Invasive mould infections in the ICU setting: complexities and solutions

Bronchoscopic Diagnosis of Severe Respiratory Infections

The diagnosis of severe respiratory infections in intensive care remains an area of uncertainty and involves a complex balancing of risks and benefits. Due to the frequent colonisation of the lower respiratory tract in mechanically ventilated patients, there is an ever-present possibility of microbiological samples being contaminated by bystander organisms. This, coupled with the frequency of alveolar infiltrates arising from sterile insults, risks over-treatment and antimicrobial-associated harm. The use of bronchoscopic sampling to obtain protected lower respiratory samples has long been advocated to overcome this problem. The use of bronchoscopy further enables accurate cytological assessment of the alveolar space and direct inspection of the proximal airways for signs of fungal infection or alternative pathologies. With a growing range of molecular techniques, including those based on nucleic acid amplification and even alveolar visualisation and direct bacterial detection, the potential for bronchoscopy is increasing concomitantly. Despite this, there remain concerns regarding the safety of the technique and its benefits versus less invasive sampling techniques. These discussions are reflected in the lack of consensus among international guidelines on the topic. This review will consider the benefits and challenges of diagnostic bronchoscopy in the context of severe respiratory infection.

A global perspective of the changing epidemiology of invasive fungal disease and real-world experience with the use of isavuconazole

Global epidemiological data show that the incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) has increased in recent decades, with the rising frequency of infections caused by Aspergillus and Mucorales order species. The number and variety of patients at risk of IFD has also expanded, owing in part to advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and other serious diseases, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and other therapies causing immune suppression. Isavuconazonium sulfate (active moiety: isavuconazole) is an advanced-generation triazole antifungal approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis that has demonstrated activity against a variety of yeasts, moulds, and dimorphic fungi. While real-world clinical experience with isavuconazole is sparse in some geographic regions, it has been shown to be effective and well tolerated in diverse patient populations, including those with multiple comorbidities who may have failed to respond to prior triazole antifungal therapy. Isavuconazole may be suitable for patients with IFD receiving concurrent QTc-prolonging therapy, as well as those on venetoclax or ruxolitinib. Data from clinical trials are not available to support the use of isavuconazole prophylactically for the prevention of IFD or for the treatment of endemic IFD, such as those caused by Histoplasma spp., but real-world evidence from case studies suggests that it has clinical utility in these settings. Isavuconazole is an option for patients at risk of IFD, particularly when the use of alternative antifungal therapies is not possible because of toxicities, pharmacokinetics, or drug interactions.

Optimizing Antifungal Treatment Strategies to Prevent Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Infection-Related Deaths in Intensive Care Unit Patients: The Need for Standardization of Research Definitions

The clinical spectrum of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) has expanded in recent decades. A large group of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) is indeed susceptible to the development of IPA. Although timely diagnosis and antifungal therapy of IPA in this expanding population is crucial to prevent IPA-related deaths, the magnitude of the favorable prognostic impact of antifungal therapy is difficult to measure precisely. In our opinion, the development of standardized research definitions could have favorable implications for further improving our ability both to measure the favorable effect of antifungal treatment and to prevent IPA-related death in ICU patients.

Performance of rapid on-site evaluation of touch imprints of bronchoscopic biopsies or lung tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary filamentous fungi infections in non-neutropenic patients

The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary fungal disease depends on histopathology and mycological culture; there are few studies on touch imprints of bronchoscopic biopsies or lung tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of pulmonary filamentous fungi infections. The purpose of the present study was to explore the detection accuracy of rapid on-site evaluation of touch imprints of bronchoscopic biopsies or lung tissue biopsies for the filamentous fungi, and it aims to provide a basis for initiating antifungal therapy before obtaining microbiological evidence. We retrospectively analyzed the diagnosis and treatment of 44 non-neutropenic patients with invasive pulmonary filamentous fungi confirmed by glactomannan assay, histopathology, and culture from February 2017 to December 2023. The diagnostic positive rate and sensitivity of rapid on-site evaluation for these filamentous fungi identification, including diagnostic turnaround time, were calculated. Compared with the final diagnosis, the sensitivity of rapid on-site evaluation was 81.8%, and the sensitivity of histopathology, culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and glactomannan assay of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was 86.4%, 52.3%, and 68.2%, respectively. The average turnaround time of detecting filamentous fungi by rapid on-site evaluation was 0.17 ± 0.03 hours, which was significantly faster than histopathology, glactomannan assay, and mycological culture. A total of 29 (76.3%) patients received earlier antifungal therapy based on ROSE diagnosis and demonstrated clinical improvement. Rapid on-site evaluation showed good sensitivity and accuracy that can be comparable to histopathology in identification of pulmonary filamentous fungi. Importantly, it contributed to the triage of biopsies for further microbial culture or molecular detection based on the preliminary diagnosis, and the decision on early antifungal therapy before microbiological evidence is available.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing could play a pivotal role in validating the diagnosis of invasive mold disease of the central nervous system

Background

Invasive mold diseases of the central nervous (CNS IMD) system are exceedingly rare disorders, characterized by nonspecific clinical symptoms. This results in significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed diagnosis and the risk of misdiagnosis for patients. Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) holds significant importance for the diagnosis of infectious diseases, especially in the rapid and accurate identification of rare and difficult-to-culture pathogens. Therefore, this study aims to explore the clinical characteristics of invasive mold disease of CNS IMD in children and assess the effectiveness of mNGS technology in diagnosing CNS IMD.

Methods

Three pediatric patients diagnosed with Invasive mold disease brain abscess and treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected for this study.

Results

Case 1, a 6-year-old girl, was admitted to the hospital with "acute liver failure." During her hospital stay, she developed fever, irritability, and seizures. CSF mNGS testing resulted in a negative outcome. Multiple brain abscesses were drained, and Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in pus culture and mNGS. The condition gradually improved after treatment with voriconazole combined with caspofungin. Case 2, a 3-year-old girl, was admitted with "acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia." During induction chemotherapy, she developed fever and seizures. Aspergillus fumigatus was detected in the intracranial abscess fluid by mNGS, and the condition gradually improved after treatment with voriconazole combined with caspofungin, followed by "right-sided brain abscess drainage surgery." Case 3, a 7-year-old girl, showed lethargy, fever, and right-sided limb weakness during the pending chemotherapy period for acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia. Rhizomucor miehei and Rhizomucor pusillus was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid by mNGS. The condition gradually improved after treatment with amphotericin B combined with posaconazole. After a six-month follow-up post-discharge, the three patients improved without residual neurological sequelae, and the primary diseases were in complete remission.

Conclusion

The clinical manifestations of CNS IMD lack specificity. Early mNGS can assist in identifying the pathogen, providing a basis for definitive diagnosis. Combined surgical treatment when necessary can help improve prognosis.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia and influenza in ICUs: a retrospective cohort study

RATIONALE

The prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in intensive care units remain underestimated because of the lack of a disease-recognition scheme and the inadequacy of diagnostic tests.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of severe CAP complicated with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including recruited 311 ICU-hospitalized patients with severe CAP without influenza or with influenza. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were from all patients and subjected to mycological testing. Patients were categorized as having proven or probable Aspergillus infection using a modified form of the AspICU algorithm comprising clinical, radiological, and mycological criteria.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 252 patients with severe CAP and 59 influenza patients evaluated, 24 met the diagnostic criteria for proven or probable Aspergillus infection in the CAP group and 9 patients in the influenza group, giving estimated prevalence values of 9.5% and 15.3%, respectively. COPD and the use of inhaled corticosteroids were independent risk factors for IPA. IPA in patients with severe CAP was significantly associated with the duration of mechanical support, the length of ICU stay, and the 28-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

An aggressive diagnostic approach for IPA patients with severe CAP and not only influenza or COVID-19 should be pursued. Further randomized controlled trials need to evaluate the timing, safety, and efficacy of antifungal therapy in reducing IPA incidence and improving clinical outcomes.

Amphotericin B in the Era of New Antifungals: Where Will It Stand?

Amphotericin B (AmB) has long stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs), especially among immunocompromised patients. However, the landscape of antifungal therapy is evolving. New antifungal agents, boasting novel mechanisms of action and better safety profiles, are entering the scene, presenting alternatives to AmB's traditional dominance. This shift, prompted by an increase in the incidence of IFIs, the growing demographic of immunocompromised individuals, and changing patterns of fungal resistance, underscores the continuous need for effective treatments. Despite these challenges, AmB's broad efficacy and low resistance rates maintain its essential status in antifungal therapy. Innovations in AmB formulations, such as lipid complexes and liposomal delivery systems, have significantly mitigated its notorious nephrotoxicity and infusion-related reactions, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. Moreover, AmB's efficacy in treating severe and rare fungal infections and its pivotal role as prophylaxis in high-risk settings highlight its value and ongoing relevance. This review examines AmB's standing amidst the ever-changing antifungal landscape, focusing on its enduring significance in current clinical practice and exploring its potential future therapeutic adaptations.

Invasive Fungal Diseases in Adult Patients in Intensive Care Unit (FUNDICU): 2024 consensus definitions from ESGCIP, EFISG, ESICM, ECMM, MSGERC, ISAC, and ISHAM

PURPOSE

The aim of this document was to develop standardized research definitions of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) in non-neutropenic, adult patients without classical host factors for IFD, admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

METHODS

After a systematic assessment of the diagnostic performance for IFD in the target population of already existing definitions and laboratory tests, consensus definitions were developed by a panel of experts using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

RESULTS

Standardized research definitions were developed for proven invasive candidiasis, probable deep-seated candidiasis, proven invasive aspergillosis, probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and probable tracheobronchial aspergillosis. The limited evidence on the performance of existing definitions and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of IFD other than candidiasis and aspergillosis precluded the development of dedicated definitions, at least pending further data. The standardized definitions provided in the present document are aimed to speed-up the design, and increase the feasibility, of future comparative research studies.

Invasive Fungal Infections in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Hong Kong Study

INTRODUCTION

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) cause significant mortality and morbidity in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Early recognition and prompt treatment of invasive fungal infections are important. This article reviewed the mortality and morbidity of IFIs in the PICU of Hong Kong Children's Hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all PICU admissions from April 2019 to May 2021 was performed. The following data were retrieved: age, gender, diagnosis, comorbidity, clinical manifestation, type of fungus, duration of stay at PICU, absolute neutrophil count, use of immunosuppressive therapy, presence of central venous catheter and use of total parental nutrition. The primary outcomes were the incidence and mortality of IFIs among PICU patients. The secondary outcomes were risk factors for developing IFI in PICU and clinical course of IFIs. Numerical variables were compared between groups by Mann-Whitney U test and categorical variables by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

There were 692 PICU admissions over the study period from April 2019 to May 2021. The crude mortality was 3% (n=24 death cases) in the PICU. Fourteen patients (2%) fulfilling the criteria for IFIs were identified using hospital electronic record system and according to PICU documentation. Eight of these 14 patients (57%) had hematological malignancy, 2 (17%) had solid tumours and 4 had non-oncological conditions. Eight (57%) patients were neutropenic with absolute neutrophil count less than 1x 109 at diagnosis of IFI. Ten (71%) had received immunosuppressive therapy including steroid, cyclosporin A, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Sirolimus or tacrolimus. 12 (86%) had had central venous catheter. Eight (57%) were on parenteral nutrition. IFIs due to Rhizopus or Aspergillus infection (5/14), or in post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant patients (5/14) were associated with non-survival (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

All patients with IFIs managed in the PICU had haemato-oncology diseases or were recipients of stem cell transplantation. IFIs with Rhizopus or Aspergillus as a group were associated with high mortality in the PICU. Awareness of this pathology with prompt diagnosis and treatment may improve the outcome of these infections and reduce the mortality.

Absence of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis in a tertiary intensive care unit in the Netherlands

Mucormycosis is a severe complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Throughout the pandemic, a notable prevalence of mucormycosis has been observed in the Indian population, whereas lower occurrences have been reported in Europe. However, limited data exist regarding its prevalence in Europe, which is potentially underestimated due to the low sensitivity of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mucormycosis in a high-risk critically ill COVID-19 population in the Netherlands, and to evaluate the potential benefit of adding Mucor PCR to BAL as part of routine follow-up. In this study, we included 1035 critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to either one of the two ICUs at AmsterdamUMC between March 2020 and May 2022; of these, 374 had undergone at least one bronchoscopy. Following the AmsterdamUMC protocols, bronchoscopies were conducted weekly until clinical improvement was achieved. We cultured BAL fluid for fungi and used PCR and galactomannan testing to detect Aspergillus spp. Additionally, we retrospectively performed qPCR targeting Mucorales DNA in the BAL of 89 deceased patients. All cultures were negative for Mucorales, whereas 42 (11%) cultures were positive for Aspergillus. Furthermore, qPCR targeting Mucorales was negative in all 89 deceased patients. This study showed that pulmonary mucormycosis was not present in critically ill COVID-19 patients in two tertiary care ICUs. These results indicate routine Mucorales qPCR screening is not clinically necessary in a high-standard-of-care tertiary ICU in a low-endemic area.

Prognostic Association of Liposomal Amphotericin B Doses Above 5 mg/kg/d in Mucormycosis: A Nationwide Epidemiologic and Treatment Analysis in Japan

Background

Mucormycosis is a potentially fatal fungal infection, and there is limited information on its precise epidemiology and treatment practices, including the optimal dosage of liposomal amphotericin B.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter, nationwide analysis of 82 proven and probable cases of mucormycosis was performed. Cases between 2015 and 2022 were collected from 51 hospitals in Japan by hematologists and infectious disease specialists. The study included the epidemiology, treatment details, and association between the dose of liposomal amphotericin B and the outcome.

Results

The lungs were the most commonly involved organ (70.7% of cases), and 35.4% of patients had disseminated disease. Rhizopus spp., Cunninghamella spp., and Mucor spp. were the most common organisms. Mortality at 4 weeks was 41.5%. The survivors had a shorter duration of neutropenia (P = .006) and less persistent hyperglycemia (P = .023). The site of infection and species of Mucorales had no detectable effect on survival. Survival did not differ between patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B at 5 mg/kg/d relative to those receiving >5 mg/kg/d (P = .625). Using Cox proportional hazards models and adjusting for confounders, the hazard ratio for the influence of >5 mg/kg/d liposomal amphotericin B on 4-week survival was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.28-2.68; P = .796) compared with 5 mg/kg/d.

Conclusions

This study provides important insights into the precise epidemiology and treatment practices of mucormycosis. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B at doses higher than 5 mg/kg/d did not improve outcomes relative to 5 mg/kg/d.

Successful treatment of pulmonary mucormycosis (Lichtheimia spp.) in a post-partum patient with COVID-19 ARDS requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation using salvage therapy

Case Summary: A 31-year-old female presented to a regional hospital at 27 weeks pregnant and was found to have COVID-19 ARDS. She underwent intubation and caesarian section for worsening hypoxia and non-reassuring fetal heart tones. Hypoxemia was refractory to proning requiring ECMO and transfer to a tertiary care center. Admission chest radiography showed a new right lower lobe cavitating lesion with computed tomography scan revealing a large multi-loculated cavity in the right lung and extensive bilateral ground-glass opacities. The patient was started on amphotericin and posaconazole, with final respiratory cultures growing Lichtheimia spp. Source control was discussed via possible open thoracostomy, but medical management alone was continued. Total ECMO support was 3 weeks. At the time of discharge to acute rehab, 1 month of amphotericin and posaconazole had been completed, with continuation of posaconazole. At last update, she had been discharged from rehab and was back home with her infant. Conclusion: Pulmonary mucormycosis, even in the non-ECLS population, carries a high mortality. Treatment in pulmonary disease with surgery improves mortality but is not always feasible. Salvage therapy with extended course antifungal medications may be an option for those not amendable.

A rare ocular complication of septicemia: a case series report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Septicemia that leads to ocular involvement mostly presents as endophthalmitis or panophthalmitis. Contrarily, septicemia without intraocular involvement, known as hematogenous orbital cellulitis (HOC), involves only the orbit and is an extremely rare complication of septicemia and a rare type of orbital cellulitis.

CASE PRESENTATION

Four male patients with septicemia presented with orbital involvement without intraocular infection were described in this study. They were 22 (case 1), 15 (case 2), 79 (case 3), and 30 (case 4) years old, with a mean age of 29.75 years. All patients were immunocompromised except for case 2. Cases 1 and 3 had a history of steroid use, whereas case 4 was in a post-chemotherapy myelosuppression phase. Septicemia in case 1 was community-acquired, cases 3 and 4 were hospital-acquired, and case 2 was secondary to acne squeezing. Blood cultures from cases 1, 2, and 3 were positive for Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. Case 4 had negative cultures; however, next-generation sequencing reported the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and Rhizopus oryzae. Case 1 had right eye involvement, and both eyes were involved in the other three cases. According to Chandler's classification, case 1 was type 2, case 2 was type 2 (OD) and type 4 (OS), and cases 3 and 4 were type 1 orbital infections. All patients had eyelids erythema, and cases 1 and 2 had mildly decreased visual acuity, proptosis, and painful and restricted ocular motility. Hospital stays ranged from 13 to 43 days (mean, 24 days). All patients received systemic antibiotic therapy based on drug sensitivity and next-generation sequencing results, in combination with multidisciplinary treatment, resulting in complete recovery of ocular and systemic signs and symptoms; no ocular surgical interventions were performed. Extraocular muscle palsy was the last symptom to resolve.

CONCLUSION

HOC is predominantly seen in immunocompromised individuals with a high proportion of hospital-acquired infections and positive cultures for pathogens. Infection control using systemic antibiotics targeted at the causative organism guarantees a favorable prognosis.

The Fragile Patient: Considerations in the Management of Invasive Mould Infections (IMIs) in India

Invasive mould infections (IMIs), which are mostly caused by Aspergillus spp. and Mucormycetes, are opportunistic infections that impose a substantial threat to patients who are considered to be 'fragile'. There is no fixed definition for fragile patients; however, patients with cancer or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), patients who have undergone organ transplants, and patients being treated in the intensive care units (ICUs) were considered fragile. Management of IMIs in fragile patients is challenging, owing to their compromised immune status. The diagnostic challenges associated with IMIs due to insufficient sensitivity and specificity of the current diagnostic tests lead to delayed treatment. A widening demographic of at-risk patients and a broadening spectrum of pathogenic fungi have added to the challenges to ascertain a definite diagnosis. A recent surge of mucormycosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections and the resultant steroid usage has been reported. Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) is the mainstay for treating mucormycosis while voriconazole has displaced amphotericin B as the mainstay for treating Aspergillus infection due to its better response, improved survival, and fewer severe side effects. The selection of antifungal treatment has to be subjected to more scrutiny in fragile patients owing to their comorbidities, organ impairment, and multiple ongoing treatment modalities. Isavuconazole has been documented to have a better safety profile, stable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug-drug interactions, and a broad spectrum of coverage. Isavuconazole has thus found its place in the recommendations and can be considered a suitable option for treating fragile patients with IMIs. In this review, the authors have critically appraised the challenges in ascertaining an accurate diagnosis and current management considerations and suggested an evidence-based approach to managing IMIs in fragile patients.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of in-hospital mortality in patients coinfected with Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical characteristics and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients coinfected with P. jirovecii and Aspergillus.

METHODS

This study included 53 patients with coinfection of P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in our center from January 2011 to December 2021. All cases were divided into survivor (n=27) and non-survivor groups (n=26). Medical records, laboratory and radiology data were collected. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

HIV-positive patients accounted for 3.8%. Fever (77.4%), dyspnea (69.8%) and wet cough (24.5%) were common symptoms. Ground-glass opacity (83.0%), consolidation (71.7%), septal thickening (66.0%), and nodules (54.7%) were the most common radiological signs. CD4+ T cell count and serum albumin (ALB) level were significantly lower in non-survival group than in the survival group. Conversely, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were higher in non-survival group than in survival group. Lactic acidosis [odds ratio (OR): 33.999,95% confidential interval (CI): 3.112-371.409; p=0.004], low CD4+ T cell count (<114 cell/µL) [OR: 19.343, 95% CI: 1.533-259.380; p=0.022] and high level of LDH (> 519 U/L) [OR: 11.422, 95% CI: 1.271-102.669; p=0.030] were independent risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

PJP coinfected with IPA incurs high mortality with nonspecific clinical characteristics and is more likely to involve HIV-negative patients. Lactic acidosis, low CD4+ T cell count and high LDH level are independent risk factors for mortality, close monitoring of these parameters is necessary to help distinguish high-risk patients and make appropriate clinical decisions.

Current and Future Pathways in Aspergillus Diagnosis

Aspergillus fumigatus has been designated by the World Health Organization as a critical priority fungal pathogen. Some commercially available diagnostics for many forms of aspergillosis rely on fungal metabolites. These encompass intracellular molecules, cell wall components, and extracellular secretomes. This review summarizes the shortcomings of antibody tests compared to tests of fungal products in body fluids and highlights the application of β-d-glucan, galactomannan, and pentraxin 3 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. We also discuss the detection of nucleic acids and next-generation sequencing, along with newer studies on Aspergillus metallophores.

A Multiplex PCR and DNA-Sequencing Workflow on Serum for the Diagnosis and Species Identification for Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis

There has been significant increase in the use of molecular tools for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis. However, their range of detection may be too limited as species diversity and coinfections are increasing. Here, we aimed to evaluate a molecular workflow based on a new multiplex PCR assay detecting the whole Aspergillus genus and the Mucorales order followed by a species-specific PCR or a DNA-sequencing approach for IA and/or mucormycosis diagnosis and species identification on serum. Performances of the MycoGENIE Aspergillus spp./Mucorales spp. duplex PCR kit were analyzed on a broad range of fungal strains and on sera from high-risk patients prospectively over a 12-month period. The kit allowed the detection of nine Aspergillus species and 10 Mucorales (eight genera) strains assessed. No cross-reactions between the two targets were observed. Sera from 744 patients were prospectively analyzed, including 35 IA, 16 mucormycosis, and four coinfections. Sensitivity varies from 85.7% (18/21) in probable/proven IA to 28.6% (4/14) in COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. PCR-positive samples corresponded to 21 A. fumigatus, one A. flavus, and one A. nidulans infections. All the disseminated mucormycosis were positive in serum (14/14), including the four Aspergillus coinfections, but sensitivity fell to 33.3% (2/6) in localized forms. DNA sequencing allowed Mucorales identification in serum in 15 patients. Remarkably, the most frequent species identified was Rhizomucor pusillus (eight cases), whereas it is barely found in fungal culture. This molecular workflow is a promising approach to improve IA and mucormycosis diagnosis and epidemiology.

Ibrexafungerp, a Novel Triterpenoid Antifungal in Development for the Treatment of Mold Infections

Molds are ubiquitous in the environment, and immunocompromised patients are at substantial risk of morbidity and mortality due to their underlying disease and the resistance of pathogenic molds to currently recommended antifungal therapies. This combination of weakened-host defense, with limited antifungal treatment options, and the opportunism of environmental molds renders patients at risk and especially vulnerable to invasive mold infections such as Aspergillus and members of the Order Mucorales. Currently, available antifungal drugs such as azoles and echinocandins, as well as combinations of the same, offer some degree of efficacy in the prevention and treatment of invasive mold infections, but their use is often limited by drug resistance mechanisms, toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and the relative paucity of oral treatment options. Clearly, there is a need for agents that are of a new class that provides adequate tissue penetration, can be administered orally, and have broad-spectrum efficacy against fungal infections, including those caused by invasive mold organisms. Ibrexafungerp, an orally bioavailable glucan synthase inhibitor, is the first in a new class of triterpenoid antifungals and shares a similar target to the well-established echinocandins. Ibrexafungerp has a very favorable pharmacokinetic profile for the treatment of fungal infections with excellent tissue penetration in organs targeted by molds, such as the lungs, liver, and skin. Ibrexafungerp has demonstrated in vitro activity against Aspergillus spp. as well as efficacy in animal models of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Furthermore, ibrexafungerp is approved for use in the USA for the treatment of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Ibrexafungerp is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other antifungals for treating invasive fungal infections caused by yeasts and molds. Thus, ibrexafungerp offers promise as a new addition to the clinician's armamentarium against these difficult-to-treat infections.

Nivolumab and interferon-γ rescue therapy to control mixed mould and bacterial superinfection after necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock

Immunosuppression is a major feature of septic shock and patients are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. We describe a successful use of immunostimulation to treat mixed mould and bacterial superinfection in a previously healthy 38-year-old female patient admitted for severe extensive fasciitis. Interferon gamma associated with nivolumab reversed successfully deactivation of immune cells assessed by altered expressions of monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) and lymphocyte programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1). Immunosuppressed patients in ICU with invasive bacterial and fungal infections may benefit from immunostimulation.

Diagnostic performance of mycological tests for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in non-haematological patients: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Increasing numbers of patients with non-haematological diseases are infected with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), with a high mortality reported which is mainly due to delayed diagnosis. The diagnostic capability of mycological tests for IPA including galactomannan test, (1,3)-β-D-glucan test, lateral flow assay, lateral flow device and PCR for the non-haematological patients remains unknown. This protocol aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of mycological tests to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatments of IPA in non-haematological diseases.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Database including PubMed, CENTRAL and EMBASE will be searched from 2002 until the publication of results. Cohort or cross-sectional studies that assessing the diagnostic capability of mycological tests for IPA in patients with non-haematological diseases will be included. The true-positive, false-positive, true-negative and false-negative of each test will be extracted and pooled in bivariate random-effects model, by which the sensitivity and specificity will be calculated with 95% CI. The second outcomes will include positive (negative) likelihood ratio, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and diagnostic OR will also be computed in the bivariate model. When applicable, subgroup analysis will be performed with several prespecified covariates to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Factors that may impact the diagnostic effects of mycological tests will be examined by sensitivity analysis. The risk of bias will be appraised by the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This protocol is not involved with ethics approval, and the results will be peer-reviewed and disseminated on a recognised journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021241820.

Impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on voriconazole plasma concentrations: A retrospective study

Aims: We aimed to assess the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on voriconazole exposure.

Methods: Adult critically ill patients with or without ECMO support receiving intravenous voriconazole therapy were included in this retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral intensive care unit. The first therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) results of voriconazole in ECMO patients and non-ECMO patients were collected, and the prevalence of subtherapeutic concentrations was analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ECMO on voriconazole exposure.

Results: A total of 132 patients (including 66 patients with ECMO support) were enrolled and their respective first voriconazole trough concentrations (C_min) were recorded. The median C_min of the ECMO group and the non-ECMO group was 1.9 (1.4–4.4) and 4.4 (3.2–6.9) mg/L, respectively (p = 0.000), and the proportion of the two groups in subtherapeutic concentrations range (<2 mg/L) was 51.5% and 7.6%, respectively (p = 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis of voriconazole C_min identified that the use of ECMO and coadministration of glucocorticoids were associated with significantly reduced concentrations, while increasing SOFA score and increasing daily dose were associated with significantly increased concentrations. The model accounted for 32.2% of the variability of voriconazole C_min. Furthermore, binary logistic regression demonstrated that the use of ECMO was an independent risk factor (OR = 7.78, p = 0.012) for insufficient voriconazole exposure.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that, in addition to the known drug interactions, ECMO is a significant covariable affecting voriconazole exposure. In addition, SOFA score was identified as a factor associated with increased voriconazole concentration.

Unmet needs and practical solutions in the management of invasive mould infections in Asia

Management of invasive mould infections (IMIs) is challenging in Asia, as awareness among medical practitioners can be low and resources are limited. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment of IMIs can mitigate the impact on morbidity and mortality, but diagnostic methods, as well as access to preferred antifungal medications, may vary throughout the region. Knowledge of local epidemiology and accurate diagnosis and identification of causal pathogens would facilitate optimal treatment but data in Asia are lacking. To address these unmet needs in the management of IMIs, this paper is a call for urgent action in the following areas: improving awareness of the threat of IMIs; providing education to frontline clinicians across a broad range of specialties on 'red flags' for suspicion of IMIs; prioritizing cost-effective rapid diagnostic testing; improving access to preferred antifungal medications; and closing the gaps in local epidemiological data on IMIs to inform local treatment guidelines.

Macrophage Lysosomal Alkalinization Drives Invasive Aspergillosis in a Mouse Cystic Fibrosis Model of Airway Transplantation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipients (LTRs) exhibit a disproportionately high rate of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis (IA). Loss of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR-/-) in macrophages (mφs) has been associated with lyosomal alkalinization. We hypothesize that this alkalinization would persist in the iron-laden post-transplant microenvironment increasing the risk of IA. To investigate our hypothesis, we developed a murine CF orthotopic tracheal transplant (OTT) model. Iron levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and colorimetric assays. Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) invasion was evaluated by Grocott methenamine silver staining. Phagocytosis and killing of Af conidia were examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. pH and lysosomal acidification were measured by LysoSensorTM and LysotrackerTM, respectively. Af was more invasive in the CF airway transplant recipient compared to the WT recipient (p < 0.05). CFTR-/- mφs were alkaline at baseline, a characteristic that was increased with iron-overload. These CFTR-/- mφs were unable to phagocytose and kill Af conidia (p < 0.001). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles acidified lysosomes, restoring the CFTR-/- mφs’ ability to clear conidia. Our results suggest that CFTR-/- mφs’ alkalinization interacts with the iron-loaded transplant microenvironment, decreasing the CF-mφs’ ability to kill Af conidia, which may explain the increased risk of IA. Therapeutic pH modulation after transplantation could decrease the risk of IA.

Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Environment: A Multifaceted Complication

The second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused severe infections with high mortality. An increase in the cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was reported predominantly in India. Commonly present in immunocompromised individuals, mucormycosis is often a life-threatening condition. Confounding factors and molecular mechanisms associated with CAM are still not well understood, and there is a need for careful research in this direction. In this review, a brief account of the diagnosis, management, and advancement in drug discovery for mucormycosis has been provided. Here, we summarize major factors that dictate the occurrence of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients through the analysis of published literature and case reports. Major predisposing factors to mucormycosis appear to be uncontrolled diabetes, steroid therapy, and certain cancers. At the molecular level, increased levels of iron in COVID-19 might contribute to mucormycosis. We have also discussed the potential role and regulation of iron metabolism in COVID-19 patients in establishing fungal growth. Other factors including diabetes prevalence and fungal spore burden in India as contributing factors have also been discussed.

Antifungal Activity of NP20 Derived from Amphioxus Midkine/Pleiotrophin Homolog Against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus

With the emergence of antifungal resistance, systematic infections with Aspergillus are becoming the major cause of the clinical morbidity. The development of novel antifungal agents with high efficacy, low drug tolerance, and few side effects is urgent. In response to that need, we have identified NP20. Here we demonstrate clearly that NP20 has antifungal activity, capable of killing the spores of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus as well as causing direct damage to the surface, membrane, cytoplasm, organelle, and nucleus of the fungal spores. Interestingly, NP20 is active under temperature stress and a wide range of pH. Subsequently, MTT assay, assay for binding of NP20 to fungal cell wall components, membrane depolarization assay, confocal microscopy, ROS assay, DNA replication, and protein synthesis assay are performed to clarify the mechanisms underlying NP20 against Aspergillus. The results show that NP20 can bind with and pass through the fungal cell wall, and then interfere with the lipid membrane. Moreover, NP20 can induce intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and protein synthesis inhibition of the fungal cells. These together indicate that NP20 is a novel antifungal peptide, which has considerable potential for future development as novel peptide antibiotics against Aspergillus.

Heterogeneity in the transcriptional response of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus to the antifungal agent caspofungin

Aspergillus fumigatus is the main causative agent of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), a severe disease that affects immunosuppressed patients worldwide. The fungistatic drug caspofungin (CSP) is the second line of therapy against IPA but has increasingly been used against clinical strains that are resistant to azoles, the first line antifungal therapy. In high concentrations, CSP induces a tolerance phenotype with partial reestablishment of fungal growth called CSP paradoxical effect (CPE), resulting from a change in the composition of the cell wall. An increasing number of studies has shown that different isolates of A. fumigatus exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity, including heterogeneity in their CPE response. To gain insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CPE response heterogeneity, we analyzed the transcriptomes of two A. fumigatus reference strains, Af293 and CEA17, exposed to low and high CSP concentrations. We found that there is a core transcriptional response that involves genes related to cell wall remodeling processes, mitochondrial function, transmembrane transport, and amino acid and ergosterol metabolism, and a variable response related to secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. Specifically, we show here that the overexpression of a SM pathway that works as an iron chelator extinguishes the CPE in both backgrounds, whereas iron depletion is detrimental for the CPE in Af293 but not in CEA17. We next investigated the function of the transcription factor CrzA, whose deletion was previously shown to result in heterogeneity in the CPE response of the Af293 and CEA17 strains. We found that CrzA constitutively binds to and modulates the expression of several genes related to processes involved in CSP tolerance and that crzA deletion differentially impacts the SM production and growth of Af293 and CEA17. As opposed to the ΔcrzACEA17 mutant, the ΔcrzAAf293 mutant fails to activate cell wall remodeling genes upon CSP exposure, which most likely severely affects its macrostructure and extinguishes its CPE. This study describes how heterogeneity in the response to an antifungal agent between A. fumigatus strains stems from heterogeneity in the function of a transcription factor and its downstream target genes.

Investigating Factors of False-Positive Results of Aspergillus Galactomannan Assay: A Case-Control Study in Intensive Care Units

Background: Studies on false-positive galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results and treatment for critically ill patients are scarce. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the false-positive rate of GM-EIA and to probe the risk factors of false positivity among patients in the intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: A case-control approach was conducted to review adult patients who had at least one GM-EIA result and were admitted to the ICU. Those who had no fungal culture were excluded. The clinical characteristics and critical care between patients with false-positive and true-negative GM index (GMI) were compared. Results: Of 206 patients enrolled and with GM-EIA results, 20 (9.7%) were considered to have false-positive antigenemia, including 9 in bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and 11 in serum. A total of 148 (71.8%) were true-negatives. After paired grouping of 1:4, factors researched in the previous studies showed no significant difference. However, compared with the true-negatives, patients with positive GM test results but were incompatible with the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis were more prone to the risk of false positivity due to the use of colistin inhalation. It seemed to be the only factor that significantly increased the risk of false positivity after multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 35.68; 95% CI, 3.77-337.51, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Colistin inhalation treatment may contribute to false-positive GM-EIA results. The positive GMI among patients receiving colistin nebulization should be interpreted with caution.

Aspergillosis: Emerging risk groups in critically ill patients

Information on invasive aspergillosis (IA) and other invasive filamentous fungal infections is limited in non-neutropenic patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and presenting with no classic IA risk factors. This review is based on the critical appraisal of relevant literature, on the authors' own experience and on discussions that took place at a consensus conference. It aims to review risk factors favoring aspergillosis in ICU patients, with a special emphasis on often overlooked or neglected conditions. In the ICU patients, corticosteroid use to treat underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sepsis, or severe COVID-19, represents a cardinal risk factor for IA. Important additional host risk factors are COPD, decompensated cirrhosis, liver failure, and severe viral pneumonia (influenza, COVID-19). Clinical observations indicate that patients admitted to the ICU because of sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome are more likely to develop probable or proven IA, suggesting that sepsis could also be a possible direct risk factor for IA, as could small molecule inhibitors used in oncology. There are no recommendations for prophylaxis in ICU patients; posaconazole mold-active primary prophylaxis is used in some centers according to guidelines for other patient populations and IA treatment in critically ill patients is basically the same as in other patient populations. A combined evaluation of clinical signs and imaging, classical biomarkers such as the GM assay, and fungal cultures examination, remain the best option to assess response to treatment.

LAY SUMMARY

The use of corticosteroids and the presence of co-morbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute or chronic advanced liver disease, or severe viral pneumonia caused by influenza or Covid-19, may increase the risk of invasive aspergillosis in intensive care unit patients.

Invasive fungal infections in acute and chronic liver impairment: A systematic review

Patients with acute and chronic liver impairment are susceptible to invasive fungal infections such as candidemia and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis as a result of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction, humoral immunodeficiency, cell-mediated dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Besides classical risk factors for invasive fungal infection, acute-on-chronic liver failure, corticosteroid use, gastrointestinal bleeding, and prophylactic use of antibiotics are all additional conditions which are related to the potential development of fungal infections. Therefore, high-risk patients should be carefully followed by microbiological surveillance including cultures but also by imaging and fungal biomarkers for providing early diagnosis. Echinocandins are still the mainstay and first line antifungal therapy in cases of invasive candidiasis. Due to concerns of liver toxicity and in cases of renal impairment liposomal amphotericin B is a suitable alternative to voriconazole in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Although, data of isavucoanzole and posaconazole use in those patients are also promising more specific studies in the subgroup of patients with liver impairment are needed. Especially, due to the late diagnosis and multiple organ dysfunction usually present in patients with liver impairment morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Based on the broad spectrum of diverse reports with varying content and quality and in some cases lack of evidence we performed a systematic review on this topic.

Radionuclide Imaging of Invasive Fungal Disease in Immunocompromised Hosts

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) leads to increased mortality, morbidity, and costs of treatment in patients with immunosuppressive conditions. The definitive diagnosis of IFD relies on the isolation of the causative fungal agents through microscopy, culture, or nucleic acid testing in tissue samples obtained from the sites of the disease. Biopsy is not always feasible or safe to be undertaken in immunocompromised hosts at risk of IFD. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques are, therefore, needed for the diagnosis and treatment response assessment of IFD. The available techniques that identify fungal-specific antigens in biological samples for diagnosing IFD have variable sensitivity and specificity. They also have limited utility in response assessment. Imaging has, therefore, been applied for the noninvasive detection of IFD. Morphologic imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most applied technique. These techniques are neither sufficiently sensitive nor specific for the early diagnosis of IFD. Morphologic changes evaluated by CT and MRI occur later in the disease course and during recovery after successful treatment. These modalities may, therefore, not be ideal for early diagnosis and early response to therapy determination. Radionuclide imaging allows for targeting the host response to pathogenic fungi or specific structures of the pathogen itself. This makes radionuclide imaging techniques suitable for the early diagnosis and treatment response assessment of IFD. In this review, we aimed to discuss the interplay of host immunity, immunosuppression, and the occurrence of IFD. We also discuss the currently available radionuclide probes that have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies for their ability to detect IFD.

Mucormycosis in Indian COVID-19 Patients: Insight into Its Patho-Genesis, Clinical Manifestation, and Management Strategies

Mucormycosis in patients who have COVID-19 or who are otherwise immunocompromised has become a global problem, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Infection is debilitating and fatal, leading to loss of organs and emotional trauma. Radiographic manifestations are not specific, but diagnosis can be made through microscopic examination of materials collected from necrotic lesions. Treatment requires multidisciplinary expertise, as the fungus enters through the eyes and nose and may even reach the brain. Use of the many antifungal drugs available is limited by considerations of resistance and toxicity, but nanoparticles can overcome such limitations by reducing toxicity and increasing bioavailability. The lipid formulation of amphotericin-B (liposomal Am-B) is the first-line treatment for mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients, but its high cost and low availability have prompted a shift toward surgery, so that surgical debridement to remove all necrotic lesions remains the hallmark of effective treatment of mucormycosis in COVID-19. This review highlights the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and management of mucormycosis in patients who have COVID-19.

Isolation of Rhizopus microsporus and Lichtheimia corymbifera from tracheal aspirates of two immunocompetent critically ill patients with COVID-19

We describe two fatal cases of COVID-19 in which Rhizopus microsporus and Lichtheimia corymbifera were cultured from endotracheal aspirate samples. Both patients had no underlying comorbidities other than obesity. Despite antifungal therapy, both cases developed septic shock and progressive refractory hypoxemia without evidence of other underlying infections. It is unclear whether isolation of these fungal organisms represents invasive disease or corresponds to an epiphenomenon of critical illness. Yet, patients suffering from COVID-19 may be at risk of superinfection from a broader range of fungal organisms than previously thought.

A Large Retrospective Assessment of Voriconazole Exposure in Patients Treated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Voriconazole is one of the first-line therapies for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Drug concentrations might be significantly influenced by the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We aimed to assess the effect of ECMO on voriconazole exposure in a large patient population.

METHODS

Critically ill patients from eight centers in four countries treated with voriconazole during ECMO support were included in this retrospective study. Voriconazole concentrations were collected in a period on ECMO and before/after ECMO treatment. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of ECMO on voriconazole exposure and to assess the impact of possible saturation of the circuit's binding sites over time.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients and 337 samples (190 during and 147 before/after ECMO) were analyzed. Subtherapeutic concentrations (<2 mg/L) were observed in 56% of the samples during ECMO and 39% without ECMO (p = 0.80). The median trough concentration, for a similar daily dose, was 2.4 (1.2-4.7) mg/L under ECMO and 2.5 (1.4-3.9) mg/L without ECMO (p = 0.58). Extensive inter-and intrasubject variability were observed. Neither ECMO nor squared day of ECMO (saturation) were retained as significant covariates on voriconazole exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant ECMO-effect was observed on voriconazole exposure. A large proportion of patients had voriconazole subtherapeutic concentrations.

Spontaneous Hemoptysis in a Patient With COVID-19

CASE PRESENTATION

A 65-year-old man presented with shortness of breath, gradually worsening for the previous 2 weeks, associated with dry cough, sore throat, and diarrhea. He denied fever, chills, chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. He did not have any sick contacts or travel history outside of Michigan. His medical history included hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, morbid obesity, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and tobacco use. He was taking amiodarone, carvedilol, furosemide, pregabalin, and insulin. The patient appeared to be in mild respiratory distress. He was afebrile and had saturation at 93% on 3 L of oxygen, heart rate of 105 beats/min, BP of 145/99 mm Hg, and respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min. On auscultation, there were crackles on bilateral lung bases and chronic bilateral leg swelling with hyperpigmented changes. His WBC count was 6.0 K/cumm (3.5 to 10.6 K/cumm) with absolute lymphocyte count 0.7 K/cumm (1.0 to 3.8 K/cumm); serum creatinine was 2.81 mg/dL (0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL). He had elevated inflammatory markers (serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, and creatinine phosphokinase). Chest radiography showed bilateral pulmonary opacities that were suggestive of multifocal pneumonia (Fig 1). Nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. Therapy was started with ceftriaxone, doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, and methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg IV for 3 days. By day 3 of hospitalization, he required endotracheal intubation, vasopressor support, and continuous renal replacement. Blood cultures were negative; respiratory cultures revealed only normal oral flora, so antibiotic therapy was discontinued. On day 10, WBC count increased to 28 K/cumm, and chest radiography showed persistent bilateral opacities with left lower lobe consolidation. Repeat respiratory cultures grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Table 1). Antibiotic therapy with IV meropenem was started. His condition steadily improved; eventually by day 20, he was off vasopressors and was extubated. However, on day 23, he experienced significant hemoptysis that required reintubation and vasopressor support.

Diagnosis of Pneumonia Due to Invasive Molds

Pneumonia is the most common presentation of invasive mold infections (IMIs), and is pathogenetically characterized as angioinvasion by hyphae, resulting in tissue infarction and necrosis. Aspergillus species are the typical etiologic cause of mold pneumonia, with A. fumigatus in most cases, followed by the Mucorales species. Typical populations at risk include hematologic cancer patients on chemotherapy, bone marrow and solid organ transplant patients, and patients on immunosuppressive medications. Invasive lung disease due to molds is challenging to definitively diagnose based on clinical features and imaging findings alone, as these methods are nonspecific. Etiologic laboratory testing is limited to insensitive culture techniques, non-specific and not readily available PCR, and tissue biopsies, which are often difficult to obtain and impact on the clinical fragility of patients. Microbiologic/mycologic analysis has limited sensitivity and may not be sufficiently timely to be actionable. Due to the inadequacy of current diagnostics, clinicians should consider a combination of diagnostic modalities to prevent morbidity in patients with mold pneumonia. Diagnosis of IMIs requires improvement, and the availability of noninvasive methods such as fungal biomarkers, microbial cell-free DNA sequencing, and metabolomics-breath testing could represent a new era of timely diagnosis and early treatment of mold pneumonia.

An invasive infection caused by the thermophilic mold Talaromyces thermophilus

Background

Increasing incidence of invasive infections caused by rare fungi was observed over the recent years.

Case

Here, we describe the first reported case of an infection caused by the thermophilic mold Talaromyces thermophilus. Cultivation and, hence, identification of this fastidious organism is challenging since standard incubation conditions are not sufficient. Retrospective analysis of patient samples and in vitro experiments demonstrated that testing for fungal antigens, i.e., the cell wall components galactomannan and β-1,3-d-glucan, is a promising tool.

Comparative activity of posaconazole and systemic azole agents against clinical isolates of filamentous fungi from a global surveillance programme

Objectives

The activity of mould-active azoles was evaluated against 397 filamentous fungi causing invasive mould infections (IMI) worldwide. In addition, a tentative posaconazole epidemiological cut-off value (ECV) against Aspergillus fumigatus was investigated.

Methods

Isolates were susceptibility tested by the CLSI reference broth microdilution methods. Species identification was confirmed by MALDI-TOF and/or sequencing analysis.

Results

Aspergillus spp. (81.9%) remained the most common organism causing IMI worldwide; approximately two-thirds of Aspergillus spp. recovered were A. fumigatus. In general, more than 90% of 220 A. fumigatus isolates were wild type (WT) to all mould-active azoles, except itraconazole (84.5% WT). The voriconazole non-susceptible (NS) A. fumigatus rate was 7.7% overall and was higher in Europe (12.9%) than in the other regions (0%–5.8%). Posaconazole (MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀, 0.25/0.5 mg/L) showed similar or slightly higher activity than voriconazole (MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀, 0.5/0.5 mg/L) and isavuconazole (MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀, 0.5/1 mg/L) against A. fumigatus. The mould-active azoles displayed similar activity against non-fumigatus Aspergillus (WT rates >93%), but differences were observed among the main species/sections. Posaconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole inhibited at their respective ECVs 100%, 97.0%, and 100% of A. section Nigri; 100%, 100%, and 93.8% of A. section Terrei; and 97.3%, 100%, and 100% of A. section Flavi isolates. Posaconazole displayed potency greater than or equal to the other azoles against the Mucorales group and Scedosporium spp.

Conclusions

Posaconazole and other mould-active azoles showed good activity against Aspergillus spp. causing IMI, but clinicians should be aware of regional rates of voriconazole-NS A. fumigatus.

Patient Characteristics and Risk Factors in Invasive Mold Infections: Comparison from a Systematic Review and Database Analysis

Introduction

Diagnosis and treatment of invasive mold infections (IMI) can be challenging and IMI is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and invasive mucormycosis (IM) are two of the most common mold infections. A better understanding of patient comorbidities and risk factors that predispose IMI may help clinicians to refine the difficult diagnostic and treatment process.

Methods

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted (January 2008–October 2019) for studies reporting comorbidities/risk factors of patients with IA or IM (Phase I), followed by an analysis on the Optum^® US EHR database of prominent risk factor cohorts based on SLR findings and expert opinion (Phase II). From the four identified patient cohorts: 1) patients undergoing solid organ transplant (SOT) and patients with 2) hematologic cancers, 3) diabetes, or 4) lung disease, rates of IA, IM, or concurrent IA and IM; patient comorbidities; and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores were reported.

Results

The SLR included 88 studies, and 46 were used to select comorbidities/risk factors cohorts in IA and IM patients. The most important comorbidities/risk factors in IA and IM patients were diabetes, lung disease, hematological malignances, and SOT. In the Optum database (N=101,340,454 patients), IA rates were highest in lung transplant (10.81%) patients and IM rates were highest in intestine transplant (0.83%) patients, lung transplant (0.43%), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (0.49%). CCI scores were elevated in all mold infection groups compared to the total Optum cohort.

Conclusion

The current study describes patient comorbidity and risk factors associated with IA and IM. These data can be used to refine clinical decision-making regarding when to suspect mold infections. Future research should focus on identifying whether patients respond differently to various antifungal treatments to determine if strategic recommendations should be made for certain patient groups.

Mucormycosis of Paranasal Sinuses of Odontogenic Origin Post COVID19 Infection: A Case Series

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East respiratory syndromes emerged in 2002 and 2012 respectively. Currently the world is witnessing a global pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV- 2) causing the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Mucormycosis is a fungal infection primarily affecting individuals with an immunocompromised state like diabetes mellitus, malignancies etc. Patients who have or have had COVID-19 infection with pre-existing uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus are presumably more vulnerable for emergence of fungal infections cases. This article presents a report of 6 cases with histopathological proven mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 and uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus.

Deep convolutional neural network: a novel approach for the detection of Aspergillus fungi via stereomicroscopy

Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are ubiquitously distributed in nature, and some cause invasive aspergillosis (IA) infections in immunosuppressed individuals and contamination in agricultural products. Because microscopic observation and molecular detection of Aspergillus species represent the most operator-dependent and time-intensive activities, automated and cost-effective approaches are needed. To address this challenge, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to investigate the ability to classify various Aspergillus species. Using a dissecting microscopy (DM)/stereomicroscopy platform, colonies on plates were scanned with a 35× objective, generating images of sufficient resolution for classification. A total of 8,995 original colony images from seven Aspergillus species cultured in enrichment medium were gathered and autocut to generate 17,142 image crops as training and test datasets containing the typical representative morphology of conidiophores or colonies of each strain. Encouragingly, the Xception model exhibited a classification accuracy of 99.8% on the training image set. After training, our CNN model achieved a classification accuracy of 99.7% on the test image set. Based on the Xception performance during training and testing, this classification algorithm was further applied to recognize and validate a new set of raw images of these strains, showing a detection accuracy of 98.2%. Thus, our study demonstrated a novel concept for an artificial-intelligence-based and cost-effective detection methodology for Aspergillus organisms, which also has the potential to improve the public's understanding of the fungal kingdom.

EORTC/MSGERC Definitions of Invasive Fungal Diseases: Summary of Activities of the Intensive Care Unit Working Group

The EORTC/MSGERC recently revised and updated the consensus definitions of invasive fungal disease (IFD). These definitions primarily focus on patients with cancer and stem cell or solid-organ transplant patients. They may therefore not be suitable for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. More in detail, while the definition of proven IFD applies to a broad range of hosts, the categories of probable and possible IFD were primarily designed for classical immunocompromised hosts and may therefore not be ideal for other populations. Moreover, the scope of the possible category of IFD has been diminished in the recently revised definitions for classically immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis of IFD in the ICU presents many challenges, which are different for invasive candidiasis and for invasive aspergillosis. The aim of this article is to review progresses made in recent years and difficulties remaining in the development of definitions applicable in the ICU setting.

Using Artificial Intelligence in Fungal Lung Disease: CPA CT Imaging as an Example

This positioning paper aims to discuss current challenges and opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) in fungal lung disease, with a focus on chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and some supporting proof-of-concept results using lung imaging. Given the high uncertainty in fungal infection diagnosis and analyzing treatment response, AI could potentially have an impactful role; however, developing imaging-based machine learning raises several specific challenges. We discuss recommendations to engage the medical community in essential first steps towards fungal infection AI with gathering dedicated imaging registries, linking with non-imaging data and harmonizing image-finding annotations.

Invasive aspergillosis in solid organ transplant patients: diagnosis, prophylaxis, treatment, and assessment of response

BACKGROUND

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a rare complication in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Although IA has significant implications on graft and patient survival, data on diagnosis and management of this infection in SOT recipients are still limited.

METHODS

Discussion of current practices and limitations in the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of IA and proposal of means of assessing treatment response in SOT recipients.

RESULTS

Liver, lung, heart or kidney transplant recipients have common as well as different risk factors to the development of IA, thus each category needs a separate evaluation. Diagnosis of IA in SOT recipients requires a high degree of awareness, because established diagnostic tools may not provide the same sensitivity and specificity observed in the neutropenic population. IA treatment relies primarily on mold-active triazoles, but potential interactions with immunosuppressants and other concomitant therapies need special attention.

CONCLUSIONS

Criteria to assess response have not been sufficiently evaluated in the SOT population and CT lesion dynamics, and serologic markers may be influenced by the underlying disease and type and severity of immunosuppression. There is a need for well-orchestrated efforts to study IA diagnosis and management in SOT recipients and to develop comprehensive guidelines for this population.

Performance of Existing Definitions and Tests for the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases other than Invasive Candidiasis and Invasive Aspergillosis in Critically Ill, Adult Patients: A Systematic Review with Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

The Fungal Infections Definitions in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients (FUNDICU) project aims to provide standard sets of definitions for invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) in critically ill, adult patients, including invasive aspergillosis (IA), invasive candidiasis (IC), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), and other non-IA, non-IC IFDs. The first step of the project was the conduction of separated systematic reviews of the characteristics and applicability to critically ill, adult patients outside classical populations at risk (hematology patients, solid organ transplant recipients) of available definitions and diagnostic tests for IFDs. We report here the results of two systematic reviews exploring the performance of available definitions and tests, for PJP and for other non-IA, non-IC IFDs. Starting from 2585 and 4584 records for PJP and other IFDs, respectively, 89 and 61 studies were deemed as eligible for full-text evaluation. However, only two studies for PJP and no studies for other IFDs met the FUNDICU protocol criteria for inclusion in qualitative synthesis. Currently, there is no sufficient solid data for directly evaluating the performance of existing definitions and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of PJP and other non-IA, non-IC IFDs in critically ill adult patients outside classical populations at risk.

The Extent of Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients With Severe Influenza Pneumonia: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency and prognosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients with severe influenza pneumonia.

DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter cohort study.

SETTING

Five French ICUs.

PATIENTS

Patients with influenza admitted to ICU between 2009 and 2018.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of the 524 patients admitted for severe influenza diagnosed with a positive airway reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test, 450 (86%) required mechanical ventilation. A lower respiratory tract sample yielded with Aspergillus (Asp+) in 28 patients (5.3%). Ten patients (1.9%) were diagnosed with putative or proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, based on the validated AspICU algorithm. A multivariate model was built to identify independent risk factors for Aspergillus-positive pulmonary culture. Factors independently associated with Aspergillus-positive culture were liver cirrhosis (odds ratio = 6.7 [2.1-19.4]; p < 0.01), hematologic malignancy (odds ratio = 3.3 [1.2-8.5]; p = 0.02), Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype (odds ratio = 3.9 [1.6-9.1]; p < 0.01), and vasopressor requirement (odds ratio = 4.1 [1.6-12.7]; p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality of Asp+ patients was 36% versus 21% in patients without Aspergillus-positive pulmonary culture (p = 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large retrospective multicenter cohort of critically ill patients, putative invasive pulmonary aspergillosis according to AspICU algorithm was a relatively rare complication of influenza. Patients at higher risk of Aspergillus pulmonary colonization included those with liver cirrhosis, hematologic malignancy, H1N1pdm09 influenza A virus, and requiring vasopressors. Our results provide additional data on the controversial association between severe influenza and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Reaching a consensual definition of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis becomes mandatory and confers further prospective research.