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Wilmes D, Hagen F, Verissimo C, Alanio A, Rickerts V, Buitrago MJ. A multicentre external quality assessment: A first step to standardise PCR protocols for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis. Mycoses 2023. [PMID: 37169736 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-house real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly used to diagnose the so-called endemic mycoses as commercial assays are not widely available. OBJECTIVES To compare the performance of different molecular diagnostic assays for detecting Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides spp. in five European reference laboratories. METHODS Two blinded external quality assessment (EQA) panels were sent to each laboratory that performed the analysis with their in-house assays. Both panels included a range of concentrations of H. capsulatum (n = 7) and Coccidioides spp. (n = 6), negative control and DNA from other fungi. Four laboratories used specific qPCRs, and one laboratory a broad-range fungal conventional PCR (cPCR) and a specific cPCR for H. capsulatum with subsequent sequencing. RESULTS qPCR assays were the most sensitive for the detection of H. capsulatum DNA. The lowest amount of H. capsulatum DNA detected was 1-4 fg, 0.1 pg and 10 pg for qPCRs, specific cPCR and broad-range cPCR, respectively. False positive results occurred with high concentrations of Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA in two laboratories and with Emergomyces spp. in one laboratory. For the Coccidioides panel, the lowest amount of DNA detected was 1-16 fg by qPCRs and 10 pg with the broad-range cPCR. One laboratory reported a false positive result by qPCR with high load of Uncinocarpus DNA. CONCLUSION All five laboratories were able to correctly detect H. capsulatum and Coccidioides spp. DNA and qPCRs had a better performance than specific cPCR and broad-range cPCR. EQAs may help standardise in-house molecular tests for the so-called endemic mycoses improving patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Wilmes
- FG16, Unit for Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Verissimo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Reference Laboratory for Parasites and Fungal infections, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Mycology Department, Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Volker Rickerts
- FG16, Unit for Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Konsiliarlabor für Kryptokokkose und Seltene Systemmykosen, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria José Buitrago
- Reference Mycology Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Toscanini MA, Nusblat AD, Cuestas ML. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis: current status and perspectives. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1837-1859. [PMID: 33587157 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a worldwide-distributed systemic mycosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Its clinical manifestations range from subclinical or mild respiratory illness to progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH), a life-threatening disease, whose accurate diagnosis is still challenging and limited in many countries, where this disease is highly endemic. In this regard, Histoplasma antigen testing is now included in the WHO Essential Diagnostics List. The final diagnosis of histoplasmosis is established by culture and/or visualization of the yeast cells by cytology or histopathology using specific stains. However, both procedures have limited sensitivity to detect the disease and cultures are time-consuming. Antibody detection assays are effective for the subacute and chronic clinical forms of histoplasmosis. However, their sensitivity is low in the immunocompromised host. Several molecular "in-house" tests were also developed and showed promising results, but none of these tests are commercially available and their standardization and validation are still pending. Antigen detection assays have high sensitivity in PDH cases and are of great value for the follow-up of patients with histoplasmosis; however, cross-reactivity with other related fungi are common. In addition, this assay is expensive and only performed in few laboratories. Novel protein antigen candidates have been recently identified and produced by DNA-recombinant techniques in order to obtain standardized and specific reagents for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, as opposed to the unspecific antigens or crude extracts currently used. This review describes the currently available assays, highlighting their strengths and limitations and reports the latest approaches to achieve reliable and rapid diagnostic tests for histoplasmosis. KEY POINTS: • PDH causes thousands of deaths per year globally. • Rapid accurate diagnosis of PDH is unfeasible in many regions. • Fast, accurate, and low-cost diagnostic alternatives are currently under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Agustina Toscanini
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET, Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro David Nusblat
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, CONICET, Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Luján Cuestas
- CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Diagnosis of Progressive Disseminated Histoplasmosis in Advanced HIV: A Meta-Analysis of Assay Analytical Performance. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030076. [PMID: 31426618 PMCID: PMC6787751 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an important cause of mortality in people with advanced HIV, especially in countries with limited access to diagnostic assays. Histoplasmosis can be diagnosed using culture, histopathology, and antibody, antigen, and molecular assays. Several factors may affect the analytical performance of these laboratory assays, including sample type, clinical stage of the disease, and previous use of antifungal treatment, among others. Here we describe the results of a systematic literature review, followed by a meta-analysis of the analytical performances of the diagnostic laboratory assays employed. Our initial search identified 1631 references, of which 1559 references were excluded after title and abstract screening, leaving 72 references identified as studies relevant to the validation of histoplasmosis diagnostic assays. After evaluating the full text, 30 studies were selected for final review, including one paper not identified in the initial search. The meta-analysis for assay analytical performance shows the following results for the overall sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Spe) of the various methods evaluated: Culture, Sen 77% (no data for specificity calculation); antibody detection assays, Sen 58%/Spe 100%; antigen detection assays, Sen 95%/Spe 97%; and DNA detection assays (molecular), Sen 95%/Spe 99%. Of the 30 studies reviewed, nearly half (n = 13) evaluated Histoplasma antigen assays, which were determined to be the most accurate methodology for diagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in advanced HIV (inverse of the negative likelihood ratio was 13.2). Molecular assays appear promising for accurate diagnosis of histoplasmosis, but consensus on exact techniques is needed. Cultures showed variable sensitivity related to sample type and laboratory handling. Finally, antibody assays presented high specificity but low sensitivity. This poor sensitivity is most likely due the highly immunosuppressed state of this patient population. Diagnostic assays are crucial for accurate diagnosis of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) with advanced HIV disease.
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Caceres DH, Valdes A. Histoplasmosis and Tuberculosis Co-Occurrence in People with Advanced HIV. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030073. [PMID: 31404979 PMCID: PMC6787747 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinguishing between histoplasmosis, tuberculosis (TB), and co-occurrence of disease is a frequent dilemma for clinical staff treating people with advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This problem is most frequently observed in clinical settings in countries where both diseases are endemic. It is also a challenge outside these endemic countries in HIV clinics that take care of patients coming from countries with endemic histoplasmosis and TB. The gold standard for diagnosis of both of these diseases is based on conventional laboratory tests (culture, histopathology and special stains). These tests have several limitations, such as lack of laboratory infrastructure for handling isolates (biosafety level 3), shortage of laboratory staff who have appropriate training and experience, variable analytical performance of tests and long turn-around time. Recently, novel rapid assays for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis and TB became available. However, this technology is not yet widely used. Mortality in immunocompromised patients, such as people with advanced HIV, is directly linked with the ability to rapidly diagnose opportunistic diseases. The aim of this review is to synthesize the main aspects of epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of histoplasmosis/TB co-occurrence in people with advanced HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Caceres
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, 11011 Bogota, Colombia.
| | - Audrey Valdes
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, 97306 Cayenne, French Guiana.
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López LF, Valencia Y, Tobón ÁM, Velásquez O, Santa CD, Cáceres DH, Restrepo Á, Cano LE. Childhood histoplasmosis in Colombia: Clinical and laboratory observations of 45 patients. Med Mycol 2016; 54:677-83. [PMID: 27118801 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an important mycosis in the Americas; and in children with no immune system abnormalities, histoplasmosis is typically a self-limited process. In contrast, in children with immune problems, disease manifestations are frequently more severe and include dissemination. From 1984 to 2010, a retrospective study of paediatric patients who had been diagnosed with histoplasmosis was performed. A total of 45 pediatric cases of histoplasmosis were identified. The most important risk factor was malnutrition (37%), followed by environmental exposure (33%). The patients exhibited pulmonary infiltrates (83%), fever (76%), cough, constitutional symptoms (38%), headache (35%), and lymph node hypertrophy (33%). Concerning the clinical forms, 64% of the patients presented with the progressive disseminated form that frequently affected the central nervous system (48%). Diagnostic laboratory tests indicated that the cultures were positive for 80% of the patients, the agar gel immunodiffusion was reactive in 95%, the M band of the precipitate was more commonly observed (81%), and the complement fixation tests were reactive in 88% of the patients. The timely diagnosis of histoplasmosis is important, and for this reason, it is hoped that the results of this study will lead pediatricians toward a better understanding of this mycosis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F López
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Yorlady Valencia
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ángela M Tobón
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia Hospital La María, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Oscar Velásquez
- Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Diego H Cáceres
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ángela Restrepo
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luz E Cano
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín, Colombia Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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Disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV-infected patients in South America: a neglected killer continues on its rampage. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2319. [PMID: 24278485 PMCID: PMC3836721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Gómez BL. Molecular diagnosis of endemic and invasive mycoses: advances and challenges. Rev Iberoam Micol 2013; 31:35-41. [PMID: 24252827 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of endemic and invasive fungal disease remains challenging. Molecular techniques for identification of fungi now play a significant and growing role in clinical mycology and offer distinct advantages as they are faster, more sensitive and more specific. The aim of this mini-review is to provide an overview of the state of the art of molecular diagnosis of endemic and invasive fungal diseases, and to emphasize the challenges and current need for standardization of the different methods. The European Aspergillus PCR Initiative (EAPCRI) has made significant progress in developing a standard for Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but recognizes that the process will not be finished until clinical utility has been established in formal and extensive clinical trials. Similar efforts should be implemented for the diagnosis of the other mycoses in order to fully validate the current methods or reinforce the need to design new ones. This manuscript is part of the series of works presented at the "V International Workshop: Molecular genetic approaches to the study of human pathogenic fungi" (Oaxaca, Mexico, 2012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz L Gómez
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia; Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellin, Colombia.
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De Lima Sampaio I, Lima Freire AK, Morishi Ogusko M, Ignez Salem J, Braga De Souza JV. Selection and optimization of PCR-based methods for the detection of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum. Rev Iberoam Micol 2012; 29:34-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2011.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 03/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Navascués A, Rodríguez I, Repáraz J, Salvo S, Gil-Setas A, Martínez Peñuela JM. [Imported histoplasmosis in Navarra: presentation of four cases]. Rev Iberoam Micol 2011; 28:194-7. [PMID: 21539930 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2011.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum. Its incidence in Spain has increased in recent years, mainly due to the increased presence of immigrants from Latin America and increased travel to the continent for tourism and cooperation. Our aim was to review the clinical characteristics of cases of histoplasmosis diagnosed in our hospital during the last six years. CASE REPORTS We diagnosed 4 cases from 4 patients from South America, 3 of whom were HIV positive and 1 diagnosed with dermatomyositis was treated with immunosuppressive drugs. The laboratory diagnosis was carried out by histological and microbiological study, by culture and specific PCR directly on the sample. DISCUSSION As it is an imported infection there needs to be a high level of suspicion and a detailed history taken to get a diagnosis. This infection requires a differential diagnosis between febrile syndrome in immunosuppressed patients, both HIV positive and immunosuppressive therapy, which originate from endemic areas, or who have a history of staying in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Navascués
- Servicio de Microbiología, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, España.
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Buitrago MJ, Bernal-Martínez L, Castelli MV, Rodríguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M. Histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis in a non-endemic area: a review of cases and diagnosis. J Travel Med 2011; 18:26-33. [PMID: 21199139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2010.00477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histoplasmosis and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) have increased in Spain in recent years, due firstly to the migration from endemic regions and secondly to travelers returning from these regions. In non-endemic areas, diagnosis of both diseases is hampered by the lack of experience, long silent periods, and the resemblance to other diseases such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. METHODS A total of 39 cases of imported histoplasmosis and 6 cases of PCM diagnosed in the Spanish Mycology Reference Laboratory since 2006 were analyzed. Microbiological diagnosis was performed using classical methods and also a specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for each microorganism. RESULTS We had 9 cases of probable histoplasmosis in travelers and 30 cases in immigrants, 29 of whom were defined as proven. Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) cases were either immigrants or people who had lived for a long period of time in endemic regions, all of whom were classified as proven cases. Cultures showed a good sensitivity in detecting Histoplasma capsulatum in immigrants with proven histoplasmosis (73%); however, growth was very slow. The fungus was never recovered in traveler patients. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was isolated in a culture only in one case of the proven PCM. Serological methods were not very reliable in immunocompromised patients with histoplasmosis (40%). A PCR-based technique for histoplasmosis detected 55.5% of the cases in travelers (probable cases) and 89% of the cases in immigrants (proven). The PCR method for PCM detected 100% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS These kinds of mycoses are increasingly frequent in non-endemic areas, and newer and faster techniques should be used to reach an early diagnosis. The RT-PCR techniques developed appear to be sensitive, specific, and fast and could be helpful to detect those mycoses. However, it is also essential that physicians perform differential diagnosis in individuals coming from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Buitrago
- Servicio de Micología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Detección e identificación de Histoplasma capsulatum por el laboratorio: de los métodos convencionales a las pruebas moleculares. INFECTIO 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0123-9392(10)70132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Buitrago MJ, Merino P, Puente S, Gomez-Lopez A, Arribi A, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Gutierrez MC, Rodriguez-Tudela JL, Cuenca-Estrella M. Utility of real-time PCR for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis DNA in the diagnosis of imported paracoccidioidomycosis. Med Mycol 2010; 47:879-82. [PMID: 19184775 DOI: 10.3109/13693780802713208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in immigration from endemic regions has resulted in a number of cases of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) being imported into Spain. A molecular diagnostic technique based on real-time PCR was developed for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis DNA in both culture and patients' clinical samples. A Molecular Beacon probe was used, labelled with FAM and directed at the ITS1 region of ribosomic DNA. The detection limit of the technique developed was 1 fg of fungal DNA per microl of sample. This procedure proved to be very reproducible and specific. The technique was tested with cultures of 12 clinical strains and on samples from two patients with proven PCM. Real-time PCR was positive for all the culture strains, as well as those from both patients. By samples, the technique was positive in sputum and tissue biopsies but less useful on blood samples. Samples were analyzed several months after patient treatment, detecting a small amount of fungal DNA in one respiratory sample. This technique of real-time PCR is a sensitive method for rapid diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis and could serve to monitor patients after treatment has begun.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Buitrago
- Servicio de Micología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda (Madrid), Spain.
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Gómez Sáez N, Hernández-Aguado I, Lumbreras B. Estudio observacional: evaluación de la calidad metodológica de la investigación diagnóstica en España tras la publicación de la guía STARD. Med Clin (Barc) 2009; 133:302-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2008.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Puente Puente S, Ramírez-Olivencia G, Cervero Jiménez M, Pérez-Molina J. [Immigration and HIV: pulmonary, cutaneous and genitourinary syndromes. Eosinophilia]. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2008; 26 Suppl 5:31-41. [PMID: 18590664 DOI: 10.1157/13123265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are the leading cause of mortality in less developed countries, many of which are located in tropical areas. These diseases have particular features than can hamper diagnosis unless clinicians are familiar with their characteristics. The present article describes the clinical pattern of pulmonary, cutaneous and genitourinary tropical diseases and the main principles of their diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on their geographical distribution and the influence of HIV infection.
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Rojo Marcos G, Cuadros González J, Arranz Caso A. [Imported infectious diseases in Spain]. Med Clin (Barc) 2008; 131:540-50. [PMID: 19080829 PMCID: PMC7094394 DOI: 10.1157/13127586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In Spain, owing to the rise of international travels and immigration, the number of patients with imported infectious diseases has increased, many of them from tropical or subtropical areas. In parallel, there has been a multiplication in the number of scientific papers with Spanish authors about imported infections due to parasites, fungus, mycobacteriae, bacteriae or viruses. The risk for public health is low, althought for their correct prevention and control it is important to ease an universal access to healthcare and fair socioeconomic conditions, along with maintaining an updated clinical and epidemiological training of the health personnel. These nationwide measures must be supplemented with worldwide initiatives of global control of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Rojo Marcos
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, España.
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