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Janssens I, Lambrecht BN, Van Braeckel E. Aspergillus and the Lung. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:3-20. [PMID: 38286136 PMCID: PMC10857890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus causes a wide spectrum of diseases in the human lung, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most pathogenic and allergenic subspecies. The broad range of clinical syndromes that can develop from the presence of Aspergillus in the respiratory tract is determined by the interaction between host and pathogen. In this review, an oversight of the different clinical entities of pulmonary aspergillosis is given, categorized by their main pathophysiological mechanisms. The underlying immune processes are discussed, and the main clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological findings are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Janssens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC; Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Tashiro M, Takazono T, Izumikawa K. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: comprehensive insights into epidemiology, treatment, and unresolved challenges. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241253751. [PMID: 38899061 PMCID: PMC11186400 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241253751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a challenging respiratory infection caused by the environmental fungus Aspergillus. CPA has a poor prognosis, with reported 1-year mortality rates ranging from 7% to 32% and 5-year mortality rates ranging from 38% to 52%. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogen, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, surgery, hemoptysis treatment, pharmacological therapy, and prognosis is essential to manage CPA effectively. In particular, Aspergillus drug resistance and cryptic species pose significant challenges. CPA lacks tissue invasion and has specific features such as aspergilloma. The most critical risk factor for the development of CPA is pulmonary cavitation. Diagnostic approaches vary by CPA subtype, with computed tomography (CT) imaging and Aspergillus IgG antibodies being key. Treatment strategies include surgery, hemoptysis management, and antifungal therapy. Surgery is the curative option. However, reported postoperative mortality rates range from 0% to 5% and complications range from 11% to 63%. Simple aspergilloma generally has a low postoperative mortality rate, making surgery the first choice. Hemoptysis, observed in 50% of CPA patients, is a significant symptom and can be life-threatening. Bronchial artery embolization achieves hemostasis in 64% to 100% of cases, but 50% experience recurrent hemoptysis. The efficacy of antifungal therapy for CPA varies, with itraconazole reported to be 43-76%, voriconazole 32-80%, posaconazole 44-61%, isavuconazole 82.7%, echinocandins 42-77%, and liposomal amphotericin B 52-73%. Combinatorial treatments such as bronchoscopic triazole administration, inhalation, or direct injection of amphotericin B at the site of infection also show efficacy. A treatment duration of more than 6 months is recommended, with better efficacy reported for periods of more than 1 year. In anticipation of improvements in CPA management, ongoing advances in basic and clinical research are expected to contribute to the future of CPA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Chakrabarti A, Patel AK, Soman R, Todi S. Overcoming clinical challenges in the management of invasive fungal infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:1057-1070. [PMID: 37698201 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2257895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is a serious challenge due to limited epidemiology studies, sub-optimal laboratory facilities, gap in antifungal management training and resources. Limited studies highlighted distinctive epidemiology of IFIs in those countries, and difficulty in distinguishing from closely related infections. To overcome the gaps for appropriate management of IFIs, innovative approaches are required. AREAS COVERED Extensive literature search and discussion with experts have helped us to summarize the epidemiology, diagnostic and management difficulties in managing IFIs in LMIC, and recommend certain solutions to overcome the challenges. EXPERT OPINION The strategies to overcome the challenges in diagnosis may include local epidemiology study, training of healthcare workers, association of fungal infections with already existing budgeted national programs, development and incorporation of point-of-care test (POCT) for prompt diagnosis, simplifying clinical diagnostic criteria suitable for LMIC, judicious use of available expertise, and diagnostic stewardship. For management strategies judicious use of antifungal, partnering with industry for inexpensive antifungal agents, development of LMIC specific guidelines for cost-effective management of IFIs and fungal outbreaks, improvement of infection control practices, advocacy for implementation of WHO recommended antifungal use, and integration of IFIs with public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, Doodhadhari Burfani Hospital & Research Institute, Haridwar, India
| | - Atul K Patel
- Infectious Diseases Department, Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rajeev Soman
- Infectious Diseases Physician, Jupiter Hospital and Deenanath Mangeskar Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Subhash Todi
- Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, India
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Lamoth F, Calandra T. Pulmonary aspergillosis: diagnosis and treatment. Eur Respir Rev 2022; 31:31/166/220114. [DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0114-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillusspecies are the most frequent cause of fungal infections of the lungs with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). IPA affects immunocompromised populations, which are increasing in number and diversity with the advent of novel anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, IPA has emerged as a complication of severe influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 in apparently immunocompetent hosts. CPA mainly affects patients with pre-existing lung lesions and is recognised increasingly frequently among patients with long-term survival following cure of tuberculosis or lung cancer. The diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis is complex as it relies on the presence of clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria, which differ according to the type of pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA or CPA) and the type of patient population. The management of pulmonary aspergillosis is complicated by the limited number of treatment options, drug interactions, adverse events and the emergence of antifungal resistance.
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Sprute R, Van Braeckel E, Flick H, Hoenigl M, Kosmidis C, Agarwal R, Davidsen JR, Laursen CB, Cornely OA, Seidel D. EQUAL CPA Score 2022: a tool to measure guideline adherence for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 78:225-231. [PMID: 36374549 PMCID: PMC9780539 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) can complicate underlying pulmonary diseases, and clinical management of CPA is challenging. Guidelines support clinicians but due to the complexity of the disease they can be difficult to adhere to. OBJECTIVES To map current guideline recommendations for the clinical management of CPA into a scoring tool to facilitate and quantify guideline adherence in clinical practice. METHODS Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of CPA presented in the current ESCMID/ERS/ECMM and CPAnet guidance documents were assembled and weighed on the basis of their strength of recommendation and level of evidence. RESULTS Twenty-seven recommendations were identified, resulting in a total maximum EQUAL CPA Score of 51. For diagnostics (ScoreMax = 27), a strong emphasis on expert consultation, culture, direct microscopy, histopathology, serology and imaging was reflected in respective points, whereas molecular techniques and susceptibility testing count into the diagnostics score to a lesser extent.Ten treatment recommendations (ScoreMax = 14), including antifungal therapy, therapeutic drug monitoring and treatment duration, were identified. Surgery, where indicated, adds three points. For refractory disease or intolerance of first-line antifungal treatment, optimal second-line treatment added another two points.During follow-up (ScoreMax = 10), response assessment via imaging gave three points, while culture and serology added two points each to the ScoreMax. CONCLUSION The EQUAL CPA Score intents to be used as a comprehensive tool for measuring guideline adherence. If adherence to current guidelines is associated with clinical outcome, this will be assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Holger Flick
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria,Biotech Med, Graz, Austria
| | - Chris Kosmidis
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ritesh Agarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jesper R Davidsen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Pulmonary Aspergillosis Center Denmark (PACD), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,Department of Clinical Research, Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christian B Laursen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Pulmonary Aspergillosis Center Denmark (PACD), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,Department of Clinical Research, Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany
| | - Danila Seidel
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany,Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD) and Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Special Issue: Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070714. [PMID: 35887469 PMCID: PMC9319025 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Efficacy of 12-months oral itraconazole versus 6-months oral itraconazole to prevent relapses of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: an open-label, randomised controlled trial in India. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1052-1061. [PMID: 35429465 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis has a 5-year mortality of 50-80% globally, and the optimal duration of treatment for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis remains unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of 6-months of oral itraconazole with 12-months of oral itraconazole on chronic pulmonary aspergillosis clinical outcomes. METHODS In this single-centre, open-label, randomised controlled trial conducted in one chest clinic in Chandigarh, India, we screened consecutive patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis who were naive to antifungal treatment and randomised eligible patients, using block randomisation, to receive a starting dose of 400 mg/day of oral itraconazole for either 6 months or 12 months. There was no masking of participants or investigators. We excluded patients who were unable to provide informed consent; had an intake of any antifungal drugs for more than 3 weeks in the preceding 6 months; had active Mycobacterium tuberculosis or non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease; and had allergic, subacute, or invasive forms of aspergillosis. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients having relapse 2 years after treatment initiation. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis for all outcomes. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03920527. FINDINGS We recruited participants between July 1, 2019, and Aug 31, 2021. We screened 250 patients, of which 164 were included in the trial. 81 patients were randomised to the 6-month group and 83 patients were randomised to the 12-month group. The study population was 78 (48%) women and 86 (52%) men, and the mean age of participants was 44·3 (SD 13·3) years. The proportion of patients experiencing relapse was significantly lower in the 12-month group, 31 (38%) had a relapse in the 6-month group compared with 8 (10%) in the 12-month group, with an absolute risk reduction of 0.29 [95% CI 0·16-0·40]. The mean time to first relapse was 23 months in the 12-month group, which is significantly longer than the mean of 18 months in the 6-month group (p<0.0001). There were 16 deaths in total, eight in each group. Ten (12%) of 81 patients in the 6-months group and 18 (22%) of 83 patients in the 12-months group had adverse effects, with none requiring treatment modification. Nausea and anorexia were the most common adverse events in both groups. INTERPRETATION Treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with 12 months of oral itraconazole was superior to 6 months of oral itraconazole in reducing relapses at 2 years. Itraconazole should be given for at least 12 months for treating chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. FUNDING None. TRANSLATION For the Hindi translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Sprute R, Salzer HJF, Seidel D. CPAnet: the challenges of gaining evidence-based knowledge in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Eur Respir J 2022; 59:59/4/2102879. [PMID: 35450920 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.02879-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Sprute
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University of Cologne, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany .,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Helmut J F Salzer
- Dept of Internal Medicine/Pulmonology, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Danila Seidel
- Dept of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University of Cologne, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Ray A, Chowdhury M, Sachdev J, Sethi P, Meena VP, Singh G, Xess I, Vyas S, Khan MA, Sinha S, Denning DW, Wig N, Kabra SK. Efficacy of LD Bio Aspergillus ICT Lateral Flow Assay for Serodiagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:400. [PMID: 35448631 PMCID: PMC9029852 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of CPA relies on the detection of the IgG Aspergillus antibody, which is not freely available, especially in resource-poor settings. Point-of-care tests like LDBio Aspergillus ICT lateral flow assay, evaluated in only a few studies, have shown promising results for the diagnosis of CPA. However, no study has compared the diagnostic performances of LDBio LFA in setting of tuberculosis endemic countries and have compared it with that of IgG Aspergillus. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of LDBio LFA in CPA and compare it with existing the diagnostic algorithm utilising ImmunoCAP IgG Aspergillus. Methods: Serial patients presenting with respiratory symptoms (cough, haemoptysis, fever, etc.) for >4 weeks were screened for eligibility. Relevant investigations, including direct microscopy and culture of respiratory secretions, IgG Aspergillus, chest imaging, etc., were done according to existing algorithm. Serums of all patients were tested by LDBio LFA and IgG Aspergillus (ImmunoCAP Asp IgG) and their diagnostic performances were compared. Results: A total of 174 patients were included in the study with ~66.7% patients having past history of tuberculosis. A diagnosis of CPA was made in 74 (42.5%) of patients. The estimated sensitivity and specificity of LDBio LFA was 67.6% (95% CI: 55.7−78%) and 81% (95% CI: 71.9−88.2%), respectively, which increased to 73.3% (95% CI: 60.3−83.9%) and 83.9% (95% CI: 71.7−92.4%), respectively, in patients with a past history of tuberculosis. The sensitivity and specificity of IgG Aspergillus was 82.4% (95% CI: 71.8−90.3%) and 82% (95% CI: 73.1−89%); 86.7% (95% CI: 75.4−94.1%) and 80.4% (95% CI: 67.6−89.8%), in the whole group and those with past history of tuberculosis, respectively. Conclusions: LDBio LFA is a point-of-care test with reasonable sensitivity and specificity. However, further tests may have to be done to rule-in or rule-out the diagnosis of CPA in the appropriate setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Ray
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
| | - Mohit Chowdhury
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
| | - Janya Sachdev
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (J.S.); (G.S.); (I.X.)
| | - Prayas Sethi
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
| | - Ved Prakash Meena
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (J.S.); (G.S.); (I.X.)
| | - Immaculata Xess
- Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (J.S.); (G.S.); (I.X.)
| | - Surabhi Vyas
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | | | - Sanjeev Sinha
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NT, UK;
| | - Naveet Wig
- Department of Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi 110029, India; (M.C.); (P.S.); (V.P.M.); (S.S.); (N.W.)
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Borup MB, Falster C, Jacobsen N, Davidsen JR. Cavitating pulmonary lung lesions with more than one microbiological aetiology. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e247396. [PMID: 35332005 PMCID: PMC8948394 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247396] [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] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are one of the predominant microbes observed in immunocompromised patients with structural lung disease. Especially in immunocompromised patients, the treating physician needs to be aware of concurrent lung infections with opportunistic pathogens. In this case report we present a man in his 60s with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bullous emphysema, who was diagnosed with Mycobacterium europaeum but with persistent clinical deterioration despite relevant treatment for NTM. A subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) revealed elevated Aspergillus galactomannan antigen which, when seen in relation to imaging-findings of cavitating opacities with aggravating surrounding consolidation, raised suspicion of concurrent subacute invasive aspergillosis. Antifungal treatment was initiated but due to intolerable side effects was discontinued after only a few weeks. This case highlights the importance of concurrent testing for pulmonary aspergillosis in NTM patients and vice versa before treatment initiation and if the disease and symptoms are progressing despite relevant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Casper Falster
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Jacobsen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Rømhild Davidsen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Klinting FP, Laursen CB, Titlestad IL. Incidence of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with Suspected or Confirmed NTM and TB—A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030301. [PMID: 35330303 PMCID: PMC8954469 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a severe and underdiagnosed pulmonary fungal infection with a significant overlap in symptoms and imaging findings of mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). Infection with TB or NTM is a predisposing underlying condition for CPA in approximately one-third of patients. A previously published study from Uganda showed increased incidence and complication rate of CPA with respect to pre-existing radiographic cavitation in a post-treatment TB population. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of CPA in a low-endemic population of confirmed or suspected TB and NTM patients. We manually reviewed 172 patients referred on suspicion or for treatment of TB or NTM at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital during the period of 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. We found no CPA amongst TB patients as opposed to an incidence of 8.2% (n = 4) in NTM-infected patients. We identified possible investigatory differences in Aspergillus blood sample screening protocols depending on NTM or TB, initiated at the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Odense University Hospital. A focused screening and investigatory protocol in NTM patients with persisting or developing symptoms is warranted in relation to suspected CPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik P. Klinting
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (C.B.L.); (I.L.T.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-29-72-74-97
| | - Christian B. Laursen
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (C.B.L.); (I.L.T.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Ingrid L. Titlestad
- Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (C.B.L.); (I.L.T.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Respiratory Mycoses: A Call to Action to Recognize, Educate and Invest. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:569-573. [PMID: 34490550 PMCID: PMC8421193 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Im Y, Jhun BW, Kang ES, Koh WJ, Jeon K. Impact of treatment duration on recurrence of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. J Infect 2021; 83:490-495. [PMID: 34332020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited data exist on the optimal treatment duration for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). We investigated the treatment outcome and recurrence rate according to treatment duration in CPA patients. METHODS A total of 196 patients who completed at least 6 months of antifungal therapy (99% oral itraconazole) and achieved favorable treatment responses were analyzed. A Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for potential confounding factors in the association between the duration of antifungal therapy (6-12 months vs. ≥ 12 months) and recurrence. RESULTS All patients were treated with antifungal agents for at least 6 months (median: 12.5, interquartile range: 8.5-18.4 months) and categorized into 6-12 months group (79/196, 40%) and ≥ 12 months group (117/196, 60%). The 6-12 months group had significantly higher recurrence rates owing to CPA aggravation after the completion of treatment compared with the ≥ 12 months group (51% vs. 25%, P = 0.003). In a Cox's proportional hazards regression model, treatment duration ≥ 12 months was independently associated with a lower risk of recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.80). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that prolonging antifungal therapy beyond 12 months could reduce the recurrence rate in CPA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjoo Im
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Byung Woo Jhun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Eun-Suk Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Won-Jung Koh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, South Korea
| | - Kyeongman Jeon
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, South Korea.
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Angelini E, Shah A. Using Artificial Intelligence in Fungal Lung Disease: CPA CT Imaging as an Example. Mycopathologia 2021; 186:733-737. [PMID: 33840005 PMCID: PMC8536566 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This positioning paper aims to discuss current challenges and opportunities for artificial intelligence (AI) in fungal lung disease, with a focus on chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and some supporting proof-of-concept results using lung imaging. Given the high uncertainty in fungal infection diagnosis and analyzing treatment response, AI could potentially have an impactful role; however, developing imaging-based machine learning raises several specific challenges. We discuss recommendations to engage the medical community in essential first steps towards fungal infection AI with gathering dedicated imaging registries, linking with non-imaging data and harmonizing image-finding annotations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Angelini
- NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, ITMAT Data Science Group, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Department of Metabolism-Digestion-Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anand Shah
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,MRC Centre of Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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