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Zerbato V, Di Bella S, Pol R, D’Aleo F, Angheben A, Farina C, Conte M, Luzzaro F, Luzzati R, Principe L. Endemic Systemic Mycoses in Italy: A Systematic Review of Literature and a Practical Update. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:307-334. [PMID: 37294504 PMCID: PMC10386973 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Endemic systemic mycoses such as blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis are emerging as an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We conducted a systematic review on endemic systemic mycoses reported in Italy from 1914 to nowadays. We found out: 105 cases of histoplasmosis, 15 of paracoccidioidomycosis, 10 of coccidioidomycosis, 10 of blastomycosis and 3 of talaromycosis. Most cases have been reported in returning travelers and expatriates or immigrants. Thirtytwo patients did not have a story of traveling to an endemic area. Fortysix subjects had HIV/AIDS. Immunosuppression was the major risk factor for getting these infections and for severe outcomes. We provided an overview on microbiological characteristics and clinical management principles of systemic endemic mycoses with a focus on the cases reported in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Zerbato
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pol
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Trieste University Hospital (ASUGI), Piazza dell’Ospitale 1, 34125 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Aleo
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli”, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST “Papa Giovanni XXIII”, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Conte
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Great Metropolitan Hospital “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli”, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzzaro
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, “A. Manzoni” Hospital, 23900 Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Trieste University, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Principe
- Clinical Pathology and Microbiology Unit, “S. Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, 88900 Crotone, Italy
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Gastélum-Cano JM, Dautt-Castro M, García-Galaz A, Felix-Murray K, Rascón-Careaga A, Cano-Rangel MA, Islas-Osuna MA. The clinical laboratory evolution in coccidioidomycosis detection: Future perspectives. J Mycol Med 2021; 31:101159. [PMID: 34157512 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease caused by the fungi Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. It is a prevalent disease in arid regions with high temperatures and low precipitations in America. Coccidioidomycosis is a highly endemic disease of US-Mexico border states but commonly underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of coccidiomycosis is not easy due to the lack of specific symptoms; it is usually an integral approach, including clinical laboratory tests as an essential part of the diagnosis. Nevertheless, despite various laboratory tests available, affordability can be a limitation, mainly in developing countries. This review's objectives are 1) to learn the different laboratory approaches that arose and their application for clinical diagnosis; 2) to discuss their advantages and weaknesses, and finally, 3) propose what is on the horizon for future advances in clinical laboratory diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. It has been a long way in laboratory tests evolution to detect coccidioidomycosis from tissue microscopy to Real-Time PCR. However, there is a delay in technology adoption for Coccidioides spp. detection in the clinical laboratory. The molecular Point of Care Testing (POCT) technology has reached us in our trench while research in PCR variants stills on-going. None of the currently existing scientific literature in coccidioidomycosis research has mentioned it. However, this trend in infectious and non-infectious disease diagnosis will continue in that way in order to offer better options for an easy and fast diagnosis. Undoubtedly, the implementation of molecular POCT for Coccidioides spp. would save resources in health care attention and improve access to diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María Gastélum-Cano
- Lab. de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico
| | - Mitzuko Dautt-Castro
- Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica A.C. (IPICYT). Camino a la Presa de San José No. 2055. Lomas 4ta Sección, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P. 78216, Mexico
| | - Alfonso García-Galaz
- Lab. de Microbiología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico
| | - Katya Felix-Murray
- Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N. Col. Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Antonio Rascón-Careaga
- Universidad de Sonora. Blvd. Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N. Col. Centro, Hermosillo, Sonora 83000, Mexico
| | - Manuel A Cano-Rangel
- Hospital Infantil del Estado de Sonora (HIES), Reforma 355. Ley 57, Hermosillo, Sonora 83100, Mexico
| | - María A Islas-Osuna
- Lab. de Genética y Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD, A.C.) Gustavo Enrique Astiazarán Rosas No. 46. La Victoria, Hermosillo, Sonora 83304, Mexico.
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Yoo SD, Lusiba JK, Lukande R, Shin K. Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis in Africa. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2020; 7:001659. [PMID: 32789133 PMCID: PMC7417055 DOI: 10.12890/2020_001659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coccidioidomycosis is an endemic disease in the Americas. No cases have been reported in Africa. Patient A 23-year-old HIV seronegative Ugandan man was referred to Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda with a 10-month history of haemoptysis and difficulty breathing, and a 6-month history of localized swellings on the extremities. He had associated weight loss and drenching sweats, but no fevers. He had taken anti-tuberculosis medicine for 2 months with no improvement. He had never travelled out of Uganda. On physical examination, he had cystic swellings and ulcerated lesions on the extremities. He had tachypnoea, crackles in the chest and mild hepatomegaly. Bronchoscopic examination showed two masses occluding the right main bronchus. Bronchoscopic biopsy showed findings consistent with coccidioidomycosis. The patient improved with antifungal treatment and was discharged. Conclusion We report the first case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis with pulmonary and cutaneous manifestations in Africa. LEARNING POINTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - John K Lusiba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Lukande
- Department of Pathology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kyungmin Shin
- Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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Novel Treatment of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis in a Dog with Voriconazole. Case Rep Vet Med 2018; 2018:1785748. [PMID: 29955433 PMCID: PMC6005294 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1785748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A dog with disseminated coccidioidomycosis involving the vertebral, cutaneous, and pulmonary systems was treated successfully with voriconazole after failing traditional therapy with fluconazole and terbinafine. This report is the first to describe the successful management of refractory coccidioidomycosis with voriconazole in a dog.
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Diaz JH. Travel-related risk factors for coccidioidomycosis. J Travel Med 2018; 25:5001358. [PMID: 29796604 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/tay027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidioidomycosis is a regionally endemic systemic mycosis with unique risk factors. Since people travel for business or pleasure, and often in conjunction with their avocations or hobbies, the objectives of this review were to describe these and other risk factors for coccidioidomycosis; to alert travel medicine clinicians to the different presenting manifestations of coccidioidomycosis; and to recommend effective treatment, disease control and prevention strategies. METHODS To meet the objectives of this review, Internet search engines were queried with the keywords as medical subject headings over the study period, 1970-2017. RESULTS The principle transmission mechanism of coccidioidomycosis is by deep inhalation of aerosolized arthroconidia with resulting symptomatic pulmonary infections ranging from febrile influenza-like illnesses to fatal disseminated mycoses. In addition to residency or travel in endemic areas, persons immunocompromised by advancing age, pregnancy, cancer, corticosteroid therapy, diabetes, organ transplantation and human immunodeficiency virus infection are at significantly increased risks of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Persons of African, Asian, Filipino and Hispanic descent are also at increased risks of contracting coccidioidomycosis. Hobbies associated with coccidioidomycosis have included armadillo hunting, model airplane flying and archaeological digging. Occupational risk factors for coccidioidomycosis include endemic exposures during military maneuvers, outdoor track and field events, road construction, solar-power and wind-power farm construction, archaeological excavation and prison work. CONCLUSIONS Coccidioidomycosis is more common in endemic and non-endemic areas than previously recognized and can result in considerable morbidity and mortality. Coccidioidomycosis is increasingly imported from endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere to non-endemic areas worldwide. Increased awareness of disease risk factors among the public and the international healthcare community will improve the timely diagnosis and treatment of coccidioidomycosis and prevent disease progression, dissemination and deaths in residents in and in travellers returning from endemic regions. A vaccine for the primary prevention of coccidioidomycosis would be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Diaz
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), Office 2020 Gravier Street, Third Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Tortorano AM, Carminati G, Tosoni A, Tintelnot K. Primary Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis in an Italian Nun Working in South America and Review of Published Literature. Mycopathologia 2015; 180:229-35. [PMID: 25935662 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-015-9895-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis is a systemic disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Coccidioides, endemic in parts of the Southwestern USA and Central and South America. Two species, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, were differentiated. Primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis (PCC) has been reported rarely. An unusual case of PCC characterized by a persistent solitary lesion diagnosed in Italy in an immunocompetent Italian nun living in Argentina is described. The isolate was identified by sequence analysis as C. posadasii. Antibody screening was negative. A total of 39 cases of PCC have been reported in the literature. Infections occurred as a consequence of traumatic implantation in a natural setting in endemic areas or of accidental inoculation in laboratory workers. Importance of accurate investigation of travel history and of occupational hazards to laboratory workers is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Tortorano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy,
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An imported case of acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis in an Italian traveller. Infection 2014; 42:921-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-014-0614-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Kantarcioglu AS, Sandoval-Denis M, Aygun G, Kiraz N, Akman C, Apaydin H, Karaman E, Guarro J, de Hoog GS, Gurel MS. First imported coccidioidomycosis in Turkey: A potential health risk for laboratory workers outside endemic areas. Med Mycol Case Rep 2014; 3:20-5. [PMID: 24567896 PMCID: PMC3930961 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii is endemic in arid climate zones in America, travel-related cases have been reported. We report the first documented case of coccidioidomycosis in Turkey, overviewing reported cases in Europe and underlying difficulties of differential diagnosis outside endemic regions. The patient was an otherwise healthy 41-year-old man who travelled endemic areas. Laboratory diagnosis was based on direct microscopy of two subsequent subcutaneous biopsy specimens and culture and confirmed molecularly. Laboratory personnel should become aware that BioSafety Level-3 organisms may become more frequent and widespread.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Serda Kantarcioglu
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Deep Mycosis Laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - M Sandoval-Denis
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Gokhan Aygun
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Deep Mycosis Laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Nuri Kiraz
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology, Deep Mycosis Laboratory, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Canan Akman
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Radiology, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Hulya Apaydin
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Emin Karaman
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
| | - Josep Guarro
- Unitat de Microbiologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciencies de la Salut, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | | | - M S Gurel
- Department of Dermatology, Samatya Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul 34098, Turkey
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Stenland CJ, Lis LG, Schendel FJ, Hahn NJ, Smart MA, Miller AL, von Keitz MG, Gurvich VJ. A practical and scalable manufacturing process for an anti-fungal agent, Nikkomycin Z. Org Process Res Dev 2013; 17:265-272. [PMID: 23440664 DOI: 10.1021/op3003294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A scalable and reliable manufacturing process for Nikkomycin Z HCl on a 170 g scale has been developed and optimized. The process is characterized by a 2.3 g/L fermentation yield, 79% purification yield, and >98% relative purity of the final product. This method is suitable for further scale up and cGMP production. The Streptomyces tendae ΔNikQ strain developed during the course of this study is superior to any previously reported strain in terms of higher yield and purity of Nikkomycin Z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Stenland
- Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States ; BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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Cole GT, Hurtgen BJ, Hung CY. Progress Toward a Human Vaccine Against Coccidioidomycosis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2012; 6:235-244. [PMID: 23585916 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-012-0105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (San Joaquin Valley fever) is a human respiratory disease caused by a soil-borne mold, and is recognized as an intransigent microbial infection by physicians who treat patients with the potentially life-threatening, disseminated form of this mycosis. Epidemiological studies based on surveys of skin-test reactivity of people who reside in the endemic regions of the Southwestern US have shown that at least 150,000 new infections occur annually. The clinical spectrum of coccidioidomycosis ranges from an asymptomatic insult to a severe pulmonary disease in which the pathogen may spread from the lungs to the skin, bones, brain and other body organs. Escalation of symptomatic infections and increased cost of long-term antifungal treatment warrant a concerted effort to develop a vaccine against coccidioidomycosis. This review examines recently reported strategies used to generate such a vaccine and summarizes current understanding of the nature of protective immunity to this formidable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry T Cole
- Department of Biology and South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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