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Harizanov R, Tsvetkova N, Ivanova A, Enikova R, Videnova M, Rainova I, Kaneva E, Kaftandjiev I, Strashimirov D, Yancheva-Petrova N, Simeonovski I, Levterova V, Yanev N. Study on the Prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii as a Causative Agent of Lung Pathology in People with Different Immune Status. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1851. [PMID: 37509491 PMCID: PMC10376562 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) commonly affects immunocompromised individuals, whereas in immunocompetent persons, it occurs relatively rarely, and in most cases, the Pneumocystis infection is detected as an asymptomatic colonization. The present study aimed to establish the prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in human hosts with different immune status (immunocompromised and immunocompetent), using molecular diagnostic methods, and to compare their diagnostic value with that of classical staining methods. METHODS We used the collected-to-this-moment data from a prospective study on the prevalence of pneumocystosis among the Bulgarian population. Clinical specimens (including throat secretions, induced sputum, tracheal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage) collected from 220 patients suspected of PCP (153 immunocompetent and 67 immunocompromised patients) were examined with microscopic staining methods and real-time PCR for detection of P. jirovecii. Results: DNA of the pathogen was detected in 38 (17%) specimens (32 immunocompromised patients and 6 immunocompetent subjects). From all 220 clinical samples examined by staining methods, only five (2%) P. jirovecii cysts were detected by the Gomori stain. All patients with PCP were treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, but in ten of them (HIV-positive patients), the disease had a fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first in Bulgaria including the main available laboratory methods for diagnosis of human pneumocystosis. Regarding the etiological diagnosis of PCP, in our study the sensitivity of real-time PCR was higher compared to the staining methods. The choice of a method for sample collection and examination has an important role in the efficiency of the laboratory diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumen Harizanov
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Tsvetkova
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Aleksandra Ivanova
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Raina Enikova
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mihaela Videnova
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iskra Rainova
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Eleonora Kaneva
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iskren Kaftandjiev
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Dimitar Strashimirov
- Department for AIDS, Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Ivan Geshev Blvd. 17, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Yancheva-Petrova
- Department for AIDS, Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Ivan Geshev Blvd. 17, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Simeonovski
- Department of Microbiology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Viktoria Levterova
- Department of Microbiology, National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 26 Yanko Sakazov Blvd., 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Yanev
- Department of Bronchology, University Multi-Profile Hospital (UMBAL) for Active Treatment of Lung Diseases "Sveti Ivan Rilski" EAD, Ivan Geshev Blvd. 19, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Morilla R, Martínez-Rísquez MT, de la Horra C, Friaza V, Martín-Juan J, Romero B, Conde M, Varela JM, Calderón EJ, Medrano FJ. Airborne acquisition of Pneumocystis in bronchoscopy units: a hidden danger to healthcare workers. Med Mycol 2019; 57:542-547. [PMID: 30289486 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possible presence of Pneumocystis in a bronchoscopy unit of a tertiary-hospital was examined by detecting Pneumocystis-specific DNA by polymerase chain reaction in prospectively obtained samples of oropharyngeal wash from seven healthcare workers (HCWs) and air from three areas of the unit at different time points (baseline, days +15,+30,+60,+90 after initiation of the study). Positive samples were genotyped at two genetic loci: the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSUrRNA) fragment by direct sequencing and the gene for dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) by restriction fragment-length polymorphism. Pneumocystis DNA was identified in 13/24 samples from HCWs, in 4/14 air samples and also in two patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) and another with a Pneumocystis-associated disease subjected to bronchoscopy on days +15 and +60 after initiation of the study. The HCWs harbored a high rate of mtLSU-rRNA genotypes 1 and 3 and samples from air and patients with only genotype 3. DHPS mutations related to sulpha resistance were detected in three samples from HCWs and in one from air; 65% of the positive samples showed genotypic concordance. The study demonstrates that HCWs of bronchoscopy units represent a new dynamic reservoir and a possible source of infection for human Pneumocystis species, including DHPS genotypes related to sulpha resistance that could be transmitted within hospitals to immunosuppressed hosts in whom a PcP can develop. The results provide the first evidence of the risk of Pneumocystis transmission in the bronchoscopy units and arguments to improve prevention and control of this infection in nosocomial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Morilla
- Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María T Martínez-Rísquez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío
| | | | - Vicente Friaza
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Martín-Juan
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Beatriz Romero
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - José M Varela
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Enrique J Calderón
- Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco J Medrano
- Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
- Hospital San Juan de Dios del Aljarafe, Bormujos, Sevilla, Spain
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3
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Abstract
Although major advances in the care of cancer patients over the past several decades have resulted in improved survival, infectious complications remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To successfully identify, treat, and prevent infections, a comprehensive understanding of risk factors that predispose to infection and of commonly encountered pathogens is necessary. In addition, clinicians must keep abreast of the changing epidemiology of infections in this population. As therapeutic modalities continue to evolve, as established pathogens become increasingly drug resistant, and as new pathogens are discovered, successful management of infections will continue to present challenges in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Stosor
- Div. Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois USA
| | - Teresa R. Zembower
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois USA
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Catherinot E, Lanternier F, Bougnoux ME, Lecuit M, Couderc LJ, Lortholary O. Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2010; 24:107-38. [PMID: 20171548 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2009.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii has gained attention during the last decade in the context of the AIDS epidemic and the increasing use of cytotoxic and immunosuppressive therapies. This article summarizes current knowledge on biology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pulmonary P jirovecii infection, with a particular focus on the evolving pathophysiology and epidemiology. Pneumocystis pneumonia still remains a severe opportunistic infection, associated with a high mortality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Catherinot
- Université Paris Descartes, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, 149 Rue de Sèvres, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris 75015, France
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5
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Clinical significance and phylogenetic relationship of novel Australian Pneumocystis jirovecii genotypes. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:1818-23. [PMID: 19369437 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02102-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Molecular typing is employed to study this pathogen, as no culture system exists. No Australian P. jirovecii strains have been previously studied. Direct sequencing, targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear rRNA operon, the mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA (mt LSU rRNA), and the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene, was performed on 68 Australian samples, collected between 2001 and 2007. Seven novel Australian ITS haplotypes (a composite of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions) were identified (SYD1m, SYD1g, Isyd2, Esyd3, Osyd4, Ag, and Hc). A dendrogram of published ITS haplotypes revealed that of the seven novel haplotypes, three (SYD1m, SYD1g, and Osyd4) are closely related to the haplotype Eg. Applying statistical parsimony, an Australian haplotype network was constructed which identified Eg as the ancestral haplotype, with two unresolved loops encountered. This suggests that the ITS lacks the resolution required for evolutionary analysis. Only two mt LSU rRNA genotypes were detected, with genotype 1 predominating. Mutant DHPS genotypes were present in 13% (8/60) of the samples. The novel haplotype Isyd2 was associated with less severe disease than the other Australian haplotypes. In contrast, patients with mutant DHPS genotypes were more likely to have severe disease, require invasive ventilation, and have a poor outcome than patients with wild-type DHPS genotypes. In conclusion, genetic clinical correlates continue to be found for Pneumocystis pneumonia; however, they remain controversial and warrant further study.
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Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Febrile Neutropenia. MANAGING INFECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES 2009. [PMCID: PMC7121946 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-415-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive chemotherapy has a deleterious effect on all components of the defense system of the human body. The resulting neutropenia as well as injury to the pulmonary and gastrointestinal mucosa allow pathogenic micro-organisms easy access to the body. The symptoms of an incipient infection are usually subtle and limited to unexplained fever due to the absence of granulocytes. This is the reason why prompt administration of antimicrobial agents while waiting for the results of the blood cultures, the so-called empirical approach, became an undisputed standard of care. Gram-negative pathogens remain the principal concern because their virulence accounts for serious morbidity and a high early mortality rate. Three basic intravenous antibiotic regimens have evolved: initial therapy with a single antipseudomonal β-lactam, the so-called monotherapy; a combination of two drugs: a β-lactam with an aminoglycoside, a second β-lactam or a quinolone; and, thirdly, a glycopeptide in addition to β-lactam monotherapy or combination. As there is no single consistently superior empirical regimen, one should consider the local antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial isolates in the selection of the initial antibiotic regimen. Not all febrile neutropenic patients carry the same risk as those with fever only generally respond rapidly, whereas those with a clinically or microbiologically documented infection show a much slower reaction and less favorable response rate. Once an empirical antibiotic therapy has been started, the patient must be monitored continuously for nonresponse, emergence of secondary infections, adverse effects, and the development of drug-resistant organisms. The averageduration of fever in serious infections in eventually successfully treated neutropenic patients is 4–5 days. Adaptations of an antibiotic regimen in a patient who is clearly not responding is relatively straightforward when a micro-organism has been isolated; the results of the cultures, supplemented by susceptibility testing, will assist in selecting the proper antibiotics. The management of febrile patients with pulmonary infiltrates is complex. Bronchoscopy and a high resolution computer-assisted tomographic scan represent the cornerstones of all diagnostic procedures, supplemented by serological tests for relevant viral pathogens and for aspergillosis. Fungi have been found to be responsible for two thirds of all superinfections that may surface during broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment of neutropenic patients. Antibiotic treatment is usually continued for a minimum of 7 days or until culture results indicate that the causative organism has been eradicated and the patient is free of major signs and symptoms. If a persistently neutropenic patient has no complaints and displays no evidence of infection, early watchful cessation of antibiotic therapy or a change to the oral regimen should be considered.
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Wang J, Gigliotti F, Maggirwar S, Johnston C, Finkelstein JN, Wright TW. Pneumocystis carinii activates the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in alveolar epithelial cells. Infect Immun 2005; 73:2766-77. [PMID: 15845480 PMCID: PMC1087330 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.5.2766-2777.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PcP) is a clinically important infection of immunocompromised patients. Although the interaction of Pneumocystis with the alveolar epithelium has been well documented, very little information regarding the epithelial response to Pneumocystis is currently available. In order to study Pneumocystis-epithelium interactions, a murine cell line derived specifically from an alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) was utilized. The coculture of murine AECs with mouse Pneumocystis induced a dose- and time-dependent release of the CXC chemokine MIP-2. Importantly, the specific removal of Pneumocystis from the preparation, or the pretreatment of AECs with sulfasalazine, a potent and specific inhibitor of NF-kappaB, nearly completely abrogated the chemokine response to Pneumocystis. Since the murine MIP-2 promoter contains consensus kappaB binding sequences, the ability of Pneumocystis to stimulate NF-kappaB signaling in AECs was examined. Pneumocystis stimulation of an AEC line stably transfected with a kappaB-dependent reporter construct triggered the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and reporter production. These data were confirmed in gel shift assays, providing direct evidence that Pneumocystis induced the nuclear translocation of the p50/p65 heterodimeric form of NF-kappaB. Maximal NF-kappaB activation was dependent upon direct contact with viable Pneumocystis organisms. These data demonstrate that Pneumocystis activates NF-kappaB signaling in AECs and establish a reporter cell line for studying NF-kappaB activation in AECs. Given the global regulatory functions of the NF-kappaB family, these findings suggest that Pneumocystis directly alters AEC gene expression in a manner that promotes pulmonary immune and inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 850, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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8
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Santamauro JT, Aurora RN, Stover DE. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with and without HIV infection. COMPREHENSIVE THERAPY 2002; 28:96-108. [PMID: 12085467 DOI: 10.1007/s12019-002-0047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the prevention and treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV infected patients have led to a decrease in the incidence and improved outcomes. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia continues to be problematic in non-HIV infected immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean T Santamauro
- Pulmonary Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Room MRI 1013, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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9
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Marinković O, Aćimović S. [Pneumonia in patients with immunologic deficiency]. VOJNOSANIT PREGL 2002; 59:545-9. [PMID: 12451736 DOI: 10.2298/vsp0205545m] [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] Open
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10
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Hori S, Carvalho TL, Demengeot J. CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells suppress CD4+ T cell-mediated pulmonary hyperinflammation driven by Pneumocystis carinii in immunodeficient mice. Eur J Immunol 2002; 32:1282-91. [PMID: 11981815 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200205)32:5<1282::aid-immu1282>3.0.co;2-#] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The CD4(+) T cell-mediated inflammatory response to Pneumocystis carinii (PC) critically contributes to the clinical severity of PC pneumonia. It has been suggested that lymphopenic conditions predispose individuals to this immunopathology, although the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Another set of evidence indicates that a subpopulation of CD4(+) T cells constitutively expressing the CD25 molecule prevent lymphopenia-induced autoimmunity and inflammatory bowel disease. We tested the ability of this CD25(+)CD4(+) population to regulate CD4(+) T cell-mediated inflammatory response to PC. Adoptive transfer of CD25(-)CD4(+) cells into PC-infected recombination-activating gene-2-deficient mice led to lethal pneumonia within 13 days post-transfer. PC infection appeared to trigger CD25(-)CD4(+) cells, since recipients with reduced PC load survived up to 5 weeks after transfer. In contrast, transfer of CD25(+)CD4(+) cells did not induce lethal pneumonia and prevented the development of the disease induced by CD25(-)CD4(+) cells. Furthermore, CD25(-)CD4(+) cells reduced the PC load in the lung, while CD25(+)CD4(+) cells suppressed this immune response. Our results indicate an essential role for CD25(+)CD4(+) T cells in the control of PC-driven immunopathology, and suggest that in immunocompromised hosts PC pneumonia may result from a deficiency in regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Hori
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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Abstract
The total care of a patient with an incurable brain tumor is a complex task. It is best performed by a team of specialized care providers including neurologists, neuro-oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, neuropsychologists, social workers, and physical and occupational therapists. Hospice providers, and spiritual counselors provide particular skilled services and comfort to patients nearing the end of life. The role and prominence of each team member evolves during the course of the illness as the disease progresses and the symptoms and needs of the patient change. Family members often provide the bulk of the direct care, and themselves require support, education, and counseling. While we currently lack curative therapies for most patients with malignant brain tumors, careful attention to symptom diagnosis and management can greatly enhance the quality of life of a patient with a brain tumor throughout the course of the illness and at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Peterson
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and Medical Oncology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California 94305, USA.
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Rosowsky A, Fu H, Queener SF. Synthesis of 2,4-diaminopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines and 2,4-diamino-quinazolines with bulky dibenz[b,f]azepine and dibenzo[a,d]-cycloheptene substituents at the 6-position as inhibitors of dihydrofolate reductases frompneumocystis carinii, toxoplasma gondii, andmycobacterium avium. J Heterocycl Chem 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.5570370440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Wright TW, Gigliotti F, Finkelstein JN, McBride JT, An CL, Harmsen AG. Immune-mediated inflammation directly impairs pulmonary function, contributing to the pathogenesis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. J Clin Invest 1999; 104:1307-17. [PMID: 10545529 PMCID: PMC409816 DOI: 10.1172/jci6688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical severity of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) correlates closely with the appearance of pulmonary markers of inflammation. Therefore, a model system was developed whereby physiological studies could be performed on live mice to determine the extent to which pulmonary inflammation contributes to respiratory impairment during PCP. P. carinii-infected severe combined immunodeficient mice displayed little evidence of pulmonary inflammation and exhibited normal oxygenation and dynamic lung compliance. When comparably infected littermates were immunologically reconstituted, however, an intense immune-mediated inflammatory response was observed that resulted in significant decreases in both lung compliance and oxygenation. As the pneumonia resolved pulmonary function returned toward normal. To begin to define the cell populations contributing to inflammation-associated respiratory impairment during PCP, similar studies were performed in CD4(+) T cell-depleted mice. Mice depleted of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells developed infection, but they demonstrated neither abnormal lung compliance nor increased respiratory rate and displayed no markers of lung injury. In contrast, mice depleted of only CD4(+) T cells exhibited severe pulmonary inflammation and injury, decreased oxygenation and lung compliance, and increased respirations. Respiratory compromise was associated with the presence of activated CD8(+) cells and neutrophils in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. These observations provide direct experimental evidence that the host's response to P. carinii directly impairs pulmonary function and contributes to the pathogenesis of PCP. Furthermore, CD8(+) T cells likely contribute to the respiratory compromise observed during PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- T W Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Microbiology University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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14
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Abstract
Patients with underlying malignancies are at risk for a wide array of infectious diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality. To develop a clear etiologic understanding of the infectious agents involved first requires a knowledge of the factors that predispose to infection. Neutropenia is clearly the single most important risk factor for infection in the cancer patient. However, a variety of both host and treatment-associated factors act together to predispose these patients to opportunistic infections. Approaching the individual malignancies with a knowledge of the underlying risk factors helps logically guide diagnosis and therapy. The astute clinician must also be aware of new and emerging infections in this patient population. As new pathogens are discovered and established pathogens become increasingly drug resistant, they will continue to present challenges for physicians caring for these patients in the years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zembower
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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15
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Abstract
Oncologic patients constitute a population whose susceptibility to infections is conditioned by a broad variety of factors. Advances in antineoplastic treatments have resulted in significant prevalence of severe immunosuppression among such patients. Although impairment of more than one distinct effector limb of host defenses occurs in each patient, infections can usually be attributed to a particular deficiency. Major risk factors for infections include granulocytopenia and defects of cell-mediated immunity or of humoral immunity. In the extreme situation of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, the multitude and the timing of infections can be explained by significant dysfunction of all types of specific immune deficiencies. Treatment of bacterial infections has become more effective with the advent of broad-spectrum antibiotics; however, the dreadful emergence of polyresistant strains may be a serious problem in the near future. Prevention strategies have reduced the risk posed by important pathogens such as CMV or PCP, whereas we still lack reliable treatment against invasive mycoses. The advent of growth factors is a useful adjunct in our armamentarium; in addition to shortening the neutropenic periods after chemotherapy, they may restore qualitative defects of phagocytes. Their exact usefulness and role in managing infections remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Emmanouilides
- Bowyer Oncology Clinic, Division of Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Bergen GA, Shelhamer JH. Pulmonary infiltrates in the cancer patient. New approaches to an old problem. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1996; 10:297-325. [PMID: 8803622 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5520(05)70300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A variety of etiologies may produce pulmonary infiltrates in a patient with cancer. Infectious etiologies, of an ever-increasing number, are always of paramount concern due to their high mortality in this patient population. Patients may be rendered immunosuppressed for prolonged periods of time and therefore are highly susceptible to infection. We present an overview of the many causes of pulmonary infiltrates in the cancer patient and an approach to diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Bergen
- Division of Infections, Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA
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Sculier JP. Indications for intensive care in the management of infections in cancer patients. Cancer Treat Res 1995; 79:233-44. [PMID: 8746657 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4613-1239-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J P Sculier
- Service de Medicine Interne et Laboratoire d'Investigation, Centre des Tumeurs de L'Universite, Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium
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