to be the most sensitive test to detect Pneumocystis in BAL samples. However, because of lower inocula in HIV-negative patients, different cutoffs must be used according to the HIV status to differentiate between colonized and infected patients.
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Fréalle E, Gantois N, Aliouat-Denis CM, Leroy S, Zawadzki C, Perkhofer S, Aliouat EM, Dei-Cas E. Comparison of different blood compartments for the detection of circulating DNA using a rat model of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Med Mycol 2015; 53:754-9. [PMID: 26162469 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis is mostly found in the alveolar spaces, but circulation of viable organisms also occurs and suggests that the detection of DNA in blood could be used as a noninvasive procedure to improve the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP). In order to determine the optimal compartment for Pneumocystis DNA detection, we used a rat model of PcP and tested the presence of Pneumocystis with a quantitative mtLSU targeting real-time PCR in four blood compartments: whole blood, clot, serum and Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP). All samples from 4 Pneumocystis-free control rats were negative. Pneumocystis was detected in 79, 64, 57, and 57% of samples from 14 PcP rats, respectively, but DNA release was not related to pulmonary loads. These data confirm the potential usefulness of Pneumocystis DNA detection in the blood for PcP diagnosis and suggest that whole blood could be the most appropriate compartment for Pneumocystis detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fréalle
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204 - Université de Lille, IFR142, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHRU de Lille & Faculté de Médecine de Lille - Université de Lille, France
| | - N Gantois
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204 - Université de Lille, IFR142, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France
| | - C M Aliouat-Denis
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204 - Université de Lille, IFR142, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculté de Pharmacie de Lille - Université de Lille, France
| | - S Leroy
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHRU de Lille & Faculté de Médecine de Lille - Université de Lille, France
| | - C Zawadzki
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie & EA2693 Interface sang - vaisseaux et réparation cardiovasculaire, CHRU de Lille & Faculté de Médecine de Lille - Université de Lille, France
| | - S Perkhofer
- University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - E M Aliouat
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204 - Université de Lille, IFR142, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Faculté de Pharmacie de Lille - Université de Lille, France
| | - E Dei-Cas
- Centre d'Infection et d'Immunité de Lille (CIIL), Inserm U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204 - Université de Lille, IFR142, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHRU de Lille & Faculté de Médecine de Lille - Université de Lille, France
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Nakashima K, Aoshima M, Ohkuni Y, Hoshino E, Hashimoto K, Otsuka Y. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-uninfected immunocompromised patients with pulmonary infiltrates. J Infect Chemother 2014; 20:757-61. [PMID: 25187511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is becoming an established nucleic acid amplification method offering rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnosis of infectious diseases. We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive HIV-uninfected patients who underwent LAMP method for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Diagnosis of PCP was made by the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) with positive LAMP or conventional staining (CS) (Grocott methenamine silver staining or Diff-Quick™) on the basis of compatible clinical symptoms and radiologic findings. Additionally, we reviewed HIV-uninfected immunocompromised patients who underwent subcontract PCR as a historical control. LAMP was positive in 10 (90.9%) of 11 positive-CS patients. Among 13 negative-CS patients with positive LAMP, 11 (84.6%) had PCP, and the remaining 2 were categorized as having P. jirovecii colonization. LDH levels in negative-CS PCP were higher than in positive-CS PCP (p = 0.026). (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan levels in negative-CS PCP were lower than in positive-CS PCP (p = 0.011). The interval from symptom onset to diagnosis as PCP in LAMP group (3.45 ± 1.77 days; n = 22) was shorter than in subcontract PCR group (6.90 ± 2.28 days; n = 10; p < 0.001). As for patients without PCP, duration of unnecessary PCP treatment in LAMP group (2; 2-3 days; n = 10) was shorter than in subcontract PCR group (7; 7-12.25 days; n = 6; p = 0.003). LAMP showed higher sensitivity (95.4%) and positive predictive value (91.3%) than subcontract PCR did. Pneumocystis LAMP method is a sensitive and cost-effective diagnostic method and is easy to administer in general hospitals. In-house LAMP method would realize early diagnosis of PCP, resulting in improving PCP prognosis and reducing unnecessary PCP-specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nakashima
- Department of Pulmonology, Kameda Medical Center, Japan.
| | | | | | - Eri Hoshino
- Clinical Research Support Division, Center for Health Research, Kameda College of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Kohei Hashimoto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kameda Medical Center, Japan
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Evaluation of PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a bivariate meta-analysis and systematic review. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73099. [PMID: 24023814 PMCID: PMC3762835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a promising tool, PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has not been accepted as a diagnostic criterion for PJP. OBJECTIVE We undertook a systematic review of published studies to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR assays in BALF for PJP. METHODS Eligible studies from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science reporting PCR assays in BALF for diagnosing PJP were identified. A bivariate meta-analysis of the method's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed. The post-test probability was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness. A summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve was used to evaluate overall performance. Subgroup analyses were carried out to analysis the potential heterogeneity. RESULTS Sixteen studies published between 1994 and 2012 were included. The summary sensitivity and specificity values (95% CI) of PCR in BALF for diagnosis of PJP were 98.3% (91.3%-99.7%) and 91.0% (82.7%-95.5%), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 10.894 (5.569-21.309) and 0.018 (0.003-0.099), respectively. In a setting of 20% prevalence of PJP, the probability of PJP would be over 3-fold if the BALF-PCR test was positive, and the probability of PJP would be less than 0.5% if it was negative. The area under the SROC curve was 0.98 (0.97-0.99). CONCLUSIONS The method of PCR in BALF shows high sensitivity and good specificity for the diagnosis of PJP. However, clinical practice for the diagnosis of PJP should consider the consistent respiratory symptoms, radiographic changes and laboratory findings of the suspected patients.
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Sarkar P, Rasheed HF. Clinical review: Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients--a changing picture. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2013; 17:228. [PMID: 23806117 PMCID: PMC3706935 DOI: 10.1186/cc12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients is a relatively common presentation to ICU. The debate on ICU treatment of HIV-infected patients goes on despite an overall decline in mortality amongst these patients since the AIDS epidemic. Many intensive care physicians feel that ICU treatment of critically ill HIV patients is likely to be futile. This is mainly due to the unfavourable outcome of HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia who need mechanical ventilation. However, the changing spectrum of respiratory illness in HIV-infected patients and improved outcome from critical illness remain under-recognised. Also, the awareness of certain factors that can affect their outcome remains low. As there are important ethical and practical implications for intensive care clinicians while making decisions to provide ICU support to HIV-infected patients, a review of literature was undertaken. It is notable that the respiratory illnesses that are not directly related to underlying HIV disease are now commonly encountered in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. The overall incidence of P. jirovecii as a cause of respiratory failure has declined since the AIDS epidemic and sepsis including bacterial pneumonia has emerged as a frequent cause of hospital and ICU admission amongst HIV patients. The improved overall outcome of HIV patients needing ICU admission is related to advancement in general ICU care, including adoption of improved ventilation strategies. An awareness of respiratory illnesses in HIV-infected patients along with an appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategy may obviate the need for invasive ventilation and improve outcome further. HIV-infected patients presenting with respiratory failure will benefit from early admission to critical care for treatment and support. There is evidence to suggest that continuing or starting HAART in critically ill HIV patients is beneficial and hence should be considered after multidisciplinary discussion. As a very high percentage (up to 40%) of HIV patients are not known to be HIV infected at the time of ICU admission, the clinicians should keep a low threshold for requesting HIV testing for patients with recurrent pneumonia.
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Neuberger A, Hardak E, Oren I. Reply 1. Respirology 2012; 18:192-3. [PMID: 23121636 DOI: 10.1111/resp.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Li MC, Lee NY, Lee CC, Lee HC, Chang CM, Ko WC. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in immunocompromised patients: delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes in non-HIV-infected individuals. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2012; 47:42-7. [PMID: 23063081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2012.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients. Improved knowledge about the varied characteristics and management in different populations may guide treatment. METHODS We evaluated the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with PJP diagnosed by nested polymerase chain reaction at a medical center in southern Taiwan from 2008 to 2011. The risk factors of mortality among non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients were analyzed. RESULTS During the study period, there were 43 cases of PJP, and the common underlying diseases were HIV infection (23 patients, median CD4 count: 19/μl) and malignancy. The HIV-infected patients had a younger age (36.9 ± 13.7 vs. 50.2 ± 16.2 years, p = 0.006), a lower body mass index (19.9 ± 2.3 vs. 22.0 ± 3.7 kg/m(2), p = 0.035), a longer duration of symptoms before admission (24 ± 29 vs. 7 ± 15 days, p = 0.035), and a lower pneumonia severity index (56 ± 25 vs. 99 ± 35, p < 0.001) than non-HIV-infected patients. A delay between admission and starting antimicrobial therapy for PJP (10 ± 10 days vs. 1 ± 3 days, p = 0.004) and a high crude mortality (12/20, 60% vs. 2/23, 9%, p = 0.001) were noted in non-HIV-infected patients. In the univariate analysis, the risk factors for mortality were a low lymphocyte count (p < 0.05) and shock during hospitalization (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION A delay in the initiation of antimicrobial therapy for PJP and severe pneumonia were more common in the non-HIV-infected patients and were most likely related to the poor prognosis. The utilization of sensitive diagnostic tools to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment may improve the clinical outcomes of non-HIV-infected patients with PJP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chi Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chi Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Hardak E, Neuberger A, Yigla M, Berger G, Finkelstein R, Sprecher H, Oren I. Outcome of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction in patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection. Respirology 2012; 17:681-6. [PMID: 22390188 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2012.02158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) in patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with high mortality. The diagnosis of PCP at our institution is based on detection of DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations, outcomes and factors associated with mortality due to PCP, as diagnosed by PCR, in patients without HIV infection. METHODS Over a 6-year period, all HIV-negative immunocompromised patients suspected of having an opportunistic pulmonary infection underwent diagnostic bronchoscopy. A multigene PCR assay that detects Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA was used for the diagnosis of PCP. Patients were considered to have PCP if they had underlying immunodeficiency, compatible signs and symptoms, abnormal radiological findings, and Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA was detected in a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid sample. Data was collected retrospectively. RESULTS PCP was diagnosed in 58 patients. The underlying conditions included haematological malignancies (60.3%), solid tumours (17.2%) and immunosuppressive treatment (22.4%). The most common clinical features in patients with PCP were fever (94.6%), dyspnoea (67.2%) and cough (36.2%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 17.2% (10/58). Mortality was associated with co-infections, high lactate dehydrogenase levels, female gender, and higher pneumonia severity index and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III scores. CONCLUSIONS In this study, the mortality of HIV-negative patients with PCP was low compared with previous reports. We hypothesize that this finding resulted from the increased sensitivity of a PCR-based assay, as compared with traditional methods, for the diagnosis of PCP in HIV-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Hardak
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
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Lee MY, Jang SH, Park MJ, Hwang WM, Yun SR. A Case of Successfully Treated Pneumocystis jiroveciPneumonia in CMV-associated IgA Nephropathy. Infect Chemother 2012. [DOI: 10.3947/ic.2012.44.6.491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Suk Hyun Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Min Ji Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Won Min Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Sung Ro Yun
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea
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Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia. Am J Med Sci 2011; 342:182-5. [DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e318210ff42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Harris JR, Marston BJ, Sangrujee N, DuPlessis D, Park B. Cost-effectiveness analysis of diagnostic options for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PLoS One 2011; 6:e23158. [PMID: 21858013 PMCID: PMC3156114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is challenging, particularly in developing countries. Highly sensitive diagnostic methods are costly, while less expensive methods often lack sensitivity or specificity. Cost-effectiveness comparisons of the various diagnostic options have not been presented. Methods and Findings We compared cost-effectiveness, as measured by cost per life-years gained and proportion of patients successfully diagnosed and treated, of 33 PCP diagnostic options, involving combinations of specimen collection methods [oral washes, induced and expectorated sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)] and laboratory diagnostic procedures [various staining procedures or polymerase chain reactions (PCR)], or clinical diagnosis with chest x-ray alone. Our analyses were conducted from the perspective of the government payer among ambulatory, HIV-infected patients with symptoms of pneumonia presenting to HIV clinics and hospitals in South Africa. Costing data were obtained from the National Institutes of Communicable Diseases in South Africa. At 50% disease prevalence, diagnostic procedures involving expectorated sputum with any PCR method, or induced sputum with nested or real-time PCR, were all highly cost-effective, successfully treating 77–90% of patients at $26–51 per life-year gained. Procedures using BAL specimens were significantly more expensive without added benefit, successfully treating 68–90% of patients at costs of $189–232 per life-year gained. A relatively cost-effective diagnostic procedure that did not require PCR was Toluidine Blue O staining of induced sputum ($25 per life-year gained, successfully treating 68% of patients). Diagnosis using chest x-rays alone resulted in successful treatment of 77% of patients, though cost-effectiveness was reduced ($109 per life-year gained) compared with several molecular diagnostic options. Conclusions For diagnosis of PCP, use of PCR technologies, when combined with less-invasive patient specimens such as expectorated or induced sputum, represent more cost-effective options than any diagnostic procedure using BAL, or chest x-ray alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Harris
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
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Hauser PM, Bille J, Lass-Flörl C, Geltner C, Feldmesser M, Levi M, Patel H, Muggia V, Alexander B, Hughes M, Follett SA, Cui X, Leung F, Morgan G, Moody A, Perlin DS, Denning DW. Multicenter, prospective clinical evaluation of respiratory samples from subjects at risk for Pneumocystis jirovecii infection by use of a commercial real-time PCR assay. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:1872-8. [PMID: 21367988 PMCID: PMC3122670 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02390-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection. Microscopic diagnosis, including diagnosis using the Merifluor-Pneumocystis direct fluorescent antigen (MP-DFA) test, has limitations. Real-time PCR may assist in diagnosis, but no commercially validated real-time PCR assay has been available to date. MycAssay Pneumocystis is a commercial assay that targets the P. jirovecii mitochondrial large subunit (analytical detection limit, ≤ 3.5 copies/μl of sample). A multicenter trial recruited 110 subjects: 54 with transplants (40 with lung transplants), 32 with nonmalignant conditions, 13 with leukemia, and 11 with solid tumors; 9 were HIV positive. A total of 110 respiratory samples (92% of which were bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] specimens) were analyzed by PCR. Performance was characterized relative to investigator-determined clinical diagnosis of PCP (including local diagnostic tests), and PCR results were compared with MP-DFA test results for 83 subjects. Thirteen of 14 subjects with PCP and 9/96 without PCP (including 5 undergoing BAL surveillance after lung transplantation) had positive PCR results; sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were 93%, 91%, 59%, and 99%, respectively. Fourteen of 83 subjects for whom PCR and MP-DFA test results were available had PCP; PCR sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 90%, 65%, and 98%, respectively, and MP-DFA test sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 93%, 100%, 100%, and 98%. Of the 9 PCR-positive subjects without PCP, 1 later developed PCP. The PCR diagnostic assay compares well with clinical diagnosis using nonmolecular methods. Additional positive results compared with the MP-DFA test may reflect low-level infection or colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe M. Hauser
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Bille
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Department für Hygiene, Mikrobiologie und Sozalmedizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck
| | | | | | | | | | - Victoria Muggia
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Martin Hughes
- Myconostica Ltd., Sharston, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Xiaohui Cui
- Myconostica Ltd., Sharston, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Flora Leung
- Myconostica Ltd., Sharston, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adrian Moody
- Myconostica Ltd., Sharston, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David S. Perlin
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School—UMDNJ, Newark, New Jersey
| | - David W. Denning
- Myconostica Ltd., Sharston, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, The University of Manchester
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre
- University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Döşkaya M, Caner A, Değirmenci A, Wengenack NL, Yolasığmaz A, Turgay N, Özensoy Töz S, Gürüz Y. Degree and frequency of inhibition in a routine real-time PCR detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in Turkey. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:937-944. [PMID: 21459903 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.030775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii is currently achieved by PCR in almost all laboratories with sufficient equipment due to its high sensitivity and specificity compared to staining methods. A current issue that limits the reliability and sensitivity of PCR is the degree of inhibition caused by inhibitory substances in respiratory samples. The present study aimed to analyse the degree and frequency of inhibition in real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens submitted to a Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) diagnosis laboratory in Ege University Medical School, Turkey. Between July 2009 and December 2010, 76 respiratory specimens [63 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, 10 sputum samples, two tracheal aspiration fluid and one thoracentesis fluid] obtained from 69 PcP-suspected patients were investigated for the presence of P. jirovecii using real-time PCR targeting the cdc2 gene. Of these samples, 42 of the specimens were stained and examined by microscopy according to the request of the clinicians. PCR was positive in 15 specimens in the initial run. Of the remaining 61 samples, 41 of them were negative with positive internal inhibition controls (i.e. true-negative group). The frequency of inhibition in the initial run was 26.31 % (20/76) as determined by spiked negative controls. All of the inhibited samples were resolved after 1 : 2, 1 : 5, 1 : 10 and 1 : 20 dilutions. P. jirovecii was detected by PCR in two inhibited specimens after retesting with diluted samples which were also positive by microscopy. The incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens was 22.36 % (17/76) as determined by real-time PCR and 7.14 % (3/42) by microscopy. Overall, the incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory samples was 23.68 % (18/76) as detected by both methods. In conclusion, inclusion of spiked positive controls in each sample and retesting with diluted samples to resolve inhibition increased the reliability of the real-time PCR assay in terms of determining false-negative results and influencing the treatment of the patient. Furthermore, results of the present study determined for the first time the frequency and degree of inhibition in a real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens during routine diagnosis of PcP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Caner
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nancy L Wengenack
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ayşegül Yolasığmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nevin Turgay
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Seray Özensoy Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
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Chumpitazi BFF, Flori P, Kern JB, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Hincky-Vitrat V, Brion JP, Thiebaut-Bertrand A, Minet C, Maubon D, Pelloux H. Characteristics and clinical relevance of the quantitative touch-down major surface glycoprotein polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Med Mycol 2011; 49:704-13. [PMID: 21417683 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2011.566894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) characteristics can increase the accuracy of the laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Between July 2008 and September 2009, 66 non-sequential prospective bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples, obtained from five HIV-infected and 49 non HIV-infected patients were investigated, using a quantitative-touch-down-PCR to determine the number of copies of major surface glycoprotein (MSG) genes of Pneumocystis jirovecii (q-TD-MSG-PCR). PCP was confirmed by microscopic observation of Pneumocystis, radio-clinical and therapeutic data in 18/54 patients. For PCP, the cut-off was 54.3 MSG copies per ml of BAL fluid. The PCR was positive in these same 18 cases and it was the only positive assay in two cases and the earliest diagnosis test in one case of PCP relapse. The likelihood positive ratio, sensitivity and specificity of the q-TD-MSG-PCR were 44, 100% and 97.7%, respectively. The Predictive Negative Value was 100% and the Predictive Positive Value of 95.5%, the intra- and inter-assay variability values were 2.7% (at more than 30 MSG copies) and 11.7% (at 10,000 MSG copies), respectively. Quantitative PCR can help diagnose PCP even in cases of low Pneumocystis load and might decrease morbidity in association with very early specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernabé F F Chumpitazi
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Grenoble University Hospital, Joseph Fourier University (Grenoble 1), France.
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Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia: Current Knowledge and Outstanding Public Health Issues. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-010-0029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gupta R, Mirdha BR, Guleria R, Kumar L, Samantaray JC, Agarwal SK, Kabra SK, Luthra K. Diagnostic significance of nested polymerase chain reaction for sensitive detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in respiratory clinical specimens. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 64:381-8. [PMID: 19631091 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A total of 327 clinical specimens, including both invasive and noninvasive samples, obtained from 275 patients with various types of underlying immunocompromised conditions and a clinical suspicion of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) were subjected to 2 different nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The target genes used for nested PCR were mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSU rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The results were compared with a single-round PCR targeting major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene. Amplification was successful in 16% of cases by mtLSU rRNA nested PCR, in 14.5% by ITS nested PCR, and in 10.9% by MSG PCR. The nested mtLSU rRNA PCR was found to be more sensitive (100% sensitive and 98.7% specific) and useful in detecting PCP for its use in routine diagnosis in our settings. Thus, this assay may be quite useful in the identification of patients who are in the early stage of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection with an organism load that could not be easily detected by the single-step PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
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Etoh K. Evaluation of a real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Kurume Med J 2009; 55:55-62. [PMID: 19571493 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.55.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate of the quantification of Pneumocystis jiroveci using a real-time PCR assay. We tried to verify whether quantification was really effective in differentiating between carriage and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) using real-time PCR with or without sample species normalization for classifying each sample species (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and total samples). Twenty-two positive samples previously examined by conventional qualitative PCR were subjected to real-time PCR. Of these 22 lower respiratory tract specimens, 10 were BAL samples and 12 were (induced) sputum samples. According to our clinical diagnostic criteria, 17 were PCP and 5 were non-PCP. In the 12 sputum samples the concentrations of Pneumocystis-specific DNA detected in the non-PCP patients did not differ significantly from those in the PCP patients. The data were normalized using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the housekeeping gene to exclude differences due to the number of human cells in collected samples. After normalization, the Pneumocystis-specific DNA/GAPDH-DNA ratio in the non-PCP patients was higher than that in the PCP patients. In the BAL samples (10 samples), the mean concentration of Pneumocystis-specific DNA detected in the PCP patients was 9.6 times higher than that in the non-PCP patients (P=0.058), and after normalization, the Pneumocystis-specific DNA/GAPDH-DNA ratio in the PCP patients did not differ significantly (P=0.19) from that in the non-PCP patients. Although the present study indicated that normalization using GAPDH might be not helpful but BAL specimens are recommended over sputum specimens for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia by quantification with real-time PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohju Etoh
- Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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36
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Azoulay É, Bergeron A, Chevret S, Bele N, Schlemmer B, Menotti J. Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosing Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients With Pulmonary Infiltrates. Chest 2009; 135:655-661. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.08-1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Fillaux J, Malvy S, Alvarez M, Fabre R, Cassaing S, Marchou B, Linas MD, Berry A. Accuracy of a routine real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. J Microbiol Methods 2008; 75:258-61. [PMID: 18606198 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 06/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a common cause of life-threatening pneumonia among immunocompromised patients. Using 400 fresh bronchoalveolar lavage samples, we compared prospectively routine direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and a real-time PCR assay, performed on a LightCycler system, for the detection of P. jirovecii. Among the 66 PCR positive samples, 31 were positive by DFA. No patient was found as having the pattern "PCR--ve/DFA+ve". The semi-quantification of the P. jirovecii DNA was represented by the cycle threshold (Ct). Using DFA as the gold standard, the sensitivity of the PCR was 100% for Ct > or = 28 and the specificity was 100% for Ct < 22. Between these two points, the results could be discrepant. The patients of the "22 < or = Ct < 28" group presented more frequently with a radiological interstitial syndrome than the "Ct > or = 28" group, and presented less frequently with HIV-infection and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay than in the "Ct < 22" group. A negative PCR allowed us to exclude the P. jirovecii pneumonia. The real-time PCR assay seems to be an accurate diagnosis method and could replace the DFA. The semi-quantitative results should be helpful to distinguish colonized, subclinically infected and P. jirovecii pneumonia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Fillaux
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toulouse University Hospitals, France.
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Abstract
Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly carinii) pneumonia (PCP) is a serious opportunistic infection in children and adolescents with cancer. It was the most common cause of death among children receiving chemotherapy prior to the inclusion of PCP prophylaxis as part of standard care for children with leukemia. The incidence of PCP has decreased significantly since initiation of prophylaxis; however, breakthrough cases continue to occur. Hematologic malignancies, brain tumors necessitating prolonged corticosteroid therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, prolonged neutropenia, and lymphopenia are the most important risk factors for PCP in children not infected with HIV. Of children with leukemia, 15-20% may develop PCP in the absence of prophylaxis. Infection with P. jiroveci occurs early in life in most individuals. However, clinically apparent disease occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised persons. Dyspnea, cough, hypoxia, and fever are the most common presenting symptoms of PCP. Chest radiography and high-resolution CT scans of the chest demonstrate a characteristic ground-glass pattern. Induced sputum analysis and bronchoalveolar lavage are the diagnostic procedures of choice. Gomori's methenamine-silver stain, Geimsa or Wright's stain, and monoclonal immunofluorescent antibody stains are most commonly used to make a diagnosis. However, identification of P. jiroveci DNA using polymerase chain reaction assays in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is more sensitive. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ; cotrimoxazole) is the recommended drug for the treatment of PCP. Patients who are intolerant of TMP-SMZ or who have not responded to treatment after 5-7 days of therapy with TMP-SMZ should be treated with pentamidine. A short course of corticosteroids is recommended for moderate to severe cases of PCP within the first 72 hours after diagnosis. Mutations in the dihydropteroate synthetase gene may confer resistance to TMP-SMZ; however, the clinical relevance of these mutations is not well established. TMP-SMZ is the most commonly used agent for prophylaxis. Myelosuppression is the most important adverse effect of TMP-SMZ and the most frequent cause for choosing alternative prophylactic agents in children undergoing chemotherapy. Alternative agents for chemoprophylaxis include dapsone, aerosolized pentamidine, and atovaquone. Alternative prophylactic agents must be used in patients developing myelosuppression secondary to TMP-SMZ or dapsone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadhna M Shankar
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6310, USA.
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Haque AK, Adegboyega PA. Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia. DAIL AND HAMMAR’S PULMONARY PATHOLOGY 2008. [PMCID: PMC7121032 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-68792-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common pulmonary infections in persons with impaired cell-mediated immunity, and particularly those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).1–7 Pneumocystis was first described in the lungs of guinea pigs, during experiments on American trypanosomiasis by Carlos Chagas8 in 1909 and by Antonio Carinii9 in 1910. Both considered the cysts of Pneumocystis as part of the trypanosome’s life cycle. Shortly afterward the Delanoes10 found identical forms in the lungs of rats that had not been infected with trypanosomes and recognized the organism as a separate species. The name Pneumocystis carinii, was given to this organism as a generic name (Greek:pneumon, “lung”; kystis, “cyst”), honoring Carinii.11
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Kawagishi N, Miyagi S, Satoh K, Akamatsu Y, Sekiguchi S, Satomi S. Usefulness of beta-d glucan in diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and monitoring its treatment in a living-donor liver-transplant recipient. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 14:308-11. [PMID: 17520208 DOI: 10.1007/s00534-006-1135-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Accepted: 05/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the fatal complications encountered after liver transplantation. The diagnosis of PCP is sometimes very difficult, because detection of the bacteria itself is not easy under some conditions, and the serum level of the chemical mediator is not yet considered to be a definitive diagnostic marker. We report a case of PCP that occurred 3 months after transplantation in a living-donor liver-transplant recipient; the disease developed during the course of outpatient follow-up when the patient's condition was stable. The patient was maintained with the usual level of immunosuppressants, using tacrolimus, steroid, and mycophenolate mofetil. The patient had a dry cough with mild fever, and a chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed a reticular shadow in the left lung field. The plasma level of beta-D: glucan was high (135 pg/ml). We suspected an invasive fungal infection, but no pathogen was detected by routine fungal culture and cytology. Finally, P. carinii was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and we started treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) combined with an antifungal agent. During this period, the level of beta-D: glucan correlated with the patient's clinical symptoms; this marker was very useful for monitoring the treatment of PCP in this living-donor liver-transplant recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kawagishi
- Division of Advanced Surgical Science and Technology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
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Flori P, Bellete B, Durand F, Raberin H, Cazorla C, Hafid J, Lucht F, Sung RTM. Comparison between real-time PCR, conventional PCR and different staining techniques for diagnosing Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. J Med Microbiol 2004; 53:603-607. [PMID: 15184529 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.45528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Between January 2002 and July 2003, 173 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens from 150 patients (19 HIV-infected and 131 non-HIV-infected patients) were evaluated for identification of Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis) using staining techniques, conventional PCR (mtLSUrRNA gene) and real-time PCR (MSG gene). Test results were compared to Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) confirmed by typical clinical findings and response to treatment. Sensitivity and specificity of the techniques were 60 and 100% for staining (where either one or both techniques were positive), 100 and 87.0% for conventional PCR and 100 and 84.9 % for real-time PCR, respectively. The use of a concentration of 10(3) copies of DNA per capillary of BAL as a cut-off (determined by real-time PCR) increased specificity from 84.9 to 98.6% without reducing the sensitivity of the technique. This technique is rapid (<3 h) and therefore of major interest in differentiating between asymptomatic carriage and PCP. A BAL specimen with <10(3) copies per capillary of Pneumocystis-specific DNA is more likely to indicate a chronic carrier state, but in such cases follow-up is required to ensure that the patient is not in the early stage of an active PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Flori
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Bahrie Bellete
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Fabrice Durand
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Hélène Raberin
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Céline Cazorla
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Jamal Hafid
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Frédéric Lucht
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
| | - Roger Tran Manh Sung
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Hôpital Nord1 and Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Bellevue2, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, 42055 Saint Etienne, France
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Huang L, Crothers K, DeOliveira A, Eiser S, Zucchi P, Beard CB, Unnasch TR. Application of an mRNA-Based Molecular Viability Assay to Oropharyngeal Washes for the Diagnosis of Pneurnocystis Pneumonia in HIV-Infected Patients. A Pilot Study. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2003; 50 Suppl:618-20. [PMID: 14736185 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2003.tb00652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Positive Health Program, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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Larsen HH, Masur H, Kovacs JA, Gill VJ, Silcott VA, Kogulan P, Maenza J, Smith M, Lucey DR, Fischer SH. Development and evaluation of a quantitative, touch-down, real-time PCR assay for diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:490-4. [PMID: 11825961 PMCID: PMC153364 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.2.490-494.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2001] [Revised: 08/29/2001] [Accepted: 11/09/2001] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid (time to completion, <4 h, including DNA extraction) and quantitative touch-down (QTD) real-time diagnostic Pneumocystis carinii PCR assay with an associated internal control was developed, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes for detection. The touch-down procedure significantly increased the sensitivity of the assay compared to a non-touch-down procedure. Tenfold serial dilutions of a cloned target were used as standards for quantification. P. carinii DNA has been detected in respiratory specimens from patients with P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) and from patients without clinical evidence of PCP. The latter probably represents colonization or subclinical infection. It is logical to hypothesize that quantification might prove helpful in distinguishing between infected and colonized patients: the latter group would have lower copy numbers than PCP patients. A blinded retrospective study of 98 respiratory samples (49 lower respiratory tract specimens and 49 oral washes), from 51 patients with 24 episodes of PCP and 34 episodes of other respiratory disease, was conducted. PCR-positive samples from colonized patients contained a lower concentration of P. carinii DNA than samples from PCP patients: lower respiratory tract samples from PCP and non-PCP patients contained a median of 938 (range, 2.4 to 1,040,000) and 2.6 (range, 0.3 to 248) (P < 0.0004) copies per tube, respectively. Oral washes from PCP and non-PCP patients contained a median of 49 (range, 2.1 to 2,595) and 6.5 (range, 2.2 to 10) (P < 0.03) copies per tube, respectively. These data suggest that this QTD PCR assay can be used to determine if P. carinii is present in respiratory samples and to distinguish between colonization and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Henrik Larsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Agostoni F, Atzori C, Angeli E, Mainini A, Micheli V, Cargnel A. Pneumocystis carinii diagnosis: an update. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2000; 16:549-57. [PMID: 11118878 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-8579(00)00292-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
From 1994 to date we have been using the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the possibility of diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia on non-invasive samples collected from HIV-positive patients with pulmonary involvement. The objectives were: (1) to test the sensitivity, specificity and prognostic value of PCR in diagnosis and follow up of PCP; (2) to investigate the eventual occurrence and role of asymptomatic carriers of P. carinii; (3) to evaluate the prognostic significance of blood PCR positivity versus respiratory samples; (4) to verify the occurrence of exogenous infections or endogenous reactivations in cases of recurrent P. carinii pneumonia; and (5) to study the possible correlation between P. carinii genotype identified and capability of blood dissemination, prior prophylactic treatments, clinical parameters and outcome of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Agostoni
- II Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Mayaud C, Cadranel J. A persistent challenge: the diagnosis of respiratory disease in the non-AIDS immunocompromised host. Thorax 2000; 55:511-7. [PMID: 10817801 PMCID: PMC1745772 DOI: 10.1136/thorax.55.6.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Mayaud
- Service de Pneumologie et de Réanimation Respiratoire, Hôpital Tenon, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
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47
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Hanano R, Fensterle J, Nusser P, Reifenberg K, Kaufmann SH. PCR-based quantification of Pneumocystis carinii in in vitro systems. Microbes Infect 2000; 2:737-43. [PMID: 10955953 DOI: 10.1016/s1286-4579(00)90358-7] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In many laboratories, PCR has become a routine method for the sensitive diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii in patient samples. In contrast, quantification of fungal numbers in in vitro setups still largely relies on more conventional procedures such as histological stainings. These are time consuming and their applications are limited when dealing with small fungal numbers contaminated with tissue and cellular debris. This study presents a sensitive and rapid method for P. carinii quantification based on PCR analysis that can be easily integrated into standard detection procedures without requiring any major additional steps. P. carinii-specific PCR performed with total DNA extracted from both standard samples with known fungal numbers and experimental samples was quantified relative to PCR products of a standard concentration from a control plasmid added prior to DNA extraction. This measure controlled for variations in DNA extraction and PCR efficiency among the samples to be compared. The correlation between analyzed P. carinii-specific DNA and the actual fungal numbers employed was highly significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hanano
- Department of Immunology, University Clinics Ulm, Germany
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48
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Sing A, Trebesius K, Roggenkamp A, Rüssmann H, Tybus K, Pfaff F, Bogner JR, Emminger C, Heesemann J. Evaluation of diagnostic value and epidemiological implications of PCR for Pneumocystis carinii in different immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patient groups. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:1461-7. [PMID: 10747126 PMCID: PMC86465 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.4.1461-1467.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the value of single and nested PCRs for diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in a variety of respiratorily distressed patient groups, 574 respiratory samples from 334 patients (89 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive patients, 61 transplant recipients, 66 malignancy patients, 34 otherwise immunosuppressed patients, and 84 immunocompetent patients) were prospectively examined by microscopy and single and nested PCRs. The resulting data were correlated with clinical evidence of PCP. Microscopy and single PCR of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens from HIV patients were 100% sensitive and specific in detecting PCP, whereas nested PCR, although being 100% sensitive, reached a specificity of only 97.5%. In the three non-HIV immunosuppressed patient groups, both single and nested PCR invariably produced lower positive predictive values than microscopy. Among immunocompetent patients, the positive predictive values of both PCRs were 0%. Therefore, the diagnostic values of the PCR methods tested do not seem to offer any additional advantage compared to that of conventional microscopy for these patient groups. However, nested PCR identified a significant percentage of clinically silent P. carinii colonizations in about 17 to 20% of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed non-HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sing
- Max von Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Ludwig Maximilians-Universität München, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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49
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Sakai T, Ikegami K, Yoshinaga E, Uesugi-Hayakawa R, Wakizaka A. Rapid, sensitive and simple detection of candida deep mycosis by amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene; comparison with assay of serum beta-D-glucan level in clinical samples. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2000; 190:119-28. [PMID: 10770620 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.190.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the clinical usefulness of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay amplifying the 18S ribosomal RNA gene of fungi for the diagnosis of deep candidiasis, compared with that of the beta-glucan test or Cand-Tec test. Thirty critically ill patients who had received prolonged care with intravenous hyperalimentation and endotracheal intubation in the intensive care unit and were suspected of having deep fungal infections were examined. Twenty-one were fungi positive in the PCR assay (70%). Among 24 samples in which the PCR assay, beta-glucan test and Cand-Tec test were performed simultaneously, 75% of the samples (18/24) were fungi positive in the PCR assay, whereas only 54% (13/24) had positive reactions in the beta-glucan test and 21% (5/24) in the Cand-Tec test. The results of the Cand-Tec test showed no relationship with those of the PCR or beta-glucan test. The lower limit of detection in the PCR assay was 4-5 CFU/ml of C. albicans in blood. No fungal organism was amplified from the serum of 20 healthy individuals. The results of the PCR assay and beta-glucan test showed a significant correlation in this study, but the PCR assay proved to be more sensitive than the beta-glucan test (p < 0.05), and to be more useful for the clinical diagnosis and monitoring of deep Candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sakai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
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Graham SM, Mtitimila EI, Kamanga HS, Walsh AL, Hart CA, Molyneux ME. Clinical presentation and outcome of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in Malawian children. Lancet 2000; 355:369-73. [PMID: 10665557 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(98)11074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necropsy studies from Africa have shown that Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is common in infants with HIV infection. We aimed to describe the rate, clinical presentation, and outcome of PCP in young Malawian children with acute severe pneumonia. METHODS Children aged between 2 months and 5 years who were in hospital with a diagnosis of severe pneumonia were admitted to a study ward for clinical monitoring. We carried out blood culture, immunofluorescence on nasopharyngeal aspirate samples to test for PCP, polymerase chain reaction to detect HIV, and chest radiography. FINDINGS 16 cases of PCP were identified among 150 children with radiologically confirmed severe pneumonia. All were HIV-positive and younger than 6 months. 21 children had bacterial pneumonia (including one who was also PCP positive) and 114 were not confirmed. The most common bacterial pathogens among children without PCP were Streptococcus pneumoniae (eight) and non-typhoidal salmonellae (seven). On admission, children with confirmed PCP had a lower mean age, body temperature, and oxygen saturation than children with bacterial pneumonia and were less likely to have a focal abnormality on auscultation. Oxygen requirements were much greater in children with PCP than those with bacterial pneumonias (96 of 105 hospital days vs 15 of 94, p<0.0001). Ten of 16 children with PCP and six of 21 with bacterial pneumonia died (relative risk 2.19 [95% CI 1.0-4.7]). The overall case-fatality rate of severe pneumonia was 22%. In addition to a strong association with PCP, a fatal outcome was significantly and independently associated with HIV infection (2.98 [1.1-7.9]) and with age under 6 months (2.76 [1.0-5.2]). INTERPRETATION PCP is common and contributes to the high mortality from pneumonia in Malawian infants. Clinical features are helpful in diagnosis. The study highlights the impact of HIV infection and difficult issues of management in countries with few resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Graham
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre.
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