Cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis: New predictors and clinical outcomes at a United States academic medical centre

Epidemiology of Cryptococcosis Among Patients With Commercial Health Insurance and Patients With Medicaid, United States, 2016-2022

In 2 large health insurance claims databases, cryptococcosis prevalence was 3.4 cases per 100 000 commercially insured patients and 6.5 per 100 000 Medicaid patients. Prevalence was higher among males, non-Hispanic Black patients, and residents of the Southern United States, likely reflecting the disproportionate burden of HIV in these populations.

Construction and validation of a nomogram model to predict the poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis

Background

Patients with poor prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) are prone to other complications such as meningeal infection, recurrence or even death. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influencing factors in the poor prognosis of patients with PC, so as to build a predictive nomograph model of poor prognosis of PC, and verify the predictive performance of the model.

Methods

This retrospective study included 410 patients (78.1%) with improved prognosis of PC and 115 patients (21.9%) with poor prognosis of PC. The 525 patients with PC were randomly divided into the training set and validation set according to the ratio of 7:3. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to screen the demographic information, including clinical characteristics, laboratory test indicators, comorbidity and treatment methods of patients, and other independent factors that affect the prognosis of PC. These factors were included in the multivariable logistic regression model to build a predictive nomograph. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to verify the accuracy and application value of the model.

Results

It was finally confirmed that psychological symptoms, cytotoxic drugs, white blood cell count, hematocrit, platelet count, CRP, PCT, albumin, and CD4/CD8 were independent predictors of poor prognosis of PC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model for poor prognosis in the training set and validation set were 0.851 (95% CI: 0.818-0.881) and 0.949, respectively. At the same time, calibration curve and DCA results confirmed the excellent performance of the nomogram in predicting poor prognosis of PC.

Conclusion

The nomograph model for predicting the poor prognosis of PC constructed in this study has good prediction ability, which is helpful for improving the prognosis of PC and further optimizing the clinical management strategy.

Glucocorticoids as a risk factor for infection and adverse outcomes in non-HIV and non-transplant patients with cryptococcal meningitis

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM), an opportunistic fungal infection affecting immunocompromised hosts, leads to high mortality. The role of previous exposure to glucocorticoids as a risk factor and as an outcome modulator has been observed, but systematic studies are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of glucocorticoid use on the clinical outcomes, specifically mortality, of non-HIV and non-transplant (NHNT) patients diagnosed with CM.

METHODS

We queried a global research network to identify adult NHNT patients with CM based on ICD codes or recorded specific Cryptococcus CSF lab results with or without glucocorticoid exposure the year before diagnosis. We performed a propensity score-matched analysis to reduce the risk of confounding and analysed outcomes by glucocorticoid exposure. We used a Cox proportional hazards model for survival analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 764 patients with a history of glucocorticoid exposure and 1267 patients without who developed CM within 1 year. After propensity score matching of covariates, we obtained 627 patients in each cohort. The mortality risk in 1 year was greater in patients exposed to prior glucocorticoids (OR: 1.3, CI: 1.2-2.0, p = 0.002). We found an excess of 45 deaths among CM patients with previous glucocorticoid use (7.4% increased absolute risk of dying within 1 year of diagnosis) compared to CM controls without glucocorticoid exposure. Hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission, emergency department visits, stroke and cognitive dysfunction also showed significant, unfavourable outcomes in patients with glucocorticoid-exposed CM compared to glucocorticoid-unexposed CM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous glucocorticoid administration in NHNT patients seems to associate with 1-year mortality after CM adjusted for possible confounders related to demographics, comorbidities and additional immunosuppressive medications. Serial CrAg screening might be appropriate for higher-risk patients on glucocorticoids after further cost-benefit analyses.

Divergent neuroimmune signatures in the cerebrospinal fluid predict differential gender-specific survival among patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis

Introduction

Survival among people with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains low, particularly among women, despite the currently optimal use of antifungal drugs. Cryptococcus dissemination into the central nervous system [brain, spinal cord, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)] elicits the local production of cytokines, chemokines, and other biomarkers. However, no consistent diagnostic or prognostic neuroimmune signature is reported to underpin the risk of death or to identify mechanisms to improve treatment and survival. We hypothesized that distinct neuroimmune signatures in the CSF would distinguish survivors from people who died on antifungal treatment and who may benefit from tailored therapy.

Methods

We considered baseline clinical features, CSF cryptococcal fungal burden, and CSF neuroimmune signatures with survival at 18 weeks among 419 consenting adults by "gender" (168 women and 251 men by biological sex defined at birth).

Results

Survival at 18 weeks was significantly lower among women than among men {47% vs. 59%, respectively; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.4 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0 to 1.9; p = 0.023]}. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated divergent neuroimmune signatures by gender, survival, and intragender-specific survival. Overall, women had lower levels of programmed death ligand 1, Interleukin (IL) (IL-11RA/IL-1F30, and IL-15 (IL-15) than men (all p < 0.028). Female survivors compared with those who died expressed significant elevations in levels of CCL11 and CXCL10 chemokines (both p = 0.001), as well as increased T helper 1, regulatory, and T helper 17 cytokines (all p < 0.041). In contrast, male survivors expressed lower levels of IL-15 and IL-8 compared with men who died (p < 0.044).

Conclusions

Survivors of both genders demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of immune regulatory IL-10. In conclusion, the lower survival among women with CM was accompanied by distinct differential gender-specific neuroimmune signatures. These female and male intragender-specific survival-associated neuroimmune signatures provide potential targets for interventions to advance therapy to improve the low survival among people with HIV-associated CM.

Palmitoylethanolamide shows limited efficacy in controlling cerebral cryptococcosis in vivo

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an encapsulated neurotropic fungal pathogen and the causative agent of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) in humans. Recommended treatment for CME is Amphotericin B (AmpB) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Though effective, AmpB has displayed numerous adverse side effects due to its potency and nephrotoxicity, prompting investigation into alternative treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an immunomodulatory compound capable of promoting neuroprotection and reducing inflammation. To investigate the efficacy of PEA as a therapeutic alternative for CME, we intracerebrally infected mice with Cn and treated them with PEA or AmpB alone or in combination. Our results demonstrate that PEA alone does not significantly prolong survival nor reduce fungal burden, but when combined with AmpB, PEA exerts an additive effect and promotes both survivability and fungal clearance. However, we compared this combination to traditional AmpB and 5-FC treatment in a survivability study and observed lower efficacy. Overall, our study revealed that PEA alone is not effective as an antifungal agent in the treatment of CME. Importantly, we describe the therapeutic capability of PEA in the context of Cn infection and show that its immunomodulatory properties may confer limited protection when combined with an effective fungicidal agent.

Divergent Neuroimmune Signatures in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Predict Differential Gender-Specific Survival Among Patients With HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis

Survival among people with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains low, exceptionally among women with the increased threat of death on current optimal use of antifungal drugs. Cryptococcus dissemination into the central nervous system (CNS) prompts a neuroimmune reaction to activate pathogen concomitant factors. However, no consistent diagnostic or prognostic immune-mediated signature is reported to underpin the risk of death or mechanism to improve treatment or survival. We theorized that the distinct neuroimmune cytokine or chemokine signatures in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), distinguish survivors from people who died on antifungal treatment, who may benefit from tailored therapy. We considered the baseline clinical disease features, cryptococcal microbiologic factors, and CSF neuroimmune modulated signatures among 419 consenting adults by gender (biological sex assigned at birth) (168 females and 251 males) by 18 weeks of survival on antifungal management. Survival at 18 weeks was inferior among females than males (47% vs. 59%; hazard ratio HR=1.4, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.9, and p=0.023). Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated the divergent neuroimmune signatures by gender, survival, and intragender-specific survival. Overall, females displayed lower levels of PD-L1, IL-1RA, and IL-15 than males (all p≤0.028). Female survivors compared with those who died, expressed significant fold elevations in levels of CSF (CCL11 - myeloid and CXCL10 - lymphoid chemokine (in both p=0.001), and CSF Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. In contrast, male survivors expressed distinctly lower levels of CSF IL-15 and IL-8 compared with those who died. Survivors of either gender demonstrated a significant increase in the levels of immune regulatory element, IL-10. In the finale, we classified divergent neuroimmune key signatures in CSF by gender, survival, and intragender-specific survival among people with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. These intragender-specific survival associated-neuroimmune signatures, suggests the discrete role of gender immune regulating mechanisms as the possible targets for interventions to advance therapy to improve survival among people with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

Retrospective analysis of pulmonary cryptococcosis and extrapulmonary cryptococcosis in a chinese tertiary hospital

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal disease with increased morbidity in China over the past two decades. Cryptococci can infect immunocompromised hosts as well as immunocompetent ones. In this study, we reviewed data of 71 inpatients with cryptococcosis at Ningbo First Hospital from May 2010 to May 2020 and compared the clinical profiles of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) and extrapulmonary cryptococcosis (EPC). Of 71 patients (38 males, 33 females), 70 were non-HIV. The annual inpatient population increased dramatically, especially in the PC group. PC was confirmed in 77.46% (55/71) of cases by pathology. The rest were EPC including intracranial infection (15.49%, 11/71) and cryptococcemia (7.04%, 5/71). Compared with PC, a larger proportion of EPC patients were found to have immunocompromised conditions judged by predisposing factors (p < 0.01), or detectable humoral or cellular immunodeficiency. Fever and headache were more common in EPC patients (p < 0.001). Patients with EPC had lower serum sodium level (p = 0.041), lower monocyte counts (p = 0.025) and higher C-reactive protein (p = 0.012). In our study, the sensitivity of cryptococcus antigen detection for EPC was 100% regardless of sample type, while serum lateral flow assay (LFA) tested negative in 25% (5/20) of PC. Immunocompromised hosts are more likely to suffer from EPC than PC.

Palmitoylethanolamide shows limited efficacy in controlling cerebral cryptococcosis in vivo

Cryptococcus neoformans ( Cn ) is an encapsulated neurotropic fungal pathogen and the causative agent of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) in humans. Recommended treatment for CME is Amphotericin B (AmpB) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Though effective, AmpB has displayed numerous adverse side effects due to its potency and nephrotoxicity, prompting investigation into alternative treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an immunomodulatory compound capable of promoting neuroprotection and reducing inflammation. To investigate the efficacy of PEA as a therapeutic alternative for CME, we intracerebrally infected mice with Cn and treated them with PEA or AmpB alone or in combination. Our results demonstrate that PEA alone does not significantly prolong survival nor reduce fungal burden, but when combined with AmpB, PEA exerts an additive effect and promotes both survivability and fungal clearance. However, we compared this combination to traditional AmpB and 5-FC treatment in a survivability study and observed lower efficacy. Overall, our study revealed that PEA alone is not effective as an antifungal agent in the treatment of CME. Importantly, we describe the therapeutic capability of PEA in the context of Cn infection and show that its immunomodulatory properties may confer limited protection when combined with an effective fungicidal agent.

Clinical Manifestations of Human Exposure to Fungi

Biological particles, along with inorganic gaseous and particulate pollutants, constitute an ever-present component of the atmosphere and surfaces. Among these particles are fungal species colonizing almost all ecosystems, including the human body. Although inoffensive to most people, fungi can be responsible for several health problems, such as allergic fungal diseases and fungal infections. Worldwide fungal disease incidence is increasing, with new emerging fungal diseases appearing yearly. Reasons for this increase are the expansion of life expectancy, the number of immunocompromised patients (immunosuppressive treatments for transplantation, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency diseases), the number of uncontrolled underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the misusage of medication (e.g., corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics). Managing fungal diseases is challenging; only four classes of antifungal drugs are available, resistance to these drugs is increasing, and no vaccines have been approved. The present work reviews the implications of fungal particles in human health from allergic diseases (i.e., allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, severe asthma with fungal sensitization, thunderstorm asthma, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and occupational lung diseases) to infections (i.e., superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic infections). Topics such as the etiological agent, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment will be revised to improve the knowledge of this growing health concern.

Phospholipase B Is Critical for Cryptococcus neoformans Survival in the Central Nervous System

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an opportunistic, encapsulated, yeast-like fungus that causes severe meningoencephalitis, especially in countries with high HIV prevalence. In addition to its well-known polysaccharide capsule, Cn has other virulence factors such as phospholipases, a heterogeneous group of enzymes that hydrolyze ester linkages in glycerophospholipids. Phospholipase B (PLB1) has been demonstrated to play a key role in Cn pathogenicity. In this study, we used a PLB1 mutant (plb1) and its reconstituted strain (Rec1) to assess the importance of this enzyme on Cn brain infection in vivo and in vitro. Mice infected with the plb1 strain survive significantly longer, have lower peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) fungal loads, and have fewer and smaller cryptococcomas or biofilm-like brain lesions compared to H99- and Rec1-infected animals. PLB1 causes extensive brain tissue damage and changes microglia morphology during cryptococcal disease, observations which can have important implications in patients with altered mental status or dementia as these manifestations are related to poorer survival outcomes. plb1 cryptococci are significantly more phagocytosed and killed by NR-9460 microglia-like cells. plb1 cells have altered capsular polysaccharide biophysical properties which impair their ability to stimulate glial cell responses or morphological changes. Here, we provide significant evidence demonstrating that Cn PLB1 is an important virulence factor for fungal colonization of and survival in the CNS as well as in the progression of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. These findings may potentially help fill in a gap of knowledge in our understanding of cerebral cryptococcosis and provide novel research avenues in Cn pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) is a serious disease caused by infection by the neurotropic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the increasing number of cases in HIV-infected individuals, as well as the limited therapies available, investigation into potential targets for new therapeutics has become critical. Phospholipase B is an enzyme synthesized by Cn that confers virulence to the fungus through capsular enlargement, immunomodulation, and intracellular replication. In this study, we examined the properties of PLB1 by comparing infection of a Cn PLB1 mutant strain with both the wild-type and a PLB1-reconstituted strain. We show that PLB1 augments the survival and proliferation of the fungus in the CNS and strengthens virulence by modulating the immune response and enhancing specific biophysical properties of the fungus. PLB1 expression causes brain tissue damage and impacts glial cell functions, which may be responsible for the dementia observed in patients which may persist even after resolving from CME. The implications of PLB1 inhibition reveal its involvement in Cn infection and suggest that it may be a possible molecular target in the development of antifungal therapies. The results of this study support additional investigation into the mechanism of PLB1 to further understand the intricacies of cerebral Cn infection.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Cryptococcosis among Patients with and without COVID-19

The effect of COVID-19 on the risk and prognosis of cryptococcosis is unclear. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients with and without COVID-19. Patients 18 years and older with cryptococcosis were identified from TriNetX and separated into two cohorts based on a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 3 months of the index diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Differences examined between groups included comorbidities, immunosuppressive medications, ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, and deaths. The propensity score matching was performed based on demographics and comorbidities. Of the 6998 patients with cryptococcosis included, 4.4% (n = 306) had COVID-19 prior to cryptococcosis. Mortality was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 (14% vs. 11%, p = 0.032). Additionally, those with COVID-19 were older (55.2 ± 14.4 vs. 51.9 ± 15.2 years, p < 0.001) with higher rates of transplant (29% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), neoplastic disease (37% vs. 21%, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (42% vs. 18%, p < 0.001), or diabetes (35% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) but not HIV (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.618). Glucocorticoid use was more common in those with COVID-19 (52% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). More patients with COVID-19 required ED visits (29% vs. 23%, p = 0.025) and ICU admission (18% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, patients with COVID-19 had higher rates of neoplastic disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and glucocorticoid use but did not experience worse outcomes compared to those without COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 who developed cryptococcosis had independently higher rates of comorbidities and glucocorticoid use but similar outcomes, including death, versus those without COVID-19.

Cryptococcal Meningitis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Two-Decade Cohort Study in France

Cryptococcosis is the third most common cause of invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant recipients and cryptococcal meningitis (CM) its main clinical presentation. CM outcomes, as well as its clinical features and radiological characteristics, have not yet been considered on a large scale in the context of kidney transplantation (KT). We performed a nationwide retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis after KT between 2002 and 2020 across 30 clinical centers in France. We sought to describe overall and graft survival based on whether KT patients with cryptococcosis developed CM or not. Clinical indicators of CNS involvement and brain radiological characteristics were assessed. Eighty-eight cases of cryptococcosis were diagnosed during the study period, with 61 (69.3%) cases of CM. Mortality was high (32.8%) at 12 months (M12) but not significantly different whether or not patients presented with CM. Baseline hyponatremia and at least one neurological symptom were independently associated with CM (p < 0.001). Positive serum cryptococcal antigen at diagnosis was also significantly associated with CM (p < 0.001). On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), three patterns of brain injury were identified: parenchymal, meningeal, and vascular lesions. Although CM does not affect graft function directly, it entails a grim prognosis.

Cryptococcosis among hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a multicenter research network study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear if there is an association between COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes associated with cryptococcosis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of and examine factors associated with cryptococcosis after a diagnosis of COVID-19.

METHODS

We used TriNetX to identify and sort patients 18 years and older hospitalized with COVID-19 into two cohorts based on the presence or absence of a diagnosis of cryptococcosis following diagnosis of COVID-19. Outcomes of interest included the incidence of cryptococcosis following the diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as the proportion of patients in each group who had underlying comorbidities, received immunomodulatory therapy, required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation (MV), or who died. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

Among 212,479 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 65 developed cryptococcosis. The incidence of cryptococcosis following COVID-19 was 0.022%. Patients with cryptococcosis were more likely to be male and have underlying comorbidities. Among cases, 32% were people with HIV. Patients with cryptococcosis were more likely to have received tocilizumab (p<0.0001) or baricitinib (p<0.0001), but not dexamethasone (p=0.0840). ICU admission (38% vs 29%), MV (23% vs 11%), and mortality (36% vs 14%) were significantly higher among patients with cryptococcosis. Mortality remained elevated after adjusted propensity score matching.

CONCLUSION

Cryptococcosis occurred most often in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who had traditional risk factors, comparable to findings in patients without COVID-19. Cryptococcosis was associated with increased ICU admission, MV, and mortality.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis: Evidence From a Cohort Study

Introduction

Despite advances in the diagnosis and management, cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is still associated with high mortality due to insufficient knowledge about clinical characteristics and risk factors for poor outcomes. The aim of the present study is to provide additional evidence for regarding clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and factors associated with increased risk of mortality in CM patients.

Methods

In this cohort study, we included eligible patients consecutively admitted to West China Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. The clinical characteristics and diagnosis method of cerebrospinal fluid culture and India ink stain were analyzed. Independent risk factors were identified by a multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 186 CM patients were included in the analysis. After a 1-year follow-up, 63 patients had died. Headache is the most common presenting symptom (97.3%), followed by vomiting (72%), fever (71.5%), altered consciousness (45.7%), abnormal vision (32.8%), and seizure (15.1%). Older age, altered consciousness or seizures, lower white blood cell count or total protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and unidentified CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) are all factors associated with increasing risk of death (P < 0.05). We also found a dose-dependent trend between the number of symptoms and risk of death (trend p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age (P = 0.004, OR = 1.042, 95% CI 1.013–1.071), seizure (P = 0.025, OR = 3.105, 95% CI 1.152–8.369), altered consciousness (P < 0.001, OR=6.858, 95% CI 3.063–15.38), and unidentified CSF CrAg are the independent prognostic factors. In addition, we observed that diagnosis of 28.5% and 22.5% CM could not be established by a single testing of CSF India ink stain or culture, respectively. Use of multiple testing methods or combination of the two assays increases the detection rate.

Conclusion

Our data show that older age, seizures, altered consciousness, and an inability to detect CSF CrAg are the independent risk factors of death within 1 year in CM patients. Moreover, we recommend use of multiple testing methods with CSF culture and India ink stain. Combined testing with both assays should be considered for initial CM diagnosis.

Cryptococcosis in patients with liver cirrhosis: Death risk factors and predictive value of prognostic models

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis is associated with immune deficiency, which causes these patients to be susceptible to various infections, including cryptococcus infection. Mortality in cirrhotic patients with cryptococcosis has increased. The present study was to explore the risk factors of mortality and the predictive ability of different prognostic models.

METHODS

Forty-seven cirrhotic patients with cryptococcosis at a tertiary care hospital were included in this retrospective study. Data on demographics, clinical parameters, laboratory exams, diagnostic methods, medication during hospitalization, severity scores and prognosis were collected and analyzed. Student's t test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare characteristics of survivors and non-survivors at a 90-day follow-up and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) manifestations of cryptococcal meningitis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for mortality. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze patient survival. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the different prognostic factors.

RESULTS

The 30- and 90-day survival rates were 93.6% and 80.9%, respectively, in cirrhotic patients with cryptococcosis. Cryptogenic liver diseases [hazard ratio (HR) = 7.567, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.616-35.428, P = 0.010], activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (HR = 1.117, 95% CI: 1.016-1.229, P = 0.022) and Child-Pugh score (HR = 2.146, 95% CI: 1.314-3.504, P = 0.002) were risk factors for 90-day mortality in cirrhotic patients with cryptococcosis. Platelet count (HR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.940-0.991, P = 0.008) was a protective factor. APTT (HR = 1.120, 95% CI: 1.044-1.202, P = 0.002) and Child-Pugh score (HR = 1.637, 95% CI: 1.086-2.469, P = 0.019) were risk factors for 90-day mortality in cirrhotic patients with cryptococcal meningitis. There was significant difference in the percentage of lymphocytes in CSF between survivors and non-survivors [60.0 (35.0-75.0) vs. 95.0 (83.8-97.2), P < 0.001]. The model of end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score was more accurate for predicting 30-day mortality both in patients with cryptococcosis [area under curve (AUC): 0.826, 95% CI: 0.618-1.000] and those with cryptococcal meningitis (AUC: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.560-0.924); Child-Pugh score was more useful for predicting 90-day mortality in patients with cryptococcosis (AUC: 0.823, 95% CI: 0.646-1.000) and those with cryptococcal meningitis (AUC: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.670-0.960).

CONCLUSIONS

These results showed that cryptogenic liver diseases, APTT and Child-Pugh score were associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients with cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis. MELD-Na score was important for predicting 30-day mortality, and Child-Pugh score was critical for predicting 90-day mortality.

Establishment of a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a leading cause of death in HIV-infected patients, despite advances in CM diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study was performed with the aim to develop and validate a novel scoring model to predict mortality risk in HIV-infected patients with CM (HIV/CM).

Methods

Data on HIV/CM inpatients were obtained from a Multicenter Cohort study in China. Independent risk factors associated with mortality were identified based on data from 2013 to 2017, and a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction was established. The bootstrapping statistical method was used for internal validation. External validation was performed using data from 2018 to 2020.

Results

We found that six predictors, including age, stiff neck, impaired consciousness, intracranial pressure, CD4⁺ T-cell count, and urea levels, were associated with poor prognosis in HIV/CM patients. The novel scoring model could effectively identify HIV/CM patients at high risk of death on admission (area under curve 0.876; p<0.001). When the cut-off value of 5.5 points or more was applied, the sensitivity and specificity was 74.1 and 83.8%, respectively. Our scoring model showed a good discriminatory ability, with an area under the curve of 0.879 for internal validation via bootstrapping, and an area under the curve of 0.886 for external validation.

Conclusions

Our developed scoring model of six variables is simple, convenient, and accurate for screening high-risk patients with HIV/CM, which may be a useful tool for physicians to assess prognosis in HIV/CM inpatients.

A case series of post COVID-19 mucormycosis-a neurological prospective

Background

Direct neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease whether peripheral or central are reported worldwide. Yet, along the 3rd wave of the pandemic especially in India, an associated angioinvasive opportunistic infection with mucormycosis in COVID-19 cases is emerging.

Case presentation

The current case series which represents 4 patients with mucormycosis post COVID-19 is one of a few if not the first case series that discusses post COVID-19 mucormycosis from a neurological prospective in a tertiary hospital in Egypt.

All cases but one presented with total ophthalmoplegia, and only one was diagnosed as a cavernous sinus thrombosis; meanwhile, orbital cellulitis and orbital apex syndrome were responsible of ophthalmoplegia in two cases.

Mortality reached 25%, and the case that died suffered cutaneous as well as rhino-cerebral type with a delayed presentation to hospital.

Conclusion

A rare but fatal fungal infection is ought to be nowadays kept in mind in COVID-19 active cases as well as in recovered COVID-19 patients, especially those who have comorbid medical conditions as uncontrolled diabetes and who were treated with large doses of corticosteroids.

First Case Report of an Unusual Fungus (Sporopachydermia lactativora) Associated with a Pulmonary Infection in a Drug Injection User

In contrast to a robust literature on known pathogenic fungi such as Cryptococcus and Aspergillus species that cause pulmonary infections, reports of the uncommon genus Sporopachydermia causing infections are very limited. We present the first case report describing the fungus, Sporopachydermia lactativora as a likely cause of pneumonia in a patient with a history of polysubstance abuse and injection drug use (IDU). The patient recovered following antifungal treatment. The organism was recovered from a blood culture, 3 days post collection. Although CHROMagar was of little value, only yeast-like organisms were observed on cornmeal agar. The organism was not in the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization—time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry database. Definitive identification was achieved using the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence analysis by targeting the ITS1 (internal transcribed spacer 1) region. This case report is intended to promote awareness of this fungus as a potential pathogen, by providing new information that has not yet been reported in the literature, and prompts physician awareness to suspect a fungal infection when managing patients with a history of IDU as a potential source of unique environmental organisms not previously encountered, warranting more comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options.

Smoking as a Risk Factor of Invasive Fungal Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To investigate the association between smoking and invasive fungal disease (IFD), we searched MEDLINE and Web of Science for studies published until September 2018. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Relative risks (RRs) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. We included 25 studies (18 171 participants; 2527 IFD cases). The meta-analysis showed an increased risk of IFD in smokers (RR 1.41 [95% confidence interval 1.09-1.81]; P = .008). The risk of IFD was higher in retrospective than in prospective studies (RR 1.93 [1.28-2.92] vs. 1.02 [0.78-1.34]; P = .04), in studies with multivariate adjustment compared to studies with univariate analysis (RR 2.15 [1.27-3.64] vs. 1.15 [0.88-1.51]; P = .06), and in studies published after 2002 (RR 2.08 [1.37-3.15] vs. 0.95 [0.75-1.22]; P = .008); other subgroup characteristics did not significantly influence the association in metaregression. Smoking cessation strategies should be implemented, especially in patients who are already at risk for IFD.

Increased mortality associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis: a single US cohort study

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor for bacterial infections, but its role in cryptococcosis is unclear. The study aimed to determine whether uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c >7%) was an independent risk factor for mortality in cryptococcosis.

Methods:

A retrospective case–control study partially matched by age and gender was performed in patients tested for Cryptococcus infection at the University of Colorado Hospital from 2000 to 2019. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify mortality predictors. Cox proportional hazard model was used for survival analysis.

Results:

We identified 96 cases of cryptococcosis and 125 controls. Among cases, cryptococcal meningitis (49.0%) and pneumonia (36.5%) constituted most infections. Cases with pulmonary cryptococcosis with uncontrolled diabetes had a higher mortality at 10 weeks (50% versus 7%, p = 0.006) and 1 year (66.7% versus 13.8%, p = 0.005) compared to pulmonary cases with controlled or no diabetes. Unadjusted Cox proportional hazard model found an increased rate of death for uncontrolled diabetes at 10 weeks [hazard ratio 8.4, confidence interval (CI): 1.4–50.8, p = 0.02] and 1 year (hazard ratio 7.0, CI: 1.7–28.4, p = 0.007) among pulmonary cryptococcosis cases. Multivariable analysis showed a significantly increased odds of 10 weeks [odds ratio (OR) = 4.3, CI: 1.1–16.5, p = 0.035] and 1 year (OR = 5.0, CI: 1.4–18.3, p = 0.014) mortality for uncontrolled diabetes among pulmonary cryptococcosis cases. After adjustment for gender, age, and case/control, for every 1% increase in HbA1c levels, the odds of pulmonary cryptococcosis mortality at 1 year increased by 11% (OR = 1.6, CI 95%: 1.1–2.3, p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with worse outcomes in pulmonary cryptococcosis, including a 4-fold and 6-fold increased odds of death at 10 weeks and 1 year, respectively. Glucose control interventions should be explored to improve clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis.

AAIT: A novel prognostic model for HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis New Scoring Model for Non-HIV Patients with CM

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a common opportunistic infection in HIV-negative patients, with mortality rates as high as those in the HIV-negative population. This requires accurate initial clinical decision-making, warranting the development of a prognostic score. Two groups of patients were investigated separately to develop a novel prognostic model (AAIT) for HIV-negative patients with CM. A retrospective analysis of 201 HIV-negative patients with CM was conducted to develop the CM prognostic score. In addition, the CM cohort (n = 21) was recruited longitudinally to verify the new prognostic score. Meanwhile, the association between the prognostic score and 1-year mortality of CM was expounded. AAIT (age, albumin, combined bacterial infection, and total triiodothyronine) is a novel prognostic score based on age, albumin level, combined bacterial infection, and total triiodothyronine (TT3) level, which were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (0.68 [-0.70 to 1.55] vs - 1.72 [-3.75 to -0.73], P < .00). Regarding the AAIT-predicted 1-year mortality, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value was 0.857, whereas it was 0.965 for the validation cohort. In the induction period, different treatment options did not seem to significantly improve the 1-year survival rate. AAIT is a straightforward and clear prognostic score that can add value to predict the outcomes in HIV-negative patients with CM. In addition, controlling infection and increasing the albumin and TT3 levels may help improve clinical outcomes in HIV-negative patients with CM.

LAY ABSTRACT

AAIT (age, albumin, combined bacterial infection, and total triiodothyronine) is a straightforward and clear prognostic score that can add value to predict the outcomes HIV-negative patients with CM.

Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Rare Complication in HIV-Negative Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome in A Chinese Teaching Hospital

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a rare complication in HIV-negative patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), and knowledge about the clinical profile of NS with CM is limited. We performed a retrospective study of all patients with CM-NS admitted to the Jiangxi Chest Hospital (JCH) between 2011 and 2019 and systematically reviewed cases of CM-NS reported in the Chinese language. Among a total of 226 CM patients referred to the JCH, seven had NS (3.1%); these patients were combined with 22 CM-NS cases reported in the Chinese language for analysis. Headache, fever, nausea, and meningeal irritation were the most common initial symptoms, and the median time from symptom onset to CM diagnostic confirmation was 30 days. One patient initially tested negative for CM but was later confirmed to be positive. Among the 29 analysed patients, 41.4% (12/29) were misdiagnosed with other complications, including four patients from the JCH (4/7, 57.1%) and eight patients from published reports (8/22, 36.3%). The overall mortality rate was 17.2% (5/29); among these patients, 60% (3/5) were misdiagnosed. Induction treatment with amphotericin B plus 5-fluorocytosine (9/29) or amphotericin B plus fluconazole (7/29) successfully cleared the infection. Fluconazole may be a suitable alternative if 5-fluorocytosine is not readily available or not tolerated, and repetitive testing is important to reach a conclusive diagnosis in NS patients suspected of having CM.

Microbiological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Cryptococcal Meningitis at a Tertiary Hospital in China: A 6-Year Retrospective Analysis

Cryptococcal meningitis, mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii species complexes, is a lethal infection in both immunosuppressive and immunocompetent populations. We characterized 110 Cryptococcus strains collected from Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China during the 6-year study period between 2013 and 2018, and performed their antifungal susceptibility testing. Furthermore, the clinical features, laboratory and imaging data, treatment strategies and outcomes of the subjects were retrospectively analyzed. Of 110 Cryptococcus strains, C. neoformans species complexes accounted for 96.4% (106/110), including C. neoformans sensu stricto (VNI molecular type, 95.5%, 105/110) and Cryptococcus deneoformans (VNIV molecular type, 0.9%, 1/110), and Cryptococcus deuterogattii (VGII molecular type) accounted for 3.6% (4/110). The strains were further classified into 17 individual sequence types (STs) by using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). 89.1% (98/110) were represented by ST5; seven C. deuterogattii strains and one Cryptococcus deneoformans strain were assigned as ST7 and ST260, respectively. Antifungal minimal inhibitory concentrations above the epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) were found mainly in C. neoformans species complexes strains (nine for amphotericin B, nine for fluconazole and seven for 5-fluorocytosine). Furthermore, 60.9% (67/110) of the subjects were male, and 40.0% (44/110) did not have underlying diseases. Hepatic diseases (hepatitis/HBV carrier status and cirrhosis) were the most common underlying health conditions (11.8%, 13/110), followed by autoimmune disorders (10.9%, 12/110) and chronic kidney disease (6.36%, 7/110). Only 4.5% (5/110) of the patients were HIV/AIDS positives. For clinical presentation, headache (77.3%, 85/110), fever (47.3%, 52/110), and stiff neck (40.9%, 45/110) were commonly observed. The mortality rate was 35.0% (36/103). In conclusion, our data were characterized by a high prevalence of the Cryptococcal meningitis patients without HIV/AIDS and other underlying health conditions, a relatively high non-wild-type rate of fluconazole and amphotericin B resistance, and low genetic diversity in Cryptococcus strains. The present study will provide evidence for further improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis in China.

Hyponatremia in Infectious Diseases-A Literature Review

Hyponatremia is one of the most common water-electrolyte imbalances in the human organism. A serum sodium concentration threshold of less than 135 mmol/L is diagnostic for hyponatremia. The disorder is usually secondary to various diseases, including infections. Our review aims to summarize the diagnostic value and impact of hyponatremia on the prognosis, length of the hospitalization, and mortality among patients with active infection. The scientific literature regarding hyponatremia was reviewed using PubMed, ClinicalKey, and Web of Science databases. Studies published between 2011 and 2020 were screened and eligible studies were selected according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement and specific inclusion criteria. The most common infections that were associated with hyponatremia were viral and bacterial infections, including COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). The etiology varied according to the infection site, setting and patient cohort it concerned. In several studies, hyponatremia was associated with prolonged hospitalization, worse outcomes, and higher mortality rates. Hyponatremia can also play a diagnostic role in differentiating pathogens that cause a certain infection type, as it was observed in community-acquired pneumonia. Although many mechanisms leading to hyponatremia have already been described, it is impossible with any certainty to ascribe the etiology of hyponatremia to any of them.

Increased cryptococcal meningitis mortality among HIV negative, non-transplant patients: a single US center cohort study

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is an opportunistic fungal infection associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other forms of immunosuppression. We lack a clear understanding of CM associated mortality among HIV-negative, non-transplant patients in the United States (US). This article compares clinical features and outcomes across HIV status in patients with laboratory-confirmed CM.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed that included adult patients with laboratory-confirmed CM treated at an academic tertiary hospital between January 2000 and September 2018. Those with a history of organ transplant or non-meningeal infections were excluded. Data were gathered on demographics, HIV status, clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles, neurological outcomes, hospital course, and mortality.

Results

A total of 70 patients with cryptococcal disease were identified. Our final sample included 36 CM patients, mean age was 48.8 ± 13.2 years; of this group, 66.7% (n = 24) had HIV. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] absolute CD4 count for the HIV group was 35 cells/μl (10-80 cells/μl). Non-HIV/non-transplant patients were significantly older (p < 0.001) and had higher rates of altered mental status (AMS) on presentation (58.3% versus 25%, p = 0.05). Non-HIV patients/non-transplant patients had significantly higher CSF white blood cell (WBC) count (p = 0.02), lower CSF glucose (p = 0.005), and higher CSF protein (p < 0.001) compared with HIV patients. There was no significant variation in temperature, blood pressure, WBC count, serum sodium, CSF opening pressure, length of stay, intensive care unit admission, or neurological outcomes. Overall, 90-day all-cause mortality was 19.4%: mortality rates were significantly higher in non-HIV/non-transplant patients at both 90 days (41.7% versus 8.3%, p = 0.017) and 1 year (41.7% versus 12.5%, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Compared with HIV-infected individuals, non-HIV/non-transplant CM patients have a higher CSF WBC count at the time of diagnosis, higher rates of AMS on presentation, and higher rates of 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. Further prospective research is needed to identify the hallmarks of CM in non-HIV/non-transplant patients to facilitate early identification and intervention.

Audiologic and Otologic Complications of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis in Non-HIV Previously Healthy Patients

OBJECTIVE

To identify audiologic and otologic outcomes in previously healthy non-HIV patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case review of a subset of patients recruited in a prospective observational study following previously healthy individuals who developed CM.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.

PATIENTS

Previously healthy adult patients with CM without immune suppressive therapy before disease onset.

INTERVENTIONS

Diagnostic evaluations included audiometry, acoustic immittance, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response studies, in addition to neurotologic assessment.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (58 years) underwent audiologic evaluation between 6 months and 3.5 years after CM diagnosis; 21 patients were seen for longitudinal assessment with an average duration of follow up of 20.3 months. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of the cohort presented with hearing loss, most commonly (90%) sensorineural in origin. The most frequent degree of loss was mild and then moderate, although some patients had severe or profound impairment. Hearing loss improved (43%) or remained stable (38%) in most cases. Ears with internal auditory canal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had significantly more hearing loss than those without enhancement, although a similar finding was not observed with gyral enhancement or the presence of ependymitis or ventricular volume expansion. Hearing loss was not associated with reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose, CSF total protein, cryptococcal antigen, or total cell count.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss is a common manifestation of cryptococcal meningitis in previously healthy patients and may involve a cochlear or neural site of lesion, or both. Routine surveillance of hearing in patients is recommended, regardless of symptomatology, to ensure early and appropriate intervention and care.

Fluconazole plus flucytosine is a good alternative therapy for non-HIV and non-transplant-associated cryptococcal meningitis: A retrospective cohort study

Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) carries a high risk of mortality with increasing incidences in immune competent hosts. Current treatments are not well tolerated, and evaluation of other treatments is needed. Fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine in treating immune competent hosts have not been characterised. To evaluate the efficacy of fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine in treating non‐HIV‐ and non‐transplant‐associated CM. We performed a retrospective cohort study of the outcomes in immune competent patients with CM treated with fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine or deoxycholate‐amphotericin B and 5‐flucytosine. The primary outcome was treatment response evaluated at the 12th week after initiation of antifungal therapy. A total of 43 and 47 patients received amphotericin B deoxycholate and 5‐flucytosine or fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine, respectively. A total of 38 (88.4%) patients cannot tolerate recommended doses of amphotericin B deoxycholate and 5‐flucytosine (patients needed dose reduction during the treatment). Patients given fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine had higher baseline cryptococcal burdens (median 3632 versus 900 cryptococci/mL, P = 0.008). No significant differences were seen in cryptococcus clearance (74.4% vs 70.2%, P = 0.814), treatment time (39 days, 20‐69 days vs 21 days, 7‐63 days, P = 0.107) and successful response (including complete and partial responses) rates (69.7% vs 72.3%, P = 0.820). Fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine treatment had lower total adverse events (19.1% vs 90.7%, P < 0.001). Fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine had relatively high efficacy with few adverse events in treating CM. Fluconazole and 5‐flucytosine therapy is promising in patients that do not tolerate or are not suited for amphotericin B deoxycholate treatment.

Lacunar Stroke in Cryptococcal Meningitis: Clinical and Radiographic Features

OBJECTIVE

Cryptococcal meningitis carries a high mortality, and survivors are left with considerable neurologic sequelae and marked disability. We lack a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of neurologic sequelae and description of stroke features in this population. We aim to describe clinical and radiographic features and predictors of stroke in a cohort of patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

METHODS

We collected key information on patients diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis at the University of Colorado Hospital between 2000 and 2018 (n = 42). Of those, 32 had neuroimaging studies available. Bivariate and risk ratio estimates regression models were performed to identify predictors of stroke.

RESULTS

We found a 26% ischemic stroke complication rate in individuals with cryptococcal meningitis. Most strokes were acute (75%), lacunar (100%), multiple (88%), bilateral (63%), and involving the basal ganglia (75%). Presence of malignancy (38% versus 8%, P = .085) was higher in stroke in individuals with cryptococcal meningitis, although not statistically significant. Every unit decrease in hemoglobin and serum sodium were predictors for 1.35 and 1.14 times increase in the risk of ischemic stroke, respectively. The presence of hyponatremia carried a RR of 5.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-34, P = .005). Cryptococcal meningitis lead to death in 19% of patients and a considerable rate of neurologic sequela among survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryptococcal meningitis carries a high risk of lacunar stroke, particularly in the basal ganglia. Cryptococcal meningitis-associated stroke is common and frequently associated with neurologic disability among survivors. We need to understand the possible role of malignancy, anemia, and hyponatremia in the onset of ischemic stroke.

Understanding mechanisms underlying the pathology of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) by using animal models

Purpose of Review

Despite the increasing number of clinical reports on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), mechanistic understanding of IRIS is still largely limited. The main focus of this review is to summarize animal studies, which were performed to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology of IRIS.

Recent Findings

Three IRIS animal models have been reported. They are Mycobacterial IRIS (M-IRIS), cryptococcal IRIS (C-IRIS) and Pneumocystis-IRIS. M-IRIS animal model suggested that, rather than lymphopenia itself, the failure to clear the pathogen by T cells results in excessive priming of the innate immune system. If this happens before T cell reconstitution, hosts likely suffer IRIS upon T cell reconstitution. Interestingly, T cells specific to self-antigens, not only pathogen-specific, could drive IRIS as well.

Summary

The mechanism to develop IRIS is quite complicated, including multiple layers of host immune responses; the innate immune system that detects pathogens and prime host immunity, and the adaptive immune system that is reconstituted but hyper-activated particularly through CD4⁺ T cells. Animal models of IRIS, although there are still small numbers of studies available, have already provided significant insights on the mechanistic understanding of IRIS.