1
|
Pham D, Sivalingam V, Tang HM, Montgomery JM, Chen SCA, Halliday CL. Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Diseases: Current and Future Approaches. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:447. [PMID: 39057332 PMCID: PMC11278267 DOI: 10.3390/jof10070447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) comprise a growing healthcare burden, especially given the expanding population of immunocompromised hosts. Early diagnosis of IFDs is required to optimise therapy with antifungals, especially in the setting of rising rates of antifungal resistance. Molecular techniques including nucleic acid amplification tests and whole genome sequencing have potential to offer utility in overcoming limitations with traditional phenotypic testing. However, standardisation of methodology and interpretations of these assays is an ongoing undertaking. The utility of targeted Aspergillus detection has been well-defined, with progress in investigations into the role of targeted assays for Candida, Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus, the Mucorales and endemic mycoses. Likewise, whilst broad-range polymerase chain reaction assays have been in use for some time, pathology stewardship and optimising diagnostic yield is a continuing exercise. As costs decrease, there is also now increased access and experience with whole genome sequencing, including metagenomic sequencing, which offers unparalleled resolution especially in the investigations of potential outbreaks. However, their role in routine diagnostic use remains uncommon and standardisation of techniques and workflow are required for wider implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Pham
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
| | - Varsha Sivalingam
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
| | - Helen M. Tang
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
| | - James M. Montgomery
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Catriona L. Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (D.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gudisa R, Harchand R, Rudramurthy SM. Nucleic-Acid-Based Molecular Fungal Diagnostics: A Way to a Better Future. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:520. [PMID: 38472992 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The world has seen a tremendous increase in the number of fungal infections during the past two decades. Recently, the World Health Organisation released the pathogen priority list for fungal infections, signifying the importance of these infections in the fields of research and public health. Microbiology laboratories demand an upgrade in the diagnostic system to keep up with the increased burden of these infections. Diagnosis of fungal infections using conventional techniques has always faced limitations in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and turnaround time. Although these methods are the core pillars of the diagnosis, there is an increased need for molecular approaches. Molecular techniques have revolutionised the field of fungal diagnostics. The diverse array of molecular techniques, including techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), have emerged as a cornerstone in fungal diagnostics. Molecular techniques have transformed fungal diagnostics, providing powerful tools for the rapid and accurate identification of pathogens. As these technologies continue to evolve, their integration into routine clinical practice holds the promise of improving patient outcomes through timely and targeted antifungal interventions. This review will cover the molecular approaches involved in fungal diagnostics, moving from the basic techniques to the advanced-level nucleic-acid-based molecular approaches providing a high throughput and decreased turnaround time for the diagnosis of serious fungal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gudisa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ritika Harchand
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puerta-Arias JD, Isaza Agudelo JP, Naranjo Preciado TW. Identification and production of novel potential pathogen-specific biomarkers for diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0093923. [PMID: 37882565 PMCID: PMC10714873 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00939-23] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Histoplasmosis is considered one of the most important mycoses due to the increasing number of individuals susceptible to develop severe clinical forms, particularly those with HIV/AIDS or receiving immunosuppressive biological therapies, the high mortality rates reported when antifungal treatment is not initiated in a timely manner, and the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods. In this context, there is a clear need to improve the capacity of diagnostic tools to specifically detect the fungal pathogen, regardless of the patient's clinical condition or the presence of other co-infections. The proposed novel pathogen-specific biomarkers have the potential to be used in immunodiagnostic platforms and antifungal treatment monitoring in histoplasmosis. In addition, the bioinformatics strategy used in this study could be applied to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers in other models of fungal infection of public health importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Puerta-Arias
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-UdeA-UPB-UDES), Medellín, Colombia
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
- Universidad de Santander (UDES), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | - Tonny Williams Naranjo Preciado
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB-UdeA-UPB-UDES), Medellín, Colombia
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Osorio-Cock LM, Jaramillo-Pulgarín SC, Ferrín-Bastidas AP, Molina-Colorado DY, Gómez-Guzmán ÓM, Zuluaga A, McEwen-Ochoa JG, Urán-Jiménez ME, Jiménez-Alzate MDP. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: Squamous cell carcinoma versus oral paracoccidioidomycosis, a case from a dermatological perspective. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:69-76. [PMID: 37721905 PMCID: PMC10586879 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The most frequent form involves a chronic compromise of the lungs, skin, and mucosa. The patient started with a single oral lesion that lasted for several years. The absence of other symptoms pointed out a possible malignant neoplasm, specifically a squamous cell carcinoma. Differentiation between both diagnoses –fungal infection and carcinoma– depends on the results of the direct examination, the histopathological study, and the initial and subsequent cultures. However, in this case, those findings were not conclusive. The coexistence of both diagnoses is frequent and increases the diagnostic challenge. After several consultations and tests, direct examination, immunodiffusion and real-time PCR findings the multifocal chronic paracoccidioidomycosis diagnosis was confirmed. This case warns about a systematical absence of clinical suspicion of endemic mycoses before the appereance of mucocutaneous lesions, which can be produced by fungi like Paracoccidioides spp, and the importance of considering those mycoses among the differential diagnoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina M Osorio-Cock
- Grupo Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia..
| | | | | | - Diana Y Molina-Colorado
- Grupo Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Óscar M Gómez-Guzmán
- Grupo de Biología Celular y Molecular, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Alejandra Zuluaga
- Grupo de Micología Médica y Experimental, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Juan G McEwen-Ochoa
- Grupo Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo de Biología Celular y Molecular, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Martha E Urán-Jiménez
- Grupo Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - María Del Pilar Jiménez-Alzate
- Grupo Micología Médica, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
López LF, Tobón ÁM, Cáceres DH, Chiller T, Litvintseva AP, Gade L, González Á, Gómez BL. Application of Real-Time PCR Assays for the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis in Human FFPE Tissues Using Three Molecular Targets. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:700. [PMID: 37504689 PMCID: PMC10381543 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS, especially in countries with limited resources. Currently used diagnostic tests rely on culture and serology but with some limitations. No molecular assays are commercially available and the results from different reports have been variable. We aimed to evaluate quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting three protein-coding genes of Histoplasma capsulatum (100-kDa, H and M antigens) for detection of this fungus in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from patients with proven histoplasmosis. The sensitivity of 100-kDa, H and M qPCR assays were 93.9%, 91% and 57%, respectively. The specificity of 100-kDa qPCR was 93% when compared against samples from patients with other mycoses and other infections, and 100% when samples from patients with non-infectious diseases were used as controls. Our findings demonstrate that real-time PCR assays targeting 100-kDa and H antigen showed the most reliable results and can be successfully used for diagnosing this mycosis when testing FFPE samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F López
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín 050034, Colombia
| | - Ángela M Tobón
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Medellín 055450, Colombia
| | - Diego H Cáceres
- Medical and Experimental Mycology Group, Corporación para Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Medellín 050034, Colombia
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | | | - Lalitha Gade
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Ángel González
- Basic and Applied Microbiology Research Group (MICROBA), School of Microbiology, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Beatriz L Gómez
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wilmes D, Hagen F, Verissimo C, Alanio A, Rickerts V, Buitrago MJ. A multicentre external quality assessment: A first step to standardise PCR protocols for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis. Mycoses 2023. [PMID: 37169736 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In-house real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly used to diagnose the so-called endemic mycoses as commercial assays are not widely available. OBJECTIVES To compare the performance of different molecular diagnostic assays for detecting Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides spp. in five European reference laboratories. METHODS Two blinded external quality assessment (EQA) panels were sent to each laboratory that performed the analysis with their in-house assays. Both panels included a range of concentrations of H. capsulatum (n = 7) and Coccidioides spp. (n = 6), negative control and DNA from other fungi. Four laboratories used specific qPCRs, and one laboratory a broad-range fungal conventional PCR (cPCR) and a specific cPCR for H. capsulatum with subsequent sequencing. RESULTS qPCR assays were the most sensitive for the detection of H. capsulatum DNA. The lowest amount of H. capsulatum DNA detected was 1-4 fg, 0.1 pg and 10 pg for qPCRs, specific cPCR and broad-range cPCR, respectively. False positive results occurred with high concentrations of Blastomyces dermatitidis DNA in two laboratories and with Emergomyces spp. in one laboratory. For the Coccidioides panel, the lowest amount of DNA detected was 1-16 fg by qPCRs and 10 pg with the broad-range cPCR. One laboratory reported a false positive result by qPCR with high load of Uncinocarpus DNA. CONCLUSION All five laboratories were able to correctly detect H. capsulatum and Coccidioides spp. DNA and qPCRs had a better performance than specific cPCR and broad-range cPCR. EQAs may help standardise in-house molecular tests for the so-called endemic mycoses improving patient management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dunja Wilmes
- FG16, Unit for Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (WI-KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina Verissimo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Reference Laboratory for Parasites and Fungal infections, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Mycology Department, Translational Mycology Research Group, National Reference Center for Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Volker Rickerts
- FG16, Unit for Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Konsiliarlabor für Kryptokokkose und Seltene Systemmykosen, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria José Buitrago
- Reference Mycology Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII-CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Molecular Diagnosis of Endemic Mycoses. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010059. [PMID: 36675880 PMCID: PMC9866865 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of endemic mycoses is still challenging. The moderated availability of reliable diagnostic methods, the lack of clinical suspicion out of endemic areas and the limitations of conventional techniques result in a late diagnosis that, in turn, delays the implementation of the correct antifungal therapy. In recent years, molecular methods have emerged as promising tools for the rapid diagnosis of endemic mycoses. However, the absence of a consensus among laboratories and the reduced availability of commercial tests compromises the diagnostic effectiveness of these methods. In this review, we summarize the advantages and limitations of molecular methods for the diagnosis of endemic mycoses.
Collapse
|