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Watson AL, Woodford J, Britton S, Gupta R, Whiley D, McCarthy K. Determining Pneumocystis jirovecii Colonisation from Infection Using PCR-Based Diagnostics in HIV-Negative Individuals. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:114. [PMID: 38201422 PMCID: PMC10802892 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14010114] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is increasingly diagnosed with highly sensitive PCR diagnostics in immunocompromised, HIV-negative individuals. We assessed the performance of our in-house quantitative PCR with the aim to optimise interpretation. METHODS Retrospective audit of all positive P. jirovecii qPCRs on induced sputum or BAL fluid at a single centre from 2012 to 2023. Medical and laboratory records were analysed and people with HIV were excluded. Cases were categorised as colonisation, high-probability PCP or uncertain PCP infection against a clinical gold standard incorporating clinico-radiological data. Quantitative PCR assay targeting the 5s gene was utilised throughout the time period. RESULTS Of the 82 positive qPCRs, 28 were categorised as high-probability PCP infection, 30 as uncertain PCP and 24 as colonisation. There was a significant difference in qPCR values stratified by clinical category but not respiratory sample type. Current assay performance with a cutoff of 2.5 × 105 copies/mL had a sensitivity of 50% (95% CI, 30.65-69.35%) and specificity of 83.33% (95% CI, 62.62-95.26%). Youden Index calculated at 6.5 × 104 copies/mL had a sensitivity of 75% (56.64-87.32%, 95% CI) and specificity of 66.67% (46.71-82.03%, 95% CI). High and low cutoffs were explored. Significant variables associated with infection were age > 70 years old, the presence of fever, hypoxia or ground glass changes. CONCLUSIONS A single qPCR cutoff cannot reliably determine P. jirovecii infection from colonisation. Low and high cutoffs are useful, however, a large "possible infection" cohort will remain where interpretation of clinic-radiological factors remains essential. Standardisation of assays with prospective validation in specific immunocompromised groups will allow greater generalisability and allow large-scale prospective assay validation to be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Louise Watson
- Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - John Woodford
- Infectious Diseases, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
| | - Sumudu Britton
- Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Rita Gupta
- Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - David Whiley
- Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kate McCarthy
- Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Metro North Health, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
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Usefulness of ß-d-Glucan Assay for the First-Line Diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia and for Discriminating between Pneumocystis Colonization and Pneumocystis Pneumonia. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070663. [PMID: 35887420 PMCID: PMC9318034 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the immunodepression status, the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PjP) may be difficult. Molecular methods appear very sensitive, but they lack specificity because Pj DNA can be detected in Pneumocystis-colonized patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of a serum ß-d-Glucan (BDG) assay for the diagnosis of PjP in a large cohort of HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients, either as a first-line diagnostic test for PjP or as a tool to distinguish between colonization and PjP in cases of low fungal load. Data of Pj qPCR performed on bronchopulmonary specimens over a 3-year period were retrieved retrospectively. For each result, we searched for a BDG serum assay performed within ±5 days. Among the 69 episodes that occurred in HIV-positive patients and the 609 episodes that occurred in immunocompromised HIV-negative patients, we find an equivalent sensitivity of BDG assays compared with molecular methods to diagnose probable/proven PjP, in a first-line strategy. Furthermore, BDG assay can be used confidently to distinguish between infected and colonized patients using a 80 pg/mL cut-off. Finally, it is necessary to search for causes of false positivity to increase BDG assay performance. BDG assay represents a valuable adjunctive tool to distinguish between colonization and infection.
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Performance of a Real Time PCR for Pneumocystis jirovecii Identification in Induced Sputum of AIDS Patients: Differentiation between Pneumonia and Colonization. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030222. [PMID: 35330224 PMCID: PMC8950466 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) remains an important cause of morbimortality worldwide and a diagnostic challenge. Conventional methods have low accuracy, hardly discriminating colonization from infection, while some new high-cost or broncho-alveolar lavage-based methods have limited usefulness in developing countries. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) tests may overcome these limitations due to their high accuracy, possibility of automation, and decreasing cost. We evaluated an in-house qPCR targeting the fungus mtSSU gene using induced sputum. Sensitivity of the assay (ten target gene copies/assay) was determined using recombinant plasmids. We prospectively studied 86 AIDS patients with subacute respiratory symptoms in whom PcP was suspected. qPCR results were determined as quantification cycles (Cq) and compared with a qualitative PCR performed in the same IS, serum 1,3-β-D-Glucan assay, and a clinical/laboratory/radiology index for PcP. The qPCR clustered the patients in three groups: 32 with Cq ≤ 31 (qPCR+), 45 with Cq ≥ 33 (qPCR-), and nine with Cq between 31-33 (intermediary), which, combined with the other three analyses, enabled us to classify the groups as having PcP, not P. jirovecii-infected, and P. jirovecii-colonized, respectively. This molecular assay may contribute to improve PcP management, avoiding unnecessary treatments, and our knowledge of the natural history of this infection.
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Zakrzewska M, Roszkowska R, Zakrzewski M, Maciorkowska E. Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Still a serious disease in children. JOURNAL OF MOTHER AND CHILD 2021; 23:159-162. [PMID: 33759428 PMCID: PMC8522405 DOI: 10.34763/devperiodmed.20192303.159162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is a common opportunistic respiratory infection among children with human immunodeficiency virus and a weakened immune system. The primary infection in immunocompetent patients may be asymptomatic, whereas fever, shortness of breath, night sweats, nonproductive (dry) cough, pneumonia, progressive respiratory distress and apnea are cardinal symptoms of full-blown pneumocystis pneumonia. The diagnosis can be confirmed by histochemical staining of biological specimens or, recently, by polymerase chain reaction. International recommendations indicate that the drug of choice is the intravenously administered trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment reduce the mortality of the disease. This article briefly highlights the epidemiology of Pneumocystis pneumonia, its diagnosis and therapeutic options in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zakrzewska
- Department of Developmental Age Medicine and Pediatric Nursing, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Renata Roszkowska
- Department of Pediatrics and Pulmonary Diseases, The Children's University Hospital, Białystok, Poland
| | - Mateusz Zakrzewski
- Department of Developmental Age Medicine and Pediatric Nursing, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Maciorkowska
- Department of Pediatrics and Pulmonary Diseases, The Children's University Hospital, Białystok, Poland
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5
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Dunbar A, Schauwvlieghe A, Algoe S, van Hellemond JJ, Reynders M, Vandecasteele S, Boelens J, Depuydt P, Rijnders B. Epidemiology of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia and (Non-)use of Prophylaxis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:224. [PMID: 32500040 PMCID: PMC7243458 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an AIDS-defining illness. In patients with HIV, the benefit of PCP prophylaxis is well-defined when the CD4 T-cell count decreases below 200 cells/μL. In other immunocompromised patients, the value of PCP prophylaxis is not always as well-established. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of PCP in recent years and assess how many patients with PCP did or did not receive prophylaxis in the month preceding the infection. Material and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 3 tertiary care hospital. A list of patients that underwent broncho-alveolar lavage sampling and Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) PCR testing was retrieved from the microbiology laboratories. An in-house PJ quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used in each center. A cycle threshold (Ct) value of ≤ 28.5-30 was considered a probable PCP. For patients with a positive PJ qPCR but above this threshold, a predefined case definition of possible PCP was defined as a qPCR Ct value ≤ 34-35 and both of the following criteria: 1. Clinical and radiological features compatible with PCP and 2. The patient died or received PCP therapy and survived. Patient files from those with a qPCR Ct value ≤ 35 were reviewed to determine whether the patient fulfilled the case definition and if PCP prophylaxis had been used in the weeks preceding the PCP. Disease-specific guidelines, as well as hospital-wide guidelines, were used to evaluate if prophylaxis could be considered indicated. Results: From 2012 to 2018, 482 BAL samples were tested. Two hundred and four had a qPCR Ct value ≤ 35 and were further evaluated: 90 fulfilled the definition of probable and 63 of possible PCP while the remaining 51 were considered colonized. Seventy-four percentages of the patients with PCP were HIV-negative. Only 11 (7%) of the 153 patients had received prophylaxis, despite that in 133 (87%) cases prophylaxis was indicated according to guidelines. Conclusion: In regions where HIV testing and treatment is available without restrictions, PCP is mainly diagnosed in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. More than four out of five patients with PCP had not received prophylaxis. Strategies to improve awareness of antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in immunocompromised patients are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Dunbar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Schauwvlieghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sheruna Algoe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marijke Reynders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Vandecasteele
- Departments of Nephrology and Infectious Diseases, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Depuydt
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Rijnders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Panizo MM, Ferrara G, García N, Moreno X, Navas T, Calderón E. Diagnosis, Burden and Mortality of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Venezuela. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-020-00377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Farooq HZ, Davies E, Ahmad S, Machin N, Hesketh L, Guiver M, Turner AJ. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - Surveillance and testing in North England from 2012 to 2019. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 93:237-244. [PMID: 32004690 PMCID: PMC7129156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
MERS is an emerging infectious disease with high consequences. PHE Manchester receives a high number of MERS surveillance samples. Sputum samples are the optimum samples for diagnosing respiratory viruses. Multiple samples per patient result in a 100% diagnostic yield and a confirmed end-diagnosis.
Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and caused an epidemic in the Middle East. Public Health England (PHE) Manchester is one of the two PHE centres in the UK that perform testing for MERS-CoV. The results of the PHE Manchester MERS surveillance from 2012 to 2019 are presented in this report. Methods Retrospective data were collected for returning travellers from the Middle East fitting the PHE MERS case definition. Respiratory samples were tested for respiratory viruses and MERS-CoV using an in-house RT-PCR assay. Results Four hundred and twenty-six (426) samples from 264 patients were tested for MERS Co-V and respiratory viruses. No MERS-CoV infections were identified by PCR. Fifty-six percent of samples were PCR positive for viral or bacterial pathogen with Influenza A as the predominant virus (44%). Sixty-two percent of all patients had a pathogen identified with the highest positivity from sputum samples. Patients with multiple samples demonstrated a 100% diagnostic yield. Conclusions Although no cases of MERS were identified, the majority of patients had Influenza infection for which oseltamivir treatment was indicated and isolation warranted. Sputum samples were the most useful in diagnosing respiratory viruses with a 100% diagnostic yield from patients with multiple samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Z Farooq
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma Davies
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazaad Ahmad
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, North Manchester General Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Machin
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Hesketh
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Guiver
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Turner
- Department of Virology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Public Health Laboratory Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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8
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Pneumocystosis and quantitative PCR. Med Mal Infect 2018; 48:474-480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2018.04.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Dunaiski CM, Janssen L, Erzinger H, Pieper M, Damaschek S, Schildgen O, Schildgen V. Inter-Specimen Imbalance of Mitochondrial Gene Copy Numbers Predicts Clustering of Pneumocystis jirovecii Isolates in Distinct Subgroups. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4030084. [PMID: 29996561 PMCID: PMC6162491 DOI: 10.3390/jof4030084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii is an important therapy-relevant tool in microbiological diagnostics. However, the quantification of this pathogen in the past has revealed discordant results depending on the target gene. As the clinical variety of P. jirovecii infections ranges between life-threatening infections and symptom-free colonization, the question arises if qPCRs are reliable tools for quantitative diagnostics of P. jirovecii. P. jirovecii positive BALs were quantitatively tested for the copy numbers of one mitochondrial (COX-1) and two nuclear single-copy genes (KEX1 and DHPS) compared to the mitochondrial large subunit (mtLSU) by qPCR. Independent of the overall mtLSU copy number P. jirovecii clustered into distinct groups based on the ratio patterns of the respective qPCRs. This study, which compared different mitochondrial to nuclear gene ratio patterns of independent patients, shows that the mtLSU gene represents a highly sensitive qPCR tool for the detection of P. jirovecii, but does not display a reliable target for absolute quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Mia Dunaiski
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Lena Janssen
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Hannah Erzinger
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Monika Pieper
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Sarah Damaschek
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Oliver Schildgen
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
| | - Verena Schildgen
- Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Institut für Pathologie, Klinikum der Privaten Universität Witten/Herdecke, 51109 Köln, Germany.
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Schoovaerts K, Dirix L, Rutten A, Van Schaeren J, Van Herendael B, Van Grieken S, Heytens L. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) in non-HIV immunocompromised individuals. Acta Clin Belg 2017; 72:413-416. [PMID: 28346081 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2017.1305136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES PJP is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Diagnosing PJP is often difficult because respiratory signs might be minimal or absent and the sensitivity of a chest X-ray (CXR) is low. We studied the clinical risk factors in order to increase awareness and facilitate the diagnosis. METHODS We studied a prospective case series over a one year period (from 1 January 2015 to 1 January 2016) and did a retrospective analysis (from 2013 to 2016) of all PJP positive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis. RESULTS Seven patients with metastatic solid tumors were diagnosed with symptomatic PJP (based on positive polymerase chain reaction) over a one year period. The median age was 61 years. Three patients had brain metastasis. Four of them were on steroids, the median dose was 16 mg methylprednisolone with three of them at a tapered dose. Respiratory failure developed in four cases and prompted intensive care monitoring. Two patients needed non-invasive ventilation and the third patient was intubated and mechanically ventilated. No patient died of PJP. A retrospective analysis on microbiological results obtained from BAL in our hospital from 2013 to 2016 shows a striking high percentage PJP positivity in cancer patients (including hematologic cancers) of nearly 22% (15/69) as opposed to the overall number of PJP-positives 7.3% (59/803). DISCUSSION The incidence of clinical PJP in patients treated for metastatic cancer is substantial. A high index of suspicion, especially in cases with unexplained respiratory symptoms, concurrent or recent use of steroids, a normal CXR and otherwise unexplained increased lactate dehydrogenase levels, is critical. The threshold for performing a CT-scan must be low and the diagnosis needs to be confirmed microbiologically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luc Dirix
- Department of Oncology, Sint-Augustinus Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Annemie Rutten
- Department of Oncology, Sint-Augustinus Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jef Van Schaeren
- Department of Microbiology, Sint-Augustinus Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Sofie Van Grieken
- Department of Pneumology, Sint-Augustinus Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Luc Heytens
- Intensive Care Unit, Sint-Augustinus Hospital, Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Comparison of quantitative real-time PCR and direct immunofluorescence for the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180589. [PMID: 28683092 PMCID: PMC5500343 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious risk for HIV-positive patients. Asymptomatic infection or colonisation with P. jirovecii has been shown to occur frequently. PCR assays frequently identify such cases, due to their high sensitivity. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) gene copy number cut-off values have been suggested to differentiate colonisation and infection; these need to be standardised for routine use. We compared the results of qPCR with an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to determine a specific cut-off value. Methods From March 2005 through June 2009, induced sputum specimens were collected from adult patients who were clinically suspected of having PCP, at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. Laboratory diagnosis of PCP was done by a conventional direct IFA and a qPCR assay. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine a suitable copy number cut-off value. Results P. jirovecii was identified in 51% (156/305) and 67% (204/305) of specimens using IFA and qPCR, respectively. The cut-off value for the qPCR that best predicted the IFA results was 78 copies/5 μl (area under ROC curve 0.92). The sensitivity and specificity of qPCR using this cut-off was 94.6% and 89.1%, respectively, compared with the IFA. Discussion The results of the ROC curve analysis indicate an excellent predictive value of the qPCR using the proposed cut-off. However, the IFA test is an imperfect gold standard and so this cut-off should not be used in isolation; clinical data should also contribute to the interpretation of the qPCR result.
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Wickramasekaran RN, Jewell MP, Sorvillo F, Kuo T. The changing trends and profile of pneumocystosis mortality in the United States, 1999-2014. Mycoses 2017; 60:607-615. [PMID: 28568970 DOI: 10.1111/myc.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystosis (PCP) mortality in the U.S. has received less attention in recent years. This study describes recent trends in mortality and the estimated burden of PCP in the U.S., using the national multiple cause of death data during 1999-2014. PCP mortality rates were calculated for age, sex, race and year. Demographic differences were presented for decedents with and without a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-diagnosis. Matched odds ratios (MOR) were generated to describe associations between non-HIV conditions and PCP mortality. In total, 11 512 PCP deaths occurred during 1999-2014. Annual age-adjusted PCP mortality decreased over this time period, from 0.479 to 0.154 per 100 000 population (1999 vs 2014 respectively). Over two-thirds of decedents were male and Blacks had the highest mortality as compared to Whites. HIV co-diagnosis accounted for 48% of all PCP deaths in 2014 vs 71% in 1999. Comorbid conditions such as connective tissue disorders (MOR=12.29; 95% confidence interval=[10.26, 14.71]) were associated with a PCP diagnosis. Productivity losses amounted to >$12 billion during the study period. Although widespread use of antiretroviral therapy and PCP prophylaxis for HIV infection likely contributed to the overall decline in PCP deaths during 1999-2014, a continual need exists to prevent and treat this fungal disease in immune-compromised populations that are not infected with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjana N Wickramasekaran
- Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mirna Ponce Jewell
- Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Frank Sorvillo
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tony Kuo
- Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Ricciardi A, Gentilotti E, Coppola L, Maffongelli G, Cerva C, Malagnino V, Mari A, Di Veroli A, Berrilli F, Apice F, Toschi N, Di Cave D, Parisi SG, Andreoni M, Sarmati L. Infectious disease ward admission positively influences P. jiroveci pneumonia (PjP) outcome: A retrospective analysis of 116 HIV-positive and HIV-negative immunocompromised patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176881. [PMID: 28505159 PMCID: PMC5432209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
P. jiroveci (Pj) causes a potentially fatal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients and the factors associated with a bad outcome are poorly understood. A retrospective analysis on Pj pneumonia (PjP) cases occurring in Tor Vergata University Hospital, Italy, during the period 2011–2015. The patients’ demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics and the Pj genotypes were considered. The study population included 116 patients, 37.9% of whom had haematological malignancy or underwent haematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 22.4% had HIV infection, 16.4% had chronic lung diseases (CLD), 7.8% had a solid cancer, and 3.4% underwent a solid organ transplant (SOT). The remaining 12.1% had a miscellaneous other condition. At univariate analysis, being older than 60 years was significantly correlated with a severe PjP (OR [95%CI] 2.52 [0.10–5.76]; p = 0.031) and death (OR [95%CI] 2.44 [1.05–5.70]; p = 0.036), while a previous trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis were significantly associated with a less severe pneumonia (OR[95%CI] 0.35 [0.15–0.84], p = 0.023); moreover, death due to PjP was significantly more frequent in patients with CLD (OR[95%CI] 3.26 [1.17–9.05]; p = 0.019) while, admission to the Infectious Diseases Unit was significantly associated with fewer deaths (OR[95%CI] 0.10 [0.03–0.36], p = 0.002). At multivariate analysis, a better PjP outcome was observed in patients taking TMP/SMX prophylaxis and that were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit (OR[95%CI] 0.27 [0.07–1.03], p = 0.055, OR[95%CI] 0.16 [0.05–0.55]; p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, in our study population, TMP/SMX prophylaxis and infectious disease specialist approach were variables correlated with a better PjP outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luigi Coppola
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlotta Cerva
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Mari
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Di Veroli
- Department of Haematology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Apice
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Saverio Giuseppe Parisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Prevalence of Pneumocystis jirovecii among immunocompromised patients in hospitals of Tehran city, Iran. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:850-853. [PMID: 28848290 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic organism that can cause extreme complications such as Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. There is no comprehensive study was conducted Iran to determine the prevalence of this infection in susceptible individuals. In the present study, 160 sera samples were collected from immunocompromised patients, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, diabetic patients, Hodgkin lymphoma patients and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The specimens were collected from Imam Khomeini and army's 501 hospitals. The specimens were examined using indirect fluorescent antibody test. The results of the study showed that 39.30% specimens were found positive, with different rates in different groups, including 20, 22.50, 37.50, and 77.50% of diabetic patients, non-Hodgkin patients, Hodgkin lymphoma patients, and AIDS patients, respectively. This occurrence is relatively high and can be a potential life-threatening hazard to infected patients in studied groups, on the other hand the organism can be transmitted from infected people to other susceptible individuals.
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Shen HP, Tang YM, Song H, Xu WQ, Yang SL, Xu XJ. Efficiency of interleukin 6 and interferon gamma in the differentiation of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and pneumocystis pneumonia in pediatric oncology patients. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 48:73-7. [PMID: 27208634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) are two types of pulmonary fungal infection that are not easy to differentiate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines in the differential diagnosis of IPA and PCP. METHODS A total of 227 pediatric oncology patients diagnosed with acute pneumonia were enrolled. They were divided into three groups: IPA, PCP, and 'others'. The cytokine levels in these groups were compared, including interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2. RESULTS Of the six cytokines, only IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were elevated in patients with acute pneumonia. IL-6 was comparable between patients with IPA and PCP (52.0 pg/ml vs. 25.8 pg/ml, p=0.092), while IFN-γ was much higher in patients with PCP (19.9 pg/ml vs. 8.9 pg/ml, p=0.001). The accuracy of IL-6 and the ratio of IL-6/IFN-γ in predicting IPA were 69.0% and 72.0%, respectively, while the accuracy of IFN-γ to predict PCP was 67.2%. IL-6 >140 pg/ml and IL-6/IFN-γ >9.0 presented specificities of 90% in predicting IPA, while IFN-γ >40 pg/ml presented specificity of 90% in predicting PCP. CONCLUSIONS IL-6 is predominantly elevated in IPA, while IFN-γ is significantly increased in PCP. These are helpful tools for the differential diagnosis of IPA and PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- He-Ping Shen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China
| | - Yong-Min Tang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China.
| | - Hua Song
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China
| | - Wei-Qun Xu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China
| | - Shi-Long Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China
| | - Xiao-Jun Xu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, PR China.
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Alanio A, Hauser PM, Lagrou K, Melchers WJG, Helweg-Larsen J, Matos O, Cesaro S, Maschmeyer G, Einsele H, Donnelly JP, Cordonnier C, Maertens J, Bretagne S. ECIL guidelines for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with haematological malignancies and stem cell transplant recipients. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:2386-96. [PMID: 27550991 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Fifth European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-5) convened a meeting to establish evidence-based recommendations for using tests to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in adult patients with haematological malignancies. Immunofluorescence assays are recommended as the most sensitive microscopic method (recommendation A-II: ). Real-time PCR is recommended for the routine diagnosis of PCP ( A-II: ). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid is recommended as the best specimen as it yields good negative predictive value ( A-II: ). Non-invasive specimens can be suitable alternatives ( B-II: ), acknowledging that PCP cannot be ruled out in case of a negative PCR result ( A-II: ). Detecting β-d-glucan in serum can contribute to the diagnosis but not the follow-up of PCP ( A-II: ). A negative serum β-d-glucan result can exclude PCP in a patient at risk ( A-II: ), whereas a positive test result may indicate other fungal infections. Genotyping using multilocus sequence markers can be used to investigate suspected outbreaks ( A-II: ). The routine detection of dihydropteroate synthase mutations in cases of treatment failure is not recommended ( B-II: ) since these mutations do not affect response to high-dose co-trimoxazole. The clinical utility of these diagnostic tests for the early management of PCP should be further assessed in prospective, randomized interventional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Alanio
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière Saint-Louis Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Institut Pasteur, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS URA3012, Centre National de Référence Mycoses Invasives et Antifongiques, Paris, France
| | - Philippe M Hauser
- Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium and National Reference Center for Mycosis, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jannik Helweg-Larsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet-Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olga Matos
- Medical Parasitology Unit, Group of Opportunistic Protozoa/HIV and Other Protozoa, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Simone Cesaro
- Hematology Department, Oncoematologia Pediatrica, Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Verona, Italy
| | - Georg Maschmeyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Ernst-von-Bergmann Klinikum, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Julius Maximilians Universitaet, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Peter Donnelly
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Cordonnier
- Hematology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, APHP and Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Johan Maertens
- Hematology Department, University Hospital Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière Saint-Louis Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, and Institut Pasteur, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, CNRS URA3012, Centre National de Référence Mycoses Invasives et Antifongiques, Paris, France
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Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii by Quantitative PCR To Differentiate Colonization and Pneumonia in Immunocompromised HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:1487-1495. [PMID: 27008872 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03174-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an acute and life-threatening lung disease caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii The presentation of PCP in HIV-positive patients is well-known and consists of a triad of dyspnea, fever, and cough, whereas the presentation of PCP in HIV-negative patients is atypical and consists of a sudden outbreak, O2 desaturation, and a rapid lethal outcome without therapy. Despite the availability of direct and indirect identification methods, the diagnosis of PCP remains difficult. The cycle threshold (CT) values obtained by quantitative PCR (qPCR) allow estimation of the fungal burden. The more elevated that the fungal burden is, the higher the probability that the diagnosis is pneumonia. The purposes of the present study were to evaluate the CT values to differentiate colonization and pneumonia in a population of immunocompromised patients overall and patients stratified on the basis of their HIV infection status. Testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from the whole population of qPCR-positive patients showed a mean CT value for patients with PCP of 28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 26 to 30) and a mean CT value for colonized patients of 35 (95% CI, 34 to 36) (P < 10(-3)). For the subgroup of HIV-positive patients, we demonstrated that a CT value below 27 excluded colonization and a CT value above 30 excluded PCP with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 80%, respectively. In the subgroup of HIV-negative patients, we demonstrated that a CT value below 31 excluded colonization and a CT value above 35 excluded PCP with a specificity of 80% and a sensitivity of 80%, respectively. Thus, qPCR of BAL fluid samples is an important tool for the differentiation of colonization and pneumonia in P. jirovecii-infected immunocompromised patients and patients stratified on the basis of HIV infection status with different CT values.
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Pneumocystis pneumonia in children - the relevance of chemoprophylaxis in different groups of immunocompromised and immunocompetent paediatric patients. Cent Eur J Immunol 2015; 40:91-5. [PMID: 26155189 PMCID: PMC4472545 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2015.50839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic pathogen causing pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a life-threatening infection, in immunocompromised patients. In this study, retrospective analysis of the presence of P. jirovecii DNA in different samples collected from children with suspected PCP was carried out. Material and methods Three hundred and six specimens [152 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens, 80 blood specimens, 18 bronchial secretions (BS), 34 induced sputum samples, 10 endotracheal aspirates (ETA), and 12 other type samples] obtained from patients with suspected PCP were examined by real-time PCR. Results Forty (13.1%) patients were positive for P. jirovecii: 4 (7.7%) patients with malignancies, 3 (6.8%) transplant recipients, 15 (23.1%) other immunocompromised patients, and 18 (12.4%) immunocompetent patients. Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA was detected in 20.4% of BAL specimens, 11.1% of BS samples, 10% of ETA sample, 8.8% of induced sputum samples, and in 3.7% of blood samples. Comparing the frequency of the presence of P. jirovecii DNA between the group of children treated with PCP chemoprophylaxis (malignancy patients and transplant recipients) and a group of children not receiving this prophylaxis (other immunocompromised and immunocompetent children), we found that the occurrence of PCP was twice as high in the latter group of children (7.3% and 15.7%, respectively). Conclusions Respiratory samples, such as BS, BAL, or ETA specimens, are the material of choice for the diagnosis of PCP. Due to high incidence of PCP in certain groups of immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, besides cancer patients and transplant recipients, consideration of PCP prophylaxis is required in these groups as well.
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Maschmeyer G, Carratalà J, Buchheidt D, Hamprecht A, Heussel CP, Kahl C, Lorenz J, Neumann S, Rieger C, Ruhnke M, Salwender H, Schmidt-Hieber M, Azoulay E. Diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of lung infiltrates in febrile neutropenic patients (allogeneic SCT excluded): updated guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). Ann Oncol 2015; 26:21-33. [PMID: 24833776 PMCID: PMC4269340 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdu192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Up to 25% of patients with profound neutropenia lasting for >10 days develop lung infiltrates, which frequently do not respond to broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy. While a causative pathogen remains undetected in the majority of cases, Aspergillus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii, multi-resistant Gram-negative pathogens, mycobacteria or respiratory viruses may be involved. In at-risk patients who have received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis, filamentous fungal pathogens appear to be predominant, yet commonly not proven at the time of treatment initiation. Pathogens isolated from blood cultures, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or respiratory secretions are not always relevant for the etiology of pulmonary infiltrates and should therefore be interpreted critically. Laboratory tests for detecting Aspergillus galactomannan, β-D-glucan or DNA from blood, BAL or tissue samples may facilitate the diagnosis; however, most polymerase chain reaction assays are not yet standardized and validated. Apart from infectious agents, pulmonary side-effects from cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy or pulmonary involvement by the underlying malignancy should be included into differential diagnosis and eventually be clarified by invasive diagnostic procedures. Pre-emptive treatment with mold-active systemic antifungal agents improves clinical outcome, while other microorganisms are preferably treated only when microbiologically documented. High-dose TMP/SMX is first choice for treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia, while cytomegalovirus pneumonia is treated primarily with ganciclovir or foscarnet in most patients. In a considerable number of patients, clinical outcome may be favorable despite respiratory failure, so that intensive care should be unrestrictedly provided in patients whose prognosis is not desperate due to other reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Maschmeyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - J Carratalà
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bellvitge University Hospital, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Buchheidt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Mannheim University Hospital, Mannheim
| | - A Hamprecht
- Institution for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne
| | - C P Heussel
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology with Nuclear Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University Hospital, Heidelberg
| | - C Kahl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Klinikum Magdeburg, Magdeburg
| | - J Lorenz
- Department of Pneumology, Infectious Diseases, Sleep Medicine and Intensive Care, Klinikum Lüdenscheid, Lüdenscheid
| | - S Neumann
- Medical Oncology, AMO MVZ, Wolfsburg
| | - C Rieger
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Großhadern, München
| | - M Ruhnke
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Charité University Medicine Campus Mitte, Berlin
| | - H Salwender
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Asklepios Klinik Altona, Hamburg
| | - M Schmidt-Hieber
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Helios-Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Azoulay
- AP-HP, Hopital Saint-Louis, Service de Réanimation Médicale, Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France
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Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Role of β-D-Glucan Detection and PCR. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-014-0198-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Mori S, Imamura F, Kiyofuji C, Ito K, Koga Y, Honda I, Sugimoto M. Pneumocystis jirovecipneumonia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis as a complication of treatment with infliximab, anti-tumor necrosis factor α neutralizing antibody. Mod Rheumatol 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/s10165-005-0454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Evidence of Pneumocystis jiroveci in human clinical samples in southwestern Slovakia over a 10-year period (2001–2010). Biologia (Bratisl) 2013. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-013-0199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sarkar P, Rasheed HF. Clinical review: Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients--a changing picture. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2013; 17:228. [PMID: 23806117 PMCID: PMC3706935 DOI: 10.1186/cc12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory failure in HIV-infected patients is a relatively common presentation to ICU. The debate on ICU treatment of HIV-infected patients goes on despite an overall decline in mortality amongst these patients since the AIDS epidemic. Many intensive care physicians feel that ICU treatment of critically ill HIV patients is likely to be futile. This is mainly due to the unfavourable outcome of HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia who need mechanical ventilation. However, the changing spectrum of respiratory illness in HIV-infected patients and improved outcome from critical illness remain under-recognised. Also, the awareness of certain factors that can affect their outcome remains low. As there are important ethical and practical implications for intensive care clinicians while making decisions to provide ICU support to HIV-infected patients, a review of literature was undertaken. It is notable that the respiratory illnesses that are not directly related to underlying HIV disease are now commonly encountered in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. The overall incidence of P. jirovecii as a cause of respiratory failure has declined since the AIDS epidemic and sepsis including bacterial pneumonia has emerged as a frequent cause of hospital and ICU admission amongst HIV patients. The improved overall outcome of HIV patients needing ICU admission is related to advancement in general ICU care, including adoption of improved ventilation strategies. An awareness of respiratory illnesses in HIV-infected patients along with an appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategy may obviate the need for invasive ventilation and improve outcome further. HIV-infected patients presenting with respiratory failure will benefit from early admission to critical care for treatment and support. There is evidence to suggest that continuing or starting HAART in critically ill HIV patients is beneficial and hence should be considered after multidisciplinary discussion. As a very high percentage (up to 40%) of HIV patients are not known to be HIV infected at the time of ICU admission, the clinicians should keep a low threshold for requesting HIV testing for patients with recurrent pneumonia.
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Rate of Pneumocystis pneumonia in Iranian HIV+ Patients with Pulmonary Infiltrates. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2013. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.10052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
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KHODADADI H, MIRHENDI H, MOHEBALI M, KORDBACHEH P, ZARRINFAR H, MAKIMURA K. Pneumocystis jirovecii Colonization in Non-HIV-Infected Patients Based on Nested-PCR Detection in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 42:298-305. [PMID: 23641407 PMCID: PMC3633800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii causes Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Colonization with this fungus may stimulate pulmonary inflammation or lead to PCP in susceptible patients. The epidemiology of this infection and routs of its transmission has poorly studied in Iran. We examined Pneumosystis colonization in patients with various lung underlying diseases. METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids of 458 patients with different underlying diseases or pulmonary signs were collected between August 2010 and January 2012. Patients were divided into four groups: transplant recipients, malignant patients, immunosuppressive drug recipients and patients with other different lung diseases. A sensitive nested-PCR method targeted 18S ribosomal RNA gene was used for investigating P. jirovecii in the specimens. RESULTS P. jirovecii DNA was detected in 57 out of 458 (12.5%) BAL samples by nested-PCR. Colonization rate in malignant patients, transplant recipients, immunosuppressive therapy recipients and patients with other various lung diseases was 21.7%, 20.3%, 12.7% and 7.3%, respectively. The enzyme BanI cuts all PCR products producing fragments with the size of 228 and 104 base pair. This finding as well as sequencing of four random positive samples validated and reconfirmed the PCR results. P. jirovecii cysts were found in 5 out of 57 PCR positive samples. CONCLUSION A significant number of patients with pulmonary diseases were colonized by P. jirovecii that can develop to PCP in these patients or they may transmit the fungus to other susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein KHODADADI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein MIRHENDI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author: Tel +98 21 88951583,
| | - Mehdi MOHEBALI
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parivash KORDBACHEH
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein ZARRINFAR
- Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Ghaem Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Koichi MAKIMURA
- Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology and Genome Research Center, Tokyo, Japan
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Alli OAT, Ogbolu DO, Ademola O, Oyenike MA. Molecular detection of pneumocystis jirovecii in patients with respiratory tract infections. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2012; 4:479-85. [PMID: 23112970 PMCID: PMC3482780 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as P. carinii, is an opportunistic fungus causing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia especially in immunocompromised patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to detect P. jirovecii in sputum samples from patients suspected of having respiratory tract infections. Materials and Methods: In this study, 230 acid fast bacilli negative sputum samples from 230 patients presenting with respiratory tract infections submitted to three teaching hospitals’ medical microbiology laboratories in Osun and Oyo States, Nigeria for routine investigation were examined for P. jirovecii by microscopical and polymerase chain reaction methods. Results: P. jirovecii cysts were observed in 15 (6.5%) samples and polymerase chain reaction was positive for 29 (12.6%) samples out of 230 samples examined. It was observed that the detection of P. jirovecii was associated with age (P < 0.05) while there were no associations between diagnosis, sex, and prevalence of P. jirovecii (P > 0.05). Polymerase chain reaction was showed to be a better method for the detection of P. jirovecii based on the 51.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity of the microscopy. Conclusion: The study concluded that P. jirovecii is prevalent in patients with respiratory tract infections in hospitals from the southwestern part of Nigeria and should be included in diagnosis of these infections in this part of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyebode Armstrong Terry Alli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria
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Tia T, Putaporntip C, Kosuwin R, Kongpolprom N, Kawkitinarong K, Jongwutiwes S. A highly sensitive novel PCR assay for detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in bronchoalveloar lavage specimens from immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18:598-603. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Performance of 2 commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of Aspergillus and Pneumocystis DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from critical care patients. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 73:138-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Mori H, Ohno Y, Yanase K, Ito F, Kamiya F, Endo J, Funaguchi N, Minatoguchi S. [Case report; Polymerase chain reaction positivity of Pneumocystis jirovecii during primary lung cancer treatment]. NIHON NAIKA GAKKAI ZASSHI. THE JOURNAL OF THE JAPANESE SOCIETY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2012; 101:1075-1078. [PMID: 22730737 DOI: 10.2169/naika.101.1075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Mori
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hashima Community Medical Center, Japan
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Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in non-HIV-infected patients: new risks and diagnostic tools. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2012; 24:534-44. [PMID: 21986616 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e32834cac17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Non-HIV-infected populations are increasingly identified as being at risk for developing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). These patients typically present with severe disease and poorly tolerate invasive diagnostic procedures. This review examines recently reported risks for PJP in non-HIV populations and summarizes new diagnostic techniques. RECENT FINDINGS PJP is associated with immunomodulatory drug therapies, including monoclonal antibody therapies such as tumour necrosis factor α antagonists, and calcineurin inhibitors. Underlying disease states include solid-organ transplantation, connective tissue and rheumatologic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, haematological malignancies, and solid tumours. Modern diagnostic techniques [conventional PCR, quantitative PCR, (1→3)-β-D-glucan assays, and PET] are reviewed with respect to predictive value and clinical utility. In particular, current literature regarding validation and specificity of molecular diagnostic techniques is summarized, including application to minimally invasive specimens. SUMMARY HIV-negative populations at risk for PJP can be identified. Conventional PCR increases diagnostic sensitivity but may detect asymptomatic colonization. Quantitative PCR demonstrates potential for distinguishing colonization from infection, but clinical validation is required. Serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan may be elevated in PJP, although standardized cut-off values for clinical infection have not been determined. Further validation of serum markers and molecular diagnostic methods is necessary for early and accurate diagnosis in non-HIV populations.
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Abstract
We undertook a bivariate meta-analysis to assess the overall accuracy of respiratory specimen PCR assays for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia. The summary sensitivity and specificity were 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 1.00) and 0.90 (0.87 to 0.93). Subgroup analyses showed that quantitative PCR analysis and the major surface glycoprotein gene target had the highest specificity value (0.93). Respiratory specimen PCR results are sufficient to confirm or exclude the disease for at-risk patients suspected of having Pneumocystis pneumonia.
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Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia. Am J Med Sci 2011; 342:182-5. [DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e318210ff42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Harris JR, Marston BJ, Sangrujee N, DuPlessis D, Park B. Cost-effectiveness analysis of diagnostic options for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). PLoS One 2011; 6:e23158. [PMID: 21858013 PMCID: PMC3156114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is challenging, particularly in developing countries. Highly sensitive diagnostic methods are costly, while less expensive methods often lack sensitivity or specificity. Cost-effectiveness comparisons of the various diagnostic options have not been presented. Methods and Findings We compared cost-effectiveness, as measured by cost per life-years gained and proportion of patients successfully diagnosed and treated, of 33 PCP diagnostic options, involving combinations of specimen collection methods [oral washes, induced and expectorated sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)] and laboratory diagnostic procedures [various staining procedures or polymerase chain reactions (PCR)], or clinical diagnosis with chest x-ray alone. Our analyses were conducted from the perspective of the government payer among ambulatory, HIV-infected patients with symptoms of pneumonia presenting to HIV clinics and hospitals in South Africa. Costing data were obtained from the National Institutes of Communicable Diseases in South Africa. At 50% disease prevalence, diagnostic procedures involving expectorated sputum with any PCR method, or induced sputum with nested or real-time PCR, were all highly cost-effective, successfully treating 77–90% of patients at $26–51 per life-year gained. Procedures using BAL specimens were significantly more expensive without added benefit, successfully treating 68–90% of patients at costs of $189–232 per life-year gained. A relatively cost-effective diagnostic procedure that did not require PCR was Toluidine Blue O staining of induced sputum ($25 per life-year gained, successfully treating 68% of patients). Diagnosis using chest x-rays alone resulted in successful treatment of 77% of patients, though cost-effectiveness was reduced ($109 per life-year gained) compared with several molecular diagnostic options. Conclusions For diagnosis of PCP, use of PCR technologies, when combined with less-invasive patient specimens such as expectorated or induced sputum, represent more cost-effective options than any diagnostic procedure using BAL, or chest x-ray alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Harris
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
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Hsu JL, Ruoss SJ, Bower ND, Lin M, Holodniy M, Stevens DA. Diagnosing invasive fungal disease in critically ill patients. Crit Rev Microbiol 2011; 37:277-312. [PMID: 21749278 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2011.581223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections are increasing, with a changing landscape of pathogens and emergence of new groups at risk for invasive disease. We review current diagnostic techniques, focusing on studies in critically ill patients. Microbiological cultures, the current "gold standard", demonstrate poor sensitivity, thus diagnosis of invasive disease in the critically ill is difficult. This diagnostic dilemma results in under- or over-treatment of patients, potentially contributing to poor outcomes and antifungal resistance. While other current diagnostic tests perform moderately well, many lack timeliness, efficacy, and are negatively affected by treatments common to critically ill patients. New nucleic acid-based research is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe L Hsu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Alanio A, Desoubeaux G, Sarfati C, Hamane S, Bergeron A, Azoulay E, Molina JM, Derouin F, Menotti J. Real-time PCR assay-based strategy for differentiation between active Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and colonization in immunocompromised patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2011; 17:1531-7. [PMID: 20946413 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03400.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of pneumocystosis usually relies on microscopic demonstration of Pneumocystis jirovecii in respiratory samples. Conventional PCR can detect low levels of P. jirovecii DNA but cannot differentiate active pneumonia from colonization. In this study, we used a new real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay to identify and discriminate these entities. One hundred and sixty-three bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and 115 induced sputa were prospectively obtained from 238 consecutive immunocompromised patients presenting signs of pneumonia. Each patient was classified as having a high or a low probability of P. jirovecii pneumonia according to clinical and radiological presentation. Samples were processed by microscopy and by a qPCR assay amplifying the P. jirovecii mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA gene; qPCR results were expressed as trophic form equivalents (TFEq)/mL by reference to a standard curve obtained from numbered suspensions of trophic forms. From 21 samples obtained from 16 patients with a high probability of P. jirovecii pneumonia, 21 were positive by qPCR whereas only 16 were positive by microscopy. Fungal load ranged from 134 to 1.73 × 10(6) TFEq/mL. Among 257 specimens sampled from 222 patients with a low probability of P. jirovecii pneumonia, 222 were negative by both techniques but 35 were positive by qPCR (0.1-1840 TFEq/mL), suggesting P. jirovecii colonization. Two cut-off values of 120 and 1900 TFEq/mL were proposed to discriminate active pneumonia from colonization, with a grey zone between them. In conclusion, this qPCR assay discriminates active pneumonia from colonization. This is particularly relevant for patient management, especially in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immunocompromised patients, who often present low-burden P. jirovecii infections that are not diagnosed microscopically.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alanio
- Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Saint-Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
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Mori H, Ohno Y, Ito F, Endo J, Yanase K, Funaguchi N, Bai La BL, Minatoguchi S. Polymerase chain reaction positivity of Pneumocystis jirovecii during primary lung cancer treatment. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2010; 40:658-62. [PMID: 20395244 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyq040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When treating lung cancer, pneumocystic pneumonia is a life-threatening complication seen during chemotherapy. Polymerase chain reaction is used to detect its cause, Pneumocystis jirovecii, but polymerase chain reaction positives without pneumocystic pneumonia are sometimes seen. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of pneumocystic pneumonia during cancer treatment. METHODS Fifty induced sputum specimens and 4 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens collected from 50 patients with acute respiratory symptoms during anticancer therapy were retrospectively studied after classifying the patients into lung cancer (n = 29) and solid tumor (n = 21) groups. All of the patients in both groups had an interstitial shadow suspected of being pneumocystic pneumonia, and all had polymerase chain reaction tests. RESULTS Eleven of the 54 specimens were polymerase chain reaction positive, and 1 patient was clinically diagnosed with pneumocystic pneumonia. The incidence of polymerase chain reaction positivity in the lung cancer group was significantly higher than in the solid tumor group (31 vs. 5%; P = 0.03), and the incidence of subclinical pneumocystic pneumonia (29 vs. 5%; P = 0.059) also tended to be higher in that group. There were no significant biochemical differences between the two groups, irrespective of the polymerase chain reaction results. Among polymerase chain reaction-positive patients in the lung cancer group, the cumulative dose of corticosteroid administration tended to be higher than among the polymerase chain reaction-negative patients (P = 0.09). Following the polymerase chain reaction tests, nearly all polymerase chain reaction-positive patients without pneumocystic pneumonia received antipneumocystic agents, and none developed pneumocystic pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest polymerase chain reaction positivity for P. jirovecii will be detected in a fraction of lung cancer patients. Although it is difficult to predict the need for administration of pneumocystic pneumonia treatment to subclinical pneumocystic pneumonia based on polymerase chain reaction and biochemical results, polymerase chain reaction-positive patients should be followed-up with antipneumocystic agents to ensure they are not at an early stage of pneumocystic pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Mori
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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37
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Khot PD, Fredricks DN. PCR-based diagnosis of human fungal infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2010; 7:1201-21. [PMID: 19968513 DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PCR is a very appealing technology for the detection of human pathogens, but the detection of fungal pathogens is particularly challenging. Fungi have cell walls that impede the efficient lysis of organisms and liberation of DNA, which can lead to false-negative PCR results. Conversely, some human pathogens are also ubiquitous environmental saprophytes that can contaminate PCR reagents and cause false-positive results. We examine the quality of PCR-based studies for fungal diagnostics using 42 variables within the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines. This review focuses on taxon-directed PCR assays for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, candidiasis and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Finally, we evaluate broad-range fungal PCR assays capable of detecting a wide spectrum of human pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna D Khot
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
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Gianella S, Haeberli L, Joos B, Ledergerber B, Wüthrich R, Weber R, Kuster H, Hauser P, Fehr T, Mueller N. Molecular evidence of interhuman transmission in an outbreak ofPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia among renal transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2010; 12:1-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2009.00447.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Etoh K. Evaluation of a real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Kurume Med J 2009; 55:55-62. [PMID: 19571493 DOI: 10.2739/kurumemedj.55.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate of the quantification of Pneumocystis jiroveci using a real-time PCR assay. We tried to verify whether quantification was really effective in differentiating between carriage and Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) using real-time PCR with or without sample species normalization for classifying each sample species (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and total samples). Twenty-two positive samples previously examined by conventional qualitative PCR were subjected to real-time PCR. Of these 22 lower respiratory tract specimens, 10 were BAL samples and 12 were (induced) sputum samples. According to our clinical diagnostic criteria, 17 were PCP and 5 were non-PCP. In the 12 sputum samples the concentrations of Pneumocystis-specific DNA detected in the non-PCP patients did not differ significantly from those in the PCP patients. The data were normalized using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the housekeeping gene to exclude differences due to the number of human cells in collected samples. After normalization, the Pneumocystis-specific DNA/GAPDH-DNA ratio in the non-PCP patients was higher than that in the PCP patients. In the BAL samples (10 samples), the mean concentration of Pneumocystis-specific DNA detected in the PCP patients was 9.6 times higher than that in the non-PCP patients (P=0.058), and after normalization, the Pneumocystis-specific DNA/GAPDH-DNA ratio in the PCP patients did not differ significantly (P=0.19) from that in the non-PCP patients. Although the present study indicated that normalization using GAPDH might be not helpful but BAL specimens are recommended over sputum specimens for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia by quantification with real-time PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohju Etoh
- Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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40
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Screening Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in non–HIV-infected immunocompromised patients using polymerase chain reaction. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 64:396-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2009] [Revised: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Overgaard UM, Helweg-Larsen J. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-1-negative patients: A retrospective study 2002–2004. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 39:589-95. [PMID: 17577823 DOI: 10.1080/00365540601150497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study was conducted to describe risk factors associated with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) among HIV-negative patients. During 2002-2004, 50 cases of PCP were identified at Rigshospitalet University Hospital on the basis of histology, PCR and clinical symptoms of PCP. Predisposing conditions included haematological malignancy (72%), inflammatory diseases (14%), solid organ transplantation (6%) and other conditions associated with immunodeficiency (8%). The most common treatment related risk factors were steroid usage (76%) and chemotherapy (72%). In 88% of patients who received steroids, dosage was either lowered or given as pulse-therapy in the 2 weeks preceding the onset of symptoms. Only 1 patient was on PCP prophylaxis at diagnosis and only 8 (16%) patients had previously been given PCP prophylaxis. At diagnosis, 78% of patients were lymphopenic. CD4 counts were available in 17 patients. Only 9 patients (52%) had CD4 count values below 300 cells/microl. The overall mortality attributable to PCP was 14% and was significantly associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. Among immunocompromized HIV-negative patients, PCP should be particularly suspected in the context of steroid treatment and lymphopenia. Although low CD4 count is associated with a higher risk of PCP, the use of CD4 count as guidance for risk identification or prophylaxis among HIV-negative patients appears insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik M Overgaard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nykøbing Falster Sygehus, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Gupta R, Mirdha BR, Guleria R, Mohan A, Agarwal SK, Kumar L, Kabra SK, Samantaray JC. Improved detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection in a tertiary care reference hospital in India. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 39:571-6. [PMID: 17577820 DOI: 10.1080/00365540601131976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We prospectively examined 143 clinical samples from 115 patients including both HIV infected (n=53) and HIV uninfected immunocompromized (n=62) patients, with lung infiltrates and with clinical features suggestive of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia/ PneumoCystis Pneumonia (PcP), using both microscopic techniques as well as PCR assay. Clinical samples in the present study consisted of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), tracheal aspirate (TA), nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), sputum and gastric aspirate (GA). Another group of 21 individuals with other respiratory diseases not compatible with PcP served as control during the study period of 15 months. Overall, P. jirovecii positivity rate by PCR was 12.17% (14/115 patients) compared to 3.4% (4/115) by microscopy. None of the specimens in the control group was positive by any of the techniques used. All PCR negative patients including cases and controls showed no evidence of PcP. After resolution of the discrepant results upon review of the clinical data, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 99%, respectively, for PCR and 30.7% and 100%, respectively, for microscopy by GMS staining. Thus, our data support the significance of PCR assay for confirming and improving the diagnosis of PcP in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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FUJISAWA T, SUDA T, MATSUDA H, INUI N, NAKAMURA Y, SATO J, TOYOSHIMA M, NAKANO Y, YASUDA K, GEMMA H, HAYAKAWA H, CHIDA K. Real-time PCR is more specific than conventional PCR for induced sputum diagnosis of Pneumocystispneumonia in immunocompromised patients without HIV infection. Respirology 2009; 14:203-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2008.01457.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Azoulay É, Bergeron A, Chevret S, Bele N, Schlemmer B, Menotti J. Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosing Pneumocystis Pneumonia in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients With Pulmonary Infiltrates. Chest 2009; 135:655-661. [DOI: 10.1378/chest.08-1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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[Pnemocystis jiroveci pneumonia: Comparison between conventional PCR and staining techniques]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 57:373-7. [PMID: 19038508 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2008] [Accepted: 09/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia is usually based on clinical features and X-rays photography and confirmed in the laboratory by visualisation of Pneumocystis organisms in stained preparations of respiratory specimens using several techniques (Gomori-Grocott, May-Grünwald Giemsa, bleu de toluidine O). Actually, PCR has considerably increased sensitivity of detection of Pneumocystis. The aim of this study is to compare conventional PCR results to those of staining techniques (Gomori-Grocott, May-Grünwald Giemsa) in addition to the X-ray and clinical findings in order to evaluate the contribution of each method. Sixty-four respiratory specimens were collected from 54 immuno-compromised patients with clinical symptoms of pulmonary infection. We diagnosed pneumocystis pneumonia in 16 patients according to staining techniques and/or typical clinical and radiological findings and/or response to treatment. Of the 15 patients, 14 were positive by PCR and only five were positive by direct examination, yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 93.3 and 87.1% for PCR and 33.3 and 100% for staining techniques. Conventional PCR provides a sensitive and objective method for the detection Pneumocystis jiroveci from less invasive sample.
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Evaluation of Toluidine Blue O Staining for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci in Expectorated Sputum Sample and Bronchoalveolar Lavage from HIV-infected Patients in a Tertiary Care Referral Center in Ethiopia. Infection 2008; 36:237-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-007-7191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Molecular evidence of nosocomial Pneumocystis jirovecii transmission among 16 patients after kidney transplantation. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:966-71. [PMID: 18216217 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02016-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, clusters of Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly Pneumocystis carinii) pneumonia (PCP) among immunocompromised individuals have been reported. Mostly, the source of infections was suspected to be within the clinical settings when transplant recipients and PCP patients shared hospital facilities. We report on a cluster of 16 renal transplant recipients positive for P. jirovecii. None of them received anti-Pneumocystis prophylaxis prior to P. jirovecii detection. Epidemiological studies revealed that 15 of them had received kidney transplants at a German university hospital and attended the same inpatient and outpatient clinic from January through September 2006. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed on the following genes: ITS1, beta-tub, 26S, and mt26S. P. jirovecii DNA was available from 14 patients and showed identical MLST types among these renal transplant recipients. Surprisingly, one patient who was treated at a different nephrological center and reported no personal contact with patients from the renal transplantation cluster harbored an identical P. jirovecii MLST type. Three HIV-positive patients and one bone-marrow-transplanted hematologic malignancy patient--treated at different medical centers--were used as controls, and different MLST types were revealed. Interestingly, in three of the four previously described regions, new alleles were detected, and one new polymorphism was observed in the mt26S region. The epidemiological data and the genotyping results strongly suggest a nosocomial patient-to-patient transmission of P. jirovecii as the predominant transmission route. Therefore, strict segregation and isolation of P. jirovecii-positive/suspected patients in clinical settings seems warranted.
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Tokuda H, Sakai F, Yamada H, Johkoh T, Imamura A, Dohi M, Hirakata M, Yamada T, Kamatani N, Kikuchi Y, Sugii S, Takeuchi T, Tateda K, Goto H. Clinical and radiological features of Pneumocystis pneumonia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in comparison with methotrexate pneumonitis and Pneumocystis pneumonia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a multicenter study. Intern Med 2008; 47:915-23. [PMID: 18480575 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the clinical and radiological features of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), compared with methotrexate (MTX) pneumonitis in RA and Pneumocystis pneumonia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of 14 PCP cases in RA (RA-PCP), 10 MTX pneumonitis cases in RA (MTX-P) and 11 PCP cases in AIDS (AIDS-PCP) from 9 centers in the Kanto area in the last 6 years. RESULTS Compared with AIDS-PCP, both RA-PCP and MTX-P developed more rapidly, showing higher serum CRP and lower plasma beta-D-glucan levels, and more severe oxygenation impairment. In most of the RA-PCP cases, a high dose of corticosteroid was administered as adjunctive therapy, resulting in a favorable outcome. The mortality was 14% in RA-PCP, 0% in AIDS-PCP and 0% in MTX-P cases. In RA-PCP patients the CD4 cell count showed only mild suppression, not reaching the predisposing level for PCP in HIV infection, suggesting that there are risk factors for RA-PCP other than immunosuppression. Radiologic analysis revealed some characteristic patterns of each disease. In MTX-P, diffuse homogeneous ground glass opacity (GGO) with sharp demarcation by interlobular septa (type A GGO) was found in 70%, while in AIDS-PCP diffuse, homogeneous or nonhomogeneous GGO without interlobular septal boundaries (type B GGO) was predominant (91%). In RA-PCP, type A GGO was found in 6 cases and type B GGO in 5 cases, showing the complex nature of this disease. CONCLUSION RA-PCP differed considerably from AIDS-PCP clinically and radiologically. Clinically it occurred without severe immunosuppression, and showed characteristic aspects, with more intense inflammation and less parasite burden. Radiologically it mimicked MTX-P in some cases sharing the conspicuous CT features of MTX-P, rendering the distinction of these two disorders difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tokuda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Social Health Insurance Central General Hospital, Tokyo.
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Robberts FJL, Liebowitz LD, Chalkley LJ. Polymerase chain reaction detection of Pneumocystis jiroveci: evaluation of 9 assays. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 58:385-92. [PMID: 17689766 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2007.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Revised: 02/26/2007] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification strategies have been described for detecting Pneumocystis jiroveci in clinical specimens. Different combinations of primer/target and platforms have been reported to yield varying PCR detection rates. PCR was evaluated on clinical specimens using internal transcribed spacer regions of the rRNA nested, dihydropteroate synthase single and nested, dihydrofolate reductase nested, major surface glycoprotein heminested, mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA) single and nested, 18S rRNA 1-tube nested, and real-time 5S rRNA PCR. The most sensitive PCR was subsequently compared with routine diagnostic immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. Discrepant PCR and IF results were resolved after review of clinical and histology/cytology records. Major discrepancies were observed among the methods investigated. mtLSUrRNA nested PCR was the most sensitive, produced less false-negative results, and displayed the highest degree of concordance with histology. Direct comparison of mtLSUrRNA nested PCR versus IF yielded low sensitivity and specificity, which were improved for PCR and lowered for IF on review of clinical and laboratory records.
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MESH Headings
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
- Dihydropteroate Synthase/genetics
- False Negative Reactions
- Fungal Proteins/genetics
- Humans
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Pneumocystis Infections/diagnosis
- Pneumocystis Infections/microbiology
- Pneumocystis Infections/pathology
- Pneumocystis carinii/genetics
- Pneumocystis carinii/isolation & purification
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/genetics
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5S/genetics
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Tetrahydrofolate Dehydrogenase/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans J L Robberts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, The University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.
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Bergeron A, Goupil F. [Diagnostic approach to infectious lung diseases in patients immunocompromised by HIV]. Rev Mal Respir 2007; 24:377-80. [PMID: 17417180 DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8425(07)91074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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