1
|
Erami M, Raiesi O, Momen-Heravi M, Mirhendi H, Aboutalebian S, Getso MI, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Ganjizadeh M, Hassani Josheghani H, Amiri S, Pakzad R, Hashemi SJ. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in Kashan, Iran: clinical presentations, risk factors, management, and outcomes. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:81-90. [PMID: 37816067 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2267669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the disease burden and describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome of CAM in a single centre in Iran. METHODS A case of mucormycosis was defined as one that had clinical and radiological features consistent with mucormycosis along with demonstration of the fungus in tissue via KOH mount/culture/histopathological and molecular examination. RESULTS We report 30 cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The results of this study showed the affected age group in the range of 40-79 years (median = 65.5; IQR = 5) with women (16/30, 53%) affected more than men (14/30, 47%). Among the fungi recovered, Rhizopus oryzae had the highest frequency (79%). Out of the 30 patients, 28 (93%) patients were diabetic with 24 (80%) patients having other co-morbidities. Headache followed by retro-orbital pain, proptosis/ptosis and rapid diminution of vision was a common sequence of symptoms reported by the majority of cases. Use of mechanical ventilation (58% vs. 6%, p = 0.003), O2 required (92% vs. 50%, p = 0.024), and development of renal dysfunction during hospital stay (17% vs. 0%, p = 0.041) was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. Temperature (C°), PR (pulse rate), mean levels of serum creatinine, BUN, troponin, and neutrophils were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Besides, Albumin and PO2 were also significantly higher in survivors than non-survivors. CONCLUSION Despite medical and surgical treatment, the mortality rate among CAM patients is still high. Thus, concerted efforts of revamping surveillance, diagnosis and management, along with public awareness and patient education, are the requisites for managing COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Head and Neck Surgery, Department, Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ganjizadeh
- Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Amiri
- Roozbeh hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aboutalebian S, Nikmanesh B, Mohammadpour M, Charsizadeh A, Mirhendi H. Candida palmioleophila candidemia and bacterial co-infection in a 3-month-old infant with biliary atresia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1277607. [PMID: 38029248 PMCID: PMC10652749 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1277607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidemia caused by rare and uncommon Candida species is becoming more prevalent in pediatric healthcare settings, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. One such species, Candida palmioleophila, is resistant to fluconazole but highly susceptible to echinocandins. Here, we report the first documented case of C. palmioleophila candidemia in Iran that occurred in a male infant with biliary atresia who had been hospitalized for 2 months. The patient's blood and urine cultures were positive for both yeast and bacterial species. Through DNA sequence analysis, the yeast isolate was identified as C. palmioleophila. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of the isolate against amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, isavuconazole, posaconazole, and nystatin revealed MIC values of 2, 16, 0.25, 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, and 4 μg/mL, respectively, and minimum effective concentration for caspofungin was 0.031 μg/mL. Despite receiving antibacterial and antifungal therapies, the patient unfortunately expired due to bradycardia and hypoxemia. Proper identification and epidemiological surveillance studies are needed to understand the exact prevalence of these emerging yeast pathogens. Previously reported cases of C. palmioleophila infection, primarily associated with bloodstream infections and catheter-related candidemia, were reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Medical Science, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadpour
- Pediatric Intensive Children’s Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hadipour M, Darani HY, Talebzadeh H, Eslamian M, Aboutalebian S, Harandi MF, Mirhendi H. Sensitive detection of specific cell-free DNA in serum samples from sheep with cystic echinococcosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011715. [PMID: 37856565 PMCID: PMC10617735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing more sensitive methods for the diagnosis of echinococcosis is essential. In this study PCR assay for sensitive detection of specific cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in the sera of the sheep naturally infected with echinococcosis was investigated. METHODS To extract cfDNA from 35 infected sheep, the modified phenol-chloroform method was used for two different volumes (0.5 and 2 ml) of serum samples. From each extracted sample, two DNA volumes (5 and 10 μl) were amplified using both standard PCR and semi-nested PCR targeting NADH dehydrogenase subunit I. RESULTS Standard and semi-nested PCR on 0.5 ml of serum samples detected Echinococcus DNA in 8 and 12 out of 35 sheep, respectively; however, using 2 ml of serum samples, they detected 24 and 27 samples. By increasing the volume of template DNA, the PCRs could detect 29 and 33 out of 35 samples. The results were confirmed by sequencing of randomly selected PCR amplicons and comparing them with GenBank databases. CONCLUSIONS Larger volumes of serum for DNA extraction, greater volumes of DNA template for PCR, and employing a semi-nested PCR protocol, increased the sensitivity of PCR to 95%. This approach can also be applied to the diagnosis of echinococcosis in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Hadipour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Yousofi Darani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Talebzadeh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Eslamian
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Majid Fasihi Harandi
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran; Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Erami M, Aboutalebian S, Hashemi Hezaveh SJ, Matini AH, Momen-Heravi M, Ahsaniarani AH, Arani SS, Ganjizadeh M, Mirhendi H. Invasive Fusarium rhinosinusitis in COVID-19 patients: report of three cases with successful management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1247491. [PMID: 37780844 PMCID: PMC10538539 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1247491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) is a life-threatening infection that can occur in immunocompromised patients, including those with COVID-19. Although Mucorales and Aspergillus species are the most common causes of IFRS, infections caused by other fungi such as Fusarium are rare. In this report, we present three cases of proven rhinosinusitis fusariosis that occurred during or after COVID-19 infection. The diagnosis was confirmed through microscopy, pathology, and culture, and species identification of the isolates was performed by DNA sequencing the entire ITS1-5.8 rRNA-ITS2 region and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α). Antifungal susceptibility testing was conducted according to CLSI guidelines. The causative agents were identified as Fusarium proliferatum, F. oxysporum + Aspergillus flavus, and F. solani/falciforme. Treatment involved the administration of antifungal medication and endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the affected mucosa, leading to the successful resolution of the infections. However, one patient experienced a recurrence of IFRS caused by A. flavus 15 months later. Early diagnosis and timely medical and surgical treatment are crucial in reducing mortality rates associated with invasive fusariosis. Additionally, the cautious use of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients is highly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shirin Shafaee Arani
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ganjizadeh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aboutalebian S, Erami M, Ahsaniarani AH, Momen-Heravi M, Sharif A, Hadipour M, Mirhendi H. Diagnosis of mucormycosis using a simple duplex PCR assay: Analysis of 160 clinical samples from COVID-19 patients. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad091. [PMID: 37715309 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of mucormycosis, a severe and potentially fatal complication in immunocompromised and COVID-19 patients, is crucial for initiating timely antifungal therapy and reducing infection mortality. In this study, the diagnostic performance of a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was evaluated to detect Mucorales-specific and Rhizopus oryzae-specific targets in 160 clinical samples collected from 112 COVID-19 patients suspected of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS). During potassium hydroxide (KOH) direct microscopy, non-septate hyphae were observed in 73 out of 160 samples (45.63%); however, using duplex PCR, 82 out of 160 specimens (51.25%) tested positive. Among the positive PCR samples, 67 (81.71%) exhibited a double band (both 175 and 450 base pairs [bp]) indicating the presence of R. oryzae, and 15 (18.29%) showed only a single band (175 bp), suggesting the presence of non-R. oryzae Mucorales. DNAs from 10 microscopically negative samples and 4 samples with septate hyphae in microscopy were successfully amplified in PCR. Considering Calcofluor white fluorescence microscopy as the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of mucormycosis, the duplex PCR assay utilized in this study exhibited a sensitivity of 93.88%, a specificity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 91.18%, and a positive predictive value of 100% for detecting mucormycosis in IFRS specimens. The duplex PCR assay demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to direct examination with KOH (82 vs. 73) and culture (82 vs. 41), enabling rapid detection/identification of Mucorales even in samples with negative culture or in biopsies with only a few hyphal elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahzad Erami
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sharif
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Hadipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jabrodini A, Sohrabizdeh M, Aboutalebian S, Hashemi SB, Zomorodian K, Alirezaie A, Rasti Jahromi M, Shamsdin SN, Motamedi M. Molecular strategy for the direct detection and identification of the most common fungal community in cerumen specimens by multiplex PCR. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37624031 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection that is responsible for approximately 9-27 % of otitis externa. However, fungal communities in otomycosis are varied, but Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. are the most common causes of this infection.Hypothesis Statement. The multiplex PCR assay is postulated to be able to directly detect more than one fungal genus in cerumen specimens.Aim. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the role of the multiplex PCR assay in detecting the most common genus of fungi that cause otomycosis directly from the cerumen specimens.Methodology. To detect Candida and Aspergillus/Penicillium genera, three pairs of primers, including pan-fungal, pan-Candida, and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium, were used in a multiplex PCR. In order to evaluate the performance and reproducibility of the multiplex PCR. the cerumen of 140 patients suspected of otomycosis were investigated.Results. Pan-Candida and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium primers were designed to amplify the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region and the β-tubulin gene, respectively. In the multiplex PCR assay, 64 (47.40 %) and 118 (87.40 %) specimens were positive with pan-Candida and pan-Aspergillus/Penicillium primers, respectively. Double amplicon bands of Candida and Aspergillus were obtained in 51 (37.77 %) specimens. In the culture method, yeast (n=18, 13.33 %) and mould (n=117, 86.66 %) were isolated from 135 cerumen specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the multiplex PCR assays using culture method results as the gold standard were determined to be 94, 33, 97, and 22 %, respectively.Conclusion. In our study, multiplex PCR assays enabled simultaneous detection of two common genera of the causative agent of otomycosis in a cerumen specimen. Regarding the high sensitivity of the first step of the multiplex PCR assay, this assay may be used for the direct detection of Candida and Aspergillus genera in other clinical specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Jabrodini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Sohrabizdeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Basir Hashemi
- Otolaryngology Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamiar Zomorodian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arefeh Alirezaie
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mona Rasti Jahromi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Neda Shamsdin
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marjan Motamedi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Aboutalebian S, Erami M, Momen-Heravi M, Charsizadeh A, Hezaveh SJH, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Fakhrehi M, Mirhendi H. A case of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa. J Clin Lab Anal 2023:e24895. [PMID: 37183276 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucormycosis is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised and COVID-19 patients. CASE REPORT Here, we report a fatal rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis caused by Lichtheimia ramosa, in a 79-year-old diabetic female. She was initially admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 infection and received broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids. After 1 month, she was admitted again because of persistent headaches and decreased right eye movement when the computed tomography scan showed mucosal thickening and opacification of paranasal sinuses. Microbiological investigations, including culture and direct microscopy, and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of proven mucormycosis. The isolated causal agent was identified as Lichtheimia ramosa by sequencing the entire ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Despite surgical debridement and administration of liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg/day, the patient's level of consciousness suddenly deteriorated; she was intubated and mechanically ventilated in the ICU and died on the same day. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first worldwide case of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahzad Erami
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Fakhrehi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Erami M, Mirhendi H, Momen-Heravi M, Sharif A, Hashemi Hezaveh SJ, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Aboutalebian S. Case report: COVID-19-associated mucormycosis co-infection with Lomentospora prolificans: The first case and review on multiple fungal co-infections during COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1078970. [PMID: 37007774 PMCID: PMC10061085 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1078970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with the pandemic COVID-19 spreads, new clinical challenges have emerged in the health care settings, among which there is a high risk of secondary invasive fungal infections with significant mortality. Here, we report a case of invasive fungal rhino orbital sinusitis due to the simultaneous co-infection by Rhizopus oryzae and Lomentospora prolificans, both identified by sequencing, in a 70-year-old Afghanistanian female with COVID-19. The patient was subjected to surgical debridement as well as taking liposomal amphotericin B, voriconazole, and on discharge, her condition was good. As far as we know, this is the first case of co-infection of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) and Lomentospora prolificans infection. Multiple fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Alireza Sharif
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Shima Aboutalebian,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Erami M, Aboutalebian S, Hezaveh SJH, Ghazvini RD, Momen-Heravi M, Jafari Y, Ahsaniarani AH, Basirpour B, Matini AH, Mirhendi H. Microbial and clinical epidemiology of invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the divergent causative agents. Med Mycol 2023; 61:myad020. [PMID: 36906282 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Since COVID-19 spread worldwide, invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS) has emerged in immunocompromised patients as a new clinical challenge. In this study, clinical specimens of 89 COVID-19 patients who presented clinical and radiological evidence suggestive of IFRS were examined by direct microscopy, histopathology, and culture, and the isolated colonies were identified through DNA sequence analysis. Fungal elements were microscopically observed in 84.27% of the patients. Males (53.9%) and patients over 40 (95.5%) were more commonly affected than others. Headache (94.4%) and retro-orbital pain (87.6%) were the most common symptoms, followed by ptosis/proptosis/eyelid swelling (52.8%), and 74 patients underwent surgery and debridement. The most common predisposing factors were steroid therapy (n = 83, 93.3%), diabetes mellitus (n = 63, 70.8%), and hypertension (n = 42, 47.2%). The culture was positive for 60.67% of the confirmed cases, and Mucorales were the most prevalent (48.14%) causative fungal agents. Different species of Aspergillus (29.63%) and Fusarium (3.7%) and a mix of two filamentous fungi (16.67%) were other causative agents. For 21 patients, no growth was seen in culture despite a positive result on microscopic examinations. In PCR-sequencing of 53 isolates, divergent fungal taxons, including 8 genera and 17 species, were identified as followed: Rhizopus oryzae (n = 22), Aspergillus flavus (n = 10), A. fumigatus (n = 4), A. niger (n = 3), R. microsporus (n = 2), Mucor circinelloides, Lichtheimia ramosa, Apophysomyces variabilis, A. tubingensis, A. alliaceus, A. nidulans, A. calidoustus, Fusarium fujikuroi/proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, Lomentospora prolificans, and Candida albicans (each n = 1). In conclusion, a diverse set of species involved in COVID-19-associated IFRS was observed in this study. Our data encourage specialist physicians to consider the possibility of involving various species in IFRS in immunocompromised and COVID-19 patients. In light of utilizing molecular identification approaches, the current knowledge of microbial epidemiology of invasive fungal infections, especially IFRS, may change dramatically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, infectious diseases research center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daie Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, infectious diseases research center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Yazdan Jafari
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Bahare Basirpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Aboutalebian S, Mirhendi H, Eshaghi H, Nikmanesh B, Charsizadeh A. The first case of Wickerhamomyces anomalus fungemia in Iran in an immuneodeficient child, a review on the literature. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101351. [PMID: 36413850 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of invasive candidiasis in pediatric patients is increasing and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. C. pelliculosa has been rarely reported as a human pathogen, however, it has been associated with serious nosocomial infections and clonal outbreaks with poor clinical outcomes in immunocompromised children were reported. Here, we describe the first case of candidemia due to Candida pelliculosa in a 5-year-old immunocompromised male suffered from Griscelli syndrome with hemophagocytic syndrome hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), Tehran, Iran. In addition, the history of reported cases or case-series due to C. pelliculosa is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Eshaghi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Medical Science, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehrn, Iran; Zoonoses Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tavakoli-Koopaei R, Javadi-Zarnaghi F, Aboutalebian S, Mirhendi H. Malachite Green-Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by One-Step Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification. Iran J Sci 2023. [PMCID: PMC9898859 DOI: 10.1007/s40995-022-01392-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) revealed the necessity of diagnosis of the infected people to prevent the prevalence infection cycle. Many commercial pathogen diagnosis methods are based on the detection of genomic materials. Isothermal amplification methods such as loop-mediated-isothermal amplification (LAMP) are the method of choice in these cases. Reverse transcription steps are efficiently coupled to LAMP for the detection of pathogens with genomic RNAs such as SARS-CoV-2. Many detection systems for LAMP include fluorescent readout systems. Although such systems result in desirable limits of detection, the need for special instrumentation is the main dispute of such systems to become real point of care assays. In contrast, colorimetric detection methods would reduce costs and improve the applicability of the system. In this study one-step reverse transcription-LAMP reaction was established that enables visual detection of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Nasopharyngeal RNA samples were first validated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and then subjected to RT-LAMP. To lower the cost associated with the readout system equipment, malachite green (MG) was used. The color change of MG to blue allowed visual detection of the virus. Firstly, experiments were set up as two-step RT-LAMP reaction to identify the best primer sets. In addition, MG concentration was optimized with the significant colorimetric signal for the positive samples. Next, a one-step colorimetric method was developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 based on MG color shift in 2 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Tavakoli-Koopaei
- grid.411750.60000 0001 0454 365XDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Javadi-Zarnaghi
- grid.411750.60000 0001 0454 365XDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aboutalebian S, Charsizadeh A, Eshaghi H, Nikmaesh B, Mirhendi H. A case of Candida metapsilosis conjunctivitis in a neonate admitted to the cardiac heart intensive care unit. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e6870. [PMID: 36703771 PMCID: PMC9869643 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Harmless commensal Candida species, especially uncommon and rare ones may rarely cause a serious infection. Candida metapsilosis is a recently described yeast that is phenotypically indistinguishable from Candida parapsilosis and molecular methods are essential for its identification. We report the first case of Candida conjunctivitis due to C. metapsilosis obtained from the eye discharge of a 40-day-old girl with congenital heart disease admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). The yeast isolate was identified by sequencing the entire ITS1-5.8 rRNA-ITS2 region. Antifungal susceptibility testing performed according to the CLSI M27-A3 showed that the isolate was susceptible to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clotrimazole, nystatin, terbinafine, 5-fluorocytosine, and caspofungin. Differentiation of the fungal new species allows us the accurate diagnosis and treatment, and a better understanding the microbial epidemiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities LaboratoryIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research InstituteTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamid Eshaghi
- Department of Infectious DiseaseTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Bahram Nikmaesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory ScienceSchool of Allied Medical Science, Tehran University of Medical ScienceTehranIran,Zoonoses Research CentreTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities LaboratoryIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Matouri R, Aboutalebian S, Nasri E, Sadeghi S, Rostami S, Fakhim H, Ghafel S, Hosseini M, Mousavi S, Rouhi F, Pestechian N, Mirhendi H. Molecular and microscopy detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1148320. [PMID: 37089605 PMCID: PMC10117983 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1148320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii as an opportunistic pathogen that may endanger predisposed persons, including COVID-19 patients, may help to choose the optimal management. Methods In this study, 585, including 530 COVID-19 patients, with clinical and radiological evidence of respiratory diseases, were investigated for P. jirovecii screening. Clinical specimens were examined by direct microscopy and PCR, and randomly selected positive PCR products were confirmed through DNA sequence analysis. Results Thirty-one (5.3%) samples were positive in P. jirovecii-specific nested-PCR, while by direct microscopic tests, Pneumocystis was observed in 22 (3.76%) samples. Males (61.7%) and patients over 50 years old (75.6%) were more commonly affected than others, and malaise and fatigue (84%), and wheezing (75%) were the most common symptoms, followed by fever (40.48%) and dyspnea (39.51%). Among the Pneumocystis-positive patients, three cases had coinfection with Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, and A. niger (each n = 1), as documented by direct microscopy, culture, and species identification by PCR-sequencing. Conclusion Pneumocystis pneumonia is still a diagnostic challenge; therefore, additional large-scale studies are needed to clarify the epidemiology of the disease in immunocompromised or COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roya Matouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elahe Nasri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadeghi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soodabeh Rostami
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Safiyeh Ghafel
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Hosseini
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mousavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Faezeh Rouhi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nader Pestechian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Hossein Mirhendi, ; orcid.org/0000-0002-1006-4169
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Erami M, Mirhendi H, Momen-Heravi M, Hezaveh SJH, Ahsaniarani AH, Sabet SS, Aboutalebian S. A case of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis caused by Apophysomyces variabilis with a review of the literature. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:898477. [PMID: 36310874 PMCID: PMC9615570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.898477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fatal case of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) affected a 40-year-old woman who was initially admitted to our hospital due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Her clinical condition worsened, and she finally died because of respiratory failure, hemodynamic instability, and mucormycosis with invasion into the orbit and probably the brain. According to DNA sequence analysis of the fungus isolated from the patient, Apophysomyces variabilis was involved. This is the first published case of CAM and the third case of mucormycosis due to this mold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seddighe Sadat Sabet
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- *Correspondence: Shima Aboutalebian,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aboutalebian S, Mahmoudi S, Charsizadeh A, Nikmanesh B, Hosseini M, Mirhendi H. Multiplex size marker (YEAST PLEX) for rapid and accurate identification of pathogenic yeasts. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24370. [PMID: 35318737 PMCID: PMC9102616 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple yeast species can cause human disease, involving superficial to deep‐seated infections. Treatment of these infections depends on the accurate identification of causative agents; however, reliable methods are not available in many laboratories, especially not in resource‐limited settings. Here, a new multiplex assay for rapid and low‐cost identification of pathogenic yeasts is described. Methods A two‐step multiplex assay named YEAST PLEX that comprises of four tubes and identifies 17 clinically important common to rare yeasts was designed and evaluated. The set also provides PCR amplicon of unidentified species for direct sequencing. The specificity of YEAST PLEX was tested using 28 reference strains belonging to 17 species and 101 DNA samples of clinically important non‐target bacteria, parasites, and fungi as well as human genomic DNA. The method was further analyzed using 203 previously identified and 89 unknown clinical yeast isolates. Moreover, the method was tested for its ability to identify mixed yeast colonies by using 18 mixed suspensions of two or three species. Results YEAST PLEX was able to identify all the target species without any non‐specific PCR products. When compared to PCR‐sequencing/MALDI‐TOF, the results of YEAST PLEX were in 100% agreement. Regarding the 89 unknown clinical isolates, random isolates were selected and subjected to PCR‐sequencing. The results of sequencing were in agreement with those of YEAST PLEX. Furthermore, this method was able to correctly identify all yeasts in mixed suspensions. Conclusion YEAST PLEX is an accurate, low‐cost, and rapid method for identification of yeasts, with applicability, especially in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Hosseini
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Faramarzi S, Motamedi M, Rezaei-Matehkolaei A, Aboutalebian S, Ansari S, Didehdar M, Bahadoran M, Mirhendi H. A simple multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for rapid identification of the common pathogenic dermatophytes: Trichophyton interdigitale, Trichophyton rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Curr Med Mycol 2022; 7:1-7. [PMID: 35028478 PMCID: PMC8740852 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.2.7030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: The most common etiological agents of human dermatophytosis in various parts of the world are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum.
The main aim of this study was to design and evaluate a simple and straightforward multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for reliable identification/differentiation of these species
in clinical isolates. Materials and Methods: The reliable sequences of several molecular targets of dermatophytes species were used to design a multiplex PCR for the identification of common pathogenic dermatophytes.
The isolates and clinical specimens examined in this study included seven standard strains of dermatophytes, 101 isolates of dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte molds/yeasts which
had already been identified by sequencing or PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and 155 clinical samples from patients suspected of cutaneous mycoses. Results: Species-specific primer pairs for T. rubrum and T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes were designed based on the sequence data of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene,
and the primers for E. floccosum targeted the specific sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The multiplex PCR successfully
detected T. rubrum, T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes, and E. floccosum strains that were identified by sequencing or PCR-RFLP. However, the primer pairs selected
for T. interdigitale/T. mentagrophytes cross-reacted with Trichophyton tonsurans. In testing the PCR system directly for clinical samples, the proportion of positive
multiplex PCR was higher than positive culture (68.1% vs. 55.4%, respectively). Conclusion: The multiplex assay could detect three common agents out of several causal agents of dermatophytosis, namely T. rubrum, T. interdigitale, and E. floccosum. Therefore, by adding
pan-dermatophyte primers it can be used as a comprehensive detection/identification test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sama Faramarzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marjan Motamedi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Rezaei-Matehkolaei
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Didehdar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Mehran Bahadoran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Salehipour K, Aboutalebian S, Charsizadeh A, Ahmadi B, Mirhendi H. Differentiation of Candida albicans complex species isolated from invasive and non-invasive infections using HWP1 gene size polymorphism. Curr Med Mycol 2022; 7:34-38. [PMID: 35028483 PMCID: PMC8740857 DOI: 10.18502/cmm.7.2.7034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Taxonomy of Candida is controversial and has changed due to the investigation of the novel species. Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis are new members of the C. albicans complex that are currently gaining both clinical and epidemiologic significance. This study aimed to report the prevalence of C. africana among the strains isolated from patients using hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene size polymorphism. Materials and Methods In total, 235 yeasts confirmed as C. albicans complex based on chromogenic media and internal transcribed spacers sequencing isolated from various clinical forms of invasive and non-invasive candidiasis mainly candidemia were re-identified using HWP1 gene polymorphisms. The HWP1-polymerase chain reaction amplicons were re-confirmed by sequencing and BLAST analysis. Results Based on the HWP1 gene size polymorphism, 223 strains were identified as C. albicans (94.89%) from which 7 isolates produced two DNA fragments (850 and 941 bp). The C. dubliniensis (n=4, 1.7%), C. africana (n=1, 0.42%), and mix of C. albicans and C. africana (n=7, 2.97%) were also identified. Conclusion It can be said that C. albicans remains the most common Candida species, while C. dubliniensis and C. africana are rarely found among the patient isolates. Due to limited information on the molecular epidemiology of this novel yeast, more studies using molecular methods are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Salehipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Ahmadi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Core Facilities Research Laboratory, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sarvestani HK, Ghazvini RD, Hashemi SJ, Shoar MG, Ansari S, Rafat Z, Ahmadi A, Borghei P, Elahi M, Foroushani AR, Getso MI, Aboutalebian S, Safari F, Ardi P. Molecular Characterization of Fungal Colonization on the Provox™ Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis in Post Laryngec-tomy Patients. ijph 2022; 51:151-159. [PMID: 35223636 PMCID: PMC8837888 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v51i1.8306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Tracheoesophageal voice prostheses (TVPs) have been the gold standard in rehabilitation, after laryngectomy, producing faster and premier voicing towards esophageal speech. Fungal colonization shortens the device’s lifetime and leads to prosthesis dysfunction, leakage, and subsequent respiratory infection. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to investigate the fungal colonization patterns and to propose prophylactic measures that shall increase the longevity of voice prosthesis. Methods: Failed TVPs were removed - due to leakage and/or aspiration - from 66 post laryngectomy patients and examined. They were referred to Amiralam and Rasoul Hospital, the main centers of Ear, Nose, and Throat in Tehran, Iran from April 2018 to January 2020. Fungal colonization patterns were assessed using DNA sequencing techniques. Furthermore, the susceptibility to fluconazole, amphotericin B, nystatin, and white vinegar was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Resident fungal species from the upper airways colonized all the 66 TVPs (100%). Diabetes (31%) and smoking (98%) were the predominant underlying disease and predisposing factors, respectively. Among the 79 fungal agents isolated from the 66 TVPs, Candida glabrata (n=25, 31.7%) was the most common. A significant reduction in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were observed for white vinegar when used alone (P<0.05). Conclusion: White vinegar at a very low concentration could decrease the amount of fungal colonization on TVPs without any adverse effects; its wide accessibility and affordability ensure a decrease in the overall health cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hasti Kamali Sarvestani
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daie Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author:
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Gerami Shoar
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saham Ansari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rafat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Aslan Ahmadi
- Head and Neck Research Center, Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pedram Borghei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Amir A’lam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Miad Elahi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Amir A’lam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, PMB 3011, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Falavarjan Branch, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pegah Ardi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mirhendi H, Aboutalebian S, Mirzaaghaei S, Fakhim H, Faramarzi S, Mousavi S, Ghafel S, Gholipour S, Farhang A, Nikaeen M. Melting curve-based assay as an alternative technique for the accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2. Adv Biomed Res 2022; 11:37. [PMID: 35814299 PMCID: PMC9259445 DOI: 10.4103/abr.abr_87_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early and cost-effective diagnosis and monitoring of the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are critically important to anticipate and control the disease. We aimed to set up a SYBR Green-based one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a lower-cost alternative method to detect the virus. Materials and Methods: An in-house SYBR Green-based PCR assay targeting the envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes, was set up to diagnose the infection, and was compared with the reference probe-based PCR method. Results: When the commercial probe-based assay was considered as the reference method, SYBR Green-based PCR had a slightly lower sensitivity (81.98% and 86.25% for E and RdRp targets, respectively) and a good specificity (100% and 94.44% for E and RdRp targets, respectively). For both gene targets, three different melting temperature (Tm) patterns were found in the PCRs of the nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples, but no size polymorphism was seen in agarose gel electrophoresis. Conclusion: Further studies to improvement of the assay are needed to make it an inexpensive and reliable tool for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
20
|
Mirhendi H, Charsizadeh A, Aboutalebian S, Mohammadpour M, Nikmanesh B, de Groot T, Meis JF, Badali H. South Asian (Clade I) Candida auris meningitis in a paediatric patient in Iran with a review of the literature. Mycoses 2021; 65:134-139. [PMID: 34780087 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Candida meningitis is a rare life-threatening yeast infection mostly involving immunocompromised or paediatric patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures or shunt placement. Due to difficulties in diagnosis because of diverse clinical manifestations, the number of patients affected is most likely underestimated. Therefore, the correct diagnosis may be delayed for months, and accurate species identification is highly recommended for administering appropriate antifungal therapy. We report the first case of fluconazole-resistant Candida auris meningitis in a paediatric patient in Iran. This strain was probably imported, as it genotypically belonged to Clade I from South Asia. Furthermore, we include a literature review of C auris meningitis cases, as the number of cases with C auris meningitis has increased with reports from the United Kingdom, India and Iran. This problem might increase further in the era of COVID-19 due to attrition of experienced healthcare personnel and a high workload of hospital healthcare workers. To understand the precise prevalence of this emerging multidrug resistance pathogen, epidemiological surveillance studies are urgently warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Core Facility Research Laboratory, Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezou Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadpour
- Pediatric Intensive Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Theun de Groot
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Centre of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology Graduate Program, Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hamid Badali
- Invasive Fungi Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aboutalebian S, Ahmadikia K, Fakhim H, Chabavizadeh J, Okhovat A, Nikaeen M, Mirhendi H. Direct Detection and Identification of the Most Common Bacteria and Fungi Causing Otitis Externa by a Stepwise Multiplex PCR. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:644060. [PMID: 33842390 PMCID: PMC8027314 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.644060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Considering the importance of differential diagnosis of infectious otitis externa (OE), a stepwise PCR-based assay using universal and genus- or species-specific primers for the detection/identification of the most prevalent bacterial and fungal OE was developed and evaluated on the ear aspiration specimens of clinically suspected patients. Methods and Materials A total of 120 ear aspiration specimens with otomycosis suspicion were subjected to manual DNA extraction using phenol–chloroform extraction after tissue digestion with a lysis buffer. The multiplex PCR was initially performed using pan-fungal and bacterial homemade primers. Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus specific primers were simultaneously used in one reaction mixture to identify the bacterial genera. Furthermore, for the identification of fungal agents, Candida species-specific multiplex primers targeting the most clinically important Candida species causing OE (i.e., C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. auris), as well as Aspergillus related multiplex PCR identifying the most prevalent Aspergillus species were used in two separate reaction mixtures. All the results of multiplex PCR were interpreted based on the amplicon size. Results The overall multiplex PCR-based detection rate of bacterial (n = 88; 73.3%) and fungal (n = 97; 81%) OE was documented to be 100% along with and complete consistency with the results of direct examination and Giemsa staining. Double amplicon bands of bacterial and fungal pathogens were evidenced in 76 specimens (63.3%). Moreover, the positivity rate of pan-fungal PCR was higher than that of the culture result. Out of 88 pan-bacterial positive PCR specimens, 66 and 47 ones were positive for Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, respectively. In addition, 30 samples exhibited mixed infection of both, and five specimens remained negative. Out of 97 pan-fungal positive PCR specimens, 67 and 51 ones contained Candida and Aspergillus species, respectively. It should be noted that dual amplicon bands of Candida and Aspergillus-related multiplex PCR were yielded in 30 specimens. Conclusion The stepwise multiplex PCR assay proved to be more sensitive, more rapid, as well as less cumbersome in detection and identification of fungal and bacterial OE, compared to culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Javaher Chabavizadeh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Okhovat
- Department of Otolaryngology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Core Facilities Laboratory (CFL), Mycology Reference Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hakamifard A, Hashemi M, Fakhim H, Aboutalebian S, Hajiahmadi S, Mohammadi R. Fatal disseminated aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with COVID-19 due to Aspergillus ochraceus. J Mycol Med 2021; 31:101124. [PMID: 33684835 PMCID: PMC7901383 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus infection is a well-known complication of severe influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and these infections have been related with significant morbidity and mortality even when appropriately diagnosed and treated. Recent studies have indicated that SARS-CoV-2 might increase the risk of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Here, we report the first case of Aspergillus ochraceus in a SARS-CoV-2 positive immunocompetent patient, which is complicated by pulmonary and brain infections. Proven IPA is supported by the positive Galactomannan test, culture-positive, and histopathological evidence. The patient did not respond to voriconazole, and liposomal amphotericin B was added to his anti-fungal regimen. Further studies are needed to evaluate the prevalence of IPA in immunocompetent patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, testing for the incidence of Aspergillus species in lower respiratory secretions and Galactomannan test of COVID-19 patients with appropriate therapy and targeted anti-fungal therapy based on the primary clinical suspicion of IPA are highly recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atousa Hakamifard
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Hashemi
- Department of Pulmonology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Hajiahmadi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fakhim H, Nasri E, Aboutalebian S, Gholipour S, Nikaeen M, Vaezi A, Mousavi S, Faramarzi S, Farhang A, Javanmard SH, Salahi M, Darakhshandeh A, Ahmadikia K, Mirhendi H. Asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus disease 2019 among healthcare workers in Isfahan, Iran. Future Virol 2021. [PMCID: PMC7842138 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2020-0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Isfahan, Iran. Materials & methods: HCWs in COVID-19 wards of three referral COVID-19 hospitals in Isfahan were screened and tested for COVID-19 infection. Results: In total, 102 HCWs were screened whose median age was 43 years old. Moreover, 21 (20.5%) of them had a history of suspected infection with SARS-CoV2, mostly (66.6%) without any symptoms while six (28.5%) of them suffered from relatively mild diseases and one (4.7%) was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Conclusion: It was found that HCWs were prone to be asymptomatic carriers while their computed tomography images were normal. Therefore, it is recommended that reverse-transcriptase real-time-PCR be essential for the diagnosis of infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Fakhim
- Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elahe Nasri
- Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afsane Vaezi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mousavi
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sama Faramarzi
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Armin Farhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Salahi
- Infectious Diseases & Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Darakhshandeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gholipour S, Nikaeen M, Mohammadi Manesh R, Aboutalebian S, Shamsizadeh Z, Nasri E, Mirhendi H. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Contamination of High-touch Surfaces in Field Settings. Biomed Environ Sci 2020; 33:925-929. [PMID: 33472732 PMCID: PMC7817469 DOI: 10.3967/bes2020.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Gholipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran;Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Nikaeen
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran;Environment Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadi Manesh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Shamsizadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elahe Nasri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nikmanesh B, Ahmadikia K, Getso MI, Gharehbolagh SA, Aboutalebian S, Mirhendi H, Mahmoudi S. Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis as causes of pediatric candiduria: A study using HWP1 gene size polymorphism. AIMS Microbiol 2020; 6:272-279. [PMID: 33134744 PMCID: PMC7595836 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida species cause a wide spectrum of disease entities. Candida africana and Candida dubliniensis-members of Candida albicans complex-are currently gaining both clinical and epidemiologic significance. Materials and methods Totally, 150 pediatric isolates that had previously been identified as C. albicans species complex based on a positive germ tube test were included. The isolates were cultured on CHROMagar Candida medium to ensure their purity and the results of germ tube test. For definitive speciation, PCR amplification and size polymorphism of the hyphal wall protein 1 (HWP1) gene was used. The results of HWP1-PCR were confirmed by sequencing the amplified fragments for randomly selected isolates of C. africana and C. dubliniensis. Results All 150 isolates included in this study were reconfirmed as C. albicans complex on chromogenic media. Based on the HWP1 gene size polymorphism, 141 (94%) isolates were identified as C. albicans, 2 (1.33%) as C. africana, and 1 (0.67%) as C. dubliniensis. The remaining 6 (4%) C. albicans complex isolates were a mix of C. albicans and C. africana. All isolates of C. africana and C. dubliniensis have been recovered from cases of candiduria. Conclusion C. africana, either alone or mixed with C. albicans, could be a cause of candiduria among pediatric patients and should not be ignored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Nikmanesh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, PMB 3011, Kano-Nigeria
| | - Sanaz Aghaei Gharehbolagh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aboutalebian S, Mahmoudi S, Okhovat A, Khodavaisy S, Mirhendi H. Otomycosis Due to the Rare Fungi Talaromyces purpurogenus, Naganishia albida and Filobasidium magnum. Mycopathologia 2020; 185:569-575. [PMID: 32232764 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-020-00439-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Otomycosis is a common finding in otorhinolaryngology clinics and is usually caused by species of Candida and Aspergillus, particularly black aspergilli. Meanwhile, other fungi can give rise to this infection, and the identification of these requires accurate methods. Here, we report three cases of otomycosis due to rare fungal pathogens. All the patients were young females, and manipulation of the ear canal was identified as a common potentially predisposing factor. In direct examination, filamentous fungal elements (in one case) and yeast cells (in two other cases) were seen. Culture was positive in all cases. Based on PCR-sequencing of internal transcribed spacers and β-tubulin (for mold isolate), the isolated fungi were identified as Talaromyces purpurogenus, Naganishia albida and Filobasidium magnum. By susceptibility testing of the isolates to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B, the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration values were observed for amphotericin B followed by voriconazole. Patients were successfully treated by a combination of antifungals and corticosteroids with no relapse over the next year, except for the case due to F. magnum, in which, despite partial recovery, a course of relapse was reported in the 1-year follow-up call.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Okhovat
- Department of Otolaryngology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Aboutalebian S, Mahmoudi S, Mirhendi H, Okhovat A, Abtahi H, Chabavizadeh J. Molecular epidemiology of otomycosis in Isfahan revealed a large diversity in causative agents. J Med Microbiol 2019; 68:918-923. [PMID: 31063125 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate the clinical and microbial epidemiology of otomycosis in Isfahan, Iran. METHODOLOGY From January 2016 to January 2017 all patients clinically suspected of otomycosis at Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran were recruited. Specimens were taken using sterile swabs by an otorhinolaryngologist and subjected to culture and microscopy using potassium hydroxide and Giemsa stain. Isolated fungi were identified based on morphological and molecular characteristics. RESULTS Otomycosis was confirmed in 97/120 patients (80.8 %). Females (72.2 %) and patients aged 30-39 years (33 %) were more commonly affected than others. Manipulation of ear canal (62.9 %) was the most common predisposing factor. Pruritus was observed in 84.54 % of the patients followed by hearing impairment (81.4 %), and most episodes were detected over the summer (50.5 %). Culture was positive for 81 (83.5 %) of confirmed cases and molds were the most prevalent causative agents (n=51, 63 %) followed by yeasts (n=19, 23.4 %) and yeast/mold mixes (n=11, 13.6 %). For the 16 remaining patients, no growth was seen in culture despite a positive result on direct examination. In total, 92 isolates (63 molds and 29 yeasts) were recovered in culture. Application of molecular methods showed 18 fungal species and the vast majority of them belonged to Aspergillus (n=53, 57.6 %) and Candida genus. Among the species involved, Candida parapsilosis (n=22, 22.7 %) and Aspergillus tubingensis (n=15, 15.5 %) were the most encountered species. CONCLUSION Outcomes from this study showed a different picture of prevalence, where C. parapsilosis and A. tubingensis but not Aspergillus niger were the most species encountered from patients suffering from otomycosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- 1 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- 2 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- 3 Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- 1 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Okhovat
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Abtahi
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Javaher Chabavizadeh
- 1 Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|