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Thornton CR. The potential for rapid antigen testing for mucormycosis in the context of COVID-19. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:161-167. [PMID: 37405409 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2233906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucormycosis is a highly aggressive angio-invasive disease of humans caused by Mucorales fungi. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, mucormycosis was a rare mycosis typically seen in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies or in transplant recipients. During the second wave of the pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in the disease, especially in India where a unique set of circumstances led to large numbers of life-threatening and disfiguring rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) infections. AREAS COVERED The review examines mucormycosis as a super-infection of COVID-19 patients, and the risk factors for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) that drove the ROCM epidemic in India. The limitations of current diagnostic procedures are identified, and the measures needed to improve the speed and accuracy of detection discussed. EXPERT OPINION Despite increased awareness, global healthcare systems remain unprepared for further outbreaks of ROCM. Current diagnosis of the disease is slow and inaccurate, negatively impacting on patient survival. This is most evident in low- to middle-income countries which lack suitably equipped diagnostic facilities for rapid identification of the infecting pathogens. Rapid antigen testing using point-of-care lateral-flow assays could potentially have aided in the quick and accurate diagnosis of the disease, allowing earlier intervention with surgery and Mucorales-active antifungal drugs.
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Aerts R, Cuypers L, Mercier T, Maertens J, Lagrou K. Implementation of Lateral Flow Assays for the Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis in European Hospitals: A Survey from Belgium and a Literature Review of Test Performances in Different Patient Populations. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:655-665. [PMID: 37209228 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is based on a combination of criteria, of which the detection of Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) often is decisive. To date, the most commonly used method to determine GM is an enzyme-linked immune assay (EIA). But since a few years lateral flow assays (LFAs) were introduced, providing the possibility for rapid single sample testing. More and more LFAs are entering the market, but, although often being equated, all use their own antibodies, procedures and interpretation criteria. A recent European survey revealed that about 24-33% of laboratories implemented a lateral flow assay on-site. METHODS We conducted a survey at 81 Belgian hospital laboratories regarding the implementation of LFAs in their centre. In addition, we performed an extensive review of all publicly available studies on the performance of lateral flow assays to diagnose invasive aspergillosis. RESULTS Response rate to the survey was 69%. Of the 56 responding hospital laboratories, 6 (11%) used an LFA. The Soña Aspergillus galactomannan LFA (IMMY, Norman, Oklahoma, USA) was used in 4/6 centres, while two centres used the QuicGM (Dynamiker, Tianjin, China) and one centre used the FungiXpert Aspergillus Galactomannan Detection K-set LFA (Genobio [Era Biology Technology], Tianjin, China). One centre used 2 distinct LFAs. In 3/6 centres, the sample is sent to another lab for confirmation with GM-EIA when the LFA result is positive and in 2/6 when the LFA results is negative. In one centre, a confirmatory GM-EIA is always performed in house. In three centres the LFA result is used as a complete substitute for GM-EIA. Available LFA performance studies are very diverse and results vary in function of the study population and type of LFA. Apart from the IMMY and OLM LFA, only very limited performance data are available. From two out of three LFAs used in Belgium, no clinical performance studies are published in literature. CONCLUSIONS A large variety of LFAs are used in Belgian Hospitals, some of which no clinical validation studies are published. These results do likely have implications for other parts of Europe and for the rest of the world as well. Due to the variable performance of LFA tests and the limited validation data available, each laboratory must check the available performance information of the specific test considered for implementation. In addition, laboratories should perform an implementation verification study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robina Aerts
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lize Cuypers
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Toine Mercier
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Haematology, General Hospital Sint-Maarten, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Johan Maertens
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Haematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Fang W, Wu J, Cheng M, Zhu X, Du M, Chen C, Liao W, Zhi K, Pan W. Diagnosis of invasive fungal infections: challenges and recent developments. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:42. [PMID: 37337179 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00926-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has shown an upsurge in recent years due to the higher load of immunocompromised patients suffering from various diseases. The role of early and accurate diagnosis in the aggressive containment of the fungal infection at the initial stages becomes crucial thus, preventing the development of a life-threatening situation. With the changing demands of clinical mycology, the field of fungal diagnostics has evolved and come a long way from traditional methods of microscopy and culturing to more advanced non-culture-based tools. With the advent of more powerful approaches such as novel PCR assays, T2 Candida, microfluidic chip technology, next generation sequencing, new generation biosensors, nanotechnology-based tools, artificial intelligence-based models, the face of fungal diagnostics is constantly changing for the better. All these advances have been reviewed here giving the latest update to our readers in the most orderly flow. MAIN TEXT A detailed literature survey was conducted by the team followed by data collection, pertinent data extraction, in-depth analysis, and composing the various sub-sections and the final review. The review is unique in its kind as it discusses the advances in molecular methods; advances in serology-based methods; advances in biosensor technology; and advances in machine learning-based models, all under one roof. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no review covering all of these fields (especially biosensor technology and machine learning using artificial intelligence) with relevance to invasive fungal infections. CONCLUSION The review will undoubtedly assist in updating the scientific community's understanding of the most recent advancements that are on the horizon and that may be implemented as adjuncts to the traditional diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Fang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Junqi Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mingrong Cheng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, 558000, China
| | - Xinlin Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Mingwei Du
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Lung Transplantation, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wanqing Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Kangkang Zhi
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
| | - Weihua Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China.
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Kakoschke TK, Kleinemeier C, Knösel T, Kakoschke SC, Ebel F. The Novel Monoclonal IgG 1-Antibody AB90-E8 as a Diagnostic Tool to Rapidly Distinguish Aspergillus fumigatus from Other Human Pathogenic Aspergillus Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:622. [PMID: 37367559 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060622] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In most cases, invasive aspergillosis (IA) is caused by A. fumigatus, though infections with other Aspergillus spp. with lower susceptibilities to amphotericin B (AmB) gain ground. A. terreus, for instance, is the second leading cause of IA in humans and of serious concern because of its high propensity to disseminate and its in vitro and in vivo resistance to AmB. An early differentiation between A. fumigatus and non-A. fumigatus infections could swiftly recognize a potentially ineffective treatment with AmB and lead to the lifesaving change to a more appropriate drug regime in high-risk patients. In this study, we present the characteristics of the monoclonal IgG1-antibody AB90-E8 that specifically recognizes a surface antigen of A. fumigatus and the closely related, but not human pathogenic A. fischeri. We show immunostainings on fresh frozen sections as well as on incipient mycelium picked from agar plates with tweezers or by using the expeditious tape mount technique. All three methods have a time advantage over the common procedures currently used in the routine diagnosis of IA and outline the potential of AB90-E8 as a rapid diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Katharina Kakoschke
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinemeier
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Carina Kakoschke
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81337 Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
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Buil JB, Huygens S, Dunbar A, Schauwvlieghe A, Reynders M, Langerak D, van Dijk K, Bruns A, Haas PJ, Postma DF, Biemond B, Delma FZ, de Kort E, Melchers WJG, Verweij PE, Rijnders B. Retrospective Multicenter Evaluation of the VirClia Galactomannan Antigen Assay for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Samples from Patients with Hematological Disease. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0004423. [PMID: 37097150 PMCID: PMC10204623 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00044-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Galactomannan (GM) testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples has become an essential tool to diagnose invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and is part of diagnostic guidelines. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (enzyme immunoassays [EIAs]) are commonly used, but they have a long turnaround time. In this study, we evaluated the performance of an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) with BAL fluid samples. This was a multicenter retrospective study in the Netherlands and Belgium. BAL fluid samples were collected from patients with underlying hematological diseases with a suspected invasive fungal infection. Diagnosis of IPA was based on the 2020 European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC) consensus definitions. GM results were reported as optical density index (ODI) values. ODI cutoff values for positive results that were evaluated were 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 for the EIA and 0.16, 0.18, and 0.20 for the CLIA. Probable IPA cases were compared with two control groups, one with no evidence of IPA and another with no IPA or possible IPA. Qualitative agreement was analyzed using Cohen's κ, and quantitative agreement was analyzed by Spearman's correlation. We analyzed 141 BAL fluid samples from 141 patients; 66 patients (47%) had probable IPA, and 56 cases remained probable IPA when the EIA GM result was excluded as a criterion, because they also had positive culture and/or duplicate positive PCR results. Sixty-three patients (45%) had possible IPA and 12 (8%) had no IPA. The sensitivity and specificity of the two tests were quite comparable, and the overall qualitative agreement between EIA and CLIA results was 81 to 89%. The correlation of the actual CLIA and EIA values was strong at 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.63 to 0.80). CLIA has similar performance, compared to the gold-standard EIA, with the benefits of faster turnaround because batching is not required. Therefore, CLIA can be used as an alternative GM assay for BAL fluid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochem B. Buil
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center-Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sammy Huygens
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Dunbar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marijke Reynders
- Unit of Molecular Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge AV, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Diana Langerak
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin van Dijk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter-Jan Haas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe F. Postma
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Biemond
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fatima Zohra Delma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth de Kort
- Radboud University Medical Center-Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem J. G. Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center-Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center-Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Center of Expertise for Mycology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Rijnders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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White PL. Developments in Fungal Serology. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023; 17:1-12. [PMID: 37360856 PMCID: PMC10099008 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The true incidence of fungal disease is hampered by conventionally poor diagnostic tests, limited access to advanced diagnostics, and limited surveillance. The availability of serological testing has been available for over two decades and generally underpins the modern diagnosis of the most common forms of fungal disease. This review will focus on technical developments of serological tests for the diagnosis of fungal disease, describing advances in clinical performance when available. Recent Findings Despite their longevity, technical, clinical, and performance limitations remain, and tests specific for fungal pathogens outside the main pathogens are lacking. The availability of LFA and automated systems, capable of running multiple different tests, represents significant developments, but clinical performance data is variable and limited. Summary Fungal serology has significantly advanced the diagnosis of the main fungal infections, with LFA availability increasing accessibility to testing. Combination testing has the potential to overcome performance limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory and Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research/Division of Infection and Immunity, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW UK
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Roiz-Mesones MP, Pintos-Fonseca ADM, Ahedo-García N, Alegría-Puig CRD. Evaluation of the EUROIMMUN Aspergillus antigen immunoenzyme assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2023; 41:176-180. [PMID: 36870734 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most widely used marker for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the detection of galactomannan by ELISA. This study describes the evaluation of the results obtained by Euroimmun Aspergillus antigen ELISA (EIA-GM-E) in serum samples and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) from patients at risk of IA, and compares these results with those obtained by Bio-Rad Galactomannan EIA (EIA-GM-BR). METHODS Anonymous retrospective case-control comparative study in 64 serum samples and 28 BAL from 51 patients. RESULTS Overall agreement of the results of the two assays was observed in 72 of 92 samples (78.3%). The sensitivity of EIA-GM-BR and EIA-GM-E in serum samples was 88.9% and 43.2%, respectively, and 100% and 88.9% for BAL. The specificity of EIA-GM-BR and EIA-GM-E in serum samples was 91.9% for both assays, and 68.4% and 84.2% in BAL. There were no statistically significant differences in the results of both assays. CONCLUSIONS Both methods show good results for the discrimination of patients with IA when BAL is tested, or serum in case of EIA-GM-BR.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pía Roiz-Mesones
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; IDIVAL, Santander, Spain.
| | - Ana de Malet Pintos-Fonseca
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Noelia Ahedo-García
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Carlos Ruiz de Alegría-Puig
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain; IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
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Performance of the JF5-Based Galactomannoprotein EIA Compared to the Lateral Flow Device and the Galactomannan EIA in Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0094822. [PMID: 36214562 PMCID: PMC9667759 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00948-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is an important factor to improve survival but remains challenging. The detection of Aspergillus antigens is included in the consensus case definitions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group as a criterion of "probable" invasive aspergillosis. JF5, a mouse IgG3 monoclonal antibody detecting an Aspergillus mannoprotein, has already been implemented as a lateral flow device (LFD). Now, also a JF5-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) is commercialized (Aspergillus specific galactomannoprotein [GP] EIA, Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG). In this study, we analyzed the diagnostic performance of GP in 63 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) samples and 224 serum samples and compared it to performance of the galactomannan (GM) (Platelia Aspergillus enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Bio-Rad, Marnes-la-Coquette, France)) and the JF5-based LFD (AspLFD; OLM Diagnostics, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom). The diagnostic performance of GP and GM correlated well with both having high specificity. With an optimized cutoff threshold for positivity of 0.4-deviating from the 0.5 threshold recommended by the manufacturer-sensitivity of GP in serum is not significantly different than that of GM. However, in BALf sensitivity of GP is significantly less than for GM.
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Interpretation, pitfalls of biomarkers in diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases. Indian J Med Microbiol 2022; 40:480-484. [PMID: 35970627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive Fungal Diseases (IFD), account for high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised and seriously ill patients worldwide. Early, faster and accurate diagnosis with timely and appropriate patient management is critical for improved patient outcome and antifungal stewardship. Clinical/radiological presentations in IFD are non-specific and microscopy/culture based tests have low sensitivity and long turnaround time. Biomarkers have clinical utility for diagnosing IFD but their interpretation is not straight forward. OBJECTIVES This review discusses the salient characteristics, clinical usefulness and limitations of common biomarkers such as Galactomannan (GM), 1-3, β D glucan (βDG), mannan, anti-mannan antibody (Mn/antiMn), Cryptococcal antigen test (CrAg), Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) tests and next generation sequencing for diagnosing IFD. CONTENTS Fungal biomarkers are useful adjuncts as screening and diagnostic tools for IFD and are much more suited for 'ruling out' rather than 'ruling in' disease. GM, NAA tests are promising biomarkers for screening of invasive Aspergillosis in high risk asymptomatic patients who are not on antifungal therapy and for diagnosis of breakthrough infections in symptomatic patients. 1-3, β D glucan has limitations both as a 'rule in' and 'rule out' test and is useful in only specific clinical settings. Two consecutive positive 1-3-βDG tests or combined positivity with GM increases its specificity. Mn/antiMn, T2Candida nano diagnostic panel are promising candidates for diagnosing invasive candidiasis. Combining two or more biomarkers improves the sensitivity for prompt initiation of antifungal therapy and the negative predictive value for suspension of empirical treatment. Serum CrAg test is a good 'rule in' rather than a 'rule out' test in immunocompetent patients but has good diagnostic accuracy in immunocompromised patients. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms by next generation sequencing is useful for fungal characterization and identification of host determinants responsible for increased susceptibility to fungal infections but is still in experimental stages.
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Davies GE, Thornton CR. Development of a Monoclonal Antibody and a Serodiagnostic Lateral-Flow Device Specific to Rhizopus arrhizus (Syn. R. oryzae), the Principal Global Agent of Mucormycosis in Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070756. [PMID: 35887511 PMCID: PMC9325280 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a highly aggressive angio-invasive disease of humans caused by fungi in the zygomycete order, Mucorales. Though a number of different species can cause mucormycosis, the principal agent of the disease worldwide is Rhizopus arrhizus, which accounts for the majority of rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, and disseminated infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is also the main cause of life-threatening infections in patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, and in corticosteroid-treated patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, where it causes the newly described disease, COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Diagnosis currently relies on non-specific CT, a lengthy and insensitive culture from invasive biopsy, and a time-consuming histopathology of tissue samples. At present, there are no rapid antigen tests for the disease that detect biomarkers of infection, and which allow point-of-care diagnosis. Here, we report the development of an IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), KC9, which is specific to Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus (syn. Rhizopus oryzae) and Rhizopus arrhizus var. delemar (Rhizopus delemar), and which binds to a 15 kDa extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) antigen secreted during hyphal growth of the pathogen. Using the mAb, we have developed a competitive lateral-flow device (LFD) that allows rapid (30 min) and sensitive (~50 ng/mL running buffer) detection of the EPS biomarker, and which is compatible with human serum (limit of detection of ~500 ng/mL) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (limit of detection of ~100 ng/mL). The LFD, therefore, provides a potential novel opportunity for the non-invasive detection of mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus arrhizus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genna E. Davies
- ISCA Diagnostics Ltd., B12A, Hatherly Laboratories, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK;
| | - Christopher R. Thornton
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
- Correspondence:
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Gu S, Wang Z, Wang J. Untargeted rapid differentiation and targeted growth tracking of fungal contamination in rice grains based on headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2022; 102:3673-3682. [PMID: 34890123 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Milled rice are prone to be contaminated with spoilage or toxigenic fungi during storage, which may pose a real threat to human health. Most traditional methods require long periods of time for enumeration and quantification. However, headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) technology could characterize the complex volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from samples in a non-destructive and environmentally friendly manner. Thus, this study described an innovative HS-GC-IMS strategy for analyzing VOC profiles to detect fungal contamination in milled rice. RESULTS A total of 24 typical target compounds were identified. Analysis of variance-partial least squares regression (APLSR) showed significant correlations between the target compounds and colony counts of fungi. While the changes of selected volatile components (acetic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and oct-en-3-ol) in fungi-inoculated rice had sufficiently high positive correlations with the colony counts, the logistic model could effectively be used to monitor the growth of individual fungus (R2 = 0.902-0.980). PLSR could effectively be used to predict fungal colony counts in rice samples (R2 = 0.831-0.953), and the different fungi-inoculated rice samples at 24 h could be successfully distinguished by support vector machine (SVM) (94.6%). The ability of HS-GC-IMS to monitor fungal infection would help to prevent contaminated rice grains from entering the food chain. CONCLUSIONS This result indicated that HS-GC-IMS three-dimensional fingerprints may be appropriate for the early detection of fungal infection in rice grains. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Gu
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
- School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhenhe Wang
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China
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12
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Mendonça A, Carvalho-Pereira J, Franco-Duarte R, Sampaio P. Optimization of a Quantitative PCR Methodology for Detection of Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus arrhizus. Mol Diagn Ther 2022; 26:511-525. [PMID: 35710958 PMCID: PMC9202985 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-022-00595-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods for the detection of Aspergillus spp. based only on SYBR Green and melting curve analysis of PCR products are difficult to develop because most targets are located within ITS regions. The aim of this study was to adapt our previously developed methodology based on a multiplex PCR assay coupled with GeneScan analysis to provide a qPCR method. Methods A SYBR Green-based real-time PCR assay was optimized to detect A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, and R. arrhizus in a multiplex assay and applied to cultured fungi and spiked plasma. Results Different melting temperatures allowed identification of all five pathogens and discrimination between them, even in samples with low amounts of fungal gDNA (from 1.3 to 33.0 pg/μL), which has been reported previously as problematic. No false-positive results were obtained for non-target species, including bacteria and human DNA. This method allowed detection of fungal pathogens in human plasma spiked with fungal DNA and in coinfections of A. niger/R. arrhizus. Discussion This work provides evidence for the use of a qPCR multiplex method based on SYBR Green and melting curve analysis of PCR products for the detection of A. fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A. terreus, and R. arrhizus. The proposed method is simpler and less expensive than available kits based on fluorescent probes and can be used for aiding diagnosis of the most relevant invasive filamentous fungi, particularly in low-income health care institutions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40291-022-00595-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Mendonça
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Carvalho-Pereira
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Franco-Duarte
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Paula Sampaio
- CBMA (Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology), Department of Biology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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13
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Sandwich-type homogeneous chemiluminescence immunoassay based on nanoparticle toward detection of Aspergillus galactomannan antigen. Talanta 2022; 243:123392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Lian X, Scott-Thomas A, Lewis JG, Bhatia M, MacPherson SA, Zeng Y, Chambers ST. Monoclonal Antibodies and Invasive Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105563. [PMID: 35628374 PMCID: PMC9146623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IA remain challenging. Given the broad range of non-specific clinical symptoms and the shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques, most patients are either diagnosed as “possible” or “probable” cases but not “proven”. Moreover, because of the lack of sensitive and specific tests, many high-risk patients receive an empirical therapy or a prolonged treatment of high-priced antifungal agents, leading to unnecessary adverse effects and a high risk of drug resistance. More precise diagnostic techniques alongside a targeted antifungal treatment are fundamental requirements for reducing the morbidity and mortality of IA. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity in targeting the corresponding antigen(s) may have the potential to improve diagnostic tests and form the basis for novel IA treatments. This review summarizes the up-to-date application of mAb-based approaches in assisting IA diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihua Lian
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Amy Scott-Thomas
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - John G. Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Madhav Bhatia
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Sean A. MacPherson
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Haematology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China;
| | - Stephen T. Chambers
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-364-0649
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15
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Egger M, Penziner S, Dichtl K, Gornicec M, Kriegl L, Krause R, Khong E, Mehta S, Vargas M, Gianella S, Porrachia M, Jenks JD, Venkataraman I, Hoenigl M. Performance of the Euroimmun Aspergillus Antigen ELISA for the Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0021522. [PMID: 35350844 PMCID: PMC9020356 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00215-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening disease that affects mainly immunocompromised hosts. Galactomannan testing from serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) represents a cornerstone in diagnosing the disease. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the novel Aspergillus-specific galactomannoprotein (GP) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Euroimmun Medizinische Labordiagnostika) compared with the established Platelia Aspergillus GM ELISA (GM; Bio-Rad Laboratories) for the detection of Aspergillus antigen in BALF. Using the GP ELISA, we retrospectively tested 115 BALF samples from 115 patients with clinical suspicion of IPA and GM analysis ordered in clinical routine. Spearman's correlation statistics and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Optimal cutoff values were determined using Youden's index. Of 115 patients, 1 patient fulfilled criteria for proven IPA, 42 for probable IPA, 15 for putative IPA, 10 for possible IPA, and 47 did not meet criteria for IPA. Sensitivities and specificities for differentiating proven/probable/putative versus no IPA (possible excluded) were 74% and 96% for BALF GP and 90% and 96% for BALF GM at the manufacturer-recommended cutoffs. Using the calculated optimal cutoff value of 12 pg/mL, sensitivity and specificity of the BALF GP were 90% and 96%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.959 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.923 to 0.995) for the GP ELISA and an AUC of 0.960 (95% CI of 0.921 to 0.999) for the GM ELISA for differentiating proven/probable/putative IPA versus no IPA. Spearman's correlation analysis showed a strong correlation between the ELISAs (rho = 0.809, P < 0.0001). The GP ELISA demonstrated strong correlation and test performance similar to that of the GM ELISA and could serve as an alternative test for BALF from patients at risk for IPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Samuel Penziner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Karl Dichtl
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Max Gornicec
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Kriegl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ethan Khong
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sanjay Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Milenka Vargas
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sara Gianella
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Magali Porrachia
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
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16
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Alenichev M, Levin A, Yushina A, Kostrikina E, Lebedin Y, Andreeva I, Grigorenko V, Krylov V, Nifantiev N. Nano-biosensor based on the combined use of the dynamic and static light scattering for Aspergillus galactomannan analysis. SENSING AND BIO-SENSING RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbsr.2022.100475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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17
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Mendonça A, Santos H, Franco-Duarte R, Sampaio P. Fungal infections diagnosis - Past, present and future. Res Microbiol 2022; 173:103915. [PMID: 34863883 PMCID: PMC8634697 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the scientific advances observed in the recent decades and the emergence of new methodologies, the diagnosis of systemic fungal infections persists as a problematic issue. Fungal cultivation, the standard method that allows a proven diagnosis, has numerous disadvantages, as low sensitivity (only 50% of the patients present positive fungal cultures), and long growth time. These are factors that delay the patient's treatment and, consequently, lead to higher hospital costs. To improve the accuracy and quickness of fungal infections diagnosis, several new methodologies attempt to be implemented in clinical microbiology laboratories. Most of these innovative methods are independent of pathogen isolation, which means that the diagnosis goes from being considered proven to probable. In spite of the advantage of being culture-independent, the majority of the methods lack standardization. PCR-based methods are becoming more and more commonly used, which has earned them an important place in hospital laboratories. This can be perceived now, as PCR-based methodologies have proved to be an essential tool fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to go through the main steps of the diagnosis for systemic fungal infection, from diagnostic classifications, through methodologies considered as "gold standard", to the molecular methods currently used, and finally mentioning some of the more futuristic approaches.
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18
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Evaluation of the EUROIMMUN Aspergillus antigen immunoenzyme assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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19
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Yan G, Chew KL, Chai LYA. Update on Non-Culture-Based Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Disease. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:575-582. [PMID: 34213735 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic tests for fungi provide the mycological evidence to strengthen diagnosis of invasive fungal disease. Conventional microbiology and histopathology have their limitations. Recognizing this, there have been attempts at developing new methods to improve yield of diagnosing invasive fungal disease (IFD). The recent focus has been on non-culture-based antigen detection and molecular methods. The use of antigen detection of IFD through 1,3-β-D-glucan and galactomannan assay have been expanded, followed by development of lateral flow assays, and in combination with other diagnostic modalities to further increase diagnostic yield. The molecular diagnostic front has seen initiatives to standardize polymerase chain reaction methodologies to detect fungi and anti-fungal resistance, new platforms such as the T2Candida Biosystems and foray into fungal metagenomics. As these newer assays undergo stringent validation before incorporation into the diagnostic algorithm, the clinician needs to be mindful of their bedside utility as well as their limitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Yan
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Ka Lip Chew
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster, National University Health System, NUHS Tower Block, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. .,National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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20
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Henneberg S, Hasenberg A, Maurer A, Neumann F, Bornemann L, Gonzalez-Menendez I, Kraus A, Hasenberg M, Thornton CR, Pichler BJ, Gunzer M, Beziere N. Antibody-guided in vivo imaging of Aspergillus fumigatus lung infections during antifungal azole treatment. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1707. [PMID: 33731708 PMCID: PMC7969596 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening lung disease of immunocompromised humans, caused by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Inadequacies in current diagnostic procedures mean that early diagnosis of the disease, critical to patient survival, remains a major clinical challenge, and is leading to the empiric use of antifungal drugs and emergence of azole resistance. A non-invasive procedure that allows both unambiguous detection of IPA and its response to azole treatment is therefore needed. Here, we show that a humanised Aspergillus-specific monoclonal antibody, dual labelled with a radionuclide and fluorophore, can be used in immunoPET/MRI in vivo in a neutropenic mouse model and 3D light sheet fluorescence microscopy ex vivo in the infected mouse lungs to quantify early A. fumigatus lung infections and to monitor the efficacy of azole therapy. Our antibody-guided approach reveals that early drug intervention is critical to prevent complete invasion of the lungs by the fungus, and demonstrates the power of molecular imaging as a non-invasive procedure for tracking IPA in vivo. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal lung disease devoid of specific rapid diagnosis and with limited therapeutic options. Here, the authors show how state-of-the-art imaging approaches can enable specific diagnosis and therapy monitoring of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Henneberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Hasenberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Maurer
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Neumann
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lea Bornemann
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Kraus
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mike Hasenberg
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christopher R Thornton
- ISCA Diagnostics Ltd. and Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Bernd J Pichler
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany. .,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften ISAS -e.V, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Nicolas Beziere
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
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21
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Lass-Flörl C, Samardzic E, Knoll M. Serology anno 2021-fungal infections: from invasive to chronic. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1230-1241. [PMID: 33601011 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing invasive or chronic fungal infections is a challenge, particularly in the immunocompromised host. Microscopy and culture remain the reference standard, but are insensitive. The use of non-culture-based techniques is recommended in conjunction with conventional methods to improve the diagnostic yield. OBJECTIVES The aim was to provide an updated 2021 inventory of fungal antigen and serology tests for diagnosing invasive and chronic fungal infections, the key focus was set on Aspergillus, Candida and Cryptococcus species. SOURCES Pubmed search for publications with the key words fungal antigen tests, laboratory-based diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, invasive fungal infections and cryptococcal infections published from 2017 to 2020. CONTENT Antigen assays such as the galactomannan (GM) and β-d-glucan detection systems are frequently used, but these tests vary in sensitivity and specificity, depending on the patient population involved, specimens inspected, cut-offs defined, test strategy applied and inclusion or exclusion of possible fungal case definitions. Multiple different detection systems are available, with recently introduced new point-of-care tests such as the lateral flow device and the lateral flow assay. Despite a wide heterogeneity in populations evaluated, studies indicate a better diagnostic performance of bronchoalveolar lavage GM in comparison with serum GM, and a suboptimal specificity of GM bronchoalveolar lavages (cut-off ≥1) and serum β-d-glucan in non-neutropenic individuals. Point-of-care cryptococcal antigen tests show excellent performance. IMPLICATIONS There are fungal antigen detection tests available with excellent to reasonable clinical performance to diagnose invasive fungal infections. Only a few assays are useful to monitor therapeutic response. There are multiple marketed IgG antibody tests to detect Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies, the titres vary widely and the performance differs significantly. In general, diagnostic tests are vulnerable to being affected by the host, the microbe and laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Eldina Samardzic
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Miriam Knoll
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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22
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Recent Advances and Novel Approaches in Laboratory-Based Diagnostic Mycology. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010041. [PMID: 33440757 PMCID: PMC7827937 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
What was once just culture and microscopy the field of diagnostic mycology has significantly advanced in recent years and continues to incorporate novel assays and strategies to meet the changes in clinical demand. The emergence of widespread resistance to antifungal therapy has led to the development of a range of molecular tests that target mutations associated with phenotypic resistance, to complement classical susceptibility testing and initial applications of next-generation sequencing are being described. Lateral flow assays provide rapid results, with simplicity allowing the test to be performed outside specialist centres, potentially as point-of-care tests. Mycology has responded positively to an ever-diversifying patient population by rapidly identifying risk and developing diagnostic strategies to improve patient management. Nowadays, the diagnostic repertoire of the mycology laboratory employs classical, molecular and serological tests and should be keen to embrace diagnostic advancements that can improve diagnosis in this notoriously difficult field.
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Aspergillus fumigatus and Its Allergenic Ribotoxin Asp f I: Old Enemies but New Opportunities for Urine-Based Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis Using Lateral-Flow Technology. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010019. [PMID: 33396482 PMCID: PMC7823411 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by Aspergillus fumigatus is a life-threatening lung disease of immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis currently relies on non-specific chest CT, culture of the fungus from invasive lung biopsy, and detection of the cell wall carbohydrate galactomannan (GM) in serum or in BAL fluids recovered during invasive bronchoscopy. Urine provides an ideal bodily fluid for the non-invasive detection of pathogen biomarkers, with current urine-based immunodiagnostics for IPA focused on GM. Surrogate protein biomarkers might serve to improve disease detection. Here, we report the development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb), PD7, which is specific to A. fumigatus and related species in the section Fumigati, and which binds to its 18 kDa ribotoxin Asp f I. Using PD7, we show that the protein is secreted during hyphal development, and so represents an ideal candidate for detecting invasive growth. We have developed a lateral-flow device (Afu-LFD®) incorporating the mAb which has a limit of detection of ~15 ng Asp f I/mL urine. Preliminary evidence of the test’s diagnostic potential is demonstrated with urine from a patient with acute lymphoid leukaemia with probable IPA. The Afu-LFD® therefore provides a potential novel opportunity for non-invasive urine-based detection of IPA caused by A. fumigatus.
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Thornton CR. Detection of the 'Big Five' mold killers of humans: Aspergillus, Fusarium, Lomentospora, Scedosporium and Mucormycetes. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019; 110:1-61. [PMID: 32386603 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are an important but frequently overlooked cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. Life-threatening fungal infections mainly occur in immunocompromised patients, and are typically caused by environmental opportunists that take advantage of a weakened immune system. The filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important and well-documented mold pathogen of humans, causing a number of complex respiratory diseases, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, an often fatal disease in patients with acute leukemia or in immunosuppressed bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipients. However, non-Aspergillus molds are increasingly reported as agents of disseminated diseases, with Fusarium, Scedosporium, Lomentospora and mucormycete species now firmly established as pathogens of immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. Despite well-documented risk factors for invasive fungal diseases, and increased awareness of the risk factors for life-threatening infections, the number of deaths attributable to molds is likely to be severely underestimated driven, to a large extent, by the lack of readily accessible, cheap, and accurate tests that allow detection and differentiation of infecting species. Early diagnosis is critical to patient survival but, unlike Aspergillus diseases, where a number of CE-marked or FDA-approved biomarker tests are now available for clinical diagnosis, similar tests for fusariosis, scedosporiosis and mucormycosis remain experimental, with detection reliant on insensitive and slow culture of pathogens from invasive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, tissue biopsy, or from blood. This review examines the ecology, epidemiology, and contemporary methods of detection of these mold pathogens, and the obstacles to diagnostic test development and translation of novel biomarkers to the clinical setting.
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