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Ruiz-Muñoz JA, Rodríguez-Arellanes G, Ramírez JA, Carreto-Binaghi LE, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS, García-Pérez BE, Taylor ML. Molecular detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in organ samples from bats randomly captured in urban areas of Araraquara, São Paulo state, Brazil. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e83. [PMID: 38705586 PMCID: PMC11131007 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The mycosis histoplasmosis is also considered a zoonosis that affects humans and other mammalian species worldwide. Among the wild mammals predisposed to be infected with the etiologic agent of histoplasmosis, bats are relevant because they are reservoir of Histoplasma species, and they play a fundamental role in maintaining and spreading fungal propagules in the environments since the infective mycelial phase of Histoplasma grows in their accumulated guano. In this study, we detected the fungal presence in organ samples of bats randomly captured in urban areas of Araraquara City, São Paulo, Brazil. Fungal detection was performed using a nested polymerase chain reaction to amplify a molecular marker (Hcp100) unique to H. capsulatum, which revealed the pathogen presence in organ samples from 15 out of 37 captured bats, indicating 40.5% of infection. Out of 22 Hcp100-amplicons generated, 41% corresponded to lung and trachea samples and 59% to spleen, liver, and kidney samples. Data from these last three organs suggest that bats develop disseminated infections. Considering that infected bats create environments with a high risk of infection, it is important to register the percentage of infected bats living in urban areas to avoid risks of infection to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Ruiz-Muñoz
- Unidad de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Rodríguez-Arellanes
- Unidad de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José A. Ramírez
- Unidad de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura E. Carreto-Binaghi
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas (INER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ana M. Fusco-Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria J. S. Mendes-Giannini
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Blanca E. García-Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria L. Taylor
- Unidad de Micología, Departamento de Microbiología-Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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2
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Singh A, Kaur A, Chowdhary A. Fungal pathogens and COVID-19. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 75:102365. [PMID: 37625261 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complications of secondary fungal infections that occurred globally in severe cases of coronavirus disease managed in the intensive care units. Furthermore, varied underlying host factors, such as preexisting immunosuppression, the use of immunomodulatory agents, and invasive procedures predisposing lung tissues to fungal colonization and proliferation, caused increased susceptibility to fungal infections in COVID-19 patient populations. These invasive fungal infections directly impact the overall length of hospitalization and mortality. The most commonly reported fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 include aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and mucormycosis. An overall worldwide increase in the prevalence of candidiasis and aspergillosis was observed in COVID-19 patients , whereas outbreaks of mucormycosis were mainly recorded from India. Diagnostic challenges and limited antifungal treatment options make secondary fungal infections among COVID-19 patients more burdensome, which results in improper management and increased mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Singh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amtoj Kaur
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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3
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Almutawif YA, Al‐kuraishy HM, Al‐Gareeb AI, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Eid HMA, Saad HM, Batiha GE. Insights on Covid-19 with superimposed pulmonary histoplasmosis: The possible nexus. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e989. [PMID: 37773721 PMCID: PMC10540147 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel coronavirus (CoV) known as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 is the causative agent for the development of CoV disease 2019 (Covid-19). Covid-19 may increase the risk of developing pulmonary histoplasmosis due to immune dysregulation. In addition, Covid-19 may enhance the propagation of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis due to lung injury and inflammation, and using corticosteroids in severely affected Covid-19 patients may reactivate latent pulmonary histoplasmosis. Likewise, activation of inflammatory signaling pathways during H. capsulatum infection may increase the severity of Covid-19 and vice versa. Furthermore, lymphopenia in Covid-19 may increase the risk for the progress of pulmonary histoplasmosis besides activation of inflammatory signaling pathways during H. capsulatum infection may increase the severity of Covid-19 and vice versa. Therefore, this critical review aimed to find the potential link between Covid-19 pneumonia and pulmonary histoplasmosis concerning the immunological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya A. Almutawif
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical SciencesTaibah UniversityMadinahSaudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M. Al‐kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineAl‐Mustansiriyia UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Ali I. Al‐Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of MedicineAl‐Mustansiriyia UniversityBaghdadIraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and EngineeringNovel Global Community Educational FoundationHebershamNew South WalesAustralia
- AFNP MedWienAustria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40University of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| | - Hamza M. A. Eid
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical SciencesTaibah UniversityMadinahSaudi Arabia
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMatrouh UniversityMarsaMatruhEgypt
| | - Gaber El‐Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineDamanhour UniversityDamanhourAlBeheiraEgypt
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Baliga S, Agrawal U, Sunavala A, Madnani N, Joshi R, Shaikh A, Nanavati R, Patil P, Kadam S, Samant R. An unusual case of disseminated histoplasmosis mimicking an autoimmune disease! INDIAN JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/injr.injr_163_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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Clinical Challenges of Emerging and Re-Emerging Yeast Infections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112223. [PMID: 36363816 PMCID: PMC9695014 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the geological eras, some fungi, through adaptation and/or environmental/ecological pressure, interacted directly and indirectly with humans, through occasionally harmful interaction interdependent on the individual’s immunological condition. Infections caused by yeasts are underreported, subjugated, and underdiagnosed, and treatment is restricted to a few drugs, even after the significant progress of medicine and pharmacology. In the last centuries, antagonistically, there has been an exponential increase of immunocompromised individuals due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids, increased cases of transplants, chemotherapeutics, autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and, more recently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to survey emerging and re-emerging yeast infections in the current clinical context. Currently, there is an immense clinical challenge for the rapid and correct diagnosis and treatment of systemic mycoses caused by yeasts due to the terrible increase in cases in the current context of COVID-19.
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Valdez AF, Miranda DZ, Guimarães AJ, Nimrichter L, Nosanchuk JD. Pathogenicity & Virulence of Histoplasma capsulatum - a multifaceted organism adapted to intracellular environments. Virulence 2022; 13:1900-1919. [PMID: 36266777 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2137987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. Although healthy individuals can develop histoplasmosis, the disease is particularly life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, with a wide range of clinical manifestations depending on the inoculum and virulence of the infecting strain. In this review, we discuss the established virulence factors and pathogenesis traits that make H. capsulatum highly adapted to a wide variety of hosts, including mammals. Understanding and integrating these mechanisms is a key step towards devising new preventative and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro F Valdez
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Zamith Miranda
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Allan Jefferson Guimarães
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia - MIP, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Seyedjavadi SS, Bagheri P, Nasiri MJ, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M, Goudarzi M. Fungal Infection in Co-infected Patients With COVID-19: An Overview of Case Reports/Case Series and Systematic Review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:888452. [PMID: 35875562 PMCID: PMC9298665 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.888452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal co-infections are frequent in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can affect patient outcomes and hamper therapeutic efforts. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated fungal co-infections in this population. This study was performed to assess the rate of fungal co-infection in patients with COVID-19 as a systematic review. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched considering broad-based search criteria associated with COVID-19 and fungal co-infection. We included case reports and case series studies, published in the English language from January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021, that reported clinical features, diagnosis, and outcomes of fungal co-infection in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Totally, 54 case reports and 17 case series were identified, and 181 patients (132 men, 47 women, and 2 not mentioned) co-infected with COVID-19 and fungal infection enrolled. The frequency of fungal co-infection among patients with COVID-19 was 49.7, 23.2, 19.8, 6.6, and 0.5% in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, respectively. Diabetes (59.6%) and hypertension (35.9%) were found as the most considered comorbidities in COVID-19 patients with fungal infections. These patients mainly suffered from fever (40.8%), cough (30.3%), and dyspnea (23.7%). The most frequent findings in the laboratory results of patients and increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) (33.1%) and ferritin (18.2%), and lymphopenia (16%) were reported. The most common etiological agents of fungal infections were Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp., and Candida spp. reported in study patients. The mortality rate was 54.6%, and the rate of discharged patients was 45.3%. Remdesivir and voriconazole were the most commonly used antiviral and antifungal agents for the treatment of patients. The global prevalence of COVID-19-related deaths is 6.6%. Our results showed that 54.6% of COVID-19 patients with fungal co-infections died. Thus, this study indicated that fungal co-infection and COVID-19 could increase mortality. Targeted policies should be considered to address this raised risk in the current pandemic. In addition, fungal infections are sometimes diagnosed late in patients with COVID-19, and the severity of the disease worsens, especially in patients with underlying conditions. Therefore, patients with fungal infections should be screened regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 patients with fungal co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parmida Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Nasiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shishido AA, Mathew M, Baddley JW. Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:87-97. [PMID: 35846240 PMCID: PMC9274633 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Recent Findings Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms. Summary Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.
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Katal S, Eibschutz LS, Radmard AR, Naderpour Z, Gupta A, Hejal R, Gholamrezanezhad A. Black Fungus and beyond: COVID-19 associated infections. Clin Imaging 2022; 90:97-109. [PMID: 36007282 PMCID: PMC9308173 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Globally, many hospitalized COVID-19 patients can experience an unexpected acute change in status, prompting rapid and expert clinical assessment. Superimposed infections can be a significant cause of clinical and radiologic deviations in this patient population, further worsening clinical outcome and muddling the differential diagnosis. As thrombotic, inflammatory, and medication-induced complications can also trigger an acute change in COVID-19 patient status, imaging early and often plays a vital role in distinguishing the cause of patient decline and monitoring patient outcome. While the common radiologic findings of COVID-19 infection are now widely reported, little is known about the clinical manifestations and imaging findings of superimposed infection. By discussing case studies of patients who developed bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral co-infections and identifying the most frequently reported imaging findings of superimposed infections, physicians will be more familiar with common infectious presentations and initiate a directed workup sooner. Ultimately, any abrupt changes in the expected COVID-19 imaging presentation, such as the presence of new consolidations or cavitation, should prompt further workup to exclude superimposed opportunistic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Katal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shiraz Kowsar Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
| | - Liesl S Eibschutz
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Amir Reza Radmard
- Department of Radiology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Zeinab Naderpour
- Department of Pulmonology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Amit Gupta
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Rana Hejal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Ali Gholamrezanezhad
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
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Naveen KV, Saravanakumar K, Sathiyaseelan A, MubarakAli D, Wang MH. Human Fungal Infection, Immune Response, and Clinical Challenge-a Perspective During COVID-19 Pandemic. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:4244-4257. [PMID: 35648275 PMCID: PMC9156836 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-03979-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are a small but important part of the human microbiota and several fungi are familiar to the immune system, yet certain can cause infections in immunocompromised hosts and referred as opportunistic pathogens. The fungal coinfections in COVID-19 hosts with predisposing conditions and immunosuppressive medications are posing higher severity and death. The immunological counteraction (innate/adaptive immunity) is triggered when the PRRs on the host cells recognize the fungal PAMPs. However, in simultaneous infections (COVID-19 and fungal coinfection), the synergism of TLR and NLR may hyperactivate the immune cells which dramatically increase the cytokine level and generate cytokine storm. Fungal colonization in the human gut assists the development of microbiome assembly, ecology, and shaping immune response. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection represented unstable mycobiomes and long-term dysbiosis in a large proportion in COVID-19 patients. Normally, amphotericin B is considered as first-line treatment for invasive fungal infection. So, amphotericin B therapy is recommended in COVID-19 hosts with serious fungal infections. Still, the long-term corticosteroid supplementation prescribed in case of severe pneumonia and lower oxygen levels may result in systemic fungal infection in COVID-19 patients, eventually limiting the lifesaving benefits of available medications. Also, due to the evolution of fungal resistance to available antibiotics, the current treatments are becoming ineffective. Therefore, this review summarizes the concerns, needed to deal with the impending crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Vishven Naveen
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kandasamy Saravanakumar
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Anbazhagan Sathiyaseelan
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Davoodbasha MubarakAli
- School of Life Sciences, B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600048, India
| | - Myeong-Hyeon Wang
- Department of Bio-Health Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Invasive Respiratory Fungal Infections in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040415. [PMID: 35448646 PMCID: PMC9025868 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often develop respiratory fungal infections. The most frequent diseases are the COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19 associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM) and the Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), the latter mostly found in patients with both COVID-19 and underlying HIV infection. Furthermore, co-infections due to less common mold pathogens have been also described. Respiratory fungal infections in critically ill patients are promoted by multiple risk factors, including epithelial damage caused by COVID-19 infection, mechanical ventilation and immunosuppression, mainly induced by corticosteroids and immunomodulators. In COVID-19 patients, a correct discrimination between fungal colonization and infection is challenging, further hampered by sampling difficulties and by the low reliability of diagnostic approaches, frequently needing an integration of clinical, radiological and microbiological features. Several antifungal drugs are currently available, but the development of new molecules with reduced toxicity, less drug-interactions and potentially active on difficult to treat strains, is highly warranted. Finally, the role of prophylaxis in certain COVID-19 populations is still controversial and must be further investigated.
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Kundu R, Singla N. COVID-19 and Plethora of Fungal Infections. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:47-54. [PMID: 35432691 PMCID: PMC8994097 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00432-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Severe-acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the single most important pathogen driving health care delivery system for the last one and half years. Now, as the time is passing, many issues related to co-infections/secondary infections/superinfections in COVID-19 patients are emerging. The literature is getting enriched everyday by addition of reports from all over the world for the same. The purpose of this review is to decipher the plethora of fungal infections in COVID-19. Recent Findings COVID-19 infection along with it brought many risk factors namely lung injury, immunosuppression, need for oxygen therapy, monoclonal antibodies, steroid therapy, etc. which are known predisposing factors for fungal infections. Rather the extent and severity of fungal pathogens has been so much that it has led to new terminologies like CAC (COVID-19-associated Candida), CAPA (COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis) and CAM (COVID-19-associated mucormycosis). There is increase in invasiveness of Candida, prevalence of aspergillosis in COVID-19 damaged lung and outbreak of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients resulting in “double trouble,” keeping laboratory personnel, clinicians, and intensivists on their toes in managing these patients. Summary Awareness and understanding regarding these possible complications is necessary to decrease the morbidity and mortality among patients. The COVID-19 and fungal coinfections may bring more insight into ways of pathogenesis of fungal infections, need for better antifungal agents, quick diagnostic modalities, and better management policies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reetu Kundu
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Nidhi Singla
- Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, India
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14
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An overview of COVID-19 related to fungal infections: what do we know after the first year of pandemic? Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:759-775. [PMID: 35315001 PMCID: PMC8936386 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00704-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by CoV-2 virus became a pandemic worldwide, being the fast spread of the disease due to the movement of infected people from one country to another, from one continent to another, or within the same country. Associated comorbidities are important factors that predispose to any fungal coinfections. Because of the importance of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, the aim of this work was to collect data of the more encountered mycoses related to patients undergoing this disease. Aspergillosis was the first COVID-19-related fungal infection reported, being A. fumigatus the most frequent species for CAPA. Other fungal infections related include mainly candidiasis and mucormycosis, being Rhizopus spp. the more prevalent species found. Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis is well documented; thus, similar complications are expected in severe forms of COVID-19 pneumonia. Therefore, in patients with COVID-19, it is important to take special attention to the surveillance and suspicion of fungal coinfections that might worsen the patient's prognosis.
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15
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Sekar V, Ramasamy G, Ravikumar C. In silico Molecular Docking for assessing Anti-fungal Competency of Hydroxychavicol, a Phenolic Compound of Betel Leaf ( Piper betle L.) against COVID-19 Associated Maiming Mycotic Infections. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2022; 48:169-188. [PMID: 35311433 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2022.2048665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the inhibitory nature of hydroxychavicol against the Covid-19 associated mycotic infections, the present in silico study was performed in hydroxychavicol with the target Lanosterol 14 alpha demethylase and its competency was compared with four approved anti-fungal drugs. Significance: The corona virus pandemic has drawn stark lines between rich nations and poor, and the occurrence of COVID-19 associated mycotic infections, mucormycosis epidemic stands as the latest manifestation. The increase in resistance in known fungal pathogens to the available anti-fungal drugs and side effects are the important demands that forced to search anti-fungal compounds from medicinal plants as therapeutic alternatives. During the fishing expedition, Piper betle L., gets tremendous attention for its rich source of medicinally important compounds. Among them, hydroxychavicol has the enormous supportive records against microbial growth. Methods: Hydroxychavicol and the chosen drugs were retrieved from the Pubchem database and subjected to ADME analysis. The structure of the target of the chosen COVID-19 associated fungal pathogens was retrieved from PDB and unavailable protein structures were modeled using Swiss Model and validated. Virtual screening (PyRx version 0.8) was performed and the interactions were visualized using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Results: ADME screening of hydroxychavicol was found to have clear reciprocity with the drug-likeliness nature and the subsequent molecular docking study revealed its good binding affinity towards the target protein suggesting its inhibitory nature. Conclusion: This study offers the possibility of making use of the suppressive nature of hydroxychavicol in the treatment of mycotic infections either exclusively/in synergistic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinusri Sekar
- Research Scholar, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Gnanam Ramasamy
- Professor and Head, Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Caroline Ravikumar
- Teaching Assistant, Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India
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16
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Synthesis and Evaluation of the Antifungal and Toxicological Activity of Nitrofuran Derivatives. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030593. [PMID: 35335969 PMCID: PMC8950151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. The constant global changes, the advent of new pandemics, and chronic diseases favor the diffusion of fungal pathogens such as Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Trichophyton, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. In this work, a series of nitrofuran derivatives were synthesized and tested against different fungal species; most of them showed inhibitory activity, fungicide, and fungistatic profile. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) values for the most potent compounds range from 0.48 µg/mL against H. capsulatum (compound 11) and P. brasiliensis (compounds 3 and 9) to 0.98 µg/mL against Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes (compounds 8, 9, 12, 13 and 8, 12, 13, respectively), and 3.9 µg/mL against Candida and Cryptococcus neoformans strains (compounds 1 and 5, respectively). In addition, all compounds showed low toxicity when tested in vitro on lung cell lines (A549 and MRC-5) and in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans larvae. Many of them showed high selectivity index values. Thus, these studied nitrofuran derivatives proved to be potent against different fungal species, characterized by low toxicity and high selectivity; for these reasons, they may become promising compounds for the treatment of mycoses.
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Perez Del Nogal G, Mata A, Ernest P, Salinas I. Disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient with COVID-19 pneumonia. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:15/1/e247617. [PMID: 35064041 PMCID: PMC8785166 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-247617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated histoplasmosis is usually associated with immunosuppressive conditions like AIDS. People with respiratory distress syndrome secondary to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia are vulnerable to bacterial infections. Additionally, coinfection with fungal pathogens should be considered as a differential diagnosis even in immunocompetent patients who remain on mechanical ventilation secondary to COVID-19. The case presents a 61-year-old immunocompetent man, admitted to the medical ward due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Despite appropriate therapy, the patient required transfer to the intensive care unit for invasive mechanical ventilation. He remained critically ill with worsening respiratory failure. Two weeks later, coinfection by disseminated histoplasmosis was detected. After immediate treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole, the patient tolerated weaning from mechanical ventilation until extubation. Awareness of this possible fungal coinfection in immunocompetent patients is essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment, and prevent severe illness and death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andres Mata
- School of Medicine, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
| | - Prince Ernest
- Internal Medicine, TTUHSC SOM Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
| | - Ivania Salinas
- Internal Medicine, TTUHSC SOM Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, USA
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18
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Fungal Infections Other Than Invasive Aspergillosis in COVID-19 Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8010058. [PMID: 35049999 PMCID: PMC8779574 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has focussed predominantly on invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. However, increasingly emergent are non-Aspergillus fungal infections including candidiasis, mucormycosis, pneumocystosis, cryptococcosis, and endemic mycoses. These infections are associated with poor outcomes, and their management is challenged by delayed diagnosis due to similarities of presentation to aspergillosis or to non-specific features in already critically ill patients. There has been a variability in the incidence of different IFDs often related to heterogeneity in patient populations, diagnostic protocols, and definitions used to classify IFD. Here, we summarise and address knowledge gaps related to the epidemiology, risks, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19-associated fungal infections other than aspergillosis.
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19
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Toscanini MA, Barberis F, Benedetti MF, Garrido AV, Posse GB, Capece P, Daneri GL, Nusblat AD, Cuestas ML. OUP accepted manuscript. Med Mycol 2022; 60:6526319. [PMID: 35142812 PMCID: PMC8903390 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The patients with severe COVID-19 are at increased risk for invasive fungal infections, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and candidiasis, which increase morbidity and mortality. However, clinicians should also consider the possibility of reactivating latent Histoplasma capsulatum in patients with severe COVID-19 living within areas of endemicity who have worsening respiratory function or sepsis, even if they do not have classical risk factors for histoplasmosis (e.g., HIV/AIDS). Bearing in mind this scenario, serum samples of 39 non-HIV/AIDS patients from Buenos Aires hospitalized due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia were analyzed for anti-H. capsulatum-specific IgG antibodies by an in-house ELISA. Antibodies against H. capsulatum were detected in the sera of 8/39 patients (20.51%). To exclude the possibility that these antibodies arose from past exposure of these patients to the fungus, paired serum samples obtained after an interval of at least 10 days were evaluated. Of them, five patients (62.5%) with negative anti-H. capsulatum antibodies at baseline became seropositive 7–10 days later. Three patients (37.5%) had positive anti-H. capsulatum antibodies at baseline, but at time point 2, one of them became seronegative and the other one diminished the antibody titers (4000 vs. 16000 at baseline). The remaining patients displayed higher antibody titers at time point 2 (4000 vs. 1000 at baseline) and died immediately thereafter. In conclusion, awareness of the possibility of fungal co-infections is essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment in order to help prevent severe illness and death from these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Toscanini
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC). Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Barberis
- Sección de Infectología. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Benedetti
- Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Videla Garrido
- CONICET. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM). Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gladys B Posse
- Laboratorio de Micología. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Capece
- Laboratorio de Micología. Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela López Daneri
- CONICET. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM). Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro D Nusblat
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC). Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Cuestas
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. María L. Cuestas, PhD, CONICET. Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM). Buenos Aires, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Paraguay 2155 piso 11, C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tel: + 54 11 5950 9500 ext. 2176; E-mail:
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20
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Akhtar N, Khurshid Wani A, Kant Tripathi S, Prakash A, Amin-Ul Mannan M. The role of SARS-CoV-2 immunosuppression and the therapy used to manage COVID-19 disease in the emergence of opportunistic fungal infections: A review. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:337-349. [PMID: 35942223 PMCID: PMC9347179 DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019 SARS-CoV-2 infections have affected millions of people worldwide. Along with the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, the number of cases of opportunistic fungal infections among the COVID-19 patients is also increasing. There have been reports of the cases of aspergillosis and candidiasis in the COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 patients have also been affected by rare fungal infections such as histoplasmosis, pneumocystosis, mucormycosis and cryptococcosis. These fungal infections are prolonging the stay of COVID-19 patients in hospital. In this study several published case reports, case series, prospective and retrospective studies were investigated to explore and report the updated information regarding candidiasis, crytptococcosis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, and pneumocystosis infections in COVID-19 patients. In this review, the risk factors of these co-infections in COVID-19 patients have been reported. There have been reports that the comorbidities and the treatment with corticoids, monoclonal antibodies, use of mechanical ventilation, and use of antibiotics during COVID-19 management are associated with the emergence of fungal infections in the COVID-19 patients. Hence, this review analyses the role of these therapies and comorbidities in the emergence of these fungal infections among COVID-19 patients. This review will help to comprehend if these fungal infections are the result of the co-morbidities, and treatment protocol followed to manage COVID-19 patients or directly due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The analysis of all these factors will help to understand their role in fungal infections among COVID-19 patients which can be valuable to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Akhtar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144401, Punjab, India
| | - Atif Khurshid Wani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144401, Punjab, India
| | - Surya Kant Tripathi
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Ajit Prakash
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - M Amin-Ul Mannan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144401, Punjab, India
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21
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Garcia PJ, Cabrera DM, Cárcamo PM, Diaz MM. HIV and COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:37-45. [PMID: 35092570 PMCID: PMC8799981 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00589-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been hit hard by COVID-19 due to political instability, flawed health systems, and structural inequalities. The repercussion of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, like people living with HIV (PLWH), is complex. This review aims to explore the interactions between the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics in this region. RECENT FINDINGS Data regarding the interactions of HIV and COVID-19 in LAC is scarce. Only case reports or small case series have been published regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 in PLWH and regarding the clinical course of COVID-19 in PLWH, which appears to be similar to the general population. The pandemic has disrupted prevention and treatment of PLWH. However, there have been country efforts to counteract those effects. There are some lessons from the HIV response which have been effectively applied in the region to address COVID-19. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the cascade-of-care among PLWH in LAC. There is a need for longitudinal studies that assess clinic implication of these pandemic interactions in LAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia J. Garcia
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru
| | - Diego M. Cabrera
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru ,grid.47100.320000000419368710Section of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Paloma M. Cárcamo
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru
| | - Monica M. Diaz
- grid.11100.310000 0001 0673 9488School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martin de Porres, Lima 31 Peru ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, Campus Box 7025, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599 USA
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22
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Abdoli A, Falahi S, Kenarkoohi A. COVID-19-associated opportunistic infections: a snapshot on the current reports. Clin Exp Med 2022; 22:327-346. [PMID: 34424451 PMCID: PMC8381864 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a complicated challenge, especially among patients with severe disease. In recent studies, immunosuppressive therapy has shown promising results for control of the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) in severe cases of COVID-19. However, it is well documented that immunosuppressive agents (e.g., corticosteroids and cytokine blockers) increase the risk of opportunistic infections. On the other hand, several opportunistic infections were reported in COVID-19 patients, including Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii), mucormycosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Strongyloides stercoralis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Toxoplasma gondii. This review is a snapshot about the main opportunistic infections that reported among COVID-19 patients. As such, we summarized information about the main immunosuppressive agents that were used in recent clinical trials for COVID-19 patients and the risk of opportunistic infections following these treatments. We also discussed about the main challenges regarding diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19-associated opportunistic infections (CAOIs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran ,Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Ostad Motahari Ave, POBox 74148-46199, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Azra Kenarkoohi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
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23
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COVID-19 associated with disseminated histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant patient. Rev Argent Microbiol 2021; 54:209-214. [PMID: 35012808 PMCID: PMC8683274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis and COVID-19 infection in a renal transplant recipient in Argentina. The patient exhibited respiratory symptoms, and a chest computed tomography scan (CT) showed multiple bilateral centrilobular opacities with a tree-in-bud pattern in both lobes. The patient was initially treated as having bacterial community-acquired pneumonia, and then tuberculosis. A month later, histoplasmosis was diagnosed, and Histoplasma capsulatum LAmB clade was isolated from sputum, skin and oral lesions. The patient was hospitalized and treatment was started with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B. During the course of the antifungal therapy the respiratory symptoms worsened, a new chest CT showed a unilateral lesion with a ground glass appearance and SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a new nasopharyngeal sample. In addition, plasma therapy was administered, and the immunosuppressive regimen was adjusted (everolimus was interrupted, mycophenolate mofetil reduced, and meprednisone increased). Finally, the patient's progress was favorable and was discharged after five days on oral itraconazole treatment for histoplasmosis.
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24
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Baddley JW, Thompson GR, Chen SCA, White PL, Johnson MD, Nguyen MH, Schwartz IS, Spec A, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Jackson BR, Patterson TF, Pappas PG. Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab510. [PMID: 34877364 PMCID: PMC8643686 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can become complicated by secondary invasive fungal infections (IFIs), stemming primarily from severe lung damage and immunologic deficits associated with the virus or immunomodulatory therapy. Other risk factors include poorly controlled diabetes, structural lung disease and/or other comorbidities, and fungal colonization. Opportunistic IFI following severe respiratory viral illness has been increasingly recognized, most notably with severe influenza. There have been many reports of fungal infections associated with COVID-19, initially predominated by pulmonary aspergillosis, but with recent emergence of mucormycosis, candidiasis, and endemic mycoses. These infections can be challenging to diagnose and are associated with poor outcomes. The reported incidence of IFI has varied, often related to heterogeneity in patient populations, surveillance protocols, and definitions used for classification of fungal infections. Herein, we review IFI complicating COVID-19 and address knowledge gaps related to epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of COVID-19-associated fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Baddley
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Sharon C -A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital and Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa D Johnson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Hong Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ilan S Schwartz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrej Spec
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas F Patterson
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Peter G Pappas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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25
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Almeida-Paes R, de Andrade IB, Ramos MLM, Rodrigues MVDA, do Nascimento VA, Bernardes-Engemann AR, Frases S. Medicines for Malaria Venture COVID Box: a source for repurposing drugs with antifungal activity against human pathogenic fungi. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2021; 116:e210207. [PMID: 34755820 PMCID: PMC8577065 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of mycoses is often ineffective, usually prolonged, and has some side effects. These facts highlight the importance of discovering new molecules to treat fungal infections. OBJECTIVES To search the Medicines for Malaria Venture COVID Box for drugs with antifungal activity. METHODS Fourteen human pathogenic fungi were tested against the 160 drugs of this collection at 1.0 µM concentration. We evaluated the ability of the drugs to impair fungal growth, their fungicidal nature, and morphological changes caused to cells. FINDINGS Thirty-four molecules (21.25%) presented antifungal activity. Seven are antifungal drugs and one is the agricultural fungicide cycloheximide. The other drugs with antifungal activity included antibiotics (n = 3), antimalarials (n = 4), antivirals (n = 2), antiparasitcs (n = 3), antitumor agents (n = 5), nervous system agents (n = 3), immunosuppressants (n = 3), antivomiting (n = 1), antiasthmatic (n = 1), and a genetic disorder agent (n = 1). Several of these drugs inhibited Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis growth (15 and 20, respectively), while Fusarium solani was not affected by the drugs tested. Most drugs were fungistatic, but niclosamide presented fungicidal activity against the three dimorphic fungi tested. Cyclosporine affected morphology of Cryptococcus neoformans. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These drugs represent new alternatives to the development of more accessible and effective therapies to treat human fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Iara Bastos de Andrade
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mariana Lucy Mesquita Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcus Vinícius de Araújo Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Vinícius Alves do Nascimento
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andréa Reis Bernardes-Engemann
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Laboratório de Micologia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Susana Frases
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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26
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Invasive Fungal Infections Complicating COVID-19: A Narrative Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7110921. [PMID: 34829210 PMCID: PMC8620819 DOI: 10.3390/jof7110921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) can complicate the clinical course of COVID-19 and are associated with a significant increase in mortality, especially in critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). This narrative review concerns 4099 cases of IFIs in 58,784 COVID-19 patients involved in 168 studies. COVID-19-associated invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a diagnostic challenge because its non-specific clinical/imaging features and the fact that the proposed clinically diagnostic algorithms do not really apply to COVID-19 patients. Forty-seven observational studies and 41 case reports have described a total of 478 CAPA cases that were mainly diagnosed on the basis of cultured respiratory specimens and/or biomarkers/molecular biology, usually without histopathological confirmation. Candidemia is a widely described secondary infection in critically ill patients undergoing prolonged hospitalisation, and the case reports and observational studies of 401 cases indicate high crude mortality rates of 56.1% and 74.8%, respectively. COVID-19 patients are often characterised by the presence of known risk factors for candidemia such as in-dwelling vascular catheters, mechanical ventilation, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. We also describe 3185 cases of mucormycosis (including 1549 cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis (48.6%)), for which the main risk factor is a history of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (>76%). Its diagnosis involves a histopathological examination of tissue biopsies, and its treatment requires anti-fungal therapy combined with aggressive surgical resection/debridement, but crude mortality rates are again high: 50.8% in case reports and 16% in observational studies. The presence of other secondary IFIs usually diagnosed in severely immunocompromised patients show that SARS-CoV-2 is capable of stunning the host immune system: 20 cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, 5 cases of cryptococcosis, 4 cases of histoplasmosis, 1 case of coccidioides infection, 1 case of pulmonary infection due to Fusarium spp., and 1 case of pulmonary infection due to Scedosporium.
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27
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Overview on the Prevalence of Fungal Infections, Immune Response, and Microbiome Role in COVID-19 Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090720. [PMID: 34575758 PMCID: PMC8466761 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with severe COVID-19, such as individuals in intensive care units (ICU), are exceptionally susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. The most prevalent fungal infections are aspergillosis and candidemia. Nonetheless, other fungal species (for instance, Histoplasma spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Cryptococcus spp.) have recently been increasingly linked to opportunistic fungal diseases in COVID-19 patients. These fungal co-infections are described with rising incidence, severe illness, and death that is associated with host immune response. Awareness of the high risks of the occurrence of fungal co-infections is crucial to downgrade any arrear in diagnosis and treatment to support the prevention of severe illness and death directly related to these infections. This review analyses the fungal infections, treatments, outcome, and immune response, considering the possible role of the microbiome in these patients. The search was performed in Medline (PubMed), using the words "fungal infections COVID-19", between 2020-2021.
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28
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Taylor M, Ghodasara A, Ismail A, Gauhar U, El-Kersh K. Disseminated Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Patient After COVID-19 Pneumonia. Cureus 2021; 13:e17269. [PMID: 34540490 PMCID: PMC8448269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Disseminated histoplasmosis can occur in immunocompromised patients such as in HIV disease and patients with medication-induced immunosuppression. Most of these patients present with fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and pancytopenia. There are increasing reports of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia associated with fungal infections including aspergillus and mucormycosis. It is not typical for immunocompetent patients to present with disseminated fungal disease. We herein report a case of a 50-year-old immunocompetent male with a recent recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia who presented with fever and pancytopenia. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated new-onset right upper lobe lung mass, subcarinal lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. Mediastinal lymph nodes and bone marrow biopsies were performed, and the patient was diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis. The association between COVID-19 pneumonia and fungal infections is increasingly reported. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, especially in immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Taylor
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Arjun Ghodasara
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Ali Ismail
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Umair Gauhar
- Interventional Pulmonary, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Karim El-Kersh
- Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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29
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Benedict K, Williams S, Beekmann SE, Polgreen PM, Jackson BR, Toda M. Testing Practices for Fungal Respiratory Infections and SARS-CoV-2 among Infectious Disease Specialists, United States. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080605. [PMID: 34436144 PMCID: PMC8397131 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an online poll, 174 infectious disease physicians reported that testing frequencies for coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and cryptococcosis were similar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that these physicians remain alert for these fungal infections and were generally not concerned about the possibility of under-detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Samantha Williams
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
| | - Susan E. Beekmann
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.E.B.); (P.M.P.)
| | - Philip M. Polgreen
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.E.B.); (P.M.P.)
| | - Brendan R. Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
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30
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Frías-De-León MG, Pinto-Almazán R, Hernández-Castro R, García-Salazar E, Meza-Meneses P, Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Arenas R, Conde-Cuevas E, Acosta-Altamirano G, Martínez-Herrera E. Epidemiology of Systemic Mycoses in the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070556. [PMID: 34356935 PMCID: PMC8307417 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiopathologic characteristics of COVID-19 (high levels of inflammatory cytokines and T-cell reduction) promote fungal colonization and infection, which can go unnoticed because the symptoms in both diseases are very similar. The objective of this work was to study the current epidemiology of systemic mycosis in COVID-19 times. A literature search on the subject (January 2020–February 2021) was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and LILACS without language restrictions. Demographic data, etiological agent, risk factors, diagnostic methods, antifungal treatment, and fatality rate were considered. Eighty nine publications were found on co-infection by COVID-19 and pneumocystosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormycosis, coccidioidomycosis, or histoplasmosis. In general, the co-infections occurred in males over the age of 40 with immunosuppression caused by various conditions. Several species were identified in candidiasis and aspergillosis co-infections. For diagnosis, diverse methods were used, from microbiological to molecular. Most patients received antifungals; however, the fatality rates were 11–100%. The latter may result because the clinical picture is usually attributed exclusively to SARS-CoV-2, preventing a clinical suspicion for mycosis. Diagnostic tests also have limitations beginning with sampling. Therefore, in the remainder of the pandemic, these diagnostic limitations must be overcome to achieve a better patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (R.P.-A.); (E.G.-S.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Rodolfo Pinto-Almazán
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (R.P.-A.); (E.G.-S.); (G.A.-A.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México PC 11340, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Rigoberto Hernández-Castro
- Departamento de Ecología de Agentes Patógenos, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Ciudad de México PC 14080, Estado de México, Mexico;
| | - Eduardo García-Salazar
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (R.P.-A.); (E.G.-S.); (G.A.-A.)
- Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México PC 11340, Estado de México, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (E.C.-C.)
| | - Patricia Meza-Meneses
- Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México PC 11340, Estado de México, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (E.C.-C.)
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, PC 36213 Vigo, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (R.A.)
- Dermatology Department, Hospital Vithas Ntra. Sra. de Fátima and University of Vigo, PC 36206 Vigo, Spain
- Campus Universitario, University of Vigo, PC 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Roberto Arenas
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, PC 36213 Vigo, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (R.A.)
- Sección de Micología, Hospital General “Dr. Manuel Gea González”, Ciudad de México PC 14080, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Esther Conde-Cuevas
- Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México PC 11340, Estado de México, Mexico; (P.M.-M.); (E.C.-C.)
| | - Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (R.P.-A.); (E.G.-S.); (G.A.-A.)
| | - Erick Martínez-Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ciudad de México PC 56530, Estado de México, Mexico; (M.G.F.-D.-L.); (R.P.-A.); (E.G.-S.); (G.A.-A.)
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón s/n, Col. Casco de Santo Tomas, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México PC 11340, Estado de México, Mexico
- Efficiency, Quality, and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, PC 36213 Vigo, Spain; (C.R.-C.); (R.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-555-972-9800
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31
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Cafardi J, Haas D, Lamarre T, Feinberg J. Opportunistic Fungal Infection Associated With COVID-19. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab016. [PMID: 34621913 PMCID: PMC7928619 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We report 2 cases of severe coronavirus disease 2019 requiring prolonged hospitalization complicated by the late onset of opportunistic fungal infections, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Judith Feinberg
- The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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32
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Acute Pulmonary Histoplasmosis Following COVID-19: Novel Laboratorial Methods Aiding Diagnosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7050346. [PMID: 33925084 PMCID: PMC8145651 DOI: 10.3390/jof7050346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute form of histoplasmosis usually occurs after the exposition of more than one individual to a common environmental source harboring Histoplasma capsulatum. Here, we present two cases of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis seen within two weeks at a reference center for infectious diseases at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The patients did not present a common epidemiologic history for histoplasmosis, however both presented COVID-19 before the onset of histoplasmosis symptoms. Due to the difficulties in the diagnosis of acute histoplasmosis, novel laboratory methods such as Western Blot and PCR were included in the investigation of these cases. Both patients presented negative cultures for H. capsulatum and negative urinary galactomannan. However, they presented H and M bands in the Western blot as well as a positive H. capsulatum DNA detection in sputum. These results were available approximately 36 h after sample collection, fastening the beginning of treatment of one patient. Both patients progressed well with itraconazole treatment. These cases suggest that COVID-19 may facilitate the development of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis and, therefore, clinicians must be aware of this differential diagnosis in patients from endemic areas with fever and coughing after recovery from COVID-19.
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33
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Patel RH, Acharya A, Chand HS, Mohan M, Byrareddy SN. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Coinfection: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Challenges. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:266-282. [PMID: 33599163 PMCID: PMC8035919 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The concurrence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), presents an intriguing problem with many uncertainties underlying their pathogenesis. Despite over 96.2 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide as of January 22, 2021, reports of patients coinfected with HIV and SARS-CoV-2 are scarce. It remains unknown whether HIV patients are at a greater risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2, despite their immunocompromised status. We present a systematic review of the literature reporting cases of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection, and examine trends of clinical outcomes among coinfected patients. We systematically compiled 63 reports of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection, published as of January 22, 2021. These studies were retrieved through targeted search terms applied to PubMed/Medline and manual search. Despite scattered evidence, reports indicate a favorable prognosis for HIV patients with strict adherence to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). However, the presence of comorbidities was associated with a poorer prognosis in HIV/SARS-CoV-2 patients, despite cART and viral suppression. Studies were limited by geographic coverage, small sample size, lack of patient details, and short follow-up durations. Although some anti-HIV drugs have shown promising in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2, there is no conclusive evidence of the clinical efficacy of any anti-HIV drug in the treatment of COVID-19. Further research is needed to explain the under-representation of severe COVID-19 cases among the HIV patient population and to explore the possible protective mechanisms of cART in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj H. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hitendra S. Chand
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Centre, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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34
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Baddley JW. COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Do We Have the CAPAcity to Improve Outcomes? Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:92-94. [PMID: 33754152 PMCID: PMC8083609 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John W Baddley
- University of Maryland School of Medicine and Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
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35
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Dimkić I, Fira D, Janakiev T, Kabić J, Stupar M, Nenadić M, Unković N, Grbić ML. The microbiome of bat guano: for what is this knowledge important? Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1407-1419. [PMID: 33512572 PMCID: PMC7845282 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11143-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bats as flying mammals are potent vectors and natural reservoir hosts for many infectious viruses, bacteria, and fungi, also detected in their excreta such as guano. Accelerated deforestation, urbanization, and anthropization hastily lead to overpopulation of the bats in urban areas allowing easy interaction with other animals, expansion, and emergence of new zoonotic disease outbreaks potentially harmful to humans. Therefore, getting new insights in the microbiome of bat guano from different places represents an imperative for the future. Furthermore, the use of novel high-throughput sequencing technologies allows better insight in guano microbiome and potentially indicated that some species could be typical guano-dwelling members. Bats are well known as a natural reservoir of many zoonotic viruses such as Ebola, Nipah, Marburg, lyssaviruses, rabies, henipaviruses, and many coronaviruses which caused a high number of outbreaks including ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, many bacterial and fungal pathogens were identified as common guano residents. Thus, the presence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria as environmental reservoirs of extended spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemase-producing strains has been confirmed. Bat guano is the most suitable substrate for fungal reproduction and dissemination, including pathogenic yeasts and keratinophilic and dimorphic human pathogenic fungi known as notorious causative agents of severe endemic mycoses like histoplasmosis and fatal cryptococcosis, especially deadly in immunocompromised individuals. This review provides an overview of bat guano microbiota diversity and the significance of autochthonous and pathogenic taxa for humans and the environment, highlighting better understanding in preventing emerging diseases. KEY POINTS: Bat guano as reservoir and source for spreading of autochthonous and pathogenic microbiota Bat guano vs. novel zoonotic disease outbreaks Destruction of bat natural habitats urgently demands increased human awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivica Dimkić
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Djordje Fira
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Tamara Janakiev
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Jovana Kabić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića starijeg 1, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Miloš Stupar
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marija Nenadić
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", Bulevar despota Stefana 142, Belgrade, 11060, Serbia
| | - Nikola Unković
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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36
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Hosoda T, Harada S, Okamoto K, Ishino S, Kaneko M, Suzuki M, Ito R, Mizoguchi M. COVID-19 and Fatal Sepsis Caused by Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, Japan, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2020; 27:556-559. [PMID: 33320080 PMCID: PMC7853555 DOI: 10.3201/eid2702.204662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A patient in Japan with coronavirus disease and hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae K2 sequence type 86 infection died of respiratory failure. Bacterial and fungal co-infections caused by region-endemic pathogens, including hypervirulent K. pneumoniae in eastern Asia, should be included in the differential diagnosis of coronavirus disease patients with acutely deteriorating condition.
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