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Aguilar G, Lopez G, Sued O, Medina N, Caceres DH, Pereira J, Jordan A, Lezcano V, Vicenti C, Benitez G, Samudio T, Perez F. Implementation of a rapid diagnostic assay package for cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis and tuberculosis in people living with HIV in Paraguay. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:406. [PMID: 38627642 PMCID: PMC11020460 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09257-5] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opportunistic infections (OIs) are common causes of mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). We determined prevalence and 30-day mortality due to histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and TB in PLHIV with advanced HIV disease (AHD). METHODS PLHIV 18 years and older, with a CD4 + T-cell count of less than 350 cells/mm3 newly diagnosed with HIV infection or re-engaged in care after being without ART for more than 90 days (Group A). The second group included symptomatic PLHIV regardless of ART status or CD4 + T-cell count (Group B); all followed for 30 days. Detection of Histoplasma Ag (HisAg) in urine was done by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), Cryptococcus antigen (CrAg) was detected in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens by lateral flow assay (LFA), and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) detection in urine was by LFA (TB LAM) and in sputum by GeneXpert for diagnosis of Mycobacterium infections. RESULTS From August 2021 to June 2022, 491 PLHIV were enrolled; 482 (98%) had a CD4 + T-cell result, and 381 patients (79%) were classified with AHD according to CD4 + T-cell count (< 200 CD4/mm3). Frequency of an OI was 38% (n = 145/381). Antigen test positivity rate was 16% (72/467) for TB-LAM, 9% (43/464) for HisAg, and 11% (51/484) for CrAg. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) patients receiving CSF CrAg tests were positive, confirming meningitis. Significant differences in 30-day mortality were observed in patients with an OI (16%) vs. no OI (7%) (p = 0.002). Mortality was highest in patients with histoplasmosis (25%), co-infection (22%), cryptococcosis (18% overall; 19% for cryptococcal meningitis), and TB (10%). CONCLUSIONS TB and fungal OIs, including co-infection, were common in PLHIV in Paraguay and had high associated mortality. Laboratories and health facilities need access to CD4 + T-cell testing and rapid diagnostic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Aguilar
- National HIV Program, Asunción, Paraguay
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Sudamericana, Amambay, Paraguay
| | | | - Omar Sued
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, 525 23rd St. NW, 20037, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Narda Medina
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED), ASRT, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30333, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Diego H Caceres
- IMMY, Inc., 73069, Norman, OK, USA
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jose Pereira
- Centro de Especialidades Dermatológicas, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Freddy Perez
- Communicable Diseases Prevention, Control, and Elimination and Environmental Determinants of Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, 525 23rd St. NW, 20037, Washington, DC, USA.
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Tugume L, Ssebambulidde K, Kasibante J, Ellis J, Wake RM, Gakuru J, Lawrence DS, Abassi M, Rajasingham R, Meya DB, Boulware DR. Cryptococcal meningitis. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2023; 9:62. [PMID: 37945681 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-023-00472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii species complexes cause meningoencephalitis with high fatality rates and considerable morbidity, particularly in persons with deficient T cell-mediated immunity, most commonly affecting people living with HIV. Whereas the global incidence of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) has decreased over the past decade, cryptococcosis still accounts for one in five AIDS-related deaths globally due to the persistent burden of advanced HIV disease. Moreover, mortality remains high (~50%) in low-resource settings. The armamentarium to decrease cryptococcosis-associated mortality is expanding: cryptococcal antigen screening in the serum and pre-emptive azole therapy for cryptococcal antigenaemia are well established, whereas enhanced pre-emptive combination treatment regimens to improve survival of persons with cryptococcal antigenaemia are in clinical trials. Short courses (≤7 days) of amphotericin-based therapy combined with flucytosine are currently the preferred options for induction therapy of cryptococcal meningitis. Whether short-course induction regimens improve long-term morbidity such as depression, reduced neurocognitive performance and physical disability among survivors is the subject of further study. Here, we discuss underlying immunology, changing epidemiology, and updates on the management of cryptococcal meningitis with emphasis on HIV-associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Kasibante
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Jane Gakuru
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David S Lawrence
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mahsa Abassi
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Radha Rajasingham
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Zaongo SD, Zhang F, Chen Y. An Overview of Diagnostic and Management Strategies for Talaromycosis, an Underrated Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:647. [PMID: 37367583 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060647] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Underrated and neglected, talaromycosis is a life-threatening fungal disease endemic to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. In China, it has been reported that talaromycosis mortality doubles from 24 to 50% when the diagnosis is delayed, and reaches 100% when the diagnosis is missed. Thus, the accurate diagnosis of talaromycosis is of utmost importance. Herein, in the first part of this article, we provide an extensive review of the diagnostic tools used thus far by physicians in the management of cases of talaromycosis. The challenges encountered and the perspectives which may aid in the discovery of more accurate and reliable diagnostic approaches are also discussed. In the second part of this review, we discuss the drugs used to prevent and treat T. marneffei infection. Alternative therapeutic options and potential drug resistance reported in the contemporary literature are also discussed. We aim to guide researchers towards the discovery of novel approaches to prevent, diagnose, and treat talaromycosis, and therefore improve the prognosis for those afflicted by this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvere D Zaongo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Fazhen Zhang
- Fifth Unit for Tuberculosis, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
| | - Yaokai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Public Health Medical Center, Chongqing 400036, China
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Osborn MR, Spec A, Mazi PB. Management of HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-023-00458-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Wake RM, Molloy SF, Jarvis JN, Harrison TS, Govender NP. Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Clinical Implications. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:764-770. [PMID: 35986670 PMCID: PMC9938740 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detectable in blood prior to the onset of symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a leading cause of death among people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease globally. Highly sensitive assays can detect CrAg in blood, and screening people with HIV with low CD4 counts, followed by preemptive antifungal treatment, is recommended and widely implemented as part of a global strategy to prevent CM and end cryptococcal-related deaths. Cryptococcal antigenemia encompasses a spectrum of conditions from preclinical asymptomatic infection (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] CrAg-negative) through subclinical (CSF CrAg-positive without overt meningism) to clinical symptomatic cryptococcal disease, usually manifesting as CM. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors for, and clinical implications of cryptococcal antigenemia within this spectrum. We also provide an update on global prevalence, recommended screening and treatment strategies, and future considerations for improving outcomes among patients with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Oladele RO, Jordan AM, Okaa JU, Osaigbovo II, Shettima SA, Shehu NY, Davies AA, Mohammed Y, Alex-Wele MA, Iliyasu G, Nwaokenye JC, Fayemiwo SA, Udoh UA, Gbajabiamila T, Denning DW, Chiller TM. A multicenter survey of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia among patients with advanced HIV disease in Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001313. [PMID: 36963010 PMCID: PMC10021610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
As of 2018, cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD) was not routinely implemented in Nigeria despite being recommended in the national HIV treatment guidelines. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria to advocate for the implementation of routine CrAg screening. A descriptive cross-sectional study and CrAg screening of consecutive adult PLHIV with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/μL was conducted from April 2018 to April 2019 at HIV clinics in eleven tertiary hospitals spread across Nigeria's six geopolitical regions. Prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was estimated by facility and geopolitical zone. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for cryptococcal antigenemia. In total, 1,114 patients with AHD were screened. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was 3.9% with wide variation across facilities (range: 0/75 [0%]- 15/122 [12.3%]) and geopolitical zones (range: 0/75 [0%]-19/279 [6.8%]). Prevalence of antigenemia was highest in the South-West (19/279 [6.8%]) and lowest in the North-East (0/75 [0%]). Prevalence was 5.2% (26/512) and 3.2% (18/561) in patients with CD4<100 and CD4 of 101-200, respectively. Of all patients with antigenemia, 50% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of having a positive CrAg test. In adjusted analysis, cryptococcal antigenemia was significantly less in patients on ART and patients who had completed any formal education. The survey showed a high overall burden of cryptococcal antigenemia in Nigeria, with variable prevalence across geopolitical regions. We provided valuable evidence for implementing routine CrAg screening of AHD patients in Nigeria which has commenced in selected centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita O Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Alexander M Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Joy U Okaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Iriagbonse I Osaigbovo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Shuwaram A Shettima
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Parasitology and immunology, Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Nathan Y Shehu
- West African Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Adeyinka A Davies
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Yahaya Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Mary A Alex-Wele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Garba Iliyasu
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Jude C Nwaokenye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Samuel A Fayemiwo
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ubong A Udoh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Titilola Gbajabiamila
- Clinical Sciences Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical research, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - David W Denning
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tom M Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cryptococcal Antigenemia in HIV-Infected Patients with CD4 < 200 Cells/µL in São Paulo, Brazil: A Bayesian Analysis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121284. [PMID: 36547617 PMCID: PMC9786117 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a severe life-threatening disease and a major cause of mortality in people with advanced AIDS and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/µL. Considering the knowledge gap regarding the benefits of routine application of antigenemia tests in HIV-infected patients with 100−200 CD4 cells/µL for the prevention of cryptococcal meningitis (CM), we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of positive antigenemia through lateral flow assay (LFA) and associated factors in HIV-infected patients with CD4 < 200 cells/µL. Our findings of 3.49% of positive LFA (LFA+) patients with CD4 < 100 cells/µL and 2.24% with CD4 between 100−200 cells/µL have been included in a Bayesian analysis with 12 other studies containing similar samples worldwide. This analysis showed a proportion of 3.6% LFA+ patients (95% credible interval-Ci [2.5−5.7%]) with CD4 < 100 cells/µL and 1.1% (95%Ci [0.5−4.3%]) with CD4 between 100−200 cells/µL, without statistical difference between these groups. The difference between mortality rates in LFA+ and negative LFA groups was e = 0.05013. Cryptococcoma and CM were observed in the LFA+ group with 100−200 and <100 CD4 cells/µL, respectively. Considering the benefits of antifungal therapy for LFA+ patients, our data reinforced the recommendation to apply LFA as a routine test in patients with 100−200 CD4 cells/µL aiming to expand cost-effectiveness studies in this group.
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Etiology of meningitis among adults in three quaternary hospitals in Mozambique, 2016–2017: The role of HIV. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267949. [PMID: 35544535 PMCID: PMC9094547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267949] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Meningitis remains an important cause of morbi-mortality in adults in sub-Saharan Africa. Data on the etiological investigation of meningitis in adults in Mozambique is limited and most studies were conducted in southern Mozambique. Identification of the etiology of meningitis in adults are crucial to guide prevention and treatments strategies. In this study, we determine the burden of fungal and bacterial meningitis among adults at the three largest hospitals in Mozambique.
Method
We performed analysis of data from the routine sentinel surveillance system for meningitis in Mozambique from January 2016 to December 2017. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from eligible adults (≥18 years old) who met World Health Organization (WHO) case definition criteria for Meningitis. All samples were tested by cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA), culture and triplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and all patients were tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using the national algorithm for HIV testing.
Results
Retrospective analysis of 1501 CSF samples from adults clinically suspected of meningitis revealed that 10.5% (158/1501) were positive for bacterial and fungal meningitis. Of these 158 confirmed cases, the proportion of Cryptococcal meningitis and pneumococcal meningitis was38.6% (95% CI: 31.0% to 46.7%) and 36.7% (95% CI: 29.2% to 44.7%), respectively. The other bacterial agents of meningitis identified include Neisseria meningitidis (8.9%; 14/158), Escherichia coli (6.3%; 10/158), Haemophilus influenzae (5.1%; 8/158) and S. aureus (4.4%; 7/158), which represent (24.7%; 39/158) of the total confirmed cases.
Conclusion
Altogether, our findings show a high burden of Cryptococcal meningitis among adults in Mozambique, especially in people living with HIV, followed by pneumococcal meningitis. Our findings suggest that rollout of CrAg Lateral Flow Assay in the health system in Mozambique for early detection of cryptococcus neoformans is necessary to improve overall patient care.
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Kanyama C, Chagomerana MB, Chawinga C, Ngoma J, Shumba I, Kumwenda W, Armando B, Kumwenda T, Kumwenda E, Hosseinipour MC. Implementation of tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis rapid diagnostic tests amongst patients with advanced HIV at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi, 2016–2017. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:224. [PMID: 35247971 PMCID: PMC8897937 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and tuberculosis (TB) remain leading causes of hospitalization and death amongst people living with HIV, particularly those with advanced HIV disease. In hospitalized patients, prompt diagnosis of these diseases may improve patient outcomes. The advanced HIV rapid diagnostic tests such as determine TB urine lipoarabinomannan lateral flow assay (urine LAM), urine X-pert MTB/RIF assay (urine X-pert), and serum/blood cryptococcal antigen test (serum CrAg) are recommended but frequently not available in many resource-limited settings. We describe our experience providing these tests in a routine hospital setting. Method From 1 August 2016 to 31 January 2017, a prospective cohort study to diagnose TB and Cryptococcal meningitis using point of care tests was conducted in the medical wards at Kamuzu Central Hospital, in Lilongwe, Malawi. The tests offered were PIMA CD4 cell count, serum CrAg, urine LAM, and urine X-pert. The testing was integrated into an existing HIV/TB treatment room on the wards and performed close to admission time. Patients were followed until discharge or death in the ward. Results We included 438 HIV-positive patients; 76% had a previously known HIV diagnosis (87% already on ART). We measured CD4 count in 365/438 (83%), serum CrAg in 301/438 (69%), urine LAM in 363/438 (83%), and urine X-pert in 292/438 (67%). The median CD4 count was 144 cells/ml (IQR 46–307). Serum CrAg positivity rate was 23 /301 (8%) and CM was confirmed by CSF Crag in 13/23 (56%). The majority of CM patients 9/13 (69%) started antifungal therapy within two days of diagnosis. Urine LAM and urine X-pert positivity rates were 81/363(22%) and (14/292 (5%) respectively. The positivity rate of urine LAM was higher in patients with low CD4 cell counts (< 100 cells/ml) and low BMI (< 18.5). Most patients with positive urine LAM started TB treatment on the same day. Despite the early diagnosis and treatment of TB and CM, the inpatient mortality was high; 30% and 25% respectively. Conclusion Although advanced HIV rapid diagnostic tests are recommended, one key challenge in implementation is the limited trained personnel administering the tests. Despite the effective use of the point of care tests in the clinical care of hospitalized TB and CM patients, mortality among these patients remained unacceptably high. Henceforth we need to train other cadres apart from nurses, clinicians, and laboratory technicians to conduct the tests. There is an urgent need to identify and modify other risks of death from TB and CM. Trial registration: Malawi National Health Science Research committee: Protocol # 1144. Registered 2 July 2014 and University Of North Carolina IRB #: UNCPM 21412, approved 13th October 2014.
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Gough S, Borgetti S, Fernandes CR. Orthostatic hypotension as the initial presentation of disseminated cryptococcosis in a kidney transplant recipient. IDCases 2022; 29:e01567. [PMID: 35865083 PMCID: PMC9294536 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Solid organ transplant recipients are immunocompromised and at risk for invasive viral, fungal, and bacterial pathogens. Cryptococcus neoformans is the third most common invasive fungal infection in transplant recipients, and the clinical presentation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection can vary widely. Cryptococcal disease can affect the brain, lungs, skin, or vasculature, and it is frequently disseminated. Meningitis typically presents with fever, headache, and altered mental status. Solid organ transplant recipients with cryptococcosis tend to have poorer outcomes than HIV patients with cryptococcosis. Case presentation In this case report, we describe the case of a 69 year-old man with a past medical history of a deceased donor kidney transplant who presented with severe orthostatic hypotension and was found to have disseminated cryptococcosis. Conclusions This case report emphasizes the importance of broadening the differential diagnosis in transplant recipients who present with non-specific chief concerns. Availability of data and materials No datasets were used in the preparing of this manuscript. All patient information comes from the electronic health record and authors personal care of this patient.
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Letang E, Rakislova N, Martinez MJ, Carlos Hurtado J, Carrilho C, Bene R, Mandomando I, Quintó L, Nhampossa T, Chicamba V, Luis E, Ismail MR, Fernandes F, Lorenzoni C, Ferreira L, Freire M, Teresa Rodrigo-Calvo M, Guerrero J, Munguambe K, Maixenchs M, Navarro M, Casas I, Marimon L, Ferrando M, Macete E, Lacerda M, Bassat Q, Menéndez C, Ordi J. Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling: A Tool to Guide Efforts to Reduce AIDS-Related Mortality in Resource-Limited Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:S343-S350. [PMID: 34910173 PMCID: PMC8672756 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Available information on the causes of death among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains scarce. We aimed to provide data on causes of death in PLHIV from two LMICs, Brazil and Mozambique, to assess the impact of clinical misdiagnosis on mortality rates and to evaluate the accuracy of minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) in determining the cause of death in PLHIV. METHODS We performed coupled MITS and complete autopsy on 164 deceased PLHIV (18 children, 36 maternal deaths, and 110 adults). HIV antibody levels and HIV RNA viral loads were determined from postmortem serum samples. RESULTS Tuberculosis (22.7%), toxoplasmosis (13.9%), bacterial infections (13.9%), and cryptococcosis (10.9%) were the leading causes of death in adults. In maternal deaths, tuberculosis (13.9%), bacterial infections (13.9%), cryptococcosis (11.1%), and cerebral malaria (8.3%) were the most frequent infections, whereas viral infections, particularly cytomegalovirus (38.9%), bacterial infections (27.8%), pneumocystosis (11.1%), and HIV-associated malignant neoplasms (11.1%) were the leading cause among children. Agreement between the MITS and the complete autopsy was 100% in children, 91% in adults, and 78% in maternal deaths. The MITS correctly identified the microorganism causing death in 89% of cases. CONCLUSIONS Postmortem studies provide highly granular data on the causes of death in PLHIV. The inaccuracy of clinical diagnosis may play a significant role in the high mortality rates observed among PLHIV in LMICs. MITS might be helpful in monitoring the causes of death in PLHIV and in highlighting the gaps in the management of the infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Letang
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital del Mar, Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Rakislova
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel J Martinez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Hurtado
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Carrilho
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rosa Bene
- Department of Medicine, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Inacio Mandomando
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Tacilta Nhampossa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pediatrics, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Valéria Chicamba
- Department of Pediatrics, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Elvira Luis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mamudo R Ismail
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Fabiola Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Cesaltina Lorenzoni
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Luiz Ferreira
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Monique Freire
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Fundação Centro de Controle de Oncologia do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - José Guerrero
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Maria Maixenchs
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mireia Navarro
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Marimon
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melania Ferrando
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusebio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Marcus Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Viera Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Ordi
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Implementation of Cryptococcal Antigen Lateral Flow Assay for the Diagnosis of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Symptomatic People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Brazil. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 29:53-59. [PMID: 34801886 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cryptococcal meningitis constitutes a significant source of mortality in the developing world. Annually, approximately 625 000 deaths occur worldwide among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (CRAG-LFA) screening in Brazil compared with the current practice. METHODS An economic evaluation using a Monte Carlo microsimulation was conducted, considering the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System, to calculate the cost-effectiveness of 4 diagnosis tests: (1) CRAG-LFA, (2) the cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination (CRAG-LA) test, (3) India ink, and (4) nontracking as a baseline. The time horizon comprised 1 year for the intervention and 5 years for the budgetary impact analysis. Two primary effectiveness outcomes were considered: years of life and quality-adjusted life-years. RESULTS CRAG-LFA has extended dominance vis à vis CRAG-LA and India ink. CRAG-LFA would cost $418.46 more than CRAG-LA for the treatment of each symptomatic patient living with HIV, with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $2478.75/quality-adjusted life year. The budgetary impact analysis estimated that the incorporation of CRAG-LFA would have an additional cost of $1 959 236.50 in 5 years. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that, for patients living with HIV in the Brazilian Public Health System, the adoption of CRAG-LFA screening is cost-effective compared with the use of CRAG-LA and India ink. It represents an opportunity to prevent cryptococcal meningitis and its mortality in Brazil.
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13
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Narayanasamy S, Dat VQ, Thanh NT, Ly VT, Chan JFW, Yuen KY, Ning C, Liang H, Li L, Chowdhary A, Youngchim S, Supparatpinyo K, Aung NM, Hanson J, Andrianopoulos A, Dougherty J, Govender NP, Denning DW, Chiller T, Thwaites G, van Doorn HR, Perfect J, Le T. A global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1618-e1622. [PMID: 34678201 PMCID: PMC10014038 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Talaromycosis (penicilliosis) is an invasive mycosis that is endemic in tropical and subtropical Asia. Talaromycosis primarily affects individuals with advanced HIV disease and other immunosuppressive conditions, and the disease disproportionally affects people in low-income and middle-income countries, particularly agricultural workers in rural areas during their most economically productive years. Approximately 17 300 talaromycosis cases and 4900 associated deaths occur annually. Talaromycosis is highly associated with the tropical monsoon season, when flooding and cyclones can exacerbate the poverty-inducing potential of the disease. Talaromycosis can present as localised or disseminated disease, the latter causing cutaneous lesions that are disfiguring and stigmatising. Despite up to a third of diagnosed cases resulting in death, talaromycosis has received little attention and investment from regional and global funders, policy makers, researchers, and industry. Diagnostic and treatment modalities remain extremely insufficient, however control of talaromycosis is feasible with known public health strategies. This Viewpoint is a global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease to alleviate its impact on susceptible populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanti Narayanasamy
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Vu Quoc Dat
- Department of Medicine, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tat Thanh
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vo Trieu Ly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Ward E, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chuanyi Ning
- BSL-3 Lab Core and Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Hao Liang
- BSL-3 Lab Core and Guangxi Key Laboratory of AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - Linghua Li
- Infectious Disease Center, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | - Ne Myo Aung
- Department of Medicine, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Josh Hanson
- Department of Medicine, University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Andrianopoulos
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Dougherty
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tom Chiller
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Guy Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Rogier van Doorn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - John Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Thuy Le
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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14
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Narayanasamy S, Dat VQ, Thanh NT, Ly VT, Chan JFW, Yuen KY, Ning C, Liang H, Li L, Chowdhary A, Youngchim S, Supparatpinyo K, Aung NM, Hanson J, Andrianopoulos A, Dougherty J, Govender NP, Denning DW, Chiller T, Thwaites G, van Doorn HR, Perfect J, Le T. A global call for talaromycosis to be recognised as a neglected tropical disease. THE LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1618-e1622. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00350-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
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15
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MAKADZANGE TA, HLUPENI A, MACHEKANO R, BOYD K, MTISI T, NYAMAYARO P, ROSS C, VALLABHANENI S, BALACHANDRA S, CHONZI P, NDHLOVU CE. Survival following screening and preemptive antifungal therapy for subclinical cryptococcal disease in advanced HIV infection. AIDS 2021; 35:1929-1938. [PMID: 34101629 PMCID: PMC8416705 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study's primary objective was to compare 1-year survival rates between serum cryptococcal antigen (sCrAg)-positive and sCrAg-negative HIV-positive individuals with CD4+ cell counts less than 100 cells/μl without symptoms of meningitis in Zimbabwe. DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study. METHODS Participants were enrolled as either sCrAg-positive or sCrAg-negative and followed up for 52 weeks or less, with death as the outcome. Lumbar punctures were recommended to all sCrAg-positives and inpatient management with intravenous amphotericin B and high-dose fluconazole was recommended to those with disseminated Cryptococcus. Antiretroviral therapy was initiated immediately in sCrAg-negatives and after at least 4 weeks following initiation of antifungals in sCrAg-positives. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for mortality. RESULTS We enrolled 1320 participants and 130 (9.8%) were sCrAg positive, with a median sCrAg titre of 1 : 20. Sixty-six (50.8%) sCrAg-positives had lumbar punctures and 16.7% (11/66) had central nervous system (CNS) dissemination. Cryptococcal blood cultures were performed in 129 sCrAg-positives, with 10 (7.8%) being positive. One-year (48-52 weeks) survival rates were 83.9 and 76.1% in sCrAg-negatives and sCrAg-positives, respectively, P = 0.011. Factors associated with increased mortality were a positive sCrAg, CD4+ cell count less than 50 cells/μl and having presumptive tuberculosis (TB) symptoms. CONCLUSION Our study reports a high prevalence of subclinical cryptococcal antigenemia and reiterates the importance of TB and a positive sCrAg as risk factors for mortality in advanced HIV disease (AHD). Therefore, TB and sCrAg screening remains a crucial component of AHD package, hence it should always be part of the comprehensive clinical evaluation in AHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Admire HLUPENI
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rhoderick MACHEKANO
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Kathryn BOYD
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Takudzwa MTISI
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Primrose NYAMAYARO
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Christine ROSS
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Prosper CHONZI
- Health Services Department, City of Harare, Harare, Zimbabwe
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16
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Abstract
Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection of global significance caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus. The prevalence of HIV in certain areas of the world and the expanding population of immunocompromised patients contribute to the ongoing global disease burden. Point-of-care serologic testing has allowed for more rapid diagnosis and implementation of screening programs in resource-limited settings. Management involves therapy aimed at reduction in fungal burden, maintenance of intracranial pressure, and optimization of host immunity. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, cryptococcosis continues to be a disease with unacceptably high incidence and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Gushiken
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kapil K Saharia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - John W Baddley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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17
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Huang SH, Lee CY, Tsai CS, Tsai MS, Liu CE, Hsu WT, Chen HA, Liu WD, Yang CJ, Sun HY, Ko WC, Lu PL, Lee YT, Hung CC. Screening for Cryptococcal Antigenemia and Burden of Cryptococcosis at the Time of HIV Diagnosis: A Retrospective Multicenter Study. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:1363-1377. [PMID: 34057690 PMCID: PMC8322196 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Screening for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is recommended for people living with HIV (PLWH) who present with low CD4 lymphocyte counts. Real-world experience is important to identify gaps between the guidelines and clinical practice. We investigated the trends of CrAg testing and prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia among PLWH at the time of HIV diagnosis and the related mortality in Taiwan from 2009 to 2018. Methods Medical records of newly diagnosed PLWH seeking care at six medical centers around Taiwan between 2009 and 2018 were reviewed. The annual trends of PLWH who had CrAg testing and cryptococcal antigenemia were examined by Cochran-Armitage test. Among PLWH with CD4 < 200 cells/µl, timing of CrAg testing was analyzed for association with 12-month all-cause mortality in Kaplan-Meier plots and in a Cox proportional hazards model after adjustments. Results Among 5372 included PLWH, 1150 (21.4%) presented with baseline CD4 < 100 cells/µl, and this proportion had decreased during the study period [from 108 (29.3%) in 2009 to 93 (22.3%) in 2018 (P = 0.039)]. The overall prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 7.8% among PLWH with CD4 < 100 cells/µl, which remained stable during the 10-year study period (P = 0.356) and was 2.6% among PLWH with CD4 100–199 cells/µl. The uptake of CrAg testing had increased from 65.7% in 2009 to 78.0% in 2018 (P = 0.002) among PLWH with CD4 < 100 cells/µl. Late CrAg testing, defined by 14 days or later after HIV diagnosis, was associated with increased risk of 12-month mortality compared to early CrAg testing (adjusted hazard ratio 2.028, 95% CI 1.109–3.708). Conclusions Burden of cryptococcosis remained high among PLWH with low CD4 lymphocyte counts in Taiwan. Uptake of CrAg screening among late HIV presenters was still suboptimal and delayed. Late CrAg testing was associated with a higher mortality. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00451-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hsi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Song Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Eng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Douliu, Yun-Lin County, Taiwan
| | - Hong-An Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 7 Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. .,China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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18
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Assy JGPL, Said RDC, Pinheiro OC, Brandão ADS, Boulware DR, França FODS, Vidal JE. High prevalence of Cryptococcal antigenemia using a finger-prick lateral flow assay in individuals with advanced HIV disease in Santarém Municipality, Brazilian Amazon Basin. Med Mycol 2021; 59:909-915. [PMID: 33908611 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab021] [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: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is scarce information about HIV-related cryptococcosis in the Brazilian Amazon basin where laboratory infrastructure is limited. The serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) lateral flow assay (LFA) has simplified diagnosis of cryptococcosis and is recommended for screening in advanced HIV disease. We evaluated the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia using finger-prick CrAg LFA in the Brazilian Amazon basin. We enrolled a prospective cohort of outpatients and hospitalized individuals with advanced HIV disease at two centers in Santarém Municipality, Northern Brazil. All individuals were > 18 years old with advanced HIV disease, regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART) status and with no prior or current history of confirmed cryptococcal meningitis. We tested CrAg LFA on finger-prick whole blood using an exact volume transfer pipette. From August 2018 to October 2019, 104 individuals were enrolled (outpatients 62 [60%] and hospitalized 42 [40%]). Median age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 30-46), and 84 (81%) were male. Sixty-five (63%) individuals were ART-naïve. Prevalence of finger-prick CrAg LFA-positive was 10.6%; 95% CI, 5.4 to 18.1%. Prevalence of finger-prick CrAg LFA-positive among individuals without neurological symptoms was 6.0%; 95% CI, 1.7-14.6%. The number needed to test to detect one CrAg-positive individual was 9.4 persons (95% CI, 5.5-18.5). Prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia using finger-prick whole blood CrAg LFA was high. Point-of-care approach was important for the diagnosis and screening of cryptococcosis in resource-limited settings. Screening and preemptive therapy strategy should be urgently implemented in individuals with advanced HIV disease in the Brazilian Amazon basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Guilherme Pontes Lima Assy
- Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento/Serviço de Assistência Especializada (CTA/SAE) de Santarém, Santarém 68005-310, Pará, Brazil.,Hospital Municipal de Santarém, Santarém 68005-110, Pará, Brazil.,Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Renato do Carmo Said
- Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento/Serviço de Assistência Especializada (CTA/SAE) de Santarém, Santarém 68005-310, Pará, Brazil.,Hospital Municipal de Santarém, Santarém 68005-110, Pará, Brazil.,Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Olivia Campos Pinheiro
- Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento/Serviço de Assistência Especializada (CTA/SAE) de Santarém, Santarém 68005-310, Pará, Brazil.,Hospital Municipal de Santarém, Santarém 68005-110, Pará, Brazil.,Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Alisson Dos Santos Brandão
- Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento/Serviço de Assistência Especializada (CTA/SAE) de Santarém, Santarém 68005-310, Pará, Brazil.,Hospital Municipal de Santarém, Santarém 68005-110, Pará, Brazil.,Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - David R Boulware
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
| | - Francisco Oscar de Siqueira França
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Immunology, Unit 48, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - José Ernesto Vidal
- Divisão de Clínica de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil.,Department of Neurology, Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, São Paulo 01246-900, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Unit 49, Hospital das Clinicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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19
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Deiss R, Loreti CV, Gutierrez AG, Filipe E, Tatia M, Issufo S, Ciglenecki I, Loarec A, Vivaldo H, Barra C, Siufi C, Molfino L, Tamayo Antabak N. High burden of cryptococcal antigenemia and meningitis among patients presenting at an emergency department in Maputo, Mozambique. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250195. [PMID: 33901215 PMCID: PMC8075188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of HIV-related mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, however, screening for cryptococcal antigenemia has not been universally implemented. As a result, data concerning cryptococcal meningitis and antigenemia are sparse, and in Mozambique, the prevalence of both are unknown. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of routinely collected data from a point-of-care cryptococcal antigen screening program at a public hospital in Maputo, Mozambique. HIV-positive patients admitted to the emergency department underwent CD4 count testing; those with pre-defined abnormal vital signs or CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/μL received cryptococcal antigen testing and lumbar punctures if indicated. Patients with CM were admitted to the hospital and treated with liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine; their 12-week outcomes were ascertained through review of medical records or telephone contact by program staff made in the routine course of service delivery. RESULTS Among 1,795 patients screened for cryptococcal antigenemia between March 2018-March 2019, 134 (7.5%) were positive. Of patients with cryptococcal antigenemia, 96 (71.6%) were diagnosed with CM, representing 5.4% of all screened patients. Treatment outcomes were available for 87 CM patients: 24 patients (27.6%) died during induction treatment and 63 (72.4%) survived until discharge; of these, 38 (60.3%) remained in care, 9 (14.3%) died, and 16 (25.3%) were lost-to follow-up at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia and meningitis among patients screened at an emergency department in Maputo, Mozambique. High mortality during and after induction therapy demonstrate missed opportunities for earlier detection of cryptococcal antigenemia, even as point-of-care screening and rapid assessment in an emergency room offer potential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Deiss
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Eudoxia Filipe
- HIV Programme, Ministry of Health (MoH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Sheila Issufo
- HIV Programme, Ministry of Health (MoH), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Anne Loarec
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
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20
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Bhati R, Pramendra S, Sejoo B, Kumar D, Bohra GK, Meena DS, Verma D, Midha NK. Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia and Association with Follow-up Risk of Cryptococcal Meningitis and Mortality among HIV Infected Patients in North West India: A Prospective Cohort Study. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:35-39. [PMID: 32860359 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x18666200827113816] [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: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cryptococcal meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. In the era of universal antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) related cryptococcal meningitis has increased. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen in asymptomatic PLHIV (People Living With HIV) and preemptive treatment with fluconazole can decrease the burden of cryptococcal disease. We conducted this study to find the prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in India and its correlation with mortality in PLHIV. METHOD AND MATERIALS This was a prospective observational study. HIV infected ART naïve patients with age of ≥ 18 years who had CD4 counts ≤ 100 /μL were included and serum cryptococcal antigen test was done. These patients were followed for six months to look for the development of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality. RESULTS A total of 116 patients were analyzed. Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was detected in 5.17% of patients and is correlated with increased risk of cryptococcal meningitis and mortality on follow-up in PLHIV. CONCLUSION Serum cryptococcal antigen positivity is correlated with an increased risk of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality in PLHIV. We recommend the screening of asymptomatic PLHIV with CD4 ≤ 100/μL for serum cryptococcal antigen, so that pre-emptive treatment can be initiated to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Bhati
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Bharat Sejoo
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Gopal K Bohra
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Durga S Meena
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Diwakar Verma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Naresh K Midha
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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21
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Kimaro GD, Guinness L, Shiri T, Kivuyo S, Chanda D, Bottomley C, Chen T, Kahwa A, Hawkins N, Mwaba P, Mfinanga SG, Harrison TS, Jaffar S, Niessen LW. Cryptococcal Meningitis Screening and Community-based Early Adherence Support in People With Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Starting Antiretroviral Therapy in Tanzania and Zambia: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:1652-1657. [PMID: 31149704 PMCID: PMC7146002 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A randomized trial demonstrated that among people living with late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection initiating antiretroviral therapy, screening serum for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) combined with adherence support reduced all-cause mortality by 28%, compared with standard clinic-based care. Here, we present the cost-effectiveness. Methods HIV-infected adults with CD4 count <200 cells/μL were randomized to either CrAg screening plus 4 weekly home visits to provide adherence support or to standard clinic-based care in Dar es Salaam and Lusaka. The primary economic outcome was health service care cost per life-year saved as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), based on 2017 US dollars. We used nonparametric bootstrapping to assess uncertainties and univariate deterministic sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of individual parameters on the ICER. Results Among the intervention and standard arms, 1001 and 998 participants, respectively, were enrolled. The annual mean cost per participant in the intervention arm was US$339 (95% confidence interval [CI], $331–$347), resulting in an incremental cost of the intervention of US$77 (95% CI, $66–$88). The incremental cost was similar when analysis was restricted to persons with CD4 count <100 cells/μL. The ICER for the intervention vs standard care, per life-year saved, was US$70 (95% CI, $43–$211) for all participants with CD4 count up to 200 cells/μL and US$91 (95% CI, $49–$443) among those with CD4 counts <100 cells /μL. Cost-effectveness was most sensitive to mortality estimates. Conclusions Screening for cryptococcal antigen combined with a short period of adherence support, is cost-effective in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfather Dickson Kimaro
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Tinevimbo Shiri
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Sokoine Kivuyo
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Duncan Chanda
- University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Zambia
| | - Christian Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Amos Kahwa
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Neil Hawkins
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Mwaba
- Department of Internal Medicine and Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Zambia
| | - Sayoki Godfrey Mfinanga
- Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, National Institute of Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania.,Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Centre for Global Health, St George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Louis W Niessen
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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HIV-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis: a Review of Novel Short-Course and Oral Therapies. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-020-00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of review
HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant public health problem in parts of Africa and Asia and a major cause of AIDS-related mortality, accounting for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Cryptococcal meningitis is uniformly fatal if untreated, and access to antifungal therapy in regions with the highest burden is often limited. Outcomes with fluconazole monotherapy are poor, and induction treatment with amphotericin B and high-dose fluconazole for 2 weeks is associated with significant drug-related toxicities and prolonged hospital admissions. This review focuses on the potential of novel short-course and oral combination therapies for cryptococcal meningitis.
Recent findings
Recent clinical trials have shown that shorter courses of amphotericin, if paired with oral flucytosine, rather than fluconazole, can achieve non-inferior mortality outcomes. In addition, an oral combination of fluconazole and flucytosine is a potential alternative. Liposomal amphotericin B may further simplify treatment; it is associated with fewer drug-related toxicities, and a recent phase II randomised controlled trial demonstrated that a single, high dose of liposomal amphotericin is non-inferior to 14 standard daily doses at clearing Cryptococcus from cerebrospinal fluid. This has been taken forward to an ongoing phase III, clinical endpoint study.
Summary
The incidence and mortality associated with cryptococcal meningitis is still unacceptably high. There is evidence supporting the use of short-course amphotericin B and oral combination antifungal treatment regimens for cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Ongoing research into short-course, high-dose treatment with liposomal amphotericin may also help reduce the impact of this devastating disease.
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23
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Mpoza E, Meya DB. Reply to the Author. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2820. [PMID: 33069167 PMCID: PMC8563278 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala Uganda.,Makerere University, Kampala Uganda
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24
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Pérez-Jacoiste Asín MA, Bisbal O, Iribarren JA, Pérez-Rivilla A, Mican R, Dronda F, González-Domenech CM, Vinuesa-García D, Macías J, Lumbreras C, Moreno S, Rubio R. Cryptococcal infection in HIV-infected patients with CD4 + T-cell counts under 100/μL diagnosed in a high-income country: a multicentre cohort study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:1171.e1-1171.e7. [PMID: 33069858 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.09.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The World Health Organization recommends routinely screening HIV-infected patients with CD4+ T-cell counts <100/μL for cryptococcal infection to prevent cryptococcal meningitis (CM), based on studies in Sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of positive cryptococcal antigen (CrAg+) is ≥ 3% in this subgroup. Data about such prevalence in Spain are unavailable and rare in other European countries. Thus, the Spanish AIDS Study Group guidelines do not recommend routinely screening. We aim to determine the prevalence and outcomes of cryptococcal infection in this subgroup of patients in Spain. METHODS We determined CrAg using a lateral flow assay in banked plasma from participants in the cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network. Eligible patients had CD4+ T-cell counts ≤100/μL at the time of plasma collection and a follow-up >4 weeks, unless they died. RESULTS We included 576 patients from June 2004 to December 2017. Of these, 43 were CrAg+ for an overall prevalence of 7.5%. There were no differences depending on birthplace. The CrAg+ was independently associated with a higher mortality at eight weeks (hazard ratio (HR) 5.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-19.56) and 6 months (HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.19-8.21). CM was reported in 10 of the 43 CrAg+ patients. There were no cases among negatives. Five patients had CM when the plasma was collected and five developed it during the follow-up. The number of subjects needed to screen to anticipate the diagnosis of one CM case was 114. CONCLUSIONS The CrAg+ prevalence among HIV-infected patients with CD4+ T-cell counts ≤100/μL diagnosed in Spain, both immigrants and native-born Spanish, is >7%. Consequently, the Spanish AIDS Study Group guidelines have to be updated and recommend routine screening for cryptococcal infection in these patients. Future studies should explore whether this recommendation could be firmly applied to other European populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Asunción Pérez-Jacoiste Asín
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Otilia Bisbal
- HIV Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio Iribarren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Donostia, Instituto BioDonostia, San Sebastián, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Mican
- HIV Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Dronda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen María González-Domenech
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga, Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Juan Macías
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Nuestra Señora de Valme, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Lumbreras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Moreno
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Rubio
- HIV Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Salazar AS, Keller MR, Olsen MA, Nickel KB, George IA, Larson L, Powderly WG, Spec A. Potential missed opportunities for diagnosis of cryptococcosis and the association with mortality: A cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 27:100563. [PMID: 33205031 PMCID: PMC7648127 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcosis is one of the most common life-threatening opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Insidious presentation and slow onset of symptoms make it difficult to recognize, complicating the diagnostic process. Delays in diagnosis may lead to increased mortality. We aim to determine the frequency of missed opportunities for diagnosis of cryptococcosis and its effects on mortality. METHODS To estimate the proportion of individuals with a potentially missed diagnosis for cryptococcosis in hospitalized patients, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases from 2005 to 2015 from eight states. All hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with cryptococcal infection or cryptococcal meningitis were included. Potentially missed diagnoses were defined as admissions coded for a procedure or diagnosis suggestive of cryptococcosis in the 90-days prior to the initial cryptococcosis admission. Generalized estimating equations models were used to evaluate the association between underlying comorbidities and potential missed diagnosis of cryptococcosis and 90-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. FINDINGS Of 5,354 patients with cryptococcosis, 2,445 (45·7%) were people living with HIV (PLWH). Among PLWH, 493/2,445 (20·2%) had a potentially missed diagnosis, of which 83/493 (16·8%) died while hospitalized compared with 265/1,952 (13·6%) of those without a potentially missed diagnosis (relative risk [RR] 1·04, 95% CI 0·99-1·09). Among HIV-negative patients, 977/2,909 (33·6%) had a potentially missed diagnosis, of which 236/977 (24·2%) died while hospitalized compared with 298/1,932 (15·4%) of those not missed (RR 1·12, 95% CI 1·07-1·16). INTERPRETATION Missed opportunities to diagnose cryptococcosis are common despite highly efficacious diagnostic tests and are associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality in HIV-negative patients. A high index of clinical suspicion is paramount to promptly diagnose, treat, and improve cryptococcosis-related mortality. FUNDING National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Washington University Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Salazar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8100, St. Louis, MO 63110-0193, USA
| | - Matthew R Keller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
| | - Margaret A Olsen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8100, St. Louis, MO 63110-0193, USA
| | - Katelin B Nickel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
| | - Ige A George
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
| | - Lindsey Larson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
| | - William G Powderly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
| | - Andrej Spec
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 4523 Clayton Ave., Campus Box 8051, St Louis, MO 63110-0193, United Statess
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26
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Chisale MR, Salema D, Sinyiza F, Mkwaila J, Kamudumuli P, Lee HY. A comparative evaluation of three methods for the rapid diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) among HIV-infected patients in Northern Malawi. Malawi Med J 2020; 32:3-7. [PMID: 32733652 PMCID: PMC7366160 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v32i1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the most common systemic fungal infection in patients with HIV infection. Rapid diagnosis and timely initiation of antifungal therapy are key to reducing mortality rate associated with CM. This study aims to evaluate the ability of four different diagnostic tests (Gram stain, India ink, and two types of commercial lateral flow assay [LFA]) to identify CM-positive patients and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these tests. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional study on diagnostic tests accuracy conducted in Northern Malawi. The target population was HIV-infected adult patients presenting with features of meningitis. Four types of diagnostic tests were conducted: India ink, Gram stain, and two types of commercial lateral flow assay (LFA) (Immy, Inc., OK, USA and Dynamiker Biotechnology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd), Singapore). Culture was conducted as the reference standard. Results A total of 265 samples were collected. The rate of positive CM detection ranged from 6.4% (using India ink) to 14.3% (using LFA). India ink exhibited the lowest sensitivity of 54.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.0%-72.7%), followed by Gram stain (61.3%; 95% CI: 42.2%-78.2%). The Dynamiker LFA exhibited the highest sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI: 90.0%-100.0%) but a lower specificity (97.0%; 93.9%-98.8%) compared to the Immy LFA (98.3%; 95% CI: 95.7%-99.5%). Conclusion LFA diagnostic methods have the potential to double the detection rate of CM-positive patients in resource-limited countries such as Malawi. As such, LFAs should be considered to become the main diagnostic tests used for CM diagnostics in these countries. Our data indicate that LFAs may be the best method for diagnosing CM and exhibits the highest diagnostic accuracy as it has shown that it outperforms cell culture, the current gold standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Master Ro Chisale
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Mzuzu, Malawi.,Luke International, Mzuzu, Malawi.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Dikani Salema
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Mzuzu, Malawi.,University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Frank Sinyiza
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Judith Mkwaila
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Pocha Kamudumuli
- Malawi Lab Project, University Research Co., LLC, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Hsin-Yi Lee
- Luke International, Mzuzu, Malawi.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi.,Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
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Haumba SM, Toda M, Jeffries R, Ehrenkranz P, Pasipamire M, Ao T, Lukhele N, Mazibuko S, Mkhontfo M, Smith RM, Chiller T. Prevalence of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) among HIV-positive patients in Eswatini, 2014-2015. Afr J Lab Med 2020; 9:933. [PMID: 32832407 PMCID: PMC7433303 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v9i1.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of death amongst people living with HIV. However, routine cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening was not in the national guidelines in Eswatini. OBJECTIVES A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2014 and March 2015 to examine CrAg prevalence at Mbabane Government Hospital in Eswatini. METHODS We collected urine and whole blood from antiretroviral-therapy-naïve patients with HIV and a cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) counts < 200 cells/mm3 for plasma and urine CrAg lateral flow assay (LFA) screening at the national HIV reference laboratory. Two CD4 cut-off points were used to estimate CrAg prevalence: CD4 < 100 and < 200 cells/mm3. Sensitivity and specificity of urine CrAg LFA was compared to plasma CrAg LFA. RESULTS Plasma CrAg prevalence was 4% (8/182, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2-8) amongst patients with CD4 counts of < 200 cells/mm3, and 8% (8/102, 95% CI: 3-15) amongst patients with CD4 counts of < 100 cells/mm3. Urine CrAg LFA had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 59-100) and a specificity of 80% (95% CI: 72-86) compared with plasma CrAg LFA tests for patients with CD4 < 200 cells/mm3. Forty-three per cent of 99 patients with CD4 < 100 were at World Health Organization clinical stages I or II. CONCLUSION The prevalence of CrAg in Eswatini was higher than the current global estimate of 6% amongst HIV-positive people with CD4 < 100 cell/mm3, indicating the importance of initiating a national screening programme. Mechanisms for CrAg testing, training, reporting, and drug and commodity supply issues are important considerations before national implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (CSELS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Disease (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | | | - Peter Ehrenkranz
- Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | | | - Trong Ao
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Nomthandazo Lukhele
- Ministry of Health Eswatini National AIDS Programme (ENAP), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Sikhathele Mazibuko
- Ministry of Health Eswatini National AIDS Programme (ENAP), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Rachel M Smith
- Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Disease (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch (MDB), Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Disease (DFWED), National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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28
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Greene G, Lawrence DS, Jordan A, Chiller T, Jarvis JN. Cryptococcal meningitis: a review of cryptococcal antigen screening programs in Africa. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:233-244. [PMID: 32567406 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1785871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant contributor to AIDS-related mortality despite widened access to antiretroviral therapy. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) can be detected in the blood prior to development of meningitis. Development of highly sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic CrAg tests has helped facilitate the adoption of CrAg screening programs in 19 African countries. AREAS COVERED The biological rationale for CrAg screening and the programmatic strategies for its implementation are reviewed. We describe the approach to the investigation of patients with cryptococcal antigenemia and the importance of lumbar puncture to identify individuals who may have cryptococcal meningitis in the absence of symptoms. The limitations of current treatment recommendations and the potential role of newly defined combination antifungal therapies are discussed. A literature review was conducted using a broad database search for cryptococcal antigen screening and related terms in published journal articles dating up to December 2019. Conference abstracts, publicly available guidelines, and project descriptions were also incorporated. EXPERT OPINION As we learn more about the risks of cryptococcal antigenemia, it has become clear that the current management paradigm is inadequate. More intensive investigation and management are required to prevent the development of cryptococcal meningitis and reduce mortality associated with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Greene
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the NHLS , Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK
| | - David S Lawrence
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alex Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
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29
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Ndlovu Z, Burton R, Stewart R, Bygrave H, Roberts T, Fajardo E, Mataka A, Szumilin E, Kerschberger B, Van Cutsem G, Ellman T. Framework for the implementation of advanced HIV disease diagnostics in sub-Saharan Africa: programmatic perspectives. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e514-e520. [PMID: 32473102 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30101-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with advanced HIV disease have a high risk of mortality, mainly from tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis. The advanced HIV disease management package recommended by WHO, which includes diagnostics, therapeutics, and patient psychosocial support, is barely implemented in many different countries. Here, we present a framework for the implementation of advanced HIV disease diagnostics. Laboratory and point-of-care-based reflex testing, coupled with provider-initiated requested testing, for cryptococcal antigen and urinary Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan antigen, should be done for all patients with CD4+ cell counts of 200 cells per μL or less. Implementation of the advanced HIV disease package should be encouraged within primary health-care facilities and task shifting of testing to lay cadres could facilitate access to rapid results. Implementation of differentiated antiretroviral therapy delivery models can allow clinicians enough time to focus on the management of patients with advanced HIV disease. Efficient up-referral and post-discharge systems, including the development of patient-centric advanced HIV disease literacy, are also crucial. Implementation of the advanced HIV disease package is feasible at all health-care levels, and it should be part of the core of the global response towards ending AIDS as a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibusiso Ndlovu
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Rosie Burton
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Helen Bygrave
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Access Campaign, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Teri Roberts
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Access Campaign, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anafi Mataka
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Gilles Van Cutsem
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tom Ellman
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Southern African Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
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30
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiziana Ascione
- Department of Infectious Diseases, D. Cotugno Hospital, AORN Dei Colli, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna M Spera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Salerno, Italy
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31
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Multicenter Cryptococcal Antigen Screening of HIV-Infected Patients in Iran. Curr Microbiol 2020; 77:1667-1672. [PMID: 32296917 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-020-01970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis and targeted preemptive antifungal treatment are crucial in reducing cryptococcal meningitis (CM)-related mortality in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The present study was performed to determine cryptococcal antigenemia and outcomes among HIV-infected patients in Iran. This multicenter prospective study was conducted between October 2016 and December 2018. For the purpose of the study, blood samples were randomly collected from 177 profoundly immunosuppressed (CD4+ counts < 200 cells/µL) HIV-positive individuals in six major cities of Iran. The patients were antiretroviral therapy-naive or had received inadequate medication. The stored sera were screened for cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), using point-of-care lateral flow assay (IMMY® diagnostics, Norman, OK, US). Overall, out of the 174 asymptomatic patients, 3 (1.72%) cases were CrAg-positive using the LFA in serum. Accordingly, the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia was 7.14%, 0%, and 1.2% in the patients with the CD4+ counts of < 50, 50-100, and 100-200 cells/μL, respectively. The median age of the patients with antigenemia was 36 years (age range 8-55 years). The median CD4+ count of the cohort was 98 cells/μL (range 14-200 cells/μL). Routine screening of Iranian HIV-infected patients with CD4+ count of < 50 cells/µL before initiating antiretroviral therapy is justified. It is suggested to conduct more inclusive research throughout the whole country on more patients to recommend screening cryptococcal antigen strongly.
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32
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Williams SC, Sweeney J, Parameswaran L. Diagnostic and management considerations in the modern patient with AIDS: a case of concurrent disseminated Kaposi sarcoma and colesional Cryptococcus neoformans. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:13/4/e233860. [PMID: 32295799 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), disseminated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has become much rarer in the USA. We report a case of a 34-year-old man with KS of the skin, oropharynx, lung and rectum. Within the same lung nodule, we discovered significant burden of colesional Cryptococcus neoformans, in the context of a positive asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia, which was a previously unreported occurrence. The gold standard of treatment for KS continues to be HAART. The role of chemotherapy is still controversial. In addition, a cryptococcal antigen screen-and-treat approach with fluconazole is still not routinely recommended in the USA to prevent serious meningeal disease despite recent studies showing efficacy and applicability. We discuss both issues here and the outcome of our patient. We also present the patient's own unique perspective in dealing with the ramifications of these diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Clay Williams
- Tri-Institutional MD PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jacob Sweeney
- Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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33
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Temfack E, Bigna JJ, Luma HN, Spijker R, Meintjes G, Jarvis JN, Dromer F, Harrison T, Cohen JF, Lortholary O. Impact of Routine Cryptococcal Antigen Screening and Targeted Preemptive Fluconazole Therapy in Antiretroviral-naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Adults With CD4 Cell Counts <100/μL: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:688-698. [PMID: 30020446 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and targeted preemptive fluconazole in antiretroviral-naive human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults with CD4 cell counts <100/μL seems promising as a strategy to reduce the burden of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science and used random-effect meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of blood CrAg positivity (31 studies; 35644 participants) and asymptomatic CM in CrAg-positive participants and the incidence of CM and the all-cause mortality rate in screened participants. The pooled prevalence of blood CrAg-positivity was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-7%), and the prevalence of asymptomatic CM in CrAg-positive participants was 33% (95% CI, 21%-45%). The incidence of CM was 21.4% (95% CI, 11.6%-34.4%) without preemptive fluconazole and 5.7% (95% CI, 3.0%-9.7%) with preemptive fluconazole therapy initiated at 800 mg/d. In CrAg-positive participants, postscreening lumbar puncture before initiating preemptive fluconazole at 800 mg/d further reduced the incidence of CM to null and showed some survival benefits. However, the all-cause mortality rate remained significantly higher in CrAg-positive than in CrAg-negative participants (risk ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.9; P < .001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvis Temfack
- Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Cameroon.,Institut Pasteur of Paris, CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit UMR 2000, France
| | - Jean Joel Bigna
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé
| | - Henry N Luma
- Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Cameroon
| | - Rene Spijker
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership.,Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone
| | - Françoise Dromer
- Institut Pasteur of Paris, CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit UMR 2000, France
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- INSERM UMR 1153 and Department of Pediatrics, Necker Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Descartes University.,Paris Descartes University, Necker Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Necker Enfants malades, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Institut Pasteur of Paris, CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit UMR 2000, France.,Paris Descartes University, Necker Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hôpital Necker Enfants malades, AP-HP, IHU Imagine, France
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34
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Tenforde MW, Muthoga C, Callaghan A, Ponatshego P, Ngidi J, Mine M, Jordan A, Chiller T, Larson BA, Jarvis JN. Cost-effectiveness of reflex laboratory-based cryptococcal antigen screening for the prevention and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in Botswana. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 4:144. [PMID: 31803848 PMCID: PMC6871359 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15464.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening for antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve adults with advanced HIV/AIDS can reduce the incidence of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and all-cause mortality. We modeled the cost-effectiveness of laboratory-based "reflex" CrAg screening for ART-naïve CrAg-positive patients with CD4<100 cells/µL (those currently targeted in guidelines) and ART-experienced CrAg-positive patients with CD4<100 cells/µL (who make up an increasingly large proportion of individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS). Methods: A decision analytic model was developed to evaluate CrAg screening and treatment based on local CD4 count and CrAg prevalence data, and realistic assumptions regarding programmatic implementation of the CrAg screening intervention. We modeled the number of CrAg tests performed, the number of CrAg positives stratified by prior ART experience, the proportion of patients started on pre-emptive antifungal treatment, and the number of incident CM cases and CM-related deaths. Screening and treatment costs were evaluated, and cost per death or disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted estimated. Results: We estimated that of 650,000 samples undergoing CD4 testing annually in Botswana, 16,364 would have a CD4<100 cells/µL and receive a CrAg test, with 70% of patients ART-experienced at the time of screening. Under base model assumptions, CrAg screening and pre-emptive treatment restricted to ART-naïve patients with a CD4<100 cells/µL prevented 20% (39/196) of CM-related deaths in patients undergoing CD4 testing at a cost of US$2 per DALY averted. Expansion of preemptive treatment to include ART-experienced patients with a CD4<100 cells/µL resulted in 55 additional deaths averted (a total of 48% [94/196]) and was cost-saving compared to no screening. Findings were robust across a range of model assumptions. Conclusions: Reflex laboratory-based CrAg screening for patients with CD4<100 cells/µL is a cost-effective strategy in Botswana, even in the context of a relatively low proportion of advanced HIV/AIDS in the overall HIV-infected population, the majority of whom are ART-experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Tenforde
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Julia Ngidi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Madisa Mine
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329-4018, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329-4018, USA
| | - Bruce A. Larson
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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35
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Walker SM, Cox E, Revill P, Musiime V, Bwakura‐Dangarembizi M, Mallewa J, Cheruiyot P, Maitland K, Ford N, Gibb DM, Walker AS, Soares M. The cost-effectiveness of prophylaxis strategies for individuals with advanced HIV starting treatment in Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25469. [PMID: 32219991 PMCID: PMC7099175 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many HIV-positive individuals in Africa have advanced disease when initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) so have high risks of opportunistic infections and death. The REALITY trial found that an enhanced-prophylaxis package including fluconazole reduced mortality by 27% in individuals starting ART with CD4 <100 cells/mm3 . We investigated the cost-effectiveness of this enhanced-prophylaxis package versus other strategies, including using cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing, in individuals with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 or <100 cells/mm3 at ART initiation and all individuals regardless of CD4 count. METHODS The REALITY trial enrolled from June 2013 to April 2015. A decision-analytic model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of six management strategies in individuals initiating ART in the REALITY trial countries. Strategies included standard-prophylaxis, enhanced-prophylaxis, standard-prophylaxis with fluconazole; and three CrAg testing strategies, the first stratifying individuals to enhanced-prophylaxis (CrAg-positive) or standard-prophylaxis (CrAg-negative), the second to enhanced-prophylaxis (CrAg-positive) or enhanced-prophylaxis without fluconazole (CrAg-negative) and the third to standard-prophylaxis with fluconazole (CrAg-positive) or without fluconazole (CrAg-negative). The model estimated costs, life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) over 48 weeks using three competing mortality risks: cryptococcal meningitis; tuberculosis, serious bacterial infection or other known cause; and unknown cause. RESULTS Enhanced-prophylaxis was cost-effective at cost-effectiveness thresholds of US$300 and US$500 per QALY with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$157 per QALY in the CD4 <200 cells/mm3 population providing enhanced-prophylaxis components are sourced at lowest available prices. The ICER reduced in more severely immunosuppressed individuals (US$113 per QALY in the CD4 <100 cells/mm3 population) and increased in all individuals regardless of CD4 count (US$722 per QALY). Results were sensitive to prices of the enhanced-prophylaxis components. Enhanced-prophylaxis was more effective and less costly than all CrAg testing strategies as enhanced-prophylaxis still conveyed health gains in CrAg-negative patients and savings from targeting prophylaxis based on CrAg status did not compensate for costs of CrAg testing. CrAg testing strategies did not become cost-effective unless the price of CrAg testing fell below US$2.30. CONCLUSIONS The REALITY enhanced-prophylaxis package in individuals with advanced HIV starting ART reduces morbidity and mortality, is practical to administer and is cost-effective. Efforts should continue to ensure that components are accessed at lowest available prices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward Cox
- Centre for Health EconomicsUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | - Paul Revill
- Centre for Health EconomicsUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | | | | | - Jane Mallewa
- College of MedicineUniversity of Malawi and Malawi‐Liverpool‐Wellcome Trust Clinical Research ProgrammeBlantyreMalawi
| | | | - Kathryn Maitland
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research ProgrammeKilifiKenya
- Department of Infectious DiseasesImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Nathan Ford
- HIV/AIDS Department and Global Hepatitis ProgrammeWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Marta Soares
- Centre for Health EconomicsUniversity of YorkYorkUK
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36
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Lakoh S, Rickman H, Sesay M, Kenneh S, Burke R, Baldeh M, Jiba DF, Tejan YS, Boyle S, Koroma C, Deen GF, Beynon F. Prevalence and mortality of cryptococcal disease in adults with advanced HIV in an urban tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone: a prospective study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:141. [PMID: 32059703 PMCID: PMC7023785 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The global annual estimate for cryptococcal disease-related deaths exceeds 180,000, with three fourth occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening in all HIV patients with CD4 count < 100/μl. As there is no previous published study on the burden and impact of cryptococcal disease in Sierra Leone, research is needed to inform public health policies. We aimed to establish the seroprevalence and mortality of cryptococcal disease in adults with advanced HIV attending an urban tertiary hospital in Sierra Leone. Methods A prospective cohort study design was used to screen consecutive adult (18 years or older) HIV patients at Connaught Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone with CD4 count below 100 cells/mm3 from January to April 2018. Participants received a blood CrAg lateral flow assay (IMMY, Oklahoma, USA). All participants with a positive serum CrAg had lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CrAg assay, and those with cryptococcal diseases had fluconazole monotherapy with 8 weeks followed up. Data were entered into Excel and analysed in Stata version 13.0. Proportions, median and interquartile ranges were used to summarise the data. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Results A total of 170 patients, with median age of 36 (IQR 30–43) and median CD4 count of 45 cells/mm3 (IQR 23–63) were screened. At the time of enrolment, 54% were inpatients, 51% were newly diagnosed with HIV, and 56% were either ART-naïve or newly initiated (≤ 30 days). Eight participants had a positive blood CrAg, giving a prevalence of 4.7% (95% CI: 2.4–9.2%). Of those with a positive CrAg, CSF CrAg was positive in five (62.5%). Five (62.5%) CrAg-positive participants died within the first month, while the remaining three were alive and established on ART at 8 weeks. Conclusion A substantial prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia and poor outcome of cryptococcal disease were demonstrated in our study. The high mortality suggests a need for the HIV programme to formulate and implement policies on screening and pre-emptive fluconazole therapy for all adults with advanced HIV in Sierra Leone, and advocate for affordable access to effective antifungal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone. .,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.
| | - Hannah Rickman
- King's Sierra Leone Partnership, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,King's Centre for Global Health and Health Partnerships, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
| | - Momodu Sesay
- National HIV/AIDS Secretariat, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sartie Kenneh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Rachael Burke
- King's Sierra Leone Partnership, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,King's Centre for Global Health and Health Partnerships, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mamadu Baldeh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Darlinda F Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Yusuf S Tejan
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sonia Boyle
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Comfort Koroma
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Fenella Beynon
- King's Sierra Leone Partnership, Freetown, Sierra Leone.,King's Centre for Global Health and Health Partnerships, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
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37
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Wykowski J, Galagan SR, Govere S, Wallis CL, Moosa MY, Celum C, Drain PK. Cryptococcal antigenemia is associated with meningitis or death in HIV-infected adults with CD4 100-200 cells/mm 3. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:61. [PMID: 31959112 PMCID: PMC6971851 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4798-1] [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: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening with fluconazole prophylaxis has been shown to prevent cryptococcal meningitis and mortality for people living with HIV (PLWH) with CD4 < 100 cells/mm3. While cryptococcal meningitis occurs in individuals with CD4 100-200 cells/mm3, there is limited evidence that CrAg screening predicts cryptococcal meningitis or mortality among this group with moderate immunosuppression. Current IDSA and WHO clinical guidelines recommend restricting CrAg screening to PLWH with CD4 < 100 cells/mm3. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study of PLWH 18+ years who had not initiated ART in South Africa. We followed participants for 14 months to determine onset of cryptococcal meningitis or all-cause mortality. At study completion, we retrospectively tested stored serum samples for CrAg using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). We calculated CD4-stratified incidence rates of outcomes and used Cox proportional hazards to measure associations between CrAg positivity and outcomes. RESULTS We enrolled 2383 PLWH, and 1309 participants had serum samples tested by CrAg EIA. The median CD4 was 317 cells/mm3 (interquartile range: 173-491 cells/mm3). By CD4 count at baseline, there were 209 individuals with a CD4 count of 100-200 cells/mm3 and available CrAg test results. Of these, four (1.9%) tested positive. Two of four (IR: 58.8 per 100 person-years) CrAg+ participants and 11 of 205 (IR: 5.6 per 100 person-years) CrAg- participants developed cryptococcal meningitis or died for an overall rate of death or cryptococcal meningitis that was 10.0-times higher for those who were CrAg+ (95% confidence interval: 2.2-45.3). Among those with CD4 < 100 cell/mm3 and CrAg EIA test results (N = 179), ten (5.6%) participants tested CrAg+. Among this group, seven of ten (IR: 137.6 per 100 person-years) CrAg+ participants and 26 of 169 (IR: 17.8 per 100 person-years) CrAg- participants developed cryptococcal meningitis or died, for a rate of death or cryptococcal meningitis that was 6.3-times higher for those who were CrAg+ (95% confidence interval: 2.7-14.6). CONCLUSIONS Although few PLWH with moderate immunosuppression screened CrAg positive, a positive CrAg test was predictive of increased risk of cryptococcal meningitis or death. Similar to those with a CD4 < 100 cell/mm3, systematic CrAg screening may reduce morbidity and mortality in PLWH with CD4 100-200 cells/mm3.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wykowski
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Mahomed-Yunus Moosa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Connie Celum
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Paul K Drain
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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38
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Ferreira MDF, Brito-Santos F, Trilles L, Almeida MA, Wanke B, Veloso VG, Nunes EP, Lazera MDS. Cryptococcal antigenemia prevalence and clinical data in HIV-infected patients from the reference centre at INI-FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast of Brazil. Mycoses 2019; 63:145-150. [PMID: 31715053 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a several disease common in late stage of HIV infection. Detection of cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is an important for early diagnosis of this invasive mycosis. The pre-emptive treatment for isolated antigenemia prevents the onset of meningoencephalitis. Screening CrAg in patients with low CD4 count is cost-effective in countries with prevalence of antigenemia above 3%. However, in Brazil, the number of prevalence studies on cryptococcosis and HIV is insufficient. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of CrAg and describe clinical characteristics from a cohort of patients followed at a reference center in Brazil. CrAg screening was performed in 89 inpatients with CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage III/IV from the National Institute of Infecttious Disease, Rio de Janeiro. Patients with isolated antigenemia received pre-emptive therapy with fluconazole and patients with meningoencephalitis were treated with Amphotericin B. Individuals were followed up for 12 months. Prevalence of serum CrAg was 11.23%, cryptococcal meningoencephalitis 6.74% and isolated antigenemia 4.81%. None of the patients with isolated antigenemia developed meningoencephalitis during the follow up. Signs and symptoms of meningoencephalitis were unspecific or absent. Our study suggests the need of CrAg screening in Brazil and highlights that lumbar puncture is mandatory in all individuals CrAg positive to exclude asymptomatic meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela de F Ferreira
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio Brito-Santos
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Trilles
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos A Almeida
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bodo Wanke
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Estevao P Nunes
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcia Dos S Lazera
- National Institute of Infectious Disease Evandro Chagas (INI), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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39
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Tenforde MW, Muthoga C, Callaghan A, Ponatshego P, Ngidi J, Mine M, Jordan A, Chiller T, Larson BA, Jarvis JN. Cost-effectiveness of reflex laboratory-based cryptococcal antigen screening for the prevention and treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in Botswana. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:144. [PMID: 31803848 PMCID: PMC6871359 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15464.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening for antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve adults with advanced HIV/AIDS can reduce the incidence of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and all-cause mortality. We modeled the cost-effectiveness of laboratory-based "reflex" CrAg screening for ART-naïve CrAg-positive patients with CD4<100 cells/µL (those currently targeted in guidelines) and ART-experienced CrAg-positive patients with CD4<100 cells/µL (who make up an increasingly large proportion of individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS). Methods: A decision analytic model was developed to evaluate CrAg screening and treatment based on local CD4 count and CrAg prevalence data, and realistic assumptions regarding programmatic implementation of the CrAg screening intervention. We modeled the number of CrAg tests performed, the number of CrAg positives stratified by prior ART experience, the proportion of patients started on pre-emptive antifungal treatment, and the number of incident CM cases and CM-related deaths. Screening and treatment costs were evaluated, and cost per death or disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted estimated. Results: We estimated that of 650,000 samples undergoing CD4 testing annually in Botswana, 16,364 would have a CD4<100 cells/µL and receive a CrAg test, with 70% of patients ART-experienced at the time of screening. Under base model assumptions, CrAg screening and pre-emptive treatment restricted to ART-naïve patients with a CD4<100 cells/µL prevented 20% (39/196) of CM-related deaths in patients undergoing CD4 testing at a cost of US$2 per DALY averted. Expansion of preemptive treatment to include ART-experienced patients with a CD4<100 cells/µL resulted in 55 additional deaths averted (a total of 48% [94/196]) and was cost-saving compared to no screening. Findings were robust across a range of model assumptions. Conclusions: Reflex laboratory-based CrAg screening for patients with CD4<100 cells/µL is a cost-effective strategy in Botswana, even in the context of a relatively low proportion of advanced HIV/AIDS in the overall HIV-infected population, the majority of whom are ART-experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W. Tenforde
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Julia Ngidi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Madisa Mine
- National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329-4018, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329-4018, USA
| | - Bruce A. Larson
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Prospective cohort of AIDS patients screened for cryptococcal antigenaemia, pre-emptively treated and followed in Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219928. [PMID: 31344140 PMCID: PMC6658077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis has a high morbidity and mortality among AIDS population. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) detection is considered an independent predictor for meningitis and death. Since 2011, the World Health Organization recommends CrAg screening for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) with CD4 counts <100–200 cells/μl. Its implementation is still limited in low-middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and predictors of CrAg positivity in PLHAs. We also evaluated outcomes among those who were CrAg-positive. Methods Prospective cohort conducted at an infectious diseases hospital, in Brazil. Adults with CD4 <200 cells/μl, without previous cryptococcal disease and regardless of symptoms, were enrolled from 2015 to 2018. CrAg tests were performed by LFA. Lumbar puncture was done in CrAg+ individuals and pre-emptive therapy was offered for those without meningitis. Results Of 214 individuals recruited, 88% were antiretroviral experienced, of which only 11.6% with viral suppression. Overall, CrAg prevalence was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.7–12.4). In CD4 ≤100 cells/μl group it was 7.5% (95% CI, 4.1–12.6) and 9.1% (95% CI, 3.4–19.0) in the group with CD4 101 to 199 cells/μl (p = 0.17). Prevalence in asymptomatic subjects was 5.3% (95% CI, 1.4–13.1). One among 17 CrAg+ participants had documented meningoencephalitis and no subclinical meningitis was detected. Adherence to pre-emptive treatment was 68.7% (11/16). There were no statistically significant differences in sociodemographic, clinical or laboratory characteristics to predict CrAg positivity. No case of cryptococcal disease was diagnosed among CrAg + subjects, followed by a median of 12 months. Conclusions CrAg screening for severely immunosuppressed PLHAs in Brazil yielded a prevalence of 7.9%. No difference was found in the prevalence of CrAg stratified by CD4 values (CD4 <100 versus CD4 101–199 cells/μl). No clinical nor laboratory factors predicted CrAg positivity, corroborating the need for the implementation of universal CrAg screening for PLHAs with CD4 <200 cells/μl in similar settings.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological disorders in HIV infection are a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative overview of up to date information concerning neurological disorders affecting HIV infected persons in Africa. METHODS Seminal research concerning neurological disorders among HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa from prior to 2000 was combined with an in-depth search of PubMed to identify literature published from 2000 to 2017. The following Mesh terms were used. "Nervous System Diseases" "HIV Infections" and "Africa South of the Sahara" and "Seizures" or "Spinal Cord Diseases" or "Peripheral Nervous System Diseases" or "AIDS Dementia Complex" or "Opportunistic Infections" or "Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome" or "Stroke". Only those articles written in English were used. A total of 352 articles were identified, selected and reviewed and 180 were included in the study. These included case series, observational studies, interventional studies, guidelines and reviews with metanalyses. The author also included 15 publications on the subject covering the earlier phase of the HIV epidemic in Africa from 1987 to 1999 making a total of 195 references in the study. This was combined with extensive personal experience diagnosing and treating these neurological disorders. RESULTS Neurological disorders were common, typically occurring in WHO stages III/IV. These were in three main categories: those arising from opportunistic processes mostly infections, direct HIV infection and autoimmunity. The most common were those arising from direct HIV infection occurring in >50%. These included HIV-associated neurocognitive dysfunction (HAND), neuropathy and myelopathy. Opportunistic infections occurred in >20% and frequently had a 6-9-month mortality rate of 60-70%. The main causes were cryptococcus, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis and acute bacterial meningitis. Concurrent systemic tuberculosis occurred in almost 50%. CONCLUSION Neurological disorders are common in HIV in Africa and the main CNS opportunistic infections result in high mortality rates. Strategies aimed at reducing their high burden, morbidity and mortality include early HIV diagnosis and anti-retroviral therapy (ART), screening and chemoprophylaxis of main opportunistic infections, improved clinical diagnosis and management and programme strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Howlett
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
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Akase IE, Olowoyo O, Oladele RO, Obiako RO, Warris A, Akanmu SA. Cryptococcal meningitis after ART: Need for proper baseline evaluation in the era of 'Test & Treat'. Med Mycol Case Rep 2019; 24:58-60. [PMID: 31049279 PMCID: PMC6479266 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) contributes significantly to high early mortality in the setting of advanced HIV. In resource poor settings, the current HIV disease management approach is focused on commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the same day of HIV diagnosis (‘Test and Treat’). The HIV program in Nigeria does not currently provide CrAg screening for patients with newly diagnosed and advanced HIV disease. We report a case of severe cryptococcal meningitis presenting following the commencement of ART. There is clear benefit in the early commencement of ART among HIV infected patients and to prevent patients lost to follow-up as aimed with the ‘Test & Treat’ approach. However, this approach needs to be balanced against the risk of IRIS and its associated morbidity and mortality when those patients are not being properly evaluated for opportunistic infections being present without overt symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iorhen E Akase
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Olowoyo
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rita O Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.,College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Reginald O Obiako
- Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.,Neurology Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Center for Medical Mycology, Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sulaimon A Akanmu
- College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
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Falci DR, Monteiro AA, Braz Caurio CF, Magalhães TCO, Xavier MO, Basso RP, Melo M, Schwarzbold AV, Ferreira PRA, Vidal JE, Marochi JP, Godoy CSDM, Soares RDBA, Paste A, Bay MB, Pereira-Chiccola VL, Damasceno LS, Leitão TDMJS, Pasqualotto AC. Histoplasmosis, An Underdiagnosed Disease Affecting People Living With HIV/AIDS in Brazil: Results of a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study Using Both Classical Mycology Tests and Histoplasma Urine Antigen Detection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz073. [PMID: 30997365 PMCID: PMC6461557 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Histoplasmosis is highly endemic in the American continent. This condition is associated with a high mortality, particularly in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Diagnosis of histoplasmosis is usually late in South America, as Histoplasma antigen detection is rarely available. Here we determined the prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of histoplasmosis in PLWHA in Brazilian hospitals. Methods This was a prospective cohort study (2016-2018) involving 14 tertiary medical centers in Brazil. We included hospitalized PLWHA presenting with fever and additional clinical findings. Patients were investigated at each participant center with classical mycology methods. Also, Histoplasma antigen detection was performed in urine samples (IMMY). Probable/proven histoplasmosis was defined according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group criteria. Results From 616 eligible patients, 570 were included. Histoplasmosis was identified in 21.6% (123/570) of patients. Urine antigen testing increased the diagnostic yield in 53.8%, in comparison with standard mycology methods. Variables independently associated with histoplasmosis were CD4+ count <50 cells/mm3, use of an antiretroviral (protective effect), and sample collection in the Northeast region of Brazil. Dyspnea at presentation was independently associated with death. Histoplasmosis was more frequent than tuberculosis in patients with low CD4+ counts. Overall 30-day mortality was 22.1%, decreasing to 14.3% in patients with antigen-based diagnosis. Conclusions Histoplasmosis is a very frequent condition affecting PLWHA in Brazil, particularly when CD4+ counts are lower than 50 cells/mm3. Antigen detection may detect earlier disease, with a probable impact on outcomes. Access to this diagnostic tool is needed to improve clinical management of PLWHA in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego R Falci
- Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Universidade La Salle, Canoas, Brazil
| | | | - Cassia Ferreira Braz Caurio
- Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Melissa O Xavier
- Hospital Universitario da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | - Rossana P Basso
- Hospital Universitario da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monica B Bay
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro C Pasqualotto
- Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Correspondence: A. C. Pasqualotto, MD, PhD, MBA, FECMM, Molecular Biology Laboratory at Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Av Independencia 155, Hospital Dom Vicente Scherer, Heliponto, 90035-075, Porto Alegre, Brazil ()
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Blankley S, Gashu T, Ahmad B, Belaye AK, Ringtho L, Mesic A, Zizhou S, Casas EC. Lessons learned: Retrospective assessment of outcomes and management of patients with advanced HIV disease in a semi-urban polyclinic in Epworth, Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214739. [PMID: 30969987 PMCID: PMC6457534 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV continues to be one of the leading causes of infectious death worldwide and presentation with advanced HIV disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recommendations for the management of advanced HIV disease include prompt screening and treatment of opportunistic infections, rapid initiation of ART and intensified adherence support. We present treatment outcomes of a cohort of patients presenting with advanced HIV disease in a semi-urban Zimbabwean polyclinic. METHODS Retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients enrolled for care at Epworth polyclinic, Zimbabwe between 2007 and end June 2016. Treatment outcomes at 6 and 12 months were recorded. Multivariate logistical regression analysis was undertaken to identify risk factors for presentation with advanced HIV Disease (CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 or WHO stage 3 or 4) and risks for attrition at 12 months. RESULTS 16,007 anti-retroviral therapy naive adult patients were included in the final analysis, 47.4% of whom presented with advanced HIV disease. Patients presenting with advanced HIV disease had a higher mortality rate at 12 months following enrollment compared to early stage patients (5.11% vs 0.45%). Introduction of a package of differentiated care for patients with a CD4 count of less than 100 cells/mm3 resulted in diagnosis of cryptococcal antigenaemia in 7% of patients and a significant increase in the diagnosis of TB, although there was no significant difference in attrition at 6 or 12 months for these patients compared to those enrolled prior to the introduction of the differentiated care. CONCLUSIONS The burden of advanced HIV disease remained high over the study period in this semi-urban polyclinic in Zimbabwe. Introduction of a package of differentiated care for those with advanced HIV disease increased the diagnosis of opportunistic infections and represents a model of care which can be replicated in other polyclinics in the resource constrained Zimbabwean context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Blankley
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Harare, Zimbabwe
- * E-mail:
| | - Tadele Gashu
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Abi kebra Belaye
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Lucia Ringtho
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anita Mesic
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Simukai Zizhou
- Provincial Medical Directorate, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Marondera, Zimbabwe
| | - Esther C. Casas
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ponatshego PL, Lawrence DS, Youssouf N, Molloy SF, Alufandika M, Bango F, Boulware DR, Chawinga C, Dziwani E, Gondwe E, Hlupeni A, Hosseinipour MC, Kanyama C, Meya DB, Mosepele M, Muthoga C, Muzoora CK, Mwandumba H, Ndhlovu CE, Rajasingham R, Sayed S, Shamu S, Tsholo K, Tugume L, Williams D, Maheswaran H, Shiri T, Boyer-Chammard T, Loyse A, Chen T, Wang D, Lortholary O, Lalloo DG, Meintjes G, Jaffar S, Harrison TS, Jarvis JN, Niessen LW. AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION): High dose AmBisome for cryptococcal meningitis induction therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: economic evaluation protocol for a randomised controlled trial-based equivalence study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026288. [PMID: 30940760 PMCID: PMC6500286 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcal meningitis is responsible for around 15% of all HIV-related deaths globally. Conventional treatment courses with amphotericin B require prolonged hospitalisation and are associated with multiple toxicities and poor outcomes. A phase II study has shown that a single high dose of liposomal amphotericin may be comparable to standard treatment. We propose a phase III clinical endpoint trial comparing single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin with the WHO recommended first-line treatment at six sites across five counties. An economic analysis is essential to support wide-scale implementation. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Country-specific economic evaluation tools will be developed across the five country settings. Details of patient and household out-of-pocket expenses and any catastrophic healthcare expenditure incurred will be collected via interviews from trial patients. Health service patient costs and related household expenditure in both arms will be compared over the trial period in a probabilistic approach, using Monte Carlo bootstrapping methods. Costing information and number of life-years survived will be used as the input to a decision-analytic model to assess the cost-effectiveness of a single, high-dose liposomal amphotericin to the standard treatment. In addition, these results will be compared with a historical cohort from another clinical trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The AMBIsome Therapy Induction OptimisatioN (AMBITION) trial has been evaluated and approved by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Botswana, Malawi National Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Mulago Hospital and Zimbabwe Medical Research Council research ethics committees. All participants will provide written informed consent or if lacking capacity will have consent provided by a proxy. The findings of this economic analysis, part of the AMBITION trial, will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and at international and country-level policy meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 7250 9687; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Stephen Lawrence
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nabila Youssouf
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sile F Molloy
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Melanie Alufandika
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Funeka Bango
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David R Boulware
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Eltas Dziwani
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ebbie Gondwe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Admire Hlupeni
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Cecilia Kanyama
- Lilongwe Medical Relief Trust (UNC Project), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - David B Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mosepele Mosepele
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Charles Muthoga
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Conrad K Muzoora
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry Mwandumba
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - Sumaya Sayed
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shepherd Shamu
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Katlego Tsholo
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lillian Tugume
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Darlisha Williams
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hendramoorthy Maheswaran
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
- Population Evidence and Technologies, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Tinevimbo Shiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Timothée Boyer-Chammard
- Molecular Mycology Unit and National Reference Centre for Invasive Mycoses, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Angela Loyse
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Duolao Wang
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Molecular Mycology Unit and National Reference Centre for Invasive Mycoses, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - David G Lalloo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Research Centre for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Louis Wilhelmus Niessen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Loyse A, Burry J, Cohn J, Ford N, Chiller T, Ribeiro I, Koulla-Shiro S, Mghamba J, Ramadhani A, Nyirenda R, Aliyu SH, Wilson D, Le T, Oladele R, Lesikari S, Muzoora C, Kalata N, Temfack E, Mapoure Y, Sini V, Chanda D, Shimwela M, Lakhi S, Ngoma J, Gondwe-Chunda L, Perfect C, Shroufi A, Andrieux-Meyer I, Chan A, Schutz C, Hosseinipour M, Van der Horst C, Klausner JD, Boulware DR, Heyderman R, Lalloo D, Day J, Jarvis JN, Rodrigues M, Jaffar S, Denning D, Migone C, Doherty M, Lortholary O, Dromer F, Stack M, Molloy SF, Bicanic T, van Oosterhout J, Mwaba P, Kanyama C, Kouanfack C, Mfinanga S, Govender N, Harrison TS. Leave no one behind: response to new evidence and guidelines for the management of cryptococcal meningitis in low-income and middle-income countries. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:e143-e147. [PMID: 30344084 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In 2018, WHO issued guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of HIV-related cryptococcal disease. Two strategies are recommended to reduce the high mortality associated with HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs): optimised combination therapies for confirmed meningitis cases and cryptococcal antigen screening programmes for ambulatory people living with HIV who access care. WHO's preferred therapy for the treatment of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis in LMICs is 1 week of amphotericin B plus flucytosine, and the alternative therapy is 2 weeks of fluconazole plus flucytosine. In the ACTA trial, 1-week (short course) amphotericin B plus flucytosine resulted in a 10-week mortality of 24% (95% CI -16 to 32) and 2 weeks of fluconazole and flucytosine resulted in a 10-week mortality of 35% (95% CI -29 to 41). However, with widely used fluconazole monotherapy, mortality because of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis is approximately 70% in many African LMIC settings. Therefore, the potential to transform the management of HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis in resource-limited settings is substantial. Sustainable access to essential medicines, including flucytosine and amphotericin B, in LMICs is paramount and the focus of this Personal View.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Loyse
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Jessica Burry
- Médecins Sans Frontières Access Campaign, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Elizabeth Glazier Paediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Isabela Ribeiro
- Dynamic Portfolio Unit, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Janneth Mghamba
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Angela Ramadhani
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Sani H Aliyu
- National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Douglas Wilson
- Department of medicine, Edendale hospital, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Thuy Le
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rita Oladele
- College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sokoine Lesikari
- The National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Conrad Muzoora
- Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Newton Kalata
- The College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Elvis Temfack
- Department of Internal Medicine, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Victor Sini
- Hôpital Central Yaoundé, Site Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Duncan Chanda
- The Institute for Medical Research and Training, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Amir Shroufi
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Adrienne Chan
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Zomba, Malawi; Division of Infectious Diseases, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mina Hosseinipour
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David Lalloo
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - David Denning
- Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Megan Doherty
- HIV and Hepatitis Department, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Molecular Mycology Unit, Associated National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Department of Medicine, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France; Necker Pasteur Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, IHU Imagine, Paris, France; Department of Medicine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Françoise Dromer
- Molecular Mycology Unit, Associated National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Muirgen Stack
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Joep van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, Zomba Central Hospital, Zomba, Malawi; Department of Medicine, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Mwaba
- Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia; Right to Care Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Cecilia Kanyama
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Dschang University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- The National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nelesh Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Centre for Global Health, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
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Benzekri NA, Sambou JF, Ndong S, Tamba IT, Faye D, Diallo MB, Diatta JP, Faye K, Sall I, Sall F, Manga NM, Malomar JJ, Ndour CT, Hawes SE, Seydi M, Gottlieb GS. Prevalence, predictors, and management of advanced HIV disease among individuals initiating ART in Senegal, West Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:261. [PMID: 30876400 PMCID: PMC6420737 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3826-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO guidelines for the management of advanced HIV disease recommend a package of care consisting of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART), enhanced screening and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and cryptococcal meningitis, co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), fluconazole pre-emptive therapy, and adherence support. The goals of this study were to determine the prevalence of advanced HIV disease among individuals initiating ART in Senegal, to identify predictors of advanced disease, and to evaluate adherence to the WHO guidelines. METHODS This study was conducted among HIV-positive individuals initiating ART in Dakar and Ziguinchor, Senegal. Clinical evaluations, laboratory analyses, questionnaires and chart review were conducted. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of advanced disease. RESULTS A total of 198 subjects were enrolled; 70% were female. The majority of subjects (71%) had advanced HIV disease, defined by the WHO as a CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 or clinical stage 3 or 4. The median CD4 count was 185 cells/mm3. The strongest predictors of advanced disease were age ≥ 35 (OR 5.80, 95%CI 2.35-14.30) and having sought care from a traditional healer (OR 3.86, 95%CI 1.17-12.78). Approximately one third of subjects initiated ART within 7 days of diagnosis. Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis was provided to 65% of subjects with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/mm3 or stage 3 or 4 disease. TB symptom screening was available for 166 subjects; 54% reported TB symptoms. Among those with TB symptoms, 39% underwent diagnostic evaluation. Among those eligible for IPT, one subject received isoniazid. No subjects underwent CrAg screening or received fluconazole to prevent cryptococcal meningitis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to report an association between seeking care from a traditional healer and presentation with WHO defined advanced disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the widespread use of traditional healers in sub-Saharan Africa, future studies to further explore this finding are indicated. Although the majority of individuals in this study presented with advanced disease and warranted management according to WHO guidelines, there were numerous missed opportunities to prevent HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Programmatic evaluation is needed to identify barriers to implementation of the WHO guidelines and enhanced funding for operational research is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle A Benzekri
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 358061, 750 Republican St, Seattle, WA, 98109-4725, USA.
| | | | - Sanou Ndong
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire (CHNU) de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Mouhamadou Baïla Diallo
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire (CHNU) de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Khadim Faye
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire (CHNU) de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Fatima Sall
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire (CHNU) de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Cheikh T Ndour
- Division de Lutte contre le Sida et les IST, Ministère de la Santé et de l'Action Sociale, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Stephen E Hawes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Moussa Seydi
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire (CHNU) de Fann, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Geoffrey S Gottlieb
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 358061, 750 Republican St, Seattle, WA, 98109-4725, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Rajasingham R, Meya DB, Greene GS, Jordan A, Nakawuka M, Chiller TM, Boulware DR, Larson BA. Evaluation of a national cryptococcal antigen screening program for HIV-infected patients in Uganda: A cost-effectiveness modeling analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210105. [PMID: 30629619 PMCID: PMC6328136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis accounts for 15% of AIDS-related mortality. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detected in blood weeks before onset of meningitis, and CrAg positivity is an independent predictor of meningitis and death. CrAg screening for patients with advanced HIV and preemptive treatment is recommended by the World Health Organization, though implementation remains limited. Our objective was to evaluate costs and mortality reduction (lives saved) from a national CrAg screening program across Uganda. METHODS We created a decision analytic model to evaluate CrAg screening. CrAg screening was considered for those with a CD4<100 cells/μL per national and international guidelines, and in the context of a national HIV test-and-treat program where CD4 testing was not available. Costs (2016 USD) were estimated for screening, preemptive therapy, hospitalization, and maintenance therapy. Parameter assumptions were based on large prospective CrAg screening studies in Uganda, and clinical trials from sub Saharan Africa. CrAg positive (CrAg+) persons could be: (a) asymptomatic and thus eligible for preemptive treatment with fluconazole; or (b) symptomatic with meningitis with hospitalization. RESULTS In the base case model for 1 million persons with a CD4 test annually, 128,000 with a CD4<100 cells/μL were screened, and 8,233 were asymptomatic CrAg+ and received preemptive therapy. Compared to no screening and treatment, CrAg screening and treatment in the base case cost $3,356,724 compared to doing nothing, and saved 7,320 lives, for a cost of $459 per life saved, with the $3.3 million in cost savings derived from fewer patients developing fulminant meningitis. In the scenario of a national HIV test-and-treat program, of 1 million HIV-infected persons, 800,000 persons were screened, of whom 640,000 returned to clinic, and 8,233 were incident CrAg positive (CrAg prevalence 1.4%). The total cost of a CrAg screening and treatment program was $4.16 million dollars, with 2,180 known deaths. Conversely, without CrAg screening, the cost of treating meningitis was $3.09 million dollars with 3,806 deaths. Thus, despite the very low CrAg prevalence of 1.4% in the general HIV-infected population, and inadequate retention-in-care, CrAg screening averted 43% of deaths from cryptococcal meningitis at a cost of $662 per death averted. CONCLUSION CrAg screening and treatment programs are cost-saving and lifesaving, assuming preemptive treatment is 77% effective in preventing death, and could be adopted and implemented by ministries of health to reduce mortality in those with advanced HIV disease. Even within HIV test-and-treat programs where CD4 testing is not performed, and CrAg prevalence is only 1.4%, CrAg screening is cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Rajasingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gregory S. Greene
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Alexander Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mina Nakawuka
- AIDS Control Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tom M. Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David R. Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases & International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bruce A. Larson
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Hlupeni A, Nakouzi A, Wang T, Boyd KF, Makadzange TA, Ndhlovu CE, Pirofski LA. Antibody Responses in HIV-Infected Patients With Advanced Immunosuppression and Asymptomatic Cryptococcal Antigenemia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 6:ofy333. [PMID: 30648127 PMCID: PMC6329905 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are no host biomarkers of risk for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) except CD4+ T-cell deficiency. At present, serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening of those with CD4 <100 cells/µL is used to identify persons at risk for HIV-associated CM. We determined if plasma antibody profiles could discriminate CrAg+ from CrAg- patients. Methods We performed serological analyses of 237 HIV-infected asymptomatic Zimbabwean patients with CD4 <100 cells/µL; 125 CrAg- and CrAg+ but cerebrospinal fluid CrAg- by CrAg lateral flow assay. We measured plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG) 1, and IgG2 concentrations by Luminex, and titers of Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) polysaccharide and naturally occurring Laminarin (natural Lam, a β-(1–3)-glucan linked polysaccharide)-binding IgM and IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results GXM-IgG, -IgM, and -IgG2 levels were significantly higher in CrAg+ patients, whereas natural Lam-IgM and Lam-IgG were higher in CrAg- patients before and after adjustment for age, sex, and CD4 T-cell count, despite overlap of values. To address this variability and better discriminate the groups, we used Akaike Information Criteria to select variables that independently predicted CrAg+ status and included them in a receiver operating characteristic curve to predict CrAg status. By inclusion of CD4, GXM-IgG, GXM-IgM, and Lam-IgG, -IgG2, and -IgM, this model had an 80.4% probability (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.86) of predicting CrAg+ status. Conclusions Statistical models that include multiple serological variables may improve the identification of patients at risk for CM and inform new directions in research on the complex role that antibodies may play in resistance and susceptibility to CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Admire Hlupeni
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Antonio Nakouzi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Kathryn F Boyd
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tariro A Makadzange
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Chiratidzo E Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Liise-Anne Pirofski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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Migone C, Ford N, Garner P, Eshun‐Wilson I. Updating guidance for preventing and treating cryptococcal disease: how evidence and decisions interface. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 11:ED000130. [PMID: 30520517 PMCID: PMC10284627 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.ed000130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Migone
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of HIV and Global Hepatitis ProgrammeGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Nathan Ford
- World Health OrganizationDepartment of HIV and Global Hepatitis ProgrammeGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Paul Garner
- Liverpool School of Tropical MedicineCentre for Evidence Synthesis in Global HealthLiverpoolUK
| | - Ingrid Eshun‐Wilson
- Stellenbosch UniversityCentre for Evidence‐based Health CareCape TownSouth Africa
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