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Moni M, Sathyapalan DT, Edathadathil F, Razak MA, Nair SG, Nair CV, Samban SS, Prasanna P, Kulirankal KG, Purushothaman SS, Gutjahr G, Ying J, John TM. Predicting COVID 19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Risk in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Matched Case-Control Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae406. [PMID: 39070046 PMCID: PMC11273325 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a life-threatening fungal infection. Studies focusing on CAPA in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Methods This retrospective matched case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care center in South India. Cases of CAPA were classified using the 2020 European Confederation of Medical Mycology/International Society for Human and Animal Mycology consensus criteria. A total of 95 cases were matched 1:1 with COVID-19 patients without CAPA. Matching was done based on age and period of admission. Inverse probability weighting was used to account for imbalances in COVID-19 severity and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Data on demographics, clinical details, microbiologic and radiologic data, and treatment outcomes were collected. A predictive score for CAPA was developed from baseline risk factors. Results The predictive score identified lymphopenia, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer risk factors, and broad-spectrum antibiotic use as the main risk factors for CAPA. Positivity for bacterial pathogens in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage samples reduced the risk of CAPA. The predictive model performed well in cross-validation, with an area under the curve value of 82%. CAPA diagnosis significantly increased mortality and shift to ICU. Conclusions The predictive model derived from the current study offers a valuable tool for clinicians, especially in high-endemic low- and middle-income countries, for the early identification and treatment of CAPA. With further validation, this risk score could improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin Moni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Dipu T Sathyapalan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Fabia Edathadathil
- Department of Infection Control and Epidemiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - M Abdul Razak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Sivapriya G Nair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Chithira V Nair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Swathy S Samban
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Preetha Prasanna
- Department of Medical Administration, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Kiran G Kulirankal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Shyam Sundar Purushothaman
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Georg Gutjahr
- Center for Research in Analytics and Technology for Education, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, Kerala, India
| | - Jiang Ying
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Teny M John
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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van Grootveld R, van Paassen J, Claas ECJ, Heerdink L, Kuijper EJ, de Boer MGJ, van der Beek MT. Prospective and systematic screening for invasive aspergillosis in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic, a proof of principle for future pandemics. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae028. [PMID: 38544330 PMCID: PMC11095538 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic performance of a prospective, systematic screening strategy for COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) during the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. Patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU were screened for CAPA twice weekly by collection of tracheal aspirate (TA) for Aspergillus culture and PCR. Subsequently, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling was performed in patients with positive screening results and clinical suspicion of infection. Patient data were collected from April 2020-February 2022. Patients were classified according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. In total, 126/370 (34%) patients were positive in screening and CAPA frequency was 52/370 (14%) (including 13 patients negative in screening). CAPA was confirmed in 32/43 (74%) screening positive patients who underwent BAL sampling. ICU mortality was 62% in patients with positive screening and confirmed CAPA, and 31% in CAPA cases who were screening negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV & NPV) of screening for CAPA were 0.71, 0.73, 0.27, and 0.95, respectively. The PPV was higher if screening was culture positive compared to PCR positive only, 0.42 and 0.12 respectively. CAPA was confirmed in 74% of screening positive patients, and culture of TA had a better diagnostic performance than PCR. Positive screening along with clinical manifestations appeared to be a good indication for BAL sampling since diagnosis of CAPA was confirmed in most of these patients. Prospective, systematic screening allowed to quickly gain insight into the epidemiology of fungal superinfections during the pandemic and could be applicable for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca van Grootveld
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith van Paassen
- Department of Intensive Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eric C J Claas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Heerdink
- Directorate of Education (DOO), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark G J de Boer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Martha T van der Beek
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Gioia F, Walti LN, Orchanian-Cheff A, Husain S. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:207-216. [PMID: 38185135 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported to be an emerging and potentially fatal complication of severe COVID-19. However, risk factors for CAPA have not been systematically addressed to date. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with CAPA, we comprehensively searched five medical databases: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; and the WHO COVID-19 Database. All case-control and cohort studies in adults (aged >18 years) that described at least six cases of CAPA and evaluated any risk factors for CAPA, published from Dec 1, 2019, to July 27, 2023, were screened and assessed for inclusion. Only studies with a control population of COVID-19-positive individuals without aspergillosis were included. Two reviewers independently screened search results and extracted outcome data as summary estimates from eligible studies. The primary outcome was to identify the factors associated with CAPA. Meta-analysis was done with random-effects models, with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method to assess dichotomous outcomes as potential risk factors, or the inverse variance method to assess continuous variables for potential association with CAPA. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots for factors associated with CAPA. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022334405. FINDINGS Of 3561 records identified, 27 articles were included in the meta-analysis. 6848 patients with COVID-19 were included, of whom 1324 (19·3%) were diagnosed with CAPA. Diagnosis rates of CAPA ranged from 2·5% (14 of 566 patients) to 47·2% (58 of 123). We identified eight risk factors for CAPA. These factors included pre-existing comorbidities of chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·21-6·04], p=0·02; I2=53%), haematological malignancies (OR 2·47 [1·27-4·83], p=0·008; I2=50%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2·00 [1·42-2·83], p<0·0001; I2=26%), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1·31 [1·01-1·71], p=0·05; I2=46%). Use of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 2·83; 95% CI 1·88-4·24; p<0·0001; I2=69%), use of renal replacement therapy (OR 2·26 [1·76-2·90], p<0·0001; I2=14%), treatment of COVID-19 with interleukin-6 inhibitors (OR 2·88 [1·52-5·43], p=0·001; I2=89%), and treatment of COVID-19 with corticosteroids (OR 1·88 [1·28-2·77], p=0·001; I2=66%) were also associated with CAPA. Patients with CAPA were typically older than those without CAPA (mean age 66·6 years [SD 3·6] vs 63·5 years [5·3]; mean difference 2·90 [1·48-4·33], p<0·0001; I2=86%). The duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with CAPA was longer than in those without CAPA (n=7 studies; mean duration 19·3 days [8·9] vs 13·5 days [6·8]; mean difference 5·53 days [1·30-9·77], p=0·01; I2=88%). In post-hoc analysis, patients with CAPA had higher all-cause mortality than those without CAPA (n=20 studies; OR 2·65 [2·04-3·45], p<0·0001; I2=51%). INTERPRETATION The identified risk factors for CAPA could eventually be addressed with targeted antifungal prophylaxis in patients with severe COVID-19. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gioia
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CB21/13/00084), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura N Walti
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ani Orchanian-Cheff
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shahid Husain
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Hernández-Silva G, Corzo-León DE, Becerril-Vargas E, Peralta-Prado AB, Odalis RG, Morales-Villarreal F, Ríos-Ayala MA, Alonso TG, Agustín FLD, Ramón AF, Hugo ATV. Clinical characteristics, bacterial coinfections and outcomes in COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in a third-level Mexican hospital during the COVID-19 pre-vaccination era. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13693. [PMID: 38214372 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Damage due to respiratory viruses increases the risk of bacterial and fungal coinfections and superinfections. High rates of invasive aspergillosis are seen in severe influenza and COVID-19. This report describes CAPA cases diagnosed during the first wave in the biggest reference centre for severe COVID-19 in Mexico. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical, microbiological and radiological characteristics of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis associated with critical COVID-19, as well as to describe the variables associated with mortality. METHODS This retrospective study identified CAPA cases among individuals with COVID-19 and ARDS, hospitalised from 1 March 2020 to 31 March 2021. CAPA was defined according to ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. Prevalence was estimated. Clinical and microbiological characteristics including bacterial superinfections, antifungal susceptibility testing and outcomes were documented. RESULTS Possible CAPA was diagnosed in 86 patients among 2080 individuals with severe COVID-19, representing 4.13% prevalence. All CAPA cases had a positive respiratory culture for Aspergillus species. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequent isolate (64%, n = 55/86). Seven isolates (9%, n = 7/80) were resistant to amphotericin B (A. fumigatus n = 5/55, 9%; A. niger, n = 2/7, 28%), two A. fumigatus isolates were resistant to itraconazole (3.6%, n = 2/55). Tracheal galactomannan values ranged between 1.2 and 4.05, while serum galactomannan was positive only in 11% (n = 3/26). Bacterial coinfection were documented in 46% (n = 40/86). Gram negatives were the most frequent cause (77%, n = 31/40 isolates), from which 13% (n = 4/31) were reported as multidrug-resistant bacteria. Mortality rate was 60% and worse prognosis was seen in older persons, high tracheal galactomannan index and high HbA1c level. CONCLUSIONS One in 10 individuals with CAPA carry a resistant Aspergillus isolate and/or will be affected by a MDR bacteria. High mortality rates are seen in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Hernández-Silva
- Infectious Diseases Department, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Becerril-Vargas
- Microbiology Clinical Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Amy Bethel Peralta-Prado
- Research Centre of Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodríguez-Ganes Odalis
- Pharmacology Department, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Avilez-Félix Ramón
- Pneumology Service, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Mexico City, Mexico
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Casutt A, Lamoth F, Lortholary O, Prior JO, Tonglet A, Manuel O, Bergeron A, Beigelman-Aubry C. Atypical imaging patterns during lung invasive mould diseases: lessons for clinicians. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230086. [PMID: 37758271 PMCID: PMC10523149 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0086-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Imaging of pulmonary invasive mould diseases (IMDs), which represents a cornerstone in their work-up, is mainly based on computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this review is to discuss their CT features, mainly those related to aspergillosis and mucormycosis. We will especially focus on atypical radiological presentations that are increasingly observed among non-neutropenic emerging populations of patients at risk, such as those receiving novel anticancer therapies or those in the intensive care unit. We will also discuss the interest of other available imaging techniques, mainly positron emission tomography/CT, that may play a role in the diagnosis as well as evaluation of disease extent and follow-up. We will show that any new airway-centred abnormality or caveated lesion should evoke IMDs in mildly immunocompromised hosts. Limitations in their recognition may be due to potential underlying abnormalities that increase the complexity of interpretation of lung imaging, as well as the non-specificity of imaging features. In this way, the differentials of all morphological/metabolic aspects must be kept in mind for the optimal management of patients, as well as the benefit of evaluation of the vascular status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Casutt
- Division of Pulmonology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Division of Pulmonology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Laboratories, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- University Paris Cité, Necker Enfants Malades University Hospital, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Paris, France
| | - John O Prior
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Tonglet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oriol Manuel
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Transplantation Center, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Bergeron
- Department of Pulmonology, Geneva University Hospital, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- A. Bergeron and C. Beigelman-Aubry contributed equally to this work
| | - Catherine Beigelman-Aubry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- A. Bergeron and C. Beigelman-Aubry contributed equally to this work
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Sánchez-Castellano MÁ, Marcelo C, Marco J, Figueira-Iglesias JC, García-Rodríguez J. A Tale of Two Hospitals: Comparing CAPA Infections in Two ICUs During the Spanish Fourth Pandemic Wave. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:335-344. [PMID: 37256502 PMCID: PMC10230482 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00750-0] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a new clinical entity linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection that is causing a rise on the risk of complications and mortality, particularly in critical patients. METHODS We compared diagnostic and clinical features in two cohorts of patients with severe COVID-19 admitted in the intensive care units (ICU) of two different hospitals in Madrid, Spain, between February and June 2021. Clinical and microbiological relevant aspects for CAPA diagnosis were collected for further classification. CAPA was classified as colonization, possible, probable, proven, and tracheobronchial aspergillosis according to the ECMM/ISHAM consensus, with some modifications to consider tracheobronchial aspirate as sample comparable to non-bronchoscopic lavages (NBL). RESULTS 56 patients admitted in HULP (Hospital Universitario La Paz) ICU and 61 patients admitted in HEEIZ (Hospital de Emergencias Isabel Zendal) ICU had clinical suspicion of invasive fungal disease in the context of COVID-19 infection. Cultures were positive for Aspergillus spp. in 32 patients. According to 2020 European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ECMM/ISHAM) consensus, 11 patients were diagnosed with possible CAPA and 10 patients with probable CAPA. Global incidence for CAPA was 6.3%. Global median days between ICU admission and diagnosis was 14 day. Aspergillus fumigatus complex was the main isolated species. Antifungal therapy was used in 75% of patients with CAPA suspicion, with inter-hospital differences in the administered antifungals. Global overall mortality rate for CAPA patients was 66.6% (14/21). All-cause mortality in non-CAPA cohorts were of 26.3% in HULP group (34/129) and 56.8% (104/183) in HEEIZ group. CONCLUSIONS There were no significant differences in incidence between the two hospitals, and differences in antifungal therapy did not correlate with differences in mortality, reflecting that both first-line azoles and Amphotericin B could be effective in treating CAPA infections, according to the current guideline indications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cristina Marcelo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Marco
- Hospital de Emergencias Enfermera Isabel Zendal, Madrid, Spain
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Ouranos K, Tsakiri K, Massa E, Dourliou V, Mouratidou C, Soundoulounaki S, Mouloudi E. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: A single-center observational study from Greece. Ann Thorac Med 2023; 18:116-123. [PMID: 37663880 PMCID: PMC10473063 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_14_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a serious complication affecting patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, and is associated with increased mortality. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate potential risk factors, and to estimate the incidence and mortality in patients diagnosed with CAPA. METHODS A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted on patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe COVID-19 from October 2020 to May 2022. Patients with deterioration of their clinical status were evaluated with serum galactomannan (GM) for probable CAPA. Baseline demographic patient characteristics, vaccination status, and time period during which each patient was infected with SARS-CoV-2 were obtained, and risk stratification according to underlying comorbidities was performed in an effort to assess various risk factors for CAPA. The incidence of CAPA in the entire cohort was measured, and mortality rates in the CAPA and non-CAPA groups were calculated and compared. RESULTS Of 488 patients admitted to the ICU, 95 (19.4%) had deterioration of their clinical status, which prompted testing with serum GM. Positive serum testing was observed in 39/95 patients, with an overall CAPA incidence in the entire study cohort reaching 7.9% (39/488). The mortality rate was 75% (42/56) in the non-CAPA group that was tested for serum GM, and 87.2% (34/39) in the CAPA group (P = 0.041). Multivariable Cox regression hazard models were tested for 28- and 90-day survival from ICU admission. An invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) risk-stratified cox regression model corrected for the SARS-CoV-2 variant of the patient identified the diagnosis of probable CAPA and elevated procalcitonin (PCT) levels measured at least 10 days after ICU admission, as significantly associated with death in the IPA-risk subgroup only, with hazard ratio (HR): 3.687 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.030-13.199, P = 0.045) for the diagnosis of probable CAPA, and HR: 1.022 (95% CI, 1.003-1.042, P = 0.026) for every 1 ng/mL rise in PCT. CONCLUSIONS Patients in the IPA-risk subgroup that were diagnosed with CAPA had a lower 90-day survival when compared to patients in the same group without a CAPA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ouranos
- Department of Medicine, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Tsakiri
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Massa
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Dourliou
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Mouratidou
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stella Soundoulounaki
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Mouloudi
- Department of Adult Intensive Care Unit, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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8
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Singh R, Malik P, Kumar M, Kumar R, Alam MS, Mukherjee TK. Secondary fungal infections in SARS-CoV-2 patients: pathological whereabouts, cautionary measures, and steadfast treatments. Pharmacol Rep 2023:10.1007/s43440-023-00506-z. [PMID: 37354313 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00506-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
The earliest documented COVID-19 case caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, several SARS-CoV-2 mutants have rapidly disseminated as exemplified by the community spread of the recent omicron variant. The disease already attained a pandemic status with ever-dwindling mortality even after two and half years of identification and considerable vaccination. Aspergillosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis and mucormycosis are the prominent fungal infections experienced by the majority of SARS-CoV-2 high-risk patients. In its entirety, COVID-19's nexus with these fungal infections may worsen the intricacies in the already beleaguered high-risk patients, making this a topic of substantial clinical concern. Thus, thorough knowledge of the subject is necessary. This article focuses on the concomitant fungal infection(s) in COVID-19 patients, taking into account their underlying causes, the screening methods, manifested drug resistance, and long-term effects. The information and knowledge shared herein could be crucial for the management of critically ill, aged, and immunocompromised SARS-CoV-2 patients who have had secondary fungal infections (SFIs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Parth Malik
- School of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Raman Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India
| | - Md Shamshir Alam
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, PO Box 620, 130, Bosher-Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Tapan Kumar Mukherjee
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, UP, India.
- Department of Biotechnology, Amity University, Major Arterial Road, Action Area II, Rajarhat, New Town, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700135, India.
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Beltrame A, Stevens DA, Haiduven D. Mortality in ICU Patients with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:689. [PMID: 37367625 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A review of 38 studies involving 1437 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was conducted to investigate whether mortality has improved since the pandemic's onset. The study found that the median ICU mortality was 56.8%, ranging from 30% to 91.8%. These rates were higher for patients admitted during 2020-2021 (61.4%) compared to 2020 (52.3%), and prospective studies found higher ICU mortality (64.7%) than retrospective ones (56.4%). The studies were conducted in various countries and used different criteria to define CAPA. The percentage of patients who received antifungal therapy varied across studies. These results indicate that the mortality rate among CAPA patients is a growing concern, mainly since there has been an overall reduction in mortality among COVID-19 patients. Urgent action is needed to improve prevention and management strategies for CAPA, and additional research is needed to identify optimal treatment strategies to reduce mortality rates among these patients. This study serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals and policymakers to prioritize CAPA, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beltrame
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33622, USA
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Donna Haiduven
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33622, USA
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Patel VM, Patel SV, Singletary K, Pacheco L. Recurrent Hydropneumothorax After COVID-19. Cureus 2023; 15:e36208. [PMID: 36937124 PMCID: PMC10017555 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A 60-year-old male with a past medical history of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, obstructive sleep apnea, atrial flutter, and hypertension initially presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with COVID-19-induced acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Before his presentation to the emergency department, he was treated with a brief course of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and prednisone. His initial hospitalization was relatively uncomplicated. He then presented back to the emergency department approximately five months later with chief complaints of continued dyspnea and increased work of breathing. On this presentation, he was noted to have a right-sided pneumothorax with a moderate right-sided pleural effusion. The effusion was drained through CT (computed tomography)-guided catheter insertion. Pleural fluid culture and sensitivity were negative, and a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) was not performed. He was discharged a few days later to home. Over the next several weeks, the patient had recurrent admissions and chest tube placements for unresolving hydropneumothorax. He eventually had a right-sided posterolateral thoracotomy performed. The tissue sample from the thoracotomy was noted to have positive gram staining for fungal hyphae consistent with aspergillosis. This was initially considered a contaminant and not treated with antifungal medication. Unfortunately, after the thoracotomy, the patient continued to have complications including subcutaneous emphysema and recurring hydropneumothoraces. He was taken for another procedure after a repeat CT showed intercostal herniation of the pleura between the fifth and sixth ribs. The herniation was excised, and the pleura was repaired. This pleural tissue was then sent to pathology and noted to have non-caseating granulomas consistent with aspergillosis. At this time, the patient was started on voriconazole. After initiating this medication, the patient's last chest x-ray showed stable findings of his chronic disease process with no new or worsening hydropneumothorax.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shreya V Patel
- Internal Medicine, Brookwood Baptist Health, Birmingham, USA
| | - Kyle Singletary
- Internal Medicine, Brookwood Baptist Health, Birmingham, USA
| | - Lauren Pacheco
- Internal Medicine, Brookwood Baptist Health, Birmingham, USA
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Lamoth F, Calandra T. Pulmonary aspergillosis: diagnosis and treatment. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220114. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0114-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillusspecies are the most frequent cause of fungal infections of the lungs with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). IPA affects immunocompromised populations, which are increasing in number and diversity with the advent of novel anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, IPA has emerged as a complication of severe influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 in apparently immunocompetent hosts. CPA mainly affects patients with pre-existing lung lesions and is recognised increasingly frequently among patients with long-term survival following cure of tuberculosis or lung cancer. The diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis is complex as it relies on the presence of clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria, which differ according to the type of pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA or CPA) and the type of patient population. The management of pulmonary aspergillosis is complicated by the limited number of treatment options, drug interactions, adverse events and the emergence of antifungal resistance.
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12
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Castro-Fuentes CA, Reyes-Montes MDR, Frías-De-León MG, Valencia-Ledezma OE, Acosta-Altamirano G, Duarte-Escalante E. Aspergillus-SARS-CoV-2 Coinfection: What Is Known? Pathogens 2022; 11:1227. [PMID: 36364979 PMCID: PMC9694759 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has had a high incidence. In addition, it has been associated with prolonged hospital stays, as well as several predisposing risk factors, such as fungal factors (nosocomial organism, the size of the conidia, and the ability of the Aspergillus spp. of colonizing the respiratory tract), environmental factors (remodeling in hospitals, use of air conditioning and negative pressure in intensive care units), comorbidities, and immunosuppressive therapies. In addition to these factors, SARS-CoV-2 per se is associated with significant dysfunction of the patient's immune system, involving both innate and acquired immunity, with reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and cytokine storm. Therefore, this review aims to identify the factors influencing the fungus so that coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 can occur. In addition, we analyze the predisposing factors in the fungus, host, and the immune response alteration due to the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 that causes the development of CAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Castro-Fuentes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - María del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Omar E. Valencia-Ledezma
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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The Changing Landscape of Invasive Fungal Infections in ICUs: A Need for Risk Stratification to Better Target Antifungal Drugs and the Threat of Resistance. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8090946. [PMID: 36135671 PMCID: PMC9500670 DOI: 10.3390/jof8090946] [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: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The landscape of invasive candidiasis and invasive aspergillosis has changed dramatically in intensive care units over the past two decades. Today, we are faced with new risk factors such as the emergence of resistance, but are also equipped with new therapeutic strategies and diagnostic tools which are changing epidemiological data and diagnostic algorithms. Some common points need to be addressed: (i) the best way to use microbiological tools and to integrate their results in decisional algorithms; (ii) the need to find the optimum balance between under-diagnosis and overtreatment; (iii) and the need to decipher pathophysiology. In this short review, we will try to illustrate these points.
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated invasive fungal infections are an important complication in a substantial number of critically ill, hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Three groups of fungal pathogens cause co-infections in COVID-19: Aspergillus, Mucorales and Candida species, including Candida auris. Here we review the incidence of COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections caused by these fungi in low-, middle- and high-income countries. By evaluating the epidemiology, clinical risk factors, predisposing features of the host environment and immunological mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of these co-infections, we set the scene for future research and development of clinical guidance. Hoenigl and colleagues review the epidemiology, immunology and clinical risk factors contributing to COVID-19-associated fungal infections.
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15
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Shishido AA, Mathew M, Baddley JW. Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:87-97. [PMID: 35846240 PMCID: PMC9274633 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Recent Findings Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms. Summary Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.
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Baten N, Wajed S, Talukder A, Masum MHU, Rahman MM. Coinfection of fungi with SARS-CoV-2 is a detrimental health risk for COVID-19 patients. BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2022; 11:64. [PMID: 35529527 PMCID: PMC9066134 DOI: 10.1186/s43088-022-00245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Notable fungal coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients have been reported worldwide in an alarming way. Mucor spp. and Rhizopus spp. were commonly known as black fungi, whereas Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. were designated as white fungi implicated in those infections. In this review, we focused on the global outbreaks of fungal coinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the role of the human immune system, and a detailed understanding of those fungi to delineate the contribution of such coinfections in deteriorating the health conditions of COVID-19 patients based on current knowledge. Main body Impaired CD4 + T cell response due to SARS-CoV-2 infection creates an opportunity for fungi to take over the host cells and, consequently, cause severe fungal coinfections, including candidiasis and candidemia, mucormycosis, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). Among them, mucormycosis and CAPA have been reported with a mortality rate of 66% in India and 60% in Colombia. Moreover, IPA has been reported in Belgium, Netherlands, France, and Germany with a morbidity rate of 20.6%, 19.6%, 33.3%, and 26%, respectively. Several antifungal drugs have been applied to combat fungal coinfection in COVID-19 patients, including Voriconazole, Isavuconazole, and Echinocandins. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 deteriorates the immune system so that several fungi could take that opportunity and cause life-threatening health situations. To reduce the mortality and morbidity of fungal coinfections, it needs immunity boosting, proper hygiene and sanitation, and appropriate medication based on the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahida Baten
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814 Bangladesh
| | - Shah Wajed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814 Bangladesh
| | - Asma Talukder
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Habib Ullah Masum
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814 Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814 Bangladesh
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Calderón‐Parra J, Mills‐Sanchez P, Moreno‐Torres V, Tejado‐Bravo S, Romero‐Sánchez I, Balandin‐Moreno B, Calvo‐Salvador M, Portero‐Azorín F, García‐Masedo S, Muñez‐Rubio E, Ramos‐Martinez A, Fernández‐Cruz A. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA): Risk factors and development of a predictive score for critically ill COVID-19 patients. Mycoses 2022; 65:541-550. [PMID: 35212030 PMCID: PMC9115267 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a major complication of critically ill COVID-19 patients, with a high mortality rate and potentially preventable. Thus, identifying patients at high risk of CAPA would be of great interest. We intended to develop a clinical prediction score capable of stratifying patients according to the risk for CAPA at ICU admission. METHODS Single centre retrospective case-control study. A case was defined as a patient diagnosed with CAPA according to 2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria. 2 controls were selected for each case among critically ill COVID-19 patients. RESULTS 28 CAPA patients and 56-matched controls were included. Factors associated with CAPA included old age (68 years vs. 62, p = .033), active smoking (17.9% vs. 1.8%, p = .014), chronic respiratory diseases (48.1% vs. 26.3%, p = .043), chronic renal failure (25.0% vs. 3.6%, p = .005), chronic corticosteroid treatment (28.6% vs. 1.8%, p < .001), tocilizumab therapy (92.9% vs. 66.1%, p = .008) and high APACHE II at ICU admission (median 13 vs. 10 points, p = .026). A score was created including these variables, which showed an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.854 (95% CI 0.77-0.92). A punctuation below 6 had a negative predictive value of 99.6%. A punctuation of 10 or higher had a positive predictive value of 27.9%. CONCLUSION We present a clinical prediction score that allowed to stratify critically ill COVID-19 patients according to the risk for developing CAPA. This CAPA score would allow to target preventive measures. Further evaluation of the score, as well as the utility of these targeted preventive measures, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Calderón‐Parra
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
- Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐Segovia de Aranda (IDIPHSA)MajadahondaSpain
| | - Patricia Mills‐Sanchez
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
| | - Victor Moreno‐Torres
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
- Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐Segovia de Aranda (IDIPHSA)MajadahondaSpain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elena Muñez‐Rubio
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
| | - Antonio Ramos‐Martinez
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
| | - Ana Fernández‐Cruz
- Infectious Diseases UnitService of Internal MedicineHospital Universitario Puerta de HierroMajadahondaSpain
- Research Institute Puerta de Hierro‐Segovia de Aranda (IDIPHSA)MajadahondaSpain
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Prevalence of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Critical Review and Conclusions. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040390. [PMID: 35448621 PMCID: PMC9027069 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
First reports of cases and case series of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) emerged during the first months of the pandemic. Prevalence rates varied widely due to the fact that CAPA was, and still remains, challenging to diagnose in patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory failure (ARF). The clinical picture and radiological findings of CAPA are unspecific and can resemble those of severe COVID-19. Hence, mycological evidence became a key component in establishing a diagnosis. However, blood tests lack sensitivity in early treatable phases of CAPA and once positive, mortality has been shown to exceed 80% despite systemic antifungal therapy. The primarily airway invasive growth in non-neutropenic patients and the late occurrence of angioinvasion in the course of disease may mainly account for these diagnostic obstacles. Testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is therefore crucial in the diagnostic process, but was rarely performed during the early phase of the pandemic, which potentially interfered with the accuracy of reported prevalence. Current guidelines recommend treatment of CAPA during its early airway invasive phase, which may result in some overtreatment (i.e., treatment in patients that may not develop angioinvasive infection) and adverse drug events, yet there is no viable alternative approach. Timely treatment of cases needs to be ensured for patients with mycological evidence of CAPA in the lower respiratory tract given the independent contribution of CAPA to devastating mortality rates of around 50% that have been shown in multiple studies. Here, we review the evolution of reported CAPA prevalence and the role of CAPA as an important opportunistic infection affecting COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs).
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19
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) can affect patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but many questions remain open about its very variable incidence across the world, the actual link between the viral infection and the fungal superinfection, the significance of Aspergillus recovery in a respiratory sample, and the management of such cases. This review addresses these questions and aims at providing some clues for the practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in a clinical perspective. RECENT FINDINGS Definitions have been proposed for possible/probable/proven CAPA, but distinction between colonization and invasive fungal infection is difficult and not possible in most cases in the absence of histopathological proof or positive galactomannan in serum. Most importantly, the recovery of an Aspergillus by a direct (culture, PCR) or indirect (galactomannan) test in a respiratory sample is an indicator of worse outcome, which justifies a screening for early detection and initiation of preemptive antifungal therapy in such cases. SUMMARY The COVID-19 pandemic has increased our awareness of IPA among ICU patients. Although current recommendations are mainly based on experts' opinions, prospective studies are needed to get more evidence-based support for the diagnostic approach and management of CAPA.
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Routine Surveillance of Healthcare-Associated Infections Misses a Significant Proportion of Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Severe COVID-19. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030273. [PMID: 35330275 PMCID: PMC8954197 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030273] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of invasive aspergillosis (IA) among COVID-19 ICU patients seem to reach over 30% in certain settings. At Vienna General Hospital (VGH), all rooms in COVID-19 ICUs were put under negative pressure as a protective measure, thus increasing the risk of exposure to environmental pathogens for patients. Even though all ICU patients are surveilled for healthcare-associated infections (HAI), there were concerns that the routine protocol might not be sufficient for IA detection. We reviewed the electronic patient charts of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021 for fungal co- or superinfections, comparing four diagnostic algorithms based on different recommendations for the diagnosis of IA (according to EORTC/MSG, BM-AspICU, IAPA and CAPA) to our routine surveillance protocol. We found that out of 252 patients who were admitted to the ICU during the study period, 25 (9.9%) fulfilled the criteria of probable or possible IA of at least one algorithm. The IAPA definitions detected 25 and the CAPA definition 23 probable and 2 possible cases, out of which only 16 were classified as hospital-acquired IA by routine surveillance. In conclusion, adjustment of the routine protocol using a classification system especially designed for respiratory viral illness seems useful for the surveillance of IA in a highly vulnerable patient cohort.
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Clancy CJ, Nguyen MH. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA): Re-framing the debate. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac081. [PMID: 35386295 PMCID: PMC8903513 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported in ~5%–10% of critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, incidence varies widely (0%–33%) across hospitals, most cases are unproven, and CAPA definitions and clinical relevance are debated. Methods We reframed the debate by asking, what is the likelihood that patients with CAPA have invasive aspergillosis? We use diagnostic test performance in other clinical settings to estimate positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) of CAPA criteria for invasive aspergillosis in populations with varying CAPA incidence. Results In a population with CAPA incidence of 10%, anticipated PPV/NPV of diagnostic criteria are ~30%–60%/≥97%; ~3%–5% of tested cohort would be anticipated to have true invasive aspergillosis. If CAPA incidence is 2%–3%, anticipated PPV and NPV are ~8%–30%/>99%. Conclusions Depending on local epidemiology and clinical details of a given case, PPVs and NPVs may be useful in guiding antifungal therapy. We incorporate this model into a stepwise strategy for diagnosing and managing CAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius J Clancy
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Infectious Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M Hong Nguyen
- University of Pittsburgh, Division of Infectious Diseases, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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22
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Papadimitriou-Olivgeris M, Kolonitsiou F, Kefala S, Spiliopoulou A, Aretha D, Bartzavali C, Siapika A, Marangos M, Fligou F. Increased incidence of candidemia in critically ill patients during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Braz J Infect Dis 2022; 26:102353. [PMID: 35500645 PMCID: PMC9035354 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2022.102353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are treated with corticosteroids. Aim We aimed to evaluate the role of corticosteroid treatment in candidemia development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This retrospective study was conducted in a Greek ICU, from 2010 to August 2021, encompassing a pre-pandemic and a pandemic period (pandemic period: April 2020 to August 2021). All adult patients with candidemia were included. Results During the study period, 3,572 patients were admitted to the ICU, 339 patients during the pandemic period, of whom 196 were SARS-CoV-2-positive. In total, 281 candidemia episodes were observed in 239 patients, 114 in the pandemic period. The majority of candidemias in both periods were catheter-related (161; 50.4%). The incidence of candidemia in the pre-pandemic period was 5.2 episodes per 100 admissions, while in the pandemic period was 33.6 (p < 0.001). In the pandemic period, the incidence among COVID-19 patients was 38.8 episodes per 100 admissions, while in patients without COVID-19 incidence was 26.6 (p = 0.019). Corticosteroid administration in both periods was not associated with increased candidemia incidence. Conclusions A significant increase of candidemia incidence was observed during the pandemic period in patients with and without COVID-19. This increase cannot be solely attributed to immunosuppression (corticosteroids, tocilizumab) of severe COVID-19 patients, but also to increased workload of medical and nursing staff.
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Satyanarayana G, Enriquez KT, Sun T, Klein EJ, Abidi M, Advani SM, Awosika J, Bakouny Z, Bashir B, Berg S, Bernardes M, Egan PC, Elkrief A, Feldman LE, Friese CR, Goel S, Gomez CG, Grant KL, Griffiths EA, Gulati S, Gupta S, Hwang C, Jain J, Jani C, Kaltsas A, Kasi A, Khan H, Knox N, Koshkin VS, Kwon DH, Labaki C, Lyman GH, McKay RR, McNair C, Nagaraj G, Nakasone ES, Nguyen R, Nonato TK, Olszewski AJ, Panagiotou OA, Puc M, Razavi P, Robilotti EV, Santos-Dutra M, Schmidt AL, Shah DP, Shah SA, Vieira K, Weissmann LB, Wise-Draper TM, Wu U, Wu JTY, Choueiri TK, Mishra S, Warner JL, French B, Farmakiotis D. Coinfections in Patients with Cancer and COVID-19: A COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19) Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac037. [PMID: 35198648 PMCID: PMC8860152 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The frequency of coinfections and their association with outcomes have not been adequately studied among patients with cancer and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a high-risk group for coinfection. Methods We included adult (≥18 years) patients with active or prior hematologic or invasive solid malignancies and laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) infection, using data from the COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium (CCC19, NCT04354701). We captured coinfections within ±2 weeks from diagnosis of COVID-19, identified factors cross-sectionally associated with risk of coinfection, and quantified the association of coinfections with 30-day mortality. Results Among 8765 patients (hospitalized or not; median age, 65 years; 47.4% male), 16.6% developed coinfections: 12.1% bacterial, 2.1% viral, 0.9% fungal. An additional 6.4% only had clinical diagnosis of a coinfection. The adjusted risk of any coinfection was positively associated with age >50 years, male sex, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal comorbidities, diabetes, hematologic malignancy, multiple malignancies, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, progressing cancer, recent cytotoxic chemotherapy, and baseline corticosteroids; the adjusted risk of superinfection was positively associated with tocilizumab administration. Among hospitalized patients, high neutrophil count and C-reactive protein were positively associated with bacterial coinfection risk, and high or low neutrophil count with fungal coinfection risk. Adjusted mortality rates were significantly higher among patients with bacterial (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.33–1.95) and fungal (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.28–3.76) coinfections. Conclusions Viral and fungal coinfections are infrequent among patients with cancer and COVID-19, with the latter associated with very high mortality rates. Clinical and laboratory parameters can be used to guide early empiric antimicrobial therapy, which may improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tianyi Sun
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Klein
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Maheen Abidi
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Shailesh M Advani
- Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Joy Awosika
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Babar Bashir
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Berg
- Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Marilia Bernardes
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Pamela C Egan
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Lawrence E Feldman
- University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Shipra Goel
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Keith L Grant
- Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | | - Shuchi Gulati
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Clara Hwang
- Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jayanshu Jain
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Overland Park, KS, USA
| | | | - Anna Kaltsas
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Anup Kasi
- The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Overland Park, KS, USA
| | - Hina Khan
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Natalie Knox
- Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Vadim S Koshkin
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Kwon
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Gary H Lyman
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rana R McKay
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christopher McNair
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Elisabeth S Nakasone
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Nguyen
- University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taylor K Nonato
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adam J Olszewski
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Orestis A Panagiotou
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Pedram Razavi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dimpy P Shah
- Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sumit A Shah
- Stanford Cancer Institute at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kendra Vieira
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Ulysses Wu
- Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Julie Tsu-Yu Wu
- Stanford Cancer Institute at Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Sanjay Mishra
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Farmakiotis
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI, USA
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The Continuing Emergence of Candida blankii as a Pathogenic Fungus: A New Case of Fungemia in a Patient Infected with SARS-CoV-2. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020166. [PMID: 35205920 PMCID: PMC8878287 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida blankii is a recently recognized human pathogen, with most cases of the infection being reported in the immunocompromised. We here describe the case of a critically ill elderly woman with COVID-19 who developed a C. blankii bloodstream infection from a femoral central venous catheter. Aspergillus niger was also isolated from her respiratory secretions. The patient was started on voriconazole for empiric coverage of both A. niger, and at that time, unidentified yeast was found in the blood. Fevers persisted, and the patient expired six days after the yeast was first isolated. Almost one month after her death, C. blankii was identified as the cause of fungemia by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal gene and BLAST searching against two databases (performed by a reference laboratory). The isolate demonstrated high minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to azoles and low MICs to amphotericin B, similar to previously described isolates. Timely identification of C. blankii would have prompted different empiric antifungal choices and possibly changed the final outcome. Clinicians should be aware of the pathological potential of C. blankii, the challenges of correctly identifying the organism, and its susceptibility patterns to common antifungals. There is an urgent need to improve assays for C. blankii identification, which will aid in accurate and timely pathogen identification, and appropriate therapeutic management.
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Leistner R, Schroeter L, Adam T, Poddubnyy D, Stegemann M, Siegmund B, Maechler F, Geffers C, Schwab F, Gastmeier P, Treskatsch S, Angermair S, Schneider T. Corticosteroids as risk factor for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in intensive care patients. Crit Care 2022; 26:30. [PMID: 35090528 PMCID: PMC8796178 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-03902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Corticosteroids, in particular dexamethasone, are one of the primary treatment options for critically ill COVID-19 patients. However, there are a growing number of cases that involve COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), and it is unclear whether dexamethasone represents a risk factor for CAPA. Our aim was to investigate a possible association of the recommended dexamethasone therapy with a risk of CAPA. METHODS We performed a study based on a cohort of COVID-19 patients treated in 2020 in our 13 intensive care units at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. We used ECMM/ISHM criteria for the CAPA diagnosis and performed univariate and multivariable analyses of clinical parameters to identify risk factors that could result in a diagnosis of CAPA. RESULTS Altogether, among the n = 522 intensive care patients analyzed, n = 47 (9%) patients developed CAPA. CAPA patients had a higher simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) (64 vs. 53, p < 0.001) and higher levels of IL-6 (1,005 vs. 461, p < 0.008). They more often had severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (60% vs. 41%, p = 0.024), renal replacement therapy (60% vs. 41%, p = 0.024), and they were more likely to die (64% vs. 48%, p = 0.049). The multivariable analysis showed dexamethasone (OR 3.110, CI95 1.112-8.697) and SAPS (OR 1.063, CI95 1.028-1.098) to be independent risk factors for CAPA. CONCLUSION In our study, dexamethasone therapy as recommended for COVID-19 was associated with a significant three times increase in the risk of CAPA. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number DRKS00024578, Date of registration March 3rd, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Leistner
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Lisa Schroeter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Adam
- Labor Berlin, Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Denis Poddubnyy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Stegemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Britta Siegmund
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Maechler
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Geffers
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Treskatsch
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Angermair
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Schneider
- Division of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Medical Department, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Lackner N, Thomé C, Öfner D, Joannidis M, Mayerhöfer T, Arora R, Samardzic E, Posch W, Breitkopf R, Lass-Flörl C. COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Diagnostic Performance, Fungal Epidemiology and Antifungal Susceptibility. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020093. [PMID: 35205848 PMCID: PMC8875712 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) raises concerns as to whether it contributes to an increased mortality. The incidence of CAPA varies widely within hospitals and countries, partly because of difficulties in obtaining a reliable diagnosis. We implemented a routine screening of respiratory specimens in COVID-19 ICU patients for Aspergillus species using culture and galactomannan (GM) detection from serum and/or bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL). Out of 329 ICU patients treated during March 2020 and April 2021, 23 (7%) suffered from CAPA, 13 of probable, and 10 of possible. In the majority of cases, culture, microscopy, and GM testing were in accordance with CAPA definition. However, we saw that the current definitions underscore to pay attention for fungal microscopy and GM detection in BALs, categorizing definitive CAPA diagnosis based on culture positive samples only. The spectrum of Aspergillus species involved Aspergillus fumigatus, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus nidulans. We noticed changes in fungal epidemiology, but antifungal resistance was not an issue in our cohort. The study highlights that the diagnosis and incidence of CAPA is influenced by the application of laboratory-based diagnostic tests. Culture positivity as a single microbiological marker for probable definitions may overestimate CAPA cases and thus may trigger unnecessary antifungal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Lackner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.L.); (E.S.); (W.P.)
| | - Claudius Thomé
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Dietmar Öfner
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Michael Joannidis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.J.); (T.M.)
| | - Timo Mayerhöfer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.J.); (T.M.)
| | - Rohit Arora
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Eldina Samardzic
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.L.); (E.S.); (W.P.)
| | - Wilfried Posch
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.L.); (E.S.); (W.P.)
| | - Robert Breitkopf
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (N.L.); (E.S.); (W.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Combination of mycological criteria: a better surrogate to identify COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis patients and evaluate prognosis? J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0216921. [PMID: 34985983 PMCID: PMC8925884 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02169-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) remains unclear especially in nonimmunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate seven mycological criteria and their combination in a large homogenous cohort of patients. All successive patients (n = 176) hospitalized for COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation and who clinically worsened despite appropriate standard of care were included over a 1-year period. Direct examination, culture, Aspergillus quantitative PCR (Af-qPCR), and galactomannan testing were performed on all respiratory samples (n = 350). Serum galactomannan, β-d-glucan, and plasma Af-qPCR were also assessed. The criteria were analyzed alone or in combination in relation to mortality rate. Mortality was significantly different in patients with 0, ≤2, and ≥3 positive criteria (log rank test, P = 0.04) with death rate of 43.1, 58.1, and 76.4%, respectively. Direct examination, plasma qPCR, and serum galactomannan were associated with a 100% mortality rate. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) galactomannan and positive respiratory sample culture were often found as isolated markers (28.1 and 34.1%) and poorly repeatable when a second sample was obtained. Aspergillus DNA was detected in 13.1% of samples (46 of 350) with significantly lower quantitative cycle (Cq) when associated with at least one other criterion (30.2 versus 35.8) (P < 0.001). A combination of markers and/or blood biomarkers and/or direct respiratory sample examination seems more likely to identify patients with CAPA. Af-qPCR may help identifying false-positive results of BAL galactomannan testing and culture on respiratory samples while quantifying fungal burden accurately.
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Wiederhold NP. Emerging Fungal Infections: New Species, New Names, and Antifungal Resistance. Clin Chem 2021; 68:83-90. [PMID: 34969112 PMCID: PMC9383166 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvab217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections caused by fungi can be important causes of morbidity and mortality in certain patient populations, including those who are highly immunocompromised or critically ill. Invasive mycoses can be caused by well-known species, as well as emerging pathogens, including those that are resistant to clinically available antifungals. CONTENT This review highlights emerging fungal infections, including newly described species, such as Candida auris, and those that having undergone taxonomic classification and were previously known by other names, including Blastomyces and Emergomyces species, members of the Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Sporothrix brasiliensis, and Trichophyton indotinae. Antifungal resistance also is highlighted in several of these emerging species, as well as in the well-known opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Finally, the increased recognition and importance of fungal co-infections with respiratory pathogens, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is discussed. SUMMARY Both clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories should remain vigilant regarding emerging fungal infections. These may be difficult both to diagnose and treat due to the lack of experience of clinicians and laboratory personnel with these organisms and the infections they may cause. Many of these fungal infections have been associated with poor clinical outcomes, either due to inappropriate therapy or the development of antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Wiederhold
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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30
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Tio SY, Williams E, Worth LJ, Deane AM, Bond K, Slavin MA, Sasadeusz J. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Australia: implications for screening and treatment. Intern Med J 2021; 51:2129-2132. [PMID: 34939293 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We report four cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillus co-infection in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus were isolated, with early infection onset following ICU admission. Clinicians should be aware of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in ICU patients with COVID-19 infection, particularly those receiving dexamethasone. We propose screening of these high-risk patients with twice-weekly fungal culture from tracheal aspirate and, if feasible, Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction. Diagnosis is challenging and antifungal treatment should be considered in critically ill patients who have new or worsening pulmonary changes on chest imaging and mycological evidence of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shio Yen Tio
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eloise Williams
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leon J Worth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam M Deane
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Critical Care, Melbourne Medical School, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine Bond
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Monica A Slavin
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joe Sasadeusz
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service (VIDS), The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Aspergillus Lateral Flow Assay with Digital Reader for the Diagnosis of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA): A multicenter study. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 60:e0168921. [PMID: 34643415 PMCID: PMC8769727 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01689-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This multicenter study evaluated the IMMY Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with automated reader for diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission between 03/2020 and 04/2021. A total of 196 respiratory samples and 148 serum samples (n = 344) from 238 patients were retrospectively included, with a maximum of one of each sample type per patient. Cases were retrospectively classified for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) status following the 2020 consensus criteria, with the exclusion of LFA results as a mycological criterion. At the 1.0 cutoff, sensitivity of LFA for CAPA (proven/probable/possible) was 52%, 80% and 81%, and specificity was 98%, 88% and 67%, for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), nondirected bronchoalveolar lavage (NBL), and tracheal aspiration (TA), respectively. At the 0.5 manufacturer’s cutoff, sensitivity was 72%, 90% and 100%, and specificity was 79%, 83% and 44%, for BALF, NBL and TA, respectively. When combining all respiratory samples, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) was 0.823, versus 0.754, 0.890 and 0.814 for BALF, NBL and TA, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of serum LFA were 20% and 93%, respectively, at the 0.5 ODI cutoff. Overall, the Aspergillus Galactomannan LFA showed good performances for CAPA diagnosis, when used from respiratory samples at the 1.0 cutoff, while sensitivity from serum was limited, linked to weak invasiveness during CAPA. As some false-positive results can occur, isolated results slightly above the recommended cutoff should lead to further mycological investigations.
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Prattes J, Koehler P, Hoenigl M. COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis: regional variation in incidence and diagnostic challenges. Intensive Care Med 2021; 47:1339-1340. [PMID: 34468820 PMCID: PMC8409068 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-021-06510-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Prattes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. .,Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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