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Pruksaphon K, Amsri A, Thammasit P, Nosanchuk JD, Aiumurai P, Youngchim S. Diagnostic Performances of an in-House Immunochromatography Test Based on the Monoclonal Antibody 18B7 to Glucuronoxylomannan for Clinical Suspected Cryptococcosis: a Large-Scale Prototype Evaluation in Northern Thailand. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:75. [PMID: 39120647 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptococcosis predominantly presents as a meningoencephalitis in Thailand. Early and expeditious diagnosis is essential for reducing both mortality and morbidity associated with cryptococcal meningitis. We aim to define and establish the diagnostic performances between the benchmark commercially available diagnostic kit (CrAg® LFA) and the large-scale prototype of an inexpensive in-house immunochromatographic test (ICT) based on monoclonal antibody (MAb) 18B7. METHODS We have developed the large-scale prototype for the rapid detection of cryptococcal polysaccharide antigens by utilizing a single antibody sandwich ICT format employing MAb 18B7, which is highly specific to Cryptococcus neoformans glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) antigens. An in-house MAb18B7 ICT was manufactured in accordance with industry standards under the control of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485. RESULTS The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the in-house MAb 18B7 ICT were 99.10%, 97.61%, and 97.83%, respectively. The agreement kappa (κ) coefficient was 0.968 based on the retrospective evaluation of 580 specimens from patients living in northern Thailand with clinically suspected cryptococcosis. CONCLUSION The data suggest that this in-house MAb 18B7 ICT will be highly beneficial for addressing the issue of cryptococcal infection in Thailand. Moreover, it is anticipated that this inexpensive ICT can play a pivotal role in various global strategies aimed at eradicating cryptococcal meningitis among individuals living with HIV by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
- Center of Excellence Research for Melioidosis and Microorganisms (CERMM), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Artid Amsri
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Patcharin Thammasit
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Pisinee Aiumurai
- Center of Research Excellence in Allergy and Immunology, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
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McDonald EG, Afshar A, Assiri B, Boyles T, Hsu JM, Khuong N, Prosty C, So M, Sohani ZN, Butler-Laporte G, Lee TC. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in people living with HIV: a review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0010122. [PMID: 38235979 PMCID: PMC10938896 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00101-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungus that can cause life-threatening pneumonia. People with HIV (PWH) who have low CD4 counts are one of the populations at the greatest risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). While guidelines have approached the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and management of PCP, the numerous studies of PCP in PWH are dominated by the 1980s and 1990s. As such, most studies have included younger male populations, despite PCP affecting both sexes and a broad age range. Many studies have been small and observational in nature, with an overall lack of randomized controlled trials. In many jurisdictions, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, the diagnosis can be challenging due to lack of access to advanced and/or invasive diagnostics. Worldwide, most patients will be treated with 21 days of high-dose trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, although both the dose and the duration are primarily based on historical practice. Whether treatment with a lower dose is as effective and less toxic is gaining interest based on observational studies. Similarly, a 21-day tapering regimen of prednisone is used for patients with more severe disease, yet other doses, other steroids, or shorter durations of treatment with corticosteroids have not been evaluated. Now with the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy, improved and less invasive PCP diagnostic techniques, and interest in novel treatment strategies, this review consolidates the scientific body of literature on the diagnosis and management of PCP in PWH, as well as identifies areas in need of more study and thoughtfully designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Avideh Afshar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bander Assiri
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tom Boyles
- Right to Care, NPC, Centurion, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy M. Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ninh Khuong
- Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Connor Prosty
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Miranda So
- Sinai Health System-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zahra N. Sohani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Todd C. Lee
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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McHale TC, Boulware DR, Kasibante J, Ssebambulidde K, Skipper CP, Abassi M. Diagnosis and management of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected adults. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0015622. [PMID: 38014977 PMCID: PMC10870732 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00156-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, especially in people with advanced HIV disease. Cryptococcal meningitis is responsible for nearly 20% of all deaths related to advanced HIV disease, with the burden of disease predominantly experienced by people in resource-limited countries. Major advancements in diagnostics have introduced low-cost, easy-to-use antigen tests with remarkably high sensitivity and specificity. These tests have led to improved diagnostic accuracy and are essential for screening campaigns to reduce the burden of cryptococcosis. In the last 5 years, several high-quality, multisite clinical trials have led to innovations in therapeutics that have allowed for simplified regimens, which are better tolerated and result in less intensive monitoring and management of medication adverse effects. One trial found that a shorter, 7-day course of deoxycholate amphotericin B is as effective as the longer 14-day course and that flucytosine is an essential partner drug for reducing mortality in the acute phase of disease. Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B has also been found to be as effective as a 7-day course of deoxycholate amphotericin B. These findings have allowed for simpler and safer treatment regimens that also reduce the burden on the healthcare system. This review provides a detailed discussion of the latest evidence guiding the clinical management and special circumstances that make cryptococcal meningitis uniquely difficult to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C. McHale
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David R. Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Caleb P. Skipper
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Steinberg HE, Ramachandran PS, Diestra A, Pinchi L, Ferradas C, Kirwan DE, Diaz MM, Sciaudone M, Wapniarski A, Zorn KC, Calderón M, Cabrera L, Pinedo-Cancino V, Wilson MR, Asayag CR, Gilman RH, Bowman NM. Clinical and Metagenomic Characterization of Neurological Infections of People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Peruvian Amazon. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad515. [PMID: 37965640 PMCID: PMC10642733 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neurological opportunistic infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but are difficult to diagnose. Methods One hundred forty people with HIV with acute neurological symptoms from Iquitos, Peru, were evaluated for cerebral toxoplasmosis with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and for cryptococcal meningitis with cryptococcal antigen test (CrAg) in serum or CSF. Differences between groups were assessed with standard statistical methods. A subset of samples was evaluated by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of CSF to compare standard diagnostics and identify additional diagnoses. Results Twenty-seven participants were diagnosed with cerebral toxoplasmosis by qPCR and 13 with cryptococcal meningitis by CrAg. Compared to participants without cerebral toxoplasmosis, abnormal Glasgow Coma Scale score (P = .05), unilateral focal motor signs (P = .01), positive Babinski reflex (P = .01), and multiple lesions on head computed tomography (CT) (P = .002) were associated with cerebral toxoplasmosis. Photophobia (P = .03) and absence of lesions on head CT (P = .02) were associated with cryptococcal meningitis. mNGS of 42 samples identified 8 cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis, 7 cases of cryptococcal meningitis, 5 possible cases of tuberculous meningitis, and incidental detections of hepatitis B virus (n = 1) and pegivirus (n = 1). mNGS had a positive percentage agreement of 71% and a negative percentage agreement of 91% with qPCR for T gondii. mNGS had a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 100% for Cryptococcus diagnosis. Conclusions An infection was diagnosed by any method in only 34% of participants, demonstrating the challenges of diagnosing neurological opportunistic infections in this population and highlighting the need for broader, more sensitive diagnostic tests for central nervous system infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Steinberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Prashanth S Ramachandran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute for Immunity and Infection, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, SanFrancisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrea Diestra
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Cusi Ferradas
- Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Daniela E Kirwan
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Monica M Diaz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Sciaudone
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Annie Wapniarski
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, SanFrancisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kelsey C Zorn
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, SanFrancisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maritza Calderón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Viviana Pinedo-Cancino
- Laboratorio de Investigación de Productos Naturales Antiparasitarios de la Amazonía, Centro de Investigación de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
- Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Michael R Wilson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California, SanFrancisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Cesar Ramal Asayag
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hospital Regional de Loreto, Iquitos, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalie M Bowman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Baker J, Denning DW. The SSS revolution in fungal diagnostics: speed, simplicity and sensitivity. Br Med Bull 2023; 147:62-78. [PMID: 37328942 PMCID: PMC10502448 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fungal disease has historically presented a diagnostic challenge due to its often non-specific clinical presentations, relative infrequency and reliance on insensitive and time-intensive fungal culture. SOURCES OF DATA We present the recent developments in fungal diagnostics in the fields of serological and molecular diagnosis for the most clinically relevant pathogens; developments that have the potential to revolutionize fungal diagnosis through improvements in speed, simplicity and sensitivity. We have drawn on a body of evidence including recent studies and reviews demonstrating the effectiveness of antigen and antibody detection and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with and without concurrent human immunodeficiency virus infection. AREAS OF AGREEMENT This includes recently developed fungal lateral flow assays, which have a low cost and operator skill requirement that give them great applicability to low-resource settings. Antigen detection for Cryptococcus, Histoplasma and Aspergillus spp. are much more sensitive than culture. PCR for Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucorales and Pneumocystis jirovecii is more sensitive than culture and usually faster. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Effort must be made to utilize recent developments in fungal diagnostics in clinical settings outside of specialist centres and integrate their use into standard medical practice. Given the clinical similarities of the conditions and frequent co-infection, further study is required into the use of serological and molecular fungal tests, particularly in patients being treated for tuberculosis. GROWING POINTS Further study is needed to clarify the utility of these tests in low-resource settings confounded by a high prevalence of tuberculosis. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH The diagnostic utility of these tests may require revision of laboratory work flows, care pathways and clinical and lab coordination, especially for any facility caring for the immunosuppressed, critically ill or those with chronic chest conditions, in whom fungal disease is common and underappreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Baker
- Department of Medicine, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust, Mytton Oak Rd, Shrewsbury SY3 8XQ, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI), Rue Le Corbusier 1208 Geneva, Switzerland
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Muselius B, Roux-Dalvai F, Droit A, Geddes-McAlister J. Resolving the Temporal Splenic Proteome during Fungal Infection for Discovery of Putative Dual Perspective Biomarker Signatures. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2023; 34:1928-1940. [PMID: 37222660 PMCID: PMC10487597 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are emerging threats to global health with the rise of incidence associated with climate change and increased geographical distribution; factors also influencing host susceptibility to infection. Accurate detection and diagnosis of fungal infections is paramount to offer rapid and effective therapeutic options. For improved diagnostics, the discovery and development of protein biomarkers presents a promising avenue; however, this approach requires a priori knowledge of infection hallmarks. To uncover putative novel biomarkers of disease, profiling of the host immune response and pathogen virulence factor production is indispensable. In this study, we use mass-spectrometry-based proteomics to resolve the temporal proteome of Cryptococcus neoformans infection of the spleen following a murine model of infection. Dual perspective proteome profiling defines global remodeling of the host over a time course of infection, confirming activation of immune associated proteins in response to fungal invasion. Conversely, pathogen proteomes detect well-characterized C. neoformans virulence determinants, along with novel mapped patterns of pathogenesis during the progression of disease. Together, our innovative systematic approach confirms immune protection against fungal pathogens and explores the discovery of putative biomarker signatures from complementary biological systems to monitor the presence and progression of cryptococcal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Muselius
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University
of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Florence Roux-Dalvai
- Proteomics
platform, CHU de Québec - Université
Laval Research Center, Québec
City, Québec G1
V 4G2, Canada
- Computational
Biology Laboratory, CHU de Québec
- Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec G1 V 4G2, Canada
- Canadian
Proteomics and Artificial Intelligence Consortium, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Proteomics
platform, CHU de Québec - Université
Laval Research Center, Québec
City, Québec G1
V 4G2, Canada
- Computational
Biology Laboratory, CHU de Québec
- Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Québec G1 V 4G2, Canada
- Canadian
Proteomics and Artificial Intelligence Consortium, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University
of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian
Proteomics and Artificial Intelligence Consortium, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Messina F, Santiso G, Arechavala A, Romero M, Depardo R, Marin E. Preemptive Therapy in Cryptococcosis Adjusted for Outcomes. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:631. [PMID: 37367567 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is one of the most serious opportunistic diseases in patients living with HIV. For this reason, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to understand the development of patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis by detection of Cryptococcus antigen in serum by lateral flow assay (CrAg LFA) without nervous system involvement and with treatment in accordance with the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective, longitudinal, analytical study was performed. Seventy patients with cryptococcosis initially diagnosed by serum CrAg LFA without meningeal involvement between January 2019 and April 2022 were analyzed for medical records. The treatment regimen was adapted to the results of blood culture, respiratory material, and pulmonary tomography imaging. RESULTS Seventy patients were included, 13 had probable pulmonary cryptococcosis, 4 had proven pulmonary cryptococcosis, 3 had fungemia, and 50 had preemptive therapy without microbiological or imaging findings compatible with cryptococcosis. Among the 50 patients with preemptive therapy, none had meningeal involvement or cryptococcosis recurrences to date. CONCLUSION Preemptive therapy avoided progression to meningitis in CrAg LFA-positive patients. Preemptive therapy with dose adjustment of fluconazole in patients with the mentioned characteristics was useful despite the use of lower doses than recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Messina
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Santiso
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
| | - Alicia Arechavala
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Romero
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
| | - Roxana Depardo
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
| | - Emmanuel Marin
- Mycology Unit, Infectious Diseases Hospital F.J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires C1282AEN, Argentina
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Osborn MR, Spec A, Mazi PB. Management of HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00458-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Zhao Y, Ye L, Zhao F, Zhang L, Lu Z, Chu T, Wang S, Liu Z, Sun Y, Chen M, Liao G, Ding C, Xu Y, Liao W, Wang L. Cryptococcus neoformans, a global threat to human health. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:20. [PMID: 36932414 PMCID: PMC10020775 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01073-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging fungal pathogens pose important threats to global public health. The World Health Organization has responded to the rising threat of traditionally neglected fungal infections by developing a Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL). Taking the highest-ranked fungal pathogen in the FPPL, Cryptococcus neoformans, as a paradigm, we review progress made over the past two decades on its global burden, its clinical manifestation and management of cryptococcal infection, and its antifungal resistance. The purpose of this review is to drive research efforts to improve future diagnoses, therapies, and interventions associated with fungal infections. METHODS We first reviewed trends in the global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal infection, mainly based on a series of systematic studies. We next conducted scoping reviews in accordance with the guidelines described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews using PubMed and ScienceDirect with the keyword Cryptococcus neoformans to identify case reports of cryptococcal infections published since 2000. We then reviewed recent updates on the diagnosis and antifungal treatment of cryptococcal infections. Finally, we summarized knowledge regarding the resistance and tolerance of C. neoformans to approved antifungal drugs. RESULTS There has been a general reduction in the estimated global burden of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis since 2009, probably due to improvements in highly active antiretroviral therapies. However, cryptococcal meningitis still accounts for 19% of AIDS-related deaths annually. The incidences of CM in Europe and North America and the Latin America region have increased by approximately two-fold since 2009, while other regions showed either reduced or stable numbers of cases. Unfortunately, diagnostic and treatment options for cryptococcal infections are limited, and emerging antifungal resistance exacerbates the public health burden. CONCLUSION The rising threat of C. neoformans is compounded by accumulating evidence for its ability to infect immunocompetent individuals and the emergence of antifungal-resistant variants. Emphasis should be placed on further understanding the mechanisms of pathogenicity and of antifungal resistance and tolerance. The development of novel management strategies through the identification of new drug targets and the discovery and optimization of new and existing diagnostics and therapeutics are key to reducing the health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youbao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Leixin Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Fujie Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Lanyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhenguo Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Tianxin Chu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zhanxiang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yukai Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Guojian Liao
- The Medical Research Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chen Ding
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110819, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingchun Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, and Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, China.
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Luethy PM. Point-of-Care Testing for the Diagnosis of Fungal Infections. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:209-220. [PMID: 37169443 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are increasing worldwide due to factors such as climate change and immunomodulating therapies. Unfortunately, the detection of these infections is limited due to the low sensitivity and long periods required for laboratory testing. Point-of-care testing could lead to more rapid diagnosis of these often devasting infections. However, there are currently no true point-of-care tests on the market for the detection of fungi. In this article, the current state of fungal antigen and molecular testing is reviewed, with commentary on the potential for development and use in the point-of-care setting.
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11
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Xu L, Mo YJ, Weng XB. False-negative cerebral spinal fluid cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay due to postzone phenomenon in a patient with disseminated cryptococcal disease: a case report. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231156767. [PMID: 36883444 PMCID: PMC9998416 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231156767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This report presents the case of false-negative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) in a HIV-positive 25-year-old male. The patient presented with headache, nausea and vomiting for 5 days and syncope for 1 day. An initial CSF CrAg LFA test was negative, but a 1:4 dilution of the CSF was weakly positive and a 1:8 dilution was positive. A serum cryptococcal antigen test was weakly positive. Cultures of blood and CSF were all positive for Cryptococcus neoformans. The explanation for the false-negative CSF CrAg LFA test is that the antigen concentration was too high causing the postzone phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Jun Mo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningbo City First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xing-Bei Weng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ningbo City First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
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12
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Patil AA, Kaushik P, Jain RD, Dandekar PP. Assessment of Urinary Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases Using Lateral Flow Assays: A Comprehensive Overview. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:9-22. [PMID: 36512677 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Screening of biomarkers is a powerful approach for providing a holistic view of the disease spectrum and facilitating the diagnosis and prognosis of the state of infectious diseases. Unaffected by the homeostasis mechanism in the human body, urine accommodates systemic changes and reflects the pathophysiological condition of an individual. Easy availability in large volumes and non-invasive sample collection have rendered urine an ideal source of biomarkers for various diseases. Infectious diseases may be communicable, and therefore early diagnosis and treatment are of immense importance. Current diagnostic approaches preclude the timely identification of clinical conditions and also lack portability. Point-of-care (POC) testing solutions have gained attention as alternative diagnostic measures due to their ability to provide rapid and on-site results. Lateral flow assays (LFAs) are the mainstay in POC device development and have attracted interest owing to their potential to provide instantaneous results in resource-limited settings. The discovery and optimization of a definitive biomarker can render POC testing an excellent platform, thus impacting unwarranted antibiotic administration and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This Review summarizes the importance of urine as an emerging biological fluid in infectious disease research and diagnosis in clinical settings. We review the academic research related to LFAs. Further, we also describe commercial POC devices based on the identification of urinary biomarkers as diagnostic targets for infectious diseases. We also discuss the future use of LFAs in developing more effective POC tests for urinary biomarkers of various infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini A Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Preeti Kaushik
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Ratnesh D Jain
- Department of Biological Science and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Prajakta P Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, N.P. Marg, Matunga, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
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13
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Hill HJ, Uppal T, Hau D, Pandit SG, Arias-Umana J, Foster AJ, Gorzalski A, Pflughoeft KJ, Burnham-Marusich AR, Reed DE, Gates-Hollingsworth MA, Gumbleton L, Verma SC, AuCoin DP. Comparison of a Prototype SARS-CoV-2 Lateral Flow IMMUNOASSAY with the BinaxNOW TM COVID-19 Antigen CARD. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122609. [PMID: 36560613 PMCID: PMC9786212 DOI: 10.3390/v14122609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. From the onset of the pandemic, rapid antigen tests have quickly proved themselves to be an accurate and accessible diagnostic platform. The initial (and still most commonly used antigen tests) for COVID-19 diagnosis were constructed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein (NP). These mAbs are able to bind SARS-CoV-2 NP due to high homology between the two viruses. However, since first being identified in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has continuously mutated, and a multitude of variants have appeared. These mutations have an elevated risk of leading to possible diagnostic escape when using tests produced with SARS-CoV-derived mAbs. Here, we established a library of 18 mAbs specific to SARS-CoV-2 NP and used two of these mAbs (1CV7 and 1CV14) to generate a prototype antigen-detection lateral flow immunoassay (LFI). A side-by-side analysis of the 1CV7/1CV14 LFI and the commercially available BinaxNOWTM COVID-19 Antigen CARD was performed. Results indicated the 1CV7/1CV14 LFI outperformed the BinaxNOWTM test in the detection of BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants when testing remnant RT-PCR positive patient nasopharyngeal swabs diluted in viral transport media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haydon J. Hill
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Timsy Uppal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Derrick Hau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sujata G. Pandit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Jose Arias-Umana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Abigail J. Foster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | | | | | | | - Dana E. Reed
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | | | | | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - David P. AuCoin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- DxDiscovery Incorporated, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- Correspondence:
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14
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Cryptococcus neoformans Infection in the Central Nervous System: The Battle between Host and Pathogen. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101069. [PMID: 36294634 PMCID: PMC9605252 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is a pathogenic fungus with a global distribution. Humans become infected by inhaling the fungus from the environment, and the fungus initially colonizes the lungs. If the immune system fails to contain C. neoformans in the lungs, the fungus can disseminate to the blood and invade the central nervous system, resulting in fatal meningoencephalitis particularly in immunocompromised individuals including HIV/AIDS patients. Following brain invasion, C. neoformans will encounter host defenses involving resident as well as recruited immune cells in the brain. To overcome host defenses, C. neoformans possesses multiple virulence factors capable of modulating immune responses. The outcome of the interactions between the host and C. neoformans will determine the disease progression. In this review, we describe the current understanding of how C. neoformans migrates to the brain across the blood–brain barrier, and how the host immune system responds to the invading organism in the brain. We will also discuss the virulence factors that C. neoformans uses to modulate host immune responses.
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15
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Almeida-Paes R, Bernardes-Engemann AR, da Silva Motta B, Pizzini CV, de Abreu Almeida M, de Medeiros Muniz M, Dias RAB, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. Immunologic Diagnosis of Endemic Mycoses. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8100993. [PMID: 36294558 PMCID: PMC9605100 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemic mycoses blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, sporotrichosis, talaromycosis, adiaspiromycosis, and emergomycosis are mostly caused by geographically limited thermally dimorphic fungi (except for cryptococcosis), and their diagnoses can be challenging. Usual laboratory methods involved in endemic mycoses diagnosis include microscopic examination and culture of biological samples; however, serologic, histopathologic, and molecular techniques have been implemented in the last few years for the diagnosis of these mycoses since the recovery and identification of their etiologic agents is time-consuming and lacks in sensitivity. In this review, we focus on the immunologic diagnostic methods related to antibody and antigen detection since their evidence is presumptive diagnosis, and in some mycoses, such as cryptococcosis, it is definitive diagnosis.
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Diagnostic Accuracy of Point of Care Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in Fingerprick Whole Blood and Urine Samples for the Detection of Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Disease in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0107522. [PMID: 35924841 PMCID: PMC9430595 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01075-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal disease (CD) is a leading cause of mortality among individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Screening with serum cryptococcal antigen (sCrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) enables early detection of subclinical disease but requires venipuncture and laboratory processing. Clinic-based point of care (POC) CrAg screening tests using urine or fingerprick whole blood could facilitate early diagnosis of CD. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of POC clinic-based fingerprick whole blood and urine CrAg compared to the gold standard laboratory sCrAg LFA in screening for CD among asymptomatic individuals with CD4 counts of <200 cells/μL in Harare, Zimbabwe. sCrAg positive participants who consented to a lumbar puncture also had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CrAg testing and titers for CSF-positive specimens. A total of 1,333 individuals were screened, and over half (56.6%) were males. The median (interquartile range) CD4 count was 27.5 (11–46) cells/μL. We found a sensitivity of 63.8% (95% CI: 54.8–72.1) and specificity of 84.0% (95% CI: 81.7–86.0) for urine CrAg, and a sensitivity of 48.0% (95% CI: 39.1–57.1) and specificity of 99.5% (95% CI: 98.9–99.8) was found for fingerprick whole blood. The sensitivity of both POC CrAg tests increased in individuals with sCrAg titers of ≥1:160, CD4 count of <50 cells/μL and disseminated central nervous system (CNS) disease. Clinic-based POC urine and fingerprick whole blood CrAg testing performed better in screening for CD among AHD patients with CNS disease. More sensitive assays to identify AHD patients with asymptomatic CD are needed. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal disease (CD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Identifying point of care (POC) approaches to screening for CD in asymptomatic individuals is important to guide therapeutic management. We evaluated the use of POC fingerprick whole blood and urine testing for cryptococcal disease in patients with AHD as compared with laboratory-based serum antigen testing. POC fingerprick whole blood and urine testing had low sensitivity and specificity in asymptomatic individuals with AHD. Most analysis has focused on evaluating test performance in symptomatic individuals. Here we show that POC testing with whole blood and urine samples should not be used to screen for asymptomatic CD in AHD.
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17
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Baker AN, Hawker-Bond GW, Georgiou PG, Dedola S, Field RA, Gibson MI. Glycosylated gold nanoparticles in point of care diagnostics: from aggregation to lateral flow. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:7238-7259. [PMID: 35894819 PMCID: PMC9377422 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00267a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Current point-of-care lateral flow immunoassays, such as the home pregnancy test, rely on proteins as detection units (e.g. antibodies) to sense for analytes. Glycans play a fundamental role in biological signalling and recognition events such as pathogen adhesion and hence they are promising future alternatives to antibody-based biosensing and diagnostics. Here we introduce the potential of glycans coupled to gold nanoparticles as recognition agents for lateral flow diagnostics. We first introduce the concept of lateral flow, including a case study of lateral flow use in the field compared to other diagnostic tools. We then introduce glycosylated materials, the affinity gains achieved by the cluster glycoside effect and the current use of these in aggregation based assays. Finally, the potential role of glycans in lateral flow are explained, and examples of their successful use given. Antibody-based lateral flow (immune) assays are well established, but here the emerging concept and potential of using glycans as the detection agents is reviewed.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK.
| | - George W Hawker-Bond
- Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School, John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Panagiotis G Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK.
| | | | - Robert A Field
- Iceni Glycoscience Ltd, Norwich, NR4 7GJ, UK.,Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Matthew I Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK. .,Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL, Coventry, UK
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18
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Wake RM, Govender NP, Omar SV, Ismail F, Tiemessen CT, Harrison TS, Jarvis JN. Rapid urine-based screening tests increase the yield of same-day tuberculosis diagnoses among patients living with advanced HIV disease. AIDS 2022; 36:839-844. [PMID: 35075041 PMCID: PMC11382303 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigation of the diagnostic yield of urine-based tuberculosis (TB) screening in patients with advanced HIV disease. DESIGN A cross-sectional screening study. SETTING HIV outpatient clinics and wards at two hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, between June 2015 and October 2017. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and one patients living with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ T-lymphocytes <100 cells/μl) attending healthcare facilities following cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening. INTERVENTION Screening for TB using sputum for microscopy, culture, and Xpert MTB/Rif and urine for lipoarabinomannan (LAM) and Xpert Ultra. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of positive results using each testing modality, sensitivity, and specificity of urine-based testing compared with culture, and survival outcomes during 6 months follow up. RESULTS Urine was obtained from 177 of 181 (98%) participants and sputum from 91 (50%). Urine-based screening increased same-day diagnostic yield from 7 (4%) to 31 (17%). A positive urine test with either LAM or Xpert Ultra had 100% sensitivity (95% confidence interval, 59-100%) for detecting culture-positive TB at any site. Patients with newly diagnosed TB on urine-based screening were initiated on treatment and did not have excess mortality compared with the remainder of the cohort. CONCLUSION Urine is an easily obtainable sample with utility for detecting TB in patients with advanced HIV disease. Combining urine and sputum-based screening in this population facilitates additional same-day TB diagnoses and early treatment initiation, potentially reducing the risk of TB-related mortality. Urine-based as well as sputum-based screening for TB should be integrated with CrAg screening in patients living with advanced HIV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses (CHARM), National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town
| | - Shaheed V Omar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- Centre for Tuberculosis
| | - Farzana Ismail
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
- Centre for Tuberculosis
| | - Caroline T Tiemessen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the NHLS, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gabarone, Botswana
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19
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Nonimaging Diagnostic Tests for Pneumonia. Radiol Clin North Am 2022; 60:521-534. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Holcomb ZE, Steinbrink JM, Zaas AK, Betancourt M, Tenor JL, Toffaletti DL, Alspaugh JA, Perfect JR, McClain MT. Transcriptional Profiles Elucidate Differential Host Responses to Infection with Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8050430. [PMID: 35628686 PMCID: PMC9143552 DOI: 10.3390/jof8050430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Many aspects of the host response to invasive cryptococcal infections remain poorly understood. In order to explore the pathobiology of infection with common clinical strains, we infected BALB/cJ mice with Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, or sham control, and assayed host transcriptomic responses in peripheral blood. Infection with C. neoformans resulted in markedly greater fungal burden in the CNS than C. gattii, as well as slightly higher fungal burden in the lungs. A total of 389 genes were significantly differentially expressed in response to C. neoformans infection, which mainly clustered into pathways driving immune function, including complement activation and TH2-skewed immune responses. C. neoformans infection demonstrated dramatic up-regulation of complement-driven genes and greater up-regulation of alternatively activated macrophage activity than seen with C gattii. A 27-gene classifier was built, capable of distinguishing cryptococcal infection from animals with bacterial infection due to Staphylococcus aureus with 94% sensitivity and 89% specificity. Top genes from the murine classifiers were also differentially expressed in human PBMCs following infection, suggesting cross-species relevance of these findings. The host response, as manifested in transcriptional profiles, informs our understanding of the pathophysiology of cryptococcal infection and demonstrates promise for contributing to development of novel diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary E. Holcomb
- Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Julie M. Steinbrink
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aimee K. Zaas
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Marisol Betancourt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Jennifer L. Tenor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Dena L. Toffaletti
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
| | - J. Andrew Alspaugh
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John R. Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Micah T. McClain
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (A.K.Z.); (M.B.); (J.L.T.); (D.L.T.); (J.A.A.); (J.R.P.); (M.T.M.)
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Service, Durham Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA
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Baker AN, Congdon TR, Richards SJ, Georgiou PG, Walker M, Dedola S, Field RA, Gibson MI. End-Functionalized Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) for Ligand Display in Lateral Flow Device Test Lines. ACS POLYMERS AU 2022; 2:69-79. [PMID: 35425945 PMCID: PMC7612620 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.1c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Lateral flow devices
are rapid (and often low cost) point-of-care
diagnostics—the classic example being the home pregnancy test.
A test line (the stationary phase) is typically prepared by the physisorption
of an antibody, which binds to analytes/antigens such as viruses,
toxins, or hormones. However, there is no intrinsic requirement for
the detection unit to be an antibody, and incorporating other ligand
classes may bring new functionalities or detection capabilities. To
enable other (nonprotein) ligands to be deployed in lateral flow devices,
they must be physiosorbed to the stationary phase as a conjugate,
which currently would be a high-molecular-weight carrier protein,
which requires (challenging) chemoselective modifications and purification.
Here, we demonstrate that poly(vinylpyrrolidone), PVP, is a candidate
for a polymeric, protein-free test line, owing to its unique balance
of water solubility (for printing) and adhesion to the nitrocellulose
stationary phase. End-functionalized PVPs were prepared by RAFT polymerization,
and the model capture ligands of biotin and galactosamine were installed
on PVP and subsequently immobilized on nitrocellulose. This polymeric
test line was validated in both flow-through and full lateral flow
formats using streptavidin and soybean agglutinin and is the first
demonstration of an “all-polymer” approach for installation
of capture units. This work illustrates the potential of polymeric
scaffolds as anchoring agents for small-molecule capture agents in
the next generation of robust and modular lateral flow devices and
that macromolecular engineering may provide real benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K
| | - Thomas R Congdon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K.; Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K
| | | | | | - Marc Walker
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, CV4 7AL Coventry, U.K
| | | | - Robert A Field
- Iceni Diagnostics Ltd, Norwich NR4 7GJ, U.K.; Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
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22
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Liu Y, Kang M, Wu SY, Wu LJ, He L, Xiao YL, Zhang WL, Liao QF, Deng J, Chen ZX, Ma Y. Evaluation of a Cryptococcus Capsular Polysaccharide Detection FungiXpert LFA (Lateral Flow Assay) for the Rapid Diagnosis of Cryptococcosis. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6562084. [PMID: 35362524 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus and is the major cause of fungal meningitis. The cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) is an immunochromatographic test system that has simplified diagnosis as a point-of-care test. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of Cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide detection FungiXpert (Genobio Pharmaceutical, Tianjin, China) using serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis and investigated the cross-reaction of the assays to pathogenic fungi and bacterium by comparing it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA)-approved IMMY CrAg LFA. Eighty CSF and 119 serum/plasma samples from 158 patients were retrospectively collected to test for qualitative or semi-quantitative detection of CrAg. Cross-reaction of the assays was tested using 28 fungi and 1 bacterium. Compared to IMMY CrAg LFA, the FungiXpert LFA demonstrated 99.1% sensitivity and 98.9% specificity in the qualitative test. In the 96 semi-quantitative CrAg assay results, 39 (40.6%) test titers of FungiXpert LFA were 1-2 dilutions higher than those of IMMY CrAg LFA. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the Semi-quantitative results of CrAg titer tests via the two assays was 0.976. Similar to IMMY CrAg LFA, FungiXpert LFA showed cross-reactivity with Trichosporon asahii. Compared with the IMMY CrAg LFA, the FungiXpert LFA showed an equal, yet, excellent performance. However, it is important to note that these two assays have potential cross-reactivity to T. asahii when diagnosing patients. FungiXpert LFA is a rapid screening method for the effective and practical diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Liu
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Ying Wu
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li-Juan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, China
| | - Lan He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Ling Xiao
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhang
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan-Feng Liao
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Deng
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Chen
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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McEwan SA, Sykes JE. Nasopharyngeal cryptococcosis in a cat: interlaboratory variation in cryptococcal antigen assay test results. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221074624. [PMID: 35359825 PMCID: PMC8961386 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221074624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary An indoor-only 6-year-old spayed female domestic cat was evaluated for a
history of stertorous respiration. Skull radiographs revealed increased soft
tissue density within the caudal aspect of the left nasal cavity. CT and
rhinoscopy revealed a mass lesion in the choana, plus a smaller lesion,
nearly completely occluding flow through the nasal passages. Rhinoscopy was
used to collect a biopsy specimen from a fleshy, tan–yellow mass visualized
in the caudal nasopharynx. Histopathology was diagnostic for
Cryptococcus species infection and systemic antifungal
therapy with fluconazole was initiated. Following a series of discordant
results, serum samples were submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory
that utilized a cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination system with
pretreatment of serum with pronase. Twenty-three months after the initial
diagnosis, the cat’s serum cryptococcal antigen titer declined to 1:5 and
the cat has responded well to continuing treatment. Relevance and novel information This case illustrates challenges associated with discordant test results for
cryptococcal antigen among laboratories. Discordancies may be due to
differences in assay design, or the underlying disease state itself, or
whether serum is pre-treated with pronase; with some tests relying on the
training and experience of the operator if the cryptococcal antigen
detection test requires a subjective interpretation. It also resolves some
confusion in the literature related to the assay types available and
terminology used to describe them, and emphasizes the importance of
considering cryptococcosis as an important differential for cats with upper
respiratory signs, without nasal discharge, even if the cat is kept
exclusively indoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A McEwan
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Biological Science and Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jane E Sykes
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Wang L, Wang Y, Wang F, Zhao M, Gao X, Chen H, Li N, Zhu Q, Liu L, Zhu W, Liu X, Chen Y, Zhou P, Lu Y, Wang K, Zhao W, Liang W. Development and Application of Rapid Clinical Visualization Molecular Diagnostic Technology for Cryptococcus neoformans/ C. gattii Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined With a Lateral Flow Strip. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:803798. [PMID: 35096653 PMCID: PMC8790172 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.803798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans)/C. gattii can easily invade the human central nervous system and cause cryptococcal meningitis (CM). The clinical fatality rate of these fungi is extremely high and causes more than 180,000 deaths worldwide every year. At present, the common clinical identification methods of these fungi are traditional culture methods and Indian ink staining. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time quantitative PCR detecting system (qPCR), mass spectrometry, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) have also been applied to detect these fungus. Due to the rapid progress of meningitis caused by C. neoformans/C. gattii infection, there is a desperate need for fast, sensitive, and on-site detection methods to meet the clinical diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a promising isothermal amplification technique that can compensate for the shortcomings of the above techniques, featuring short reaction time, high specificity, and high sensitivity, thus meeting the demand for in-field detection of C.neoformans/C. gattii. In our study, RPA- lateral flow strip (LFS) was used to amplify the capsule-associated gene, CAP64, of C. neoformans/C. gattii, and the primer-probe design was optimized by introducing base mismatches to obtain a specific and sensitive primer-probe combination for clinical testing, and specificity of the detection system was determined for 26 common clinical pathogens. This system was developed to obtain results in 20 min at an isothermal temperature of 37°C with a lower limit of detection as low as 10 CFU/μL or 1 fg/μL. A total of 487 clinical samples collected from multicenter multiplexes were tested to evaluate the detection performance of the RPA-LFS system, which revealed that the system could specifically detect C. neoformans/C. gattii, meeting the need for rapid, specific, and sensitive detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China.,School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Mengdi Zhao
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Xuzhu Gao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Huimin Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Na Li
- Lianyungang Second People's Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Lianyungang, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Lipin Liu
- Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Yujiao Chen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Yingzhi Lu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Lianyungang, China
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25
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OUP accepted manuscript. Lab Med 2022; 53:614-618. [DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Implementation of Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Symptomatic People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Brazil. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 29:53-59. [PMID: 34801886 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cryptococcal meningitis constitutes a significant source of mortality in the developing world. Annually, approximately 625 000 deaths occur worldwide among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (CRAG-LFA) screening in Brazil compared with the current practice. METHODS An economic evaluation using a Monte Carlo microsimulation was conducted, considering the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System, to calculate the cost-effectiveness of 4 diagnosis tests: (1) CRAG-LFA, (2) the cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination (CRAG-LA) test, (3) India ink, and (4) nontracking as a baseline. The time horizon comprised 1 year for the intervention and 5 years for the budgetary impact analysis. Two primary effectiveness outcomes were considered: years of life and quality-adjusted life-years. RESULTS CRAG-LFA has extended dominance vis à vis CRAG-LA and India ink. CRAG-LFA would cost $418.46 more than CRAG-LA for the treatment of each symptomatic patient living with HIV, with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $2478.75/quality-adjusted life year. The budgetary impact analysis estimated that the incorporation of CRAG-LFA would have an additional cost of $1 959 236.50 in 5 years. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that, for patients living with HIV in the Brazilian Public Health System, the adoption of CRAG-LFA screening is cost-effective compared with the use of CRAG-LA and India ink. It represents an opportunity to prevent cryptococcal meningitis and its mortality in Brazil.
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Kamble U, Dheeresh KH, Bhosale K, Indu MB, Sharma B, Chowdhary A. Evaluation of point of care serum cryptococcal antigen by lateral flow immunoassay for diagnosis of cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive patients. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2021; 42:14-18. [PMID: 34765932 PMCID: PMC8579591 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_94_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the initial acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness in 2% of patients with CD4 levels <100/μL and a leading cause of mortality in AIDS in the developing world. It is the most common opportunistic infection of the central nervous system in AIDS in various Indian studies. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen (SCRAG) is the most widely used diagnostic method for cryptococcosis. The presence of cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen (CSF CRAG) is diagnostic of CM. CRAG can be determined by latex agglutination (LAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and now, by lateral flow (LFA)immunoassay. LFA is a point of care test that rapidly detects CRAG. Aims and Objectives: This study compares LAT and LFA for the detection of serum CRAG and diagnosing CM. Materials and methods: Two hundred and ten patients of HIV/AIDS were submitted to SCRAG LFA by dipstick. A sample was also sent to laboratory for SCRAG by LAT. CSF examination was done for those who were positive for SCRAG LFA and those who had symptoms suggestive of meningitis. SCRAG by LFA was compared with SCRAG by LAT, CSF CRAG by LAT and LFA, CSF cryptococcal culture and CSF India ink examination for Cryptococcus. Results: Fifteen patients were found positive for SCRAG by LFA dipstick. All of them were also positive for SCRAG by LAT. Twelve of them had C. D4 count below below 100 cells/mm3. CSF CRAG was positive in all 12 SCRAG positive who were submitted to CSF examination. Conclusion: We found that serum detection of CRAG by LFA dipstick is as sensitive as CRAG detection in serum by LAT and CSF CRAG detection by LFA and LAT. It is thus a rapid test for diagnosing CM in HIV patients with low CD4 counts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulka Kamble
- Department of Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - K H Dheeresh
- Department of Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Kakasaheb Bhosale
- Department of Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - M B Indu
- Department of Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Brijesh Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Nanfuka V, Mkhoi ML, Gakuru J, Kwizera R, Baluku JB, Bongomin F, Meya DB. Symptomatic Cryptococcal Meningitis with Negative Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid Cryptococcal Antigen Tests. HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 13:861-865. [PMID: 34512034 PMCID: PMC8420644 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s328084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of mortality in advanced HIV disease. A positive cerebrospinal fluid cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test defines cryptococcal meningitis. Herein, we present a patient with serum and cerebrospinal fluid CrAg negative cryptococcal meningitis, despite a positive cerebrospinal fluid India ink examination and quantitative culture. Case Details A 56-year-old HIV-positive Ugandan woman, with an undetectable HIV RNA viral load and CD4+ T-cell count of 766 cells per microlitre presented with signs and symptoms consistent with cryptococcal meningitis. Her serum and cerebrospinal fluid CrAg tests were negative despite having a positive cerebrospinal fluid India ink and quantitative culture. On day 1, she was commenced on intravenous amphotericin B deoxycholate (1mg/kg) for 3 days (considering 10 CFU growth of Cryptococcus spp) in combination with oral flucytosine (100mg/kg) for 7 days and then fluconazole 1200mg once daily for the next 11 days. By day 7, she was symptom free and quantitative cerebrospinal fluid culture was negative for Cryptococcus spp. She was discharged on day 9. At 10 weeks (day +40) and 18 weeks (day +72), she was well and adherent to her antiretroviral therapy and on maintenance phase of cryptococcal meningitis on fluconazole at a dose of 400mg once daily. Conclusion This report alerts clinicians managing patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis to four uncommon clinical scenarios; first, the possibility of negative serum and cerebrospinal fluid CrAg lateral flow assay results in the context of low cerebrospinal fluid fungal burden in a symptomatic patient. Second, possible occurrence of cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with high CD4 T-cell lymphocyte counts. Third, an early seroconversion of cryptococcal antigenaemia following effective fluconazole therapy. Fourth, an early symptomatic relapse of cryptococcal meningitis albeit negative serum CrAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Nanfuka
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mkhoi L Mkhoi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Mark Wainberg Fellowship Programme, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jane Gakuru
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Osaigbovo II, Bongomin F. Point of care tests for invasive fungal infections: a blueprint for increasing availability in Africa. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211034266. [PMID: 34422265 PMCID: PMC8371725 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211034266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as cryptococcosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa. Lack of laboratory infrastructure and laboratory personnel trained in diagnostic mycology hamper prompt detection and management of IFIs on the continent. Point-of-care tests (POCT) obviate the need for complex infrastructure, skilled technicians, and stable electricity and have had major impacts on the diagnosis of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections in low- and middle-income countries. Over the last 10 years, POCTs for IFIs have become increasingly available and they have the potential to revolutionize the management of these infections if scaled up in Africa. At the beginning of 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) Essential Diagnostic List (EDL) included a cryptococcal antigen test for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, Histoplasma antigen test for the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis, and Aspergillus-specific test for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. All of these are available in formats that may be used as POCTs and it is hoped that this will improve the diagnosis of these life-threatening IFIs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This perspective review discusses commercially available POCTs and outlines strategies of a blueprint to achieve their roll-out in Africa. The strategies include raising awareness, conducting research that uncovers the exact burden of IFIs, increasing advocacy, integrating diagnosis of IFIs into existing public health programs, adoption of the WHO EDL at country levels, and improving logistics and supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iriagbonse Iyabo Osaigbovo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
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Nassar Tobón AC, Rivera Rojas NJ, Pulido Correa MA, León Rivera LA. Cryptococosis meníngea y el sistema inmune. A Propósito de un Caso. REVISTA CUARZO 2021. [DOI: 10.26752/cuarzo.v27.n1.518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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31
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Drain PK, Galagan SR, Govere S, Krows M, Thulare H, Wallis CL, Gosnell BI, Moosa MY, Celum C, Bassett IV. Laboratory Reflex and Clinic-Based Point-of-Care Cryptococcal Antigen Screening for Preventing Meningitis and Mortality Among People Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1205-1213. [PMID: 33990495 PMCID: PMC8263484 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcosis remains a leading cause of meningitis and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. We sought to evaluate laboratory-based cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) reflex testing and a clinic-based point-of-care (POC) CrAg screening intervention for preventing meningitis and mortality among PLHIV in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a prospective pre-post intervention study of adults presenting for HIV testing in Umlazi township, South Africa, over a 6-year period (2013-2019). Participants were enrolled during 3 phases of CrAg testing: CrAg testing ordered by a clinician (clinician-directed testing, 2013-2015); routine laboratory-based CrAg reflex testing for blood samples with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (laboratory reflex testing, 2015-2017); and a clinic-based intervention with POC CD4 testing and POC CrAg testing for PLHIV with CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 with continued standard-of-care routine laboratory reflex testing among those with CD4 ≤100 cells/mm3 (clinic-based testing, 2017-2019). The laboratory and clinical teams performed serum CrAg by enzyme immunoassay and lateral flow assay (Immy Diagnostics, Norman, OK). We followed up participants for up to 14 months to compare associations between baseline CrAg positivity, antiretroviral therapy and fluconazole treatment initiation, and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis, hospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS Three thousand one hundred five (39.4%) of 7877 people screened were HIV-positive, of whom 908 had CD4 ≤200 cells/mm3 and were included in the analyses. Laboratory reflex and clinic-based testing increased CrAg screening (P < 0.001) and diagnosis of CrAg-positive PLHIV (P = 0.011). When compared with clinician-directed testing, clinic-based CrAg testing showed an increase in the number of PLHIV diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.059), initiation of fluconazole preemptive therapy (7.2% vs. 2.5%; P = 0.010), and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (96.8% vs. 91.3%; P = 0.012). Comparing clinic-based testing with laboratory reflex testing, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of cryptococcal meningitis (4.5% vs. 4.1%; P = 0.836) or mortality (8.1% vs. 9.9%; P = 0.557). CONCLUSIONS Laboratory reflex and clinic-based CrAg testing facilitated the diagnosis of HIV-associated cryptococcosis and fluconazole initiation but did not reduce cryptococcal meningitis or mortality. In this nonrandomized cohort, clinical outcomes were similar between laboratory reflex testing and clinic-based POC CrAg testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K. Drain
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Sean R. Galagan
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Meighan Krows
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Bernadett I. Gosnell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mahomed-Yunus Moosa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Recognition of Diagnostic Gaps for Laboratory Diagnosis of Fungal Diseases: Expert Opinion from the Fungal Diagnostics Laboratories Consortium (FDLC). J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0178420. [PMID: 33504591 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01784-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a rising threat to our immunocompromised patient population, as well as other nonimmunocompromised patients with various medical conditions. However, little progress has been made in the past decade to improve fungal diagnostics. To jointly address this diagnostic challenge, the Fungal Diagnostics Laboratory Consortium (FDLC) was recently created. The FDLC consists of 26 laboratories from the United States and Canada that routinely provide fungal diagnostic services for patient care. A survey of fungal diagnostic capacity among the 26 members of the FDLC was recently completed, identifying the following diagnostic gaps: lack of molecular detection of mucormycosis; lack of an optimal diagnostic algorithm incorporating fungal biomarkers and molecular tools for early and accurate diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia, aspergillosis, candidemia, and endemic mycoses; lack of a standardized molecular approach to identify fungal pathogens directly in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues; lack of robust databases to enhance mold identification with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry; suboptimal diagnostic approaches for mold blood cultures, tissue culture processing for Mucorales, and fungal respiratory cultures for cystic fibrosis patients; inadequate capacity for fungal point-of-care testing to detect and identify new, emerging or underrecognized, rare, or uncommon fungal pathogens; and performance of antifungal susceptibility testing. In this commentary, the FDLC delineates the most pressing unmet diagnostic needs and provides expert opinion on how to fulfill them. Most importantly, the FDLC provides a robust laboratory network to tackle these diagnostic gaps and ultimately to improve and enhance the clinical laboratory's capability to rapidly and accurately diagnose fungal infections.
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Pruksaphon K, Intaramat A, Simsiriwong P, Mongkolsuk S, Ratanabanangkoon K, Nosanchuk JD, Kaltsas A, Youngchim S. An inexpensive point-of-care immunochromatographic test for Talaromyces marneffei infection based on the yeast phase specific monoclonal antibody 4D1 and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009058. [PMID: 33945531 PMCID: PMC8096094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces marneffei is a thermally dimorphic fungus that causes opportunistic systemic mycoses in patients with AIDS or other immunodeficiency syndromes. The purpose of this study was to develop an immunochromatographic strip test (ICT) based on a solid phase sandwich format immunoassay for the detection of T. marneffei antigens in clinical urine specimens. The T. marneffei yeast phase specific monoclonal antibody 4D1 (MAb4D1) conjugated with colloidal gold nanoparticle was used as a specific signal reporter. Galanthus nivalis Agglutinin (GNA) was adsorbed onto nitrocellulose membrane to serve as the test line. Similarly, a control line was created above the test line by immobilization of rabbit anti-mouse IgG. The immobilized GNA served as capturing molecule and as non-immune mediated anti-terminal mannose of T. marneffei antigenic mannoprotein. The MAb4D1–GNA based ICT showed specific binding activity with yeast phase antigen of T. marneffei, and it did not react with other common pathogenic fungal antigens. The limit of detection of this ICT for T. marneffei antigen spiked in normal urine was approximately 0.6 μg/ml. The diagnostic performance of the ICT was validated using 341 urine samples from patents with culture- confirmed T. marneffei infection and from a control group of healthy individuals and patients with other infections in an endemic area. The ICT exhibited 89.47% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 97.65% accuracy. Our results demonstrate that the urine-based GNA–MAb4D1 based ICT produces a visual result within 30 minutes and that the test is highly specific for the diagnosis of T. marneffei infection. The findings validate the deployment of the ICT for clinical use. Talaromycosis (Penicilliosis marneffei) is a neglected disease that causes an opportunistic systemic mycoses in AIDS and other immune-deficient patients living in Southeast Asia, China and the Indian subcontinent. Although laboratory culture remains a gold standard diagnostic method, it lacks sensitivity and is time-consuming, which results in delayed patient’s treatment and needed care. In this study, we develop an immunochromatographic strip test (ICT) by utilizing a yeast phase specific monoclonal antibody 4D1 and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin for detection of T. marneffei antigens in clinical urine specimens. Our data showed that the assay exhibited high sensitivity (89.47%) and specificity (100%), with its result available within 30 minutes. In addition, this diagnostic assay is inexpensive, reproducible, and simple to perform. Therefore, the T. marneffei ICT should be considered for clinical application in the context of rapid and affordable point-of-care diagnostic test to reduce the burden of talaromycosis mortality in patients in low resource countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Graduate Program in Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Akarin Intaramat
- Translational Research Unit, Laboratory of Immunology and Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pavinee Simsiriwong
- Translational Research Unit, Laboratory of Immunology and Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Skorn Mongkolsuk
- Translational Research Unit, Laboratory of Immunology and Laboratory of Biotechnology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kavi Ratanabanangkoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Anna Kaltsas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, United States of America
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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A Novel, Inexpensive In-House Immunochromatographic Strip Test for Cryptococcosis Based on the Cryptococcal Glucuronoxylomannan Specific Monoclonal Antibody 18B7. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050758. [PMID: 33922698 PMCID: PMC8145812 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a novel lateral flow immunochromatoghaphic strip test (ICT) for detecting cryptococcal polysaccharide capsular antigens using only a single specific monoclonal antibody, mAb 18B7. The mAb 18B7 is a well characterized antibody that specifically binds repeating epitopes displayed on the cryptococcal polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM). We validated the immunoreactivities of mAb 18B7 against capsular antigens of different cryptococcal serotypes. The mAb 18B7 ICT was constructed as a sandwich ICT strip and the antibody serving in the mobile phase (colloidal gold conjugated mAb 18B7) to bind one of the GXM epitopes while the stationary phase antibody (immobilized mAb18B7 on test line) binding to other remaining unoccupied epitopes to generate a positive visual readout. The lower limit of detection of capsular antigens for each of the Cryptococcus serotypes tested was 0.63 ng/mL. No cross-reaction was found against a panel of antigens isolated from cultures of other pathogenic fungal, except the crude antigen of Trichosporon sp. with the lower limit of detection of 500 ng/mL (~800 times higher than that for cryptococcal GXM). The performance of the mAb 18B7 ICT strip was studied using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum and compared to commercial diagnostic kits (latex agglutination CALAS and CrAg IMMY). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the mAb18B7 ICT with CSF from patients with confirmed cryptococcal meningitis were 92.86%, 100% and 96.23%, respectively. No false positives were observed with samples from non-cryptococcosis patients. With serum samples, the mAb 18B7 ICT gave a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 96.15%, 97.78% and 96.91%, respectively. Our results show that the mAb 18B7 based ICT was reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective as a point-of-care immunodiagnostic test for cryptococcosis. The mAb 18B7 ICT may be particularly useful in countries where commercial kits are not available or affordable.
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Neglecting Genetic Diversity Hinders Timely Diagnosis of Cryptococcus Infections. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.02837-20. [PMID: 33472900 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02837-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Harrington KRV, Wang YF, Rebolledo PA, Liu Z, Yang Q, Kempker RR. Evaluation of a Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay and Cryptococcal Antigen Positivity at a Large Public Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab123. [PMID: 34189154 PMCID: PMC8233569 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcus neoformans is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons worldwide, and there are scarce recent data on cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) positivity in the United States We sought to determine the frequency of cryptococcal disease and compare the performance of a CrAg lateral flow assay (LFA) versus latex agglutination (LA) test. METHODS All patients from Grady Health System in Atlanta who had a serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample sent for CrAg testing as part of clinical care from November 2017 to July 2018 were included. Percentage positivity and test agreement were calculated. RESULTS Among 467 patients, 557 diagnostic tests were performed; 413 on serum and 144 on CSF. The mean age was 44 years, and most were male (69%) and had HIV (79%). Twenty-four (6.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.1-9.4) patients were serum CrAg positive, and 8 (5.8%, 95% CI = 2.6-11.2) individuals tested positive for CSF CrAg. Although overall agreement between the LA and LFA was substantial to high for CSF (κ = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51-0.91) and serum (κ = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86-1.00), respectively, there were important discrepancies. Five patients had false-positive CSF LA tests that affected clinical care, and 4 patients had discordant serum tests. CONCLUSIONS We found a moderately high proportion of cryptococcal disease and important discrepancies between the LA test and LFA. Clinical implications of these findings include accurate detection of serum CrAg and averting unnecessary treatment of meningitis with costly medications associated with high rates of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R V Harrington
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Correspondence: Kristin R. V. Harrington, BS, Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 3rd Floor, Claudia Nance Rollins Building, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 30322 ()
| | - Yun F Wang
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Grady Memorial Hospital, Department of Pathology & Clinical Laboratories, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Paulina A Rebolledo
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Department of Pathology & Clinical Laboratories, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qianting Yang
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Department of Pathology & Clinical Laboratories, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Russell R Kempker
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Banerjee S, Denning DW, Chakrabarti A. One Health aspects & priority roadmap for fungal diseases : A mini-review. Indian J Med Res 2021; 153:311-319. [PMID: 33906993 PMCID: PMC8204821 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_768_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases have not been taken seriously in public health agendas as well as research priorities, despite of globally causing an estimated two million deaths every year, and the emergence of many troublesome fungal pathogens like Candida auris, azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, terbinafine and azole resistant dermatophytes, and zoonotic sporotrichosis in humans. Fungi are also responsible for huge losses of agricultural products and stored crops as well as recent massive and unexpected mortality in animals caused by white-nose syndrome in the bats and Chytridiomycosis in amphibians. This review aims to underscore the need for collaborative, multisectoral, and trans-disciplinary approach to include the One Health approach as an essential component of surveillance, prevention, and control of globally emerging fungal diseases. Rigorous evidence based surveillance of the environment as well as strengthening rapid and quality diagnosis of fungal diseases can save millions of lives and reduce significant morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Banerjee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beleghata Infectious Diseases & BG Hospitals, Beleghata, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
- Center of Advanced Research in Medical Mycology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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Gu Y, Ye X, Wang Y, Shen K, Zhong J, Chen B, Su X. Clinical features and prognostic analysis of patients with Aspergillus isolation during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:69. [PMID: 33637057 PMCID: PMC7908687 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimen culture is widely performed for the identification of Aspergillus. We investigated the clinical features and prognosis of patients with Aspergillus isolation from LRT specimens during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods This is a 6-year single-center, real-world study. 75 cases out of 1131 hospitalized AECOPD patients were positive for Aspergillus. These patients were carefully evaluated and finally diagnosed of pulmonary aspergillosis (PA, 60 cases, 80%) or colonization (15 cases, 20%). Comparisons of clinical data were performed between these two groups. A cox regression model was used to confirm prognostic factors of Aspergillus infection. Results The PA group had worse lung function and higher rates of systemic corticosteroid use and broad-spectrum antibiotic use before admission than the colonization group. The PA group had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and 180-day mortality than the colonization group (45% (27/60) vs. 0% (0/15), p = 0.001, and 52.5% (31/59) vs. 6.7% (1/15), p < 0.001, respectively). By multivariable analysis among Aspergillus infection patients, antifungal therapy (HR 0.383, 95% CI 0.163–0.899, p = 0.027) was associated with improved survival, whereas accumulated dose of systemic steroids > 700 mg (HR 2.452, 95% CI 1.134–5.300, p = 0.023) and respiratory failure at admission (HR 5.983, 95% CI 2.487–14.397, p < 0.001) were independently associated with increased mortality. Significant survival differential was observed among PA patients without antifungals and antifungals initiated before and after Aspergillus positive culture (p = 0.001). Conclusions Aspergillus isolation in hospitalized AECOPD patients largely indicated PA. AECOPD patients with PA had worse prognosis than those with Aspergillus colonization. Empirical antifungal therapy is warranted to improve the prognosis for Aspergillus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xianping Ye
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Kunlu Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 210002, China
| | - Jinjin Zhong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Bilin Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 305 Zhongshan East Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210002, China. .,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China. .,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 210002, China.
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Evaluation of the Dynamiker Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Cryptococcosis. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.02421-20. [PMID: 33268538 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02421-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the need for rapid point-of-care testing, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Dynamiker cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA). We assessed the diagnostic performance of the Dynamiker CrAg LFA compared to the IMMY CrAg LFA as the reference standard. We tested 150 serum, 115 plasma, and 100 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from HIV patients with symptomatic meningitis and 113 serum samples from patients with suspected asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia. Compared to the IMMY CrAg LFA, sensitivity of Dynamiker CrAg LFA was 98% in serum, 100% in plasma, 100% in CSF from symptomatic patients and 96% in serum from asymptomatic patients. Specificity was 66% in serum, 61% in plasma, and 91% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 86% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The positive predictive value was 85% in serum, 82% in plasma, and 96% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 69% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The negative predictive value was 94% in serum, 100% in plasma, and 100% in CSF from symptomatic patients, and 99% in serum from asymptomatic patients. The interassay reproducibility was 100% across the four sample types with no observed discordant results when Dynamiker CrAg LFA was tested in duplicate. However, a high number of false positives were observed on serum of symptomatic patients (11%), serum of asymptomatic patients (11%) and plasma of symptomatic patients (14%). The Dynamiker CrAg LFA had excellent sensitivity but poor specificity, particularly when tested on serum and plasma.
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Liang L, Liang Z, She D, Chen L. A case-control study of human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients with cryptococcemia and cryptococcal meningitis in a Chinese tertiary care hospital during 10 years. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:300060520984658. [PMID: 33472466 PMCID: PMC7829516 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520984658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to characterize patients with cryptococcemia and compare the clinical features of cryptococcemia and cryptococcal meningitis. METHODS This was a retrospective, case-control study. We retrospectively identified blood cultures with Cryptococcus spp. growth. Controls were hospitalized patients who suffered from cryptococcal meningitis, but did not experience cryptococcemia. Controls and cases were matched by admission date, age, sex, and body weight. Clinical information was analyzed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Eight patients with cryptococcemia and eight patients with cryptococcal meningitis were included. They were all negative for human immunodeficiency virus. The most common underlying disease was primary nephrotic syndrome. All patients presented with fever. The incidence of headache, nausea/vomiting, seizures, and cough/expectoration was significantly lower in patients with cryptococcemia than in those with cryptococcal meningitis. All clinical strains of Cryptococcus, except for one, were sensitive to fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine in vitro. The rate of receiving an amphotericin B-containing regimen was significantly higher in patients with cryptococcal meningitis than in those with cryptococcemia. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in cryptococcemia cases compared with cryptococcal meningitis cases. CONCLUSION Cryptococcemia is an unusual infection characterized by a high mortality. Cryptococcemia requires early identification and prompt antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Liang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre of 104607Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Liang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre of 104607Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danyang She
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre of 104607Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liang'an Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre of 104607Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Diagnostic Accuracy of the Biosynex CryptoPS Cryptococcal Antigen Semiquantitative Lateral Flow Assay in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 59:JCM.02307-20. [PMID: 33087436 PMCID: PMC7771453 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02307-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
High cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titers in blood are associated with subclinical meningitis and mortality in CrAg-positive individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). We evaluated a novel semiquantitative lateral flow assay (LFA), CryptoPS, that may be able to identify individuals with high CrAg titers in a cohort of AHD patients undergoing CrAg screening. In a prospective cohort of patients with AHD (CD4 cell count, ≤200/μl) receiving CD4 count testing, whole blood was tested for CrAg by CryptoPS and the IMMY LFA; the two assays were conducted by two different operators, each blind to the results of the other assay. High cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titers in blood are associated with subclinical meningitis and mortality in CrAg-positive individuals with advanced HIV disease (AHD). We evaluated a novel semiquantitative lateral flow assay (LFA), CryptoPS, that may be able to identify individuals with high CrAg titers in a cohort of AHD patients undergoing CrAg screening. In a prospective cohort of patients with AHD (CD4 cell count, ≤200/μl) receiving CD4 count testing, whole blood was tested for CrAg by CryptoPS and the IMMY LFA; the two assays were conducted by two different operators, each blind to the results of the other assay. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of CryptoPS were assessed against the IMMY LFA as a reference. CryptoPS low-titer (T1 band) and high-titer (T2 band) results were compared with IMMY LFA titers obtained through serial dilution. A total of 916 specimens were tested. The sensitivity of the CryptoPS assay was 61.0% (25/41) (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 44.5 to 75.8%), its specificity was 96.6% (845/875) (95% CI, 95.1 to 97.7%), its PPV was 45.5% (95% CI, 32.0 to 59.4%), and its NPV was 98.1% (95% CI, 97.0 to 98.9%). All (16/16) CryptoPS false-negative results were obtained for samples with IMMY titers of ≤1:160. Of 29 patients (30 specimens) who tested positive by CryptoPS but negative by the IMMY LFA, none developed cryptococcal meningitis over 3 months of follow-up without fluconazole. Median CrAg titers were 1:20 (interquartile range [IQR], 0 to 1:160) in CryptoPS T1-positive samples and 1:2,560 (IQR, 1:1,280 to 1:10,240) in T2-positive samples. We conclude that the diagnostic accuracy of the CryptoPS assay was suboptimal in the context of CrAg screening, with poor sensitivity at low CrAg titers. However, the CryptoPS assay reliably detected individuals with high titers, which are associated with poor outcomes.
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K. Hussain K, Malavia D, M. Johnson E, Littlechild J, Winlove CP, Vollmer F, Gow NAR. Biosensors and Diagnostics for Fungal Detection. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E349. [PMID: 33302535 PMCID: PMC7770582 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early detection is critical to the successful treatment of life-threatening infections caused by fungal pathogens, as late diagnosis of systemic infection almost always equates with a poor prognosis. The field of fungal diagnostics has some tests that are relatively simple, rapid to perform and are potentially suitable at the point of care. However, there are also more complex high-technology methodologies that offer new opportunities regarding the scale and precision of fungal diagnosis, but may be more limited in their portability and affordability. Future developments in this field are increasingly incorporating new technologies provided by the use of new format biosensors. This overview provides a critical review of current fungal diagnostics and the development of new biophysical technologies that are being applied for selective new sensitive fungal biosensors to augment traditional diagnostic methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil K. Hussain
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Dhara Malavia
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (E.M.J.)
| | - Elizabeth M. Johnson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (E.M.J.)
- UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL), Public Health England South-West, Science Quarter Southmead Hospital, Southmead, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
| | - Jennifer Littlechild
- Biocatalysis Centre, University of Exeter, The Henry Wellcome Building for Biocatalysis, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - C. Peter Winlove
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - Frank Vollmer
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK;
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (D.M.); (E.M.J.)
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Xu XL, Zhao T, Harypursat V, Lu YQ, Li Y, Chen YK. Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-infected patients: a review of recent studies. Chin Med J (Engl) 2020; 133:2859-2866. [PMID: 33273336 PMCID: PMC10631590 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia (ACA) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals has been observed to be elevated. The prevalence of ACA ranges from 1.3% to 13%, with different rates of prevalence in various regions of the world. We reviewed studies conducted internationally, and also referred to two established expert consensus guideline documents published in China, and we have concluded that Chinese HIV-infected patients should undergo cryptococcal antigen screening when CD4 T-cell counts fall below 200 cells/μL and that the recommended treatment regimen for these patients follow current World Health Organization guidelines, although it is likely that this recommendation may change in the future. Early screening and optimized preemptive treatment for ACA is likely to help decrease the incidence of cryptococcosis, and is lifesaving. Further studies are warranted to explore issues related to the optimal management of ACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lei Xu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Division of Science and Education, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Vijay Harypursat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Lu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Yan Li
- Public Health College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Yao-Kai Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
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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: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [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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HIV-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: a Review of Novel Short-Course and Oral Therapies. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-020-00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of review
HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant public health problem in parts of Africa and Asia and a major cause of AIDS-related mortality, accounting for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Cryptococcal meningitis is uniformly fatal if untreated, and access to antifungal therapy in regions with the highest burden is often limited. Outcomes with fluconazole monotherapy are poor, and induction treatment with amphotericin B and high-dose fluconazole for 2 weeks is associated with significant drug-related toxicities and prolonged hospital admissions. This review focuses on the potential of novel short-course and oral combination therapies for cryptococcal meningitis.
Recent findings
Recent clinical trials have shown that shorter courses of amphotericin, if paired with oral flucytosine, rather than fluconazole, can achieve non-inferior mortality outcomes. In addition, an oral combination of fluconazole and flucytosine is a potential alternative. Liposomal amphotericin B may further simplify treatment; it is associated with fewer drug-related toxicities, and a recent phase II randomised controlled trial demonstrated that a single, high dose of liposomal amphotericin is non-inferior to 14 standard daily doses at clearing Cryptococcus from cerebrospinal fluid. This has been taken forward to an ongoing phase III, clinical endpoint study.
Summary
The incidence and mortality associated with cryptococcal meningitis is still unacceptably high. There is evidence supporting the use of short-course amphotericin B and oral combination antifungal treatment regimens for cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Ongoing research into short-course, high-dose treatment with liposomal amphotericin may also help reduce the impact of this devastating disease.
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Xu Y, Xia W, Ni F. False-Negative Serum Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Immunoassay Result for a Patient with Disseminated Cryptococcal Disease. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:2877-2881. [PMID: 32903771 PMCID: PMC7445500 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s265784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen to humans, which can be acquired from environmental sources. Its most important virulence factor is its polysaccharide capsule, which can be used for diagnostic tests that identify the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). The CrAg lateral flow assay (LFA) is a dipstick immunochromatographic assay with high sensitivity and specificity; however, several false-negative cases have been reported. Here, we present a case of a false-negative serum CrAg LFA, in which the blood culture from a matched sample was positive for C. neoformans, thus demonstrating the postzone phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqiao Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Evaluation of a Novel Semiquantitative Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay in Patients with Advanced HIV Disease. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00441-20. [PMID: 32461286 PMCID: PMC7448662 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00441-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Higher cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titers are strongly associated with mortality risk in individuals with HIV-associated cryptococcal disease. Rapid tests to quantify CrAg levels may provide important prognostic information and enable treatment stratification. We performed a laboratory-based validation of the IMMY semiquantitative cryptococcal antigen (CrAgSQ) lateral flow assay (LFA) against the current gold standard CrAg tests. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the CrAgSQ in HIV-positive individuals undergoing CrAg screening, determined the relationship between CrAgSQ scores and dilutional CrAg titers, assessed interrater reliability, and determined the clinical correlates of CrAgSQ scores. Higher cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titers are strongly associated with mortality risk in individuals with HIV-associated cryptococcal disease. Rapid tests to quantify CrAg levels may provide important prognostic information and enable treatment stratification. We performed a laboratory-based validation of the IMMY semiquantitative cryptococcal antigen (CrAgSQ) lateral flow assay (LFA) against the current gold standard CrAg tests. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the CrAgSQ in HIV-positive individuals undergoing CrAg screening, determined the relationship between CrAgSQ scores and dilutional CrAg titers, assessed interrater reliability, and determined the clinical correlates of CrAgSQ scores. A total of 872 plasma samples were tested using both the CrAgSQ LFA and the conventional IMMY CrAg LFA, of which 692 were sequential samples from HIV-positive individuals undergoing CrAg screening and an additional 180 were known CrAg-positive plasma samples archived from prior studies. Interrater agreement in CrAgSQ reading was excellent (98.17% agreement, Cohen’s kappa 0.962, P < 0.001). Using the IMMY CrAg LFA as a reference standard, CrAgSQ was 93.0% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI] 80.9% to 98.5%) and 93.8% specific (95% CI, 91.7% to 95.6%). After reclassification of discordant results using CrAg enzyme immunoassay testing, the sensitivity was 98.1% (95% CI, 90.1% to 100%) and specificity 95.8% (95% CI, 93.9% to 97.2%). The median CrAg titers for semiquantitative score categories (1+ to 4+) were 1:10 (interquartile range [IQR], 1:5 to 1:20) in the CrAgSQ 1+ category, 1:40 (IQR, 1:20 to 1:80) in the CrAgSQ 2+ category, 1:640 (IQR, 1:160 to 1:2,560) in the CrAgSQ 3+ category, and 1:5,120 (IQR, 1:2,560 to 1:30,720) in the CrAgSQ 4+ category. Increasing CrAgSQ scores were strongly associated with 10-week mortality. The IMMY CrAgSQ test had high sensitivity and specificity compared to the results for the IMMY CrAg LFA and provided CrAg scores that were associated with both conventional CrAg titers and clinical outcomes.
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48
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Greene G, Lawrence DS, Jordan A, Chiller T, Jarvis JN. Cryptococcal meningitis: a review of cryptococcal antigen screening programs in Africa. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:233-244. [PMID: 32567406 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1785871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant contributor to AIDS-related mortality despite widened access to antiretroviral therapy. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) can be detected in the blood prior to development of meningitis. Development of highly sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic CrAg tests has helped facilitate the adoption of CrAg screening programs in 19 African countries. AREAS COVERED The biological rationale for CrAg screening and the programmatic strategies for its implementation are reviewed. We describe the approach to the investigation of patients with cryptococcal antigenemia and the importance of lumbar puncture to identify individuals who may have cryptococcal meningitis in the absence of symptoms. The limitations of current treatment recommendations and the potential role of newly defined combination antifungal therapies are discussed. A literature review was conducted using a broad database search for cryptococcal antigen screening and related terms in published journal articles dating up to December 2019. Conference abstracts, publicly available guidelines, and project descriptions were also incorporated. EXPERT OPINION As we learn more about the risks of cryptococcal antigenemia, it has become clear that the current management paradigm is inadequate. More intensive investigation and management are required to prevent the development of cryptococcal meningitis and reduce mortality associated with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Greene
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the NHLS , Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK
| | - David S Lawrence
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alex Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
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Sanguinetti M, Posteraro B, Beigelman-Aubry C, Lamoth F, Dunet V, Slavin M, Richardson MD. Diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections: looking ahead. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:ii27-ii37. [PMID: 31222314 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved standards of care depend on the development of new laboratory diagnostic and imaging procedures and the development of new antifungal compounds. Immunochromatography technologies have led to the development of lateral flow devices for the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis (IA). Similar devices are being developed for the detection of histoplasmosis that meet the requirements for speed (∼15 min assay time) and ease of use for point-of-care diagnostics. The evolution of molecular tools for the detection of fungal pathogens has been slow but the introduction of new nucleic acid amplification techniques appears to be helpful, for example T2Candida. An Aspergillus proximity ligation assay has been developed for a rapid near-patient bedside diagnosis of IA. CT remains the cornerstone for radiological diagnosis of invasive pulmonary fungal infections. MRI of the lungs may be performed to avoid radiation exposure. MRI with T2-weighted turbo-spin-echo sequences exhibits sensitivity and specificity approaching that of CT for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The final part of this review looks at new approaches to drug discovery that have yielded new classes with novel mechanisms of action. There are currently two new classes of antifungal drugs in Phase 2 study for systemic invasive fungal disease and one in Phase 1. These new antifungal drugs show promise in meeting unmet needs with oral and intravenous formulations available and some with decreased potential for drug-drug interactions. Novel mechanisms of action mean these agents are not susceptible to the common resistance mechanisms seen in Candida or Aspergillus. Modification of existing antifungal susceptibility testing techniques may be required to incorporate these new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Sanguinetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Brunella Posteraro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Gastroenterologiche, Endocrino-Metaboliche e Nefro-Urologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Patologia Medica e Semeiotica Medica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Italy
| | - Catherine Beigelman-Aubry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Dunet
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Monica Slavin
- National Centre for Infections in Cancer, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Malcolm D Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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50
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Krockenberger MB, Marschner C, Martin P, Reppas G, Halliday C, Schmertmann LJ, Harvey AM, Malik R. Comparing immunochromatography with latex antigen agglutination testing for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis in cats, dogs and koalas. Med Mycol 2020; 58:39-46. [PMID: 31220311 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the point-of-care cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (LFA) has revolutionized the diagnosis of cryptococcosis in human patients, to date there has been no large-scale examination of this test in animals. We therefore assessed the LFA in cats, dogs and koalas suspected of having cryptococcosis. In sum, 528 serum specimens (129 from cats, 108 from dogs, 291 from koalas) were tested using the LFA and one of two commercially available latex cryptococcal antigen agglutination test (LCAT) kits. The LCAT is a proven and well-accepted method in veterinary patients and therefore taken as the "gold standard" against which the LFA was compared. The LFA achieved a sensitivity of 92%, 100%, and 98% in cats, dogs, and koalas, respectively, with corresponding negative predictive values of 94%, 100%, and 98%. The specificity of the LFA was 81%, 84%, and 62% for cats, dogs, and koalas, respectively, with corresponding positive predictive values of 76%, 48%, and 69%. These findings suggest the most appropriate role for the LFA is as a screening test to rule out a diagnosis of cryptococcosis in cats, dogs, and koalas. Point-of-care accessibility makes it equally suited for use in the field and as a cage-side test in veterinary hospitals. The suboptimal specificity of the LFA makes it less suited to definitive confirmation of cryptococcosis in animals; therefore, all LFA-positive test results should be confirmed by LCAT testing. The discrepancy between these observations and the high specificity of the LFA in humans may reflect differences in the host-pathogen interactions amongst the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Krockenberger
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, McMaster Building, B14, University of Sydney NSW Australia 2006
| | - Caroline Marschner
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, McMaster Building, B14, University of Sydney NSW Australia 2006
| | - Patricia Martin
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, McMaster Building, B14, University of Sydney NSW Australia 2006
| | - George Reppas
- Vetnostics, 60 Waterloo Rd, North Ryde, NSW Australia 2113
| | - Catriona Halliday
- Clinical Mycology Reference Laboratory, CIDMLS - NSW Health Pathology, Level 3, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW Australia
| | - Laura J Schmertmann
- Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Services, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, McMaster Building, B14, University of Sydney NSW Australia 2006
| | | | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, Veterinary Science Conference Centre, B22, University of Sydney NSW Australia 2006; Adjunct Professor Charles Sturt University
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