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Ellis J, Nsangi L, Bangdiwala A, Hale G, Gakuru J, Kagimu E, Mugabi T, Kigozi E, Tukundane A, Okirwoth M, Kandole TK, Cresswel F, Harrison TS, Moore D, Fielding K, Meya D, Boulware D, Jarvis JN. Integrated management of cryptococcal meningitis and concurrent opportunistic infections to improve outcomes in advanced HIV disease: a randomised strategy trial. Wellcome Open Res 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38854693 PMCID: PMC11157187 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19324.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mortality associated with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains high even in the context of clinical trials (24-45% at 10 weeks); mortality at 12-months is up to 78% in resource limited settings. Co-prevalent tuberculosis (TB) is common and preventable, and likely contributes to poor patient outcomes. Innovative strategies to increase TB preventative therapy (TPT) provision and uptake within this high-risk group are needed. Protocol The IMPROVE trial (Integrated management of cryptococcal meningitis and concurrent opportunistic infections to improve outcomes in advanced HIV disease) is a nested open label, two arm, randomised controlled strategy trial to evaluate the safety (adverse events) and feasibility (adherence and tolerability) of two ultra-short course TPT strategies, in the context of recent diagnosis and treatment for cryptococcal meningitis. We will enrol 205 adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis from three hospitals in Uganda. Participants will be randomised to either inpatient initiation (early) or outpatient initiation (standard, week 6) of 1HP (one month of isoniazid and rifapentine). Participant follow-up is to include TB screening, 1HP pill counts and tolerability reviews on alternate weeks until week-18. The trial primary endpoint is TB-disease free 1HP treatment completion at 18-weeks, secondary endpoints: 1HP treatment completion, 1HP discontinuation, grade ≥3 adverse events and serious adverse events, drug-induced liver injury, incident active TB, 18-week survival; rifapentine, fluconazole and dolutegravir concentrations will be measured with intensive sampling in a pharmacokinetic sub-study of 15 eligible participants. Discussion The IMPROVE trial will provide preliminary safety and feasibility data to inform 1HP TPT strategies for adults with advanced HIV disease and cryptococcal meningitis. The potential impact of demonstrating that inpatient initiation of 1HP TPT is safe and feasible amongst this high-risk subpopulation with advanced HIV disease, would be to expand the range of clinical encounters in which clinicians can feasibly provide 1HP, and therefore increase the reach of TPT as a preventative intervention. ISRCTN registration ISRCTN18437550 (05/11/2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Ellis
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laura Nsangi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Gila Hale
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jane Gakuru
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enock Kagimu
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Mugabi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enos Kigozi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Asmus Tukundane
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Okirwoth
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tadeo Kiiza Kandole
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fiona Cresswel
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Thomas S. Harrison
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, England, UK
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - David Moore
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Katherine Fielding
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Meya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Boulware
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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Wu L, Fu X, Pütz B, Zhang R, Liu L, Song W, Weng L, Shao Y, Zheng Z, Xun J, Han X, Wang T, Shen Y, Lu H, Müller-Myhsok B, Chen J. Comprehensive risk factor predictions for 3-year survival among HIV-associated and disseminated cryptococcosis involving lungs and central nervous system. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02237-6. [PMID: 38613657 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global mortality rate resulting from HIV-associated cryptococcal disease is remarkably elevated, particularly in severe cases with dissemination to the lungs and central nervous system (CNS). Regrettably, there is a dearth of predictive analysis regarding long-term survival, and few studies have conducted longitudinal follow-up assessments for comparing anti-HIV and antifungal treatments. METHODS A cohort of 83 patients with HIV-related disseminated cryptococcosis involving the lung and CNS was studied for 3 years to examine survival. Comparative analysis of clinical and immunological parameters was performed between deceased and surviving individuals. Subsequently, multivariate Cox regression models were utilized to validate mortality predictions at 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS Observed plasma cytokine levels before treatment were significantly lower for IL-1RA (p < 0.001) and MCP-1 (p < 0.05) when in the survivor group. Incorporating plasma levels of IL-1RA, IL-6, and high-risk CURB-65 score demonstrated the highest area under curve (AUC) value (0.96) for predicting 1-year mortality. For 1-, 2- and 3-year predictions, the single-factor model with IL-1RA demonstrated superior performance compared to all multiple-variate models (AUC = 0.95/0.78/0.78). CONCLUSIONS IL-1RA is a biomarker for predicting 3-year survival. Further investigations to explore the pathogenetic role of IL-1RA in HIV-associated disseminated cryptococcosis and as a potential therapeutic target are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luling Wu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemin Fu
- Research Group Statistical Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Benno Pütz
- Research Group Statistical Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Renfang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Weng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yueming Shao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihang Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingna Xun
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ximei Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuzhou Pulmonary Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yinzhong Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Nursing Research Institution, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bertram Müller-Myhsok
- Research Group Statistical Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Tan X, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Chen W, Zhou H. Construction and validation of a nomogram model to predict the poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17030. [PMID: 38487258 PMCID: PMC10939030 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with poor prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) are prone to other complications such as meningeal infection, recurrence or even death. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influencing factors in the poor prognosis of patients with PC, so as to build a predictive nomograph model of poor prognosis of PC, and verify the predictive performance of the model. Methods This retrospective study included 410 patients (78.1%) with improved prognosis of PC and 115 patients (21.9%) with poor prognosis of PC. The 525 patients with PC were randomly divided into the training set and validation set according to the ratio of 7:3. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to screen the demographic information, including clinical characteristics, laboratory test indicators, comorbidity and treatment methods of patients, and other independent factors that affect the prognosis of PC. These factors were included in the multivariable logistic regression model to build a predictive nomograph. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to verify the accuracy and application value of the model. Results It was finally confirmed that psychological symptoms, cytotoxic drugs, white blood cell count, hematocrit, platelet count, CRP, PCT, albumin, and CD4/CD8 were independent predictors of poor prognosis of PC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model for poor prognosis in the training set and validation set were 0.851 (95% CI: 0.818-0.881) and 0.949, respectively. At the same time, calibration curve and DCA results confirmed the excellent performance of the nomogram in predicting poor prognosis of PC. Conclusion The nomograph model for predicting the poor prognosis of PC constructed in this study has good prediction ability, which is helpful for improving the prognosis of PC and further optimizing the clinical management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Tan
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yingqing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyu Chen
- Department of Respiratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Qureshi ZA, Ghazanfar H, Altaf F, Ghazanfar A, Hasan KZ, Kandhi S, Fortuzi K, Dileep A, Shrivastava S. Cryptococcosis and Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Narrative Review and the Up-to-Date Management Approach. Cureus 2024; 16:e55498. [PMID: 38571832 PMCID: PMC10990067 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infectious disease that enormously impacts human health worldwide. Cryptococcal meningitis is the most severe disease caused by the fungus Cryptococcus, and can lead to death, if left untreated. Many patients develop resistance and progress to death even after treatment. It requires a prolonged treatment course in people with AIDS. This narrative review provides an evidence-based summary of the current treatment modalities and future trial options, including newer ones, namely, 18B7, T-2307, VT-1598, AR12, manogepix, and miltefosine. This review also evaluated the management and empiric treatment of cryptococcus meningitis. The disease can easily evade diagnosis with subacute presentation. Despite the severity of the disease, treatment options for cryptococcosis remain limited, and more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer A Qureshi
- Medicine, Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, Bridgeport, USA
| | | | - Faryal Altaf
- Internal Medicine, BronxCare Health System, New York City, USA
| | - Ali Ghazanfar
- Internal Medicine, Federal Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Khushbu Z Hasan
- Internal Medicine, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Medical College, Mirpur, PAK
| | - Sameer Kandhi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, BronxCare Health System, New York City, USA
| | - Ked Fortuzi
- Internal Medicine, BronxCare Health System, New York City, USA
| | | | - Shitij Shrivastava
- Internal Medicine, BronxCare Health System, New York City, USA
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Wang P, Li Y, Gao L, Tang X, Zheng D, Wu K, Wang L, Guo P, Ye F. In vitro characterization and molecular epidemiology of Cryptococcus spp. isolates from non-HIV patients in Guangdong, China. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1295363. [PMID: 38287960 PMCID: PMC10823435 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1295363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of cryptococcosis in mainland China is enormous. However, the in vitro characterization and molecular epidemiology in Guangdong, a key region with a high incidence of fungal infection in China, are not clear. Methods From January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2019, clinical strains of Cryptococcus were collected from six medical centres in Guangdong. The clinical information and characteristics of the strains were analysed. Furthermore, molecular types were determined. Results A total of 84 strains were collected, mostly from male and young or middle-aged adult patients. Pulmonary and cerebral infections (82.1%) were most common. All strains were Cryptococcus neoformans, grew well at 37°C and had capsules around their cells. One melanin- and urea- and one melanin+ and urea- variants were found. Although most strains exhibited a low minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for voriconazole (mean: 0.04 μg/mL) and posaconazole (mean: 0.12 μg/mL), the results for these isolates showed a high degree of variation in the MIC values of fluconazole and 5-fluorocytosine, and resistance was observed for 4 out of 6 drugs. A significant proportion of these strains had MIC values near the ECV values, particularly in the case of amphotericin B. The proportion of strains near the clinical breakpoints was as follows: fluconazole: 3.66%; voriconazole: 3.66%; itraconazole: 6.10%; posaconazole: 13.41%; amphotericin B: 84.15%; 5-fluorocytosine: 2.44%. These strains were highly homogeneous and were dominated by the Grubii variant (95.2%), VNI (94.0%), α mating (100%), and ST5 (89.3%) genotypes. Other rare types, including ST4, 31, 278, 7, 57 and 106, were also found. Conclusion Phenotypically variant and non-wild-type strains were found in Guangdong, and a significant proportion of these strains had MIC values near the ECV values towards the 6 antifungal drugs, and resistance was observed for 4 out of 6 drugs. The molecular type was highly homogeneous but compositionally diverse, with rare types found. Enhanced surveillance of the aetiology and evolution and continuous monitoring of antifungal susceptibility are needed to provide references for decision-making in the health sector and optimization of disease prevention and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penglei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Longgang Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Microscopy Core Facility, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Tang
- Intensive Care Unit, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandian Zheng
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Jieyang City People's Hospital, Jieyang, China
| | - Kuihai Wu
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Foshan City First People's Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Luxia Wang
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Southern Military Region General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Penghao Guo
- Clinical Medicine Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Muzazu SGY, Assefa DG, Phiri C, Getinet T, Solomon S, Yismaw G, Manyazewal T. Prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis among people living with human immuno-deficiency virus and predictors of mortality in adults on induction therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:989265. [PMID: 36160163 PMCID: PMC9494297 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.989265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of adult meningitis in countries with a high burden of HIV. It has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa despite the extensive rollout of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the prevalence of CM among people living with HIV (PLWH) and its predictors of mortality among adults who are on induction antifungal therapy in Africa. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials or observational studies published in Africa from 1995 to April 2021. Pooled prevalence of CM among PLWH was calculated using R-studio Version 1.4.1717 software and the data extracted from eligible studies were pooled as percentage with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Predictors of mortality among adults on induction antifungal therapy were synthesized narratively. Results Out of 364 studies identified, 17 eligible articles were included in the analysis. The prevalence of CM among PLWH in Africa was 5.11% (95% CI 2.71-9.43%; participants = 10,813; studies = 9; I 2 = 97%). In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI 4.883-30.0; participants = 533; studies = 3; I 2 = 63%) in the years 1995-2010 and 3.18% (95% CI 1.54-6.45; participants = 10,280; studies = 6; I 2 = 98%) in the years 2011-2021, with the prevalence significantly decreased by 51% (p = 0.02). Predictors of mortality were fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological signs, low Glasgow coma scale, and delayed diagnosis of CM at varied timepoint. Conclusion Prevalence of CM has significantly decreased from 1996-2010 to 2011-2021 among PLWH on induction therapy in Africa. Fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological symptoms, diastolic blood pressure < 60 mmHg, and concurrent tuberculosis coinfection were significant predictors of mortality at 2- and 10-weeks timepoints. CM remains a major concern among PLWH despite increases in ART coverage. Improved access to effective antifungal therapies is needed in Africa for timely initiation of combination induction therapy and better treatment outcomes of PLWH. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254113], identifier [CRD42021254113].
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Affiliation(s)
- Seke G. Y. Muzazu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Enteric Diseases and Vaccines Research Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dawit Getachew Assefa
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Christabel Phiri
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tewodros Getinet
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samrawit Solomon
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Yismaw
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Zhang F, Li Y, Shen H, Tao J, Wang J. Case Report: Cryptococcal eosinophilic meningitis in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma. Front Neurol 2022; 13:898525. [PMID: 36158957 PMCID: PMC9489831 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.898525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is the most common fungal meningitis in clinical practice. It primarily occurs in immunocompromised people and is typically associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In rare cases, it is associated with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Eosinophilic meningitis (EM) is characterized by increased eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is often caused by a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS). EM caused by cryptococcal infection is rare; only four cases have been reported in the past 30 years. Here, we report a case of cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with HL who presented with an atypical eosinophil-predominant CSF cytology response. The patient's eosinophil proportion reached 91%; a proportion this high has not been reported previously and may be associated with HL. After antifungal therapy and tumor chemotherapy, the proportion of eosinophils decreased significantly. This case shows that cryptococcal meningitis and HL may be simultaneously contributing to CSF eosinophilia. HL should be considered in patients with eosinophilic cryptococcal meningitis and multiple adenopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Graduate School, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huijun Shen
- Graduate School, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Hematology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Wang
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Seffah K, Agyeman W, Madeo JL, Ahmad A. Cryptococcus Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient. Cureus 2022; 14:e27635. [PMID: 36072174 PMCID: PMC9437374 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27635] [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] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the CNS, generally thought of as an opportunistic infection in those with T-cell immunodeficiencies including AIDS (usually with a CD4 count of less than 100), chronic steroid use, hematological malignancies, and transplant recipients. It can have irreversible CNS morbidity, including vision loss, intracranial hypertension, and cognitive decline. Diagnosis depends on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, in which cultures and cryptococcal antigen are most sensitive. CSF PCR can also be done. Most patients have disseminated disease, and blood cultures are also positive. Outcomes remain guarded, with a poor prognosis (morbidity and high mortality) among survivors. This article presents a case of cryptococcal meningitis in an immunocompetent individual, where absolutely no identifiable risk factor was present.
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Wang F, Wang Y, He J, Cheng Z, Wu S, Wang M, Niu T. Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis: Evidence From a Cohort Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:779435. [PMID: 35572932 PMCID: PMC9098999 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.779435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite advances in the diagnosis and management, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is still associated with high mortality due to insufficient knowledge about clinical characteristics and risk factors for poor outcomes. The aim of the present study is to provide additional evidence for regarding clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and factors associated with increased risk of mortality in CM patients. Methods In this cohort study, we included eligible patients consecutively admitted to West China Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. The clinical characteristics and diagnosis method of cerebrospinal fluid culture and India ink stain were analyzed. Independent risk factors were identified by a multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 186 CM patients were included in the analysis. After a 1-year follow-up, 63 patients had died. Headache is the most common presenting symptom (97.3%), followed by vomiting (72%), fever (71.5%), altered consciousness (45.7%), abnormal vision (32.8%), and seizure (15.1%). Older age, altered consciousness or seizures, lower white blood cell count or total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and unidentified CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) are all factors associated with increasing risk of death (P < 0.05). We also found a dose-dependent trend between the number of symptoms and risk of death (trend p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age (P = 0.004, OR = 1.042, 95% CI 1.013–1.071), seizure (P = 0.025, OR = 3.105, 95% CI 1.152–8.369), altered consciousness (P < 0.001, OR=6.858, 95% CI 3.063–15.38), and unidentified CSF CrAg are the independent prognostic factors. In addition, we observed that diagnosis of 28.5% and 22.5% CM could not be established by a single testing of CSF India ink stain or culture, respectively. Use of multiple testing methods or combination of the two assays increases the detection rate. Conclusion Our data show that older age, seizures, altered consciousness, and an inability to detect CSF CrAg are the independent risk factors of death within 1 year in CM patients. Moreover, we recommend use of multiple testing methods with CSF culture and India ink stain. Combined testing with both assays should be considered for initial CM diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianqing He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhe Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shouquan Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Minggui Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Niu
- Department of Hematology and Research Laboratory of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ting Niu
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Fatal cryptococcal meningitis in a non-HIV patient. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022. [DOI: 10.53730/ijhs.v6ns1.6010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal infections (Cryptococcosis) are fatal fungal infections typically caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, a saprophyte frequently found in soil contaminated with pigeon droppings and frequently seen in immunocompromised (specifically HIV Positive) individuals. Now a day’s awareness is emerging on cryptococcal disease among non-immunocompromised patients also. We present a case of Cryptococcus meningitis (CM) in a patient with cardiopulmonary arrest. A 55 year old male patient came with history of headache and fever with neck rigidity since last 3 months. The patient was admitted as a case of CM based on clinical findings and radiological features. Investigations were done to rule out other disorders of the immune system. He was treated with Amphotericine B (IV) and Fluconazole orally for 2 weeks. Culture of CSF was done which showed presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. It is concluded from the findings that Cryptococcus may also affect non-HIV patients regardless to their immune system.
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11
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Garcia-Villa M, Gonzalez-Lara A, Rodriguez-Leyva I. Cryptococcal meningitis due to Cryptococcus gattii in an immunocompetent patient: uncommon presentation of a thunderclap headache. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e246158. [PMID: 35379676 PMCID: PMC8981403 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-246158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thunderclap headache is a medical emergency presented as the worst headache ever, is characterised by an abrupt onset and maximal intensity within seconds to minutes. However, cerebrovascular causes are among the most common causes of thunderclap headache, and other non-vascular life-threatening aetiologies should be considered in evaluating a patient. We describe a 23-year-old previously healthy Latino woman who presented to our hospital after a month of repetitive severe, abrupt-onset headaches. Her prior medical history was unremarkable. After a normal brain MRI with angio-MRI, a lumbar puncture was performed with normal opening pressure, hypoglycorrhachia, increased proteins and a leucocyte; India ink staining was positive for encapsulated yeast, cultures were positive for Cryptococcus gattii The patient received appropriate antifungal treatment with a good response. This case highlights the particular presentation of cryptococcal meningitis due to C. gattii among immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Garcia-Villa
- Hospital Star Medica Morelia, Neurology Service, Outpatient Clinic, Morelia Michoacan, Mexico
| | | | - Ildefonso Rodriguez-Leyva
- Neurology, Hospital Central Dr Ignacio Morones Prieto, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
- Neurology Department, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
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12
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Comparison of a Lateral Flow Assay and a Latex Agglutination Test for the Diagnosis of Cryptococcus Neoformans Infection. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:3989-3995. [PMID: 34581848 PMCID: PMC8486725 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02664-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Infections by the basidiomycete yeast Cryptococcus neoformans are life-threatening diseases claiming more than 600,000 lives every year. The most common manifestation is cryptococcal meningitis in AIDS patients. Diagnosis primarily relies on antigen testing from serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Current guidelines recommend rapid antigen testing with a focus on point-of-care assays. Over the recent years, a range of new lateral flow assays (LFAs) was launched. There is still a lack of data evaluating the CE-certified Biosynex RDT CryptoPS LFA. We compared the performance of this LFA with a latex agglutination assay (LAA; Latex-Cryptococcus Antigen Detection System, IMMY) from blood and CSF samples. Blood and/or CSF samples of 27 patients with proven cryptococcal infections caused by different species and blood–CSF pairs of 20 controls were tested applying LFA and LAA. Upon combined analysis of blood and CSF, both assays were able to identify all C. neoformans infections. Based on CSF analysis only, the LFA and the LAA had sensitivities of 100% and 93%. Neither test gave false-positive results nor was reactive in two cases of C. non-neoformans/non-gattii species infections. Both assays have high sensitivities and specificities for the diagnosis of C. neoformans infection. Contrarily to the IMMY LAA, the RDT CryptoPS LFA is suitable as a point-of-care test but is limited in the quantification of antigen reactivity.
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13
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Zhao T, Xu XL, Nie JM, Chen XH, Jiang ZS, Liu SQ, Yang TT, Yang X, Sun F, Lu YQ, Harypursat V, Chen YK. Establishment of a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:786. [PMID: 34376147 PMCID: PMC8353436 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a leading cause of death in HIV-infected patients, despite advances in CM diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study was performed with the aim to develop and validate a novel scoring model to predict mortality risk in HIV-infected patients with CM (HIV/CM). Methods Data on HIV/CM inpatients were obtained from a Multicenter Cohort study in China. Independent risk factors associated with mortality were identified based on data from 2013 to 2017, and a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction was established. The bootstrapping statistical method was used for internal validation. External validation was performed using data from 2018 to 2020. Results We found that six predictors, including age, stiff neck, impaired consciousness, intracranial pressure, CD4+ T-cell count, and urea levels, were associated with poor prognosis in HIV/CM patients. The novel scoring model could effectively identify HIV/CM patients at high risk of death on admission (area under curve 0.876; p<0.001). When the cut-off value of 5.5 points or more was applied, the sensitivity and specificity was 74.1 and 83.8%, respectively. Our scoring model showed a good discriminatory ability, with an area under the curve of 0.879 for internal validation via bootstrapping, and an area under the curve of 0.886 for external validation. Conclusions Our developed scoring model of six variables is simple, convenient, and accurate for screening high-risk patients with HIV/CM, which may be a useful tool for physicians to assess prognosis in HIV/CM inpatients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhao
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Xu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Jing-Min Nie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China
| | - Zhong-Sheng Jiang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Liuzhou People's Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi province, China
| | - Shui-Qing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guiyang Public Health Clinical Center, Guiyang, Guizhou province, China
| | - Tong-Tong Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan province, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Lu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Vijay Harypursat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China
| | - Yao-Kai Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, 109 Baoyu Road, Shapingba, Chongqing, 400036, China.
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14
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Huang SH, Lee CY, Tsai CS, Tsai MS, Liu CE, Hsu WT, Chen HA, Liu WD, Yang CJ, Sun HY, Ko WC, Lu PL, Lee YT, Hung CC. Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia and Burden of Cryptococcosis at the Time of HIV Diagnosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Study. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:1363-1377. [PMID: 34057690 PMCID: PMC8322196 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00451-5] [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: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Screening for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLWH) who present with low CD4 lymphocyte counts. Real-world experience is important to identify gaps between the guidelines and clinical practice. We investigated the trends of CrAg testing and prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia among PLWH at the time of HIV diagnosis and the related mortality in Taiwan from 2009 to 2018. Methods Medical records of newly diagnosed PLWH seeking care at six medical centers around Taiwan between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. The annual trends of PLWH who had CrAg testing and cryptococcal antigenemia were examined by Cochran-Armitage test. Among PLWH with CD4 < 200 cells/µl, timing of CrAg testing was analyzed for association with 12-month all-cause mortality in Kaplan-Meier plots and in a Cox proportional hazards model after adjustments. Results Among 5372 included PLWH, 1150 (21.4%) presented with baseline CD4 < 100 cells/µl, and this proportion had decreased during the study period [from 108 (29.3%) in 2009 to 93 (22.3%) in 2018 (P = 0.039)]. The overall prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 7.8% among PLWH with CD4 < 100 cells/µl, which remained stable during the 10-year study period (P = 0.356) and was 2.6% among PLWH with CD4 100–199 cells/µl. The uptake of CrAg testing had increased from 65.7% in 2009 to 78.0% in 2018 (P = 0.002) among PLWH with CD4 < 100 cells/µl. Late CrAg testing, defined by 14 days or later after HIV diagnosis, was associated with increased risk of 12-month mortality compared to early CrAg testing (adjusted hazard ratio 2.028, 95% CI 1.109–3.708). Conclusions Burden of cryptococcosis remained high among PLWH with low CD4 lymphocyte counts in Taiwan. Uptake of CrAg screening among late HIV presenters was still suboptimal and delayed. Late CrAg testing was associated with a higher mortality. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00451-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Douliu, Yun-Lin County, Taiwan
| | - Hong-An Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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15
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Tsai ST, Lin FY, Chen PS, Chiang HY, Kuo CC. Three-year mortality in cryptococcal meningitis: Hyperglycemia predict unfavorable outcome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251749. [PMID: 34048463 PMCID: PMC8162582 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing evidence revealed grave prognosis for cryptococcal meningitis (CM), particularly its short-term mortality. However, its long-term survival and prognostic factors remained unknown. This study investigated 3-year mortality and analyzed its predictive factors in patients with CM. This retrospective cohort study with 83 cerebrospinal fluid culture-confirmed CM patients was conducted at China Medical University Hospital from 2003 to 2016. The 3-year mortality rate in patients with CM was 54% (45 deaths among 83 patients). Advanced age, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seronegative state, low Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, decreased hemoglobin and hyperglycemia on diagnosis were associated with 3-year mortality. After multivariate adjustment in the Cox proportional hazard model, only severe hyperglycemia (serum glucose ≥200 mg/dL) on diagnosis could predict 3-year mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Ta Tsai
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Yu Lin
- Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Pei-Shan Chen
- Big Data Center, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Yin Chiang
- Big Data Center, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chi Kuo
- Big Data Center, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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16
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Sanna C, Marras L, Desogus A, Marras B, Montero N, Bertolino G, Schintu M, Coroneo V. Evaluation of Rhodotorula spp. contamination in hospital environments. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:152. [PMID: 33646402 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-08908-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microbiological monitoring of air and surfaces is a valuable tool for assessing the level of environmental contamination by bacteria and fungi in hospitals, especially in high-risk wards. The presence of these microorganisms requires strict control in view of their role as opportunistic pathogens. As regard yeasts, Candida albicans is one of the main opportunistic pathogens. However, in recent years, many other "non-Albicans" species have been identified that are implicated in the onset of both localised infections in immunocompetent patients and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. The aim of the work was to evaluate the frequency of isolation of Rhodotorula spp. in environmental samples of hospital origin in order to highlight how its presence may represent an increased risk for hospitalised patients. The samples were taken in at-risk wards, divided into six types of environments, in three hospitals in southern Sardinia between 2016 and 2019. The presence of moulds and yeasts was higher in the air (55.7%) than on surfaces (44.3%) in the hospital environments (p < 0.001). Similarly, the isolation frequency of Rhodotorula spp. was found to be greater (p < 0.001) in the air (14.2%) than on surfaces (9.2%). This study made it possible to evaluate the presence of pathogenic fungi in hospital environments, paying particular attention to Rhodotorula spp. since it is an emerging opportunistic yeast. It also highlights the importance of control measures especially in those where immunocompromised patients are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Sanna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Luisa Marras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Desogus
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Barbara Marras
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Natalia Montero
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bertolino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Schintu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentina Coroneo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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17
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Quality of life of HIV-negative, previously healthy individuals following cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3673. [PMID: 33574462 PMCID: PMC7878796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The morbidity and mortality of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) in previously healthy, HIV-negative individuals is increasingly recognized. We administered a healthcare associated quality of life (QOL) survey to the largest longitudinally followed cohort of these patients in the United States. We identified moderate or severe self-reported impairment in at least one QOL domain in 61% of subjects at least one year following diagnosis. Self-reported cognitive impairment was noted in 52% and sleep disturbance was noted in 55%. This is the first comprehensive study of cross-sectional long-term QOL in previously healthy patients following cryptococcal infection.
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18
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Yoon HA, Felsen U, Wang T, Pirofski LA. Cryptococcus neoformans infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected patients at an inner-city tertiary care hospital in the Bronx. Med Mycol 2021; 58:434-443. [PMID: 31342058 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is the most significant predisposing condition, but persons with other immunodeficiency states as well as phenotypically normal persons develop cryptococcosis. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of cryptococcosis between 2005 and 2017 at our inner-city medical center in the Bronx, an epicenter of AIDS in New York City, and analyzed demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and mortality for these patients. In sum, 63% of the cases over this 12-year period occurred in HIV-infected patients. And 61% of the HIV-infected patients were non-adherent with antiretroviral therapy, 10% were newly diagnosed with AIDS, and 4% had unmasking cryptococcus-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The majority were Hispanic or black in ethnicity/race. HIV-uninfected patients (47/126) were older (P < .0001), and the majority had an immunocompromising condition. They were less likely to have a headache (P = .0004) or fever (P = .03), had prolonged time to diagnosis (P = .04), higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels (P = .001), less CSF culture positivity (P = .03), and a higher 30-day mortality (P = .03). Cases in HIV-uninfected patients were often unsuspected during their initial evaluation, leading to a delay in infectious diseases consultation, which was associated with mortality (P = .03). Our study indicates that HIV infection remains the most important predisposing factor for cryptococcosis despite availability of antiretroviral therapy and highlights potential missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis and differences in clinical and prognostic factors between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ah Yoon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Uriel Felsen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Liise-Anne Pirofski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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19
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Kanyama C, Molloy SF, Chan AK, Lupiya D, Chawinga C, Adams J, Bright P, Lalloo DG, Heyderman RS, Lortholary O, Jaffar S, Loyse A, van Oosterhout JJ, Hosseinipour MC, Harrison TS. One-year Mortality Outcomes From the Advancing Cryptococcal Meningitis Treatment for Africa Trial of Cryptococcal Meningitis Treatment in Malawi. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:521-524. [PMID: 31155650 PMCID: PMC7105249 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In Malawi, 236 participants from the Advancing Cryptococcal Meningitis Treatment for Africa trial were followed for 12 months. The trial outcomes reported at 10 weeks were sustained to 1 year. One-week amphotericin B plus flucytosine was associated with the lowest 1 year mortality (27.5% [95% confidence interval, 16.3 to 44.1]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kanyama
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrienne K Chan
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Duncan Lupiya
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi
| | - Chimwemwe Chawinga
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe
| | - Jack Adams
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bright
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi.,Clinical Immunology Department, North Bristol National Health Service Trust, United Kingdom
| | | | - Robert S Heyderman
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre.,University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses & Antifungals, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris.,Paris Descartes University, Necker Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Imagine, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | | | - Angela Loyse
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre
| | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe.,Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
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20
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Howard J, Thompson TZ, MacArthur RD, Rojiani AM, White J. Widely Disseminated Cryptococcosis Manifesting in a Previously Undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive 18-Year-Old. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e924410. [PMID: 33041322 PMCID: PMC7568523 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.924410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 18-year-old Final Diagnosis: Disseminated cryptococcosis in previously undiagnosed HIV Symptoms: Diarhea • lymphadenopathy Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: General and Internal Medicine • Pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- John Howard
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Thomas Z Thompson
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Rodger D MacArthur
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Amyn M Rojiani
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph White
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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21
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An Antivirulence Approach for Preventing Cryptococcus neoformans from Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier via Novel Natural Product Inhibitors of a Fungal Metalloprotease. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.01249-20. [PMID: 32694141 PMCID: PMC7374060 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01249-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis are difficult to resolve because of the limited therapies available. The small arsenal of antifungal drugs reflect the difficulty in finding available targets in fungi because like mammalian cells, fungi are eukaryotes. The limited efficacy, toxicity, and rising resistance of antifungals contribute to the high morbidity and mortality of fungal infections and further underscore the dire but unmet need for new antifungal drugs. The traditional approach in antifungal drug development has been to target fungal growth, but an attractive alternative is to target mechanisms of pathogenesis. An important attribute of Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) pathogenesis is its ability to enter the central nervous system. Here, we describe a large-scale screen that identified three natural products that prevented Cn from crossing the blood-brain barrier by inhibiting the virulence factor Mpr1 without affecting the growth of Cn. We propose that compounds identified here could be further developed as antivirulence therapy that would be administered preemptively or serve as a prophylactic in patients at high risk for developing cryptococcal meningitis. Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is the leading cause of fungal meningitis, a deadly disease with limited therapeutic options. Dissemination to the central nervous system hinges on the ability of Cn to breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and is considered an attribute of Cn virulence. Targeting virulence instead of growth for antifungal drug development has not been fully exploited despite the benefits of this approach. Mpr1 is a secreted fungal metalloprotease not required for fungal growth, but rather, it functions as a virulence factor by facilitating Cn migration across the BBB. This central role for Mpr1, its extracellular location, and lack of expression in mammalian cells make Mpr1 a high-value target for an antivirulence approach aimed at developing therapeutics for cryptococcal meningitis. To test this notion, we devised a large-scale screen to identify compounds that prohibited Cn from crossing the BBB by selectively blocking Mpr1 proteolytic activity, without inhibiting the growth of Cn. A phytochemical natural product-derived library was screened to identify new molecular scaffolds of prototypes unique to a Cn microecosystem. Of the 240 pure natural products examined, 3 lead compounds, abietic acid, diosgenin, and lupinine inhibited Mpr1 proteolytic activity with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of <10 μM, displayed little to no mammalian cell toxicity, and did not affect Cn growth. Notably, the lead compounds blocked Cn from crossing the BBB, without damaging the barrier integrity, suggesting the bioactive molecules had no off-target effects. We propose that these new drug scaffolds are promising candidates for the development of antivirulence therapy against cryptococcal meningitis.
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Fu MS, Drummond RA. The Diverse Roles of Monocytes in Cryptococcosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030111. [PMID: 32708673 PMCID: PMC7558978 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes are considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells are key components for the control of infection, but paradoxically they can also contribute to detrimental host responses and may even support fungal proliferation and dissemination. Simultaneously, the C. neoformans polysaccharide capsule can impair the functions of monocytes. Although monocytes are often seen as simple precursor cells, they also function as independent immune effector cells. In this review, we summarize these monocyte-specific functions during cryptococcal infection and the influence of C. neoformans on monocyte responses. We also cover the most recent findings on the functional and phenotypic heterogeneity of monocytes and discuss how new advanced technologies provide a platform to address outstanding questions in the field.
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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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False-Negative CSF Cryptococcal Antigen with Cryptococcus gattii Meningoencephalitis in Southeastern United States: A Case Report and Literature Review. Case Rep Infect Dis 2020; 2020:8232178. [PMID: 32733719 PMCID: PMC7376414 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8232178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A 70-year-old immunocompetent male in South Carolina was admitted secondary to altered mental status and headache without focal neurological deficits. Head CT was negative. Lumbar puncture (LP) revealed normal glucose, elevated protein, and lymphocytosis. Opening pressure was 15 cm of H20. CSF lateral flow assay was negative for cryptococcal antigen; CSF cultures showed no growth. The patient rapidly improved on acyclovir and was diagnosed with presumed viral meningitis, as viral PCR and fungal culture were pending at time of discharge. The patient's condition quickly worsened and the patient returned one day later with right arm weakness and dysarthria. Brain MRI revealed T2/flair signal abnormalities in the left frontal lobe with associated parenchymal enhancement. Repeat LP revealed increasing white blood cell count with a worsening lymphocytosis and decreasing glucose, and opening pressure remained normal. CSF fungal culture from the first admission grew Cryptococcus gattii, and repeated CSF cryptococcal antigen and culture returned positive. The patient was started on IV steroids, induction Amphotericin and Fluconazole, followed by maintenance oral Fluconazole. The patient's clinical course was complicated by a brainstem lacunar infarction, which led to demise. We present this case of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis to highlight the risk factors, characteristics, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment of an emerging disease in the Southeastern United States.
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The Added Value of Longitudinal Imaging for Preclinical In Vivo Efficacy Testing of Therapeutic Compounds against Cerebral Cryptococcosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00070-20. [PMID: 32284382 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00070-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain infections with Cryptococcus neoformans are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cryptococcosis typically presents as meningoencephalitis or fungal mass lesions called cryptococcomas. Despite frequent in vitro discoveries of promising novel antifungals, the clinical need for drugs that can more efficiently treat these brain infections remains. A crucial step in drug development is the evaluation of in vivo drug efficacy in animal models. This mainly relies on survival studies or postmortem analyses in large groups of animals, but these techniques only provide information on specific organs of interest at predefined time points. In this proof-of-concept study, we validated the use of noninvasive preclinical imaging to obtain longitudinal information on the therapeutic efficacy of amphotericin B or fluconazole monotherapy in meningoencephalitis and cryptococcoma mouse models. Bioluminescence imaging enabled the rapid in vitro and in vivo evaluation of drug efficacy, while complementary high-resolution anatomical information obtained by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain allowed a precise assessment of the extent of infection and lesion growth rates. We demonstrated a good correlation between both imaging readouts and the fungal burden in various organs. Moreover, we identified potential pitfalls associated with the interpretation of therapeutic efficacy based solely on postmortem studies, demonstrating the added value of this noninvasive dual imaging approach compared to standard mortality curves or fungal load endpoints. This novel preclinical imaging platform provides insights in the dynamic aspects of the therapeutic response and facilitates a more efficient and accurate translation of promising antifungal compounds from bench to bedside.
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Mortality After Cryptococcal Infection in the Modern Antiretroviral Therapy Era. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82:81-87. [PMID: 31408451 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of cryptococcosis in people living with HIV (PLWH) in the developed world has decreased considerably in the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Although early mortality of PLWH with opportunistic infections is well understood, overall mortality has not been previously evaluated. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of cryptococcosis in PLWH from January 1, 2002, to July 1, 2017. Data were also evaluated before and after 2008 to evaluate the possible effect of modern ART on outcomes. Death date was obtained from the hospital's medical informatics database and the Social Security Death Index. Participants were grouped as survivors, early-mortality (death <90 days), and late-mortality (death ≥90 days) individuals. RESULTS We reviewed 105 PLWH with cryptococcosis, with 55 survivors (52.4%), 17 early-mortality (16.2%), and 33 late-mortality individuals (31.4%). Overall, mortality was 47.6% (n = 50) with a median follow-up of 3.7 years (interquartile range 1.1, 8.1 years). Late-mortality individuals were less likely to be virally suppressed at the last observation compared with survivors (24% vs 62%, P < 0.001). Individuals diagnosed in the modern ART era had significantly lower mortality (hazard ratio 0.5, confidence interval: 0.2 to 0.8) and were more likely to be virally suppressed at the last observation (57% vs 29%, P = 0.003). Individuals with government-provided insurance had a higher mortality compared to those with private insurance (hazard ratio 2.8, confidence interval: 1.1 to 7.2, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements in ART, PLWH have high mortality after cryptococcal infection that persists beyond their initial hospitalization. Lower mortality was associated with increased HIV viral suppression and private insurance in the modern ART era.
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Ji XC, Zhou LF, Li CY, Shi YJ, Wu ML, Zhang Y, Fei XF, Zhao G. Reduction of Human DNA Contamination in Clinical Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens Improves the Sensitivity of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:659-666. [PMID: 32002752 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is increasingly available for the detection of obscure infectious diseases of the central nervous system. However, human DNA contamination from elevated white cells, one of the characteristic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features in meningitis patients, greatly reduces the sensitivity of mNGS in the pathogen detection. Currently, effective approaches to selectively reduce host DNA contamination from clinical CSF samples are still lacking. In this study, a total of 20 meningitis patients were enrolled, including 10 definitively diagnosed tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and 10 definite cryptococcal meningitis (CM) cases. To evaluate the effect of reduced human DNA in the sensitivity of mNGS detection, three specimen-processing protocols were performed: (i) To remove human DNA, saponin, a nonionic surfactant, was used to selectively lyse white cells in CSF followed by DNase treatment prior to the extraction of DNA; (ii) to reduce host DNA, CSF was centrifuged to remove human cells, and the supernatant was collected for DNA extraction; and (iii) DNA extraction from the unprocessed specimens was set as the control. We found that saponin processing significantly elevated the NGS unique reads for Cryptococcus (P < 0.01) compared with the control but had no effects for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (P > 0.05). However, detection of centrifuged supernatants improved the NGS unique reads for both TBM and CM compared with controls (P < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that the use of mNGS of centrifuged supernatants from clinical CSF samples in patients with TBM and CM is a simple and effective method to improve the sensitivity of pathogen detection.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Cerebrospinal Fluid/microbiology
- Cryptococcus/genetics
- Cryptococcus/pathogenicity
- Female
- Genome, Bacterial
- Genome, Human
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/standards
- Humans
- Male
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/cerebrospinal fluid
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/diagnosis
- Meningitis, Cryptococcal/microbiology
- Metagenomics/methods
- Metagenomics/standards
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/methods
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques/standards
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis/pathogenicity
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
- Sequence Analysis, DNA/standards
- Tuberculosis, Meningeal/cerebrospinal fluid
- Tuberculosis, Meningeal/diagnosis
- Tuberculosis, Meningeal/microbiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Chao Ji
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lin-Fu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The 987 Hospital of PLA, Baoji, China
| | - Chao-Yang Li
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya-Jun Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng-Li Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Fei
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Tenforde MW, Gertz AM, Lawrence DS, Wills NK, Guthrie BL, Farquhar C, Jarvis JN. Mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25416. [PMID: 31957332 PMCID: PMC6970088 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV-associated cryptococcal, TB and pneumococcal meningitis are the leading causes of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary aim of estimating mortality from major causes of adult meningitis in routine care settings, and to contrast this with outcomes from clinical trial settings. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for published clinical trials (defined as randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) or investigator-managed prospective cohorts) and observational studies that evaluated outcomes of adult meningitis in SSA from 1 January 1990 through 15 September 2019. We performed random effects modelling to estimate pooled mortality, both in clinical trial and routine care settings. Outcomes were stratified as short-term (in-hospital or two weeks), medium-term (up to 10 weeks) and long-term (up to six months). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seventy-nine studies met inclusion criteria. In routine care settings, pooled short-term mortality from cryptococcal meningitis was 44% (95% confidence interval (95% CI):39% to 49%, 40 studies), which did not differ between amphotericin (either alone or with fluconazole) and fluconazole-based induction regimens, and was twofold higher than pooled mortality in clinical trials using amphotericin based treatment (21% (95% CI:17% to 25%), 17 studies). Pooled short-term mortality of TB meningitis was 46% (95% CI: 33% to 59%, 11 studies, all routine care). For pneumococcal meningitis, pooled short-term mortality was 54% in routine care settings (95% CI:44% to 64%, nine studies), with similar mortality reported in two included randomized-controlled trials. Few studies evaluated long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Mortality rates from HIV-associated meningitis in SSA are very high under routine care conditions. Better strategies are needed to reduce mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Tenforde
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
| | - Alida M Gertz
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - David S Lawrence
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicola K Wills
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Welcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in AfricaInfectious Disease and Molecular Medicine UnitUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach (including the use of novel diagnostic platforms), and treatment of select infectious and noninfectious etiologies of chronic meningitis. RECENT FINDINGS Identification of the etiology of chronic meningitis remains challenging, with no cause identified in at least one-third of cases. Often, several serologic, CSF, and neuroimaging studies are indicated, although novel diagnostic platforms including metagenomic deep sequencing may hold promise for identifying organisms. Infectious etiologies are more common in those at risk for disseminated disease, specifically those who are immunocompromised because of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), transplantation, or immunosuppressant medications. An important step in identifying the etiology of chronic meningitis is assembling a multidisciplinary team of individuals, including those with specialized expertise in ophthalmology, dermatology, rheumatology, and infectious diseases, to provide guidance regarding diagnostic procedures. SUMMARY Chronic meningitis is defined as inflammation involving the meninges that lasts at least 4 weeks and is associated with a CSF pleocytosis. Chronic meningitis has numerous possible infectious and noninfectious etiologies, making it challenging to definitively diagnose patients. Therefore, a multifaceted approach that combines history, physical examination, neuroimaging, and laboratory analysis, including novel diagnostic platforms, is needed. This article focuses on key aspects of the evaluation of and approach to patients with chronic meningitis. Specific infectious etiologies and differential diagnoses of subacute and chronic meningitis, including noninfectious etiologies, are addressed.
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Tchamo CCLM, De Rugeriis M, Noormahomed EV. Occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in Maputo city and province, Mozambique: a pilot study. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919870877. [PMID: 31534776 PMCID: PMC6737869 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919870877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are immunosuppressive viruses in cats that increase their susceptibility to zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of one or both viruses, the risk factors associated with infection, and to develop further recommendations. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Veterinary Faculty of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique, between March and December 2017, in 145 cats. From each of 145 cats, we took 1.5 ml of blood by jugular puncture for detection of antibodies to FIV and FeLV antigens in whole blood using a commercial test kit, DFV Test FeLV/FIV. RESULTS We found an overall prevalence of 11.0% and 14.5% for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens, respectively, with four (2.8%) cats coinfected by both pathogens. Male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-4.0) compared with female cats. Clinically ill cats were more likely to have a positive result for FeLV antigen infection (OR 18.8, 95% CI 5.2-68.3). Moreover, cats living in suburban areas have a greater chance of a positive result for FeLV infection (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.6) compared with cats living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE FIV and FeLV occur in cats from Maputo and possibly all over the country. Further studies should be conducted in Mozambique and other African countries to define the burden of both pathogens in cats, coinfection with other zoonotic pathogens and the possible role played by the cats on the transmission of zoonotic and opportunistic diseases to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesaltina CLM Tchamo
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mónica De Rugeriis
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Emília V Noormahomed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique,Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA,Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique,Emília Virginia Noormahomed MD, PhD, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av Salvador Allende, nº 702, Maputo, 257, Mozambique
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Huang SH, Chuang YC, Lee YC, Hung CC, Sheng WH, Su JJ, Sun HY, Chen YC, Chang SC. Lumbar puncture for non-HIV-infected non-transplant patients with cryptococcosis: Should it be mandatory for all? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221657. [PMID: 31437259 PMCID: PMC6705819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The indications for lumbar puncture in non-HIV-infected, non-transplant (NHNT) patients with cryptococcosis without meningeal signs need to be more fully defined. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to determine the optimal predictors of central nervous system (CNS) involvement in adult NHNT patients with cryptococcosis. METHODS The study population consisted of adult NHNT patients with culture-confirmed cryptococcosis who sought care at a university hospital in Taiwan from 2002 to 2016. We used a case-control method to identify the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings associated with CNS involvement in patients who underwent a diagnostic lumbar puncture. In the sensitivity analysis, we included additional control patients who did not undergo lumbar puncture, but were followed beyond 12 months without the development of CNS involvement in the absence of exposure to any fungicidal agents. RESULTS We entered 270 NHNT adult patients into the study during the 15-year period. CNS involvement was confirmed in 66 (71.0%) of 93 patients who underwent lumbar puncture. A multivariable analysis revealed that presence of neurological manifestations and elevated serum CRAG titers were independently associated with a 23.97-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.37-182.23) and 1.53-fold (per 2-fold increment, 95% CI 1.26-1.92) increased odds ratio for CNS involvement, respectively. Headache and focal neurologic signs were independently associated with CNS involvement. A cut-off serum CRAG titer of ≥1:64 provided the highest diagnostic performance by Youden index (sensitivity 83% and specificity 65%). Similar findings were noted in the sensitivity analysis including 198 (73%) patients. CONCLUSION Lumbar puncture is indicated for NHNT patients with cryptococcosis who have neurologic manifestations or a serum CRAG titer of ≥1:64.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen Jen Su
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Chun Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
| | - Shan-Chwen Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Widespread use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to near-normal life expectancy in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, neurologic complications of HIV remain common; can affect any part of the neuraxis; and are due to direct effects of the virus, immunosuppression because of untreated HIV infection, aberrant immune responses in the setting of ART initiation, and ART toxicities. RECENT FINDINGS HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remains one of the most common neurologic complications of HIV encountered today, but milder forms predominate in people on ART. No specific treatments for HAND exist, but small trials and epidemiologic evidence suggest paroxetine, intranasal insulin, and maraviroc may have utility in its treatment; further trials of these agents are ongoing. Widespread ART use has decreased the incidence of central nervous system opportunistic infections, but prognosis often remains poor in those who develop opportunistic infections. High-titer positive serum cryptococcal antigen is strongly predictive of cryptococcal meningitis and provides a tool to enhance diagnosis in areas with limited resources. HIV is an independent risk factor for stroke, and accelerated aging associated with HIV infection results in neurologic diseases of older age occurring at much younger ages in individuals infected with HIV. Ongoing HIV replication in the CSF despite peripheral virologic suppression may contribute to the development of HAND and may not improve despite adjusting the ART regimen to increase central nervous system penetrance. SUMMARY Neurologists are likely to encounter patients infected with HIV in clinical practice. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and management of the most common neurologic conditions associated with HIV infection and ART.
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Abstract
Purpose of review To perform an extensive review of recent literature and provide an update on the current epidemiology, clinical features and management of cryptococcal disease with a focus on the differences between patients depending on their immune status. Recent findings Emerging literature has highlighted the inflammatory pathophysiology and varied manifestations of cryptococcal infections in patients who are apparently healthy but paradoxically have a more critical clinical course compared to their immunosuppressed counterparts. Summary Non-HIV cryptococcal meningitis has greater mortality compared to that seen in HIV patients. Basic science experiments closely analyzing the underlying pathophysiological response to this infection have demonstrated the predominant role of T cell-mediated inflammatory injury in causing worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to define the need for immunosuppressive agents in the treatment of this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seher Anjum
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter R Williamson
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology (LCIM), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
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Musubire AK, Meya DB, Rhein J, Meintjes G, Bohjanen PR, Nuwagira E, Muzoora C, Boulware DR, Hullsiek KH. Blood neutrophil counts in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis: Association with mortality. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209337. [PMID: 30596708 PMCID: PMC6312212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mortality from cryptococcal meningitis remains high, despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and amphotericin-based fungal regimens. The role of neutrophils in cryptococcosis is controversial. Our objective was to examine the association between blood neutrophil counts and outcomes in terms of mortality, the incidence of bacterial infections (including Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and hospitalization among HIV-infected patients presenting with cryptococcal meningitis. METHODS We used data from participants from the Cryptococcal Optimal ART Timing (COAT) trial (2010-2012; Uganda and South Africa) and the Adjunctive Sertraline for Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis (ASTRO-CM) trial (2013-2017; Uganda). We estimated 30-day mortality risk with Cox proportional hazards models by baseline neutrophil counts (a) on a continuous scale and (b) with indicators for both relatively high (> 3,500 cells/mm3) and low (≤ 1,000 cells/mm3) counts. Follow-up neutrophil counts from the COAT trial were used to examine the time-dependent association of neutrophil counts with 12-month mortality and rehospitalization. RESULTS 801 participants had an absolute neutrophil value at meningitis diagnosis. The median baseline absolute neutrophil count was 2100 cells/mm3 (IQR, 1400 to 3300 cells/mm3). Baseline neutrophil count was positively associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.09, 95%CI, 1.04-1.13, per 1000 cells/mm3 increase; p<0.001). Baseline absolute neutrophil counts ≤ 1000 cells/mm3 did not have increased risk of 30-day mortality compared to those with baseline neutrophils of 1001-3500 cells/mm3; however, baseline >3500 cells/mm3 had significantly increased risk, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.85(95%CI, 1.40-2.44; p<0.001). Among the COAT participants with follow-up neutrophil data, there was a strong association between time-updated neutrophil count and 12-month mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.16, 95% CI 1.09-1.24; p<0.001. CONCLUSION Higher blood neutrophil counts in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis were associated with mortality. Neutrophils role requires further investigation as to whether this may be a mediator directly contributing to mortality or merely a marker of underlying pathologies that increase mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdu Kisekka Musubire
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University and Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paul R. Bohjanen
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Dept. of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
| | - Kathy Huppler Hullsiek
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States of America
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Tsai WC, Lien CY, Lee JJ, Lin WC, Hsu CW, Huang CR, Tsai NW, Chang CC, Lu CH, Chang WN. The prognostic factors of HIV-negative adult cryptococcal meningitis with a focus on cranial MRI-based neuroimaging findings. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 55:57-61. [PMID: 30042070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic significance of clinical characteristics and neuroimaging features, especially cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based neuroimaging features, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative cryptococcal meningitis (CM) has rarely been examined in the literature. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and MRI findings of 65 HIV-negative patients (43 men, 22 women, age 19-86 years) collected during a study period of 15 years (January 2001-December 2015). Their underlying conditions included diabetes mellitus, liver cirrhosis, hematologic disorders, autoimmune disorders, malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adrenal insufficiency and organ transplantation, and their clinical presentations included headache, altered consciousness, fever, seizure, visual disturbance and hearing impairment. The main cranial MRI findings were basal meningeal enhancement (44.6%, 29/65), dilated Virchow-Robin space/pseudocyst (43.1%, 28/65), "dirty" cerebrospinal fluid sign (38.5%, 25/65), hydrocephalus (36.9%, 21/65), acute/subacute cerebral infarct (ASCI, 21.5%, 14/65), cryptococcoma (9.2%, 6/65), and hazy brain base (1.5%, 1/65). The therapeutic results of the 65 patients were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). A comparison of the good outcome group (GOS score = 4-5, n = 37) and poor outcome group (GOS score = 1-3, n = 28) revealed that both the presence of seizures and ASCI were significantly associated with the prognosis. A comparison of the groups with ASCI (n = 14) and without ASCI (n = 51) revealed that the presence of basal meningeal enhancement was a significant factor for the development of ASCI, and that this correlation may be associated with intense basal meningeal inflammation in adjacent small vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Chen Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lien
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Jun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Wei Hsu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ren Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wen Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Neng Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Neuro-Immune Mechanisms of Anti-Cryptococcal Protection. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 4:jof4010004. [PMID: 29371497 PMCID: PMC5872307 DOI: 10.3390/jof4010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life-threatening fungal disease affecting both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent people. The main causative agent of CM is Cryptococcus neoformans, a basidiomycete fungus prevalent in the environment. Our understanding of the immune mechanisms controlling C. neoformans growth within the central nervous system (CNS) is poor. However, there have been several recent advances in the field of neuroimmunology regarding how cells resident within the CNS, such as microglia and neurons, can participate in immune surveillance and control of infection. In this mini-review, the cells of the CNS are discussed with reference to what is currently known about how they control C. neoformans infection.
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