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A Systematic Review to Assess the Relationship between Disseminated Cerebral Aspergillosis, Leukemias and Lymphomas, and Their Respective Therapeutics. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070722. [PMID: 35887477 PMCID: PMC9320744 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated disease following invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a significant contributor to mortality amongst patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs). At the highest risk of mortality are those with disseminated disease to the central nervous system, known as cerebral aspergillosis (CA). However, little is known about the risk factors contributing to disease amongst HM patients. A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was undertaken to define HM patient subgroups, preventative measures, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes of patients with disseminated CA following IPA. The review resulted in the identification of 761 records, of which 596 articles were screened, with the final inclusion of 47 studies and 76 total patients. From included articles, the proportion of CA was assessed amongst HM patient subgroups. Further, pre-and post-infection characteristics, fungal species, and mortality were evaluated for the total population included and HM patient subgroups. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid lymphoma, patients receiving corticosteroids as a part of their HM therapeutic regimen, and anti-fungal prophylaxis constitute the top identified patient populations at risk for disseminated CA. Overall, information presented here indicates that measures for the prevention of IPA should be taken in higher-risk HM patient subgroups. Specifically, the type of anti-fungal therapy used should be carefully considered for those patients with IPA and increased risk for cerebral dissemination. Additional reports detailing patient characteristics are needed to define further the risk of developing disseminated CA from IPA in patients with HMs.
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Jalali PA, Lotfali E, Rezaei K, Fatemi A, Ashrafi F, Oraee‐Yazdani S, Mirdehghan A. Promising effects of corticosteroid treatment in combination with antifungal agents in a patient with Aspergillus meningitis. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e5993. [PMID: 35898764 PMCID: PMC9309737 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5993] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Aspergillus meningitis is poorly responsive to current guidelines for treatment, we describe a dramatic response of Aspergillus meningitis in a patient to treatment using a combination of corticosteroids with guideline's suggested antifungal agents. Administration of corticosteroids in patients with Aspergillus meningitis is rarely reported in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Aziz Jalali
- Department of NeurologyShohada‐e Tajrish HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ensieh Lotfali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Kamran Rezaei
- Student Research CommitteeSchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alireza Fatemi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Farzad Ashrafi
- Functional Neurosurgery Research CenterShohada‐e Tajrish Neurosurgical Center of ExcellenceShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Saeed Oraee‐Yazdani
- Department of NeurosurgeryShohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of ExcellenceShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alimohammad Mirdehghan
- Student Research CommitteeSchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Xing XW, Yu SF, Zhang JT, Tan RS, Ma YB, Tian X, Wang RF, Yao GE, Cui F, Gui QP, Yu SY. Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing of Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis of Cerebral Aspergillosis. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:787863. [PMID: 35003020 PMCID: PMC8740169 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.787863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Cerebral aspergillosis (CA) is a rare but often fatal, difficult-to-diagnose, opportunistic infection. The utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for diagnosis of CA is unclear. We evaluated the usefulness of mNGS of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the diagnosis of CA. Methods: This prospective study involved seven consecutive patients with confirmed CA in whom CSF mNGS was performed. Serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan and galactomannan levels were determined, and histopathological examination and mNGS of the CSF were conducted. CSF specimens from three non-infected patients were used as positive controls. Results: mNGS of the CSF was positive in six of the seven confirmed CA cases (85.71% sensitivity). In the cryptococcal meningitis group (control), mNGS of the CSF was positive for Aspergillus in two patients (84.62% specificity). The positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and Youden's index of mNGS for CA in the CSF were 5.565, 0.169, and 0.7, respectively. Among the six mNGS-positive cases, more than two Aspergillus species were found in four (4/6, 66.67%). In the positive controls, the addition of one A. fumigatus spore yielded a standardised species-specific read number (SDSSRN) of 25.45 by mNGS; the detection rate would be 0.98 if SDSSRN was 2. Conclusion: mNGS facilitates the diagnosis of CA and may reduce the need for cerebral biopsy in patients with suspected CA. Trial Registration Number: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800020442.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wei Xing
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Su-Fei Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Jia-Tang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | | | - Yu-Bao Ma
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Tian
- Department of Pathology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Fei Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-En Yao
- Department of Neurology, Fourth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, China
| | - Qiu-Ping Gui
- Department of Pathology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng-Yuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
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del Rocío Reyes-Montes M, Duarte-Escalante E, Guadalupe Frías-De-León M, Obed Martínez-Herrera E, Acosta-Altamirano G. Molecular Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis. Mol Med 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.78694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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Ullmann AJ, Aguado JM, Arikan-Akdagli S, Denning DW, Groll AH, Lagrou K, Lass-Flörl C, Lewis RE, Munoz P, Verweij PE, Warris A, Ader F, Akova M, Arendrup MC, Barnes RA, Beigelman-Aubry C, Blot S, Bouza E, Brüggemann RJM, Buchheidt D, Cadranel J, Castagnola E, Chakrabarti A, Cuenca-Estrella M, Dimopoulos G, Fortun J, Gangneux JP, Garbino J, Heinz WJ, Herbrecht R, Heussel CP, Kibbler CC, Klimko N, Kullberg BJ, Lange C, Lehrnbecher T, Löffler J, Lortholary O, Maertens J, Marchetti O, Meis JF, Pagano L, Ribaud P, Richardson M, Roilides E, Ruhnke M, Sanguinetti M, Sheppard DC, Sinkó J, Skiada A, Vehreschild MJGT, Viscoli C, Cornely OA. Diagnosis and management of Aspergillus diseases: executive summary of the 2017 ESCMID-ECMM-ERS guideline. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24 Suppl 1:e1-e38. [PMID: 29544767 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 839] [Impact Index Per Article: 139.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, the European Confederation of Medical Mycology and the European Respiratory Society Joint Clinical Guidelines focus on diagnosis and management of aspergillosis. Of the numerous recommendations, a few are summarized here. Chest computed tomography as well as bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with suspicion of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA) are strongly recommended. For diagnosis, direct microscopy, preferably using optical brighteners, histopathology and culture are strongly recommended. Serum and BAL galactomannan measures are recommended as markers for the diagnosis of IA. PCR should be considered in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. Pathogen identification to species complex level is strongly recommended for all clinically relevant Aspergillus isolates; antifungal susceptibility testing should be performed in patients with invasive disease in regions with resistance found in contemporary surveillance programmes. Isavuconazole and voriconazole are the preferred agents for first-line treatment of pulmonary IA, whereas liposomal amphotericin B is moderately supported. Combinations of antifungals as primary treatment options are not recommended. Therapeutic drug monitoring is strongly recommended for patients receiving posaconazole suspension or any form of voriconazole for IA treatment, and in refractory disease, where a personalized approach considering reversal of predisposing factors, switching drug class and surgical intervention is also strongly recommended. Primary prophylaxis with posaconazole is strongly recommended in patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome receiving induction chemotherapy. Secondary prophylaxis is strongly recommended in high-risk patients. We strongly recommend treatment duration based on clinical improvement, degree of immunosuppression and response on imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Ullmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J M Aguado
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - S Arikan-Akdagli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - D W Denning
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - A H Groll
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Centre for Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Children's Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - K Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Social Medicine, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R E Lewis
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - P Munoz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias - CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain; Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - P E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - A Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - F Ader
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; Inserm 1111, French International Centre for Infectious Diseases Research (CIRI), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - M Akova
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M C Arendrup
- Department Microbiological Surveillance and Research, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R A Barnes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Beigelman-Aubry
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - S Blot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Burns, Trauma and Critical Care Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - E Bouza
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias - CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain; Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R J M Brüggemann
- Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - D Buchheidt
- Medical Clinic III, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Cadranel
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Tenon and Sorbonne, University of Paris, Paris, France; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - E Castagnola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genoa, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - A Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Cuenca-Estrella
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - G Dimopoulos
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - J Fortun
- Infectious Diseases Service, Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J-P Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Garbino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - W J Heinz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - R Herbrecht
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - C P Heussel
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Thoracic Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C C Kibbler
- Centre for Medical Microbiology, University College London, London, UK; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - N Klimko
- Department of Clinical Mycology, Allergy and Immunology, North Western State Medical University, St Petersburg, Russia; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - B J Kullberg
- Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Lange
- International Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Clinical Infectious Diseases, Research Centre Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine & Biosciences, Borstel, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Tuberculosis Unit, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, Lübeck, Germany; European Respiratory Society (ERS)
| | - T Lehrnbecher
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Löffler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O Lortholary
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Children's Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Maertens
- Department of Haematology, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O Marchetti
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, Morges, Switzerland; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Nijmegen, Netherlands; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - L Pagano
- Department of Haematology, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - P Ribaud
- Quality Unit, Pôle Prébloc, Saint-Louis and Lariboisière Hospital Group, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - M Richardson
- The National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester, UK; The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - E Roilides
- Infectious Diseases Unit, 3rd Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece; Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Ruhnke
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Paracelsus Hospital, Osnabrück, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M Sanguinetti
- Institute of Microbiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - D C Sheppard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - J Sinkó
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Szent István and Szent László Hospital, Budapest, Hungary; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG)
| | - A Skiada
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - M J G T Vehreschild
- Department I of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - C Viscoli
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino and University of Genova (DISSAL), Genova, Italy; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM)
| | - O A Cornely
- First Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany; CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Clinical Trials Center Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG); European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM); ESCMID European Study Group for Infections in Compromised Hosts (ESGICH).
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Postina P, Skladny J, Boch T, Cornely OA, Hamprecht A, Rath PM, Steinmann J, Bader O, Miethke T, Dietz A, Merker N, Hofmann WK, Buchheidt D, Spiess B. Comparison of Two Molecular Assays for Detection and Characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus Triazole Resistance and Cyp51A Mutations in Clinical Isolates and Primary Clinical Samples of Immunocompromised Patients. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:555. [PMID: 29662479 PMCID: PMC5890139 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In hematological patients, the incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by azole resistant Aspergillus fumigatus (ARAf) is rising. As the diagnosis of IA is rarely based on positive culture in this group of patients, molecular detection of resistance mutations directly from clinical samples is crucial. In addition to the in-house azole resistance ARAf polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays detecting the frequent mutation combinations TR34/L98H, TR46/Y121F/T289A, and M220 in the Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) Cyp51A gene by subsequent DNA sequence analysis, we investigated in parallel the commercially available AsperGenius® real time PCR system in detecting the Cyp51A alterations TR34/L98H and Y121F/T289A directly from 52 clinical samples (15 biopsies, 22 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), 15 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples) and ARAf isolates (n = 3) of immunocompromised patients. We analyzed DNA aliquots and compared both methods concerning amplification and detection of Aspergillus DNA and Cyp51A alterations. As positive control for the feasibility of our novel Y121F and T289A PCR assays, we used two A. fumigatus isolates with the TR46/Y121F/T289A mutation combination isolated from hematological patients with known Cyp51A alterations and a lung biopsy sample of a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The rate of positive ARAf PCR results plus successful sequencing using the ARAf PCR assays was 61% in biopsies, 29% in CSF, 67% in BAL samples and 100% in isolates. In comparison the amount of positive PCRs using the AsperGenius® assays was 47% in biopsies, 42% in CSF, 59% in BAL samples and 100% in isolates. Altogether 17 Cyp51A alterations were detected using our ARAf PCRs plus DNA sequencing and therefrom 10 alterations also by the AsperGenius® system. The comparative evaluation of our data revealed that our conventional PCR assays are more sensitive in detecting ARAf in BAL and biopsy samples, whereby differences were not significant. The advantage of the AsperGenius® system is the time saving aspect. We consider non-culture based molecular detection of Aspergillus triazole resistance to be of high epidemiological and clinical relevance in patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Postina
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Julian Skladny
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Boch
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinical Trials Centre Cologne, ZKS Köln and Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Hamprecht
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Bader
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Miethke
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Dietz
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Natalia Merker
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dieter Buchheidt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Birgit Spiess
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Imbert S, Brossas JY, Palous M, Joly I, Meyer I, Fekkar A. Performance of Aspergillus PCR in cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of cerebral aspergillosis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Winterholler M, Coras R, Geißdörfer W, Rammensee R, Gölitz P, Bogdan C, Lang R. Fatal Mycotic Aneurysm of the Basilar Artery Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a Patient with Pituitary Adenoma and Meningitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:113. [PMID: 28770205 PMCID: PMC5513951 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) frequently occur in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we describe the case of an immunocompetent 64-year-old man who presented with diplopia, right-sided hemiparesis, and a mild headache after cleaning and replacing nesting boxes of wild birds during the preceding months. Lumbar puncture revealed pleocytosis, elevated protein, and lactate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Initial imaging showed ischemia in the left thalamus and an enlargement of the sellar region. Antibiotic treatment and corticosteroids led to an initial improvement but was followed by rapid deterioration. Antibiotic treatment was modified and antifungal therapy was added. Eighteen days after admission, the patient died from a subarachnoid hemorrhage resulting from the rupture of a fusiform aneurysm of the basilar artery. Microbiological culture of CSF was negative, but a positive galactomannan assay suggested fungal infection which was corroborated by detection of Aspergillus fumigatus DNA in pan-fungal PCR and sequencing. The presence of septated hyphae in the wall of the basilar artery confirmed the diagnosis of a mycotic aneurysm caused by hyphomycetal infection. In addition, brain autopsy revealed the presence of an invasive adrenocorticotrophic hormone-producing pituitary adenoma with arrosion of the sellar bone. This process and its invasiveness likely facilitated the spread of the fungal pathogen from the sphenoid sinus to the dura mater and finally led to cerebral angioinvasion. Our case demonstrates the challenge to timely diagnose and effectively treat aspergillosis as a cause of CNS infection also in apparently immunocompetent patients. The potential of assays detecting fungal antigens and of PCR to facilitate a timely diagnosis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Walter Geißdörfer
- Mikrobiologisches Institut-Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Rammensee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Gölitz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Bogdan
- Mikrobiologisches Institut-Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Lang
- Mikrobiologisches Institut-Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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10
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Lamoth F, Calandra T. Early diagnosis of invasive mould infections and disease. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:i19-i28. [PMID: 28355464 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive mould infections (IMIs), such as invasive aspergillosis or mucormycosis, are a major cause of death in patients with haematological cancer and in patients receiving long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antifungal therapy are crucial steps in the management of patients with IMI. The diagnosis of IMI remains a major challenge, with an increased spectrum of fungal pathogens and a diversity of clinical and radiological presentations within the expanding spectrum of immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis is difficult to establish and is expressed on a scale of probability (proven, probable and possible). Imaging (CT scan), microbiological tools (direct examination, culture, PCR, fungal biomarkers) and histopathology are the pillars of the diagnostic work-up of IMI. None of the currently available diagnostic tests provides sufficient sensitivity and specificity alone, so the optimal approach relies on a combination of multiple diagnostic strategies, including imaging, fungal biomarkers (galactomannan and 1,3-β-d-glucan) and molecular tools. In recent years, the development of PCR for filamentous fungi (primarily Aspergillus or Mucorales) and the progress made in the standardization of fungal PCR technology, may lead to future advances in the field. The appropriate diagnostic approach for IMI should be individualized to each centre, taking into account the local epidemiology of IMI and the availability of diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Lamoth
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Calandra
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Buchheidt D, Reinwald M, Hofmann WK, Boch T, Spiess B. Evaluating the use of PCR for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:603-610. [PMID: 28460550 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1325735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aspergillus species, primarily Aspergillus fumigatus, are still the most emerging fungal pathogens. Within recent years, novel molecular methods have been developed to improve the diagnosis of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in high risk patients. Especially patients with malignant hematological diseases undergoing intensive chemotherapy are at risk and mortality rates are exceptionally high, in part due to difficulties and delays in establishing a microbiologic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for an adequate therapeutical management, but, however, are hardly achieved in the clinical setting because most of the current conventional diagnostic tools either lack specificity or acceptable sensitivity at the critical early phase of the infection. Areas covered: To review the clinical value, advantages and problems as well as drawbacks of molecular approaches, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to detect genomic DNA of Aspergillus species in clinical samples of immunocompromised, especially hematological patients at high risk for IA, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and expert opinion was expressed. Expert commentary: The results of numerous attempts to diagnose invasive aspergillosis by PCR-based detection of fungal genome in clinical samples highlight the potential of the PCR technique to improve early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies during intensive antineoplastic treatment, combined with imaging surveillance and serologic diagnostic tools. Further comparative validation of reliable assays in prospective multicenter studies is mandatory and urgently needed in order to establish a harmonization and standardization, so that 'gold standard assays' may be incorporated into diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients with life-threatening infections caused by Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Buchheidt
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Mark Reinwald
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Tobias Boch
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Birgit Spiess
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
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12
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Panda PK, Mavidi SK, Wig N, Garg A, Nalwa A, Sharma MC. Intracranial Aspergillosis in an Immunocompetent Young Woman. Mycopathologia 2017; 182:527-538. [PMID: 28054219 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-016-0106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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13
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Chen TK, Groncy PK, Javahery R, Chai RY, Nagpala P, Finkelman M, Petraitiene R, Walsh TJ. Successful treatment of Aspergillus ventriculitis through voriconazole adaptive pharmacotherapy, immunomodulation, and therapeutic monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid (1→3)-β-D-glucan. Med Mycol 2016; 55:109-117. [PMID: 27838641 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus ventriculitis is an uncommon but often fatal form of invasive aspergillosis of the central nervous system (CNS). As little is known about the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of this potentially lethal infection, we report the strategies used to successfully treat Aspergillus ventriculitis complicating a pineal and pituitary germinoma with emphasis on the critical role of adaptive pharmacotherapy of voriconazole and serial monitoring of (1→3)-β-D-glucan in cerebrospinal fluid. We describe several rationally based therapeutic modalities, including adaptive pharmacotherapy, combination therapy, sargramostim-based immunomodulation, and biomarker-based therapeutic monitoring of the CNS compartment. Through these strategies, our patient remains in remission from both his germinoma and Aspergillus ventriculitis making him one of the few survivors of Aspergillus ventriculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tempe K Chen
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, Long Beach, CA, USA.,University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Paula K Groncy
- Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramin Javahery
- Neurosurgery, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Richard Y Chai
- Radiology, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Pablito Nagpala
- Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Ruta Petraitiene
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA .,Departments of Pediatrics, and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Cerebral Infarction and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Caused by Central Nervous System Aspergillus Infection. World Neurosurg 2016; 90:705.e9-705.e13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Schmidt-Hieber M, Silling G, Schalk E, Heinz W, Panse J, Penack O, Christopeit M, Buchheidt D, Meyding-Lamadé U, Hähnel S, Wolf HH, Ruhnke M, Schwartz S, Maschmeyer G. CNS infections in patients with hematological disorders (including allogeneic stem-cell transplantation)-Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). Ann Oncol 2016; 27:1207-25. [PMID: 27052648 PMCID: PMC4922317 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of CNS infections remains a great challenge in patients with hematological disorders since symptoms might both be masked and be mimicked by other conditions such as metabolic disturbances or consequences from antineoplastic treatment. Thus, awareness of this complication is crucial and any suspicion of a CNS infection should lead to timely and adequate diagnostics and treatment to improve the outcome in this population. Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are infrequently diagnosed in immunocompetent patients, but they do occur in a significant proportion of patients with hematological disorders. In particular, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation carry a high risk for CNS infections of up to 15%. Fungi and Toxoplasma gondii are the predominant causative agents. The diagnosis of CNS infections is based on neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid examination and biopsy of suspicious lesions in selected patients. However, identification of CNS infections in immunocompromised patients could represent a major challenge since metabolic disturbances, side-effects of antineoplastic or immunosuppressive drugs and CNS involvement of the underlying hematological disorder may mimic symptoms of a CNS infection. The prognosis of CNS infections is generally poor in these patients, albeit the introduction of novel substances (e.g. voriconazole) has improved the outcome in distinct patient subgroups. This guideline has been developed by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) with the contribution of a panel of 14 experts certified in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, intensive care, neurology and neuroradiology. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence were categorized by using novel criteria, as recently published by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schmidt-Hieber
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, HELIOS Clinic Berlin-Buch, Berlin
| | - G Silling
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, Aachen, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen
| | - E Schalk
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg
| | - W Heinz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Center of Internal Medicine, Würzburg
| | - J Panse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital, Aachen, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, Aachen
| | - O Penack
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Virchow Clinic, Berlin
| | - M Christopeit
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg
| | - D Buchheidt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim
| | - U Meyding-Lamadé
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Nordwest Frankfurt, Frankfurt/M., Germany Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam Department of Neuroinfectiology, Otto-Meyerhof-Centre, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - S Hähnel
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg
| | - H H Wolf
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Halle, Halle
| | - M Ruhnke
- Paracelsus Clinic Osnabrück, Osnabrück
| | - S Schwartz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité University Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin
| | - G Maschmeyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Ernst von Bergmann Clinic, Potsdam, Germany
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16
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17
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Tauber SC, Eiffert H, Kellner S, Lugert R, Bunkowski S, Schütze S, Perske C, Brück W, Nau R. Fungal encephalitis in human autopsy cases is associated with extensive neuronal damage but only minimal repair. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 40:610-27. [PMID: 23517274 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study aimed at examining neuronal injury and repair in post mortem brain sections of humans who died from fungal central nervous system infections. METHODS Histological and immunohistochemical abnormalities in 15 autopsy cases with fungal central nervous system infections from 1990 to 2008 were compared with findings in 10 age- und sex-matched control cases that died from acute non-neurological causes. The fungal pathogens were identified by culture or polymerase chain reaction and morphology in post mortem tissue. Seven patients with fungal encephalitis had either an organ transplantation or a malignant haematological disorder; five out of 15 did not have a classical predisposing illness but suffered from severe septic infections as the principal cause of immunosuppression, and three from alcoholism. RESULTS Fungal organisms detected were Aspergillus spp. and other moulds, Candida spp. and black yeast-like fungi including Cladosporium spp. Histological analyses identified microglial activation, astrocytosis and axonal injury in the white matter without additional demyelination as characteristic features of this infectious disease. An increased rate of hippocampal neuronal apoptosis was detected in fungal encephalitis, while the number of recently generated TUC-4 and calretinin-expressing neurones in the dentate gyrus did not differ between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS Unlike in other infectious diseases of the nervous system where a coexistence of damage and repair was observed, fungal encephalitis is characterized by strong damage and minimal neuronal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone C Tauber
- Department of Neurology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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18
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Molecular and nonmolecular diagnostic methods for invasive fungal infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 27:490-526. [PMID: 24982319 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00091-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections constitute a serious threat to an ever-growing population of immunocompromised individuals and other individuals at risk. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as histopathology and culture, which are still considered the gold standards, have low sensitivity, which underscores the need for the development of new means of detecting fungal infectious agents. Indeed, novel serologic and molecular techniques have been developed and are currently under clinical evaluation. Tests like the galactomannan antigen test for aspergillosis and the β-glucan test for invasive Candida spp. and molds, as well as other antigen and antibody tests, for Cryptococcus spp., Pneumocystis spp., and dimorphic fungi, have already been established as important diagnostic approaches and are implemented in routine clinical practice. On the other hand, PCR and other molecular approaches, such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), have proved promising in clinical trials but still need to undergo standardization before their clinical use can become widespread. The purpose of this review is to highlight the different diagnostic approaches that are currently utilized or under development for invasive fungal infections and to identify their performance characteristics and the challenges associated with their use.
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19
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Haßler A, Porto L, Lehrnbecher T. Cerebral Fungal Infection in Pediatric Cancer Patients. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-014-0213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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20
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Mikulska M, Furfaro E, Viscoli C. Non-cultural methods for the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 13:103-17. [PMID: 25385534 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.979788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases carry a high mortality risk which can be reduced by early treatment. Diagnosing invasive fungal diseases is challenging, because invasive methods for obtaining histological samples are frequently not feasible in thrombocytopenic immunocompromised patients, while fungal cultures have low sensitivity and a long turn-around time. Non-cultural methods are fundamental for a rapid diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases and they include assays based on the detection of fungal antigens (galactomannan, Aspergillus-lateral flow device, [1,3]-β-D-glucan, mannan), antibodies, such as anti-mannan, and molecular tests. With the exception of some molecular methods for rare fungi, the non-cultural assays are usually applied to the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis and pneumocystosis. The performance of a single test or a combination of tests will be discussed, with particular focus on choosing the most appropriate marker(s) for every specific patient population. Reasons for potential false-positive or false-negative results will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Mikulska
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Martino University Hospital - IST, L.go R. Benzi, 10 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Moudgal V, Singal B, Kauffman CA, Brodkey JA, Malani AN, Olmsted RN, Kasotakis MJ, Koch SR, Kaakaji R, Nyaku M, Neelakanta A, Valenstein P, Winter S, Otto M, Jagarlamudi R, Kerr L, Czerwinski J, Vandenberg D, Sutton SR, Murphy H, Halasyamani LK. Spinal and paraspinal fungal infections associated with contaminated methylprednisolone injections. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu022. [PMID: 25734095 PMCID: PMC4324199 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A nationwide outbreak of fungal infections was traced to injection of Exserohilum-contaminated methylprednisolone. We describe our experience with patients who developed spinal or paraspinal infection after injection of contaminated methylprednisolone. METHODS Data were assembled from the Michigan Department of Community Health, electronic medical records, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. RESULTS Of 544 patients who received an epidural injection from a contaminated lot of methylprednisolone at a pain clinic in southeastern Michigan, 153 (28%) were diagnosed at our institution with probable or confirmed spinal or paraspinal fungal infection at the injection site. Forty-one patients had both meningitis and spinal or paraspinal infection, and 112 had only spinal or paraspinal infection. Magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities included abscess, phlegmon, arachnoiditis, and osteomyelitis. Surgical debridement in 116 patients revealed epidural phlegmon and epidural abscess most often. Among 26 patients with an abnormal MRI but with no increase or change in chronic pain, 19 (73%) had infection identified at surgery. Fungal infection was confirmed in 78 patients (51%) by finding hyphae in tissues, positive polymerase chain reaction, or culture. Initial therapy was voriconazole plus liposomal amphotericin B in 115 patients (75%) and voriconazole alone in 38 patients (25%). As of January 31, 2014, 20 patients remained on an azole agent. Five patients died of infection. CONCLUSIONS We report on 153 patients who had spinal or paraspinal fungal infection at the site of epidural injection of contaminated methylprednisolone. One hundred sixteen (76%) underwent operative debridement in addition to treatment with antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol A Kauffman
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rami Kaakaji
- Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mawuli Nyaku
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | | | - Michael Otto
- Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Lisa Kerr
- Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Holly Murphy
- Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital , Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Kourbeti IS, Mylonakis E. Fungal central nervous system infections: prevalence and diagnosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 12:265-73. [PMID: 24392732 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2014.874282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare but they pose a significant challenge. Their prevalence spans a wide array of hosts including immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals, patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures and those carrying implantable CNS devices. Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus spp. remain the most common pathogens. Magnetic resonance imaging can help localize the lesions, but diagnosis is challenging since invasive procedures may be needed for the retrieval of tissue, especially in cases of fungal abscesses. Antigen and antibody tests are available and approved for use in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PCR-based techniques are promising but they are not validated for use in the CSF. This review provides an overview on the differential diagnosis of the fungal CNS disease based on the host and the clinical syndrome and suggests the optimal use of diagnostic techniques. It also summarizes the emergence of Cryptococcus gatti and an unanticipated outbreak caused by Exserohilum rostratum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene S Kourbeti
- Infectious Disease Division, Alpert Medical School and Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, RI, USA
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23
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Schwartz S. [Diagnostic imaging methods and therapy options for cerebral aspergillosis]. Mycoses 2013; 55 Suppl 2:10-6. [PMID: 22519627 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2012.02178.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schwartz
- Medizinische Klinik III, Charité Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Deutschland.
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Detection of fungal DNA in human body fluids and tissues during a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:677-83. [PMID: 23457192 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00046-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Exserohilum rostratum was the major cause of an outbreak of fungal infections linked to injections of contaminated methylprednisolone acetate. Because almost 14,000 persons were exposed to product that was possibly contaminated with multiple fungal pathogens, there was unprecedented need for a rapid throughput diagnostic test that could detect both E. rostratum and other unusual agents of fungal infection. Here we report development of a novel PCR test that allowed for rapid and specific detection of fungal DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), other body fluids and tissues of infected individuals. The test relied on direct purification of free-circulating fungal DNA from fluids and subsequent PCR amplification and sequencing. Using this method, we detected Exserohilum rostratum DNA in 123 samples from 114 case-patients (28% of 413 case-patients for whom 627 samples were available), and Cladosporium DNA in one sample from one case-patient. PCR with novel Exserohilum-specific ITS-2 region primers detected 25 case-patients with samples that were negative using broad-range ITS primers. Compared to fungal culture, this molecular test was more sensitive: of 139 case-patients with an identical specimen tested by culture and PCR, E. rostratum was recovered in culture from 19 (14%), but detected by PCR in 41 (29%), showing a diagnostic sensitivity of 29% for PCR compared to 14% for culture in this patient group. The ability to rapidly confirm the etiologic role of E. rostratum in these infections provided an important contribution in the public health response to this outbreak.
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Antinori S, Corbellino M, Meroni L, Resta F, Sollima S, Tonolini M, Tortorano AM, Milazzo L, Bello L, Furfaro E, Galli M, Viscoli C. Aspergillus meningitis: a rare clinical manifestation of central nervous system aspergillosis. Case report and review of 92 cases. J Infect 2013; 66:218-38. [PMID: 23178421 PMCID: PMC7112586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid findings and outcome of Aspergillus meningitis, meningoencephalitis and arachnoiditis. METHODS A case of Aspergillus meningitis is described. A comprehensive review of the English-language literature was conducted to identify all reported cases of Aspergillus meningitis described between January 1973 and December 2011. RESULTS Ninety-three cases (including the one described herein) of Aspergillus meningitis were identified. Fifty-two (55.9%) were in individuals without any predisposing factor or known causes of immunosuppression. Acute and chronic meningitis was diagnosed in 65.6% of patients and meningoencephalitis in 24.7% of them with the remaining presenting with spinal arachnoiditis and ventriculitis. Cerebrospinal fluid cultures for Aspergillus spp. were positive in about 31% of cases and the galactomannan antigen test in 87%. Diagnosis during life was achieved in 52 patients (55.9%) with a case fatality rate of 50%. The overall case fatality rate was 72.1%. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus meningitis may occur in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients and run an acute or chronic course. The findings of this systematic review extend the information on this life-threatening infection and could assist physicians in achieving an improved outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spinello Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Reinwald M, Buchheidt D, Hummel M, Duerken M, Bertz H, Schwerdtfeger R, Reuter S, Kiehl MG, Barreto-Miranda M, Hofmann WK, Spiess B. Diagnostic performance of an Aspergillus-specific nested PCR assay in cerebrospinal fluid samples of immunocompromised patients for detection of central nervous system aspergillosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56706. [PMID: 23451071 PMCID: PMC3579826 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a fatal complication in immunocompromised patients. Confirming the diagnosis is rarely accomplished as invasive procedures are impaired by neutropenia and low platelet count. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures or galactomannan (GM) regularly yield negative results thus suggesting the need for improving diagnostic procedures. Therefore the performance of an established Aspergillus-specific nested polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) in CSF samples of immunocompromised patients with suspicion of CNS IA was evaluated. We identified 113 CSF samples from 55 immunocompromised patients for whom CNS aspergillosis was suspected. Of these patients 8/55 were identified as having proven/probable CNS IA while the remaining 47 patients were classified as having either possible (n = 22) or no CNS IA (n = 25). PCR positivity in CSF was observed for 8/8 proven/probable, in 4/22 possible CNS IA patients and in 2/25 NoIA patients yielding sensitivity and specificity values of 1.0 (95% CI 0.68–1) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.77–0.98) and a positive likelihood ratio of 14 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.0, respectively, thus resulting in a diagnostic odds ratio of ∞. The retrospective analysis of CSF samples from patients with suspected CNS IA yielded a high sensitivity of the nested PCR assay. PCR testing of CSF samples is recommended for patients for whom CNS IA is suspected, especially for those whose clinical condition does not allow invasive procedures as a positive PCR result makes the presence of CNS IA in that patient population highly likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Reinwald
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dieter Buchheidt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Margit Hummel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Matthias Duerken
- Department of Pediatrics, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hartmut Bertz
- Freiburg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Reuter
- Ulm University Hospital, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Manuel Barreto-Miranda
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Birgit Spiess
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Barton RC. Laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: from diagnosis to prediction of outcome. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:459405. [PMID: 24278780 PMCID: PMC3820361 DOI: 10.1155/2013/459405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA), an infection caused by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, is seen in patients with immunological deficits, particularly acute leukaemia and stem cell transplantation, and has been associated with high rates of mortality in previous years. Diagnosing IA has long been problematic owing to the inability to culture the main causal agent A. fumigatus from blood. Microscopic examination and culture of respiratory tract specimens have lacked sensitivity, and biopsy tissue for histopathological examination is rarely obtainable. Thus, for many years there has been a great interest in nonculture-based techniques such as the detection of galactomannan, β -D-glucan, and DNA by PCR-based methods. Recent meta-analyses suggest that these approaches have broadly similar performance parameters in terms of sensitivity and specificity to diagnose IA. Improvements have been made in our understanding of the limitations of antigen assays and the standardisation of PCR-based DNA detection. Thus, in more recent years, the debate has focussed on how these assays can be incorporated into diagnostic strategies to maximise improvements in outcome whilst limiting unnecessary use of antifungal therapy. Furthermore, there is a current interest in applying these tests to monitor the effectiveness of therapy after diagnosis and predict clinical outcomes. The search for improved markers for the early and sensitive diagnosis of IA continues to be a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Barton
- Mycology Reference Centre, Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
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Kourkoumpetis TK, Desalermos A, Muhammed M, Mylonakis E. Central nervous system aspergillosis: a series of 14 cases from a general hospital and review of 123 cases from the literature. Medicine (Baltimore) 2012; 91:328-336. [PMID: 23117848 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e318274cd77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis is a highly fatal infection. We review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcome of this infection and present a case series of 14 consecutive patients with CNS aspergillosis admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) from 2000 to 2011. We also review 123 cases reported in the literature during that time. We included only proven CNS aspergillosis cases conforming to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) definitions of invasive fungal infections. In the MGH case series, neutropenia, hematologic malignancies, autoimmune diseases requiring steroid treatment, and solid organ transplantation were the predominant comorbid conditions. Notably, all MGH patients were immunosuppressed, and more than half (n = 8) had a history of previous brain injury, unrelated to their index hospitalization. For most MGH patients (11 of 14), the lung was the primary focus of aspergillosis, while 2 had paranasal sinus involvement, and 1 had primary Aspergillus discitis. Among reported cases, paranasal sinuses (27.6%) and the lung (26.8%) were the primary foci of infection, whereas 22% of those cases had no obvious primary organ involvement. Although a selection bias should be considered, especially among published cases, our findings suggest that patients who underwent neurosurgery had improved survival, with MGH and literature patients having 25% and 28.6% mortality, respectively, compared to 100% and 60.4%, respectively, among patients who received only medical treatment. Although this was not the case among MGH patients, CNS aspergillosis can affect patients without significant immune suppression, as indicated by the high number of reported immunocompetent cases. In conclusion, mortality among CNS aspergillosis patients remains high, and the infection may be more common among patients with previous brain pathology. When indicated, neurosurgical procedures may improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themistoklis K Kourkoumpetis
- From the Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. (Dr. Mylonakis' current affiliation is Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.)
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Steiner I, Schmutzhard E, Sellner J, Chaudhuri A, Kennedy PGE. EFNS-ENS guidelines for the use of PCR technology for the diagnosis of infections of the nervous system. Eur J Neurol 2012; 19:1278-91. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2012.03808.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Steiner
- Department of Neurology; Rabin Medical Center; Petach Tikva Israel
| | - E. Schmutzhard
- Department of Neurology; Medical University Innsbruck; Innsbruck Austria
| | - J. Sellner
- Department of Neurology; Klinikum rechts der Isar; Technische Universität München; München Germany
- Neurologische Abteilung; Krankenhaus Hietzing mit Neurologischem Zentrum Rosenhügel; Vienna Austria
| | - A. Chaudhuri
- Clinical Neurosciences; Queen's Hospital; Romford UK
| | - P. G. E. Kennedy
- Department of Neurology; Southern General Hospital; Institute of Neurological Sciences; Glasgow University; Glasgow UK
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Development of novel PCR assays to detect azole resistance-mediating mutations of the Aspergillus fumigatus cyp51A gene in primary clinical samples from neutropenic patients. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:3905-10. [PMID: 22526309 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05902-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus causing invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised/hematological patients emphasizes the need to improve the detection of resistance-mediating cyp51A gene mutations from primary clinical samples, particularly as the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis is rarely based on a positive culture yield in this group of patients. We generated primers from the unique sequence of the Aspergillus fumigatus cyp51A gene to establish PCR assays with consecutive DNA sequence analysis to detect and identify the A. fumigatus cyp51A tandem repeat (TR) mutation in the promoter region and the L98H and M220 alterations directly in clinical samples. After testing of the sensitivity and specificity of the assays using serially diluted A. fumigatus and human DNA, A. fumigatus cyp51A gene fragments of about 150 bp potentially carrying the mutations were amplified directly from primary clinical samples and subsequently DNA sequenced. The determined sensitivities of the PCR assays were 600 fg, 6 pg, and 4 pg of A. fumigatus DNA for the TR, L98H, and M220 mutations, respectively. There was no cross-reactivity with human genomic DNA detectable. Sequencing of the PCR amplicons for A. fumigatus wild-type DNA confirmed the cyp51A wild-type sequence, and PCR products from one azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolate showed the L98H and TR mutations. The second azole-resistant isolate revealed an M220T alteration. We consider our assay to be of high epidemiological and clinical relevance to detect azole resistance and to optimize antifungal therapy in patients with IA.
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Said Criado I, Gómez G de la Pedrosa E, de Felipe Mimbrera A, Pintado García V. [Acute hydrocephalus as a presentation form of disseminated aspergillosis]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2012; 30:348-50. [PMID: 22503114 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2012.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kourkoumpetis TK, Fuchs BB, Coleman JJ, Desalermos A, Mylonakis E. Polymerase chain reaction-based assays for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. Clin Infect Dis 2012; 54:1322-31. [PMID: 22362884 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently accepted fungal diagnostic techniques, such as culture, biopsy, and serology, lack rapidity and efficiency. Newer diagnostic methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, have the potential to improve fungal diagnostics in a faster, more sensitive, and specific manner. Preliminary data indicate that, when PCR-based fungal diagnostic assays guide antifungal therapy, they may lower patient mortality and decrease unnecessary antifungal treatment, improving treatment-associated costs and avoiding toxicity. Moreover, newer PCR techniques can identify antifungal resistance DNA loci, but the clinical correlation between those loci and clinical failure has to be studied further. In addition, future studies need to focus on the implementation of PCR techniques in clinical decision making and on combining them with other diagnostic tests. A consensus on the standardization of PCR techniques, along with validation from large prospective studies, is necessary to allow widespread adoption of these assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Themistoklis K Kourkoumpetis
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02214, USA
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Löffler J, Kurzai O. Diagnostic Utility of DNA from Aspergillus in Whole Blood Specimens. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-011-0056-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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34
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Schwartz S, Reisman A, Troke PF. The efficacy of voriconazole in the treatment of 192 fungal central nervous system infections: a retrospective analysis. Infection 2011; 39:201-10. [PMID: 21512792 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-011-0108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Morton CO, Clemons KV, Springer J, Mueller JG, Rogers TR, Stevens DA, Kurzai O, Einsele H, Loeffler J. Real-time PCR and quantitative culture for monitoring of experimental Aspergillus fumigatus intracranial infection in neutropenic mice. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:913-919. [PMID: 21436369 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.028399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most common site of dissemination during Aspergillus infection. PCR has the potential to facilitate early diagnosis of CNS aspergillosis, which could assist in reducing disease mortality. In two experiments, neutropenic CD-1 male mice were infected intracranially with 5×10⁶ conidia of Aspergillus fumigatus. At time points up to 120 h after infection, mice were euthanized and samples of blood, brain, spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were taken. The brain fungal burden was determined by quantitative culture, and fungal DNA was detected by quantitative PCR. Plating for A. fumigatus from the brain confirmed that all mice had burdens of log₁₀>3 from 4 to 120 h after infection. A. fumigatus DNA was detected in blood (88 %), brain (96 %), CSF (52 %) and spinal cord (92 %) samples. The brain and spinal cord contained the highest concentrations of fungal DNA. Adapting the extraction protocol to maximize yield from small sample volumes (10 µl CSF or 200 µl blood) allowed PCR detection of A. fumigatus in infected mice, suggesting the use of CSF and blood as diagnostic clinical samples for CNS aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Oliver Morton
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Karl V Clemons
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128-2699, USA
| | - Jan Springer
- Universität Wuerzburg, Medizinische Klinik & Poliklinik II, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Justus G Mueller
- Pathologisches Institut der Universität Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas R Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - David A Stevens
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128-2699, USA.,California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Septomics Research Centre, Leibniz Institute for Natural Products Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Universität Wuerzburg, Medizinische Klinik & Poliklinik II, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Universität Wuerzburg, Medizinische Klinik & Poliklinik II, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Identification of Fusarium species in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections by in situ hybridization using peptide nucleic acid probes. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 49:808-13. [PMID: 21106796 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01149-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium has recently emerged as an opportunistic pathogen of humans, but the histological differentiation of Fusarium from Aspergillus and Scedosporium is particularly difficult because these fungi may induce similar clinical features and exhibit filamentous development in host tissues. Thus, there is a need to establish rapid and reliable methods that are applicable to pathological diagnoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate and establish in situ hybridization (ISH) using peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes targeting the 28S rRNA to identify Fusarium species in tissue sections. This technique was validated using both formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded pulmonary tissues from mice infected with seven different species of fungi and cell blocks from fungal cultures of 30 strains. As a result, strong positive signals were observed within fungal organisms present in tissues of the lung from mice infected with Fusarium solani. Furthermore, this probe reacted strongly with both F. solani and Fusarium oxysporum in sections from cell blocks. Although some cross-reactivity occurred with the Pseudallescheria boydii in sections from cell blocks, the signal intensity was low and most hyphae were not reactive. In conclusion, it was confirmed that ISH with PNA probes is accurate and is a valuable tool for identifying Fusarium spp. among organisms that have identical morphological features in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections.
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Thornton CR. Detection of Invasive Aspergillosis. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2010; 70:187-216. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-2164(10)70006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Lau A, Chen S, Sleiman S, Sorrell T. Current status and future perspectives on molecular and serological methods in diagnostic mycology. Future Microbiol 2009; 4:1185-222. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.09.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are an important cause of infectious morbidity. Nonculture-based methods are increasingly used for rapid, accurate diagnosis to improve patient outcomes. New and existing DNA amplification platforms have high sensitivity and specificity for direct detection and identification of fungi in clinical specimens. Since laboratories are increasingly reliant on DNA sequencing for fungal identification, measures to improve sequence interpretation should support validation of reference isolates and quality control in public gene repositories. Novel technologies (e.g., isothermal and PNA FISH methods), platforms enabling high-throughput analyses (e.g., DNA microarrays and Luminex® xMAP™) and/or commercial PCR assays warrant further evaluation for routine diagnostic use. Notwithstanding the advantages of molecular tests, serological assays remain clinically useful for patient management. The serum Aspergillus galactomannan test has been incorporated into diagnostic algorithms of invasive aspergillosis. Both the galactomannan and the serum β-D-glucan test have value for diagnosing infection and monitoring therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lau
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Sue Sleiman
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology & Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tania Sorrell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Darcy and Hawkesbury Roads, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Central nervous system Aspergillus infection after epidural analgesia: diagnosis, therapeutic challenges, and literature review. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 65:312-8. [PMID: 19717262 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus terreus was identified in an intradural spinal biopsy specimen from an African female with recurrent headache and hydrocephalus. Prior laboratory testing of cerebrospinal fluid was nondiagnostic, despite extensive central nervous system (CNS) involvement. CNS Aspergillus infection presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and is reviewed in the context of this particularly instructive and difficult case.
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Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of orbital invasive aspergillosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. METHODS Review of the medical records of Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, from 1995 to 2007 revealed 15 patients with orbital invasive aspergillosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics, radiologic findings, associated underlying diseases, and prognosis. Risk factors for mortality were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 15 cases of orbital invasive aspergillosis were included in this study. The mean age for all patients was 61.9 years. The most common underlying disease was diabetes mellitus and all patients had paranasal sinus infections. The most common ocular symptoms were visual disturbance, periorbital swelling, and periorbital pain. The mortality rate associated with invasive aspergillosis was 40%. According to univariate analysis, variables significantly associated with invasive aspergillosis-related mortality included fever and incorrect initial diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Fever and incorrect initial diagnosis were found to be associated with high mortality rates in patients with orbital invasive aspergillosis. Further study is necessary to determine optimal strategies for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Abstract
Cerebral aspergillosis is increasingly recognized in severely immunocompromised patients and, until recently, this type of fungal infection was associated with a mortality approaching 100%. The central nervous system is a protected environment and penetration of drugs across the blood-brain barrier is mainly limited by their molecular size and physicochemical properties, as well as drug interaction with transporter systems (e.g., P-glycoprotein) at the blood-brain barrier. Most antifungal agents are large molecules (>700 Da), which makes sufficient penetration into the central nervous system unlikely. In fact, the available data indicate low levels of most antifungal agents in cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, except for fluconazole and voriconazole. Concentrations of voriconazole exceeding inhibitory concentrations for Aspergillus species were found repeatedly in cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue, including brain abscess material. A recent retrospective study confirmed that voriconazole treatment resulted in improved response and survival rates in patients with cerebral aspergillosis. Data from animal models, which explored escalated doses or combinations of antifungal agents in experimental neuroaspergillosis, suggest that selected combination or dose-escalated therapies might further improve the still unsatisfactory prognosis in this particular type of Aspergillus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Schwartz
- Medizinische Klinik III, Charite Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immuno-compromised patients, with an incidence of 4-10%, and with a mortality rate of 80-90%, such as in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. Conventional diagnostic tests, like blood culture, are not useful in the diagnosis of Aspergillus spp. fungemia. Furthermore, non-culture based techniques that have been used in the past have lacked sensitivity and specificity in immunocompromised patients. New rapid methods which can detect IA early in the course of disease with high sensitivity and specificity are needed since treating these infections at an early stage is often essential for favourable outcomes. In this regard, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers great promise for the rapid diagnosis of fungal infections, including detection of fungi that do not grow in blood cultures such as Aspergillus spp. At Karolinska University Hospital we have established a diagnostic assay, using a combination of a manual extraction and a robot for automated extraction of Candida and Aspergillus DNA, together with real-time PCR. To asses its clinical applicability, a large number of samples from patients with suspected invasive fungal infection have been analyzed with real time PCR. Data will be presented with focus on Aspergillus R-T PCR results in immunocompromised patients. A range of different PCR assays have been developed, targeting different gene regions and including a variety of amplicon detection methods. These molecular assays provide high potential in terms of sensitivity and specificity, but vary widely in their feasibility and have not, until now, been standardized. Despite this progress, there are certain questions to be addressed using these assays, such as the frequency of prospective sampling, as well as the number of positive results of a PCR assay required to initiate antifungal therapy. Furthermore, there are only a few standardized assays that are commercially available. This particular challenge will be addressed by the Working Group 'EAPCRI' (European Aspergillus PCR Initiative) under the auspices of ISHAM. Twenty-four centres have started to establish a European standard for Aspergillus-PCR. The principal goal of this initiative is to achieve a standard for PCR that can be incorporated into the next revision of the EORTC/MSG definitions for IA. Future prospective studies evaluating the potential benefits of early therapy based on R-T PCR in patients at high risk for IA infections are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Klingspor
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Real-time and semiquantitative RT-PCR methods to analyze gene expression patterns during Aspergillus-host interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2009. [PMID: 19089383 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-204-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Aspergillus species are infamous for causing several plant and animal diseases that directly (e.g., invasive aspergillosis) or indirectly (e.g., consumption of toxic food supplies) can lead to high rates of morbidity in humans and animals worldwide. Despite progress in molecular information and manipulation of Aspergillus spp., including genome sequence availability and suitable transformation methodologies, efforts to control Aspergillus diseases are still far from satisfactory, due in part to lack of knowledge of fungal virulence attributes. In order to obtain meaningful insights on the disease mechanism(s), it is essential to detect virulence gene expression during host invasion. Here, we describe two PCR-based detection methods of Aspergillus gene expression in both plant and mammalian tissues. Moreover, these techniques can be employed for routine screening of large numbers of aspergilli to improve diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapy of fungal disease.
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A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing PCR-based and empirical treatment with liposomal amphotericin B in patients after allo-SCT. Bone Marrow Transplant 2008; 43:553-61. [PMID: 19079316 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2008.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We compared the efficacy and safety of empirical plus PCR-based vs empirical liposomal amphotericin B treatment after Allo-SCT. Allo-SCT recipients were randomized to receive either PCR-based preemptive therapy (group A; n=198) or empirical antifungal therapy (group B; n=211) with liposomal amphotericin B. In group A, therapy was started after one positive PCR result or after 120 h of febrile neutropenia refractory to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. In group B, liposomal amphotericin B was started after 120 h of refractory febrile neutropenia. Demographic and clinical characteristics were well balanced. A total of 112 (57.1%) patients in group A and 76 (36.7%) patients in group B received antifungal therapy (P<0.0001). Twelve patients in group A and 16 patients in group B developed proven invasive fungal infection (IFI). Survival curves showed better survival until day 30 when close PCR monitoring was performed (mortality 1.5 vs 6.3%; P=0.015), but there was no difference at day 100. At day 100, no difference was observed in the incidence of IFI (primary end point) and survival between the two arms. Further studies are required to assess the benefit of using PCR in patients after SCT.
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Perkins JD. Accuracy of detecting hepatocellular carcinomas before liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2008; 14:1675-6. [PMID: 18975282 DOI: 10.1002/lt.21639] [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: 01/12/2023]
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Buchheidt D. Molecular diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancies – new answers to a diagnostic challenge? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 2:753-61. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2.7.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Einsele H, Loeffler J. Contribution of new diagnostic approaches to antifungal treatment plans in high-risk haematology patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14 Suppl 4:37-45. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.01980.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Maschmeyer G, Haas A, Cornely OA. Invasive aspergillosis: epidemiology, diagnosis and management in immunocompromised patients. Drugs 2007; 67:1567-601. [PMID: 17661528 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-200767110-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Morbidity and mortality caused by invasive Aspergillus infections are increasing. This is because of the higher number of patients with malignancies treated with intensive immunosuppressive therapy regimens as well as their improved survival from formerly fatal bacterial infections, and the rising number of patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell or organ transplantation. Early initiation of effective systemic antifungal treatment is essential for a successful clinical outcome in these patients; however, clinical clues for diagnosis are sparse and early microbiological proof of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is rare. Clinical diagnosis is based on pulmonary CT scan findings and non-culture based diagnostic techniques such as galactomannan or DNA detection in blood or bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Most promising outcomes can be expected in patients at high risk for aspergillosis in whom antifungal treatment has been started pre-emptively, backed up by laboratory and imaging findings. The gold standard of systemic antifungal treatment is voriconazole, which has been proven to be significantly superior to conventional amphotericin B and has led to a profound improvement of survival rates in patients with cerebral aspergillosis. Liposomal amphotericin B at standard dosages appears to be a suitable alternative for primary treatment, while caspofungin, amphotericin B lipid complex or posaconazole have shown partial or complete response in patients who had been refractory to or intolerant of primary antifungal therapy. Combination therapy with two antifungal compounds may be a promising future strategy for first-line treatment. Lung resection helps to prevent fatal haemorrhage in single patients with pulmonary lesions located in close proximity to larger blood vessels, but is primarily considered for reducing the risk of relapse during subsequent periods of severe immunosuppression. Strict reverse isolation appears to reduce the incidence of aspergillosis in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients and patients with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing aggressive anticancer therapy. Well designed, prospective randomised studies on infection control measures effective to prevent aspergillosis are lacking. Prophylactic systemic antifungal treatment with posaconazole significantly improves survival and reduces IA in acute myeloid leukaemia patients and reduces aspergillosis incidence rates in patients with intermediate-to-severe graft-versus-host reaction emerging after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Voriconazole prophylaxis may be suitable for prevention of IA as well; however, the results of large clinical trials are still awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Maschmeyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Potsdam, Germany.
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Yoon JS, Park HK, Cho NH, Lee SY. Outcomes of Three Patients With Intracranially Invasive Sino-orbital Aspergillosis. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2007; 23:400-6. [PMID: 17881994 DOI: 10.1097/iop.0b013e31814db448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although rare, invasive aspergillosis with intracranial spread usually is fatal and necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment. We describe the prognoses for survival and vision in 3 consecutive patients with vision-threatening invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis. METHODS A case series of 3 patients, with review of treatments and outcomes. RESULTS Three diabetic patients presented with significant eye pain and headache, followed by progressive ophthalmic symptoms including vision loss and limitation of ocular motility. Histologic examination showed numerous hyphae of Aspergillus fumigatus. Following early diagnosis and surgical debridement, 1 patient (case 1) showed vision improvement, from counting fingers to 20/20. The other 2 patients, who were initially treated with corticosteroids after presumptive diagnoses of nonspecific orbital inflammation, showed no recovery of vision from no light perception, and 1 (case 3) died of massive intracranial spread and side effects of antifungal agents caused by delayed diagnosis and long-term use of corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis with intracranial invasion often may resemble inflammatory conditions. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are required to improve vision and survival. Repeated biopsies often are necessary to rule out fungal sinus infection before considering steroid use, especially in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Sook Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology (The Institute of Vision Research), Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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