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Fakhim H, Irani S, Yassin Z, Badali H, Nasri E, Nasoori Y, Samimiardestani S, Mohebbi S, Mohammadi Ardehali M, Alizadeh Pahlavan P, Firouzifar M, Tajdini A, Ahadi S, Vaezi A. Features and evaluation of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients from two referral hospitals in Iran. J Mycol Med 2024; 34:101480. [PMID: 38744060 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to assess the features, clinical characteristics, and species diversity among patients admitted to referral Hospitals for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and mucormycosis in Tehran, Iran, and the relationship between seasonal and species diversity was considered. METHODS Confirmed COVID-19 patients with a positive reverse-transcriptase real-time (rRT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV2 were primarily included based on clinically suspected mucormycosis infection and confirmed by histopathology and mycology examination of biopsy specimens. The PCR technique was performed by the amplification of the high-affinity iron permease 1 (FTR1) gene for identification and discrimination between Rhizopus arrhizus and non- Rhizopus arrhizus isolates. In contrast, species identification of non-Rhizopus arrhizus was performed by sequencing of ITS rDNA region. RESULTS Rhino-sino-orbital mucormycosis was identified in the majority of cases (n = 33), with 66 % and 34 % of the cases involving male and female patients, respectively. Rhizopus arrhizus was found to be the most prevalent (84.6 %), followed by Mucor circinelloides (7.6 %). Rhizopus arrhizus was the most prevalent species and present in all the seasons; however, Mucor circinelloides was only present in the autumn. The overall mortality of the total population was 24.6 % (16/ 65); the mortality rates occurring in patients diagnosed with rhino-sino-orbital infection and rhino-sinusal form were 21.4 % and 25 %, respectively. CONCLUSION CAM can be a serious complication of severe COVID-19, especially in patients with uncontrolled diabetes. It is important to monitor the epidemiology of mucormycosis to raise awareness of the disease and improve diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, particularly in the setting of pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shirin Irani
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeynab Yassin
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology/South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Elahe Nasri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yasser Nasoori
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center, The Five Senses Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedhadi Samimiardestani
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saleh Mohebbi
- Skull base Research Center, Five sense health institute, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Mohammadi Ardehali
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Alizadeh Pahlavan
- ENT and Head & Neck Research Center and Department, Hazrat Rasoul Hospital, The Five Senses Health Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Firouzifar
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardavan Tajdini
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Ahadi
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsane Vaezi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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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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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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Thamban Chandrika N, Green KD, Spencer AC, Tsodikov OV, Garneau-Tsodikova S. Discovery and development of novel substituted monohydrazides as potent antifungal agents. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1351-1361. [PMID: 37484566 PMCID: PMC10357949 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00167a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel substituted monohydrazides synthesized for this study displayed broad-spectrum activity against various fungal strains, including a panel of clinically relevant Candida auris strains. The activity of these compounds was either comparable or superior to amphotericin B against most of the fungal strains tested. These compounds possessed fungistatic activity in a time-kill assay and exhibited no mammalian cell toxicity. In addition, they prevented the formation of fungal biofilms. Even after repeated exposures, the Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (strain A) fungal strain did not develop resistance to these monohydrazides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishad Thamban Chandrika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Keith D Green
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Abbygail C Spencer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Oleg V Tsodikov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
| | - Sylvie Garneau-Tsodikova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky 789 South Limestone Street Lexington KY 40536-0596 USA
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Meagher RB, Lewis ZA, Ambati S, Lin X. DectiSomes: C-type lectin receptor-targeted liposomes as pan-antifungal drugs. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114776. [PMID: 36934519 PMCID: PMC10133202 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114776] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Combatting the ever-increasing threat from invasive fungal pathogens faces numerous fundamental challenges, including constant human exposure to large reservoirs of species in the environment, the increasing population of immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, the unsatisfactory efficacy of current antifungal drugs and their associated toxicity, and the scientific and economic barriers limiting a new antifungal pipeline. DectiSomes represent a new drug delivery platform that enhances antifungal efficacy for diverse fungal pathogens and reduces host toxicity for current and future antifungals. DectiSomes employ pathogen receptor proteins - C-type lectins - to target drug-loaded liposomes to conserved fungal cognate ligands and away from host cells. DectiSomes represent one leap forward for urgently needed effective pan-antifungal therapy. Herein, we discuss the problems of battling fungal diseases and the state of DectiSome development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Meagher
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Zachary A Lewis
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Suresh Ambati
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Zsichla L, Müller V. Risk Factors of Severe COVID-19: A Review of Host, Viral and Environmental Factors. Viruses 2023; 15:175. [PMID: 36680215 PMCID: PMC9863423 DOI: 10.3390/v15010175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical course and outcome of COVID-19 are highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe disease and death. Understanding the risk factors of severe COVID-19 is relevant both in the clinical setting and at the epidemiological level. Here, we provide an overview of host, viral and environmental factors that have been shown or (in some cases) hypothesized to be associated with severe clinical outcomes. The factors considered in detail include the age and frailty, genetic polymorphisms, biological sex (and pregnancy), co- and superinfections, non-communicable comorbidities, immunological history, microbiota, and lifestyle of the patient; viral genetic variation and infecting dose; socioeconomic factors; and air pollution. For each category, we compile (sometimes conflicting) evidence for the association of the factor with COVID-19 outcomes (including the strength of the effect) and outline possible action mechanisms. We also discuss the complex interactions between the various risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente Zsichla
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Müller
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Health Security, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Ray A, Bonorden MJL, Pandit R, Nkhata KJ, Bishayee A. Infections and immunity: associations with obesity and related metabolic disorders. J Pathol Transl Med 2023; 57:28-42. [PMID: 36647284 PMCID: PMC9846011 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2022.11.14] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
About one-fourth of the global population is either overweight or obese, both of which increase the risk of insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. In obesity, both immune cells and adipocytes produce an excess of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may play a significant role in disease progression. In the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, important pathological characteristics such as involvement of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, endothelial injury, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release have been shown to be connected with obesity and associated sequelae such as insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes and hypertension. This pathological connection may explain the severity of COVID-19 in patients with metabolic disorders. Many studies have also reported an association between type 2 diabetes and persistent viral infections. Similarly, diabetes favors the growth of various microorganisms including protozoal pathogens as well as opportunistic bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, diabetes is a risk factor for a number of prion-like diseases. There is also an interesting relationship between helminths and type 2 diabetes; helminthiasis may reduce the pro-inflammatory state, but is also associated with type 2 diabetes or even neoplastic processes. Several studies have also documented altered circulating levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes in obesity, which likely modifies vaccine effectiveness. Timely monitoring of inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein) and energy homeostasis markers (e.g., leptin) could be helpful in preventing many obesity-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitabha Ray
- College of Medical Science, Alderson Broaddus University, Philippi, WV, USA,Corresponding Author: Amitabha Ray, MD, PhD, College of Medical Science, Alderson Broaddus University, 101 College Hill Drive, Philippi, WV 26416, USA Tel: +1-304-457-6587, Fax: +1-304-457-6308, E-mail:
| | | | - Rajashree Pandit
- Division of Medical & Behavioral Health, Pueblo Community College, Pueblo, CO, USA
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA
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8
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Sharma N, Wani SN, Behl T, Singh S, Zahoor I, Sehgal A, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Aleya L, Bungau S. Focusing COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: a major threat to immunocompromised COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:9164-9183. [PMID: 36454526 PMCID: PMC9713750 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 disease has been identified to cause remarkable increase of mucormycosis infection cases in India, with the majority of cases being observed in individuals recovering from COVID-19. Mucormycosis has emanated as an outcome of the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak as rapidly developing fatal illness which was acquired by Mucorales fungus which is a subcategory of molds known as mucormycetes. Mucormycosis is one of the serious, sporadic mycotic illnesses which is a great threat to immunocompromised COVID-19 patients and affects people of all ages, including children with COVID-19 infections. This is associated with tissue damaging property and, therefore, causes serious clinical complications and elevated death rate. The COVID-19-associated mucormycosis or "black fungus" are the terms used interchangeably. The rapid growth of tissue necrosis presenting as "rhino-orbital-cerebral, pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and disseminated disease" are various clinical forms of mucormycosis. The patient's prognosis and survival can be improved with proper surgeries using an endoscopic approach for local tissue protection in conjunction with course of appropriate conventional antifungal drug like Amphotericin-B and novel drugs like Rezafungin, encochleated Amphotericin B, Orolofim, and SCY-078 which have been explored in last few years. This review provides an overview of mucormycosis including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, its clinical forms, and therapeutic approaches for disease management like antifungal therapy, surgical debridement, and iron chelators. The published patents and ongoing clinical trials related to mucormycosis have also been mentioned in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India
| | | | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India.
| | - Ishrat Zahoor
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Lotfi Aleya
- Chrono-Environment Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6249, Bourgogne Franche-Comté University, Besançon, France
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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Singulani JL, Silva DL, Lima CM, Magalhães VCR, Baltazar LM, Peres NTA, Caligiorne RB, Moura AS, Santos ARO, Fereguetti T, Martins JC, Rabelo LF, Lyon AC, Johann S, Falcão JP, Santos DA. The impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial prescription and drug resistance in fungi and bacteria. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1925-1935. [PMID: 36087244 PMCID: PMC9463970 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00818-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary infections are one of the complications in COVID-19 patients. We aimed to analyze the antimicrobial prescriptions and their influence on drug resistance in fungi and bacteria isolated from severely ill COVID-19 patients. Seventy-nine severely ill COVID-19 hospitalized patients with secondary bacterial or fungal infections were included. We analyzed the prescribed antimicrobial regimen for these patients and the resistance profiles of bacterial and fungal isolates. In addition, the association between drug resistance and patients’ outcome was analyzed using correlation tests. The most prescribed antibacterial were ceftriaxone (90.7% of patients), vancomycin (86.0%), polymyxin B (74.4%), azithromycin (69.8%), and meropenem (67.4%). Micafungin and fluconazole were used by 22.2 and 11.1% of patients, respectively. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections were a common complication in severely ill COVID-19 patients in our cohort since resistant bacteria strains were isolated from 76.7% of the patients. Oxacillin resistance was observed in most Gram-positive bacteria, whereas carbapenem and cephalosporin resistance was detected in most Gram-negative strains. Azole resistance was identified among C. glabrata and C. tropicalis isolates. Patients who used more antimicrobials stayed hospitalized longer than the others. The patient’s age and the number of antibacterial agents used were associated with the resistance phenotype. The susceptibility profile of isolates obtained from severely ill COVID-19 patients highlighted the importance of taking microbial resistance into account when managing these patients. The continuous surveillance of resistant/MDR infection and the rational use of antimicrobials are of utmost importance, especially for long-term hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya L Singulani
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Danielle L Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Lima
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa C R Magalhães
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ludmila M Baltazar
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Rachel B Caligiorne
- Center of Post-Graduation and Research - IEP, Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Moura
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Center of Post-Graduation and Research - IEP, Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Raquel O Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Tatiani Fereguetti
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana C Martins
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lívia F Rabelo
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana C Lyon
- Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Fundação Hospitalar Do Estado de Minas Gerais (FHEMIG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Susana Johann
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juliana P Falcão
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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Mehta S, Jiandani P, Prabhudesai P. Fundus findings in patients admitted with post COVID-19 sepsis in an intensive care unit. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:3362-3365. [PMID: 36018121 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_854_22] [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: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose COVID-19 infection is being increasingly identified as a risk factor for the development of ocular infections, especially endogenous endophthalmitis. Current studies primarily report cases among survivors, and the overall prevalence, especially amongst patients admitted with active sepsis is unknown. We report on the fundus and systemic findings of inpatients who were being treated for post-COVID-19 systemic secondary infections in a tertiary intensive care unit. Methods Retrospective observational study based on chart review. Results A total of 24 patients were identified. These included 21 (87.5%) males and 3 (12.5%) females with ages ranging from 33 to 72 years (mean 54.1 years). Pre-existing risk factors included type 2 diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, chronic kidney disease, multiple myeloma, and patients on long-term corticosteroid/immunosuppressive treatment. Nine patients (37.5%) died and 15 (62.5%) survived. Of a total of 48 eyes, observed fundus lesions included endogenous endophthalmitis (4 eyes of 2 patients, 8.3%), preretinal hemorrhages (4 eyes of 2 patients, 8.3%), optic disc pallor (2 eyes of 1 patient, 4.1%), moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (4 eyes of 2 patients, 8.3%), Roth spots (2 eyes of 1 patient, 4.1%), and 2 eyes of 1 patient (4.1%) with evidence of previous pan-retinal photocoagulation. Conclusion Two patients had evidence of endogenous endophthalmitis. These findings suggest that the actual incidence of ocular lesions, especially infections is higher than that reported. Fundus examination should form a part of the management protocol for patients being treated for post-COVID-19 systemic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salil Mehta
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prakash Jiandani
- Department of Critical Care, Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prahlad Prabhudesai
- Department of Chest Medicine, Lilavati Hospital and Research Center, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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11
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Khan AA, Jain SK, Rai M, Panda S. Exploring SARS-CoV2 host-pathogen interactions and associated fungal infections cross-talk: Screening of targets and understanding pathogenesis. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:4351-4359. [PMID: 35965662 PMCID: PMC9364728 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.08.013] [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: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 associated opportunistic fungal infections have posed major challenges in recent times. Global scientific efforts have identified several SARS-CoV2 host-pathogen interactions in a very short time span. However, information about the molecular basis of COVID-19 associated opportunistic fungal infections is not readily available. Previous studies have identified a number of host targets involved in these opportunistic fungal infections showing association with COVID-19 patients. We screened host targets involved in COVID-19-associated opportunistic fungal infections, in addition to host-pathogen interaction data of SARS-CoV2 from well-known and widely used biological databases. Venn diagram was prepared to screen common host targets involved in studied COVID-19-associated fungal infections. Moreover, an interaction network of studied disease targets was prepared with STRING to identify important targets on the basis of network biological parameters. The host-pathogen interaction (HPI) map of SARS-CoV2 was also prepared and screened to identify interactions of the virus with targets involved in studied fungal infections. Pathway enrichment analysis of host targets involved in studied opportunistic fungal infections and the subset of those involved in SARS-CoV2 HPI were performed separately. This data-based analysis screened six common targets involved in all studied fungal infections, among which CARD9 and CYP51A1 were involved in host-pathogen interactions with SARS-CoV2. Moreover, several signaling pathways such as integrin signaling were screened, which were associated with disease targets involved in SARS-CoV2 HPI. The results of this study indicate several host targets deserving detailed investigation to develop strategies for the management of SARS-CoV2-associated fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Arif Khan
- Division of Microbiology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sudhir K Jain
- School of Studies in Microbiology, Vikram University, Ujjain (MP), India
| | - Mahendra Rai
- Department of Microbiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.,Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra, India
| | - Samiran Panda
- Indian Council of Medical Research, V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, P.O. Box No. 4911, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi Pin-110029, India
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12
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Nazari T, Sadeghi F, Izadi A, Sameni S, Mahmoudi S. COVID-19-associated fungal infections in Iran: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271333. [PMID: 35816494 PMCID: PMC9273100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This systematic review aims to summarize the mycological and clinical features of COVID-19-associated fungal infections (CAFIs) in Iran.
Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, and Google Scholar were searched for Persian and English articles published from January 1, 2020, to November 5, 2021, using a systematic search strategy. Studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAFIs were included in the review.
Results
Twenty-two studies comprising 169 patients were retrieved. Reported CAFIs included candidiasis (85, 50.30%), mucormycosis (35, 20.71%), aspergillosis (29, 17.16%), fusariosis (6, 3.55%), three cases caused by rare pathogens (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Diaporthe foeniculina, and Sarocladium kiliense) and 11 (6.51%) uncharacterized mold infections. The most common underlying diseases were diabetes (67/168, 39.88%), cardiovascular diseases (55/168, 32.74%), and hypertension (43/168, 25.59%). The use of antibiotics (111/124, 89.52%), corticosteroids (93/132, 70.44%), and mechanical ventilation (66, 51.16%) were the most common predisposing factors. Totally, 72 (50.35%) of 143 patients with CAFIs died (data were not available for 26 patients).
Conclusion
Fungal infections are evident to be a complication of COVID-19 in Iran; thus, clinicians should consider them as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients with comorbidities and previous antibiotic or corticosteroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Nazari
- Department of Medical Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Setayesh Sameni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: ,
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13
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Feldman C, Waterer G. When should corticosteroids be used for COVID-19 infection? Eur Respir J 2022; 60:60/1/2103222. [PMID: 35835475 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.03222-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Feldman
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Grant Waterer
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Australia.,Royal Perth Bentley Group, Perth, Australia.,University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
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14
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Domán M, Bányai K. COVID-19-Associated Fungal Infections: An Urgent Need for Alternative Therapeutic Approach? Front Microbiol 2022; 13:919501. [PMID: 35756020 PMCID: PMC9218862 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.919501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary fungal infections may complicate the clinical course of patients affected by viral respiratory diseases, especially those admitted to intensive care unit. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of fungal co-infections exacerbating the prognosis of disease due to misdiagnosis that often result in treatment failure and high mortality rate. COVID-19-associated fungal infections caused by predominantly Aspergillus and Candida species, and fungi of the order Mucorales have been reported from several countries to become significant challenge for healthcare system. Early diagnosis and adequate antifungal therapy is essential to improve clinical outcomes, however, drug resistance shows a rising trend highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on COVID-19-associated mycoses, treatment strategies and the most recent advancements in antifungal drug development focusing on peptides with antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Domán
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Naveen KV, Saravanakumar K, Sathiyaseelan A, MubarakAli D, Wang MH. Human Fungal Infection, Immune Response, and Clinical Challenge-a Perspective During COVID-19 Pandemic. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:4244-4257. [PMID: 35648275 PMCID: PMC9156836 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-03979-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a small but important part of the human microbiota and several fungi are familiar to the immune system, yet certain can cause infections in immunocompromised hosts and referred as opportunistic pathogens. The fungal coinfections in COVID-19 hosts with predisposing conditions and immunosuppressive medications are posing higher severity and death. The immunological counteraction (innate/adaptive immunity) is triggered when the PRRs on the host cells recognize the fungal PAMPs. However, in simultaneous infections (COVID-19 and fungal coinfection), the synergism of TLR and NLR may hyperactivate the immune cells which dramatically increase the cytokine level and generate cytokine storm. Fungal colonization in the human gut assists the development of microbiome assembly, ecology, and shaping immune response. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection represented unstable mycobiomes and long-term dysbiosis in a large proportion in COVID-19 patients. Normally, amphotericin B is considered as first-line treatment for invasive fungal infection. So, amphotericin B therapy is recommended in COVID-19 hosts with serious fungal infections. Still, the long-term corticosteroid supplementation prescribed in case of severe pneumonia and lower oxygen levels may result in systemic fungal infection in COVID-19 patients, eventually limiting the lifesaving benefits of available medications. Also, due to the evolution of fungal resistance to available antibiotics, the current treatments are becoming ineffective. Therefore, this review summarizes the concerns, needed to deal with the impending crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Vishven Naveen
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kandasamy Saravanakumar
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Davoodbasha MubarakAli
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Myeong-Hyeon Wang
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Normile TG, Del Poeta M. Three Models of Vaccination Strategies Against Cryptococcosis in Immunocompromised Hosts Using Heat-Killed Cryptococcus neoformans Δ sgl1. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868523. [PMID: 35615354 PMCID: PMC9124966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the greatest medical accomplishments to date, yet no fungal vaccines are currently available in humans mainly because opportunistic mycoses generally occur during immunodeficiencies necessary for vaccine protection. In previous studies, a live, attenuated Cryptococcus neoformans Δsgl1 mutant accumulating sterylglucosides was found to be avirulent and protected mice from a subsequent lethal infection even in absence of CD4+ T cells, a condition most associated with cryptococcosis (e.g., HIV). Here, we tested three strategies of vaccination against cryptococcosis. First, in our preventative model, protection was achieved even after a 3-fold increase of the vaccination window. Second, because live C. neoformans Δsgl1-vaccinated mice challenged more than once with WT strain had a significant decrease in lung fungal burden, we tested C. neoformans Δsgl1 as an immunotherapeutic. We found that therapeutic administrations of HK C. neoformans Δsgl1 post WT challenge significantly improves the lung fungal burden. Similarly, therapeutic administration of HK C. neoformans Δsgl1 post WT challenge resulted in 100% or 70% survival depending on the time of vaccine administration, suggesting that HK Δsgl1 is a robust immunotherapeutic option. Third, we investigated a novel model of vaccination in preventing reactivation from lung granuloma using C. neoformans Δgcs1. Remarkably, we show that administration of HK Δsgl1 prevents mice from reactivating Δgcs1 upon inducing immunosuppression with corticosteroids or by depleting CD4+ T cells. Our results suggest that HK Δsgl1 represents a clinically relevant, efficacious vaccine that confers robust host protection in three models of vaccination against cryptococcosis even during CD4-deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. Normile
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Maurizio Del Poeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States,Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States,Veterans Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Maurizio Del Poeta,
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17
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Shanshal M. Lessons from India’s
COVID
‐19 crisis: Meyerozyma guillermondii presenting in a mucormycosis‐like picture. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:e663-e664. [PMID: 35435289 PMCID: PMC9114835 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Shanshal
- Basildon and Thurrock Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Dermatology UK
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18
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Invasive Respiratory Fungal Infections in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040415. [PMID: 35448646 PMCID: PMC9025868 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often develop respiratory fungal infections. The most frequent diseases are the COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19 associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM) and the Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), the latter mostly found in patients with both COVID-19 and underlying HIV infection. Furthermore, co-infections due to less common mold pathogens have been also described. Respiratory fungal infections in critically ill patients are promoted by multiple risk factors, including epithelial damage caused by COVID-19 infection, mechanical ventilation and immunosuppression, mainly induced by corticosteroids and immunomodulators. In COVID-19 patients, a correct discrimination between fungal colonization and infection is challenging, further hampered by sampling difficulties and by the low reliability of diagnostic approaches, frequently needing an integration of clinical, radiological and microbiological features. Several antifungal drugs are currently available, but the development of new molecules with reduced toxicity, less drug-interactions and potentially active on difficult to treat strains, is highly warranted. Finally, the role of prophylaxis in certain COVID-19 populations is still controversial and must be further investigated.
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19
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Huff D, Ampel NM, Blair JE. Coccidioidomycosis and COVID-19 Infection. An Analysis from a Single Medical Center Within the Coccidioidal Endemic Area. Mycopathologia 2022; 187:199-204. [PMID: 35428955 PMCID: PMC9012435 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00629-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
At a single medical center, we identified 60 cases of coccidioidomycosis that were coincident with COVID-19 infection. Among these, seven patients developed new or clinically progressive coccidioidomycosis. Receipt of dexamethasone for COVID-19 infection was the only significant risk factor for the progression or development of clinically active coccidioidomycosis in this cohort. All patients survived and none developed disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Huff
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Neil M Ampel
- The Division of Infectious Diseases of Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | - Janis E Blair
- The Division of Infectious Diseases of Mayo Clinic in Arizona, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
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20
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Román-Montes CM, Bojorges-Aguilar S, Díaz-Lomelí P, Cervantes-Sánchez A, Rangel-Cordero A, Martínez-Gamboa A, Sifuentes-Osornio J, Ponce-de-León A, González-Lara MF. Tracheal Aspirate Galactomannan Testing in COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2022; 3:855914. [PMID: 37746186 PMCID: PMC10512352 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2022.855914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Among critically ill patients, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a challenging complication. The recommended diagnostic methods for this disease are bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture and galactomannan (GM) testing, which were not widely available during the pandemic. There is scarce information regarding GM testing in other respiratory specimens. Our objective was to compare the agreement of GM between BAL and tracheal aspirate (TA) samples. We selected patients with COVID-19 and those with suspected CAPA who were admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). GM was routinely done in BAL. We performed GM in TA samples and compared the results. The agreement was evaluated with Cohen's Kappa coefficient. GM was considered positive when an OD index ≥ 1 in BAL and ≥ 2 in TA were found. Probable CAPA was considered when the ECMM/ISHAM criteria were met. A descriptive analysis of clinical characteristics and mortality was made. We included 20 patients with suspected CAPA from 54 patients with critical COVID-19, of which 5 (9%) met the probable category. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most frequent isolate. We found moderate agreement between BAL and TA GM (Kappa = 0.47, p = 0.01, 95% CI.04-0.9), whereas TA GM had 75% sensitivity (95% CI 19.4-99.4%), 81.2% specificity (95% CI 54.4-95.9%), 50% positive predictive value (95% CI 23.8-76.3%),] and 92.8% negative predictive value (95% CI 70.1-98.6%), and 80% accuracy (95% CI 56.3-94.3%). Lastly, three (60%) patients with CAPA died during hospitalization compared to 40% (6/15) without CAPA (p = 0.4). In conclusion, a moderate agreement between TA GM and BAL was found. Therefore, TA testing may aid in ruling out CAPA due to high negative predictive value when bronchoscopies are unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla M. Román-Montes
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
- Medicine Direction, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Saúl Bojorges-Aguilar
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
- Medicine Direction, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paulette Díaz-Lomelí
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Axel Cervantes-Sánchez
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrea Rangel-Cordero
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Areli Martínez-Gamboa
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Sifuentes-Osornio
- Infectious Diseases Department of Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Ponce-de-León
- Medicine Direction, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria F. González-Lara
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
- Medicine Direction, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, Mexico City, Mexico
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21
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Central Nervous System Cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus gattii in the Tropics. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:1-7. [PMID: 35378784 PMCID: PMC8967080 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00253-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Tang HJ, Lai CC, Chao CM. Changing Epidemiology of Respiratory Tract Infection during COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030315. [PMID: 35326778 PMCID: PMC8944752 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly changed the epidemiology of respiratory tract infection in several ways. The implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including universal masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing not only resulted in a decline in reported SARS-CoV-2 cases but also contributed to the decline in the non-COVID-19 respiratory tract infection-related hospital utilization. Moreover, it also led to the decreased incidence of previous commonly encountered respiratory pathogens, such as influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although antimicrobial agents are essential for treating patients with COVID-19 co-infection, the prescribing of antibiotics was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection, which indicated the overuse of antibiotics or unnecessary antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inappropriate antimicrobial exposure may drive the selection of drug-resistant microorganisms, and the disruption of infection control in COVID-19 setting measures may result in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In conclusion, NPIs could be effective in preventing respiratory tract infection and changing the microbiologic distribution of respiratory pathogens; however, we should continue with epidemiological surveillance to establish updated information, antimicrobial stewardship programs for appropriate use of antibiotic, and infection control prevention interventions to prevent the spread of MDROs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan 710, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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23
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Pipitone G, Spicola D, Abbott M, Sanfilippo A, Onorato F, Di Lorenzo F, Ficalora A, Buscemi C, Alongi I, Imburgia C, Ciusa G, Agrenzano S, Gizzi A, Guida Marascia F, Granata G, CimÒ F, Verde MS, Di Bernardo F, Scafidi A, Mazzarese V, Sagnelli C, Petrosillo N, Cascio A, Iaria C. Invasive cryptococcal disease in COVID-19: systematic review of the literature and analysis. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 31:6-12. [PMID: 36908394 PMCID: PMC9994830 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an increasing number of fungal infections associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported. Among them, cryptococcosis could be a life-threatening disease. We performed a Systematic Review (PRISMA Statement) of cryptococcosis and COVID-19 co-infection, case report/series were included: a total of 34 cases were found, then we added our case report. We collected patients' data and performed a statistical analysis comparing two groups of patients sorted by outcome: "dead" and "alive". Three cases were excluded for lack of information. To compare categorical data, we used a Fisher-exact test (α=0.05). To compare quantitative variables a U Mann-Whitney test was used (α=0.05), with a 95% Confidence Interval. A total of 32 co-infected patients were included in the statistical analysis. Mortality rate was 17/32 (53.1%): these patients were included in "dead" group, and 15/32 (46.9%) patients survived and were included in "alive" group. Overall, males were 25/32 (78.1%), the median age was 60 years (IQR 53-70) with non-statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.149 and p=0.911, respectively). Three variables were associated with mortality: ARDS, ICU admission and inadequate treatment. Overall, 21 out of 24 (87.5%) patients were in ARDS with a statistically significant difference among two groups (p=0.028). ICU admission for COVID-19 was observed in 18/26 (69.2%), more frequently among dead group (p=0.034). Finally, 15/32 (46.9%) patients had adequate treatment (amphotericin B + flucytosine for invasive cryptococcosis) mostly among alive patients (p=0.039). In conclusion, mortality due to cryptococcal infection among COVID-19 patients remains high but an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment could reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Pipitone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Daria Spicola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Michelle Abbott
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Policlinic "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriana Sanfilippo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Onorato
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Lorenzo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Ficalora
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Buscemi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Ilenia Alongi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Imburgia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giacomo Ciusa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Agrenzano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Gizzi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Policlinic "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Federica Guida Marascia
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Policlinic "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Granata
- Clinical and Research Department for Infectious Disease, INMI "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco CimÒ
- Pharmacology Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Verde
- Microbiology Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Scafidi
- Intensive Care Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzarese
- Intensive Care Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention & Control and Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital "Campus Bio-Medico", Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital Policlinic "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Iaria
- Infectious Diseases Unit, ARNAS "Civico-Di Cristina-Benfratelli", Palermo, Italy
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