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Janssens I, Lambrecht BN, Van Braeckel E. Aspergillus and the Lung. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:3-20. [PMID: 38286136 PMCID: PMC10857890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus causes a wide spectrum of diseases in the human lung, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most pathogenic and allergenic subspecies. The broad range of clinical syndromes that can develop from the presence of Aspergillus in the respiratory tract is determined by the interaction between host and pathogen. In this review, an oversight of the different clinical entities of pulmonary aspergillosis is given, categorized by their main pathophysiological mechanisms. The underlying immune processes are discussed, and the main clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological findings are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Janssens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC; Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Tokamani M, Figgou E, Papamichail L, Sakka E, Toros A, Bouchorikou A, Giannakakis A, Matthaiou EI, Sandaltzopoulos R. A Multiplex PCR Melting-Curve-Analysis-Based Detection Method for the Discrimination of Five Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:842. [PMID: 37623613 PMCID: PMC10455196 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus mold is a ubiquitously found, airborne pathogen that can cause a variety of diseases from mild to life-threatening in severity. Limitations in diagnostic methods combined with anti-fungal resistance render Aspergillus a global emerging pathogen. In industry, Aspergilli produce toxins, such as aflatoxins, which can cause food spoilage and pose public health risk issues. Here, we report a multiplex qPCR method for the detection and identification of the five most common pathogenic Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Aspergillus nidulans. Our approach exploits species-specific nucleotide polymorphisms within their ITS genomic regions. This novel assay combines multiplex single-color real time qPCR and melting curve analysis and provides a straight-forward, rapid, and cost-effective detection method that can identify five Aspergillus species simultaneously in a single reaction using only six unlabeled primers. Due to their unique fragment lengths, the resulting amplicons are directly linked to certain Aspergillus species like fingerprints, following either electrophoresis or melting curve analysis. Our method is characterized by high analytical sensitivity and specificity, so it may serve as a useful and inexpensive tool for Aspergillus diagnostic applications both in health care and the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tokamani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Eleftheria Figgou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Lito Papamichail
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Eleni Sakka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Athanasios Toros
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Anastasia Bouchorikou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonis Giannakakis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Raphael Sandaltzopoulos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (M.T.); (E.F.); (L.P.); (E.S.); (A.T.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
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Clinical Impact of Aspergillus fumigatus in Children with Cystic Fibrosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040739. [PMID: 35456789 PMCID: PMC9032721 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The clinical relevance of Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is controversial. The aims of the study were to assess the prevalence of Af disease in our cohort of CF patients and evaluate whether allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and sensitization to Af affected lung function, body mass index (BMI) and exacerbations. Methods. Clinical data and lung function of CF patients aged 6−18 years followed at the CF Centre of Parma (Italy) were recorded. Patients were classified as: patients with no signs of Af, patients sensitized or colonized by Af, patients with ABPA or patients with Aspergillus bronchitis (Ab). Results. Of 38 CF patients (14.2 years (6.2−18.8) M 23), 8 (21%) showed Af sensitization, 7 (18.4%) showed ABPA, 1 (2.6%) showed Af colonization and 1 (2.6%) showed Ab. Compared to non-ABPA, patients with ABPA had lower BMI (15.9 ± 1.6 vs. 19.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.005), lower lung function (FEV1 61.5 ± 25.9% vs. 92.3 ± 19.3%, p < 0.001) and more exacerbations/year (4.43 ± 2.44 vs. 1.74 ± 2.33, p < 0.005). Patients with Af sensitization showed more exacerbations/year than non-Af patients (3.5 ± 3.2 vs. 0.9 ± 1.2, p < 0.005). ABPA and sensitized patients had more abnormalities on chest CT scans. Conclusion. This study showed the relevant clinical impact of ABPA and Af sensitization in terms of exacerbations and lung structural damage.
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The Effect of CFTR Modulators on Airway Infection in Cystic Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073513. [PMID: 35408875 PMCID: PMC8998472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of Cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR) modulators in 2012 was a critical event in the history of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that target downstream effects of CFTR dysfunction, CFTR modulators aim to correct the underlying defect at the protein level. These genotype-specific therapies are now available for an increasing number of CF patients, transforming the way we view the condition from a life-limiting disease to one that can be effectively managed. Several studies have demonstrated the vast improvement CFTR modulators have on normalization of sweat chloride, CFTR function, clinical endpoints, and frequency of pulmonary exacerbation. However, their impact on other aspects of the disease, such as pathogenic burden and airway infection, remain under explored. Frequent airway infections as a result of increased susceptibility and impaired innate immune response are a serious problem within CF, often leading to accelerated decline in lung function and disease progression. Current evidence suggests that CFTR modulators are unable to eradicate pathogenic organisms in those with already established lung disease. However, this may not be the case for those with relatively low levels of disease progression and conserved microbial diversity, such as young patients. Furthermore, it remains unknown whether the restorative effects exerted by CFTR modulators extend to immune cells, such as phagocytes, which have the potential to modulate the response of people with CF (pwCF) to infection. Throughout this review, we look at the potential impact of CFTR modulators on airway infection in CF and their ability to shape impaired pulmonary defences to pathogens.
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Lv Q, Elders BBLJ, Warris A, Caudri D, Ciet P, Tiddens HAWM. Aspergillus-related lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis: can imaging help us to diagnose disease? Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210103. [PMID: 34789463 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0103-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF), viscous sputum and dysfunction of the mucociliary escalator leads to early and chronic infections. The prevalence of Aspergillus fumigatus in sputum is high in PwCF and the contribution of A. fumigatus to the progression of structural lung disease has been reported. However, overall, relatively little is known about the contribution of A. fumigatus to CF lung disease. More knowledge is needed to aid clinical decisions on whether to start antifungal treatment. In this review, we give an overview of A. fumigatus colonisation and infection in PwCF and the different types of pulmonary disease caused by it. Furthermore, we discuss the current evidence for structural lung damage associated with A. fumigatus in PwCF on chest computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We conclude that radiological outcomes to identify disease caused by A. fumigatus can be important for clinical studies and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianting Lv
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadette B L J Elders
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Daan Caudri
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pierluigi Ciet
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm A W M Tiddens
- Dept of Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands .,Dept of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Bercusson A, Jarvis G, Shah A. CF Fungal Disease in the Age of CFTR Modulators. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:655-664. [PMID: 33813719 PMCID: PMC8536598 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are increasingly recognised to have a significant role in the progression of lung disease in Cystic fibrosis with Aspergillus fumigatus the most common fungus isolated during respiratory sampling. The emergence of novel CFTR modulators has, however, significantly changed the outlook of disease progression in CF. In this review we discuss what impact novel CFTR modulators will have on fungal lung disease and its management in CF. We discuss how CFTR modulators affect antifungal innate immunity and consider the impact of Ivacaftor on fungal disease in individuals with gating mutations. We further review the increasing complication of drug-drug interactions with concurrent use of azole antifungal medication and highlight key unknowns that require addressing to fully understand the impact of CFTR modulators on fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bercusson
- Cystic Fibrosis Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - George Jarvis
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Lattanzi C, Messina G, Fainardi V, Tripodi MC, Pisi G, Esposito S. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: An Update on the Newest Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Approaches. Pathogens 2020; 9:E716. [PMID: 32878014 PMCID: PMC7559707 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common autosomal-recessive genetic disease in the Caucasian population, is characterized by frequent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Fungal species are commonly found in patients with CF, and among them, Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequently isolated. While bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have a well-established negative effect on CF lung disease, the impact of fungal infections remains unclear. In patients with CF, inhalation of Aspergillus conidia can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), a Th2-mediated lung disease that can contribute to disease progression. Clinical features, diagnostic criteria and treatment of ABPA are still a matter of debate. Given the consequences of a late ABPA diagnosis or the risk of ABPA overdiagnosis, it is imperative that the diagnostic criteria guidelines are reviewed and standardized. Along with traditional criteria, radiological features are emerging as tools for further classification as well as novel immunological tests. Corticosteroids, itraconazole and voriconazole continue to be the bedrock of ABPA therapy, but other molecules, such as posaconazole, vitamin D, recombinant INF-γ and Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) modulators, have been showing positive results. However, few studies have been conducted recruiting CF patients, and more research is needed to improve the prevention and the classification of clinical manifestations as well as to personalize treatment. Early recognition and early treatment of fungal infections may be fundamental to prevent progression of CF disease. The aim of this narrative review is to give an update on ABPA in children with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.L.); (G.M.); (V.F.); (M.C.T.); (G.P.)
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