Chronic Fusarium infection in an adult patient with undiagnosed chronic granulomatous disease

Invasive fusariosis

Invasive fusariosis is a serious invasive fungal disease, affecting immunocompetent and, more frequently, immunocompromised patients. Localized disease is the typical clinical form in immunocompetent patients. Immunocompromised hosts at elevated risk of developing invasive fusariosis are patients with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapeutic regimens for remission induction, and those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. In this setting, the infection is usually disseminated with positive blood cultures, multiple painful metastatic skin lesions, and lung involvement. Currently available antifungal agents have poor in vitro activity against Fusarium species, but a clear-cut correlation between in vitro activity and clinical effectiveness does not exist. The outcome of invasive fusariosis is largely dependent on the resolution of immunosuppression, especially neutrophil recovery in neutropenic patients.

A review of the potential of lichen substances as antifungal agents: the effects of extracts and lichen secondary metabolites on Fusarium fungi

The present meta-analysis provides literature data on the effect of lichen extracts and single secondary metabolites used against Fusarium spp. moulds. Lichen extracts were obtained from 51 corticolous, 17 terricolous and 18 saxicolous lichen species and 37 secondary compounds were tested against eight fungal species, i.e., Fusarium acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. fujikuroi, F. oxysporum, F. roseum, F. solani and F. udum. The researchers used several test methods, mostly to determine MIC and IZ. Extracts were obtained using several solvents, mainly organic ones with use of the Soxhlet apparatus. The most frequently tested species was F. oxysporum, against which lichen substances from Alectoria sarmentosa, Cladonia mitis, C. rangiferina, Flavoparmelia caperata, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Leucodermia leucomelos, Parmotrema austrosinense, P. reticulatum, Physcia aipolia, Pseudevernia furfuracea, Roccella montagnei and Umbilicaria nylanderiana and secondary metabolites such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-3,6-dimethylbenzoic acid, atranorin, lecanoric and (+)-usnic acids showed the highest antifungal potential. These agencies could compete with the potential of fungicides, such as flucytosine and fluconazole. Other species have been poorly investigated. Statistical analysis of literature data showed that the fungistatic potential of lichen extracts is significantly different from individual secondary metabolites. Similarly, the potential of secondary metabolites often differs significantly from that of non-lichen substances. This meta-analysis indicates the potential of lichen substances as future anti-fusarial agents.

The molecular immunology of human susceptibility to fungal diseases: lessons from single gene defects of immunity

INTRODUCTION

Fungal diseases are a threat to human health. Therapies targeting the fungus continue to lead to disappointing results. Strategies targeting the host response represent unexplored opportunities for innovative treatments. To do so rationally requires the identification and neat delineation of critical mechanistic pathways that underpin human antifungal immunity. The study of humans with single-gene defects of the immune system, i.e. inborn errors of immunity (IEIs), provides a foundation for these paradigms. Areas covered: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and abstracts of international congresses was performed to review the history of genetic resistance/susceptibility to fungi and identify IEIs associated with fungal diseases. Immunologic mechanisms from relevant IEIs were integrated with current definitions and understandings of mycoses to establish a framework to map out critical immunobiological pathways of human antifungal immunity. Expert opinion: Specific immune responses non-redundantly govern susceptibility to their corresponding mycoses. Defining these molecular pathways will guide the development of host-directed immunotherapies that precisely target distinct fungal diseases. These findings will pave the way for novel strategies in the treatment of these devastating infections.

Fusarium keratoplasticum infection in an HIV-infected patient

Fusarium infections are very rare in HIV-infected patients, even in patients in advanced stages of immunosuppression. All the reported cases in the literature are of disseminated infection, and with poor outcomes despite prompt and appropriate treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a localized infection with Fusarium keratoplasticum in an HIV-positive patient, successfully treated with a combination of antifungal therapy and surgical removal of the focus.

Mycobacterial disease in patients with chronic granulomatous disease: A retrospective analysis of 71 cases

BACKGROUND

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by inborn errors of the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex. From the first year of life onward, most affected patients display multiple, severe, and recurrent infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Mycobacterial infections have also been reported in some patients.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the effect of mycobacterial disease in patients with CGD.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively the clinical features of mycobacterial disease in 71 patients with CGD. Tuberculosis and BCG disease were diagnosed on the basis of microbiological, pathological, and/or clinical criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty-one (44%) patients had tuberculosis, and 53 (75%) presented with adverse effects of BCG vaccination; 13 (18%) had both tuberculosis and BCG infections. None of these patients displayed clinical disease caused by environmental mycobacteria, Mycobacterium leprae, or Mycobacterium ulcerans. Most patients (76%) also had other pyogenic and fungal infections, but 24% presented solely with mycobacterial disease. Most patients presented a single localized episode of mycobacterial disease (37%), but recurrence (18%), disseminated disease (27%), and even death (18%) were also observed. One common feature in these patients was an early age at presentation for BCG disease. Mycobacterial disease was the first clinical manifestation of CGD in 60% of these patients.

CONCLUSION

Mycobacterial disease is relatively common in patients with CGD living in countries in which tuberculosis is endemic, BCG vaccine is mandatory, or both. Adverse reactions to BCG and severe forms of tuberculosis should lead to a suspicion of CGD. BCG vaccine is contraindicated in patients with CGD.

Fusarium falciforme infection in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease: Unique long-term course of epidural abscess

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by recurrent life-threatening bacterial and fungal infections with granuloma formation. Species of the genus Fusarium are opportunistic environmental microorganisms that are rarely pathogenic in humans. We report here the first case of X-linked CGD complicated with epidural abscess caused by Fusarium falciforme infection. The abscesses extended along the dura mater for >7 years and finally resulted in fatal meningitis and cervical myelitis. Early intervention with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered, especially in patients with severe CGD, before the development of serious infectious complication.

Invasive fungal infection in chronic granulomatous disease: insights into pathogenesis and management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) remain a major cause of death in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We discuss the new insights into the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management of invasive fungal infections in patients with CGD.

RECENT FINDINGS

CGD has the highest prevalence of IFIs among the immunodeficiencies. Infections typically involve the lung, and the most commonly isolated pathogen is Aspergillus spp. However, IFIs due to rare opportunistic filamentous fungi are increasingly reported. Most IFIs are diagnosed on routine chest imaging, and serum markers such as galactomannan and 1,3-β-D-glucan are of limited value in CGD. Routine use of itraconazole for prophylaxis continues to be recommended, although posaconazole may be an alternative. Management of IFIs is typically centered on prolonged courses of antifungal therapy. Surgery may be required for complete resolution, especially in the setting of osteomyelitis or infections due to Aspergillus nidulans or other poorly responsive molds. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) cures CGD and may be appropriate in select patients with refractory IFIs.

SUMMARY

Management of IFIs in CGD has significantly improved over the last decade. Earlier diagnosis of IFIs, accurate identification of pathogens, and development of reliable susceptibility testing are areas for future emphasis. HSCT is a promising therapy, even during refractory infections in CGD.

Non-Aspergillus fungal infections in chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a congenital immunodeficiency, characterised by significant infections due to an inability of phagocyte to kill catalase-positive organisms including certain fungi such as Aspergillus spp. Nevertheless, other more rare fungi can cause significant diseases. This report is a systematic review of all published cases of non-Aspergillus fungal infections in CGD patients. Analysis of 68 cases of non-Aspergillus fungal infections in 65 CGD patients (10 females) published in the English literature. The median age of CGD patients was 15.2 years (range 0.1-69), 60% of whom had the X-linked recessive defect. The most prevalent non-Aspergillus fungal infections were associated with Rhizopus spp. and Trichosporon spp. found in nine cases each (13.2%). The most commonly affected organs were the lungs in 69.9%. In 63.2% of cases first line antifungal treatment was monotherapy, with amphotericin B formulations being the most frequently used antifungal agents in 45.6% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 26.2%. Clinicians should take into account the occurrence of non-Aspergillus infections in this patient group, as well as the possibility of a changing epidemiology in fungal pathogens. Better awareness and knowledge of these pathogens can optimise antifungal treatment and improve outcome in CGD patients.

Invasive fungal infections in patients with chronic granulomatous disease

Invasive fungal infections are a major threat for chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patients. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of published invasive fungal infections in the CGD host through an extensive review of epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic data. In addition to the often mild clinical presentation, the currently used diagnostics for invasive aspergillosis have low sensitivity in CGD patients and cannot be easily translated to this non-neutropenic host. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. nidulans are the most commonly isolated species. A. nidulans infections are seldom reported in other immunocompromised patients, indicating a unique interaction between this fungus and the CGD host. The occurrence of mucormycosis is mainly noted in the setting of treatment of inflammatory complications with immunosuppressive drugs. Candida infections are infrequently seen and do not cause mucocutaneous disease but do show an age-dependent clinical presentation. The CGD patient is susceptible to a wide range of fungal pathogens, indicating the need to determine the causative fungus, often by invasive diagnostics, to guide optimal and rational treatment. This review summarizes current understanding of invasive fungal infections in patients with CGD and will serve as a starting point to guide optimal treatment strategies and to direct further research aimed at improving outcomes.

Fungal infection and increased mortality in patients with chronic granulomatous disease

OBJECTIVE

Fungal infection presents a serious risk to individuals with compromised immune systems. Chronic granulomatous disease is a primary immunodeficiency with X-linked or autosomal recessive inheritance. Patients with CGD are predisposed to bacterial and fungal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of fungal infections, identify the most common fungal pathogens, and determine the risk factors associated with fungal infections and mortality in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively 12 patients with CGD in the period of 1995-2008. All of the patients were suspected to fungal infections. The data was gathered from the medical records of all patients as having CGD. Twelve patients had adequate medical records to enter the study. The diagnostic of fungal infections were confirmed by histopathology and direct preparation, culture techniques, histopathology of surgical biopsies, and radiological examination of the affected site.

RESULTS

We evaluated 12 cases of chronic granulomatosis. Patients that are susceptible to recurrent, sever infections. Patients consisted of seven males and five females. The median age of patients at the time of the study was 11.66 years (3 to18). Neutrophil oxidative burst were absent (NBT=0) in all patients. Fungal infections were confirmed in five patients (41/7%) by histology and mycological methods. The most common isolated fungi in this study were Aspergillus spp. Out of five cases of fungal infections identified, tree were Aspergillus spp, and two Fusarium spp. The most common manifestations of CGD due to fungal infections (in descending order) were osteomyelitis (42.8%), pulmonary infections (28.6%), lymphadenopathy (14.3%) and skin involvement (14.3%) during their illness.

CONCLUSION

Invasive fungal infections are a frequent and life-threatening complication in CGD patients. The lungs and skeletal, were the most commonly affected organ; however, lymphatic, and skin involvement have also been described. Our present study showed that fusariosis also is a threat to CGD patients.

Emerging moulds: epidemiological trends and antifungal resistance

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Although Aspergillus spp. remain an important cause of IFI, other moulds such as Fusarium spp., dematiaceous fungi and Mucorales have become increasingly prevalent among this patient population. Diagnosis and treatment of invasive mould infections remain a challenge. Because of the poor prognosis associated with IFIs, understanding the activity, efficacy and limitations of the available drugs is critical to select the appropriate antifungal agent on an individualised basis.

Mucormycosis, pseudallescheriasis, and other uncommon mold infections

Serious infections due to non-Aspergillus molds are being encountered with increasing frequency. Factors likely responsible for the rise of these infections include aging populations in countries with advanced medical technologies, the resultant increase in incidence of many cancers, increasingly intensive myeloablative therapies for these cancers, increasingly intensive care for critically ill patients, and increases in the frequency of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although diagnostic and therapeutic modalities have improved, mortality rates for invasive mold infections remain high. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about non-Aspergillus mold infections of the chest, with a focus on risk factors, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.

Fusarium infections in immunocompromised patients

Fusarium species cause a broad spectrum of infections in humans, including superficial, locally invasive, and disseminated infections. The clinical form of fusariosis depends largely on the immune status of the host and the portal of entry, with superficial and localized disease occurring mostly in immunocompetent patients and invasive and disseminated disease affecting immunocompromised patients. Risk factors for severe fusariosis include prolonged neutropenia and T-cell immunodeficiency, especially in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with severe graft-versus-host disease. The most frequent presentation of disseminated fusariosis is a combination of characteristic cutaneous lesions and positive blood cultures, with or without lung or sinus involvement. The prognosis is poor and is determined largely by degree of immunosuppression and extent of infection, with virtually a 100% death rate among persistently neutropenic patients with disseminated disease. These infections may be clinically suspected on the basis of a constellation of clinical and laboratory findings, which should lead to prompt therapy. Treatment options include the lipid formulations of amphotericin B, voriconazole, and posaconazole. Prevention of fusarial infection among high-risk patients should be considered.

Primary immune deficiencies presenting in adults: seven years of experience from Iran

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are not solely diseases of childhood. We describe the clinical presentation and outcome for 55 adult patients with previously unrecognized PIDs. This series provides unique data regarding PIDs presenting in adulthood, and serves as a timely reminder that physicians must consider the diagnosis of PIDs in their adult patients. Using the experience gained from these patients, we outline key "warning signs" suggestive of an underlying PID. Only through increased physician awareness will patients with PIDs receive timely diagnosis and optimal management.

BCG-osis and tuberculosis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease

A few known primary immunodeficiencies confer predisposition to clinical disease caused by weakly virulent mycobacteria, such as BCG vaccines (regional disease, known as BCG-itis, or disseminated disease, known as BCG-osis), or more virulent mycobacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis). We investigated the clinical and genetic features of a 12-year-old boy with both recurrent BCG-osis and disseminated tuberculosis. The patient's phagocytic cells produced no O(2)(-). A hemizygous splice mutation was found in intron 5 of CYBB, leading to a diagnosis of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease. Chronic granulomatous disease should be suspected in all children with BCG-osis, even in the absence of nonmycobacterial infectious diseases, and in selected children with recurrent BCG-itis or severe tuberculosis.

Emerging Fungi

The hyalohyphomycetes (especially Fusarium spp) have emerged as significant pathogens in severely immunocompromised patients. Human infections by Fusarium spp can be superficial or limited to single organs in otherwise healthy patients. Such infections are rare and tend to respond well to therapy. By contrast, disseminated fusarial hyalohyphomycosis affects the immunocompromised host and frequently is fatal. Successful outcome is determined by the degree of immunosuppression and the extent of the infection. These infections may be suspected clinically on the basis of a constellation of clinical and laboratory findings, which should lead to prompt therapy.

Chronic Granulomatous Disease with Unusual Clinical Manifestation, Outcome, and Pattern of Inheritance in an Iranian Family

CGD is a rare phagocytic disorder manifesting as recurrent, severe bacterial and fungal infections. We describe an Iranian family with eight children, of whom six, five males and one female were diagnosed with CGD resulting in diffuse pulmonary sterile granulomatous lesions. Three died despite multiple courses of antibiotic and antituberculosis medications while three are alive, to date they are asymptomatic but with imaging and pathologic findings of pulmonary granulomatosis, treated with steroids. The parents are healthy. Our report describes the clinical manifestations and outcome in this family. The inheritance pattern suggests an autosomal recessive pattern with high penetrance.