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Gioia F, Walti LN, Orchanian-Cheff A, Husain S. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:207-216. [PMID: 38185135 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported to be an emerging and potentially fatal complication of severe COVID-19. However, risk factors for CAPA have not been systematically addressed to date. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with CAPA, we comprehensively searched five medical databases: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; and the WHO COVID-19 Database. All case-control and cohort studies in adults (aged >18 years) that described at least six cases of CAPA and evaluated any risk factors for CAPA, published from Dec 1, 2019, to July 27, 2023, were screened and assessed for inclusion. Only studies with a control population of COVID-19-positive individuals without aspergillosis were included. Two reviewers independently screened search results and extracted outcome data as summary estimates from eligible studies. The primary outcome was to identify the factors associated with CAPA. Meta-analysis was done with random-effects models, with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method to assess dichotomous outcomes as potential risk factors, or the inverse variance method to assess continuous variables for potential association with CAPA. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots for factors associated with CAPA. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022334405. FINDINGS Of 3561 records identified, 27 articles were included in the meta-analysis. 6848 patients with COVID-19 were included, of whom 1324 (19·3%) were diagnosed with CAPA. Diagnosis rates of CAPA ranged from 2·5% (14 of 566 patients) to 47·2% (58 of 123). We identified eight risk factors for CAPA. These factors included pre-existing comorbidities of chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·21-6·04], p=0·02; I2=53%), haematological malignancies (OR 2·47 [1·27-4·83], p=0·008; I2=50%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2·00 [1·42-2·83], p<0·0001; I2=26%), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1·31 [1·01-1·71], p=0·05; I2=46%). Use of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 2·83; 95% CI 1·88-4·24; p<0·0001; I2=69%), use of renal replacement therapy (OR 2·26 [1·76-2·90], p<0·0001; I2=14%), treatment of COVID-19 with interleukin-6 inhibitors (OR 2·88 [1·52-5·43], p=0·001; I2=89%), and treatment of COVID-19 with corticosteroids (OR 1·88 [1·28-2·77], p=0·001; I2=66%) were also associated with CAPA. Patients with CAPA were typically older than those without CAPA (mean age 66·6 years [SD 3·6] vs 63·5 years [5·3]; mean difference 2·90 [1·48-4·33], p<0·0001; I2=86%). The duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with CAPA was longer than in those without CAPA (n=7 studies; mean duration 19·3 days [8·9] vs 13·5 days [6·8]; mean difference 5·53 days [1·30-9·77], p=0·01; I2=88%). In post-hoc analysis, patients with CAPA had higher all-cause mortality than those without CAPA (n=20 studies; OR 2·65 [2·04-3·45], p<0·0001; I2=51%). INTERPRETATION The identified risk factors for CAPA could eventually be addressed with targeted antifungal prophylaxis in patients with severe COVID-19. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gioia
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CB21/13/00084), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura N Walti
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ani Orchanian-Cheff
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shahid Husain
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Thornton CR. The potential for rapid antigen testing for mucormycosis in the context of COVID-19. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:161-167. [PMID: 37405409 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2233906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucormycosis is a highly aggressive angio-invasive disease of humans caused by Mucorales fungi. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, mucormycosis was a rare mycosis typically seen in immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies or in transplant recipients. During the second wave of the pandemic, there was a dramatic increase in the disease, especially in India where a unique set of circumstances led to large numbers of life-threatening and disfiguring rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) infections. AREAS COVERED The review examines mucormycosis as a super-infection of COVID-19 patients, and the risk factors for COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) that drove the ROCM epidemic in India. The limitations of current diagnostic procedures are identified, and the measures needed to improve the speed and accuracy of detection discussed. EXPERT OPINION Despite increased awareness, global healthcare systems remain unprepared for further outbreaks of ROCM. Current diagnosis of the disease is slow and inaccurate, negatively impacting on patient survival. This is most evident in low- to middle-income countries which lack suitably equipped diagnostic facilities for rapid identification of the infecting pathogens. Rapid antigen testing using point-of-care lateral-flow assays could potentially have aided in the quick and accurate diagnosis of the disease, allowing earlier intervention with surgery and Mucorales-active antifungal drugs.
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Aerts R, Autier B, Gornicec M, Prattes J, Lagrou K, Gangneux JP, Hoenigl M. Point-of-care testing for viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:231-243. [PMID: 37688631 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2257597] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last years, severe respiratory viral infections, particularly those caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the influenza virus, have emerged as risk factor for viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (VAPA) among critically ill patients. Delays in diagnosis of VAPA are associated with increased mortality. Point-of-care-tests may play an important role in earlier diagnosis of VAPA and thus improve patient outcomes. AREAS COVERED The following review will give an update on point-of-care tests for VAPA, analyzing performances in respiratory and blood specimens. EXPERT OPINION Point-of-care tests have emerged, and particularly the IMMY Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay (LFA) shows performances comparable to the galactomannan ELISA for diagnosis of VAPA. Notably, nearly all evaluations of POC tests for VAPA have been performed in COVID-19 patients, with very limited data in influenza patients. For early diagnosis of COVID associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), the LFA has shown promising performances in respiratory samples, particularly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and may thereby help in improving patient outcomes. In contrast, serum LFA testing may not be useful for early diagnosis of disease, except in cases with invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robina Aerts
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brice Autier
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, European Excellence Center in Medical Mycology (ECMM-EC), National Reference Center on mycology and antifungals (LA-AspC Chronic aspergillosis and A. fumigatus resistance), Rennes, France
| | - Maximilian Gornicec
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Juergen Prattes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Unit, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, European Excellence Center in Medical Mycology (ECMM-EC), National Reference Center on mycology and antifungals (LA-AspC Chronic aspergillosis and A. fumigatus resistance), Rennes, France
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Unit, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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Feys S, Lagrou K, Lauwers HM, Haenen K, Jacobs C, Brusselmans M, Debaveye Y, Hermans G, Hoenigl M, Maertens J, Meersseman P, Peetermans M, Spriet I, Vandenbriele C, Vanderbeke L, Vos R, Van Wijngaerden E, Wilmer A, Wauters J. High Burden of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Severely Immunocompromised Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:361-370. [PMID: 37691392 PMCID: PMC10874259 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a frequent superinfection in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is associated with increased mortality rates. The increasing proportion of severely immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 who require mechanical ventilation warrants research into the incidence and impact of CAPA during the vaccination era. METHODS We performed a retrospective, monocentric, observational study. We collected data from adult patients with severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of University Hospitals Leuven, a tertiary referral center, between 1 March 2020 and 14 November 2022. Probable or proven CAPA was diagnosed according to the 2020 European Confederation for Medical Mycology/International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ECMM/ISHAM) criteria. RESULTS We included 335 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage sampling was performed in 300 (90%), and CAPA was diagnosed in 112 (33%). The incidence of CAPA was 62% (50 of 81 patients) in European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Mycosis Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC) host factor-positive patients, compared with 24% (62 of 254) in host factor-negative patients. The incidence of CAPA was significantly higher in the vaccination era, increasing from 24% (57 of 241) in patients admitted to the ICU before October 2021 to 59% (55 of 94) in those admitted since then. Both EORTC/MSGERC host factors and ICU admission in the vaccination era were independently associated with CAPA development. CAPA remained an independent risk factor associated with mortality risk during the vaccination era. CONCLUSIONS The presence of EORTC/MSGERC host factors for invasive mold disease is associated with increased CAPA incidence and worse outcome parameters, and it is the main driver for the significantly higher incidence of CAPA in the vaccination era. Our findings warrant investigation of antifungal prophylaxis in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Mycosis, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hanne Moon Lauwers
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Haenen
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cato Jacobs
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marius Brusselmans
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Center (L-BioStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves Debaveye
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Hermans
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Bio TechMed, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Group, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Meersseman
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marijke Peetermans
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Spriet
- Pharmacy Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Vandenbriele
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lore Vanderbeke
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eric Van Wijngaerden
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Wilmer
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Wauters
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Earle K, Valero C, Conn DP, Vere G, Cook PC, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Gago S. Pathogenicity and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2023; 14:2172264. [PMID: 36752587 PMCID: PMC10732619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2172264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory conditions or more recently, concomitant viral or bacterial pulmonary infections are recognised risks factors for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis. In this review, we will summarise our current knowledge of the mechanistic basis of pulmonary aspergillosis with a focus on emerging at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George Vere
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Beltrame A, Stevens DA, Haiduven D. Mortality in ICU Patients with COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:689. [PMID: 37367625 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060689] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A review of 38 studies involving 1437 COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was conducted to investigate whether mortality has improved since the pandemic's onset. The study found that the median ICU mortality was 56.8%, ranging from 30% to 91.8%. These rates were higher for patients admitted during 2020-2021 (61.4%) compared to 2020 (52.3%), and prospective studies found higher ICU mortality (64.7%) than retrospective ones (56.4%). The studies were conducted in various countries and used different criteria to define CAPA. The percentage of patients who received antifungal therapy varied across studies. These results indicate that the mortality rate among CAPA patients is a growing concern, mainly since there has been an overall reduction in mortality among COVID-19 patients. Urgent action is needed to improve prevention and management strategies for CAPA, and additional research is needed to identify optimal treatment strategies to reduce mortality rates among these patients. This study serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals and policymakers to prioritize CAPA, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Beltrame
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33622, USA
| | - David A Stevens
- California Institute for Medical Research, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Donna Haiduven
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33622, USA
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Awad MT, Niwinski RM, Beran A, Tidwell C, Soubani AO. Tocilizumab and Corticosteroids Increase Risk of COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Development Among Critically Ill Patients. Am J Ther 2023; 30:e268-e274. [PMID: 37278708 DOI: 10.1097/mjt.0000000000001617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed T Awad
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | | | - Azizullah Beran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Chad Tidwell
- Internal Medicine Department, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Ayman O Soubani
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
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Siasios P, Arvaniti K, Zachrou E, Poulopoulou A, Pisanidou P, Vasileiadou G, Kaimakamis E, Georgopoulou A, Renta F, Lathyris D, Veroniki F, Geka E, Soultati I, Argiriadou E, Apostolidou E, Amoiridou P, Ioannou K, Kouras L, Mimitou I, Stokkos K, Flioni E, Pertsas E, Sileli M, Iasonidou C, Sourla E, Pitsiou G, Vyzantiadis TA. COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) in Northern Greece during 2020-2022: A Comparative Study According to the Main Consensus Criteria and Definitions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010081. [PMID: 36675902 PMCID: PMC9863007 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged as an important complication among patients with acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Almost 2.5 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to raise concerns as an extra factor that contributes to increased mortality, which is mostly because its diagnosis and management remain challenging. The present study utilises the cases of forty-three patients hospitalised between August 2020 and February 2022 whose information was gathered from ten ICUs and special care units based in northern Greece. The main aim was to describe the gained experience in diagnosing CAPA, according to the implementation of the main existing diagnostic consensus criteria and definitions, and present the different classification of the clinical cases due to the alternative algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Siasios
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Kostoula Arvaniti
- ICU, “Papageorgiou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Zachrou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Poulopoulou
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Pisanidou
- ICU, “Papageorgiou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Vasileiadou
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Kaimakamis
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athina Georgopoulou
- First ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Renta
- ICU, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lathyris
- ICU, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54635 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Foteini Veroniki
- First ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Geka
- First ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioanna Soultati
- Second ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Argiriadou
- Second ICU, “AHEPA” University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Apostolidou
- ICU, “Bodossakio” General Hospital of Ptolemaida, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Amoiridou
- ICU, “Bodossakio” General Hospital of Ptolemaida, 50200 Ptolemaida, Greece
| | | | - Leonidas Kouras
- ICU, “Mamatsio” General Hospital of Kozani, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Ioanna Mimitou
- ICU, “Mamatsio” General Hospital of Kozani, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | | | - Elliniki Flioni
- ICU, “Agios Pavlos” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Pertsas
- ICU, “Agios Pavlos” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Sileli
- Second ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Iasonidou
- Second ICU, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Sourla
- Respiratory Failure Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Pitsiou
- Respiratory Failure Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Shishido AA, Mathew M, Baddley JW. Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:87-97. [PMID: 35846240 PMCID: PMC9274633 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00434-0] [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] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Recent Findings Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms. Summary Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Fungus and Virus Interaction. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8060620. [PMID: 35736103 PMCID: PMC9225244 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Wu KL, Chang CY, Sung HY, Hu TY, Kuo LK. Association of Tocilizumab and Invasive Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040339. [PMID: 35448570 PMCID: PMC9026544 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. According to the current consensus, immunosuppressants, such as dexamethasone and anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibodies, are therapeutic medications in the early stages of infection. However, in critically ill patients, viral, fungal, and bacterial coinfection results in higher mortality. We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of 29 mechanically ventilated patients with artificial airways. Patients were adults with confirmed COVID-19 infection and severe pneumonia. Acute respiratory distress syndrome was diagnosed according to the Kigali modification of the Berlin definition. Six patients had invasive pulmonary aspergillosis coinfection based on elevated serum galactomannan levels and/or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We present two cases with brief histories and available clinical data. We also conducted a literature review to determine whether immunosuppressants, such as tocilizumab, increase infection risk or invasive aspergillosis in patients with COVID-19. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that tocilizumab increases coinfection risk. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose, between-dose interval, and timing of tocilizumab administration in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Lun Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Yuan Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (H.-Y.S.)
| | - Heng-You Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan; (C.-Y.C.); (H.-Y.S.)
| | - Ting-Yu Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.H.); (L.-K.K.); Tel.: +886-2-25433535 (ext. 3060) (T.-Y.H.)
| | - Li-Kuo Kuo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.H.); (L.-K.K.); Tel.: +886-2-25433535 (ext. 3060) (T.-Y.H.)
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COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA): Hospital or Home Environment as a Source of Life-Threatening Aspergillus fumigatus Infection? J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8030316. [PMID: 35330318 PMCID: PMC8952274 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cases of invasive aspergillosis are caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, whose conidia are ubiquitous in the environment. Additionally, in indoor environments, such as houses or hospitals, conidia are frequently detected too. Hospital-acquired aspergillosis is usually associated with airborne fungal contamination of the hospital air, especially after building construction events. A. fumigatus strain typing can fulfill many needs both in clinical settings and otherwise. The high incidence of aspergillosis in COVID patients from our hospital, made us wonder if they were hospital-acquired aspergillosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the hospital environment was the source of aspergillosis infection in CAPA patients, admitted to the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, during the first and second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, or whether it was community-acquired aspergillosis before admission. During 2020, sixty-nine A. fumigatus strains were collected for this study: 59 were clinical isolates from 28 COVID-19 patients, and 10 strains were environmentally isolated from seven hospital rooms and intensive care units. A diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis was based on the ECCM/ISHAM criteria. Strains were genotyped by PCR amplification and sequencing of a panel of four hypervariable tandem repeats within exons of surface protein coding genes (TRESPERG). A total of seven genotypes among the 10 environmental strains and 28 genotypes among the 59 clinical strains were identified. Genotyping revealed that only one environmental A. fumigatus from UCI 5 (box 54) isolated in October (30 October 2020) and one A. fumigatus isolated from a COVID-19 patient admitted in Pneumology (Room 532-B) in November (24 November 2020) had the same genotype, but there was a significant difference in time and location. There was also no relationship in time and location between similar A. fumigatus genotypes of patients. The global A. fumigatus, environmental and clinical isolates, showed a wide diversity of genotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first study monitoring and genotyping A. fumigatus isolates obtained from hospital air and COVID-19 patients, admitted with aspergillosis, during one year. Our work shows that patients do not acquire A. fumigatus in the hospital. This proves that COVID-associated aspergillosis in our hospital is not a nosocomial infection, but supports the hypothesis of “community aspergillosis” acquisition outside the hospital, having the home environment (pandemic period at home) as the main suspected focus of infection.
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