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Ranjan P, Kumar V, Sinha N, Jaiswal AA, Kumar D, Suman SK. A Retrospective Study of Imaging of Invasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center. Cureus 2024; 16:e61629. [PMID: 38966440 PMCID: PMC11223664 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61629] [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: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim The study aims to analyze the imaging findings of invasive rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) in patients who had COVID-19. Materials and methods This retrospective descriptive study was done on confirmed (culture and histopathology) patients who had a COVID-19 infection. The data was collected from the record section from May 2021 to June 2021. Imaging data were analyzed, and findings were tabulated according to statistical methods. Results Radiological evaluation, including CT and MRI, was done in 48 cases. The ethmoid sinus was the most common sinus involved in 60.41% of cases, followed by the maxillary sinus (52.09%). Unilateral pansinusitis was observed in 21 cases (43.75%). Among periantral extensions, retroantral fat involvement was the most common finding, seen in 24 cases (50%). Lamina papyracea and the walls of the maxillary sinus were involved in eight cases (16.67%). A total of 38 cases (79.17%) exhibited involvement of the extraconal compartment, while 32 cases (66.67%) showed involvement of the intraconal compartment. In intracranial involvement, infarct was noted in 13 cases (27%), and cavernous sinus involvement in nine cases (18.75%). Conclusions ROCM is a life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised patients, especially diabetics. Imaging of ROCM plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, the extent of disease, surgical planning, prognosis, and the response to treatment. Radiologists must know the imaging features and patterns of extension of ROCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Ranjan
- Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Neetu Sinha
- Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | | | - Deepak Kumar
- Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
| | - Sanjay K Suman
- Radiodiagnosis, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, IND
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Santos DW, Clemente WT. Navigating the Intersection: Fungal Infections in Transplant Recipients During COVID-19. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00726. [PMID: 38587504 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wagner Santos
- Department of Infectious Diseases of Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HU-UFMA/EBSERH) and Intituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, IDOR, Hospital UDI, Rede D'Or, São Luís/Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Wanessa Trindade Clemente
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Liver Transplant Program - Transplant Infectious Disease, Hospital das Clínicas (HC-UFMG/EBSERH), Belo Horizonte/Minas Gerais, Brazil
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3
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Shah K, Deshpande M, Shah P. Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1339911. [PMID: 38465254 PMCID: PMC10920311 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1339911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Historically, fungi were mainly identified as plant and insect pathogens since they grow at 28°C. At the same time, bacteria are known to be the most common human pathogens as they are compatible with the host body temperature of 37°C. Because of immunocompromised hosts, cancer therapy, and malnutrition, fungi are rapidly gaining attention as human pathogens. Over 150 million people have severe fungal infections, which lead to approximately more than one million deaths per year. Moreover, diseases like cancer involving long-term therapy and prophylactic use of antifungal drugs in high-risk patients have increased the emergence of drug-resistant fungi, including highly virulent strains such as Candida auris. This clinical spectrum of fungal diseases ranges from superficial mucocutaneous lesions to more severe and life-threatening infections. This review article summarizes the effect of hospital environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, on fungal infections and emerging pathogens. The review also provides insights into the various antifungal drugs and their existing challenges, thereby driving the need to search for novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krish Shah
- Biological Sciences Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA, United States
| | | | - P. Shah
- Science Ambassador/Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, United States
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Huang C, Chang S, Ma R, Shang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Feng M, Guo W. COVID-19 in pulmonary critically ill patients: metagenomic identification of fungi and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1220012. [PMID: 38444540 PMCID: PMC10912313 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1220012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal co-infection is prevalent in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The conventional approach applied to fungal identification has relatively low sensitivity and is time-consuming. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology can simultaneously detect a variety of microorganisms, and is increasingly being used for the rapid detection and diagnosis of pathogens. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, we described the clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 and mNGS positive for fungi in pulmonary critically ill patients during the outbreak of Omicron infection from December 2022 to January 2023. Results Among 43 COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on a single intensive care unit (ICU), 10 were reported to be fungal positive using the mNGS test. The number of pathogenic microorganisms detected by mNGS was significantly higher than that via traditional methods, especially in the detection of fungi and viruses. Aspergillus infection was dominant, and most of these patients also had concurrent bacterial or viral infections. Probable or possible COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was diagnosed in all 10 patients, and the prognosis was poor. Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of developing fungal infections as well as concurrent bacterial or viral infections, and mNGS can be a powerful tool in identifying these infections. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, particularly those who have underlying immunocompromising conditions, and should monitor for early signs of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Chang
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yishu Shang
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuexia Li
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Puri O, Bhatia M, Rekha US, Chakraborty D, Dua R, Dhar M, Chauhan U, Prasad A, Kalita D, Kaistha N. Post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections: An unanticipated predicament or a ticking time bomb? Clinico-microbiological profile of cases encountered during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic at a teaching hospital in the Himalayas with a brief literature review. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:3228-3235. [PMID: 38361892 PMCID: PMC10866219 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1073_23] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study attempts to generate preliminary data regarding post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections, namely, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM), and mixed infections from the Himalayas and compares the micro-radio-clinical profile and outcomes of the affected patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective data analysis was conducted, where clinical profiles, microbiological and radiological reports, and outcomes of n = 16 patients of post-COVID pulmonary infections were compared. Results Of n = 16 patients, n = 7 had CAPA (n = 5 Aspergillus fumigatus, n = 1 Aspergillus flavus, and n = 1 Aspergillus niger), n = 5 CAPM (Rhizopus arrhizus), and n = 4 with mixed infections (n = 3 infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus spp. and n = 1 with Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus). Thick-walled cavitary lesions, air-fluid levels, and multiple centrilobular nodules were some of the common radiological findings reported among these patients. Conclusion The immuno-compromised state following COVID-19 infection and treatment might be responsible for the progression of regular exposure to the dense Himalayan vegetation into an invasive pulmonary fungal infection. Suspecting post-COVID pulmonary fungal infection is necessary for primary care physicians to ensure timely referral to higher centers. Mixed pulmonary fungal infections (coinfection with Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp.) are also emerging as important sequelae of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oshin Puri
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mohit Bhatia
- Department of Microbiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Udayakumar S. Rekha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepika Chakraborty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ruchi Dua
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Minakshi Dhar
- Department of Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Udit Chauhan
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Amber Prasad
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Deepjyoti Kalita
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, India
| | - Neelam Kaistha
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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Cazzaniga J, Koutras N, Patel P. Mortality and Clinical Outcomes of Aspergillus and COVID-19 Co-infection: A Retrospective Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e50321. [PMID: 38205484 PMCID: PMC10776451 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50321] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are more susceptible to secondary infections. Aspergillus co-infection has emerged as one of the most alarming complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients due to the disease itself or the use of immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for treatment. This study aimed to examine the mortality rates and clinical outcomes associated with Aspergillus and COVID-19 co-infection using data obtained from the largest nationwide inpatient sample database in the United States. METHODS The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database is a vast and openly accessible collection of data that records millions of hospital admissions in the United States. For our research, we utilized the NIS 2020 database to identify adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and categorized them based on co-infection with Aspergillus. To examine the NIS database, we utilized various statistical methods such as univariate and multivariate analyses, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 16.7 million patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection, 1485 developed Aspergillus co-infection. The demographics showed a predominance of males with 920 males and 565 women. A total of 46% were Caucasians, 17.2% were African-Americans, and 29.5% were Hispanics. The most common comorbidities were chronic pulmonary disease (40.7%), hypertension (41.4%), diabetes with chronic complications (37.7%), leukemia (4.0%), lymphoma (3.7%), and solid tumors (3.7%). Hospital mortality with co-infection was 53.2%, length of stay (LOS) 26.9 days, and economic utilization $138,093 in comparison to patients without co-infection with in-hospital mortality of 13.2%, LOS of 7.9 days, and cost of 21,490. Age-adjusted mortality was 6.6 (confidence interval: 5.9-7.3). CONCLUSION Our study indicated that the mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with Aspergillus infection was four-fold higher. Furthermore, comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disease, and obesity, have been associated with worse outcomes. Further research is necessary to understand the etiological relationship between Aspergillus infection and COVID-19 in order to develop effective treatment strategies that mitigate the impact of this lethal combination on patient health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Cazzaniga
- Medicine, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Nicole Koutras
- Medicine, Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, USA
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Koulenti D, Karvouniaris M, Paramythiotou E, Koliakos N, Markou N, Paranos P, Meletiadis J, Blot S. Severe Candida infections in critically ill patients with COVID-19. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2023; 3:291-297. [PMID: 38028641 PMCID: PMC10658040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens has constantly increased among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic. Candidemia was the most frequently reported invasive fungal co-infection. The onset of candidemia in COVID-19 patients was often delayed compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, Candida invasive infections in COVID-19 patients were more often linked to invasive procedures (e.g., invasive mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy) during the intensive care stay and the severity of illness rather than more "classic" risk factors present in patients without COVID-19 (e.g., underlying diseases and prior hospitalization). Moreover, apart from the increased incidence of candidemia during the pandemic, a worrying rise in fluconazole-resistant strains was reported, including a rise in the multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Regarding outcomes, the development of invasive Candida co-infection had a negative impact, increasing morbidity and mortality compared to non-co-infected COVID-19 patients. In this narrative review, we present and critically discuss information on the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp. in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Koulenti
- Second Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Koliakos
- Second Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Markou
- ICU of Latseio Burns Centre, General Hospital of Elefsis ‘Thriasio’, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalis Paranos
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stijn Blot
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Roe K. Increased Fungal Infection Mortality Induced by Concurrent Viral Cellular Manipulations. Lung 2023; 201:467-476. [PMID: 37670187 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00642-6] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Certain respiratory fungal pathogen mono-infections can cause high mortality rates. Several viral pathogen mono-infections, including influenza viruses and coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2, can also cause high mortality rates. Concurrent infections by fungal pathogens and highly manipulative viral pathogens can synergistically interact in the respiratory tract to substantially increase their mortality rates. There are at least five viral manipulations which can assist secondary fungal infections. These viral manipulations include the following: (1) inhibiting transcription factors and cytokine expressions, (2) impairing defensive protein expressions, (3) inhibiting defenses by manipulating cellular sensors and signaling pathways, (4) inhibiting defenses by secreting exosomes, and (5) stimulating glucocorticoid synthesis to suppress immune defenses by inhibiting cytokine, chemokine, and adhesion molecule production. The highest mortality respiratory viral pandemics up to now have had substantially boosted mortalities by inducing secondary bacterial pneumonias. However, numerous animal species besides humans are also carriers of endemic infections by viral and multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens. The vast multi-species scope of endemic infection opportunities make it plausible that the pro-fungal manipulations of a respiratory virus can someday evolve to enable a very high mortality rate viral pandemic inducing multidrug-resistant secondary fungal pathogen infections. Since such pandemics can quickly spread world-wide and outrun existing treatments, it would be worthwhile to develop new antifungal treatments well before such a high mortality event occurs.
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Quiroga-Vargas E, Loyola-Cruz MÁ, Rojas-Bernabé A, Moreno-Eutimio MA, Pastelin-Palacios R, Cruz-Cruz C, Durán-Manuel EM, Calzada-Mendoza C, Castro-Escarpulli G, Hernández-Hernández G, Cureño-Díaz MA, Fernández-Sánchez V, Bello-López JM. Typing of Candida spp. from Colonized COVID-19 Patients Reveal Virulent Genetic Backgrounds and Clonal Dispersion. Pathogens 2023; 12:1206. [PMID: 37887722 PMCID: PMC10610241 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101206] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the knowledge of the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 allowed the survival of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. However, due to the clinical characteristics of severe patients, they resulted in the appearance of colonization events. Therefore, we speculate that strains of Candida spp. isolated from COVID-19 patients have virulent genetic and phenotypic backgrounds involved in clinical worsening of patients. The aim of this work was to virutype Candida spp. strains isolated from colonized COVID-19 patients, analyze their genomic diversity, and establish clonal dispersion in care areas. The virulent potential of Candida spp. strains isolated from colonized COVID-19 patients was determined through adhesion tests and the search for genes involved with adherence and invasion. Clonal association was done by analysis of intergenic spacer regions. Six species of Candida were involved as colonizing pathogens in COVID-19 patients. The genotype analysis revealed the presence of adherent and invasive backgrounds. The distribution of clones was identified in the COVID-19 care areas, where C. albicans was the predominant species. Evidence shows that Candida spp. have the necessary genetic tools to be able colonize the lungs, and could be a possible causal agent of coinfections in COVID-19 patients. The detection of dispersion of opportunistic pathogens can be unnoticed by classical epidemiology. Epidemiological surveillance against opportunistic fungal pathogens in COVID-19 patients is an immediate need, since the findings presented demonstrate the potential virulence of Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Quiroga-Vargas
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico (C.C.-M.)
| | - Miguel Ángel Loyola-Cruz
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Araceli Rojas-Bernabé
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico (C.C.-M.)
| | - Mario Adán Moreno-Eutimio
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (M.A.M.-E.); (R.P.-P.)
| | - Rodolfo Pastelin-Palacios
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (M.A.M.-E.); (R.P.-P.)
| | - Clemente Cruz-Cruz
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico (C.C.-M.)
| | - Emilio Mariano Durán-Manuel
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico (C.C.-M.)
| | - Claudia Calzada-Mendoza
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico (C.C.-M.)
| | - Graciela Castro-Escarpulli
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Geovanni Hernández-Hernández
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | | | - Verónica Fernández-Sánchez
- Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico (M.Á.L.-C.); (E.M.D.-M.); (M.A.C.-D.)
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla de Baz 54090, Mexico
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Sharma AD, Kaur I, Chauhan A. Compositional profiling and molecular docking studies of Eucalyptus polybrachtea essential oil against mucormycosis and aspergillosis. BIOTECHNOLOGIA 2023; 104:233-245. [PMID: 37850116 PMCID: PMC10578112 DOI: 10.5114/bta.2023.130727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oil (EO) from Eucalyptus polybrachtea is used as complementary and traditional medicine worldwide. The present study aimed at compositional profiling of EO and molecular docking of EO's bioactive compound 1,8 cineole against fungal enzymes involved in the riboflavin synthesis pathway, namely riboflavin synthase (RS), riboflavin biosynthesis protein RibD domain-containing protein (RibD), and 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DBPS) as apposite sites for drug designing against aspergillosis and mucormycosis, and in vitro confirmation. The compositional profile of EO was completed by GC-FID analysis. For molecular docking, the Patchdock tool was used. The ligand-enzyme 3-D interactions were examined, and ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were calculated. GC-FID discovered the occurrence of 1,8 cineole as a major component in EO, which was subsequently used for docking analysis. The docking analysis revealed that 1,8 cineole actively bound to RS, RibD, and DBPS fungal enzymes. The results of the docking studies demonstrated that the ligand 1,8 cineole exhibited H-bond and hydrophobic interactions with RS, RibD, and DBPS fungal enzymes. 1,8 cineole obeyed Lpinsky's rule and exhibited adequate bioactivity. Wet-lab authentication was achieved by using three fungal strains: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae, and Mucor sp. Wet lab results indicated that EO was able to inhibit fungal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Dev Sharma
- Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Amrita Chauhan
- Post Graduate Department of Biotechnology, Lyallpur Khalsa College Jalandhar, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
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Swaney R, Jokomo-Nyakabau R, Nguyen AAN, Kenny D, Millner PG, Selim M, Destache CJ, Velagapudi M. Diagnosis and Outcomes of Fungal Co-Infections in COVID-19 Infections: A Retrospective Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2326. [PMID: 37764170 PMCID: PMC10535039 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092326] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a public health emergency with unique complications such as the development of fungal co-infections. The diagnosis of fungal infections can be challenging due to confounding imaging studies and difficulty obtaining histopathology. In this retrospective study, 173 patients with COVID-19 receiving antifungal therapy due to concern for fungal co-infection were evaluated. Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and the utility of fungal biomarkers were then evaluated for continuation of antifungal therapy. Data were collected from the electronic health record (EPIC) and analyzed using SPSS (version. 28, IBM, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA) Data are presented as mean ± SD or percentages. A total of 56 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with fungal co-infection and 117 COVID-19 + patients had no fungal infection. Significantly fewer female patients were in the fungal+ group compared to COVID-19 control patients (29% in fungal+ compared to 51% in controls p = 0.005). Fungal diagnostics were all significantly higher in fungal+ patients. These include 1,4-beta-D-glucan (BDG), fungal culture, and bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan (BAL GM). Intensive care unit hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality in fungal+ patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than in control patients. Finally, significantly more fungal+ patients received voriconazole, isavuconazonium, or amphotericin B therapies, whereas control patients received significantly more short-course fluconazole. COVID-19+ patients with fungal co-infection were significantly more likely to be in the ICU and mechanically ventilated, and they result in higher mortality compared to control COVID-19 patients. The use of fungal diagnostics markers were helpful for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Swaney
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Rutendo Jokomo-Nyakabau
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Anny A. N. Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Dorothy Kenny
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Paul G. Millner
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammad Selim
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Christopher J. Destache
- School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Manasa Velagapudi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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Ghasemian R, Vahedi Larijani L, Rasouli K, Hedayati MT, Tavakol C, Heydari K, Zalpoor H, Hoseini A. Renal aspergillosis after COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7882. [PMID: 37692155 PMCID: PMC10485246 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7882] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Renal aspergillosis is a rare condition and this case the first case of Renal aspergillosis reported after COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Renal symptoms should arise clinical suspicion to renal involvement that happened as a result of hematogenous spreading of pulmonary aspergillosis. Abstract Secondary fungal infections are among the most significant complications that can arise after COVID-19 and have the potential to lead to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. As COVID-19 primarily involves the airway, the majority of fungal infections reported have been related to the respiratory system. However, renal aspergillosis that we have reported is a rare condition that also can occur. A 67-year-old man was referred to our hospital and admitted as a COVID-19 patient. After the initial recovery, he experienced a recurrence of fever accompanied by a productive cough. The histopathological studies were conducted on the sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples, which revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus. We treated the patient with voriconazole and the patient was discharged after a period of time. However, after approximately 6 months, he returned to the hospital with a fever and abdominal pain. We started a fever workup. Two new hypoechoic abscess-like masses were spotted in the right kidney in the ultrasonography (U/S) and the direct molecular studies of the biopsy sample obtained under U/S guidance identified Aspergillus flavus. Although renal aspergillosis is a rare condition, it should not be overlooked, especially in patients with severe COVID-19 and pulmonary aspergillosis, as these conditions can lead to renal aspergillosis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain with fever. Therefore, it is necessary to perform radiological and histopathological studies when renal aspergillosis is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Ghasemian
- Department of Infectious DiseaseAntimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Lale Vahedi Larijani
- Department of Pathology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non‐Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Kimia Rasouli
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Hedayati
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Invasive Fungi Research Center/Department of Medical Mycology, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Chanour Tavakol
- Tehran School of MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Keyvan Heydari
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non‐Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN)TehranIran
- American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)TampaFloridaUSA
| | - Aref Hoseini
- Student Research Committee, School of MedicineMazandaran University of Medical SciencesSariIran
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Chen Z, Zhan Q, Huang L, Wang C. Coinfection and superinfection in ICU critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia and influenza pneumonia: are the pictures different? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1195048. [PMID: 37711242 PMCID: PMC10497876 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Similar to influenza, coinfections and superinfections are common and might result in poor prognosis. Our study aimed to compare the characteristics and risks of coinfections and superinfections in severe COVID-19 and influenza virus pneumonia. Methods The data of patients with COVID-19 and influenza admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was to describe the prevalence and pathogenic distribution of coinfections/ICU-acquired superinfections in the study population. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the independent risk factors for coinfections/ICU-acquired superinfections at ICU admission. Multivariate analysis of survivors and non-survivors was performed to investigate whether coinfections/ICU-acquired superinfections was an independent prognostic factor. Results In the COVID-19 (n = 123) and influenza (n = 145) cohorts, the incidence of coinfections/ICU-acquired superinfections was 33.3%/43.9 and 35.2%/52.4%, respectively. The most common bacteria identified in coinfection cases were Enterococcus faecium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii (COVID-19 cohort) and A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (influenza cohort). A significant higher proportion of coinfection events was sustained by Aspergillus spp. [(22/123, 17.9% in COVID-19) and (18/145, 12.4% in influenza)]. The COVID-19 group had more cases of ICU-acquired A. baumannii, Corynebacterium striatum and K. pneumoniae. A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae were the three most prevalent pathogens in the influenza cases with ICU-acquired superinfections. Patients with APACHE II ≥18, CD8+ T cells ≤90/μL, and 50 < age ≤ 70 years were more susceptible to coinfections; while those with CD8+ T cells ≤90/μL, CRP ≥120 mg/L, IL-8 ≥ 20 pg./mL, blood glucose ≥10 mmol/L, hypertension, and smoking might had a higher risk of ICU-acquired superinfections in the COVID-19 group. ICU-acquired superinfection, corticosteroid administration for COVID-19 treatment before ICU admission, and SOFA score ≥ 7 were independent prognostic factors in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 or influenza had a high incidence of coinfections and ICU-acquired superinfections. The represent agents of coinfection in ICU patients were different from those in the general ward. These high-risk patients should be closely monitored and empirically treated with effective antibiotics according to the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Chen
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyuan Zhan
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linna Huang
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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14
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Yin L, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Luo Q, Zhao L, Ni W, Xu Y, Gao Z. Early Detection of Aspergillus Species in Lower Respiratory Tract is Associated with Higher Mortality in Viral Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study in China. Lung 2023; 201:387-396. [PMID: 37480410 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00638-2] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of adult mortality worldwide and poses a significant global burden. Previous studies have indicated a tendency for viral pneumonia, particularly severe influenza virus pneumonia, to be complicated by Aspergillus superinfection. However, the clinical features and prognostic implications of Aspergillus detection in early-onset viral CAP remain unclear. METHODS We conducted a prospective multicenter observational cohort study in China involving CAP patients. Adult patients with CAP from six hospitals were enrolled between January 2017 and October 2018. Within 72 h of admission, lower respiratory tract specimens, including sputum and alveolar lavage fluid, were collected. Comprehensive pathogenic testing, utilizing molecular biology techniques, was performed on the collected specimens, encompassing bacteria, atypical pathogens, viruses, and fungi. Patient clinical data were collected through a unified electronic medical record website system. RESULTS A total of 382 adult CAP patients were included in the study. The viral detection rate was 38% (145/382), with Aspergillus identified in 11.0% (16/145) of viral CAP cases. Mortality among Aspergillus-positive patients was significantly higher (25%, 4/16) compared to Aspergillus-negative patients (5.4%, 7/129) in viral CAP (P = 0.021). Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that the presence of Aspergillus at admission might increase the mortality risk in viral CAP [OR (95%CI) = 7.34 (0.92-58.65), P = 0.06]. Furthermore, Aspergillus-positive patients exhibited a significantly lower lymphocyte count than Aspergillus-negative patients (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION Positive detection of Aspergillus in lower respiratory tract specimens might be associated with higher mortality in early-onset viral CAP. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03093220. Registered retrospectively on 28 March 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yali Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361101, China
| | - Qiongzhen Luo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Wentao Ni
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, No. 31, Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China.
| | - Zhancheng Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11, Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Bogdan I, Reddyreddy AR, Nelluri A, Maganti RK, Bratosin F, Fericean RM, Dumitru C, Barata PI, Tapalaga G, Marincu I. Fungal Infections Identified with Multiplex PCR in Severe COVID-19 Patients during Six Pandemic Waves. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1253. [PMID: 37512065 PMCID: PMC10385930 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: With an increasing number of severe COVID-19 cases presenting with secondary fungal infections, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of fungal co-infections in severe COVID-19 patients across the six waves, identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with severe COVID-19, and explore any potential links between patient characteristics, therapeutic strategies, and the prevalence and type of fungal infection. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology Hospital, "Victor Babes", Romania, between March 2020 and August 2022. Samples were collected from respiratory specimens, blood, and urine, after which a standard nucleic acid extraction protocol was employed. Patients were divided into groups with and without fungal infections, identified using multiplex PCR. The groups were compared based on demographic data, comorbidities, pandemic wave number, and clinical outcomes. Results: Out of 288 patients, 96 (33.3%) had fungal infections, with Candida spp. being the most common. Patients with fungal infections had higher rates of obesity (35.4% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.010) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI > 2) (37.5% vs 25.0%, p = 0.027). Ventilator use was significantly higher in the fungal infection group (45.8% vs. 18.8%; p < 0.001), as was ICU admission (39.6% vs. 26.6%; p = 0.024) and mortality (32.3% vs 12.0%; p < 0.001). The distribution of different fungal species varied across the pandemic waves, with no statistical significance (p = 0.209). The mortality risk notably increased with the degree of drug resistance (OR for three or more drug resistances = 6.71, p < 0.001). The second, fourth, and fifth pandemic waves were significantly associated with higher mortality risk (OR = 3.72, 3.61, and 4.08, respectively, all p < 0.001). Aspergillus spp. and Mucor spp. infections were significantly associated with increased mortality risk (OR = 4.61 and 6.08, respectively, both p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicates a significant presence of fungal co-infections among severe COVID-19 patients that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with drug-resistant infections. These findings underline the necessity for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies in managing COVID-19 patients, especially during specific pandemic waves and in patients with particular fungal infections. Further research is required to understand the implications of these co-infections and their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Bogdan
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Aditya Nelluri
- School of General Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumakuru 572107, India
| | - Ram Kiran Maganti
- School of General Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Kolar 563101, India
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Roxana Manuela Fericean
- Doctoral School, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Catalin Dumitru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Paula Irina Barata
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gianina Tapalaga
- Department of Odontotherapy and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Inácio MM, Moreira ALE, Cruz-Leite VRM, Mattos K, Silva LOS, Venturini J, Ruiz OH, Ribeiro-Dias F, Weber SS, Soares CMDA, Borges CL. Fungal Vaccine Development: State of the Art and Perspectives Using Immunoinformatics. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:633. [PMID: 37367569 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a serious global health problem, causing damage to health and the economy on the scale of millions. Although vaccines are the most effective therapeutic approach used to combat infectious agents, at the moment, no fungal vaccine has been approved for use in humans. However, the scientific community has been working hard to overcome this challenge. In this sense, we aim to describe here an update on the development of fungal vaccines and the progress of methodological and experimental immunotherapies against fungal infections. In addition, advances in immunoinformatic tools are described as an important aid by which to overcome the difficulty of achieving success in fungal vaccine development. In silico approaches are great options for the most important and difficult questions regarding the attainment of an efficient fungal vaccine. Here, we suggest how bioinformatic tools could contribute, considering the main challenges, to an effective fungal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Morais Inácio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
- Estácio de Goiás University Center, Goiânia 74063-010, Brazil
| | - André Luís Elias Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | | | - Karine Mattos
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Lana O'Hara Souza Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | - James Venturini
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- MICROBA Research Group-Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit-CIB, School of Microbiology, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Fátima Ribeiro-Dias
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Simone Schneider Weber
- Bioscience Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
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Solomon IH, Singh A, Folkerth RD, Mukerji SS. What Can We Still Learn from Brain Autopsies in COVID-19? Semin Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37023787 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1767716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathological findings have been published from ∼900 patients who died with or from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, representing less than 0.01% of the close to 6.4 million deaths reported to the World Health Organization 2 years into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this review, we extend our prior work summarizing COVID-19 neuropathology by including information on published autopsies up to June 2022, and neuropathological studies in children, COVID-19 variants, secondary brain infections, ex vivo brain imaging, and autopsies performed in countries outside of the United States or Europe. We also summarize research studies that investigate mechanisms of neuropathogenesis in nonhuman primates and other models. While a pattern of cerebrovascular pathology and microglial-predominant inflammation remains the primary COVID-19-associated neuropathological finding, there is no singular understanding of the mechanisms that underlie neurological symptoms in acute COVID-19 or the post-acute COVID-19 condition. Thus, it is paramount that we incorporate microscopic and molecular findings from brain tissue into what we know about the clinical disease so that we attain best practice guidance and direct research priorities for the study of the neurological morbidity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac H Solomon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arjun Singh
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuro-Infectious Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Healing Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rebecca D Folkerth
- Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Shibani S Mukerji
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuro-Infectious Diseases, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
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18
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Lesmes-Rodríguez LC, Lambarey H, Chetram A, Riou C, Wilkinson RJ, Joyimbana W, Jennings L, Orrell C, Jaramillo-Hernández DA, Schäfer G. Previous exposure to common coronavirus HCoV-NL63 is associated with reduced COVID-19 severity in patients from Cape Town, South Africa. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2023.1125448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundGlobally, the most significant risk factors for adverse COVID-19 outcome are increasing age and cardiometabolic comorbidities. However, underlying coinfections may modulate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, particularly in regions with high prevalence of infectious diseases.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed serum samples for IgG antibodies against the common circulating coronaviruses HCoV-NL63, HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1 from non-hospitalized and hospitalized confirmed COVID-19 patients recruited during the first (June-August 2020) and second (October 2020-June 2021) COVID-19 wave in Cape Town, South Africa. Patients were grouped according to COVID-19 disease severity: Group 1: previously SARS-CoV-2 infected with positive serology and no symptoms (n=94); Group 2: acutely SARS-CoV-2 infected, hospitalized for COVID-19 and severe symptoms (n=92).ResultsThe overall anti-HCoV IgG seroprevalence in the entire patient cohort was 60.8% (95% CI: 53.7 – 67.8), with 37.1% HCoV-NL63 (95% CI: 30 – 44), 30.6% HCoV-229E (95% CI: 24 – 37.3), 22.6% HCoV-HKU1 (95% CI: 16.6 – 28.6), and 21.0% HCoV-OC43 (95% CI: 15.1 – 26.8). We observed a significantly higher overall HCoV presence (72.3% versus 48.9%) and coinfection frequency (43.6% versus 19.6%) in group 1 compared to group 2 patients with significantly higher presentation of HCoV-NL63 (67.0% versus 6.6%) and HCoV-HKU1 (31.1% versus 14.1%). However, only antibody titers for HCoV-NL63 were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 patients (p< 0.0001, 1.90 [95% CI: 0.62 – 2.45] versus 1.32 [95% CI: 0.30 – 2.01]) which was independent of the participants’ HIV status. Logistic regression analysis revealed significantly protective effects by previous exposure to HCoV-NL63 [p< 0.001, adjusted OR = 0.0176 (95% CI: 0.0039 – 0.0786)], while previous HCoV-229E exposure was associated with increased COVID-19 severity [p = 0.0051, adjusted OR = 7.3239 (95% CI: 1.8195–29.4800)].ConclusionWe conclude that previous exposure to multiple common coronaviruses, and particularly HCoV-NL63, might protect against severe COVID-19, while no previous HCoV exposure or single infection with HCoV-229E might enhance the risk for severe COVID-19. To our knowledge, this is the first report on HCoV seroprevalence in South Africa and its possible association with cross-protection against COVID-19 severity.
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19
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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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