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Liu F, Zeng M, Zhou X, Huang F, Song Z. Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:53. [PMID: 38175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Monzó-Gallo P, Lopera C, Badía-Tejero AM, Machado M, García-Rodríguez J, Vidal-Cortés P, Merino E, Calderón J, Fortún J, Palacios-Baena ZR, Pemán J, Sanchis JR, Aguilar-Guisado M, Gudiol C, Ramos JC, Sánchez-Romero I, Martin-Davila P, López-Cortés LE, Salavert M, Ruiz-Camps I, Chumbita M, Aiello TF, Peyrony O, Puerta-Alcalde P, Soriano A, Marco F, Garcia-Vidal C. Safety and effectiveness of isavuconazole in real-life non-neutropenic patients. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 144:107070. [PMID: 38663477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107070] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Information is scarce on clinical experiences with non-neutropenic patients with invasive fungal infection (IFI) receiving isavuconazole. We aimed to report the safety and effectiveness of this drug as a first-line treatment or rescue in real life. METHODS A retrospective, observational multicentric study of non-neutropenic patients who received isavuconazole as an IFI treatment at 12 different university hospitals (January 2018-2022). All patients met criteria for proven, probable or possible IFI according to EORTC-MSG. RESULTS A total of 238 IFIs were treated with isavuconazole during the study period. Combination therapy was administered in 27.7% of cases. The primary IFI was aspergillosis (217, 91.2%). Other IFIs treated with isavuconazole were candidemia (n = 10), mucormycosis (n = 8), histoplasmosis (n = 2), cryptococcosis (n = 2), and others (n = 4). Median time of isavuconazole treatment was 29 days. Only 5.9% (n = 14) of cases developed toxicity, mainly hepatic-related (10 patients, 4.2%). Nine patients (3.8%) had treatment withdrawn. Successful clinical response at 12 weeks was documented in 50.5% of patients. CONCLUSION Isavuconazole is an adequate treatment for non-neutropenic patients with IFIs. Toxicity rates were low and its effectiveness was comparable to other antifungal therapies previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Monzó-Gallo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Lopera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana M Badía-Tejero
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Machado
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio García-Rodríguez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital La Paz, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Esperanza Merino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis - Instituto, Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Jorge Calderón
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Fortún
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaira R Palacios-Baena
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Clinical Unit, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS) and CSIC, Seville, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Pemán
- Infectious Diseases Unit (Medical Clinical Department), University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS-La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Joan Roig Sanchis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuela Aguilar-Guisado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Parasitology, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlota Gudiol
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C Ramos
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital La Paz, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Sánchez-Romero
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Martin-Davila
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Ramon y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis E López-Cortés
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Clinical Unit, University Hospital Virgen Macarena, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS) and CSIC, Seville, Spain; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Salavert
- Infectious Diseases Unit (Medical Clinical Department), University and Polytechnic Hospital La Fe, La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS-La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Ruiz-Camps
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariana Chumbita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tommaso Francesco Aiello
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivier Peyrony
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Emergency Department, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pedro Puerta-Alcalde
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Soriano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Marco
- Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.; Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Garcia-Vidal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), c. Casanova, 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.; CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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Portillo V, Neofytos D. An Update on Breakthrough Invasive Mold Infections. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:56. [PMID: 38869662 PMCID: PMC11176211 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-024-00864-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of breakthrough mold infections (bIMI) has been increasing, due to routine administration of broad-spectrum antifungal prophylaxis and an increasing pool of high-risk patient populations, with fungi more challenging to treat, resulting in a sustained high mortality, despite progress in diagnostic and therapeutic options. Pharmacokinetics of antifungal drugs, fungal, and host, including genetic, factors play a role in the emergence of bIMI. Suggested therapeutic approaches have included change of antifungal class treatment, with amphotericin-B products predominating as first-line empirical treatment and switching from one broad-spectrum azole to another remaining the most frequently used treatment modalities. Future perspectives include determining individual susceptibility to IMI to tailor prophylaxis and treatment strategies, improved diagnostic tests, and the introduction of new antifungal agents that may reduce morbidity and mortality caused by bIMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Portillo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Internal Medecine, Ensemble Hospitalier de la Côte, Hôpital de Moges, Chemin de la Crêt 2, Morges, Vaud, Switzerland.
| | - Dionysios Neofytos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Machado M, Fortún J, Muñoz P. Invasive aspergillosis: A comprehensive review. Med Clin (Barc) 2024:S0025-7753(24)00193-3. [PMID: 38714471 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2024.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a severe fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus, although new species, sometimes resistant to antifungals are becoming more common. IA predominantly affects immunocompromised patients, such as those with haematological malignancies, solid organ transplant recipients, and critically ill patients. However, new at-risk populations have emerged in recent years, such as IA associated with severe viral infections. Advanced diagnostic methods are crucial, especially considering the rising concern of antifungal resistance. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, typically involving antifungal medications like voriconazole or amphotericin B, but new antifungals are arriving to complete the therapeutic strategies. Despite advancements, mortality rates remain high, underscoring the importance of timely interventions and ongoing research. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in immunocompromised patients and other new risk factors that are arising, to promptly diagnose and manage invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Machado
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Escuela de Doctorado, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
| | - Jesús Fortún
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Escuela de Doctorado, Alcalá de Henares, Spain; IRYCIS: Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias - CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain; Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
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5
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Trubin P, Azar MM. A fast-track to fungal diagnosis: the potential of molecular diagnostics for fungi at the point of care. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:143-146. [PMID: 37991006 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2287504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Trubin
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marwan M Azar
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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6
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Kang Y, Li Q, Yao Y, Xu C, Qiu Z, Jia W, Li G, Wang P. Epidemiology and Azole Resistance of Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from a Large Tertiary Hospital in Ningxia, China. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:427-439. [PMID: 38328338 PMCID: PMC10849152 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s440363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The objective of this study was to determine the clinical distribution, in vitro antifungal susceptibility and underlying resistance mechanisms of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) isolates from the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between November 2021 and May 2023. Methods Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the Sensititre YeastOne YO10, and isolates with high minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were further confirmed using the standard broth microdilution assays established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-third edition. Whole-Genome Resequencing and RT-qPCR in azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were performed to investigate the underlying resistance mechanisms. Results Overall, a total of 276 A. fumigatus isolates were identified from various clinical departments, showing an increasing trend in the number of isolates over the past 3 years. Two azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains (0.72%) were observed, one of which showed overexpression of cyp51A, cyp51B, cdr1B, MDR1/2, artR, srbA, erg24A, and erg4B, but no cyp51A mutation. However, the other strain harbored two alterations in the cyp51A sequences (L98H/S297T). Therefore, we first described two azole-resistant clinical A. fumigatus strains in Ningxia, China, and reported one azole-resistant strain that has the L98H/S297T mutations in the cyp51A gene without any tandem repeat (TR) sequences in the promoter region. Conclusions This study emphasizes the importance of enhancing attention and surveillance of azole-resistant A. fumigatus, particularly those with non-TR point mutations of cyp51A or non-cyp51A mutations, in order to gain a better understanding of their prevalence and spread in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Kang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiujie Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Yao
- Center of Medical Laboratory, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Xu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoran Qiu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Jia
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Medical Laboratory, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Medical Laboratory, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengtao Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, People’s Republic of China
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Jensen HE, Becker CB. Pathological Diagnosis of Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:41-49. [PMID: 38266999 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis constitutes an increasingly prevalent and potentially fatal complex of mycotic diseases, caused by different species of Aspergillus. The broad spectrum of pathological manifestations associated with pulmonary aspergillosis necessitates a differentiation of commensalism from saprophytic colonization, hypersensitivity reactions, and true invasive infections, which highlights the importance of histopathology as a gold standard in a diagnostic setting. For the past decades, changes in terminology and contradicting contributions from different diagnostic disciplines have made the classification of pulmonary aspergillosis rather confusing. This review offers a categorization of aspergillosis lesions based on what can be histopathologically identified and distinguished, differentiating between acute invasive infection and forms of subacute, chronic, and allergic diseases and coinfections, and summarizes important manifestations of lesions associated with the different forms of pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik E Jensen
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie B Becker
- Section for Pathobiological Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Ozturk A, Bozok T, Erdogan M, Ibrahim BMS, Bozok TS. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA): identification of Aspergillus species and determination of antifungal susceptibility profiles. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:951-959. [PMID: 37294497 PMCID: PMC10250855 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-023-01069-5] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Among the co-infectious agents in COVID-19 patients, Aspergillus species cause invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). IPA is difficult to diagnose and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study is aimed at identifying Aspergillus spp. from sputum and tracheal aspirate (TA) samples of COVID-19 patients and at determining their antifungal susceptibility profiles. A total of 50 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in their intensive care units (ICU) were included in the study. Identification of Aspergillus isolates was performed by phenotypic and molecular methods. ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria were used for IPA case definitions. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of isolates were determined by the microdilution method. Aspergillus spp. was detected in 35 (70%) of the clinical samples. Among the Aspergillus spp., 20 (57.1%) A. fumigatus, six (17.1%) A. flavus, four (11.4%) A. niger, three (8.6%) A. terreus, and two (5.7%) A. welwitschiae were identified. In general, Aspergillus isolates were susceptible to the tested antifungal agents. In the study, nine patients were diagnosed with possible IPA, 11 patients were diagnosed with probable IPA, and 15 patients were diagnosed with Aspergillus colonization according to the used algorithms. Serum galactomannan antigen positivity was found in 11 of the patients diagnosed with IPA. Our results provide data on the incidence of IPA, identification of Aspergillus spp., and its susceptibility profiles in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Prospective studies are needed for a faster diagnosis or antifungal prophylaxis to manage the poor prognosis of IPA and reduce the risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ozturk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Taylan Bozok
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Merve Erdogan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sanko University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Bashar MS. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey
| | - Tugce Simsek Bozok
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Mersin University Hospital, Mersin, Turkey
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Sajeer Paramabth M, Varma M. Demystifying PCR tests, challenges, alternatives, and future: A quick review focusing on COVID and fungal infections. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 51:719-728. [PMID: 37485773 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique is one of the most potent tools in molecular biology. It is extensively used for various applications ranging from medical diagnostics to forensic science and food quality testing. This technique has facilitated to survive COVID-19 pandemic by identifying the virus-infected individuals effortlessly and effectively. This review explores the principles, recent advancements, challenges, and alternatives of PCR technique in the context of COVID-19 and fungal infections. The introduction of PCR technique for anyone new to this field is the primary aim of this review and thereby equips them to understand the science of COVID-19 and related fungal infections in a simplistic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manoj Varma
- Center for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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David JA, Kolipakkam B, Morales MK, Vissichelli NC. Cell-free plasma next-generation sequencing assists in the evaluation of secondary pneumonia in patients with COVID-19: a case series. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e185. [PMID: 37886888 PMCID: PMC10644058 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268823001711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Secondary pneumonia occurs in 8-24% of patients with Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of secondary pneumonia can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of plasma microbial cell free DNA sequencing (mcfNGS) in the evaluation of secondary pneumonia after COVID-19. We performed a single-center case series of patients with COVID-19 who underwent mcfNGS to evaluate secondary pneumonia and reported the organisms identified, concordance with available tests, clinical utility, and outcomes. In 8/13 (61%) cases, mcfNGS detected 1-6 organisms, with clinically significant organisms identified in 4 cases, including Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Legionella spp. Management was changed in 85% (11/13) of patients based on results, including initiation of targeted therapy, de-escalation of empiric antimicrobials, and avoiding contingent escalation of antifungals. mcfNGS may be helpful to identify pathogens causing secondary pneumonia, including opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients with COVID-19. However, providers need to carefully interpret this test within the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. David
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bharadhwaj Kolipakkam
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Megan K. Morales
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nicole C. Vissichelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Tufa TB, Bongomin F, Fathallah A, Cândido ALSM, Hashad R, Abdallaoui MS, Nail AA, Fayemiwo SA, Penney ROS, Orefuwa E, Denning DW. Access to the World Health Organization-recommended essential diagnostics for invasive fungal infections in critical care and cancer patients in Africa: A diagnostic survey. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1666-1674. [PMID: 37633228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) contribute to significant morbidity and mortality among patients with haemato-oncological conditions, seriously ill hospitalised patients and those in intensive care (ICU). We surveyed for the World Health Organization-recommended essential diagnostic tests for IFIs in these risk groups in Africa. METHODS The Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI) evaluated the different levels of access to both diagnostics for IFIs for populations in Africa, with the aim of building a comparative dataset and a publicly available interactive map. Data was collected through a validated questionnaire administered to a country leader in relevant topics (i.e., HIV, laboratory coordination) and/or Ministry of Health representatives and followed up with 2 rounds of validation by video calls, and later confirmation by email of findings. RESULTS Initial data was collected from 48 African countries covering 99.65 % of the population. Conventional diagnostics such as blood cultures, direct microscopy and histopathology were often used for diagnosis of IFIs in more than half of the facilities. Bronchoscopy was rarely done or not done in 20 countries (population 649 million). In over 40 African countries (population >850 million), Aspergillus antigen testing was never performed in either the public or private sectors. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is routinely used in 27 (56 %) of countries in the public sector and 21 44 %) in the private sector. However, magnetic resonance imaging remains relatively uncommon in most African countries. CONCLUSIONS There are critical gaps in the availability of essential diagnostics for IFIs in Africa, particularly Aspergillus antigen testing and modern medical imaging modalities. Early diagnosis and commencement of targeted therapy of IFIs are critical for optimal outcomes from complex cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafese Beyene Tufa
- Hirsch Institute of Tropical Medicine, Asella, Ethiopia; College of Health Sciences, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P. O. BOX 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Akila Fathallah
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ana Luísa S M Cândido
- National Institute of Health Research (INIS)-Laboratory of Hematology, Biochemistry and Parasitology of Malaria, Luanda, Angola
| | - Rola Hashad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha Soussi Abdallaoui
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, University Hospital Centrer of Casablanca & Faculty of Medicine University Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelsalam Ahmed Nail
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
| | | | | | - Emma Orefuwa
- Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David W Denning
- Global Action For Fungal Infections (GAFFI), Geneva, Switzerland; Manchester Fungal Infection Group, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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12
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Koulenti D, Papathanakos G, Blot S. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the ICU: tale of a broadening risk profile. Curr Opin Crit Care 2023; 29:463-469. [PMID: 37641513 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the absence of histopathological proof, the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is usually based on mycology (not on tissue), medical imaging, and the patient's risk profile for acquiring invasive fungal disease. Here, we review the changes in risk profile for IPA that took place over the past decades. RECENT FINDINGS In the early 2000s IPA was considered exclusively a disease of immunocompromised patients. Particularly in the context of critical illness, the risk profile has been broadened steadily. Acute viral infection by influenza or SARS-Cov-2 are now well recognized risk factors for IPA. SUMMARY The classic risk profile ('host factors') reflecting an immunocompromised status was first enlarged by a spectrum of chronic conditions such as AIDS, cirrhosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In the presence of critical illness, especially characterized by sepsis and/or severe respiratory distress, any chronic condition could add to the risk profile. Recently, acute viral infections have been associated with IPA leading to the concepts of influenza-associated IPA and COVID-19-associated IPA. These viral infections may affect patients without underlying disease. Hence, the risk for IPA is now a reality for ICU patients, even in the absence of any chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Koulenti
- 2nd Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
- UQCCR, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Georgios Papathanakos
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stijn Blot
- UQCCR, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Osman H, Shaik AN, Nguyen PL, Cantor Z, Kaafarani M, Soubani AO. The Clinical Significance of Aspergillus Detected in Lower-Respiratory-Tract Samples of Critically Ill COVID-19-Positive Patients. Adv Respir Med 2023; 91:337-349. [PMID: 37736973 PMCID: PMC10514834 DOI: 10.3390/arm91050027] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to viral infection are at risk for secondary complications, including invasive aspergillosis. Our study aimed to characterize the clinical significance and outcome of Aspergillus species isolated from lower-respiratory-tract samples of critically ill OVID-19 patients at a single center. Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and aspergillus isolated from the lower respiratory tract and to identify predictors of outcomes in this population. Setting: The setting was a single-center hospital system within the metropolitan Detroit region. Results: The prevalence of Aspergillus isolated in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 1.18% (30/2461 patients), and it was 4.6% in critically ill ICU patients with COVID-19. Probable COVID-19-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was found in 21 critically ill patients, and 9 cases were classified as colonization. The in-hospital mortality of critically ill patients with CAPA and those with aspergillus colonization were high but not significantly different (76% vs. 67%, p = 1.00). Furthermore, the in-hospital mortality for ICU patients with or without Aspergillus isolated was not significantly different 73.3% vs. 64.5%, respectively (OR 1.53, CI 0.64-4.06, p = 0.43). In patients in whom Aspergillus was isolated, antifungal therapy (p = 0.035, OR 12.3, CI 1.74-252); vasopressors (0.016, OR 10.6, CI 1.75-81.8); and a higher mSOFA score (p = 0.043, OR 1.29 CI 1.03-1.72) were associated with a worse outcome. In a multivariable model adjusting for other significant variables, FiO2 was the only variable associated with in-hospital mortality in patients in whom Aspergillus was isolated (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.27). Conclusions: The isolation of Aspergillus from lower-respiratory-tract samples of critically ill patients with COVID-19 is associated with high mortality. It is important to have a low threshold for superimposed infections such as CAPA in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Osman
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Asra N. Shaik
- Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Paul L. Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Zachary Cantor
- Department of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Mirna Kaafarani
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R-3 Hudson, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Ayman O. Soubani
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3990 John R-3 Hudson, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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14
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Platt AP, Bradley BT, Nasir N, Stein SR, Ramelli SC, Ramos-Benitez MJ, Dickey JM, Purcell M, Singireddy S, Hays N, Wu J, Raja K, Curto R, Salipante SJ, Chisholm C, Carnes S, Marshall DA, Cookson BT, Vannella KM, Madathil RJ, Soherwardi S, McCurdy MT, Saharia KK, Rabin J, Nih Covid-Autopsy Consortium, Grazioli A, Kleiner DE, Hewitt SM, Lieberman JA, Chertow DS. Pulmonary Co-Infections Detected Premortem Underestimate Postmortem Findings in a COVID-19 Autopsy Case Series. Pathogens 2023; 12:932. [PMID: 37513779 PMCID: PMC10383307 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070932] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial and fungal co-infections are reported complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critically ill patients but may go unrecognized premortem due to diagnostic limitations. We compared the premortem with the postmortem detection of pulmonary co-infections in 55 fatal COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to March 2021. The concordance in the premortem versus the postmortem diagnoses and the pathogen identification were evaluated. Premortem pulmonary co-infections were extracted from medical charts while applying standard diagnostic definitions. Postmortem co-infection was defined by compatible lung histopathology with or without the detection of an organism in tissue by bacterial or fungal staining, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with broad-range bacterial and fungal primers. Pulmonary co-infection was detected premortem in significantly fewer cases (15/55, 27%) than were detected postmortem (36/55, 65%; p < 0.0001). Among cases in which co-infection was detected postmortem by histopathology, an organism was identified in 27/36 (75%) of cases. Pseudomonas, Enterobacterales, and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified bacteria both premortem and postmortem. Invasive pulmonary fungal infection was detected in five cases postmortem, but in no cases premortem. According to the univariate analyses, the patients with undiagnosed pulmonary co-infection had significantly shorter hospital (p = 0.0012) and intensive care unit (p = 0.0006) stays and significantly fewer extra-pulmonary infections (p = 0.0021). Bacterial and fungal pulmonary co-infection are under-recognized complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Platt
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Benjamin T Bradley
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Nadia Nasir
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sydney R Stein
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sabrina C Ramelli
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marcos J Ramos-Benitez
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Microbiology, Ponce Research Institute, School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR 00716, USA
| | - James M Dickey
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | | | - Nicole Hays
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jocelyn Wu
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Katherine Raja
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ryan Curto
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Stephen J Salipante
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Claire Chisholm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Desiree A Marshall
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Brad T Cookson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin M Vannella
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ronson J Madathil
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Michael T McCurdy
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson, MD 21204, USA
| | - Kapil K Saharia
- Institute of Human Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Joseph Rabin
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Surgery and Program in Trauma, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | | | - Alison Grazioli
- R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, Department of Medicine and Program in Trauma, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joshua A Lieberman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Daniel S Chertow
- Emerging Pathogens Section, Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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15
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Kangabam N, Nethravathy V. An overview of opportunistic fungal infections associated with COVID-19. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:231. [PMID: 37309405 PMCID: PMC10257773 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03648-2] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 survivors and long-term steroid administered patients exhibit a variety of fungal co-infections. The lives of COVID-19 patients and survivors are hampered by fungal species of the genera Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor. There have been cases of mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis in COVID-19 patients. The treatments given to these opportunistic fungal infections include polyene like amphotericin B, azoles including imidazoles like ketoconazole, miconazole, and triazoles like fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, Echinocandin derivatives like- caspofungin, micafungin, immunomodulatory therapy, granulocyte transfusion, etc. A successful recovery and the reduction of fatalities depend on prompt diagnosis and treatment. To reduce mortality, advanced techniques to identify such uncommon infections at a very early stage are necessary. This review's goal is to provide a summary of the systemic and superficial opportunistic fungal infections that the COVID-19 survivors were dealing with, including information on illness incidence, pathogenicity, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navidita Kangabam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, , Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenehalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064 India
| | - V. Nethravathy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, , Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenehalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064 India
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16
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Permpalung N, Liang T, Gopinath S, Bazemore K, Mathew J, Ostrander D, Durand CM, Shoham S, Zhang SX, Marr KA, Avery RK, Shah PD. Invasive fungal infections after respiratory viral infections in lung transplant recipients are associated with lung allograft failure and chronic lung allograft dysfunction within 1 year. J Heart Lung Transplant 2023; 42:953-963. [PMID: 36925381 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory viral infections (RVI) are associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) and mortality in lung transplant recipients (LTRs). However, the prevalence and impact of secondary invasive fungal infections (IFIs) post RVIs in LTRs have not been investigated. METHODS We performed a single center retrospective study including LTRs diagnosed with 5 different respiratory viral pathogens between January 2010 to May 2021 and evaluated their clinical outcomes in 1 year. The risk factors of IFIs were evaluated by logistic regression. The impact of IFIs on CLAD stage progression/death was examined by Cox regression. RESULTS A total of 202 RVI episodes (50 influenza, 31 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, 30 metapneumovirus, 44 parainfluenza, and 47 respiratory syncytial virus) in 132 patients was included for analysis. Thirty-one episodes (15%) were associated with secondary IFIs, and 27 occurred in LTRs with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI; 28% from 96 LRTI episodes). Aspergillosis was the most common IFI (80%). LTRs with IFIs had higher disease severity during RVI episodes. In multivariable analysis, RVI with LTRI was associated with IFI (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 7.85 (2.48-24.9). Secondary IFIs were associated with CLAD stage progression/death after accounting for LRTI, pre-existing CLAD, intensive care unit admission, secondary bacterial pneumonia and underlying lung diseases pre-transplant with adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) of 2.45 (1.29-4.64). CONCLUSIONS This cohort demonstrated 15% secondary IFI prevalence in LTRs with RVIs. Importantly, secondary IFIs were associated with CLAD stage progression/death, underscoring the importance of screening for fungal infections in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitipong Permpalung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Tao Liang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shilpa Gopinath
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Katrina Bazemore
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joby Mathew
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Darin Ostrander
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christine M Durand
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shmuel Shoham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sean X Zhang
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kieren A Marr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Pearl Diagnostics Inc, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robin K Avery
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pali D Shah
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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17
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Singh N, Kaur R, Zaidi A, Aulakh S, Nijhawan VS. Spectrum of Fungal Infections in a Tertiary Care Centre of North India: Pre-COVID and COVID Scenario and Implications. Cureus 2023; 15:e38616. [PMID: 37284389 PMCID: PMC10239982 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38616] [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] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhino orbital mucormycosis is a rare and very aggressive entity. A sudden rise of this entity has been noticed with the insurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic both among immunocompromised and immuno-competent patients. This study was done to determine any possible correlation between these two deadly diseases. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective observational study done in the pathology department of a tertiary care center in North India over a three-year period (January 2019 - December 2021). Patient details along with relevant clinical data were retrieved from the patient's record file. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of diagnosed cases were taken from the department records. Results A total of 45 patients (34 males, 11 females) were included in the study, seven of which were ophthalmic exenteration specimens. The mean age of the patients was 52.68 years. Fifteen cases showed COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity. Histopathology revealed the presence of mucormycosis in all the cases. There were six cases showing granuloma formation and 14 cases revealed mixed fungal infection. Optic nerve involvement was seen in six cases of exenteration specimens. Conclusions The present study showed a sudden resurgence of secondary fungal infections, especially during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Associated co-morbid conditions and injudicious use of steroids and antibiotics have been the cause of depressed immunity leading to the infections. One must be aware of such co-infections to facilitate timely medical management to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Pathology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and Research, Mullana, Ambala, IND
| | - Rupinder Kaur
- Pathology, Christian Medical College & Brown Memorial Hospital, Ludhiana, IND
- Pathology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and Research, Mullana, Ambala, IND
| | - Ariba Zaidi
- Pathology, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, IND
| | - Sukhpreet Aulakh
- Pathology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and Research, Mullana, Ambala, IND
| | - Vijay S Nijhawan
- Pathology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Science and Research, Mullana, Ambala, IND
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18
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Erami M, Mirhendi H, Momen-Heravi M, Sharif A, Hashemi Hezaveh SJ, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Aboutalebian S. Case report: COVID-19-associated mucormycosis co-infection with Lomentospora prolificans: The first case and review on multiple fungal co-infections during COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1078970. [PMID: 37007774 PMCID: PMC10061085 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1078970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with the pandemic COVID-19 spreads, new clinical challenges have emerged in the health care settings, among which there is a high risk of secondary invasive fungal infections with significant mortality. Here, we report a case of invasive fungal rhino orbital sinusitis due to the simultaneous co-infection by Rhizopus oryzae and Lomentospora prolificans, both identified by sequencing, in a 70-year-old Afghanistanian female with COVID-19. The patient was subjected to surgical debridement as well as taking liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, and on discharge, her condition was good. As far as we know, this is the first case of co-infection of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) and Lomentospora prolificans infection. Multiple fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sharif
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Shima Aboutalebian,
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19
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Scott J, Valero C, Mato-López Á, Donaldson IJ, Roldán A, Chown H, Van Rhijn N, Lobo-Vega R, Gago S, Furukawa T, Morogovsky A, Ben Ami R, Bowyer P, Osherov N, Fontaine T, Goldman GH, Mellado E, Bromley M, Amich J. Aspergillus fumigatus Can Display Persistence to the Fungicidal Drug Voriconazole. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0477022. [PMID: 36912663 PMCID: PMC10100717 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04770-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus that can infect the lungs of patients with immunosuppression and/or underlying lung diseases. The mortality associated with chronic and invasive aspergillosis infections remain very high, despite availability of antifungal treatments. In the last decade, there has been a worrisome emergence and spread of resistance to the first-line antifungals, the azoles. The mortality caused by resistant isolates is even higher, and patient management is complicated as the therapeutic options are reduced. Nevertheless, treatment failure is also common in patients infected with azole-susceptible isolates, which can be due to several non-mutually exclusive reasons, such as poor drug absorption. In addition, the phenomena of tolerance or persistence, where susceptible pathogens can survive the action of an antimicrobial for extended periods, have been associated with treatment failure in bacterial infections, and their occurrence in fungal infections already proposed. Here, we demonstrate that some isolates of A. fumigatus display persistence to voriconazole. A subpopulation of the persister isolates can survive for extended periods and even grow at low rates in the presence of supra-MIC of voriconazole and seemingly other azoles. Persistence cannot be eradicated with adjuvant drugs or antifungal combinations and seemed to reduce the efficacy of treatment for certain individuals in a Galleria mellonella model of infection. Furthermore, persistence implies a distinct transcriptional profile, demonstrating that it is an active response. We propose that azole persistence might be a relevant and underestimated factor that could influence the outcome of infection in human aspergillosis. IMPORTANCE The phenomena of antibacterial tolerance and persistence, where pathogenic microbes can survive for extended periods in the presence of cidal drug concentrations, have received significant attention in the last decade. Several mechanisms of action have been elucidated, and their relevance for treatment failure in bacterial infections demonstrated. In contrast, our knowledge of antifungal tolerance and, in particular, persistence is still very limited. In this study, we have characterized the response of the prominent fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus to the first-line therapy antifungal voriconazole. We comprehensively show that some isolates display persistence to this fungicidal antifungal and propose various potential mechanisms of action. In addition, using an alternative model of infection, we provide initial evidence to suggest that persistence may cause treatment failure in some individuals. Therefore, we propose that azole persistence is an important factor to consider and further investigate in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Scott
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Mato-López
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ian J. Donaldson
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandra Roldán
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Harry Chown
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Norman Van Rhijn
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebeca Lobo-Vega
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Takanori Furukawa
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alma Morogovsky
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronen Ben Ami
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nir Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- CiberInfec ISCIII, CIBER en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Amich
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mycology Reference Laboratory (Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Micología [LRIM]), National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Mansour MK, King JD, Chen ST, Fishman JA, Nazarian RM. Case 7-2023: A 70-Year-Old Man with Covid-19, Respiratory Failure, and Rashes. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:926-937. [PMID: 36884326 PMCID: PMC10029363 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc2211369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Mansour
- From the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., S.T.C., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Joseph D King
- From the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., S.T.C., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Steven T Chen
- From the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., S.T.C., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Jay A Fishman
- From the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., S.T.C., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Rosalynn M Nazarian
- From the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., S.T.C., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (M.K.M., J.A.F.), Radiology (J.D.K.), Dermatology (S.T.C.), and Pathology (R.M.N.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
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21
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Comparison of Multi-locus Genotypes Detected in Aspergillus fumigatus Isolated from COVID Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) and from Other Clinical and Environmental Sources. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030298. [PMID: 36983466 PMCID: PMC10056896 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic fungus, ubiquitous in the environment and responsible for causing infections, some of them severe invasive infections. The high morbidity and mortality, together with the increasing burden of triazole-resistant isolates and the emergence of new risk groups, namely COVID-19 patients, have raised a crescent awareness of the need to better comprehend the dynamics of this fungus. The understanding of the epidemiology of this fungus, especially of CAPA isolates, allows a better understanding of the interactions of the fungus in the environment and the human body. Methods: In the present study, the M3 markers of the STRAf assay were used as a robust typing technique to understand the connection between CAPA isolates and isolates from different sources (environmental and clinical-human and animal). Results: Of 100 viable isolates that were analyzed, 85 genotypes were found, 77 of which were unique. Some isolates from different sources presented the same genotype. Microsatellite genotypes obtained from A. fumigatus isolates from COVID+ patients were all unique, not being found in any other isolates of the present study or even in other isolates deposited in a worldwide database; these same isolates were heterogeneously distributed among the other isolates. Conclusions: Isolates from CAPA patients revealed high heterogeneity of multi-locus genotypes. A genotype more commonly associated with COVID-19 infections does not appear to exist.
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22
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Martins-Santana L, Rezende CP, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM, Almeida F. Addressing Microbial Resistance Worldwide: Challenges over Controlling Life-Threatening Fungal Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020293. [PMID: 36839565 PMCID: PMC9961291 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a serious global concern because of their ability to spread and colonize host tissues in immunocompromised individuals. Such infections have been frequently reported worldwide and are currently gaining clinical research relevance owing to their resistant character, representing a bottleneck in treating affected people. Resistant fungi are an emergent public health threat. The upsurge of such pathogens has led to new research toward unraveling the destructive potential evoked by these species. Some fungi-grouped into Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus-are causative agents of severe and systemic infections. They are associated with high mortality rates and have recently been described as sources of coinfection in COVID-hospitalized patients. Despite the efforts to elucidate the challenges of colonization, dissemination, and infection severity, the immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases remains a pivotal characteristic in fungal burden elimination. The struggle between the host immune system and the physiological strategies of the fungi to maintain cellular viability is complex. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of drug resistance phenotypes in fungi of clinical significance, taking into consideration their physiopathology and how the scientific community could orchestrate their efforts to avoid fungal infection dissemination and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Martins-Santana
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Caroline Patini Rezende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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23
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Wang Y, Yang M, Ge F, Jiang B, Hu R, Zhou X, Yang Y, Liu M. Lysine Succinylation of VBS Contributes to Sclerotia Development and Aflatoxin Biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100490. [PMID: 36566904 PMCID: PMC9879794 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2022.100490] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a common saprophytic and pathogenic fungus, and its secondary metabolic pathways are one of the most highly characterized owing to its aflatoxin (AF) metabolite affecting global economic crops and human health. Different natural environments can cause significant variations in AF synthesis. Succinylation was recently identified as one of the most critical regulatory post-translational modifications affecting metabolic pathways. It is primarily reported in human cells and bacteria with few studies on fungi. Proteomic quantification of lysine succinylation (Ksuc) exploring its potential involvement in secondary metabolism regulation (including AF production) has not been performed under natural conditions in A. flavus. In this study, a quantification method was performed based on tandem mass tag labeling and antibody-based affinity enrichment of succinylated peptides via high accuracy nano-liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to explore the succinylation mechanism affecting the pathogenicity of naturally isolated A. flavus strains with varying toxin production. Altogether, 1240 Ksuc sites in 768 proteins were identified with 1103 sites in 685 proteins quantified. Comparing succinylated protein levels between high and low AF-producing A. flavus strains, bioinformatics analysis indicated that most succinylated proteins located in the AF biosynthetic pathway were downregulated, which directly affected AF synthesis. Versicolorin B synthase is a key catalytic enzyme for heterochrome B synthesis during AF synthesis. Site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical studies revealed that versicolorin B synthase succinylation is an important regulatory mechanism affecting sclerotia development and AF biosynthesis in A. flavus. In summary, our quantitative study of the lysine succinylome in high/low AF-producing strains revealed the role of Ksuc in regulating AF biosynthesis. We revealed novel insights into the metabolism of AF biosynthesis using naturally isolated A. flavus strains and identified a rich source of metabolism-related enzymes regulated by succinylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingkun Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Ge
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Rui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunhuang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Maili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic Molecular Physics, Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Hubei Optics Valley Laboratory, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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24
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Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Not Only a Disease Affecting Immunosuppressed Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030440. [PMID: 36766545 PMCID: PMC9914306 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030440] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections have become a common threat in Intensive Care Units (ICU). The epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) has been extensively studied in patients severely immunosuppressed over the last 20-30 years, however, the type of patients that have been admitted to hospitals in the last decade has made the healthcare system and ICU a different setting with more vulnerable hosts. Patients admitted to an ICU tend to have older age and higher severity of disease. Moreover, the number of patients being treated in ICU are often immunosuppressed as a result of the widespread use of immunomodulatory agents, such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, and biological agents. The development of Invasive Pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) reflects a different clinical trajectory to affected patients. The increasing use of corticosteroids would probably explain the higher incidence of IPA especially in critically ill patients. In refractory septic shock, severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the use of corticosteroids has re-emerged in order to decrease unacceptably high mortality rates associated with these clinical conditions. It is also pertinent to note that different reports have used different diagnosis criteria, and this might explain the different incidence rates. Another layer of complexity to better understand current IPA data is related to more aggressive acquisition of samples through invasive respiratory examinations.
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25
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Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020130. [PMID: 36836245 PMCID: PMC9968193 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020130] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) and the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) 2020 consensus classification proposes criteria to define coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), including mycological evidence obtained via non-bronchoscopic lavage. Given the low specificity of radiological findings in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, this criterion makes it difficult to differentiate between invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and colonization. This unicenter and retrospective study includes 240 patients with isolates of any Aspergillus species in any respiratory samples during a 20-month study (140 IPA and 100 colonization). Mortality was high in the IPA and colonization groups (37.1% and 34.0%, respectively; p = 0.61), especially in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, where mortality was higher in colonized patients (40.7% vs. 66.6.%; p: 0.021). Multivariate analysis confirmed the following variables to be independently associated with increased mortality: age > 65 years, acute or chronic renal failure at diagnosis, thrombocytopenia (<100,000 platelets/µL) at admission, inotrope requirement, and SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not the presence of IPA. This series shows that the isolation of Aspergillus spp. in respiratory samples, whether associated with disease criteria or not, is associated with high mortality, especially in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and suggests an early initiation of treatment given its high mortality rate.
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26
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Siasios P, Arvaniti K, Zachrou E, Poulopoulou A, Pisanidou P, Vasileiadou G, Kaimakamis E, Georgopoulou A, Renta F, Lathyris D, Veroniki F, Geka E, Soultati I, Argiriadou E, Apostolidou E, Amoiridou P, Ioannou K, Kouras L, Mimitou I, Stokkos K, Flioni E, Pertsas E, Sileli M, Iasonidou C, Sourla E, Pitsiou G, Vyzantiadis TA. COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) in Northern Greece during 2020-2022: A Comparative Study According to the Main Consensus Criteria and Definitions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010081. [PMID: 36675902 PMCID: PMC9863007 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010081] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged as an important complication among patients with acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Almost 2.5 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to raise concerns as an extra factor that contributes to increased mortality, which is mostly because its diagnosis and management remain challenging. The present study utilises the cases of forty-three patients hospitalised between August 2020 and February 2022 whose information was gathered from ten ICUs and special care units based in northern Greece. The main aim was to describe the gained experience in diagnosing CAPA, according to the implementation of the main existing diagnostic consensus criteria and definitions, and present the different classification of the clinical cases due to the alternative algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Siasios
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Kostoula Arvaniti
- ICU, “Papageorgiou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Zachrou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Poulopoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Pisanidou
- ICU, “Papageorgiou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Vasileiadou
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kaimakamis
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athina Georgopoulou
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Renta
- ICU, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lathyris
- ICU, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Veroniki
- First ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Geka
- First ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Soultati
- Second ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Argiriadou
- Second ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Apostolidou
- ICU, “Bodossakio” General Hospital of Ptolemaida, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Amoiridou
- ICU, “Bodossakio” General Hospital of Ptolemaida, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | | | - Leonidas Kouras
- ICU, “Mamatsio” General Hospital of Kozani, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Ioanna Mimitou
- ICU, “Mamatsio” General Hospital of Kozani, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | | | - Elliniki Flioni
- ICU, “Agios Pavlos” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Pertsas
- ICU, “Agios Pavlos” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Sileli
- Second ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Iasonidou
- Second ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Sourla
- Respiratory Failure Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Pitsiou
- Respiratory Failure Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
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27
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Jenks JD, Aneke CI, Al-Obaidi MM, Egger M, Garcia L, Gaines T, Hoenigl M, Thompson GR. Race and ethnicity: Risk factors for fungal infections? PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011025. [PMID: 36602962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial and ethnic identities, largely understood as social rather than biologic constructs, may impact risk for acquiring infectious diseases, including fungal infections. Risk factors may include genetic and immunologic differences such as aberrations in host immune response, host polymorphisms, and epigenomic factors stemming from environmental exposures and underlying social determinants of health. In addition, certain racial and ethnic groups may be predisposed to diseases that increase risk for fungal infections, as well as disparities in healthcare access and health insurance. In this review, we analyzed racial and ethnic identities as risk factors for acquiring fungal infections, as well as race and ethnicity as they relate to risk for severe disease from fungal infections. Risk factors for invasive mold infections such as aspergillosis largely appear related to environmental differences and underlying social determinants of health, although immunologic aberrations and genetic polymorphisms may contribute in some circumstances. Although black and African American individuals appear to be at high risk for superficial and invasive Candida infections and cryptococcosis, the reasons for this are unclear and may be related to underling social determinants of health, disparities in access to healthcare, and other socioeconomic disparities. Risk factors for all the endemic fungi are likely largely related to underlying social determinants of health, socioeconomic, and health disparities, although immunologic mechanisms likely play a role as well, particularly in disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Jenks
- Durham County Department of Public Health, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chioma Inyang Aneke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Mohanad M Al-Obaidi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lorena Garcia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Tommi Gaines
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - George R Thompson
- University of California Davis Center for Valley Fever, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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28
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Case Series Demonstrating the Difficulties in Diagnosing COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillus. Cureus 2023; 15:e33802. [PMID: 36819356 PMCID: PMC9928575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33802] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial, viral, and fungal co-infections have been reported with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Invasive Aspergillosis has been described with COVID-19 ARDS. However, it continues to evade diagnosis in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The difficulty is discerning an actual infection from colonization. Unfortunately, a timely diagnosis is crucial since COVID-19-associated pulmonary Aspergillus (CAPA) has high morbidity and mortality. We present three ICU cases of CAPA to illustrate the difficulty in diagnosing and treating the disease. We hope to bring awareness and improve patient outcomes of CAPA.
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29
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Su H, Yi J, Tsui CK, Li C, Zhu J, Li L, Zhang Q, Zhu Y, Xu J, Zhu M, Han J. HIF1-α upregulation induces proinflammatory factors to boost host killing capacity after Aspergillus fumigatus exposure. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:27-41. [PMID: 36472203 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0050] [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: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: HIF1-α is an important transcription factor in the regulation of the immune response. The protective function of HIF1-α in the host epithelial immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus requires further clarification. Methods: In this study we demonstrated the effect of upregulation of HIF1-α expression in A549 cells and mouse airway cells exposed to A. fumigatus in vivo. Results: The killing capacity was enhanced by boosting proinflammatory factors both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, airway inflammation was reduced in the HIF1-α-upregulated mice. Conclusion: We identified a protective role for HIF1-α in anti-A. fumigatus immunity. Modulation of HIF1-α might be a target for the development of aspergillosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Su
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiu Yi
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai, 200052, China
| | - Clement Km Tsui
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T1Z3, Canada.,National Center for Infectious Diseases, Tan Tock Seng hospital, 308442, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 308232, Singapore
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junhao Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Qiangqiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai, 200052, China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jiande Han
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Specific Focus on Antifungal Peptides against Azole Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010042. [PMID: 36675863 PMCID: PMC9864941 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010042] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of fungal infections is increasing worldwide, especially that of aspergillosis, which previously only affected people with immunosuppression. Aspergillus fumigatus can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and endangers public health due to resistance to azole-type antimycotics such as fluconazole. Antifungal peptides are viable alternatives that combat infection by forming pores in membranes through electrostatic interactions with the phospholipids as well as cell death to peptides that inhibit protein synthesis and inhibit cell replication. Engineering antifungal peptides with nanotechnology can enhance the efficacy of these therapeutics at lower doses and reduce immune responses. This manuscript explains how antifungal peptides combat antifungal-resistant aspergillosis and also how rational peptide design with nanotechnology and artificial intelligence can engineer peptides to be a feasible antifungal alternative.
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Comprehensive Review of Aflatoxin Contamination, Impact on Health and Food Security, and Management Strategies in Pakistan. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14120845. [PMID: 36548742 PMCID: PMC9781569 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14120845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are the most important toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic fungal toxins that routinely contaminate food and feed. While more than 20 AFs have been identified to date, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), B2 (AFB2), G1 (AFG1), G2 (AFG2), and M1 (AFM1) are the most common. Over 25 species of Aspergillus have been shown to produce AFs, with Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus nomius being the most important and well-known AF-producing fungi. These ubiquitous molds can propagate on agricultural commodities to produce AFs in fields and during harvesting, processing, transportation, and storage. Countries with warmer climates and that produce foods susceptible to AF contamination shoulder a substantial portion of the global AF burden. Pakistan's warm climate promotes the growth of toxigenic fungi, resulting in frequent AF contamination of human foods and animal feeds. The potential for contamination in Pakistan is exacerbated by improper storage conditions and a lack of regulatory limits and enforcement mechanisms. High levels of AFs in common commodities produced in Pakistan are a major food safety problem, posing serious health risks to the population. Furthermore, aflatoxin contamination contributes to economic losses by limiting exports of these commodities. In this review, recent information regarding the fungal producers of AFs, prevalence of AF contamination of foods and feed, current regulations, and AF prevention and removal strategies are summarized, with a major focus on Pakistan.
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Ketai L, Febbo J, Busby HK, Sheehan EB. Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Postpandemic, Not Post-COVID-19. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:924-935. [PMID: 36442476 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic upended our approach to imaging community-acquired pneumonia, and this will alter our diagnostic algorithms for years to come. In light of these changes, it is worthwhile to consider several postpandemic scenarios of community-acquired pneumonia: (1) patient with pneumonia and recent positive COVID-19 testing; (2) patient with air space opacities and history of prior COVID-19 pneumonia (weeks earlier); (3) multifocal pneumonia with negative or unknown COVID-19 status; and (4) lobar or sublobar pneumonia with negative or unknown COVID-19 status. In the setting of positive COVID-19 testing and typical radiologic findings, the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia is generally secure. The diagnosis prompts vigilance for thromboembolic disease acutely and, in severely ill patients, for invasive fungal disease. Persistent or recurrent air space opacities following COVID-19 infection may more often represent organizing pneumonia than secondary infection. When COVID-19 status is unknown or negative, widespread airway-centric disease suggests infection with mycoplasma, Haemophilus influenzae, or several respiratory viruses. Necrotizing pneumonia favors infection with pneumococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, and anaerobes. Lobar or sublobar pneumonia will continue to suggest the diagnosis of pneumococcus or consideration of other pathogens in the setting of local outbreaks. A positive COVID-19 test accompanied by these imaging patterns may suggest coinfection with one of the above pathogens, or when the prevalence of COVID-19 is very low, a false positive COVID-19 test. Clinicians may still proceed with testing for COVID-19 when radiologic patterns are atypical for COVID-19, dependent on the patient's exposure history and the local epidemiology of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Ketai
- Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico HSC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Jennifer Febbo
- Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico HSC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Hellen K Busby
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, University of New Mexico HSC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Elyce B Sheehan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Division, University of New Mexico HSC, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Dioverti V, Boghdadly ZE, Shahid Z, Waghmare A, Abidi MZ, Pergam S, Boeckh M, Dadwal S, Kamboj M, Seo S, Chemaly RF, Papanicolaou GA. Revised Guidelines for Coronavirus Disease 19 Management in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Recipients (August 2022). Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:810-821. [PMID: 36103987 PMCID: PMC9464362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This document is intended as a guide for diagnosis and management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, in adult and pediatric HCT and cellular therapy patients. This document was prepared using available data and with expert opinion provided by members of the (ASTCT) Infectious Diseases Special Interest Group (ID-SIG) and is an update of pervious publication. Since our original publication in 2020, the NIH and IDSA have published extensive guidelines for management of COVID-19 which are readily accessible ( NIH Guidelines , IDSA Guidelines ). This update focuses primarily on issues pertaining specifically to HCT/cellular therapy recipients. Information provided in this manuscript may change as new information becomes available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Dioverti
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Zeinab El Boghdadly
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Zainab Shahid
- Attending physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alpana Waghmare
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Maheen Z Abidi
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Steven Pergam
- Professor, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Associate Professor, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael Boeckh
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington; Professor of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Mini Kamboj
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Susan Seo
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Roy F Chemaly
- Professor of Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Genovefa A Papanicolaou
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Professor of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Hawes AM, Permpalung N. Diagnosis and Antifungal Prophylaxis for COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121704. [PMID: 36551361 PMCID: PMC9774425 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121704] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has redemonstrated the importance of the fungal-after-viral phenomenon, and the question of whether prophylaxis should be used to prevent COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). A distinct pathophysiology from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), CAPA has an incidence that ranges from 5% to 30%, with significant mortality. The aim of this work was to describe the current diagnostic landscape of CAPA and review the existing literature on antifungal prophylaxis. A variety of definitions for CAPA have been described in the literature and the performance of the diagnostic tests for CAPA is limited, making diagnosis a challenge. There are only six studies that have investigated antifungal prophylaxis for CAPA. The two studied drugs have been posaconazole, either a liquid formulation via an oral gastric tube or an intravenous formulation, and inhaled amphotericin. While some studies have revealed promising results, they are limited by small sample sizes and bias inherent to retrospective studies. Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic changes and we see fewer intubated and critically ill patients, it will be more important to recognize these fungal-after-viral complications among non-critically ill, immunocompromised patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand the role of antifungal prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armani M. Hawes
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-955-5000; Fax: +1-210-892-3847
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Hoenigl M, Lewis R, van de Veerdonk FL, Verweij PE, Cornely OA. Liposomal amphotericin B—the future. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:ii21-ii34. [PMID: 36426674 PMCID: PMC9693803 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac353] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in medicine have led to a growing number of people with compromised or suppressed immune systems who are susceptible to invasive fungal infections. In particular, severe fungal infections are becoming increasingly common in ICUs, affecting people within and outside of traditional risk groups alike. This is exemplified by the emergence of severe viral pneumonia as a significant risk factor for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and the recognition of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and, more recently, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. The treatment landscape for haematological malignancies has changed considerably in recent years, and some recently introduced targeted agents, such as ibrutinib, are increasing the risk of invasive fungal infections. Consideration must also be given to the risk of drug–drug interactions between mould-active azoles and small-molecule kinase inhibitors. At the same time, infections caused by rare moulds and yeasts are increasing, and diagnosis continues to be challenging. There is growing concern about azole resistance among both moulds and yeasts, mandating continuous surveillance and personalized treatment strategies. It is anticipated that the epidemiology of fungal infections will continue to change and that new populations will be at risk. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain the most important predictors of survival, and broad-spectrum antifungal agents will become increasingly important. Liposomal amphotericin B will remain an essential therapeutic agent in the armamentarium needed to manage future challenges, given its broad antifungal spectrum, low level of acquired resistance and limited potential for drug–drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz , Graz , Austria
- European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) Excellence Center, Medical University of Graz , Graz , Austria
| | - R Lewis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Infectious Diseases Hospital, IRCSS S’Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - F L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - P E Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center—CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) , Bilthoven , The Netherlands
| | - O A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD) , Cologne , Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM) , Cologne , Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne , Cologne , Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln) , Cologne , Germany
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Rayens E, Rabacal W, Willems HME, Kirton GM, Barber JP, Mousa JJ, Celia-Sanchez BN, Momany M, Norris KA. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a pan-fungal vaccine in preclinical models of aspergillosis, candidiasis, and pneumocystosis. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac248. [PMID: 36712332 PMCID: PMC9802316 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections cause over 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Despite increases in fungal infections as well as the numbers of individuals at risk, there are no clinically approved fungal vaccines. We produced a "pan-fungal" peptide, NXT-2, based on a previously identified vaccine candidate and homologous sequences from Pneumocystis, Aspergillus,Candida, and Cryptococcus. We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective capacity of NXT-2 in murine and nonhuman primate models of invasive aspergillosis, systemic candidiasis, and pneumocystosis. NXT-2 was highly immunogenic and immunized animals had decreased mortality and morbidity compared to nonvaccinated animals following induction of immunosuppression and challenge with Aspergillus, Candida, or Pneumocystis. Data in multiple animal models support the concept that immunization with a pan-fungal vaccine prior to immunosuppression induces broad, cross-protective antifungal immunity in at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rayens
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Whitney Rabacal
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Gabrielle M Kirton
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - James P Barber
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Jarrod J Mousa
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Brandi N Celia-Sanchez
- Fungal Biology Group, Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Michelle Momany
- Fungal Biology Group, Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Deng J, Li F, Zhang N, Zhong Y. Prevention and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia in COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:945892. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.945892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common acquired infection in the intensive care unit. Recent studies showed that the critical COVID-19 patients with invasive mechanical ventilation have a high risk of developing VAP, which result in a worse outcome and an increasing economic burden. With the development of critical care medicine, the morbidity and mortality of VAP remains high. Especially since the outbreak of COVID-19, the healthcare system is facing unprecedented challenges. Therefore, many efforts have been made in effective prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment of VAP. This review focuses on the treatment and prevention drugs of VAP in COVID-19 patients. In general, prevention is more important than treatment for VAP. Prevention of VAP is based on minimizing exposure to mechanical ventilation and encouraging early release. There is little difference in drug prophylaxis from non-COVID-19. In term of treatment of VAP, empirical antibiotics is the main treatment, special attention should be paid to the antimicrobial spectrum and duration of antibiotics because of the existence of drug-resistant bacteria. Further studies with well-designed and large sample size were needed to demonstrate the prevention and treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia in COVID-19 based on the specificity of COVID-19.
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Islam MR, Rahman MM, Ahasan MT, Sarkar N, Akash S, Islam M, Islam F, Aktar MN, Saeed M, Harun-Or-Rashid M, Hosain MK, Rahaman MS, Afroz S, Bibi S, Rahman MH, Sweilam SH. The impact of mucormycosis (black fungus) on SARS-CoV-2-infected patients: at a glance. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:69341-69366. [PMID: 35986111 PMCID: PMC9391068 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of various diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic made health workers more attentive, and one of the new pathogens is the black fungus (mucormycosis). As a result, millions of lives have already been lost. As a result of the mutation, the virus is constantly changing its traits, including the rate of disease transmission, virulence, pathogenesis, and clinical signs. A recent analysis revealed that some COVID-19 patients were also coinfected with a fungal disease called mucormycosis (black fungus). India has already categorized the COVID-19 patient black fungus outbreak as an epidemic. Only a few reports are observed in other countries. The immune system is weakened by COVID-19 medication, rendering it more prone to illnesses like black fungus (mucormycosis). COVID-19, which is caused by a B.1.617 strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been circulating in India since April 2021. Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection induced by exposure to a fungus called mucormycete. The most typically implicated genera are Mucor rhyzuprhizopusdia and Cunninghamella. Mucormycosis is also known as zygomycosis. The main causes of infection are soil, dumping sites, ancient building walls, and other sources of infection (reservoir words "mucormycosis" and "zygomycosis" are occasionally interchanged). Zygomycota, on the other hand, has been identified as polyphyletic and is not currently included in fungal classification systems; also, zygomycosis includes Entomophthorales, but mucormycosis does not. This current review will be focused on the etiology and virulence factors of COVID-19/mucormycosis coinfections in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis patients, as well as their prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Tanjimul Ahasan
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nadia Sarkar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuzul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahadul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Most. Nazmin Aktar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md. Harun-Or-Rashid
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Kawsar Hosain
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Saidur Rahaman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Afroz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, 1207 Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shabana Bibi
- Department of Biosciences, Shifa Tameer-E-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Yunnan Herbal Laboratory, College of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091 China
| | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Banani, Dhaka 1213 Bangladesh
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, 26426 Korea
| | - Sherouk Hussein Sweilam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942 Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo-Suez Road, Badr City, 11829 Egypt
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Hong W, White PL, Backx M, Gangneux JP, Reizine F, Koehler P, Bentvelsen RG, Cuestas ML, Fakhim H, Jung JI, Lee YK, Dalsania NR, Patti RK, Yoon SH. CT findings of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a systematic review and individual patient data analysis. Clin Imaging 2022; 90:11-18. [PMID: 35908455 PMCID: PMC9425042 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Common CT abnormalities of pulmonary aspergillosis represent a cavity with air-meniscus sign, nodule, mass, and consolidation having an angio-invasive pattern. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and an individual patient-level image analysis of CT findings of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting CT findings of CAPA as of January 7, 2021. We summarized study-level clinical and CT findings of CAPA and collected individual patient CT images by inviting corresponding authors. The CT findings were categorized into four groups: group 1, typical appearance of COVID-19; group 2, indeterminate appearance of COVID-19; group 3, atypical for COVID-19 without cavities; and group 4, atypical for COVID-19 with cavities. In group 2, cases had only minor discrepant findings including solid nodules, isolated airspace consolidation with negligible ground-glass opacities, centrilobular micronodules, bronchial abnormalities, and cavities. Results The literature search identified 89 patients from 25 studies, and we collected CT images from 35 CAPA patients (mean age 62.4 ± 14.6 years; 21 men): group 1, thirteen patients (37.1%); group 2, eight patients (22.9%); group 3, six patients (17.1%); and group 4, eight patients (22.9%). Eight of the 14 patients (57.1%) with an atypical appearance had bronchial abnormalities, whereas only one (7.1%) had an angio-invasive fungal pattern. In the study-level analysis, cavities were reported in 12 of 54 patients (22.2%). Conclusion CAPA can frequently manifest as COVID-19 pneumonia without common CT abnormalities of pulmonary aspergillosis. If abnormalities exist on CT images, CAPA may frequently accompany bronchial abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonju Hong
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Matthijs Backx
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - Florian Reizine
- Maladies Infectieuses et Réanimation Médicale, CHU Rennes, F-35033 Rennes, France
| | - Philipp Koehler
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - María Luján Cuestas
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jung Im Jung
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kyung Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Soon Ho Yoon
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Ashcherkin N, Gupta S, Huff DA, Vikram HR, Ampel NM, Fischer KM, Blair JE. Impact of COVID-19 on diagnosis of primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30361. [PMID: 36107584 PMCID: PMC9439624 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted medical care worldwide and caused delays in care for many illnesses and procedures unrelated to COVID-19; however, less clear is how it may have affected diagnosis of conditions that present with similar symptoms, such as primary pulmonary coccidioidomycosis (PPC). We conducted an observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with PPC between March 1 and December 1 in 2 years: 2019 (before COVID-19) and in 2020 (after COVID-19) to compare the time from symptom onset to PPC diagnosis. Relevant demographic and clinical variables were collected, and statistical analyses were performed with the χ2 test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. During 2019, 83 patients were diagnosed with PPC. During 2020, 113 patients were diagnosed with PPC. For both groups, the median time from symptom onset to diagnosis of PPC was 14 days (P = .13). No significant differences in time to diagnosis existed between the 2 years for location of diagnosis (outpatient clinic, emergency department, or in hospital), for computed tomographic imaging performed before diagnosis, or for number of COVID-19 tests received before PPC diagnosis. In addition, there were no differences in the 2 years between the total number of clinical visits before diagnosis. However, patients in the post-COVID-19 group who had fever were diagnosed with PPC earlier than those without fever (hazard ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.73; P = .01). Contrary to what we expected, no significant delay in diagnosis of PPC occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Ashcherkin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Simran Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Daniel A. Huff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Neil M. Ampel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Karen M. Fischer
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Janis E. Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- *Correspondence: Janis E. Blair, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA (e-mail: )
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Bhargav A, Fatima F, Chaurasia P, Seth S, Ramachandran S. Computer-Aided Tools and Resources for Fungal Pathogens: An Application of Reverse Vaccinology for Mucormycosis. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2022; 41:243-254. [PMID: 35939284 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2021.0039] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts are a growing concern for global public health. Along with treatments, preventive measures are required. The emergence of reverse vaccinology has opened avenues for using genomic and proteomic data from pathogens in the design of vaccines. In this work, we present a comprehensive collection of various computational tools and databases with potential to aid in vaccine development. The ongoing pandemic has directed attention toward the increasing number of mucormycosis infections in COVID-19 patients. As a case study, we developed a computational pipeline for assisting vaccine development for mucormycosis. We obtained 6 proteins from 29,447 sequences from UniProtKB as potential vaccine candidates against mucormycosis, fulfilling multiple criteria. These criteria included potential characteristics, namely adhesin properties, surface or extracellular localization, antigenicity, no similarity to any human proteins, nonallergenicity, stability in vitro, and expression in fungal cells. These six proteins were predicted to have B cell and T cell epitopes, proinflammatory inducing peptides, and orthologs in several mucormycosis-causing species. These data could aid in vaccine development against mucormycosis for at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasuya Bhargav
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Firdaus Fatima
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Pratibha Chaurasia
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Surabhi Seth
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Bounhiol A, Pasquier G, Novara A, Bougnoux ME, Dannaoui E. Aspergillus detection in airways of ICU COVID-19 patients: To treat or not to treat? J Mycol Med 2022; 32:101290. [PMID: 35569323 PMCID: PMC9045860 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is now well known that patients with severe COVID-19 are at risk for developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Nevertheless, the symptomatology of IPA is often atypical in mechanically ventilated patients and the radiological aspects of SARS CoV-2 pneumonia and IPA are difficult to differentiate. In this context, the significance of the presence of Aspergillus in respiratory tract samples (detected by culture, galactomannan antigen, or specific PCR) is not yet fully understood. Here we report two cases of intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, in whom Aspergillus was detected in respiratory samples, who had a favorable outcome in the absence of antifungal treatment. These two cases highlight the difficulty of using the new definitions of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis for routine management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Bounhiol
- Microbiology Department, Parasitology-Mycology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paris University, AP–HP, European Georges-Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Grégoire Pasquier
- Microbiology Department, Parasitology-Mycology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paris University, Necker-Enfants Maladies Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ana Novara
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paris-Descartes University, AP–HP, European Georges-Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Microbiology Department, Parasitology-Mycology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paris University, Necker-Enfants Maladies Hospital, 75015 Paris, France,Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity. Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Eric Dannaoui
- Microbiology Department, Parasitology-Mycology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Paris University, AP–HP, European Georges-Pompidou Hospital, 75015 Paris, France,Dynamyc EA 7380, Paris-Créteil University, Créteil, France,Corresponding author: Unité de Parasitologie - Mycologie. Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 20 rue Leblanc, 75908 Paris Cedex 15, AP-HP. Centre – Université de Paris, France
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“CAPA in Progress”: A New Real-Life Approach for the Management of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071683. [PMID: 35884988 PMCID: PMC9313341 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has worsened the prognosis of patients with pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The lack of specific diagnosis criteria is an obstacle to the timely initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. Tracheal aspirate (TA) has been employed under special pandemic conditions. Galactomannan (GM) antigens are released during active fungal growth. (2) Methods: We proposed the term “CAPA in progress” (CAPA-IP) for diagnosis at an earlier stage by GM testing on TA in a specific population admitted to ICU presenting with clinical deterioration. A GM threshold ≥0.5 was set as the mycological inclusion criterion. This was followed by a pre-emptive short-course antifungal. (3) Results: We prospectively enrolled 200 ICU patients with COVID-19. Of these, 164 patients (82%) initially required invasive mechanical ventilation and GM was tested in TA in 93 patients. A subset of 19 patients (11.5%) fulfilled the CAPA-IP criteria at a median of 9 days after ICU admittance. The median GM value was 3.25 ± 2.82. CAPA-IP cases showed significantly higher ICU mortality [52.6% (10/19) vs. 34.5% (50/145), p = 0.036], as well as a much longer median ICU stay than those with a normal GM index [27 (7–64) vs. 11 (9–81) days, p = 0.008]. All cases were treated with a pre-emptive systemic antifungal for a median time of 19 (3–39) days. (4) Conclusions: CAPA-IP highlights a new real-life early approach in the field of fungal stewardship in ICU programs.
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Elbaz M, Korem M, Ayalon O, Wiener-Well Y, Shachor-Meyouhas Y, Cohen R, Bishara J, Atamna A, Brosh-Nissimov T, Maaravi N, Nesher L, Chazan B, Reisfeld S, Zimhony O, Chowers M, Maor Y, Katchman E, Ben-Ami R. Invasive Fungal Diseases in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Israel: A Multicenter Cohort Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070721. [PMID: 35887476 PMCID: PMC9317957 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly variable estimates of COVID-19-associated fungal diseases (IFDs) have been reported. We aimed to determine the incidence of clinically important fungal diseases in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the first year of the pandemic. We performed a multicenter survey of IFDs among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in 13 hospitals in Israel between February 2020 and May 2021. COVID-19-associated pulmonary mold disease (PMD) and invasive candidiasis (IC) were defined using ECMM/ISHAM and EORTC/MSG criteria, respectively. Overall rates of IC and PMD among patients with critical COVID-19 were 10.86 and 10.20 per 1000 admissions, respectively, with significant variability among medical centers. PMD rates were significantly lower in centers where galactomannan was a send-out test versus centers with on-site testing (p = 0.035). The 30-day mortality rate was 67.5% for IC and 57.5% for PMD. Treatment with an echinocandin for IC or an extended-spectrum azole for PMD was associated with significantly lower mortality rates (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.26 [0.07–0.91] and 0.23 [0.093–0.57], respectively). In this multicenter national survey, variable rates of PMD were associated with on-site galactomannan testing, suggesting under-detection in sites lacking this capacity. COVID-19-related IFDs were associated with high mortality rates, which were reduced with appropriate antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meital Elbaz
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.E.); (E.K.)
| | - Maya Korem
- Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (M.K.); (O.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (Y.W.-W.); (O.Z.)
| | - Oshrat Ayalon
- Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (M.K.); (O.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (Y.W.-W.); (O.Z.)
| | - Yonit Wiener-Well
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (Y.W.-W.); (O.Z.)
- Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel
| | - Yael Shachor-Meyouhas
- Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 3109601, Israel;
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (R.C.); (B.C.); (S.R.)
| | - Regev Cohen
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (R.C.); (B.C.); (S.R.)
- Laniado Medical Center, Netanya 4290200, Israel
| | - Jihad Bishara
- Rabin Medical Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva 4910002, Israel; (J.B.); (A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Alaa Atamna
- Rabin Medical Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva 4910002, Israel; (J.B.); (A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.C.); (Y.M.)
| | - Tal Brosh-Nissimov
- Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod 7747629, Israel; (T.B.-N.); (N.M.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Beer Sheba 8443944, Israel;
| | - Nir Maaravi
- Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod 7747629, Israel; (T.B.-N.); (N.M.)
| | - Lior Nesher
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Beer Sheba 8443944, Israel;
- Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheba 8443944, Israel
| | - Bibiana Chazan
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (R.C.); (B.C.); (S.R.)
- Ha’Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel
| | - Sharon Reisfeld
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3109601, Israel; (R.C.); (B.C.); (S.R.)
- Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810101, Israel
| | - Oren Zimhony
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 9101002, Israel; (Y.W.-W.); (O.Z.)
- Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michal Chowers
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.C.); (Y.M.)
- Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Yasmin Maor
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.C.); (Y.M.)
- Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 5822012, Israel
| | - Eugene Katchman
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.E.); (E.K.)
| | - Ronen Ben-Ami
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.E.); (E.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.C.); (Y.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-3-6974347
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45
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Ren Z, Chhetri A, Guan Z, Suo Y, Yokoyama K, Lee SY. Structural basis for inhibition and regulation of a chitin synthase from Candida albicans. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:653-664. [PMID: 35788183 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chitin is an essential component of the fungal cell wall. Chitin synthases (Chss) catalyze chitin formation and translocation across the membrane and are targets of antifungal agents, including nikkomycin Z and polyoxin D. Lack of structural insights into the action of these inhibitors on Chs has hampered their further development to the clinic. We present the cryo-EM structures of Chs2 from Candida albicans (CaChs2) in the apo, substrate-bound, nikkomycin Z-bound, and polyoxin D-bound states. CaChs2 adopts a unique domain-swapped dimer configuration where a conserved motif in the domain-swapped region controls enzyme activity. CaChs2 has a dual regulation mechanism where the chitin translocation tunnel is closed by the extracellular gate and plugged by a lipid molecule in the apo state to prevent non-specific leak. Analyses of substrate and inhibitor binding provide insights into the chemical logic of Chs inhibition, which can guide Chs-targeted antifungal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Ren
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Abhishek Chhetri
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ziqiang Guan
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yang Suo
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kenichi Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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46
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Lee R, Cho SY, Lee DG, Ahn H, Choi H, Choi SM, Choi JK, Choi JH, Kim SY, Kim YJ, Lee HJ. Risk factors and clinical impact of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Korean J Intern Med 2022; 37:851-863. [PMID: 35611611 PMCID: PMC9271713 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2022.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The risk factors and clinical impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) remain controversial, and no data have been reported in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and importance of CAPA diagnostic efforts and to identify the predictors of CAPA and the impacts on clinical outcomes. METHODS Between January 2020 and May 2021, data of severely to critically ill COVID-19 patients were extracted from seven hospitals of the Catholic Medical Center through a clinical data warehouse. Corticosteroid use was subcategorized into total cumulative dose, early 7-day dose, mean daily dose, and duration of use. RESULTS A total of 2,427 patients were screened, and 218 patients were included. CAPA was diagnosed in 4.6% (10/218) of all hospitalized and 11.2% (10/89) of intensive care unit patients. Total cumulative dose (over 1,000 mg as methylprednisolone) and daily high-dose corticosteroid use (over 60 mg/day) were independent predictors but not early 7-day high-dose corticosteroid use (over 420 mg/week) (odds ratio [OR], 1.731; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.350 to 8.571) nor prolonged use (OR, 2.794; 95% CI, 0.635 to 13.928). In-hospital overall mortality was 11.9% (26 of 218). CAPA itself did not affect the outcome; rather, daily high-dose steroid use significantly increased the 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 5.645; 95% CI, 1.225 to 26.091). CONCLUSION CAPA was not uncommon, especially in critically ill patients. Daily high-dose corticosteroid use was the predictor of CAPA and associated with high mortality rates. High-dose corticosteroids use after early inflammatory phase should be avoided, and active surveillance methods for CAPA are essential for those high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeseok Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sung-Yeon Cho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Dong-Gun Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyojin Ahn
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyeah Choi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Su-Mi Choi
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jae-Ki Choi
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon,
Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Choi
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Shin Young Kim
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon,
Korea
| | - Youn Jeong Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon,
Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin Lee
- Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul,
Korea
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu,
Korea
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47
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Chastain DB, Kung VM, Golpayegany S, Jackson BT, Franco-Paredes C, Barahona LV, Thompson GR, Henao-Martínez AF. Cryptococcosis among hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a multicenter research network study. Mycoses 2022; 65:815-823. [PMID: 35657109 PMCID: PMC9348105 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if there is an association between COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes associated with cryptococcosis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of and examine factors associated with cryptococcosis after a diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS We used TriNetX to identify and sort patients 18 years and older hospitalized with COVID-19 into two cohorts based on the presence or absence of a diagnosis of cryptococcosis following diagnosis of COVID-19. Outcomes of interest included the incidence of cryptococcosis following the diagnosis of COVID-19 as well as the proportion of patients in each group who had underlying comorbidities, received immunomodulatory therapy, required ICU admission or mechanical ventilation (MV), or who died. Propensity score matching was used to adjust for confounding. RESULTS Among 212,479 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 65 developed cryptococcosis. The incidence of cryptococcosis following COVID-19 was 0.022%. Patients with cryptococcosis were more likely to be male and have underlying comorbidities. Among cases, 32% were people with HIV. Patients with cryptococcosis were more likely to have received tocilizumab (p<0.0001) or baricitinib (p<0.0001), but not dexamethasone (p=0.0840). ICU admission (38% vs 29%), MV (23% vs 11%), and mortality (36% vs 14%) were significantly higher among patients with cryptococcosis. Mortality remained elevated after adjusted propensity score matching. CONCLUSION Cryptococcosis occurred most often in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who had traditional risk factors, comparable to findings in patients without COVID-19. Cryptococcosis was associated with increased ICU admission, MV, and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA
| | - Vanessa M Kung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sahand Golpayegany
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, USA
| | | | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.,Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City, México
| | | | - George R Thompson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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48
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Chow EJ, Englund JA. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections in Children. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2022; 36:435-479. [PMID: 35636909 PMCID: PMC8806161 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in children generally have milder presentations, but severe disease can occur in all ages. MIS-C and persistent post-acute COVID-19 symptoms can be experienced by children with previous infection and emphasize the need for infection prevention. Optimal treatment for COVID-19 is not known, and clinical trials should include children to guide therapy. Vaccines are the best tool at preventing infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. Children suffered disproportionately during the pandemic not only from SARS-CoV-2 infection but because of disruptions to daily life, access to primary care, and worsening income inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Chow
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356423, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Janet A. Englund
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 4800 Sand Point Way NE - MA7.234, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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(E)-3-[4-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one. MOLBANK 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/m1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Imidazole-containing chalcones have been shown to be effective against Aspergillus fumigatus, the pathogenic agent for pulmonary aspergillosis. Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzaldehyde with 3′-chloro-4′-fluoroacetophenone using aqueous sodium hydroxide in methanol yielded the novel compound (E)-3-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one in good purity after purification by silica gel column chromatography. This novel compound is suitable for testing the antifungal properties of the combined pharmacophores against Aspergillus and other pathogenic fungi.
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50
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Lian X, Scott-Thomas A, Lewis JG, Bhatia M, MacPherson SA, Zeng Y, Chambers ST. Monoclonal Antibodies and Invasive Aspergillosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105563. [PMID: 35628374 PMCID: PMC9146623 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening fungal disease that causes high morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of IA remain challenging. Given the broad range of non-specific clinical symptoms and the shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques, most patients are either diagnosed as “possible” or “probable” cases but not “proven”. Moreover, because of the lack of sensitive and specific tests, many high-risk patients receive an empirical therapy or a prolonged treatment of high-priced antifungal agents, leading to unnecessary adverse effects and a high risk of drug resistance. More precise diagnostic techniques alongside a targeted antifungal treatment are fundamental requirements for reducing the morbidity and mortality of IA. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high specificity in targeting the corresponding antigen(s) may have the potential to improve diagnostic tests and form the basis for novel IA treatments. This review summarizes the up-to-date application of mAb-based approaches in assisting IA diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihua Lian
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Amy Scott-Thomas
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - John G. Lewis
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Steroid and Immunobiochemistry Laboratory, Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Madhav Bhatia
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
| | - Sean A. MacPherson
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Haematology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China;
| | - Stephen T. Chambers
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; (X.L.); (A.S.-T.); (J.G.L.); (M.B.); (S.A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-3-364-0649
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