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Riebold D, Mahnkopf M, Wicht K, Zubiria-Barrera C, Heise J, Frank M, Misch D, Bauer T, Stocker H, Slevogt H. Axenic Long-Term Cultivation of Pneumocystis jirovecii. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:903. [PMID: 37755011 PMCID: PMC10533121 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus causing severe Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in humans, has long been described as non-culturable. Only isolated short-term experiments with P. jirovecii and a small number of experiments involving animal-derived Pneumocystis species have been published to date. However, P. jirovecii culture conditions may differ significantly from those of animal-derived Pneumocystis, as there are major genotypic and phenotypic differences between them. Establishing a well-performing P. jirovecii cultivation is crucial to understanding PCP and its pathophysiological processes. The aim of this study, therefore, was to develop an axenic culture for Pneumocystis jirovecii. To identify promising approaches for cultivation, a literature survey encompassing animal-derived Pneumocystis cultures was carried out. The variables identified, such as incubation time, pH value, vitamins, amino acids, and other components, were trialed and adjusted to find the optimum conditions for P. jirovecii culture. This allowed us to develop a medium that produced a 42.6-fold increase in P. jirovecii qPCR copy numbers after a 48-day culture. Growth was confirmed microscopically by the increasing number and size of actively growing Pneumocystis clusters in the final medium, DMEM-O3. P. jirovecii doubling time was 8.9 days (range 6.9 to 13.6 days). In conclusion, we successfully cultivated P. jirovecii under optimized cell-free conditions in a 70-day long-term culture for the first time. However, further optimization of the culture conditions for this slow grower is indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Riebold
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology (FZMB), 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany; (M.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Marie Mahnkopf
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology (FZMB), 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany; (M.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Kristina Wicht
- Separation Science Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, B-9000 Gent, Belgium;
| | - Cristina Zubiria-Barrera
- Respiratory Infection Dynamics Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.Z.-B.); (H.S.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Hannover Medical School, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), BREATH, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Heise
- Research Centre of Medical Technology and Biotechnology (FZMB), 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany; (M.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Marcus Frank
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy Centre (EMZ), University Medicine Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Daniel Misch
- Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil-von-Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany; (D.M.); (T.B.)
| | - Torsten Bauer
- Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil-von-Behring, 14165 Berlin, Germany; (D.M.); (T.B.)
| | - Hartmut Stocker
- Clinic for Infectiology, St. Joseph’s Hospital Berlin, 12101 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Hortense Slevogt
- Respiratory Infection Dynamics Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.Z.-B.); (H.S.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Hannover Medical School, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), BREATH, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Hänsel L, Schumacher J, Denis B, Hamane S, Cornely OA, Koehler P. How to diagnose and treat a non-HIV patient with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)? Clin Microbiol Infect 2023:S1198-743X(23)00186-6. [PMID: 37086781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) incidence is increasing in non-HIV infected patients. In contrast to PCP in patients infected with HIV, diagnosis is often delayed, and illness is associated with an increased mortality. OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive review of clinical presentation, risk factors, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options of PCP in non-HIV-infected patients. SOURCES Web-based literature review on PCP for trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews using PubMed. Restriction to English language was applied. CONTENT Common underlying conditions in non-HIV-infected patients with PCP are haematological malignancies, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, solid organ or haematopoietic stem cell transplant and prior exposure to corticosteroids. New risk groups include patients receiving monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulating therapies. Non-HIV-infected patients with PCP present with rapid onset and progression of pneumonia, increased duration of hospitalization and a significantly higher mortality rate than patients infected with HIV. PCP is diagnosed by a combination of clinical symptoms, radiological and mycological features. Immunofluorescence microscopy from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or PCR testing CT imaging and evaluation of the clinical presentation are required. The established treatment regime consists of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. IMPLICATIONS While the number of patients immunosuppressed for other causes than HIV is increasing, a simultaneous rise in PCP incidence is observed. In the group of non-HIV-infected patients, a rapid onset of symptoms, a more complex course, and a higher mortality rate are recorded. Therefore, time to diagnosis must be as short as possible to initiate effective therapy promptly. This review aims to raise awareness of PCP in an increasingly affected at-risk group and provide clinicians with a practical guide for efficient diagnosis and targeted therapy. Furthermore, it intends to display current inadequacies in research on the topic of PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Hänsel
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jana Schumacher
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | - Blandine Denis
- Department of infectious diseases, Saint Louis and Lariboisière Hospitals, APHP, Paris, France, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Paris, France
| | - Samia Hamane
- Department of infectious diseases, Saint Louis and Lariboisière Hospitals, APHP, Paris, France, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Paris, France
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Koehler
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany.
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Senécal J, Smyth E, Del Corpo O, Hsu JM, Amar-Zifkin A, Bergeron A, Cheng MP, Butler-Laporte G, McDonald EG, Lee TC. Non-invasive diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:23-30. [PMID: 34464734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection commonly affecting immunocompromised people. Diagnosis usually requires invasive techniques to obtain respiratory specimens. Minimally invasive detection tests have been proposed, but their operating characteristics are poorly described. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and meta-analyse the performance of minimally invasive PCP detection tests to inform diagnostic algorithms. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (inception to 15 October 2020). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies of minimally invasive PCP detection tests were included if they contained a minimum of ten PCP cases. PARTICIPANTS Adults at risk of PCP. TESTS Non-invasive PCP detection tests. REFERENCE STANDARD Diagnosis using the combination of clinical and radiographical features with invasive sampling. ASSESSMENT OF RISK BIAS Using the QUADAS-2 tool. METHODS We used bivariate and, when necessary, univariate analysis models to estimate diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were included; most studies (40) comprised exclusively human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected individuals; nine were mixed (HIV and non-HIV), two were non-HIV and one study did not report HIV status. Sampling sites included induced sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate, oral wash and blood. The four testing modalities evaluated were cytological staining, fluorescent antibody, PCR and lactate dehydrogenase. Induced sputum had the most data available; this modality was both highly sensitive at 99% (95% CI 51%-100%) and specific at 96% (95% CI 88%-99%). Induced sputum cytological staining had moderate sensitivity at 50% (95% CI 39%-61%) and high specificity at 100% (95% CI 100%-100%), as did fluorescent antibody testing with sensitivity 74% (95% CI 62%-87%) and specificity 100% (95% CI 91%-100%). CONCLUSION There are several promising minimally invasive PCP diagnostic tests available, some of which may reduce the need for invasive respiratory sampling. Understanding the operating characteristics of these tests can augment current diagnostic strategies and help establish a more confident clinical diagnosis of PCP. Further studies in non-HIV infected populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Senécal
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Smyth
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jimmy M Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Amy Bergeron
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Medical Libraries, Montreal, Canada
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology Department of Laboratory Medicine, MUCH, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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Scharf S, Bartels A, Kondakci M, Haas R, Pfeffer K, Henrich B. fuPCR as diagnostic method for the detection of rare fungal pathogens, such as Trichosporon, Cryptococcus and Fusarium. Med Mycol 2021; 59:1101-1113. [PMID: 34379780 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab045] [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: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal respiratory tract colonisation is a common finding in patients with hematologic neoplasms due to immunosuppression inherent in the diseases and exacerbated by therapy. This greatly increases the risk of fungal infections of the lungs, which is associated with significant mortality. Therefore, reliable diagnostic methods with rapidly available results are needed to administer adequate antifungal therapy.We have established an improved method for fungal DNA extraction and amplification that allows simultaneous detection of fungal families based on a set of multiplexed real time PCR reactions (fuPCR). We analysed respiratory rinses and blood of 94 patients with haematological systemic diseases by fuPCR and compared it with the results of culture and serological diagnostic methods. 40 healthy subjects served as controls.Regarding Candida species, the highest prevalence resulted from microbiological culture of respiratory rinses and from detection of antibodies in blood serum in patients (61% and 47%, respectively) and in the control group (29% and 51%, respectively). Detection of other pathogenic yeasts, such as Cryptococcus and Trichosporon, and moulds, such as Fusarium, was only possible in patients by fuPCR from both respiratory rinses and whole blood and serum. These fungal species were found statistically significantly more frequent in respiratory rinses collected from patients after myeloablative therapy for stem cell transplantation compared to samples collected before treatment (p<<0.05i>).The results show that fuPCR is a valuable complement to culturing and its inclusion in routine mycological diagnostics might be helpful for early detection of pathophysiologically relevant respiratory colonisation for patients with hematologic neoplasms. LAY ABSTRACT We validated a set of PCR reactions (fuPCR) for use in routine diagnostic. In contrast to culture and serological methods, only by fuPCR pathogenic yeasts (Cryptococcus and Trichosporon) and moulds (Aspergillus and Fusarium) were detected in respiratory rinses and blood of haematological patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Scharf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Anna Bartels
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mustafa Kondakci
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Rainer Haas
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaus Pfeffer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Birgit Henrich
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Heinrich-Heine University of Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Bateman M, Oladele R, Kolls JK. Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: A review of current methods and novel approaches. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1015-1028. [PMID: 32400869 PMCID: PMC7657095 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Traditional diagnostic testing has relied on staining and direct visualization of the life-forms in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This method has proven insensitive, and invasive procedures may be needed to obtain adequate samples. Molecular methods of detection such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and antibody-antigen assays have been developed in an effort to solve these problems. These techniques are very sensitive and have the potential to detect Pneumocystis life-forms in noninvasive samples such as sputum, oral washes, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and serum. This review evaluates 100 studies that compare use of various diagnostic tests for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patient samples. Novel diagnostic methods have been widely used in the research setting but have faced barriers to clinical implementation including: interpretation of low fungal burdens, standardization of techniques, integration into resource-poor settings, poor understanding of the impact of host factors, geographic variations in the organism, heterogeneity of studies, and limited clinician recognition of PCP. Addressing these barriers will require identification of phenotypes that progress to PCP and diagnostic cut-offs for colonization, generation of life-form specific markers, comparison of commercial PCR assays, investigation of cost-effective point of care options, evaluation of host factors such as HIV status that may impact diagnosis, and identification of markers of genetic diversity that may be useful in diagnostic panels. Performing high-quality studies and educating physicians will be crucial to improve the rates of diagnosis of PCP and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bateman
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Rita Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a frequent opportunistic infection associated with a high mortality rate. PCP is of increasing importance in non-HIV immunocompromised patients, who present with severe respiratory distress with low fungal loads. Molecular detection of Pneumocystis in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) has become an important diagnostic tool, but quantitative PCR (qPCR) needs standardization. RECENT FINDINGS Despite a high negative predictive value, the positive predictive value of qPCR is moderate, as it also detects colonized patients. Attempts are made to set a cut-off value of qPCR to discriminate between PCP and colonization, or to use noninvasive samples or combined strategies to increase specificity. SUMMARY It is easy to set a qPCR cut-off for HIV-infected patients. In non-HIV IC patients, a gain in specificity could be obtained by combining strategies, that is, qPCR on BAL and a noninvasive sample, or qPCR and serum beta-1,3-D-glucan dosage.
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Ma L, Cissé OH, Kovacs JA. A Molecular Window into the Biology and Epidemiology of Pneumocystis spp. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00009-18. [PMID: 29899010 PMCID: PMC6056843 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00009-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis, a unique atypical fungus with an elusive lifestyle, has had an important medical history. It came to prominence as an opportunistic pathogen that not only can cause life-threatening pneumonia in patients with HIV infection and other immunodeficiencies but also can colonize the lungs of healthy individuals from a very early age. The genus Pneumocystis includes a group of closely related but heterogeneous organisms that have a worldwide distribution, have been detected in multiple mammalian species, are highly host species specific, inhabit the lungs almost exclusively, and have never convincingly been cultured in vitro, making Pneumocystis a fascinating but difficult-to-study organism. Improved molecular biologic methodologies have opened a new window into the biology and epidemiology of Pneumocystis. Advances include an improved taxonomic classification, identification of an extremely reduced genome and concomitant inability to metabolize and grow independent of the host lungs, insights into its transmission mode, recognition of its widespread colonization in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, and utilization of strain variation to study drug resistance, epidemiology, and outbreaks of infection among transplant patients. This review summarizes these advances and also identifies some major questions and challenges that need to be addressed to better understand Pneumocystis biology and its relevance to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ousmane H Cissé
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph A Kovacs
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Huang YS, Yang JJ, Lee NY, Chen GJ, Ko WC, Sun HY, Hung CC. Treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients: a review. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:873-892. [PMID: 28782390 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1364991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pneumocystis pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening pulmonary infection that occurs in immunocompromised individuals and HIV-infected patients with a low CD4 cell count. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has been used as the first-line agent for treatment, but mutations within dihydropteroate synthase gene render potential resistance to sulfamide. Despite advances of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), Pneumocystis pneumonia continues to occur in HIV-infected patients with late presentation for cART or virological and immunological failure after receiving cART. Areas covered: This review summarizes the diagnosis and first-line and alternative treatment and prophylaxis for Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. Articles for this review were identified through searching PubMed. Search terms included: 'Pneumocystis pneumonia', 'Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia', 'Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia', 'trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole', 'primaquine', 'trimetrexate', 'dapsone', 'pentamidine', 'atovaquone', 'echinocandins', 'human immunodeficiency virus infection', 'acquired immunodeficiency syndrome', 'resistance to sulfamide' and combinations of these terms. We limited the search to English language papers that were published between 1981 and March 2017. We screened all identified articles and cross-referenced studies from retrieved articles. Expert commentary: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole will continue to be the first-line agent for Pneumocystis pneumonia given its cost, availability of both oral and parenteral formulations, and effectiveness or efficacy in both treatment and prophylaxis. Whether resistance due to mutations within dihydropteroate synthase gene compromises treatment effectiveness remains controversial. Continued search for effective alternatives with better safety profiles for Pneumocystis pneumonia is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Shan Huang
- a Department of Internal Medicine , National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch , Hsin-Chu , Taiwan
| | - Jen-Jia Yang
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Po Jen General Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- c Department of Internal Medicine , National Cheng Kung University Hospital , Tainan , Taiwan.,d Department of Medicine , College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University , Tainan , Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- e Department of Internal Medicine , National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- c Department of Internal Medicine , National Cheng Kung University Hospital , Tainan , Taiwan.,d Department of Medicine , College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University , Tainan , Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- e Department of Internal Medicine , National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- e Department of Internal Medicine , National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan.,f Department of Parasitology , National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei , Taiwan.,g Department of Medical Research , China Medical University Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan.,h China Medical University , Taichung , Taiwan
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Abstract
This review will focus on the infectious etiologies and more common noninfectious causes of lower respiratory tract syndromes among major immunosuppressed populations. The changing epidemiology of infections in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the case of HIV-positive patients and the impacts of both newer immune-suppressant therapies and anti-infective prophylaxis for other immunocompromised hosts will be discussed, with emphasis on diagnostic approaches and practice algorithms.
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Kling HM, Norris KA. Vaccine-Induced Immunogenicity and Protection Against Pneumocystis Pneumonia in a Nonhuman Primate Model of HIV and Pneumocystis Coinfection. J Infect Dis 2016; 213:1586-95. [PMID: 26823337 PMCID: PMC4837913 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen Pneumocystis jirovecii causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, and pulmonary colonization with P. jirovecii is believed to be a cofactor in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is no vaccine for P. jirovecii; however, most adults are seropositive, indicating natural immune priming to this pathogen. We have shown that humoral response to a recombinant subunit of the P. jirovecii protease kexin (KEX1) correlates with protection from P. jirovecii colonization and pneumonia. METHODS Here we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective capacity of the recombinant KEX1 peptide vaccine in a preclinical, nonhuman primate model of HIV-induced immunosuppression and Pneumocystis coinfection. RESULTS Immunization with KEX1 induced a robust humoral response remained at protective levels despite chronic simian immunodeficiency virus/HIV-induced immunosuppression. KEX1-immunized macaques were protected from Pneumocystis pneumonia, compared with mock-immunized animals (P= .047), following immunosuppression and subsequent natural, airborne exposure to Pneumocystis CONCLUSIONS These data support the concept that stimulation of preexisting immunological memory to Pneumocystis with a recombinant KEX1 vaccine prior to immunosuppression induces durable memory responses and protection in the context of chronic, complex immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Kling
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen A Norris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Weissenbacher-Lang C, Nedorost N, Knecht C, Hennig-Pauka I, Weissenböck H. Establishment of a quantitative real-time PCR for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. suis in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from pigs. J Vet Diagn Invest 2016; 28:257-62. [PMID: 27026107 DOI: 10.1177/1040638716641158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory diseases in pigs are mostly polymicrobial, and the involved pathogens can vary from farm to farm. The impact of Pneumocystis carinii (P. c.) f. sp. suis on respiratory disorders has not been comprehensively appraised because tests were limited to lung tissue samples and, for this reason, it was not possible to detect the fungus in living animals. In the present study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 12 pigs and oral fluid samples from 9 pigs were tested for the presence of Pneumocystis by quantitative real-time PCR. The results from these 2 clinical specimens were compared with Pneumocystis quantities in lung tissue samples. Pneumocystis quantities in BALF correlated significantly to those in lung tissue. BALF has proved to be an adequate specimen for detection of various respiratory pathogens in pigs, and the collection procedure directly on farms is also well established. In contrast to the BALF results, all oral fluid samples were negative. Thus, specimens from the lower respiratory tract should generally be preferred for the detection of Pneumocystis Additionally, under farm conditions, oral fluid is mainly collected in the form of collective samples per pen. In the present study, oral swab sampling of individual pigs was intended but failed in 3 of 12 pigs because they did not salivate sufficiently. As a conclusion, only BALF can be recommended as a useful tool for Pneumocystis herd monitoring in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weissenbacher-Lang
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Nedorost, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, AustriaUniversity Clinic for Swine (Knecht, Hennig-Pauka), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Nedorost, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, AustriaUniversity Clinic for Swine (Knecht, Hennig-Pauka), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Knecht
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Nedorost, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, AustriaUniversity Clinic for Swine (Knecht, Hennig-Pauka), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Hennig-Pauka
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Nedorost, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, AustriaUniversity Clinic for Swine (Knecht, Hennig-Pauka), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine (Weissenbacher-Lang, Nedorost, Weissenböck), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, AustriaUniversity Clinic for Swine (Knecht, Hennig-Pauka), University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Hemmer E, Cavelius C, Huch V, Mathur S. Templating Influence of Molecular Precursors on Pr(OH)3 Nanostructures. Inorg Chem 2015; 54:6267-80. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hemmer
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique—Énergie
Matériaux Télécommunications, Université du Québec, 1650 Boulevard Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, Québec J3X 1S2, Canada
- Leibniz Institute of New Materials, Im Stadtwald, Building
D2 2, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Christian Cavelius
- Leibniz Institute of New Materials, Im Stadtwald, Building
D2 2, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Volker Huch
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Saarland University, P.O. Box 151150, 66041 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Sanjay Mathur
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstrasse
6, 50939 Cologne, Germany
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Juliano JJ, Barnett E, Parobek CM, Taylor SM, Meshnick SR, Stone S, Chang E, Fong S, Huang L. Use of Oropharyngeal Washes to Diagnose and Genotype Pneumocystis jirovecii. Open Forum Infect Dis 2015; 2:ofv080. [PMID: 26180832 PMCID: PMC4498285 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofv080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a symbiotic respiratory fungus that presents in 2 clinical forms: pneumonia in immunocompromised patients or colonization, defined by the presence of the organism without associated clinical symptoms. Currently, diagnosis requires invasive bronchoscopy, which may not be available in some settings and is inappropriate for detecting colonization in healthy individuals. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques and molecular strain typing tools that can be used on these samples are critical for conducting studies to better understand transmission. We evaluated 2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting dihydropteroate synthase and the major surface glycoprotein for detection in 77 oropharyngeal washes (OPWs) from 43 symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients who underwent bronchoscopy. We also evaluated the ability of a new microsatellite (MS) genotyping panel to strain type infections from these samples. Each PCR used individually provided a high sensitivity (>80%) for detection of pneumonia but a modest specificity (<70%). When used in combination, specificity was increased to 100% with a drop in sensitivity (74%). Concentration of organisms by PCR in the OPW tended to be lower in colonized individuals compared with those with pneumonia, but differences in concentration could not clearly define colonization in symptomatic individuals. Oropharyngeal wash samples were genotyped using 6 MSs with ≥4 alleles successfully genotyped in the majority of colonized patients and ≥5 alleles in patients with pneumonia. The MS profile was consistent over time within patients with serial OPWs analyzed. Microsatellite genotyping on noninvasive samples may aid in studying the molecular epidemiology of this pathogen without requiring invasive diagnostic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Juliano
- Division of Infectious Diseases ; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology , University of North Carolina School of Medicine ; Department of Epidemiology , Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill
| | | | - Christian M Parobek
- Division of Infectious Diseases ; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology , University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| | - Steve M Taylor
- Department of Epidemiology , Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill ; Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health , Duke University Medical Center , Durham
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology , Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Laurence Huang
- HIV/AIDS Division ; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine , San Francisco General Hospital, University of California
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Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Role of β-D-Glucan Detection and PCR. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-014-0198-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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16
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Badiee P. Evaluation of human body fluids for the diagnosis of fungal infections. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:698325. [PMID: 23984401 PMCID: PMC3747334 DOI: 10.1155/2013/698325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Because the etiologic agents of these infections are abundant in nature, their isolation from biopsy material or sterile body fluids is needed to document infection. This review evaluates and discusses different human body fluids used to diagnose fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Badiee
- Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Avenue, Shiraz 7193711351, Iran.
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Sarkar P, Rasheed HF. Clinical review: Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients--a changing picture. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2013; 17:228. [PMID: 23806117 PMCID: PMC3706935 DOI: 10.1186/cc12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients is a relatively common presentation to ICU. The debate on ICU treatment of HIV-infected patients goes on despite an overall decline in mortality amongst these patients since the AIDS epidemic. Many intensive care physicians feel that ICU treatment of critically ill HIV patients is likely to be futile. This is mainly due to the unfavourable outcome of HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia who need mechanical ventilation. However, the changing spectrum of respiratory illness in HIV-infected patients and improved outcome from critical illness remain under-recognised. Also, the awareness of certain factors that can affect their outcome remains low. As there are important ethical and practical implications for intensive care clinicians while making decisions to provide ICU support to HIV-infected patients, a review of literature was undertaken. It is notable that the respiratory illnesses that are not directly related to underlying HIV disease are now commonly encountered in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. The overall incidence of P. jirovecii as a cause of respiratory failure has declined since the AIDS epidemic and sepsis including bacterial pneumonia has emerged as a frequent cause of hospital and ICU admission amongst HIV patients. The improved overall outcome of HIV patients needing ICU admission is related to advancement in general ICU care, including adoption of improved ventilation strategies. An awareness of respiratory illnesses in HIV-infected patients along with an appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategy may obviate the need for invasive ventilation and improve outcome further. HIV-infected patients presenting with respiratory failure will benefit from early admission to critical care for treatment and support. There is evidence to suggest that continuing or starting HAART in critically ill HIV patients is beneficial and hence should be considered after multidisciplinary discussion. As a very high percentage (up to 40%) of HIV patients are not known to be HIV infected at the time of ICU admission, the clinicians should keep a low threshold for requesting HIV testing for patients with recurrent pneumonia.
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Abstract
Quantitative PCR on nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) can achieve high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) compared to microscopic examination of bronchoscopic specimens in a population with low HIV prevalence. Since NPA is a minimally invasive procedure, it is ideal as a screening test for PCP.
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Abstract
Although the incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) has decreased since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy, it remains an important cause of disease in both HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected immunosuppressed populations. The epidemiology of PCP has shifted over the course of the HIV epidemic both from changes in HIV and PCP treatment and prevention and from changes in critical care medicine. Although less common in non-HIV-infected immunosuppressed patients, PCP is now more frequently seen due to the increasing numbers of organ transplants and development of novel immunotherapies. New diagnostic and treatment modalities are under investigation. The immune response is critical in preventing this disease but also results in lung damage, and future work may offer potential areas for vaccine development or immunomodulatory therapy. Colonization with Pneumocystis is an area of increasing clinical and research interest and may be important in development of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In this review, we discuss current clinical and research topics in the study of Pneumocystis and highlight areas for future research.
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Samuel CM, Whitelaw A, Corcoran C, Morrow B, Hsiao NY, Zampoli M, Zar HJ. Improved detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in upper and lower respiratory tract specimens from children with suspected pneumocystis pneumonia using real-time PCR: a prospective study. BMC Infect Dis 2011; 11:329. [PMID: 22123076 PMCID: PMC3254081 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-11-329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a major cause of hospitalization and mortality in HIV-infected African children. Microbiologic diagnosis relies predominantly on silver or immunofluorescent staining of a lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens which are difficult to obtain in children. Diagnosis on upper respiratory tract (URT) specimens using PCR has been reported useful in adults, but data in children are limited. The main objectives of the study was (1) to compare the diagnostic yield of PCR with immunofluorescence (IF) and (2) to investigate the usefulness of upper compared to lower respiratory tract samples for diagnosing PCP in children. Methods Children hospitalised at an academic hospital with suspected PCP were prospectively enrolled. An upper respiratory sample (nasopharyngeal aspirate, NPA) and a lower respiratory sample (induced sputum, IS or bronchoalveolar lavage, BAL) were submitted for real-time PCR and direct IF for the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii. A control group of children with viral lower respiratory tract infections were investigated with PCR for PCP. Results 202 children (median age 3.3 [inter-quartile range, IQR 2.2 - 4.6] months) were enrolled. The overall detection rate by PCR was higher than by IF [180/349 (52%) vs. 26/349 (7%) respectively; p < 0.0001]. PCR detected more infections compared to IF in lower respiratory tract samples [93/166 (56%) vs. 22/166 (13%); p < 0.0001] and in NPAs [87/183 (48%) vs. 4/183 (2%); p < 0.0001]. Detection rates by PCR on upper (87/183; 48%) compared with lower respiratory tract samples (93/166; 56%) were similar (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.46 - 1.11). Only 2/30 (6.6%) controls were PCR positive. Conclusion Real-time PCR is more sensitive than IF for the detection of P. jirovecii in children with PCP. NPA samples may be used for diagnostic purposes when PCR is utilised. Wider implementation of PCR on NPA samples is warranted for diagnosing PCP in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Samuel
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town and National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Abstract
We undertook a bivariate meta-analysis to assess the overall accuracy of respiratory specimen PCR assays for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia. The summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.00) and 0.90 (0.87 to 0.93). Subgroup analyses showed that quantitative PCR analysis and the major surface glycoprotein gene target had the highest specificity value (0.93). Respiratory specimen PCR results are sufficient to confirm or exclude the disease for at-risk patients suspected of having Pneumocystis pneumonia.
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Harris JR, Marston BJ, Sangrujee N, DuPlessis D, Park B. Cost-effectiveness analysis of diagnostic options for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PLoS One 2011; 6:e23158. [PMID: 21858013 PMCID: PMC3156114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is challenging, particularly in developing countries. Highly sensitive diagnostic methods are costly, while less expensive methods often lack sensitivity or specificity. Cost-effectiveness comparisons of the various diagnostic options have not been presented. Methods and Findings We compared cost-effectiveness, as measured by cost per life-years gained and proportion of patients successfully diagnosed and treated, of 33 PCP diagnostic options, involving combinations of specimen collection methods [oral washes, induced and expectorated sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)] and laboratory diagnostic procedures [various staining procedures or polymerase chain reactions (PCR)], or clinical diagnosis with chest x-ray alone. Our analyses were conducted from the perspective of the government payer among ambulatory, HIV-infected patients with symptoms of pneumonia presenting to HIV clinics and hospitals in South Africa. Costing data were obtained from the National Institutes of Communicable Diseases in South Africa. At 50% disease prevalence, diagnostic procedures involving expectorated sputum with any PCR method, or induced sputum with nested or real-time PCR, were all highly cost-effective, successfully treating 77–90% of patients at $26–51 per life-year gained. Procedures using BAL specimens were significantly more expensive without added benefit, successfully treating 68–90% of patients at costs of $189–232 per life-year gained. A relatively cost-effective diagnostic procedure that did not require PCR was Toluidine Blue O staining of induced sputum ($25 per life-year gained, successfully treating 68% of patients). Diagnosis using chest x-rays alone resulted in successful treatment of 77% of patients, though cost-effectiveness was reduced ($109 per life-year gained) compared with several molecular diagnostic options. Conclusions For diagnosis of PCP, use of PCR technologies, when combined with less-invasive patient specimens such as expectorated or induced sputum, represent more cost-effective options than any diagnostic procedure using BAL, or chest x-ray alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Harris
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
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Döşkaya M, Caner A, Değirmenci A, Wengenack NL, Yolasığmaz A, Turgay N, Özensoy Töz S, Gürüz Y. Degree and frequency of inhibition in a routine real-time PCR detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in Turkey. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:937-944. [PMID: 21459903 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.030775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii is currently achieved by PCR in almost all laboratories with sufficient equipment due to its high sensitivity and specificity compared to staining methods. A current issue that limits the reliability and sensitivity of PCR is the degree of inhibition caused by inhibitory substances in respiratory samples. The present study aimed to analyse the degree and frequency of inhibition in real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens submitted to a Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) diagnosis laboratory in Ege University Medical School, Turkey. Between July 2009 and December 2010, 76 respiratory specimens [63 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, 10 sputum samples, two tracheal aspiration fluid and one thoracentesis fluid] obtained from 69 PcP-suspected patients were investigated for the presence of P. jirovecii using real-time PCR targeting the cdc2 gene. Of these samples, 42 of the specimens were stained and examined by microscopy according to the request of the clinicians. PCR was positive in 15 specimens in the initial run. Of the remaining 61 samples, 41 of them were negative with positive internal inhibition controls (i.e. true-negative group). The frequency of inhibition in the initial run was 26.31 % (20/76) as determined by spiked negative controls. All of the inhibited samples were resolved after 1 : 2, 1 : 5, 1 : 10 and 1 : 20 dilutions. P. jirovecii was detected by PCR in two inhibited specimens after retesting with diluted samples which were also positive by microscopy. The incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens was 22.36 % (17/76) as determined by real-time PCR and 7.14 % (3/42) by microscopy. Overall, the incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory samples was 23.68 % (18/76) as detected by both methods. In conclusion, inclusion of spiked positive controls in each sample and retesting with diluted samples to resolve inhibition increased the reliability of the real-time PCR assay in terms of determining false-negative results and influencing the treatment of the patient. Furthermore, results of the present study determined for the first time the frequency and degree of inhibition in a real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens during routine diagnosis of PcP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Caner
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nancy L Wengenack
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ayşegül Yolasığmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nevin Turgay
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Seray Özensoy Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
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Azoulay E. Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Strategy in Immunocompromised Patients with Pulmonary Infiltrates. PULMONARY INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES 2011. [PMCID: PMC7123161 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-15742-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is the main reason for ICU admission in patients with haematological malignancies. High mortality rates of up to 50% are reported in this situation, and mortality is highest when mechanical ventilation is needed. Rapid and accurate diagnostic methods are needed in these vulnerable patients to ensure the prompt initiation of effective treatment. However, the broad array of possible cause of ARF raises diagnostic challenges. In this review, we discuss the DIRECT strategy, which identifies the most plausible diagnosis in each patient based on the type of immune deficiency and clinical presentation. We will focus on non-invasive laboratory tests developed in recent years, discussing their sensitivity and specificity. We also discuss the usefulness in cancer patients with specific organ dysfunctions of biomarkers introduced over the past few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie Azoulay
- Service de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Saint Louis, Avenue Claude Vellefaux 1, Paris, 75010 France
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Infrequent detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii by PCR in oral wash specimens from TB patients with or without HIV and healthy contacts in Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2010; 10:140. [PMID: 20509902 PMCID: PMC2886059 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-10-140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In tuberculosis (TB) endemic parts of the world, patients with pulmonary symptoms are managed as "smear-negative TB patients" if they do not improve on a two-week presumptive, broad-spectrum course of antibiotic treatment even if they are TB microscopy smear negative. These patients are frequently HIV positive and have a higher mortality than smear-positive TB patients. Lack of access to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia might be a contributing reason. We therefore assessed the prevalence of P. jirovecii by PCR in oral wash specimens among TB patients and healthy individuals in an HIV- and TB-endemic area of sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A prospective study of 384 patients initiating treatment for sputum smear-positive and smear-negative TB and 100 healthy household contacts and neighbourhood controls. DNA from oral wash specimens was examined by PCR for P. jirovecii. All patients delivered sputum for TB microscopy and culture. Healthy contacts and community controls were clinically assessed and all study subjects were HIV tested and had CD4 cell counts determined. Clinical status and mortality was assessed after a follow-up period of 5 months. Results 384 patients and 100 controls were included, 53% and 8% HIV positive respectively. A total number of 65 patients and controls (13.6%) were at definitive risk for PCP based on CD4 counts <200 cells per mm3 and no specific PCP prophylaxis. Only a single patient (0.3% of the patients) was PCR positive for P. jirovecii. None of the healthy household contacts or neighbourhood controls had PCR-detectable P. jirovecii DNA in their oral wash specimens regardless of HIV-status. Conclusions The prevalence of P. jirovecii as detected by PCR on oral wash specimens was very low among TB patients with or without HIV and healthy individuals in Tanzania. Colonisation by P. jirovecii was not detected among healthy controls. The present findings may encourage diagnostic use of this non-invasive method.
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Insuffisance Respiratoire Aiguë chez le patient immunodéprimé : Quelle approche diagnostique ? REVUE DES MALADIES RESPIRATOIRES ACTUALITÉS 2010; 2:114-124. [PMID: 32288904 PMCID: PMC7140285 DOI: 10.1016/s1877-1203(10)70014-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Khot PD, Fredricks DN. PCR-based diagnosis of human fungal infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 7:1201-21. [PMID: 19968513 DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PCR is a very appealing technology for the detection of human pathogens, but the detection of fungal pathogens is particularly challenging. Fungi have cell walls that impede the efficient lysis of organisms and liberation of DNA, which can lead to false-negative PCR results. Conversely, some human pathogens are also ubiquitous environmental saprophytes that can contaminate PCR reagents and cause false-positive results. We examine the quality of PCR-based studies for fungal diagnostics using 42 variables within the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines. This review focuses on taxon-directed PCR assays for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Finally, we evaluate broad-range fungal PCR assays capable of detecting a wide spectrum of human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna D Khot
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
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Uemura N, Makimura K, Onozaki M, Otsuka Y, Shibuya Y, Yazaki H, Kikuchi Y, Abe S, Kudoh S. Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia. J Med Microbiol 2008; 57:50-57. [PMID: 18065667 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.47216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel, rapid nucleic acid amplification method with high specificity and sensitivity under isothermal conditions. In this study a LAMP assay for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) was developed. Oligonucleotide primers specific for Pneumocystis species were designed corresponding to 18S rRNA gene sequences. The assay, performed for 30 min at 61 degrees C, was capable of detecting 50 copies per tube (2 x 10(3) copies ml(-1)) in 30 min and did not show cross-reactivity to other species of fungi, including the genera Candida, Aspergillus and Cryptococcus. A total of 21 of 24 clinical specimens (sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) from patients with suspected PCP tested positive using the LAMP assay by real-time fluorescence detection. The results of the LAMP reaction were also observed by real-time turbidity detection and end-point visual turbidity or fluorescence detection. With real-time fluorescence detection, melting curves of the products were effective at distinguishing specific amplification from non-specific amplification or self-amplification. Visual detection was also possible as a rapid and easy assay using only a heat block and a black light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsu Uemura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine/Infection and Oncology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.,Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, 539 Otsuka, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0395, Japan
| | - Koichi Makimura
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, 539 Otsuka, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0395, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hirohisa Yazaki
- AIDS Clinical Center, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Kikuchi
- AIDS Clinical Center, International Medical Center of Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeru Abe
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology, 539 Otsuka, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0395, Japan
| | - Shoji Kudoh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine/Infection and Oncology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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Respaldiza N, Montes-Cano MA, Friaza V, Muñoz-Lobato F, Medrano FJ, Varela JM, Calderon E, De la Horra C. Usefulness Of Oropharyngeal Washings For Identifying Pneumocystis jirovecii Carriers. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2006; 53 Suppl 1:S100-1. [PMID: 17169015 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2006.00188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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de Oliveira A, Unnasch TR, Crothers K, Eiser S, Zucchi P, Moir J, Beard CB, Lawrence GG, Huang L. Performance of a molecular viability assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2006; 57:169-76. [PMID: 17049800 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2006.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Revised: 08/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), caused by infection with Pneumocystis jirovecii, remains an important opportunistic infection in humans. A reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay has been shown to specifically detect viable P. jirovecii organisms. In the current study, we evaluated this assay on different types of respiratory samples. The assay had a diagnostic sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 86% when applied to bronchoalveolar lavage samples. The assay's performance declined when applied to less invasive induced sputum and oropharyngeal wash (OPW) samples. The sensitivity, when applied to OPWs, was improved by examining multiple sequential OPW samples and was affected by clinical sampling parameters that could increase or decrease the number of potential organisms in the oropharynx. When used in conjunction with an optimized clinical sampling protocol, this assay may become a useful tool for detecting and monitoring P. jirovecii in minimally invasive clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana de Oliveira
- Division of Geographic Medicine, BBRB Box 7, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Alvarez-Martínez MJ, Miró JM, Valls ME, Moreno A, Rivas PV, Solé M, Benito N, Domingo P, Muñoz C, Rivera E, Zar HJ, Wissmann G, Diehl ARS, Prolla JC, de Anta MTJ, Gatell JM, Wilson PE, Meshnick SR. Sensitivity and specificity of nested and real-time PCR for the detection of Pneumocystis jiroveci in clinical specimens. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2006; 56:153-60. [PMID: 16678378 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2006.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2005] [Revised: 02/23/2006] [Accepted: 03/08/2006] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test for Pneumocystis jiroveci (formerly Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. hominis) might be an alternative to histologic diagnoses of P. jiroveci pneumonia (PCP). However, previously developed nested PCR methods tend to have low specificities (high false-positive rates). In this study, nested and quantitative real-time PCR methods for the amplification of the P. jiroveci DHPS (dihydropteroate synthase) gene were evaluated in a variety of stored clinical samples from Spain, South Africa, and Brazil. The sensitivities of both assays were high, ranging from 62.5% to 100% depending on the type of specimen. In a subset of 71 microscopically confirmed PCP cases and 70 negative cases, the sensitivities and specificities were 94% and 81% for nested PCR and 94% and 96% for real-time PCR, respectively. Real-time PCR has a statistically significantly better specificity than nested PCR (P = .015) and is likely to generate fewer false positives.
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Christensen MS, Nielsen LP, Hasle H. Few but severe viral infections in children with cancer: a prospective RT-PCR and PCR-based 12-month study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 45:945-51. [PMID: 16047356 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.20469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of low-risk febrile episodes with oral administered antibiotics at home is a new approach in pediatric oncology and protective isolation is loosened in more centers. The impact of viral respiratory infections in febrile diseases in this population is still unclear in terms of occurrence and morbidity. PROCEDURE A prospective follow-up study of all febrile episodes during 12 months in a pediatric oncology department with a high level of protective isolation was set-up with expanded molecular viral examinations. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and PCR diagnostics of ten viruses, two atypical bacteria, and one fungus were performed and clinical information on all infections was registered. RESULTS A total of 250 febrile episodes in 66 patients were registered. In all, 198 respiratory secretions, predominantly oral washes, and 165 anal swabs were analyzed. Twenty-two infections were diagnosed: 7 rhinovirus infections, 4 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, 2 varicella-zoster-virus (VZV) infections, 1 influenza B virus infection, 1 parainfluenza virus type 3 infection (PIV3), 1 human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, 1 enterovirus infection, 0 adenovirus infections, 0 influenza A virus infections, and 3 non-viral pneumonias: 1 M. Pneumonia, 1 C. Pneumonia, and 1 P. Carinii. The detected pathogens correlated well to the clinical disease. Patients with viral infections were as affected as patients with bacteria in the blood. One of 19 viral infections was lethal, a RSV pneumonia. C-reactive protein concentrations were not able to distinguish viral infections from bacteremias. CONCLUSIONS The applied sampling method was acceptable and molecular diagnosis of viruses, atypical bacteria and P. Carinii increased the microbiological verification of infections by 35%. Viral infections were few in our protected population but caused severe infectious complications in these patients.
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Respaldiza N, Montes-Cano MA, Dapena FJ, de la Horra C, Mateos I, Medrano FJ, Calderon E, Varela JM. Prevalence of colonisation and genotypic characterisation of Pneumocystis jirovecii among cystic fibrosis patients in Spain. Clin Microbiol Infect 2005; 11:1012-5. [PMID: 16307556 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2005.01276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii colonisation may occur among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients because of their underlying pulmonary disease. A wide epidemiological analysis was performed among CF patients from Spain to assess the prevalence of P. jirovecii colonisation and the distribution of different genotypes. P. jirovecii was identified by nested PCR targeting the mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA gene from sputum samples or oropharyngeal washes. The genotype was determined by direct sequencing. The prevalence of P. jirovecii colonisation among 88 consecutive CF patients was 21.5%. The polymorphisms identified were 85C/248C (45.4%), 85T/248C (27.2%) and 85A/248C (18.1%); in one case, a mix of genotypes was found. Colonisation was more frequent in subjects aged < 18 years (25.5% vs. 15.1%). Among the patients studied, 20.8% received treatment with azithromycin; all of these patients were colonised with P. jirovecii, but none developed Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) during a 1-year follow-up period. Concordance in the colonisation status of siblings suggested a common source of infection or person-to-person transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Respaldiza
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis Unit, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
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Nyamande K, Lalloo UG, York D, Naidoo M, Irusen EM, Chetty R. Low sensitivity of a nested polymerase chain reaction in oropharyngeal washings for the diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. Chest 2005; 128:167-71. [PMID: 16002931 DOI: 10.1378/chest.128.1.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the relative yield and diagnostic utility of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in oropharyngeal washings using transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) and BAL as "gold standards." DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Academic tertiary center. PATIENTS Oropharyngeal washes were obtained in 50 consecutive patients with clinical pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Because of varying clinical severity, not all patients tolerated bronchoscopy. Thirty-five patients underwent TBBx, and 48 patients underwent BAL. METHODS DNA extracted from oropharyngeal washings and BAL was subjected to a nested PCR test using primers for the large subunit mitochondrial ribosomal RNA of P jirovecii. Oropharyngeal washings were compared with BAL PCR and TBBx. RESULTS Sixteen of the 35 TBBx procedures had positive results for PCP (46%). Oropharyngeal washings yielded positive results for pneumocystis in 7 of the 16 patients (sensitivity, 44%; specificity, 79%). Thirty-five of 48 patients (73%) had positive PCR results on BAL analysis. The relative yield of the PCR in oropharyngeal washes compared with BAL fluid was 40% (14 of 35 washes), giving a sensitivity of 40% and specificity of 77%. CONCLUSION PCR DNA amplification of oropharyngeal washings in HIV-seropositive subjects has a low sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Nyamande
- FRCP(London), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Unit, Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban 4013, South Africa
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Abstract
Molecular diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, have become useful tools for the rapid etiological diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have been evaluated for detecting most respiratory pathogens, and commercial assays are available for some pathogens. However, standardized protocols are needed before these assays are introduced into routine diagnostic use. For pneumonia, NAATs offer advantages over conventional tests for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella spp. and Chlamydia pneumoniae. For pneumococcal pneumonia in adults, PCR adds little to existing diagnostic tests, and is unable to distinguish pneumococcal colonization from infection when testing respiratory samples. Although less sensitive than culture-based methods, several commercial molecular diagnostic assays have been developed for tuberculosis and are useful rapid tests for selected patients. PCR can now be considered the rapid diagnostic test of choice for pertussis and some respiratory virus infections. Further work is required to better characterize the role of molecular diagnostic tests for diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections, and to develop standard assays that can be readily adopted by routine diagnostic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Murdoch
- Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Microbiology Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Huang L, Crothers K, DeOliveira A, Eiser S, Zucchi P, Beard CB, Unnasch TR. Application of an mRNA-Based Molecular Viability Assay to Oropharyngeal Washes for the Diagnosis of Pneurnocystis Pneumonia in HIV-Infected Patients. A Pilot Study. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2003; 50 Suppl:618-20. [PMID: 14736185 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.2003.tb00652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Huang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Positive Health Program, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
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Murdoch DR. Nucleic acid amplification tests for the diagnosis of pneumonia. Clin Infect Dis 2003; 36:1162-70. [PMID: 12715312 DOI: 10.1086/374559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2002] [Accepted: 01/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are promising tools for the rapid etiological diagnosis of pneumonia. PCR offers potential advantages over conventional tests for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. For pneumococcal pneumonia in adults, PCR adds little to existing diagnostic tests and is unable to distinguish pneumococcal colonization from infection when testing respiratory samples. Although PCR is probably more sensitive than are conventional microscopy-based methods for diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the specificity is uncertain, because P. carinii can occasionally be detected in the absence of clinical symptoms. PCR is useful for the diagnosis of viral pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Further work is required to better characterize the role of PCR versus the role of other tests for diagnosing pneumonia and to develop standard PCR assays that can be readily adopted by routine diagnostic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Murdoch
- Microbiology Unit, Canterbury Health Laboratories, and Department of Pathology, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Scatarige JC, Diette GB, Haponik EF, Merriman B, Fishman EK. Availability, requesting practices, and barriers to referral for high-resolution CT of the lungs: results of a survey of U.S. pulmonologists. Acad Radiol 2002; 9:1370-7. [PMID: 12553347 DOI: 10.1016/s1076-6332(03)80663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES The authors performed this study to assess the availability of high-resolution computed tomography (CT), current referral practices, and potential barriers to the clinical use of high-resolution CT in patients with diffuse lung disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors sent a survey to 450 pulmonologists who were members of the American College of Chest Physicians. They sought information about the availability of high-resolution CT services, explored the physicians' current requesting practices and the monthly number of referrals, and assessed the influence of six factors on the decision to refer. RESULTS The authors received completed surveys from 230 pulmonologists (52.6%). High-resolution CT services were available to all respondents and had been used by 226 (98.3%) of them during the preceding 12 months. Two-thirds of respondents referred one to four patients per month, and one-third referred five or more. Monthly referral volume did not significantly vary among different practice types. The pulmonologists expressed a preference for hospital-based imaging facilities and routinely reviewed the images from the examinations they ordered. The most frequent reason for high-resolution CT was classification of a known interstitial process. High-resolution CT was infrequently requested to evaluate symptomatic immunocompromised patients. Confidence in the radiologist's high-resolution CT interpretation was the most important factor influencing the referral decision, and radiation dose to the patient was the least important. CONCLUSION High-resolution CT services are widely available to and frequently requested by U.S. pulmonologists in a variety of practice settings. High-resolution CT may be underutilized in symptomatic immunocompromised patients. Radiologists should be aware that the perception of their skill in high-resolution CT interpretation is an important determinant in the pulmonologist's decision to refer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Scatarige
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 601 N Caroline St, JHOC Rm 3254, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Larsen HH, Masur H, Kovacs JA, Gill VJ, Silcott VA, Kogulan P, Maenza J, Smith M, Lucey DR, Fischer SH. Development and evaluation of a quantitative, touch-down, real-time PCR assay for diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2002; 40:490-4. [PMID: 11825961 PMCID: PMC153364 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.40.2.490-494.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2001] [Revised: 08/29/2001] [Accepted: 11/09/2001] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid (time to completion, <4 h, including DNA extraction) and quantitative touch-down (QTD) real-time diagnostic Pneumocystis carinii PCR assay with an associated internal control was developed, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes for detection. The touch-down procedure significantly increased the sensitivity of the assay compared to a non-touch-down procedure. Tenfold serial dilutions of a cloned target were used as standards for quantification. P. carinii DNA has been detected in respiratory specimens from patients with P. carinii pneumonia (PCP) and from patients without clinical evidence of PCP. The latter probably represents colonization or subclinical infection. It is logical to hypothesize that quantification might prove helpful in distinguishing between infected and colonized patients: the latter group would have lower copy numbers than PCP patients. A blinded retrospective study of 98 respiratory samples (49 lower respiratory tract specimens and 49 oral washes), from 51 patients with 24 episodes of PCP and 34 episodes of other respiratory disease, was conducted. PCR-positive samples from colonized patients contained a lower concentration of P. carinii DNA than samples from PCP patients: lower respiratory tract samples from PCP and non-PCP patients contained a median of 938 (range, 2.4 to 1,040,000) and 2.6 (range, 0.3 to 248) (P < 0.0004) copies per tube, respectively. Oral washes from PCP and non-PCP patients contained a median of 49 (range, 2.1 to 2,595) and 6.5 (range, 2.2 to 10) (P < 0.03) copies per tube, respectively. These data suggest that this QTD PCR assay can be used to determine if P. carinii is present in respiratory samples and to distinguish between colonization and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Henrik Larsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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