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Arendrup MC, Armstrong-James D, Borman AM, Denning DW, Fisher MC, Gorton R, Maertens J, Martin-Loeches I, Mehra V, Mercier T, Price J, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Wake R, Andrews N, White PL. The Impact of the Fungal Priority Pathogens List on Medical Mycology: A Northern European Perspective. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae372. [PMID: 39045012 PMCID: PMC11263880 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases represent a considerable global health concern, affecting >1 billion people annually. In response to this growing challenge, the World Health Organization introduced the pivotal fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL) in late 2022. The FPPL highlights the challenges in estimating the global burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance (AFR), as well as limited surveillance capabilities and lack of routine AFR testing. Furthermore, training programs should incorporate sufficient information on fungal diseases, necessitating global advocacy to educate health care professionals and scientists. Established international guidelines and the FPPL are vital in strengthening local guidance on tackling fungal diseases. Future iterations of the FPPL have the potential to refine the list further, addressing its limitations and advancing our collective ability to combat fungal diseases effectively. Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited (Mundipharma UK) organized a workshop with key experts from Northern Europe to discuss the impact of the FPPL on regional clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andrew M Borman
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Bristol, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Global Action For Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Gorton
- Department of Infection Sciences, Health Services Laboratories, London, UK
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Martin-Loeches
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERes, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Varun Mehra
- Department of Haematological Medicine, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Toine Mercier
- Department of Oncology-Hematology, AZ Sint-Maarten, Mechelen, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Price
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory, UHW, Cardiff, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester (MRCM), ECMM Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Natalie Andrews
- Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited, a member of the Mundipharma network of independent associated companies, Cambridge, UK
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory, UHW, Cardiff, UK
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2
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Jackson DL, Coke L, Zhang SX, Steenbergen C, Khan G, Gorfu G, Mitchell RA. Myocarditis and brain abscess caused by disseminated Scedosporium boydii infection. J Natl Med Assoc 2024; 116:238-246. [PMID: 38310044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Scedosporium spp. is a fungal species documented as the cause of infections involving the lungs, brain, and other organ systems in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Many cases of this type of fungal infection occurring in immunocompetent patients are subsequent to traumatic injury or drowning events in or near waters containing the fungi. Infection commonly involves the lungs. Rarely, it has been shown to cause disease in the endocardium, but there is even less documentation of the fungi invading the myocardium and causing myocarditis. In this report, we present a case of disseminated Scedosporium boydii infection in a 52-year-old male patient without any known risk factors. He presented with acute onset chest pain and dyspnea accompanied by bilateral lower extremity edema. He was found to have new onset heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and his hospital course was complicated by pneumonia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and brain abscess formation. Multiple blood cultures failed to reveal the source of the infection. At autopsy, septated branching hyphae were identified invading both the myocardium and the cortical brain tissue. DNA sequencing revealed the fungal organisms to be Scedosporium boydii. This case reinforces the importance of autopsies in the clinical setting. It not only established the definitive diagnosis of an unexpected fungal infection, but it also helped to recognize new clinical and pathologic features of this particular fungal organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Jackson
- Howard University Hospital, Department of Pathology, 2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
| | - Lamarque Coke
- Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W St NW, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Sean X Zhang
- Johns Hopkins Hospital, Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer B1-125A, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Charles Steenbergen
- Johns Hopkins Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Pathology, 632N Ross Building, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Galam Khan
- MedStar Health/Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Neurology, 4000 Reservoir Rd NW, Bldg D, Room 333/335, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Gezahegn Gorfu
- Howard University Hospital, Department of Pathology, 2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060, USA
| | - Roger A Mitchell
- Howard University Hospital, Department of Pathology, 2041 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20060, USA
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Alsalman J, Althaqafi A, Alsaeed A, Subhi A, Mady AF, AlHejazi A, Francis B, Alturkistani HH, Ayas M, Bilbisi M, Alsharidah S. Middle Eastern Expert Opinion: Strategies for Successful Antifungal Stewardship Program Implementation in Invasive Fungal Infections. Cureus 2024; 16:e61127. [PMID: 38919246 PMCID: PMC11198984 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, global public health efforts have increasingly emphasized the critical role of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in improving outcomes, reducing costs, and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, antifungal stewardship (AFS) has remained relatively overlooked despite the staggering impact of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). This burden is particularly pronounced in hospitals worldwide, with the Middle East facing significant unmet needs. The rising population of immunocompromised individuals vulnerable to IFI has prompted an increased reliance on antifungal agents for both prevention and treatment. Given the considerable mortality associated with IFIs and the emergence of antifungal resistance, implementing AFS programs in hospital settings is becoming increasingly urgent. In this article, we offer expert insights into the strategies that can be used for successful antifungal stewardship program implementation in IFI. Drawing upon the extensive clinical experience of a multinational and multidisciplinary panel, we present recommendations for optimizing AFS practices. We delve into the challenges and practical considerations of tailoring local AFS initiatives to the evolving landscape of fungal infections. Additionally, we provide actionable recommendations and position statements for the effective implementation of AFS programs, informed by the collective clinical experiences of panel members across their respective countries of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdulhakeem Althaqafi
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Infectious Diseases, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, SAU
- Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmad Alsaeed
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, SAU
- Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Ahmad Subhi
- Adult Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Al-Qassimi Hospital, Emirates Health Services, Sharjah, ARE
| | - Ahmed F Mady
- Critical Care Medicine, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ayman AlHejazi
- Department of Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City Riyadh, Riyadh, SAU
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Bassam Francis
- Hematology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Center, Baghdad, IRQ
| | | | - Mouhab Ayas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Montaser Bilbisi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Abdali Medical Center, Amman, JOR
| | - Sondus Alsharidah
- Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) Children's Specialized Hospital, Sabah Central Health Region, KWT
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Miller MB, Watts ML, Samuel L. FDA's proposed rule for the regulation of laboratory-developed tests. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0148823. [PMID: 38206042 PMCID: PMC10865810 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01488-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In October 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a proposed rule that ends enforcement discretion for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). The FDA's proposal outlines a five-stage implementation to begin regulating LDTs as they do for commercial in vitro diagnostics (IVDs), including modified FDA-approved/cleared tests. We outline here concerns from the clinical and public health microbiology laboratory perspective. It is our opinion that LDTs performed by individual Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified diagnostic laboratories should not be regulated in the same way as commercial IVDs. This rule, if finalized, will negatively impact the diagnostic services currently offered by clinical and public health laboratories and, therefore, patients and the providers who care for them. Ending enforcement discretion will likely stifle diagnostic innovation and decrease access to diagnostic testing and health equity. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure, including personnel and funding, at the FDA and diagnostic laboratories to support the required submissions for review is an obstacle. Like the FDA, diagnostic laboratories prioritize patient safety, accurate clinical diagnostics, and health equity. Since the scope of the LDT landscape is currently unknown, we are supportive of a registration process, along with non-burdensome adverse event reporting, to first understand the scope of clinical use of LDTs and any associated safety concerns. Any regulatory rule should be based on data that have been gathered systematically, not anecdotes or case reports. A rule must also balance the potential negative impact to patient care with realistic safety risks for infectious disease diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B. Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Linoj Samuel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Pfaller M, Huband M, Bien PA, Carvalhaes CG, Klauer A, Castanheira M. In vitro activity of manogepix and comparators against infrequently encountered yeast and mold isolates from the SENTRY Surveillance Program (2017-2022). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0113223. [PMID: 38205999 PMCID: PMC10848754 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01132-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Manogepix is a potent new antifungal agent targeting the fungal Gwt1 enzyme. Manogepix has previously demonstrated potent in vitro activity against clinical isolates of both Candida (except Candida krusei) and Aspergillus species. This study determined the in vitro activity of manogepix and comparators against a large collection of infrequently encountered yeast and molds. Manogepix demonstrated potent in vitro activity against infrequently encountered yeasts exhibiting elevated MIC values to other drug classes, including Candida spp. (MIC50/90, 0.008/0.12 mg/L), Saprochaete clavata (Magnusiomyces clavatus) (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), Magnusiomyces capitatus (MICrange, 0.016-0.06 mg/L), Rhodotorula minuta (MIC, 0.016 mg/L), and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.12 mg/L). Similarly, manogepix was active against infrequently encountered mold isolates and strains exhibiting elevated MIC/MEC values to echinocandins, azoles, and amphotericin B, including Coprinopsis cinerea (MEC, 0.004 mg/L), Fusarium spp. (MEC50/90, 0.016/0.06 mg/L), Fusarium (Gibberella) fujikuroi species complex (MEC50/90, 0.016/0.03 mg/L), Lomentospora prolificans (MEC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L), Microascus cirrosus (MEC, 0.008 mg/L), Paecilomyces spp. (MEC50/90, ≤0.008/0.016 mg/L), Pleurostomophora richardsiae (MEC, 0.06 mg/L), Sarocladium kiliense (MEC range, 0.016-0.12 mg/L), and Scedosporium spp. (MEC50/90, 0.03/0.06 mg/L). Manogepix demonstrated potent activity against a majority of the infrequently encountered yeast and mold isolates tested including strains with elevated MIC/MEC values to other drug classes. Additional clinical development of manogepix (fosmanogepix) in difficult-to-treat, resistant fungal infections is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pfaller
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, lowa, USA
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, lowa, USA
| | | | - Paul A. Bien
- PAB Pharma Consulting LLC, San Diego, California, USA
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Vanzolini T, Magnani M. Old and new strategies in therapy and diagnosis against fungal infections. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:147. [PMID: 38240822 PMCID: PMC10799149 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a serious global health threat. The new emerging pathogens and the spread of different forms of resistance are now hardly challenging the tools available in therapy and diagnostics. With the commonly used diagnoses, fungal identification is often slow and inaccurate, and, on the other hand, some drugs currently used as treatments are significantly affected by the decrease in susceptibility. Herein, the antifungal arsenal is critically summarized. Besides describing the old approaches and their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations, the focus is dedicated to innovative strategies which are designed, identified, and developed to take advantage of the discrepancies between fungal and host cells. Relevant pathways and their role in survival and virulence are discussed as their suitability as sources of antifungal targets. In a similar way, molecules with antifungal activity are reported as potential agents/precursors of the next generation of antimycotics. Particular attention was devoted to biotechnological entities, to their novelty and reliability, to drug repurposing and restoration, and to combinatorial applications yielding significant improvements in efficacy. KEY POINTS: • New antifungal agents and targets are needed to limit fungal morbidity and mortality. • Therapeutics and diagnostics suffer of delays in innovation and lack of targets. • Biologics, drug repurposing and combinations are the future of antifungal treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Vanzolini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029, Urbino, PU, Italy
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Bio LL, Weng Y, Schwenk HT. Antifungal stewardship in practice: Insights from a prospective audit and feedback program. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:2017-2021. [PMID: 37381887 PMCID: PMC10755142 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify characteristics of antifungal prospective audit and feedback (PAF) and to compare rates of PAF recommendation and acceptance between antifungal and antibiotic agents. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of antifungal and antibiotic audits by a children's hospital antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) from November 1, 2020, to October 31, 2022. METHODS Antimicrobial audit data were retrieved from the ASP data warehouse. We characterized antifungal PAF using descriptive statistics. We then compared the overall rates of PAF recommendation and recommendation acceptance between antifungals and antibiotics. We also compared the differences in antifungal and antibiotic PAF recommendation and acceptance rates across various factors, including infectious problem, medical service, and recommendation type. RESULTS Of 10,402 antimicrobial audits identified during the study period, 8,599 (83%) were for antibiotics and 1,803 (17%) were for antifungals. The highest antifungal recommendation rates were for liposomal amphotericin B, antifungals used for sepsis or respiratory tract infection, and antifungals prescribed in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. The rate of PAF recommendation was higher for antibiotics than for antifungals (29% vs 21%; P < .001); however, the rates of recommendation acceptance were similar. Recommendations to discontinue or for medication monitoring were more common for antifungals. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis of antifungal PAF identified key opportunities to improve antifungal use, including the optimized use of specific agents and targeted use by certain medical services. Moreover, antifungal PAF, despite identifying fewer recommendations compared to antibiotic PAF, were associated with similarly high rates of acceptance, highlighting a promising opportunity for antifungal stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura L. Bio
- Department of Pharmacy, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Stanford, California
| | - Yingjie Weng
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Hayden T. Schwenk
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Chen C, Wang Y, Wu F, Hong W. Rapid Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Based on Single-Cell Metabolism Analysis Using Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15556-15565. [PMID: 37815933 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Rapid antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is urgently needed in clinics to treat invasive fungal infections with the appropriate antifungal drugs and to slow the emergence of antifungal resistance. However, current AFST methods are time-consuming (24-48 h) due to the slow growth of fungal cells and the methods not being able to work directly for clinical samples. Here, we demonstrate rapid AFST by measuring the metabolism in single fungal cells using stimulated Raman scattering imaging and deuterium probing. Distinct metabolic responses were observed in Candida albicans to different classes of antifungal drugs: while the metabolism was inhibited by amphotericin B, it was stimulated by azoles (fluconazole and voriconazole) and micafungin. Accordingly, we propose metabolism change as a biomarker for rapid AFST. The results were obtained in 4 h with 100% categorical agreement with the gold standard broth microdilution test. In addition, a protocol was developed for direct AFST from positive blood cultures. This method overcomes the limitation of slow growth in conventional methods and has the potential for the rapid diagnosis of candidemia and other clinical fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University; Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100068, China
| | - Fan Wu
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University; Beijing 100083, China
| | - Weili Hong
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University; Beijing 100083, China
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Cosio T, Gaziano R, Fontana C, Pistoia ES, Petruccelli R, Favaro M, Pica F, Minelli S, Bossa MC, Altieri A, Ombres D, Zarabian N, D’Agostini C. Closing the Gap in Proteomic Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum: A Case Report and Review of Literature. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1019. [PMID: 37888274 PMCID: PMC10607645 DOI: 10.3390/jof9101019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a globally distributed systemic infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum). This fungus can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, and the diagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis is often a challenge for clinicians. Although microscopy and culture remain the gold standard diagnostic tests for Histoplasma identification, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a method of microbial identification suitable for the confirmation of dimorphic fungi. However, to our knowledge, there are no entries for H. capsulatum spectra in most commercial databases. In this review, we describe the case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a patient living with HIV admitted to our university hospital that we failed to identify by the MALDI-TOF method due to the limited reference spectrum of the instrument database. Furthermore, we highlight the utility of molecular approaches, such as conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, as alternative confirmatory tests to MALDI-TOF technology for identifying H. capsulatum from positive cultures. An overview of current evidence and limitations of MALDI-TOF-based characterization of H. capsulatum is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terenzio Cosio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
- Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Carla Fontana
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biological Bank, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Enrico Salvatore Pistoia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Rosalba Petruccelli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
| | - Marco Favaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Francesca Pica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
| | - Silvia Minelli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
| | - Maria Cristina Bossa
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
| | - Anna Altieri
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
| | - Domenico Ombres
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
| | - Nikkia Zarabian
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2300 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA;
| | - Cartesio D’Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (T.C.); (E.S.P.); (M.F.); (F.P.); (C.D.)
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (S.M.); (M.C.B.); (A.A.); (D.O.)
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10
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Ong M. A comprehensive framework identifying barriers to global health R&D innovation and access. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013076. [PMID: 37751936 PMCID: PMC10533694 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in research and development (R&D) have the potential to address pressing global health challenges. However, numerous barriers hinder innovation and access, particularly in areas of market failure, and there is an absence of a cohesive consensus on defining these various impediments. This paper presents a framework identifying the barriers that impede global health innovation and hinder equitable access to health technologies.The framework presents clear typologies of barriers across global health R&D thematic areas. These include the market failures that require R&D incentives to stimulate innovation, how the complexity of product registration hinders access within specific regulatory domains and how health system implementation issues prevent affected populations from accessing the tools they require. Current and historical examples are provided for each end-point, and three case studies explore key barriers and how solutions have or may be applied.This analysis contributes by adding to the body of knowledge on global health R&D and provides an analysis tool to policy-makers, researchers and stakeholders involved in addressing the barriers and promoting equitable access to healthcare innovations. The framework serves as a practical tool to guide future research, policy development and implementation efforts towards achieving sustainable global health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ong
- Center for Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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11
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Friedman DZP, Schwartz IS. Emerging Diagnostics and Therapeutics for Invasive Fungal Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:593-616. [PMID: 37532392 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there have been significant advances in the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections. Compared with traditional fungal diagnostics, molecular assays promise improved sensitivity and specificity, the ability to test a range of samples (including noninvasive samples, ie, blood), the detection of genetic mutations associated with antifungal resistance, and the potential for a faster turnaround time. Antifungals in late-stage clinical development include agents with novel mechanisms of action (olorofim and fosmanogepix) and new members of existing classes with distinct advantages over existing antifungals in toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and dosing convenience (oteseconazole, opelconazole, rezafungin, ibrexafungerp, encochleated amphotericin B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Z P Friedman
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC5065, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ilan S Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705, USA.
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Singh A, Singh K, Sharma A, Kaur K, Chadha R, Bedi PMS. Recent advances in antifungal drug development targeting lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51): A comprehensive review with structural and molecular insights. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:606-639. [PMID: 37220949 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections are posing serious threat to healthcare system due to emerging resistance among available antifungal agents. Among available antifungal agents in clinical practice, azoles (diazole, 1,2,4-triazole and tetrazole) remained most effective and widely prescribed antifungal agents. Now their associated side effects and emerging resistance pattern raised a need of new and potent antifungal agents. Lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51) is responsible for the oxidative removal of 14α-methyl group of sterol precursors lanosterol and 24(28)-methylene-24,25-dihydrolanosterol in ergosterol biosynthesis hence an essential component of fungal life cycle and prominent target for antifungal drug development. This review will shed light on various azole- as well as non-azoles-based derivatives as potential antifungal agents that target fungal CYP51. Review will provide deep insight about structure activity relationship, pharmacological outcomes, and interactions of derivatives with CYP51 at molecular level. It will help medicinal chemists working on antifungal development in designing more rational, potent, and safer antifungal agents by targeting fungal CYP51 for tackling emerging antifungal drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atamjit Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Karanvir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Kirandeep Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Renu Chadha
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
- Drug and Pollution testing Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
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13
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Smith DJ, Gold JAW, Benedict K, Wu K, Lyman M, Jordan A, Medina N, Lockhart SR, Sexton DJ, Chow NA, Jackson BR, Litvintseva AP, Toda M, Chiller T. Public Health Research Priorities for Fungal Diseases: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Save Lives. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:820. [PMID: 37623591 PMCID: PMC10455901 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections can cause severe disease and death and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Public health research requires a multidisciplinary approach and is essential to help save lives and prevent disability from fungal diseases. In this manuscript, we outline the main public health research priorities for fungal diseases, including the measurement of the fungal disease burden and distribution and the need for improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Characterizing the public health, economic, health system, and individual burden caused by fungal diseases can provide critical insights to promote better prevention and treatment. The development and validation of fungal diagnostic tests that are rapid, accurate, and cost-effective can improve testing practices. Understanding best practices for antifungal prophylaxis can optimize prevention in at-risk populations, while research on antifungal resistance can improve patient outcomes. Investment in vaccines may eliminate certain fungal diseases or lower incidence and mortality. Public health research priorities and approaches may vary by fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dallas J. Smith
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (J.A.W.G.); (K.B.); (K.W.); (M.L.); (A.J.); (N.M.); (S.R.L.); (D.J.S.); (N.A.C.); (B.R.J.); (A.P.L.); (M.T.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (J.A.W.G.); (K.B.); (K.W.); (M.L.); (A.J.); (N.M.); (S.R.L.); (D.J.S.); (N.A.C.); (B.R.J.); (A.P.L.); (M.T.)
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AlMaghrabi RS, Al-Musawi T, Albaksami O, Subhi AL, Fakih RE, Stone NR. Challenges in the Management of Invasive Fungal Infections in the Middle East: Expert Opinion to Optimize Management Using a Multidisciplinary Approach. Cureus 2023; 15:e44356. [PMID: 37779746 PMCID: PMC10539715 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a significant global healthcare concern among critically ill and immunocompromised patients. In Middle Eastern countries, IFI has been steadily increasing among hospitalized patients in the past two decades. Diagnosis of IFI at an early stage is crucial for efficient management. Invasive fungal infection management is complex and requires the involvement of physicians from different specialties. There are several challenges associated with IFI management in the countries in the Middle East. This review aims to understand the key challenges associated with IFI management in the Middle East, encompassing epidemiology, diagnosis, therapeutic options, and optimizing a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, this review aims to incorporate expert opinions from multidisciplinary fields for optimizing IFI management in different Middle Eastern countries by addressing key decision points throughout the patient's journey. Lack of epidemiological data on fungal infections, slow and poorly sensitive conventional culture-based diagnostic tests, limited availability of biomarker testing, lack of awareness of clinical symptoms of the disease, limited knowledge on fungal infections, lack of local practice guidelines, and complicated disease management are the major challenges associated with IFI diagnosis and management in the Middle Eastern countries. Implementation of a multidisciplinary approach, antifungal stewardship, improved knowledge of fungal infections, the use of rapid diagnostic tests, and enhanced epidemiological research are warranted to lower the IFI burden in the Middle East.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem S AlMaghrabi
- Department of Medicine, Organ Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Tariq Al-Musawi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Al Salam Hospital, Al-Khobar, SAU
- Department of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, Busaiteen, BHR
| | - Osama Albaksami
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Disease Hospital, Kuwait City, KWT
| | - Ahmad L Subhi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Al-Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah, ARE
| | - Riad E Fakih
- Department of Hematology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, SAU
- Department of Clinical Research, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Neil R Stone
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, GBR
- Department of Microbiology, University College London Hospitals, London, GBR
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15
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Rodríguez Stewart RM, Gold JA, Chiller T, Sexton DJ, Lockhart SR. Will invasive fungal infections be The Last of Us? The importance of surveillance, public-health interventions, and antifungal stewardship. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:787-790. [PMID: 37338176 PMCID: PMC10687651 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2227790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roxana M. Rodríguez Stewart
- Laboratory Leadership Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jeremy A.W. Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D. Joseph Sexton
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shawn R. Lockhart
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Parsons MG, Diekema DJ. What Is New in Fungal Infections? Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100187. [PMID: 37059227 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality. We provide a summary of important changes in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections, citing examples of new emerging pathogens, expanding populations who are at-risk, and increasing antifungal resistance. We review how human activity and climate change may play a role in some of these changes. Finally, we discuss how these changes create the need for advances in fungal diagnostics. The limitations of existing fungal diagnostic testing emphasize the critically important role of histopathology in the early recognition of fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith G Parsons
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Daniel J Diekema
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Department and Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
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17
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Felix GN, de Freitas VLT, da Silva Junior AR, Magri MMC, Rossi F, Sejas ONE, Abdala E, Malbouisson LMS, Guimarães T, Benard G, Del Negro GMB. Performance of a Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection of Five Candida Species in Blood Samples from ICU Patients at Risk of Candidemia. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:635. [PMID: 37367571 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The gold standard for diagnosing invasive candidiasis still relies on blood cultures, which are inefficient and time-consuming to analyze. We developed an in-house qPCR assay to identify the 5 major Candida species in 78 peripheral blood (PB) samples from ICU patients at risk of candidemia. Blood cultures and (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) testing were performed concurrently to evaluate the performance of the qPCR. The qPCR was positive for DNA samples from all 20 patients with proven candidemia (positive PB cultures), showing complete concordance with Candida species identification in blood cultures, except for detection of dual candidemia in 4 patients, which was missed by blood cultures. Additionally, the qPCR detected Candida species in six DNA samples from patients with positive central venous catheters blood (CB) but negative PB cultures. BDG values were similarly high in these six samples and the ones with proven candidemia, strongly suggesting the diagnosis of a true candidemia episode despite the negative PB cultures. Samples from patients neither infected nor colonized yielded negative results in both the qPCR and BDG testing. Our qPCR assay was at least as sensitive as blood cultures, but with a shorter turnaround time. Furthermore, negative results from the qPCR provided strong evidence for the absence of candidemia caused by the five major Candida species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel N Felix
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology (LIM 53), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Vera L T de Freitas
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Imunologia (LIM 48), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Afonso R da Silva Junior
- Central Laboratory Division (LIM 03), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Marcello M C Magri
- Central Laboratory Division (LIM 03), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
- Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Flavia Rossi
- Central Laboratory Division (LIM 03), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Odeli N E Sejas
- Cancer Institute of São Paulo State (ICESP), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Edson Abdala
- Cancer Institute of São Paulo State (ICESP), Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
| | - Luiz M S Malbouisson
- Discipline of Anesthesiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Thais Guimarães
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo (IAMSPE), São Paulo 04029-000, Brazil
| | - Gil Benard
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology (LIM 53), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Gilda M B Del Negro
- Laboratory of Medical Mycology (LIM 53), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HC-FMUSP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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18
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Approach to the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections of the respiratory tract in the immunocompromised host. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2023; 29:149-159. [PMID: 36917216 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The burden of invasive fungal infection is increasing worldwide, largely due to a growing population at-risk. Most serious human fungal pathogens enter the host via the respiratory tract. Early identification and treatment of invasive fungal respiratory infections (IFRIs) in the immunocompromised host saves lives. However, their accurate diagnosis is a difficult challenge for clinicians and mortality remains high. RECENT FINDINGS This article reviews IFRIs, focussing on host susceptibility factors, clinical presentation, and mycological diagnosis. Several new diagnostic tools are coming of age including molecular diagnostics and point-of-care antigen tests. As diagnosis of IFRI relies heavily on invasive procedures like bronchoalveolar lavage and lung biopsy, several novel noninvasive diagnostic techniques are in development, such as metagenomics, 'volatilomics' and advanced imaging technologies. SUMMARY Where IFRI cannot be proven, clinicians must employ a 'weights-of-evidence' approach to evaluate host factors, clinical and mycological data. Implementation studies are needed to understand how new diagnostic tools can be best applied within clinical pathways. Differentiating invasive infection from colonization and identifying antifungal resistance remain key challenges. As our diagnostic arsenal expands, centralized clinical mycology laboratories and efforts to ensure access to new diagnostics in low-resource settings will become increasingly important.
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19
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Luethy PM. Point-of-Care Testing for the Diagnosis of Fungal Infections. Clin Lab Med 2023; 43:209-220. [PMID: 37169443 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are increasing worldwide due to factors such as climate change and immunomodulating therapies. Unfortunately, the detection of these infections is limited due to the low sensitivity and long periods required for laboratory testing. Point-of-care testing could lead to more rapid diagnosis of these often devasting infections. However, there are currently no true point-of-care tests on the market for the detection of fungi. In this article, the current state of fungal antigen and molecular testing is reviewed, with commentary on the potential for development and use in the point-of-care setting.
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20
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Non- Aspergillus Hyaline Molds: A Host-Based Perspective of Emerging Pathogenic Fungi Causing Sinopulmonary Diseases. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020212. [PMID: 36836326 PMCID: PMC9964096 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of invasive sino-pulmonary diseases due to non-Aspergillus hyaline molds is increasing due to an enlarging and evolving population of immunosuppressed hosts as well as improvements in the capabilities of molecular-based diagnostics. Herein, we review the following opportunistic pathogens known to cause sinopulmonary disease, the most common manifestation of hyalohyphomycosis: Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp., Lomentospora prolificans, Scopulariopsis spp., Trichoderma spp., Acremonium spp., Paecilomyces variotii, Purpureocillium lilacinum, Rasamsonia argillacea species complex, Arthrographis kalrae, and Penicillium species. To facilitate an understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of sino-pulmonary hyalohyphomycoses in the context of host immune impairment, we utilized a host-based approach encompassing the following underlying conditions: neutropenia, hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation, chronic granulomatous disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and healthy individuals who sustain burns, trauma, or iatrogenic exposures. We further summarize the pre-clinical and clinical data informing antifungal management for each pathogen and consider the role of adjunctive surgery and/or immunomodulatory treatments to optimize patient outcome.
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21
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Is the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by macrophages associated with better infectious control in female mice with experimentally disseminated and pulmonary mucormycosis? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270071. [PMID: 36520787 PMCID: PMC9754262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Different levels of resistance against Rhizopus oryzae infection have been observed between inbred (BALB/c) and outbred (Swiss) mice and are associated with the genetic background of each mouse strain. Considering that macrophages play an important role in host resistance to Rhizopus species, we used different infectious outcomes observed in experimental mucormycosis to identify the most efficient macrophage response pattern against R. oryzae in vitro and in vivo. For this, we compared BALB/c and Swiss macrophage activity before and after intravenous or intratracheal R. oryzae infections. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) was determined in cultures of peritoneal (PMΦ) or alveolar macrophages (AMΦ) challenged with heat-killed spores of R. oryzae. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured to confirm our findings. Naïve PMΦ from female BALB/c mice showed increased production of H2O2, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the presence of heat-killed spores of R. oryzae. Naïve PMΦ from female Swiss mice were less responsive. Naïve AMΦ from the two strains of female mice were less reactive to heat-killed spores of R. oryzae than PMΦ. After 30 days of R. oryzae intravenous infection, lower fungal load in spleen from BALB/c mice was accompanied by higher production of H2O2 by PMΦ compared with Swiss mice. In contrast, AMΦ from BALB/c mice showed higher production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-10 after 7 days of intratracheal infection. The collective findings reveal that, independent of the female mouse strain, PMΦ is more reactive against R. oryzae upon first contact than AMΦ. In addition, increased PMΦ production of H2O2 at the end of disseminated infection is accompanied by better fungal clearance in resistant (BALB/c) mice. Our findings further the understanding of the parasite-host relationship in mucormycosis.
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22
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Borman AM, Mohammed S, Palmer MD, Childs N, Johnson EM. The importance of appropriate processing and direct microscopic examination for the timely diagnosis and management of invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6852947. [PMID: 36477206 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The gold standard for diagnosis of invasive fungal infections caused by filamentous fungi remains the visualization of fungal elements in fluids, and biopsy/tissue collected from a normally sterile body site. Parallel recovery of viable fungus from the sample subsequently permits antifungal susceptibility testing of the individual isolate. Central to both processes is the appropriate processing of tissue specimens to avoid damaging fungal elements and optimize viable organism recovery. Historically, mycologists have proposed that homogenization (grinding or bead-beating) of tissue should be avoided in cases of suspected fungal infection as it likely damages hyphae, instead preferring to chop tissue into small portions (dicing) for direct microscopic examination and culture. Here, we have compared the two processes directly on material from clinical patient cases of mucoromycosis and invasive aspergillosis. Representative portions of fresh biopsy samples were processed in parallel either by chopping (dicing) in the mycology reference laboratory or by bead-beating in the adjoining general microbiology laboratory. Aliquots of the samples were then cultured under identical conditions and subjected to direct microscopic examination. The results demonstrated that tissue homogenization significantly reduced (i) organism recovery rates in cases of both mucoromycosis and invasive aspergillosis and (ii) the number of fungal elements detectable upon direct microscopic examination. To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly compare these alternative processing methods and despite only employing a limited number of samples the data presented here, provide support for the perceived mycological wisdom that homogenization of tissue samples should be avoided when filamentous fungal infections are suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Borman
- UK HSA National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Shakeel Mohammed
- Severn Pathology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Michael D Palmer
- UK HSA National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Childs
- Severn Pathology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth M Johnson
- UK HSA National Mycology Reference Laboratory, Science Quarter, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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23
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Matzko ME, Sephton-Clark PCS, Young EL, Jhaveri TA, Martinsen MA, Mojica E, Boykin R, Pierce VM, Cuomo CA, Bhattacharyya RP. A novel rRNA hybridization-based approach to rapid, accurate Candida identification directly from blood culture. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6674770. [PMID: 36002024 PMCID: PMC9989835 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are increasingly common and carry high morbidity and mortality, yet fungal diagnostics lag behind bacterial diagnostics in rapidly identifying the causal pathogen. We previously devised a fluorescent hybridization-based assay to identify bacteria within hours directly from blood culture bottles without subculture, called phylogeny-informed rRNA-based strain identification (Phirst-ID). Here, we adapt this approach to unambiguously identify 11 common pathogenic Candida species, including C. auris, with 100% accuracy from laboratory culture (33 of 33 strains in a reference panel, plus 33 of 33 additional isolates tested in a validation panel). In a pilot study on 62 consecutive positive clinical blood cultures from two hospitals that showed yeast on Gram stain, Candida Phirst-ID matched the clinical laboratory result for 58 of 59 specimens represented in the 11-species reference panel, without misclassifying the 3 off-panel species. It also detected mixed Candida species in 2 of these 62 specimens, including the one discordant classification, that were not identified by standard clinical microbiology workflows; in each case the presence of both species was validated by both clinical and experimental data. Finally, in three specimens that grew both bacteria and yeast, we paired our prior bacterial probeset with this new Candida probeset to detect both pathogen types using Phirst-ID. This simple, robust assay can provide accurate Candida identification within hours directly from blood culture bottles, and the conceptual approach holds promise for pan-microbial identification in a single workflow. LAY SUMMARY Candida bloodstream infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality, yet slow diagnostics delay recognition, worsening patient outcomes. We develop and validate a novel molecular approach to accurately identify Candida species directly from blood culture one day faster than standard workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Matzko
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Poppy C S Sephton-Clark
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eleanor L Young
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tulip A Jhaveri
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melanie A Martinsen
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Evan Mojica
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rich Boykin
- NanoString Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Virginia M Pierce
- Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christina A Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Roby P Bhattacharyya
- Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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K-L Lo C, Wilson EW. Aspergillus fumigatus sternal osteomyelitis following cardiac surgery: Case report and literature review. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2022; 7:269-278. [PMID: 36337597 PMCID: PMC9629732 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2021-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sternal osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus spp is uncommon in cardiac surgery patients requiring sternotomy. CASE PRESENTATION We report a 77-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled diabetes who was diagnosed with Aspergillus sternal osteomyelitis, three months following an uneventful coronary artery bypass surgery. He underwent multiple debridement surgeries and was treated with voriconazole. Despite a complicated post-operative course, the patient responded well to voriconazole with clinical and biochemical evidence of remission. Unfortunately, he died of an unrelated cause due to decompensated heart failure. DISCUSSION Though uncommon, Aspergillus sternal osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompetent patients with post-operative sternal wound infections and negative bacterial tissue cultures. Management should include a combination of medical and surgical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson K-L Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evan W Wilson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Fissel JA, Holdren-Serrell CK, Memon W, Zhang SX. Performance of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Testing Algorithm for the Rapid Identification of Clinical Filamentous Molds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:915049. [PMID: 35782139 PMCID: PMC9240618 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.915049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in the treatment of fungal infections is the relatively long turnaround time (TAT) required for fungal species identification. The length of TAT to identification can impact patient clinical outcomes by delaying appropriate targeted therapy. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has demonstrated exceptional utility in the rapid identification of bacteria and yeasts in the clinical microbiology laboratory. The capability of MALDI-TOF MS for rapid identification of clinical isolates presents an opportunity for significant advancement in the identification of filamentous molds. In this study, we employed a diagnostic algorithm using MALDI-TOF MS for the rapid identification of filamentous molds in order to assess the impact of this technology on TATs. The majority of isolates included in this study were able to be identified by MALDI-TOF MS (78%). Further, these isolates were identified in less than three days from first detection of colony growth. This study demonstrates the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in the rapid identification of filamentous molds in the clinical mycology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Fissel
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Warda Memon
- Microbiology Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sean X. Zhang
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Microbiology Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Sean X. Zhang,
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Proceedings of the Clinical Microbiology Open 2018 and 2019 - a Discussion about Emerging Trends, Challenges, and the Future of Clinical Microbiology. J Clin Microbiol 2022; 60:e0009222. [PMID: 35638361 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00092-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical Microbiology Open (CMO), a meeting supported by the American Society for Microbiology's Clinical and Public Health Microbiology Committee (CPHMC) and Corporate Council, provides a unique interactive platform for leaders from diagnostic microbiology laboratories, industry, and federal agencies to discuss the current and future state of the clinical microbiology laboratory. The purpose is to leverage the group's diverse views and expertise to address critical challenges, and discuss potential collaborative opportunities for diagnostic microbiology, through the utilization of varied resources. The first and second CMO meetings were held in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Discussions were focused on the diagnostic potential of innovative technologies and laboratory diagnostic stewardship, including expansion of next-generation sequencing into clinical diagnostics, improvement and advancement of molecular diagnostics, emerging diagnostics, including rapid antimicrobial susceptibility and point of care testing (POCT), harnessing big data through artificial intelligence, and staffing in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Shortly after CMO 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic further highlighted the need for the diagnostic microbiology community to work together to utilize and expand on resources to respond to the pandemic. The issues, challenges, and potential collaborative efforts discussed during the past two CMO meetings proved critical in addressing the COVID-19 response by diagnostic laboratories, industry partners, and federal organizations. Planning for a third CMO (CMO 2022) is underway and will transition from a discussion-based meeting to an action-based meeting. The primary focus will be to reflect on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and better prepare for future pandemics.
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Chakrabarti A, Mohamed N, Capparella MR, Townsend A, Sung AH, Yura R, Muñoz P. The role of diagnostics-driven antifungal stewardship in the management of invasive fungal infections: a systematic literature review. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac234. [PMID: 35873300 PMCID: PMC9297315 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Antifungal stewardship (AFS) programs are key to optimizing antifungal use and improving outcomes in patients with invasive fungal infections. Our systematic literature review evaluated the impact of diagnostics in AFS programs by assessing performance and clinical measures. Most eligible studies were from Europe and the United States (n = 12/17). Diagnostic approaches included serum β-1–3-D-glucan test (n/N studies, 7/17), galactomannan test (4/17), computed tomography scan (3/17), magnetic resonance (2/17), matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS; 2/17), polymerase chain reaction (1/17), peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) assay (1/17), and other routine methods (9/17). Time to species identification decreased significantly using MALDI-TOF and PNA-FISH (n = 2). Time to targeted therapy and length of empiric therapy also decreased (n = 3). Antifungal consumption decreased by 11.6%–59.0% (7/13). Cost-savings ranged from 13.5% to 50.6% (5/10). Mortality rate (13/16) and length of stay (6/7) also decreased. No negative impact was reported on patient outcomes. Diagnostics-driven interventions can potentially improve AFS measures (antifungal consumption, cost, mortality, and length of stay); therefore, AFS implementation should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Andy Townsend
- Correspondence: Andy Townsend, PhD, 2 Valley View Congleton, CW12 4EN ()
| | | | - Renee Yura
- WRD & Medical, Pfizer, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias – CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain
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Taking a Closer Look: Clinical and Histopathological Characteristics of Culture-Positive versus Culture-Negative Pulmonary Mucormycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040380. [PMID: 35448611 PMCID: PMC9030790 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040380] [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: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cultural recovery of Mucorales from hyphae-laden tissue is poor, and the clinical implications of culture positivity are scarcely studied. Therefore, we compared clinical and histopathological characteristics of culture-positive and culture-negative histology-proven pulmonary mucormycosis cases among cancer patients. Histology specimens were blindly reviewed by a thoracic pathologist and graded on four histopathologic features: hyphal quantity, tissue necrosis, tissue invasion, and vascular invasion. Twenty cases with a corresponding fungal culture were identified; five were culture-positive, and fifteen were culture-negative. Although no statistically significant differences were found, culture-positive patients were more likely to exhibit a high burden of necrosis and have a high burden of hyphae but tended to have less vascular invasion than culture-negative patients. In terms of clinical characteristics, culture-positive patients were more likely to have acute myeloid leukemia (60% vs. 27%, p = 0.19), a history of hematopoietic cell transplant (80% vs. 53%, p = 0.31), severe lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count ≤ 500/µL, 100% vs. 73%, p = 0.36), and monocytopenia (absolute monocyte count ≤100/µL, 60% vs. 20%, p = 0.11). Forty-two-day all-cause mortality was comparable between culture-positive and culture-negative patients (60% and 53%, p = 0.80). This pilot study represents the first comprehensive histopathological scoring method to examine the relationship between histopathologic features, culture positivity, and clinical features of pulmonary mucormycosis.
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Dalimot JJ, Smith IMC, Gerkrath J, Hartmann S, Cornely OA, Lee SC, Heitman J, Rickerts V. Identification of Mucormycosis by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Targeting Ribosomal RNA in Tissue Samples. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030289. [PMID: 35330291 PMCID: PMC8949899 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection associated with high mortality, partly due to delayed diagnosis and inadequate empiric therapy. As fungal cultures often fail to grow Mucorales, identification of respective hyphae in tissue is frequently needed for diagnosis but may be challenging. We studied fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) targeting specific regions of the fungal ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Mucorales to improve diagnosis of mucormycosis from tissue samples. We generated a probe combination specifically targeting Mucorales. Probe specificity was verified in silico and using cultivated fungi. Mucorales hyphae in tissue of a mouse model demonstrated a bright cytoplasmatic hybridization signal. In tissue samples of patients with mucormycosis, a positive signal was seen in 7 of 12 (58.3%) samples. However, autofluorescence in 3 of 7 (42.9%) samples impaired the diagnostic yield. Subsequent experiments suggested that availability of nutrients and antifungal therapy may impact on the FISH signal obtained with Mucorales hyphae. Diagnosis of mucormycosis from tissue might be improved by rRNA FISH in a limited number of cases only. FISH signals may reflect different physiological states of fungi in tissue. Further studies are needed to define the value of FISH to diagnose mucormycosis from other clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Jasmine Dalimot
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.J.D.); (I.M.C.S.); (J.G.)
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ilka Mc Cormick Smith
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.J.D.); (I.M.C.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Jasmin Gerkrath
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.J.D.); (I.M.C.S.); (J.G.)
| | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany;
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Chair Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 50923 Cologne, Germany
| | - Soo Chan Lee
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (S.C.L.); (J.H.)
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID), Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; (S.C.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Volker Rickerts
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.J.D.); (I.M.C.S.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has the potential to detect thousands of different organisms with a single test. There are limited data on the real-world impact of mNGS and even less guidance on the types of patients and clinical scenarios in which mNGS testing is beneficial. METHODS A retrospective review of patients who had mNGS testing as part of routine clinical care at Texas Children's Hospital from June 2018-August 2019 was performed. Medical records were reviewed for pertinent data. An expert panel of infectious disease physicians adjudicated each unique organism identified by mNGS for clinical impact. RESULTS There were 169 patients with at least one mNGS test. mNGS identified a definitive, probable or possible infection in 49.7% of patients. mNGS led to no clinical impact in 139 patients (82.2%), a positive impact in 21 patients (12.4%), and a negative impact in 9 patients (5.3%). mNGS identified a plausible cause for infection more often in immunocompromised patients than in immunocompetent patients (55.8% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.006). Positive clinical impact was highest in patients with multiple indications for testing (37.5%, P = 0.006) with deep-seated infections, overall, being most often associated with a positive impact. CONCLUSION mNGS testing has a limited real-world clinical impact when ordered indiscriminately. Immunocompromised patients with well-defined deep-seated infections are likely to benefit most from testing. Further studies are needed to evaluate the full spectrum of clinical scenarios for which mNGS testing is impactful.
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Clark ST, Yau YCW, Campigotto A, Gharabaghi F, Richardson SE, Tadros M. Assessment of panfungal PCR performance with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6505135. [PMID: 35022770 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed the performance of a panfungal ITS-2 PCR and Sanger sequencing assay performed on 88 FFPE specimens at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) in 2019. A potential fungal pathogen was identified by ITS PCR in 62.7% and 2.9% of positive and negative direct slide examination of tissue specimens respectively. ITS amplicons were detected in 87/88 specimens, with 53/88 (60.2%) considered as 'Positive-contaminants' and 34/88 (38.6%) as 'Positive-potential pathogen' upon sequencing. Potential pathogens included Blastomyces dermatitidis (17.1%), Cryptococcus neoformans (17.1%), Histoplasma capsulatum (14.3%) and Mucormycetes (11.4%). Laboratories should only perform ITS PCR on FFPE tissues if fungal elements have been confirmed on histopathology slides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn T Clark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yvonne C W Yau
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron Campigotto
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Farhad Gharabaghi
- Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susan E Richardson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Manal Tadros
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, Division of Microbiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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32
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COVID-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in the US: is it rare or have we missed the diagnosis? J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0113521. [PMID: 34288730 PMCID: PMC8451424 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01135-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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