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McDonald EG, Afshar A, Assiri B, Boyles T, Hsu JM, Khuong N, Prosty C, So M, Sohani ZN, Butler-Laporte G, Lee TC. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in people living with HIV: a review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0010122. [PMID: 38235979 PMCID: PMC10938896 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00101-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungus that can cause life-threatening pneumonia. People with HIV (PWH) who have low CD4 counts are one of the populations at the greatest risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). While guidelines have approached the diagnosis, prophylaxis, and management of PCP, the numerous studies of PCP in PWH are dominated by the 1980s and 1990s. As such, most studies have included younger male populations, despite PCP affecting both sexes and a broad age range. Many studies have been small and observational in nature, with an overall lack of randomized controlled trials. In many jurisdictions, and especially in low- and middle-income countries, the diagnosis can be challenging due to lack of access to advanced and/or invasive diagnostics. Worldwide, most patients will be treated with 21 days of high-dose trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, although both the dose and the duration are primarily based on historical practice. Whether treatment with a lower dose is as effective and less toxic is gaining interest based on observational studies. Similarly, a 21-day tapering regimen of prednisone is used for patients with more severe disease, yet other doses, other steroids, or shorter durations of treatment with corticosteroids have not been evaluated. Now with the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy, improved and less invasive PCP diagnostic techniques, and interest in novel treatment strategies, this review consolidates the scientific body of literature on the diagnosis and management of PCP in PWH, as well as identifies areas in need of more study and thoughtfully designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Avideh Afshar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bander Assiri
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tom Boyles
- Right to Care, NPC, Centurion, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jimmy M. Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ninh Khuong
- Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Connor Prosty
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Miranda So
- Sinai Health System-University Health Network Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zahra N. Sohani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Todd C. Lee
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Belanger CR, Locher K, Velapatino B, Dufresne PJ, Eckbo E, Charles M. Quick versus Quantitative: Evaluation of Two Commercial Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluids. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0102123. [PMID: 37260378 PMCID: PMC10434167 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Two commercial real-time PCR assays for the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii were compared, the quantitative RealStar P. jirovecii assay and the qualitative DiaSorin P. jirovecii assay, the latter of which can be used without nucleic acid extraction. Archived bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens (n = 66), previously tested by molecular methods, were tested by both assays, and the results were compared to the respective original result. The RealStar P. jirovecii assay demonstrated good positive percent agreement (PPA) (90% [95% confidence interval (CI), 72 to 97%]; 27/30) and negative percent agreement (NPA) (100% [95% CI, 88 to 100%]; 36/36) with the reference method. The DiaSorin P. jirovecii assay concordantly detected P. jirovecii in 19 of 24 positive BAL samples (PPA = 73% [95% CI, 52 to 88%]). All negative BAL samples gave concordant results (NPA = 100% [95% CI, 87 to 100%]; 34/34). Discordant results occurred mostly in samples with low fungal loads. In conclusion, the RealStar assay demonstrated good concordance with reference results, and the DiaSorin P. jirovecii assay performed well for negative BAL and positive BAL samples with P. jirovecii concentrations of greater than 260 copies/mL. IMPORTANCE Pneumonia, caused by the opportunistic fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii, poses a significant risk for immunocompromised individuals. Laboratory testing for P. jirovecii is progressively shifting toward the use of molecular tests such as real-time PCR; however, this is often performed at reference laboratories. Many frontline laboratories are looking into improving their service and reducing turnaround times for obtaining P. jirovecii results by bringing molecular P. jirovecii testing in-house. We evaluated and compared two commercial real-time PCR assays with different workflows for the detection of P. jirovecii from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens. The RealStar P. jirovecii assay requires nucleic acid extraction and provides a quantification of fungal load for positive samples. The DiaSorin P. jirovecii assay offers a simple workflow without nucleic extraction from patient samples and qualitative results. Results from this study provide valuable information on performance and workflow considerations for laboratories that wish to implement P. jirovecii molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrie R. Belanger
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kerstin Locher
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Billie Velapatino
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Philippe J. Dufresne
- Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec, Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada
| | - Eric Eckbo
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marthe Charles
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Nasr M, Mohammad A, Hor M, Baradeiya AM, Qasim H. Exploring the Differences in Pneumocystis Pneumonia Infection Between HIV and Non-HIV Patients. Cureus 2022; 14:e27727. [PMID: 36106266 PMCID: PMC9441775 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common opportunistic infections worldwide that affects the lung. Pneumocystis leads to pneumonia, caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. In recent decades, PCP has been a major health problem for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients and is responsible for most of mortality and morbidity. However, the increasing number of immunosuppressive-related diseases has led to outbreaks in other patient populations, raising the concern for PCP as it becomes a major concern among those patients. These changes led to marked changes in the prevalence and mortality rates of PCP. Huge variations in those parameters among HIV and non-HIV patients have been seen also. Historically, the diagnosis was made by staining and direct visualization of the organism within the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The diagnosis is now made by microscopic examination and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of BAL. Serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan, which is a component of the Pneumocystis jirovecii cell wall that distinguishes it from other fungi, has become an important diagnostic tool. Early diagnosis and treatment play a vital role in the patient’s survival and in the infection outcome; hence, empirical PCP therapy should be started immediately when the infection is suspected without waiting for the results of the diagnostic test. Steroids play an important role in the treatment of HIV patients, especially patients who present with hypoxia and respiratory failure. Prophylaxis is very effective and should be given to all patients at high risk of PCP. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be started as soon as possible in newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients with PCP, and the immune status of immunocompromised patients with PCP should be improved by temporarily withholding immunosuppressive drugs or reducing their doses.
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Ruiz-Ruiz S, Ponce CA, Pesantes N, Bustamante R, Gatti G, San Martin V, Gutierrez M, Bórquez P, Vargas SL, Magne F, Calderón EJ, Pérez-Brocal V, Moya A. A Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Low Pneumocystis jirovecii Levels. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:787554. [PMID: 35087490 PMCID: PMC8787145 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.787554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report a new real-time PCR assay using SYBR Green which provides higher sensitivity for the specific detection of low levels of Pneumocystis jirovecii. To do so, two primer sets were designed, targeting the family of genes that code for the most abundant surface protein of Pneumocystis spp., namely the major surface glycoproteins (Msg), and the mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA) multicopy gene, simultaneously detecting two regions. PCR methods are instrumental in detecting these low levels; however, current nested-PCR methods are time-consuming and complex. To validate our new real-time Msg-A/mtLSUrRNA PCR protocol, we compared it with nested-PCR based on the detection of Pneumocystis mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA), one of the main targets used to detect this pathogen. All samples identified as positive by the nested-PCR method were found positive using our new real-time PCR protocol, which also detected P. jirovecii in three nasal aspirate samples that were negative for both rounds of nested-PCR. Furthermore, we read both rounds of the nested-PCR results for comparison and found that some samples with no PCR amplification, or with a feeble band in the first round, correlated with higher Ct values in our real-time Msg-A/mtLSUrRNA PCR. This finding demonstrates the ability of this new single-round protocol to detect low Pneumocystis levels. This new assay provides a valuable alternative for P. jirovecii detection, as it is both rapid and sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Ruiz-Ruiz
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina A Ponce
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Pesantes
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Bustamante
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gianna Gatti
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Sergio L Vargas
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabien Magne
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique J Calderón
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Vicente Pérez-Brocal
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Moya
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (I2Sysbio), Universitat de València and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), València, Spain
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5
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S D, S TD, Gupta R, Varughese S, Varghese GM, George B, Michael JS. Effectiveness of a real-time PCR for diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients - Experience from a tertiary care center, India. J Mycol Med 2021; 32:101241. [PMID: 34999296 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Traditionally, the laboratory diagnosis of PCP relied on the visualization of organisms by microscopy as Pneumocystis cannot be readily cultured in the laboratory. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is preferred over the conventional microscopic methods as PCR is rapid and found to have higher sensitivity. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of a real-time PCR (qPCR) for routine diagnosis of PCP in immunocompromised patients with various underlying conditions. The qPCR targets a 121 bp fragment of P.jirovecii mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene. The study was conducted in a 2600-bed tertiary care hospital between January and December 2019. All patients whose respiratory samples were tested for PCP by qPCR were included. The clinical diagnosis was made for each patient and categorized into PCP and non-PCP based on multi-component clinical criteria by a multi-disciplinary team. The performance characteristics of qPCR were analyzed using clinical diagnosis as the reference. A total of 339 respiratory samples from 289 patients were tested for PCP by qPCR during the study period. The overall sensitivity and specificity of qPCR were 84.75% (95% CI, 73.01% to 92.78%) and 96.1% (95% CI, 92.7 to 98.2), respectively. The sensitivity was slightly higher among HIV-infected patients (91%) than the non- HIV group (81%). The PCR exhibited higher sensitivity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (94%) than in sputum samples (81%). The colonization can be ruled out with the cycle threshold (CT) value of below 34 with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 78%, respectively. The real-time PCR showed good sensitivity and specificity for routine diagnosis of PCP in patients with various underlying conditions. In addition, a cut-off CT value (≤ 34) was determined to exclude colonization from active pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanalakshmi S
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
| | - Thambu David S
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Richa Gupta
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Santosh Varughese
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - George M Varghese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Biju George
- Department of Hematology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
| | - Joy S Michael
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India
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6
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Sarasombath PT, Thongpiya J, Chulanetra M, Wijit S, Chinabut P, Ongrotchanakun J, Jitmuang A, Wanachiwanawin D. Quantitative PCR to Discriminate Between Pneumocystis Pneumonia and Colonization in HIV and Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:729193. [PMID: 34745031 PMCID: PMC8564139 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.729193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection that commonly occurs in immunocompromised individuals. A definite diagnosis of PCP can be made only when the organism is identified in a respiratory specimen. It remains unclear whether qPCR can differentiate patients with PCP from those with Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization. In this study, we retrospectively collected data from HIV and non-HIV patients during 2013-2019. A diagnosis of definite, probable PCP, or PCP excluded was made based on clinical criteria, radiological reports, and three standard laboratory staining methods with blinding to qPCR data. Data from qPCR that was performed to determine the fungal burden (DNA copies/μl) in the BAL specimens of 69 HIV and 286 non-HIV patients were then obtained and reviewed. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the upper and lower cut-off values for PCP diagnosis in HIV and non-HIV groups. In the non-HIV group, the lower cut-off value of 1,480 DNA copies/μl yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.0-100), specificity of 72.9% (95% CI, 64.0-80.7), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 54.9% (95% CI, 47.6-62.1), and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% with Youden index of 0.73 for PCP diagnosis. In this group, the upper cut-off value of 9,655 DNA copies/μl showed the sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 91.0-100) and specificity of 95.8% (95% CI, 90.4-98.6) with PPV of 88.6% (95% CI, 76.8-94.8) and a NPV of 100% with Youden index of 0.96 for PCP diagnosis. Regarding the HIV group, the lower cut-off value of 1,480 DNA copies/μl showed the sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 92.5-100%) and specificity of 91.7% (95% CI, 61.5-99.8) with PPV of 97.9% (95% CI, 87.8-99.7) and a NPV of 100% with Youden index of 0.92 for PCP diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of the upper cut-off value of 12,718 DNA copies/μl in this group were 97.9% (95%CI, 88.7-100) and 100% (95%CI, 73.5-100), respectively. The values above the upper cut-off point had a PPV of 100% (95% CI, N/A) and a NPV of 92.3% (95% CI, 63.3-98.8) with Youden index of 0.98 for PCP diagnosis in the HIV group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerapas Thongpiya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Monrat Chulanetra
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Wijit
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisith Chinabut
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jeerawan Ongrotchanakun
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anupop Jitmuang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Darawan Wanachiwanawin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Senécal J, Smyth E, Del Corpo O, Hsu JM, Amar-Zifkin A, Bergeron A, Cheng MP, Butler-Laporte G, McDonald EG, Lee TC. Non-invasive diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:23-30. [PMID: 34464734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection commonly affecting immunocompromised people. Diagnosis usually requires invasive techniques to obtain respiratory specimens. Minimally invasive detection tests have been proposed, but their operating characteristics are poorly described. OBJECTIVES To systematically review and meta-analyse the performance of minimally invasive PCP detection tests to inform diagnostic algorithms. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (inception to 15 October 2020). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies of minimally invasive PCP detection tests were included if they contained a minimum of ten PCP cases. PARTICIPANTS Adults at risk of PCP. TESTS Non-invasive PCP detection tests. REFERENCE STANDARD Diagnosis using the combination of clinical and radiographical features with invasive sampling. ASSESSMENT OF RISK BIAS Using the QUADAS-2 tool. METHODS We used bivariate and, when necessary, univariate analysis models to estimate diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were included; most studies (40) comprised exclusively human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -infected individuals; nine were mixed (HIV and non-HIV), two were non-HIV and one study did not report HIV status. Sampling sites included induced sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate, oral wash and blood. The four testing modalities evaluated were cytological staining, fluorescent antibody, PCR and lactate dehydrogenase. Induced sputum had the most data available; this modality was both highly sensitive at 99% (95% CI 51%-100%) and specific at 96% (95% CI 88%-99%). Induced sputum cytological staining had moderate sensitivity at 50% (95% CI 39%-61%) and high specificity at 100% (95% CI 100%-100%), as did fluorescent antibody testing with sensitivity 74% (95% CI 62%-87%) and specificity 100% (95% CI 91%-100%). CONCLUSION There are several promising minimally invasive PCP diagnostic tests available, some of which may reduce the need for invasive respiratory sampling. Understanding the operating characteristics of these tests can augment current diagnostic strategies and help establish a more confident clinical diagnosis of PCP. Further studies in non-HIV infected populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Senécal
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Smyth
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jimmy M Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Amy Bergeron
- McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Medical Libraries, Montreal, Canada
| | - Matthew P Cheng
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of Medical Microbiology Department of Laboratory Medicine, MUCH, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guillaume Butler-Laporte
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Todd C Lee
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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8
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Chotiprasitsakul D, Pewloungsawat P, Setthaudom C, Santanirand P, Pornsuriyasak P. Performance of real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assay for diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in real-world clinical practice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244023. [PMID: 33347478 PMCID: PMC7751978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PCR is more sensitive than immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii. However, PCR cannot always distinguish infection from colonization. This study aimed to compare the performance of real-time PCR and IFA for diagnosis of P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in a real-world clinical setting. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a 1,300-bed hospital between April 2017 and December 2018. Patients whose respiratory sample (bronchoalveolar lavage or sputum) were tested by both Pneumocystis PCR and IFA were included. Diagnosis of PJP was classified based on multicomponent criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and Cohen's kappa coefficient were calculated. Results There were 222 eligible patients. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR was 91.9% (95% CI, 84.0%–96.7%) and 89.7% (95% CI, 83.3%–94.3%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of IFA was 7.0% (95% CI, 2.6%–14.6%) and 99.2% (95% CI, 95.6%–100.0%), respectively. The percent agreement between PCR and IFA was 56.7% (Cohen's kappa -0.02). Among discordant PCR-positive and IFA-negative samples, 78% were collected after PJP treatment. Clinical management would have changed in 14% of patients using diagnostic information, mainly based on PCR results. Conclusions PCR is highly sensitive compared with IFA for detection of PJP. Combining clinical, and radiological features with PCR is useful for diagnosis of PJP, particularly when respiratory specimens cannot be promptly collected before initiation of PJP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darunee Chotiprasitsakul
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pataraporn Pewloungsawat
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chavachol Setthaudom
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pitak Santanirand
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapaporn Pornsuriyasak
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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9
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Variable Correlation between Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Fungal Load and Serum-(1,3)-β-d-Glucan in Patients with Pneumocystosis-A Multicenter ECMM Excellence Center Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040327. [PMID: 33271743 PMCID: PMC7711754 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is a difficult invasive infection to diagnose. Apart from microscopy of respiratory specimens, two diagnostic tests are increasingly used including real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) of respiratory specimens, mainly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL), and serum β-1,3-d-glucan (BDG). It is still unclear how these two biomarkers can be used and interpreted in various patient populations. Here we analyzed retrospectively and multicentrically the correlation between BAL qPCR and serum BDG in various patient population, including mainly non-HIV patients. It appeared that a good correlation can be obtained in HIV patients and solid organ transplant recipients but no correlation can be observed in patients with hematologic malignancies, solid cancer, and systemic diseases. This observation reinforces recent data suggesting that BDG is not the best marker of PCP in non-HIV patients, with potential false positives due to other IFI or bacterial infections and false-negatives due to low fungal load and low BDG release.
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