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Hale G, Adzemovic T, Huppler Hullsiek K, Mulwana S, Ndyetukira JF, Sadiq A, Kabahubya M, Ayebare P, Nankungu L, Namudde A, Namanda S, Menya G, Nakitto G, Muzoora C, Nuwagira E, Rhein J, Meya DB, Boulware DR, Ellis J, Abassi M. Mid-Upper Arm Circumference Is a Strong Predictor of Mortality Among Ugandan Adults With HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Prospective Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae354. [PMID: 39055123 PMCID: PMC11272084 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mortality among adults diagnosed with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains high (24%-40%). We hypothesized that nutritional state, as measured by mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), is a potentially modifiable risk factor for mortality. Methods Ugandan adults hospitalized with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis had MUAC measurements performed at baseline. We compared MUAC measurements with baseline clinical and demographic variables and investigated associations with survival using Cox regression. Results Of 433 participants enrolled, 41% were female, the median CD4 T-cell count (interquartile range [IQR]) was 15 (6-41) cells/μL, and 37% were antiretroviral therapy naïve. The median MUAC (IQR) was 24 (22-26) cm, the median weight (IQR) was 53 (50-60) kg, and MUAC correlated with weight (Pearson r = 0.6; P < .001). Overall, 46% (200/433) died during the 18-week follow-up. Participants in the lowest MUAC quartile (≤22 cm) had the highest mortality: 39% (46/118) at 2 weeks and 62% (73/118) at 18 weeks. A baseline MUAC ≤22 cm was associated with an 82% increased risk of 18-week mortality as compared with participants with an MUAC >22 cm (unadjusted hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.36-2.42; P < .001). Following adjustment for antiretroviral therapy status, CD4 count, hemoglobin, amphotericin dose, and tuberculosis status, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.27-2.65; P < .001). As a continuous variable, 18-week mortality was reduced by 10% for every 1-cm increase in MUAC. CSF Th17 immune responses were positively associated with MUAC quartile. Conclusions MUAC measurement is a simple bedside tool that can identify adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis at high risk for mortality for whom an enhanced bundle of care, including nutritional supplementation, should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gila Hale
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tessa Adzemovic
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathy Huppler Hullsiek
- Division of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Suzan Mulwana
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Francis Ndyetukira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alisat Sadiq
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mable Kabahubya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peruth Ayebare
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lydia Nankungu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Namudde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sylvia Namanda
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Menya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Nakitto
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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2
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Kasibante J, Irfanullah E, Wele A, Okafor E, Ssebambulidde K, Okurut S, Kagimu E, Gakuru J, Rutakingirwa MK, Mugabi T, Nuwagira E, Jjunju S, Mpoza E, Tugume L, Nsangi L, Musibire AK, Muzoora C, Rhein J, Meya DB, Boulware DR, Abassi M. Utility of Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Levels as a Potential Predictive Biomarker of Disease Severity in HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.10.23299793. [PMID: 38168371 PMCID: PMC10760268 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.10.23299793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels exhibit high variability in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis from being normal to markedly elevated. However, the clinical implications of CSF protein levels in cryptococcal meningitis remain unclear. Methods We analysed data from 890 adults with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis randomized into two clinical trials in Uganda between 2015 and 2021. CSF protein was grouped into ≥100 mg/dL (n=249) and <100 mg/dL (n=641). We described baseline clinical variables and mortality by CSF protein levels. Results Approximately one-third of individuals had a baseline CSF protein ≥100 mg/dL. Those with CSF protein ≥100 mg/dL were more likely to present with Glasgow coma scale scores <15 (P<0.01), self-reported seizures at baseline (P=0.02), higher CD4 T-cells (p<0.001), and higher CSF white cells (p<0.001). Moreover, those with a baseline CSF protein ≥100 mg/dL also had a lower baseline CSF fungal burden (p<0.001) and a higher percentage of sterile CSF cultures at day 14 (p=0.02). Individuals with CSF protein ≥100 mg/dL demonstrated a more pronounced immune response consisting of upregulation of immune effector molecules pro-inflammatory cytokines, type-1 T-helper cell cytokines, type-3 chemokines, and immune-exhaustion marker (p<0.05). 18-week mortality risk in individuals with a CSF protein <100 mg/dL was 34% higher, (unadjusted Hazard Ratio 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.70; p=0.02) than those with ≥100 mg/dL. Conclusion In cryptococcal meningitis, individuals with CSF protein ≥100 mg/dL more frequently presented with seizures, altered mental status, immune activation, and favourable fungal outcomes. Baseline CSF protein levels may serve as a surrogate marker of immune activation and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Eesha Irfanullah
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Abduljewad Wele
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Elizabeth Okafor
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Okurut
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enock Kagimu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Gakuru
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Morris K. Rutakingirwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Timothy Mugabi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Jjunju
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Laura Nsangi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdu K Musibire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of health sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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3
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McHale TC, Akampurira A, Gerlach ES, Mucunguzi A, Nicol MR, Williams DA, Nielsen K, Bicanic T, Fieberg A, Dai B, Meya DB, Boulware DR. 5-Flucytosine Longitudinal Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Cryptococcus neoformans: A Substudy of the EnACT Trial Testing Oral Amphotericin. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad596. [PMID: 38143852 PMCID: PMC10745249 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The EnACT trial was a phase 2 randomized clinical trial conducted in Uganda, which evaluated a novel orally delivered lipid nanocrystal (LNC) amphotericin B in combination with flucytosine for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis. When flucytosine (5FC) is used as monotherapy in cryptococcosis, 5FC can induce resistant Cryptococcus mutants. Oral amphotericin B uses a novel drug delivery mechanism, and we assessed whether resistance to 5FC develops during oral LNC-amphotericin B therapy. Methods We enrolled Ugandans with HIV diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis and who were randomized to receive 5FC and either standard intravenous (IV) amphotericin B or oral LNC-amphotericin B. We used broth microdilution to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the first and last cryptococcal isolates in each participant. Breakpoints are inferred from 5FC in Candida albicans. We measured cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) 5FC concentrations by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Results Cryptococcus 5FC MIC50 was 4 µg/mL, and MIC90 was 8 µg/mL. After 2 weeks of therapy, there was no evidence of 5FC resistance developing, defined as a >4-fold change in susceptibility in any Cryptococcus isolate tested. The median CSF 5FC concentration to MIC ratio (interquartile range) was 3.0 (1.7-5.5) µg/mL. There was no association between 5FC/MIC ratio and early fungicidal activity of the quantitative rate of CSF yeast clearance (R2 = 0.004; P = .63). Conclusions There is no evidence of baseline resistance to 5FC or incident resistance during combination therapy with oral or IV amphotericin B in Uganda. Oral amphotericin B can safely be used in combination with 5FC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C McHale
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Elliot S Gerlach
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Melanie R Nicol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kirsten Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St Georges, University of London, London, UK
| | - Ann Fieberg
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Biyue Dai
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Tugume L, Ssebambulidde K, Kasibante J, Ellis J, Wake RM, Gakuru J, Lawrence DS, Abassi M, Rajasingham R, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Cryptococcal meningitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:62. [PMID: 37945681 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes cause meningoencephalitis with high fatality rates and considerable morbidity, particularly in persons with deficient T cell-mediated immunity, most commonly affecting people living with HIV. Whereas the global incidence of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) has decreased over the past decade, cryptococcosis still accounts for one in five AIDS-related deaths globally due to the persistent burden of advanced HIV disease. Moreover, mortality remains high (~50%) in low-resource settings. The armamentarium to decrease cryptococcosis-associated mortality is expanding: cryptococcal antigen screening in the serum and pre-emptive azole therapy for cryptococcal antigenaemia are well established, whereas enhanced pre-emptive combination treatment regimens to improve survival of persons with cryptococcal antigenaemia are in clinical trials. Short courses (≤7 days) of amphotericin-based therapy combined with flucytosine are currently the preferred options for induction therapy of cryptococcal meningitis. Whether short-course induction regimens improve long-term morbidity such as depression, reduced neurocognitive performance and physical disability among survivors is the subject of further study. Here, we discuss underlying immunology, changing epidemiology, and updates on the management of cryptococcal meningitis with emphasis on HIV-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Jane Gakuru
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David S Lawrence
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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5
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de Castro RJA, Marina CL, Sturny-Leclère A, Hoffmann C, Bürgel PH, Wong SSW, Aimanianda V, Varet H, Agrawal R, Bocca AL, Alanio A. Kicking sleepers out of bed: Macrophages promote reactivation of dormant Cryptococcus neoformans by extracellular vesicle release and non-lytic exocytosis. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011841. [PMID: 38033163 PMCID: PMC10715671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play a key role in disseminated cryptococcosis, a deadly fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. This opportunistic infection can arise following the reactivation of a poorly characterized latent infection attributed to dormant C. neoformans. Here, we investigated the mechanisms underlying reactivation of dormant C. neoformans using an in vitro co-culture model of viable but non-culturable (VBNC; equivalent of dormant) yeast cells with bone marrow-derived murine macrophages (BMDMs). Comparative transcriptome analysis of BMDMs incubated with log, stationary phase or VBNC cells of C. neoformans showed that VBNC cells elicited a reduced transcriptional modification of the macrophage but retaining the ability to regulate genes important for immune response, such as NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. We further confirmed the maintenance of the low immunostimulatory capacity of VBNC cells using multiplex cytokine profiling, and analysis of cell wall composition and dectin-1 ligands exposure. In addition, we evaluated the effects of classic (M1) or alternative (M2) macrophage polarization on VBNC cells. We observed that intracellular residence sustained dormancy, regardless of the polarization state of macrophages and despite indirect detection of pantothenic acid (or its derivatives), a known reactivator for VBNC cells, in the C. neoformans-containing phagolysosome. Notably, M0 and M2, but not M1 macrophages, induced extracellular reactivation of VBNC cells by the secretion of extracellular vesicles and non-lytic exocytosis. Our results indicate that VBNC cells retain the low immunostimulatory profile required for persistence of C. neoformans in the host. We also describe a pro-pathogen role of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles in C. neoformans infection and reinforce the impact of non-lytic exocytosis and the macrophage profile on the pathophysiology of cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Júnio Araújo de Castro
- Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Clara Luna Marina
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Aude Sturny-Leclère
- Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Christian Hoffmann
- Food Research Center, Department of Food Sciences and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Bürgel
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Hugo Varet
- Plate-forme Technologique Biomics, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ruchi Agrawal
- Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anamélia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Laboratory of Applied Immunology, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de parasitologie-mycologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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6
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Lee HH, Carmichael DJ, Ríbeiro V, Parisi DN, Munzen ME, Charles-Niño CL, Hamed MF, Kaur E, Mishra A, Patel J, Rooklin RB, Sher A, Carrillo-Sepulveda MA, Eugenin EA, Dores MR, Martinez LR. Glucuronoxylomannan intranasal challenge prior to Cryptococcus neoformans pulmonary infection enhances cerebral cryptococcosis in rodents. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010941. [PMID: 37115795 PMCID: PMC10171644 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, with the highest rate of disease in patients with AIDS or immunosuppression. This microbe enters the human body via inhalation of infectious particles. C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide, in which the major component is glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), extensively accumulates in tissues and compromises host immune responses. C. neoformans travels from the lungs to the bloodstream and crosses to the brain via transcytosis, paracytosis, or inside of phagocytes using a "Trojan horse" mechanism. The fungus causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis with high mortality rates. Hence, we investigated the impact of intranasal exogenous GXM administration on C. neoformans infection in C57BL/6 mice. GXM enhances cryptococcal pulmonary infection and facilitates fungal systemic dissemination and brain invasion. Pre-challenge of GXM results in detection of the polysaccharide in lungs, serum, and surprisingly brain, the latter likely reached through the nasal cavity. GXM significantly alters endothelial cell tight junction protein expression in vivo, suggesting significant implications for the C. neoformans mechanisms of brain invasion. Using a microtiter transwell system, we showed that GXM disrupts the trans-endothelial electrical resistance, weakening human brain endothelial cell monolayers co-cultured with pericytes, supportive cells of blood vessels/capillaries found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to promote C. neoformans BBB penetration. Our findings should be considered in the development of therapeutics to combat the devastating complications of cryptococcosis that results in an estimated ~200,000 deaths worldwide each year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiu Ham Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Dylan J Carmichael
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Victoria Ríbeiro
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dana N Parisi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Long Island University-Post, Brookville, New York, United States of America
| | - Melissa E Munzen
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Claudia L Charles-Niño
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mohamed F Hamed
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ettiman Kaur
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Ayush Mishra
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Jiya Patel
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Rikki B Rooklin
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Amina Sher
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Maria A Carrillo-Sepulveda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael R Dores
- Department of Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, United States of America
| | - Luis R Martinez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Long Island University-Post, Brookville, New York, United States of America
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Center for Immunology and Transplantation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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7
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Jackson KM, Ding M, Nielsen K. Importance of Clinical Isolates in Cryptococcus neoformans Research. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:364. [PMID: 36983532 PMCID: PMC10056780 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030364] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is a global health concern. Previous research in the field has focused on studies using reference strains to identify virulence factors, generate mutant libraries, define genomic structures, and perform functional studies. In this review, we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using reference strains to study C. neoformans, describe how the study of clinical isolates has expanded our understanding of pathogenesis, and highlight how studies using clinical isolates can further develop our understanding of the host-pathogen interaction during C. neoformans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirsten Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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8
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Skipper CP, Hullsiek KH, Cresswell FV, Tadeo KK, Okirwoth M, Blackstad M, Hernandez-Alvarado N, Fernández-Alarcón C, Walukaga S, Martyn E, Ellis J, Ssebambulidde K, Tugume L, Nuwagira E, Rhein J, Meya DB, Boulware DR, Schleiss MR. Cytomegalovirus viremia as a risk factor for mortality in HIV-associated cryptococcal and tuberculous meningitis. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:785-792. [PMID: 35843498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia is associated with increased mortality in persons with HIV. We previously demonstrated that CMV viremia was a risk factor for 10-week mortality in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve persons with cryptococcal meningitis. We investigated whether similar observations existed over a broader cohort of HIV-associated meningitis at 18 weeks. METHODS We prospectively enrolled Ugandans with cryptococcal or tuberculous (TB) meningitis into clinical trials during 2015-2019. We quantified CMV DNA concentrations from stored baseline plasma or serum samples from 340 participants. We compared 18-week survival between those with and without CMV viremia. RESULTS We included 308 persons with cryptococcal meningitis and 32 with TB meningitis, of whom 121 (36%) had detectable CMV DNA. Baseline CD4+ T cell counts (14 vs. 24 cells/µL; P=0.07) and antiretroviral exposure (47% vs. 45%; P=0.68) did not differ between CMV viremic and non-viremic persons, respectively. The 18-week mortality was 50% (61/121) in those with CMV viremia versus 34% (74/219) in those without (P=0.003). Any detectable CMV viremia (aHR=1.60; 95%CI, 1.13-2.25; P=0.008) and greater viral load (aHR=1.22 per log10 IU/mL increase; 95%CI, 1.09-1.35; P<0.001) were positively associated with all-cause mortality through 18 weeks. CONCLUSIONS CMV viremia at baseline was associated with a higher risk of death at 18 weeks among persons with HIV-associated cryptococcal or TB meningitis, and the risk increased as the CMV viral load increased. Further investigation is warranted to determine if CMV is a modifiable risk contributing to deaths in HIV-associated meningitis, versus its presence representing a biomarker of immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb P Skipper
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Fiona V Cresswell
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Kiiza K Tadeo
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael Okirwoth
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mark Blackstad
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily Martyn
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| | - David B Meya
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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9
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Tugume L, Fieberg A, Ssebambulidde K, Nuwagira E, Williams DA, Mpoza E, Rutakingirwa MK, Kagimu E, Kasibante J, Nsangi L, Jjunju S, Musubire AK, Muzoora C, Lawrence DS, Rhein J, Meya DB, Hullsiek KH, Boulware DR, Abassi M. Association of Hyponatremia on Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Prospective Cohort. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac301. [PMID: 35891691 PMCID: PMC9307099 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sodium abnormalities are frequent in central nervous system infections and may be caused by cerebral salt wasting, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, or medication adverse events. In cryptococcal meningitis (CM), the prevalence of baseline hyponatremia and whether hyponatremia adversely impacts survival is unknown. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 2 randomized trials of human immunodeficiency virus-infected adult Ugandans with CM. We grouped serum sodium into 3 categories: <125, 125-129, and 130-145 mmol/L. We assessed whether baseline sodium abnormalities were associated with clinical characteristics and survival. Results Of 816 participants with CM, 741 (91%) had a baseline sodium measurement available: 121 (16%) had grade 3-4 hyponatremia (<125 mmol/L), 194 (26%) had grade 2 hyponatremia (125-129 mmol/L), and 426 (57%) had a baseline sodium of 130-145 mmol/L. Hyponatremia (<125 mmol/L) was associated with higher initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) quantitative culture burden (P < .001), higher initial CSF opening pressure (P < .01), lower baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < .01), and a higher percentage of baseline seizures (P = .03). Serum sodium <125 mmol/L was associated with increased 2-week mortality in unadjusted and adjusted survival analyses (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.87 [95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.79]; P < .01) compared to those with sodium 130-145 mmol/L. Conclusions Hyponatremia is common in CM and is associated with excess mortality. A standardized management approach to correctly diagnose and correct hyponatremia in CM needs to be developed and tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Correspondence: Lillian Tugume, MBChB, MPH, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, PO Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda ()
| | - Ann Fieberg
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Morris K Rutakingirwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Enoch Kagimu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Laura Nsangi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Jjunju
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David S Lawrence
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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10
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Quinn CM, Kasibante J, Namudde A, Bangdiwala AS, Kabahubya M, Nakasujja N, Lofgren S, Elliott A, Boulware DR, Meya DB, Cresswell FV. Neurocognitive outcomes of tuberculous meningitis in a primarily HIV-positive Ugandan cohort. Wellcome Open Res 2022; 6:208. [PMID: 35949653 PMCID: PMC9334841 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16967.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The toll of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in both mortality and disability is considerable, but advancements in rehabilitation have the potential to improve the functional abilities and the quality of survivors' lives. However, the typical phenotype of neurocognitive impairment in TBM survivors remains unstudied in HIV-predominant populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We tested 36 survivors of TBM in Uganda with a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive assessments at 8 and 24 weeks after diagnosis, and compared results to a representative cohort of HIV-uninfected Ugandans. Results: While participants had a broad range of impairments at eight weeks, there was marked improvement by 24 weeks, when a phenotype of impairment including deficits in motor functioning, verbal learning and memory, processing speed, and executive function emerged. These deficits were present despite good clinician-rated functional status. The majority (23/27, 85%) had evidence of moderate to severe depression at week 8, and at week 24 (18/24, 75%). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive neurocognitive assessment in the survivors of TBM, and further investment in and study of rehabilitation, including management of depression, to improve long-term outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson M Quinn
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Namudde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mable Kabahubya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Lofgren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA
| | - Alison Elliott
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research-Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fiona V Cresswell
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Division of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, UK
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11
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Quinn CM, Kasibante J, Namudde A, Bangdiwala AS, Kabahubya M, Nakasujja N, Lofgren S, Elliott A, Boulware DR, Meya DB, Cresswell FV. Neurocognitive outcomes of HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 6:208. [PMID: 35949653 PMCID: PMC9334841 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16967.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The toll of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in both mortality and disability is considerable, but advancements in rehabilitation have the potential to improve the functional abilities and the quality of survivors' lives. However, the typical phenotype of neurocognitive impairment in TBM survivors remains unstudied in HIV-predominant populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: We tested 36 survivors of TBM in Uganda with a comprehensive battery of neurocognitive assessments at 8 and 24 weeks after diagnosis, and compared results to a representative cohort of HIV-uninfected Ugandans. Results: While participants had a broad range of impairments at eight weeks, there was marked improvement by 24 weeks, when a phenotype of impairment including deficits in motor functioning, verbal learning and memory, processing speed, and executive function emerged. These deficits were present despite good clinician-rated functional status. The majority (23/27, 85%) had evidence of moderate to severe depression at week 8, and at week 24 (18/24, 75%). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive neurocognitive assessment in the survivors of TBM, and further investment in and study of rehabilitation, including management of depression, to improve long-term outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson M Quinn
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Namudde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mable Kabahubya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Lofgren
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA
| | - Alison Elliott
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research-Institute Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fiona V Cresswell
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Division of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, UK
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12
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Pullen MF, Hullsiek KH, Rhein J, Musubire AK, Tugume L, Nuwagira E, Abassi M, Ssebambulidde K, Mpoza E, Kiggundu R, Akampurira A, Nabeta HW, Schutz C, Evans EE, Rajasingham R, Skipper CP, Pastick KA, Williams DA, Morawski BM, Bangdiwala AS, Meintjes G, Muzoora C, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Cerebrospinal Fluid Early Fungicidal Activity as a Surrogate Endpoint for Cryptococcal Meningitis Survival in Clinical Trials. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:e45-e49. [PMID: 31912875 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cryptococcal meningitis phase 2 clinical trials, early fungicidal activity (EFA) of Cryptococcus clearance from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is used as a surrogate endpoint for all-cause mortality. The Food and Drug Administration allows for using surrogate endpoints for accelerated regulatory approval, but EFA as a surrogate endpoint requires further validation. We examined the relationship between rate of CSF Cryptococcus clearance (EFA) and mortality through 18 weeks. METHODS We pooled individual-level CSF data from 3 sequential cryptococcal meningitis clinical trials conducted during 2010-2017. All 738 subjects received amphotericin + fluconazole induction therapy and had serial quantitative CSF cultures. The log10-transformed colony-forming units (CFUs) per mL CSF were analyzed by general linear regression versus day of culture over the first 10 days. RESULTS Mortality through 18 weeks was 37% for EFA > = 0.60 (n = 170), 36% for 0.40-0.59 (n = 182), 39% for 0.30-0.39 (n = 112), 35% for 0.20-0.29 (n = 87), and 50% for those with EFA < 0.20 CFU/mL/day (n = 187). The hazard ratio for 18-week mortality, comparing those with EFA < 0.20 to those with EFA > = 0.20, was 1.60 (95% confidence interval, 1.25, 2.04; P = .002). The lowest EFA group had lower median CD4 T-cell counts (P < .01) and lower proportion of patients with CSF pleocytosis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS EFA is associated with all-cause mortality in cryptococcal meningitis. An EFA threshold of > = 0.20 log10 CFU/mL/day was associated with similar 18-week mortality (37%) compared to 50% mortality with EFA < 0.20. This EFA threshold may be considered a target for a surrogate endpoint. This builds upon existing studies to validate EFA as a surrogate endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Pullen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katherine Huppler Hullsiek
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruben Kiggundu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Henry W Nabeta
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Emily E Evans
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Caleb P Skipper
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Katelyn A Pastick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Darlisha A Williams
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bozena M Morawski
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ananta S Bangdiwala
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Department of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Wu L, Xiao J, Song Y, Gao G, Zhao H. The clinical characteristics and outcome of cryptococcal meningitis with AIDS in a tertiary hospital in China: an observational cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:912. [PMID: 33261581 PMCID: PMC7709347 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05661-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the profound impact of antiretroviral therapy in the control of AIDS mortality, central nervous system opportunistic infections remains a significant burden in AIDS patients. This retrospective study aims to elucidate the clinical characteristics, outcome and risk factors of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) poor prognosis in AIDS patients from a tertiary hospital in China. METHODS Clinical data from 128 patients admitted in Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2008 to November 2017 was collected. The cohort was stratified based on treatment outcome (effective 79%, and ineffective 21%), and Multivariate Logistic regression analysis used to identify risk factors of poor disease prognosis. RESULTS Age, incidence of cerebral infarction, the proportion of consciousness disorder, and fasting plasma glucose was higher in the ineffective treatment group than the effective treatment group. The duration of treatment in the induction period of the ineffective group was significantly shorter than that of the effective group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that the occurrence of cerebral hernia and consciousness disorder were risk factors for the prognosis of AIDS patients with CM infection, while the duration of treatment in the induction period was a indicative of a better prognosis in AIDS with CM infection complications. Finally, shunt decompression therapy correlated with a better disease outcome. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study exposes the main risk factors associated with worse disease prognosis in AIDS patients with CM infection complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Key Department of Infectious Diseases, The Infectious Diseases Research Institute of Capital Medical University, The Infectious Diseases Center of Beijing Ditan Hospital, 8 Jingshundong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jiang Xiao
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Key Department of Infectious Diseases, The Infectious Diseases Research Institute of Capital Medical University, The Infectious Diseases Center of Beijing Ditan Hospital, 8 Jingshundong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yangzi Song
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Key Department of Infectious Diseases, The Infectious Diseases Research Institute of Capital Medical University, The Infectious Diseases Center of Beijing Ditan Hospital, 8 Jingshundong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Guiju Gao
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The National Clinical Key Department of Infectious Diseases, The Infectious Diseases Research Institute of Capital Medical University, The Infectious Diseases Center of Beijing Ditan Hospital, 8 Jingshundong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Hongxin Zhao
- Clinical and Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- The National Clinical Key Department of Infectious Diseases, The Infectious Diseases Research Institute of Capital Medical University, The Infectious Diseases Center of Beijing Ditan Hospital, 8 Jingshundong Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100015, China.
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14
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Tugume L, Rhein J, Hullsiek KH, Mpoza E, Kiggundu R, Ssebambulidde K, Schutz C, Taseera K, Williams DA, Abassi M, Muzoora C, Musubire AK, Meintjes G, Meya DB, Boulware DR. HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis Occurring at Relatively Higher CD4 Counts. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:877-883. [PMID: 30325463 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis can occur in persons with less-apparent immunosuppression. We evaluated clinical characteristics and outcomes of persons with HIV-related Cryptococcus presenting with higher CD4 counts. METHODS We enrolled 736 participants from 2 prospective cohorts in Uganda and South Africa from November 2010 to May 2017. We compared participants with CD4 <50, 50-99, or ≥100 cells/μL by clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, and 18-week survival. RESULTS Among first episode of cryptococcosis, 9% presented with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL. Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL presented more often with altered mental status (52% vs 39%; P = .03) despite a 10-fold lower initial median CSF fungal burden of 7850 (interquartile range [IQR] 860-65500) versus 79000 (IQR 7400-380000) colony forming units/mL (P < .001). Participants with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL had higher median CSF levels of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-13, and lower monocyte chemokine, CCL2 (P < .01 for each). Death within 18 weeks occurred in 47% with CD4 <50, 35% with CD4 50-99, and 40% with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL (P = .04). CONCLUSION HIV-infected individuals developing cryptococcal meningitis with CD4 ≥100 cells/μL presented more frequently with altered mental status despite having 10-fold lower fungal burden and with greater Th2 (IL-13) immune response. Higher CD4 count was protective despite an increased propensity for immune-mediated damage, consistent with damage-response framework. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01075152 and NCT01802385.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Edward Mpoza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Reuben Kiggundu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Darlisha A Williams
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | | | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
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15
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Pastick KA, Bangdiwala AS, Abassi M, Flynn AG, Morawski BM, Musubire AK, Eneh PC, Schutz C, Taseera K, Rhein J, Hullsiek KH, Nicol MR, Vidal JE, Nakasujja N, Meintjes G, Muzoora C, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Seizures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: Predictors and Outcomes. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz478. [PMID: 32042847 PMCID: PMC7001112 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seizures commonly occur in patients with cryptococcal meningitis, yet risk factors and outcomes related to seizures are not well described. Methods We performed post hoc analyses on participants prospectively enrolled in 3 separate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated cryptococcal meningitis clinical trials during 2010-2017. Documentation of seizures at presentation or during hospitalization and antiseizure medication receipt identified participants with seizures. We summarized participant characteristics by seizure status via Kruskal-Wallis and χ 2 tests. Cox proportional hazards models analyzed the relationship between seizures and mortality. We compared mean quantitative neurocognitive performance Z (QNPZ-8) scores, and individual domain z-scores, at 3-months using independent t tests. Results Among 821 HIV-infected cryptococcal meningitis participants, 28% (231 of 821) experienced seizures: 15.5% (127 of 821) experienced seizures at presentation, and 12.7% (104 of 821) experienced incident seizures. Participants with seizures at presentation had a significantly lower Glasgow coma scale ([GCS] <15; P < .001), CD4 count (<50 cells/mcL; P = .02), and higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure (>25 cm H2O; P = .004) when compared with participants who never experienced seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid fungal burden was higher among those with seizures at presentation (125 000 Cryptococcus colony-forming units [CFU]/mL CSF) and with seizures during follow-up (92 000 CFU/mL) compared with those who never experienced seizures (36 000 CFU/mL, P < .001). Seizures were associated with increased 10-week mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.89). Participants with seizures had lower neurocognitive function at 3 months (QNPZ-8 = -1.87) compared with those without seizures (QNPZ-8 = -1.36; P < .001). Conclusions Seizures were common in this HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis cohort and were associated with decreased survival and neurocognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn A Pastick
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mahsa Abassi
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Abdu K Musubire
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kabanda Taseera
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Jose E Vidal
- Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Divisão de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David B Meya
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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16
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Unveil the transcriptional landscape at the Cryptococcus-host axis in mice and nonhuman primates. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007566. [PMID: 31329596 PMCID: PMC6675133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens and hosts require rapid modulation of virulence and defense mechanisms at the infection axis, but monitoring such modulations is challenging. In studying the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, mouse and rabbit infection models are often employed to shed light on the disease mechanisms but that may not be clinically relevant. In this study, we developed an animal infection model using the non-human primate cynomolgus monkey Macaca fascicularis. In addition, we systematically profiled and compared transcriptional responses between the infected mice and the cynomolgus monkey, using simultaneous or dual RNA next-generation sequencing. We demonstrated that there are shared but distinct transcriptional profiles between the two models following C. neoformans infection. Specifically, genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses are all upregulated. Osteoclastogenesis and insulin signaling are also significantly co-regulated in both models and disrupting an osteoclastogenesis-associated gene (OC-STAMP) or the insulin-signaling process significantly altered the host tolerance to C. neoformans. Moreover, C. neoformans was shown to activate metal sequestration, dampen the sugar metabolism, and control cell morphology during infection. Taking together, we described the development of a non-human primate model of cryptococcosis that allowed us to perform an in-depth analysis and comparison of transcriptome profiles during infections of two animal models and conceptually identify host genes important in disease responses. This study provides new insights in understanding fungal pathogenesis mechanisms that potentially facilitate the identification of novel drug targets for the treatment of cryptococcal infection. The host-pathogen interaction is highly dynamic and tightly regulated, and yet is difficult to monitor. Traditional investigations provide valuable information for the understanding of pathogenic microbial biology but are time-consuming and often neglect the host immune responses. In addition, current animal models for studying pathogenic fungi are limited in mimicking the responses from humans. The development of a new Cryptococcus neoformans infection model using nonhuman primates and the utilization of simultaneous RNA sequencing analysis provide fast and clinically relevant research data allowing the identification of novel critical players from both the invading fungus and the host. The data from the current study would not only help to decipher disease mechanisms but also promote the discovery of novel antifungal drug targets.
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17
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Camargo JF, Simkins J, Schain DC, Gonzalez AA, Alcaide ML, Anjan S, Guerra G, Roth D, Kupin WL, Mattiazzi A, Tan Y, Milikowski C, Morris MI, Abbo LM. A cluster of donor-derivedCryptococcus neoformansinfection affecting lung, liver, and kidney transplant recipients: Case report and review of literature. Transpl Infect Dis 2018; 20:e12836. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jose F. Camargo
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Jacques Simkins
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Denise C. Schain
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Florida School of Medicine; Gainesville FL USA
| | - A. Adrian Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Florida School of Medicine; Gainesville FL USA
| | - Maria L. Alcaide
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Shweta Anjan
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Giselle Guerra
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - David Roth
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Warren L. Kupin
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Adela Mattiazzi
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Yaohong Tan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Clara Milikowski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Michele I. Morris
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
| | - Lilian M. Abbo
- Department of Medicine; Division of Infectious Diseases; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami FL USA
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