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Hon KLE, Chan VPY, Leung AKC, Leung KKY, Hui WF. Invasive fungal infections in critically ill children: epidemiology, risk factors and antifungal drugs. Drugs Context 2024; 13:2023-9-2. [PMID: 38915918 PMCID: PMC11195526 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2023-9-2] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are important infectious complications amongst critically ill children. The most common fungal infections are due to Candida species. Aspergillus, Zygomycetes and Fusarium are also emerging because of the empirical use of antifungal drugs. This updated review discusses the epidemiology of IFIs as well as antifungal drugs, dosing and potential adverse effects in critically ill children. Methods A PubMed search was conducted with Clinical Queries using the key terms "antifungal", "children", "critical care" AND "paediatric intensive care unit" OR "PICU". The search strategy included clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, observational studies and reviews and was limited to the English literature in paediatrics. Results Candida and Aspergillus spp. are the most prevalent fungi in paediatric IFIs, causing invasive candidiasis infections (ICIs) and invasive aspergillosis infections (IAIs), respectively. These IFIs are associated with high morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Candida albicans is the principal Candida spp. associated with paediatric ICIs. The risks and epidemiology for IFIs vary if considering previously healthy children treated in the paediatric intensive care unit or children with leukaemia, malignancy or a severe haematological disease. The mortality rate for IAIs in children is 2.5-3.5-fold higher than for ICIs. Four major classes of antifungals for critically ill children are azoles, polyenes, antifungal antimetabolites and echinocandins. Conclusions Antifungal agents are highly efficacious. For successful treatment outcomes, it is crucial to determine the optimal dosage, monitor pharmacokinetics parameters and adverse effects, and individualized therapeutic monitoring. Despite potent antifungal medications, ICIs and IAIs continue to be serious infections with high mortality rates. Pre-emptive therapy has been used for IAIs. Most guidelines recommend voriconazole as initial therapy of invasive aspergillosis in most patients, with consideration of combination therapy with voriconazole plus an echinocandin in selected patients with severe disease. The challenge is to identify critically ill patients at high risks of ICIs for targeted prophylaxis. Intravenous/per os fluconazole is first-line pre-emptive treatment for Candida spp. whereas intravenous micafungin or intravenous liposomal amphotericin B is alternative pre-emptive treatment.This article is part of the Challenges and strategies in the management of invasive fungal infections Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/challenges-and-strategies-in-the-management-of-invasive-fungal-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam Lun Ellis Hon
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital,
Hong Kong,
China
- Department of Paediatrics, CUHKMC, The Chinese University of
Hong Kong,
Hong Kong,
China
| | - Vivian PY Chan
- Department of Pharmacy,
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital,
Hong Kong,
China
| | - Alexander KC Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary, and The Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada
| | - Karen Ka Yan Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital,
Hong Kong,
China
| | - Wun Fung Hui
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital,
Hong Kong,
China
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Piersigilli F, Auriti C, Dotta A, Goffredo BM, Cairoli S, Savarese I, Campi F, Corsetti T, Bersani I. Use of Meropenem and Other Antimicrobial Lock Therapy in the Treatment of Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infections in Neonates: A Retrospective Study. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9050614. [PMID: 35626791 PMCID: PMC9140042 DOI: 10.3390/children9050614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) often require the placement of central vascular catheters (CVC), which are a major risk factor for hospital infection. Numerous strategies exist to prevent central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), with only a few offering options to save the catheter when it is impossible to replace. CRBSIs continue to be a major problem for neonates in NICUs. Most CRBSIs are resistant to systemic antibiotics due to the presence of intraluminal bacterial biofilm. Therefore, catheter removal is frequently necessary when a CRBSI occurs. The so-called Antibiotic Lock Therapy (ALT) is an antimicrobial therapeutic strategy which seems to be promising in neonates when catheter removal is difficult due to critical conditions. To date, evidence about the use of ALT in the neonatal period is still fragmentary, since only poor and heterogeneous data exist. (2) Methods: We report our successful experience with ALT in seriously ill neonates with CRBSI for whom the replacement of the catheter could have been life threatening. (3) Results: ALT repetitively performed for at least 12 h was effective in 11 out of 13 infants (84.6%). It was not effective in two infants in whom ALT was performed for only 6 h. Moreover, we present new data about the stability testing of meropenem for its use during ALT in neonates. (4) Conclusions: When CRBSI occurs—bearing in mind that the optimal management is catheter removal if antibiotic therapy is not effective within 48 h—ALT seems to be a valid alternative therapy when removal is impractical due to critical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Piersigilli
- Department of Neonatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-4-7167-6903
| | - Cinzia Auriti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.D.); (I.S.); (F.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Andrea Dotta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.D.); (I.S.); (F.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Specialist Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (B.M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Sara Cairoli
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Specialist Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (B.M.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Immacolata Savarese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.D.); (I.S.); (F.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Francesca Campi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.D.); (I.S.); (F.C.); (I.B.)
| | - Tiziana Corsetti
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (A.D.); (I.S.); (F.C.); (I.B.)
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Perrine-Walker F. Caspofungin resistance in Candida albicans: genetic factors and synergistic compounds for combination therapies. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:1101-1113. [PMID: 35352319 PMCID: PMC9433586 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00739-9] [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: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin and other echinocandins have been used for the treatment of human infections by the opportunistic yeast pathogen, Candida albicans. There has been an increase in infections by non-albicans Candida species such as Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, and Candida auris in clinical or hospital settings. This is problematic to public health due to the increasing prevalence of echinocandin resistant species/strains. This review will present a summary on various studies that investigated the inhibitory action of caspofungin on 1,3-β-D-glucan synthesis, on cell wall structure, and biofilm formation of C. albicans. It will highlight some of the issues linked to caspofungin resistance or reduced caspofungin sensitivity in various Candida species and the potential benefits of antimicrobial peptides and other compounds in synergy with caspofungin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Perrine-Walker
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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4
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Szymański M, Chmielewska S, Czyżewska U, Malinowska M, Tylicki A. Echinocandins - structure, mechanism of action and use in antifungal therapy. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:876-894. [PMID: 35296203 PMCID: PMC8933026 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With increasing number of immunocompromised patients as well as drug resistance in fungi, the risk of fatal fungal infections in humans increases as well. The action of echinocandins is based on the inhibition of β-(1,3)-d-glucan synthesis that builds the fungal cell wall. Caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin and rezafungin are semi-synthetic cyclic lipopeptides. Their specific chemical structure possess a potential to obtain novel derivatives with better pharmacological properties resulting in more effective treatment, especially in infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus species. In this review we summarise information about echinocandins with closer look on their chemical structure, mechanism of action, drug resistance and usage in clinical practice. We also introduce actual trends in modification of this antifungals as well as new methods of their administration, and additional use in viral and bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Szymański
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sandra Chmielewska
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Urszula Czyżewska
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marta Malinowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Natural Product Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Adam Tylicki
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Cytobiochemistry, University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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Zakhem AE, Istambouli R, Jabbour JF, Hindy JR, Gharamti A, Kanj SS. Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Candida Infections in Critically Ill Patients. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43:46-59. [PMID: 35172358 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1741009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Invasive candidiasis (IC) has become a serious problem in the intensive care unit patients with an attributable mortality rate that can reach up to 51%. Multiple global surveillance studies have shown an increasing incidence of candidemia. Despite their limited sensitivity (21-71%), cultures remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of IC associated with candidemia. Many adjunct laboratory tests exist to support or rule out the diagnosis, each with its indications and limitations, including procalcitonin, 1,3-β-D-glucan, mannan and anti-mannan antibodies, and Candida albicans germ tube antibody. In addition, polymerase chain reaction-based methods could expedite species identification in positive blood cultures, helping in guiding early empirical antifungal therapy. The management of IC in critically ill patients can be classified into prophylactic, preemptive, empiric, and directed/targeted therapy of a documented infection. There is no consensus concerning the benefit of prophylactic therapy in critically ill patients. While early initiation of appropriate therapy in confirmed IC is an important determinant of survival, the selection of candidates and drug of choice for empirical systemic antifungal therapy is more controversial. The choice of antifungal agents is determined by many factors, including the host, the site of infection, the species of the isolated Candida, and its susceptibility profile. Echinocandins are considered initial first-line therapy agents. Due to the conflicting results of the various studies on the benefit of preemptive therapy for critically ill patients and the lack of robust evidence, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) omitted this category from its updated guidelines and the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) and the Critically Ill Patients Study Group of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) do not recommend it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline El Zakhem
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rachid Istambouli
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Francois Jabbour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joya-Rita Hindy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Amal Gharamti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, Connecticut
| | - Souha S Kanj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Scorzoni L, Fuchs BB, Junqueira JC, Mylonakis E. Current and promising pharmacotherapeutic options for candidiasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:867-887. [PMID: 33538201 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1873951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Candida spp. are commensal yeasts capable of causing infections such as superficial, oral, vaginal, or systemic infections. Despite medical advances, the antifungal pharmacopeia remains limited and the development of alternative strategies is needed.Areas covered: We discuss available treatments for Candida spp. infections, highlighting advantages and limitations related to pharmacokinetics, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial resistance. Moreover, we present new perspectives to improve the activity of the available antifungals, discussing their immunomodulatory potential and advances on drug delivery carriers. New therapeutic approaches are presented including recent synthesized antifungal compounds (Enchochleated-Amphotericin B, tetrazoles, rezafungin, enfumafungin, manogepix and arylamidine); drug repurposing using a diversity of antibacterial, antiviral and non-antimicrobial drugs; combination therapies with different compounds or photodynamic therapy; and innovations based on nano-particulate delivery systems.Expert opinion: With the lack of novel drugs, the available assets must be leveraged to their best advantage through modifications that enhance delivery, efficacy, and solubility. However, these efforts are met with continuous challenges presented by microbes in their infinite plight to resist and survive therapeutic drugs. The pharmacotherapeutic options in development need to focus on new antimicrobial targets. The success of each antimicrobial agent brings strategic insights to the next phased approach in treatingCandida spp. infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Juliana Campos Junqueira
- Department of Biosciences and Oral Diagnosis, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University/UNESP, SP Brazil
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
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Gil-Rodríguez AM, Garcia-Gutierrez E. Antimicrobial mechanisms and applications of yeasts. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2020; 114:37-72. [PMID: 33934852 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Yeasts and humans have had a close relationship for millenia. Yeast have been used for food production since the first human societies. Since then, alternative uses have been discovered. Nowadays, antibiotic resistance constitutes a pressing need worldwide. In order to overcome this threat, one of the most important strategies is the search for new antimicrobials in natural sources. Moreover, biopreservation based on natural sources has emerged as an alternative to more common chemical preservatives. Yeasts constitute an underexploited source of antagonistic activity against other microorganisms. Here, we compile a summary of the antagonistic activity of yeast origin against other yeast and other microorganisms, such as bacteria or parasites. We present the mechanisms of action used by yeasts to display these activities. We also provide applications of these antagonistic activities in food industry and agriculture, medicine and veterinary, where yeast promise to play a pivotal role in the near future.
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8
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Lack of efficacy of echinocandins against high metabolic activity biofilms of Candida parapsilosis clinical isolates. Braz J Microbiol 2020; 51:1129-1133. [PMID: 31898245 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-019-00219-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida parapsilosis produces biofilm, which colonizes catheters and other invasive medical devices that are manipulated by health care workers. In previous studies, C. parapsilosis in vitro biofilms have exhibited high resistance rates against conventional antifungals, but susceptibility to both echinocandins and lipid formulations of amphotericin B (lipid complex and liposomal). However, a recent study showed good activity of amphotericin B deoxycholate on the biomass of C. parapsilosis biofilms. Although moderate activity of echinocandins has been demonstrated against low metabolic activity biofilms of C. parapsilosis, few studies have analyzed the action of these drugs on high metabolic activity biofilms. Moreover, high biofilm-forming isolates have been associated with central venous catheter-related fungemia outbreaks and higher mortality rates. Therefore, it is relevant to verify the activity of the main antifungal drugs against high metabolic activity biofilms of C. parapsilosis. Our study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of amphotericin B deoxycholate, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin against high biofilm-forming and high metabolic activity clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis. Our results showed good activity of amphotericin B against C. parapsilosis biofilms, but none of the echinocandin drugs was effective. This suggests that amphotericin B deoxycholate may be a better choice than echinocandins for the treatment of biofilm-associated infections by C. parapsilosis, mainly in countries with insufficient health care resources to purchase lipid formulations of amphotericin B. These results warn of the possibility of persistent catheter-related candidemia caused by high biofilm-forming C. parapsilosis strains when treated with echinocandin drugs.
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Bersani I, Piersigilli F, Goffredo BM, Santisi A, Cairoli S, Ronchetti MP, Auriti C. Antifungal Drugs for Invasive Candida Infections (ICI) in Neonates: Future Perspectives. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:375. [PMID: 31616647 PMCID: PMC6764087 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections may complicate the neonatal clinical course, and the spectrum of therapies for their treatment in the perinatal period is limited. Polyenes, Azoles and Echinocandins represent the three classes of antifungal drugs commonly used in the neonatal period. The present review provides an overview about the most recent therapeutic strategies for the treatment of fungal infections in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Bersani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Piersigilli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Goffredo
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Specialist Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santisi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Cairoli
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Specialist Pediatrics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Ronchetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Auriti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Neonatology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Chromatographic methods for echinocandin antifungal drugs determination in bioanalysis. Bioanalysis 2019; 11:1217-1228. [DOI: 10.4155/bio-2019-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase of fungal resistance to drugs, such as azole family, gave rise to the development of new antifungals. In this context, echinocandins emerged as a promising alternative for antifungal therapies. Following the commercialization of caspofungin in 2001, echinocandins became the first-line therapy for invasive candidiasis in different patient populations. The quantification of these drugs has gained importance since pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and resistance studies are a paramount concern. This fact has led us to exhaustively examine the methodologies used for the analysis of echinocandins in biological fluids, which are mainly based on LC coupled to different detection techniques. In this review, we summarize the analytical methods for the quantification of echinocandins focusing on sample treatment, chromatographic separation and detection methods.
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