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Gonçalves SM, Pereira I, Feys S, Cunha C, Chamilos G, Hoenigl M, Wauters J, van de Veerdonk FL, Carvalho A. Integrating genetic and immune factors to uncover pathogenetic mechanisms of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. mBio 2024; 15:e0198223. [PMID: 38651925 PMCID: PMC11237550 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01982-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Individuals with severe viral infections have recently been identified as vulnerable to developing invasive fungal infections. Both influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are linked to high mortality rates, emphasizing the urgent need for an improved understanding of disease pathogenesis to unveil new molecular targets with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The recent establishment of animal models replicating the co-infection context has offered crucial insights into the mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to disease. However, the development and progression of human viral-fungal co-infections exhibit a significant degree of interindividual variability, even among patients with similar clinical conditions. This observation implies a significant role for host genetics, but information regarding the genetic basis for viral-fungal co-infections is currently limited. In this review, we discuss how genetic factors known to affect either antiviral or antifungal immunity could potentially reveal pathogenetic mechanisms that predispose to IAPA or CAPA and influence the overall disease course. These insights are anticipated to foster further research in both pre-clinical models and human patients, aiming to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and contributing to the identification of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to improve the management of these co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Joost Wauters
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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2
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Krifors A, Blennow O, Påhlman LI, Gille-Johnson P, Janols H, Lipcsey M, Källman J, Tham J, Stjärne Aspelund A, Ljungquist O, Hammarskjöld F, Hällgren A, De Geer L, Lemberg M, Petersson J, Castegren M. Influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis in patients admitted to the intensive care unit in Sweden: a prospective multicentre cohort study. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:110-115. [PMID: 37897800 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2273381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) in influenza patients admitted to intensive care units in Sweden. METHODS The study included consecutive adult patients with PCR-verified influenza A or B in 12 Swedish intensive care units (ICUs) over four influenza seasons (2019-2023). Patients were screened using serum galactomannan and β-d-glucan tests and fungal culture of a respiratory sample at inclusion and weekly during the ICU stay. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed if clinically feasible. IAPA was classified according to recently proposed case definitions. RESULTS The cohort included 55 patients; 42% were female, and the median age was 59 (IQR 48-71) years. All patients had at least one galactomannan test, β-d-glucan test and respiratory culture performed. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 24 (44%) of the patients. Five (9%, 95% CI 3.8% - 20.4%) patients were classified as probable IAPA, of which four lacked classical risk factors. The overall ICU mortality was significantly higher among IAPA patients than non-IAPA patients (60% vs 8%, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The study represents the first prospective investigation of IAPA incidence. The 9% incidence of IAPA confirms the increased risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among influenza patients admitted to the ICU. Therefore, it appears reasonable to implement a screening protocol for the early diagnosis and treatment of IAPA in influenza patients receiving intensive care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04172610, registered November 21, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Krifors
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Västmanland, Uppsala University, Hospital of Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Ola Blennow
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa I Påhlman
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section for Infection Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Helena Janols
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Miklos Lipcsey
- Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Hedenstierna Laboratory, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Källman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johan Tham
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Stjärne Aspelund
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Oskar Ljungquist
- Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Hammarskjöld
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anita Hällgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases in Östergötland and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lina De Geer
- Department of Anaestesiology and Intensive Care and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Lemberg
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Västerås Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Johan Petersson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Castegren
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Mälarsjukhuset, Eskilstuna, Sweden
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3
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Earle K, Valero C, Conn DP, Vere G, Cook PC, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Gago S. Pathogenicity and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2023; 14:2172264. [PMID: 36752587 PMCID: PMC10732619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2172264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory conditions or more recently, concomitant viral or bacterial pulmonary infections are recognised risks factors for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis. In this review, we will summarise our current knowledge of the mechanistic basis of pulmonary aspergillosis with a focus on emerging at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George Vere
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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4
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Lee CK, Oliveira LVN, Akalin A, Specht CA, Lourenco D, Gomez CL, Ramirez-Ortiz ZG, Wang JP, Levitz SM. Dysregulated pulmonary inflammatory responses exacerbate the outcome of secondary aspergillosis following influenza. mBio 2023; 14:e0163323. [PMID: 37681974 PMCID: PMC10653922 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01633-23] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Severe influenza is a risk factor for fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; however, the mechanistic basis for the lethality is unclear. Utilizing an influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) model, we found that mice infected with influenza A virus followed by Aspergillus fumigatus had 100% mortality when superinfected during the early stages of influenza but survived at later stages. While superinfected mice had dysregulated pulmonary inflammatory responses compared to controls, they had neither increased inflammation nor extensive fungal growth. Although influenza-infected mice had dampened neutrophil recruitment to the lungs following subsequent challenge with A. fumigatus, influenza did not affect the ability of neutrophils to clear the fungi. Our data suggest that the lethality seen in our model of IAPA is multifactorial with dysregulated inflammation being a greater contributor than uncontrollable microbial growth. If confirmed in humans, our findings provide a rationale for clinical studies of adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of IAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrono K. Lee
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lorena V. N. Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ali Akalin
- Department of Pathology, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles A. Specht
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diana Lourenco
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina L. Gomez
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zaida G. Ramirez-Ortiz
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer P. Wang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuart M. Levitz
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Lee CK, Oliveira LVN, Akalin A, Specht CA, Lourenco D, Gomez CL, Ramirez-Ortiz ZG, Wang JP, Levitz SM. Dysregulated Pulmonary Inflammatory Responses Exacerbate the Outcome of Secondary Aspergillosis Following Influenza. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546808. [PMID: 37425745 PMCID: PMC10326983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation of airborne conidia of the ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus commonly occurs but invasive aspergillosis is rare except in profoundly immunocompromised persons. Severe influenza predisposes patients to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by mechanisms that are poorly defined. Using a post-influenza aspergillosis model, we found that superinfected mice had 100% mortality when challenged with A. fumigatus conidia on days 2 and 5 (early stages) of influenza A virus infection but 100% survival when challenged on days 8 and 14 (late stages). Influenza-infected mice superinfected with A. fumigatus had increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines IL-6, TNFα, IFNβ, IL-12p70, IL-1α, IL-1β, CXCL1, G-CSF, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, RANTES and MCP-1. Surprisingly, on histopathological analysis, superinfected mice did not have greater lung inflammation compared with mice infected with influenza alone. Mice infected with influenza had dampened neutrophil recruitment to the lungs following subsequent challenge with A. fumigatus , but only if the fungal challenge was executed during the early stages of influenza infection. However, influenza infection did not have a major effect on neutrophil phagocytosis and killing of A. fumigatus conidia. Moreover, minimal germination of conidia was seen on histopathology even in the superinfected mice. Taken together, our data suggest that the high mortality rate seen in mice during the early stages of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is multifactorial, with a greater contribution from dysregulated inflammation than microbial growth. Importance Severe influenza is a risk factor for fatal invasive pulmonary aspergillosis; however, the mechanistic basis for the lethality is unclear. Utilizing an influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) model, we found that mice infected with influenza A virus followed by A. fumigatus had 100% mortality when superinfected during the early stages of influenza but survived at later stages. While superinfected mice had dysregulated pulmonary inflammatory responses compared to controls, they had neither increased inflammation nor extensive fungal growth. Although influenza-infected mice had dampened neutrophil recruitment to the lungs following subsequent challenge with A. fumigatus , influenza did not affect the ability of neutrophils to clear the fungi. Our data suggest that the lethality seen in our model IAPA is multifactorial with dysregulated inflammation being a greater contributor than uncontrollable microbial growth. If confirmed in humans, our findings provide a rationale for clinical studies of adjuvant anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of IAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrono K. Lee
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lorena V. N. Oliveira
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ali Akalin
- Department of Pathology, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Charles A. Specht
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Diana Lourenco
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Christina L. Gomez
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Zaida G. Ramirez-Ortiz
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer P. Wang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Stuart M. Levitz
- Department of Medicine, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
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6
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Wurster S, Pantaleón García J, Albert ND, Jiang Y, Bhoda K, Kulkarni VV, Wang Y, Walsh TJ, Evans S, Kontoyiannis DP. Development of a Corticosteroid-Immunosuppressed Mouse Model to Study the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Influenza-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:901-906. [PMID: 36611269 PMCID: PMC10319956 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad001] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is a feared complication in patients with influenza tracheobronchitis, especially those receiving corticosteroids. Herein, we established a novel IAPA mouse model with low-inoculum Aspergillus infection and compared outcomes in mice with and without cortisone acetate (CA) immunosuppression. CA was an independent predictor of increased morbidity/mortality in mice with IAPA. Early antifungal treatment with liposomal amphotericin B was pivotal to improve IAPA outcomes in CA-immunosuppressed mice, even after prior antiviral therapy with oseltamivir. In summary, our model recapitulates key clinical features of IAPA and provides a robust preclinical platform to study the pathogenesis and treatment of IAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jezreel Pantaleón García
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Albert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keerthi Bhoda
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vikram V Kulkarni
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yongxing Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott Evans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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7
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Feys S, Heylen J, Carvalho A, Van Weyenbergh J, Wauters J, Cunha C, Debaveye Y, Hermans G, Humblet-Baron S, Jacobs C, Lambrechts D, Mombaerts P, Lagrou K, Meersseman P, Menezes SM, Peetermans M, Rocha-Pereira J, Seldeslachts L, Starick MR, Thevissen K, Vandenbriele C, Vanderbeke L, Vande Velde G, Van De Veerdonk FL, Wilmer A. A signature of differential gene expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid predicts mortality in influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Intensive Care Med 2023; 49:254-257. [PMID: 36592204 PMCID: PMC9943988 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-022-06958-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jannes Heylen
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Johan Van Weyenbergh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Wauters
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Morton CO, Griffiths JS, Loeffler J, Orr S, White PL. Defective antifungal immunity in patients with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1080822. [PMID: 36531987 PMCID: PMC9750792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080822] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on global healthcare and been a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in at-risk populations. This disease attacks the respiratory systems and causes significant immune dysregulation in affected patients creating a perfect opportunity for the development of invasive fungal disease (IFD). COVID-19 infection can instill a significant, poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response. Clinically induced immunosuppression or pro-inflammatory damage to mucosa facilitate the development of IFD and Aspergillus, Mucorales, and Candida infections have been regularly reported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Corticosteroids and immune modulators are used in the treatment of COVID-19. Corticosteroid use is also a risk factor for IFD, but not the only reason for IFD in COVID -19 patients. Specific dysregulation of the immune system through functional exhaustion of Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells has been observed in COVID-19 through the expression of the exhaustion markers NK-G2A and PD-1. Reduced fungicidal activity of neutrophils from COVID-19 patients indicates that immune dysfunction/imbalance are important risk factors for IFD. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the at-risk population for IFD. Even if the incidence of IFD is relatively low, the size of this new at-risk population will result in a substantial increase in the overall, annual number of IFD cases. It is important to understand how and why certain patients with COVID-19 developed increased susceptibility to IFD, as this will improve our understanding of risk of IFD in the face of future pandemics but also in a clinical era of increased clinical immuno-suppression/modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James S. Griffiths
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selinda Orr
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - P. Lewis White
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: P. Lewis White,
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Mechanistic Basis of Super-Infection: Influenza-Associated Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050428. [PMID: 35628684 PMCID: PMC9147222 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza infection is a risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. The purpose of this review is to highlight the epidemiology of influenza-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and the mechanistic studies that have been performed to delineate how influenza increases susceptibility to this invasive fungal infection.
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10
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Gonçalves SM, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Understanding the genetic basis of immune responses to fungal infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:987-996. [PMID: 35385368 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2063839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fungal infections represent a global public health problem that affect millions of people. Despite remarkable advances achieved over the last decades, available diagnostic and therapeutic tools remain insufficient for the optimal management of these diseases. The clinical course of fungal infection is highly variable, and evidence accumulated from patients with rare mutations and cohort-based studies suggests that the trajectory of disease is largely defined by patient genetics and its impact on immune responses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which which genetic variants influence the risk, progression, and outcome of fungal infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the genetic factors that influence antifungal immune responses based on candidate gene studies and genome-wide approaches performed in different experimental and clinical models. EXPERT OPINION Research on genetics of susceptibility to infection is expected to lead to a detailed knowledge framework for the pathogenesis of human fungal infections and unveil novel targets and pathways amenable to clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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11
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Novel Clinical and Laboratorial Challenges in Aspergillosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020259. [PMID: 35208714 PMCID: PMC8877562 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020259] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research in the areas of Aspergillus and aspergillosis has continued to advance rapidly, including advancements in genomics, immunological studies, clinical areas, and diagnostic areas. Recently, new risk groups for the development of aspergillosis have emerged—patients with influenza- or COVID-19-ssociated pulmonary aspergillosis. The rise and spread of antifungal resistances have also become a clinical concern in some geographic areas and have drawn the attention of clinicians due to difficulties in treating these infections. In this paper, a snapshot of these issues is presented, emphasizing these novel clinical and laboratorial challenges in the aspergillosis field and focusing on their actual relevance.
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Salazar F, Bignell E, Brown GD, Cook PC, Warris A. Pathogenesis of Respiratory Viral and Fungal Coinfections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0009421. [PMID: 34788127 PMCID: PMC8597983 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals suffering from severe viral respiratory tract infections have recently emerged as "at risk" groups for developing invasive fungal infections. Influenza virus is one of the most common causes of acute lower respiratory tract infections worldwide. Fungal infections complicating influenza pneumonia are associated with increased disease severity and mortality, with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis being the most common manifestation. Strikingly, similar observations have been made during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The copathogenesis of respiratory viral and fungal coinfections is complex and involves a dynamic interplay between the host immune defenses and the virulence of the microbes involved that often results in failure to return to homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms underlying susceptibility to invasive fungal disease following respiratory viral infections. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions will aid the development of therapeutic modalities against newly identified targets to prevent and treat these emerging coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Salazar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Bignell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C. Cook
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adilia Warris
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Seldeslachts L, Jacobs C, Tielemans B, Vanhoffelen E, Van der Sloten L, Humblet-Baron S, Naesens L, Lagrou K, Verbeken E, Wauters J, Vande Velde G. Overcome Double Trouble: Baloxavir Marboxil Suppresses Influenza Thereby Mitigating Secondary Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:1. [PMID: 35049941 PMCID: PMC8777735 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is a global recognized superinfection in critically ill influenza patients. Baloxavir marboxil, a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor, is a newly approved anti-influenza therapeutic. Although the benefits as a treatment for influenza are clear, its efficacy against an influenza-A. fumigatus co-infection has yet to be determined. We investigated the therapeutic effect of baloxavir marboxil in a murine model for IAPA. Immunocompetent mice received intranasal instillation of influenza A followed by orotracheal inoculation with Aspergillus fumigatus 4 days later. Administration of baloxavir marboxil or sham was started at day 0, day 2 or day 4. Mice were monitored daily for overall health status, lung pathology with micro-computed tomography (µCT) and fungal burden with bioluminescence imaging (BLI). In vivo imaging was supplemented with virological, mycological and biochemical endpoint investigations. We observed an improved body weight, survival and viral clearance in baloxavir marboxil treated mice. µCT showed less pulmonary lesions and bronchial dilation after influenza and after Aspergillus co-infection in a treatment-dependent pattern. Furthermore, baloxavir marboxil was associated with effective inhibition of fungal invasion. Hence, our results provide evidence that baloxavir marboxil mitigates severe influenza thereby decreasing the susceptibility to a lethal invasive Aspergillus superinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seldeslachts
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.S.); (B.T.); (E.V.)
| | - Cato Jacobs
- Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.J.); (L.V.d.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Birger Tielemans
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.S.); (B.T.); (E.V.)
| | - Eliane Vanhoffelen
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.S.); (B.T.); (E.V.)
| | - Lauren Van der Sloten
- Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.J.); (L.V.d.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Joost Wauters
- Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.J.); (L.V.d.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.S.); (B.T.); (E.V.)
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Shi C, Shan Q, Xia J, Wang L, Wang L, Qiu L, Xie Y, Lin N, Wang L. Incidence, risk factors and mortality of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with influenza: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mycoses 2021; 65:152-163. [PMID: 34882852 PMCID: PMC9306612 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background An increasing number of cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) complicating influenza have been described. We performed a meta‐analysis to estimate the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of IPA in patients with influenza. Methods A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to 31 August 2021 for eligible studies. Data on the incidence and risk factors of and mortality due to IPA in influenza patients were pooled using a random‐effects model. Sensitivity analyses restricted to severe influenza requiring intensive care unit (ICU) support and multiple subgroup analyses were performed. Results Fourteen studies involving 6024 hospitalised patients with influenza were included. IPA was estimated to occur in 10% of influenza patients, with a mortality rate of 52%. Similar incidence (11%) and mortality (54%) estimates for IPA were observed in the sensitivity analysis including severe cases requiring ICU support. Subgroup analysis by geographical location showed a similar IPA rate between European (10%) and non‐European (11%) studies. The IPA rate in the subset of nine studies using the modified AspICU criteria was 13%. Most subgroup analyses showed ≥50% mortality in IPA patients. Several predictors for IPA susceptibility were identified, including male sex, smoking history, chronic lung disease, influenza A (H1N1), severe conditions requiring supportive therapy, corticosteroid use before admission, solid organ transplant and haematological malignancy. Conclusions The IPA is common in individuals with severe influenza, and the prognosis is particularly poor. Influenza patients, especially those with high‐risk factors, should be thoroughly screened for IPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Shi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiyuan Shan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junbo Xia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liusheng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lei Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaping Xie
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nengming Lin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Seldeslachts L, Vanderbeke L, Fremau A, Reséndiz-Sharpe A, Jacobs C, Laeveren B, Ostyn T, Naesens L, Brock M, Van De Veerdonk FL, Humblet-Baron S, Verbeken E, Lagrou K, Wauters J, Vande Velde G. Early oseltamivir reduces risk for influenza-associated aspergillosis in a double-hit murine model. Virulence 2021; 12:2493-2508. [PMID: 34546839 PMCID: PMC8923074 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1974327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening fungal infection occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients. We recently identified IPA as an emerging co-infection with high mortality in critically ill, but otherwise immunocompetent influenza patients. The neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir is the current standard-of-care treatment in hospitalized influenza patients; however, its efficacy in influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is not known. Therefore, we have established an imaging-supported double-hit mouse model to investigate the therapeutic effect of oseltamivir on the development of IAPA. Immunocompetent mice received intranasal instillation influenza A or PBS followed by orotracheal inoculation with Aspergillus fumigatus 4 days later. Oseltamivir treatment or placebo was started at day 0, day 2, or day 4. Daily monitoring included micro-computed tomography and bioluminescence imaging of pneumonia and fungal burden. Non-invasive biomarkers were complemented with imaging, molecular, immunological, and pathological analysis. Influenza virus-infected immunocompetent mice developed proven airway IPA upon co-infection with Aspergillus fumigatus, whereas non-influenza-infected mice fully cleared Aspergillus, confirming influenza as a risk factor for developing IPA. Longitudinal micro-CT showed pulmonary lesions after influenza infection worsening after Aspergillus co-infection, congruent with bioluminescence imaging and histology confirming Aspergillus pneumonia. Early oseltamivir treatment prevented severe influenza pneumonia and mitigated the development of IPA and associated mortality. A time-dependent treatment effect was consistently observed with imaging, molecular, and pathological analyses. Hence, our findings underscore the importance of initiating oseltamivir as soon as possible, to suppress influenza infection and mitigate the risk of potentially lethal IAPA disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Seldeslachts
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI unit/MoSAIC, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lore Vanderbeke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Astrid Fremau
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI unit/MoSAIC, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agustin Reséndiz-Sharpe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cato Jacobs
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation,Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bo Laeveren
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI unit/MoSAIC, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tessa Ostyn
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI unit/MoSAIC, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieve Naesens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy (Rega Institute), Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matthias Brock
- Fungal Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Stephanie Humblet-Baron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Adaptive Immunity, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Bacteriology and Mycology, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Wauters
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation,Laboratory for Clinical Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI unit/MoSAIC, Ku Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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