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Zhang L, Zheng C, Sun Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Xiang H, Liang Y, Wei F, Zhang Y. Diagnostic tests performance in detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2025; 44:789-805. [PMID: 39900713 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-025-05051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/05/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pj) pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals. Detecting Pj is challenging, particularly in distinguishing between Pj colonization (PJC) and infection. We aimed to systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of various tests in differentiating Pj colonization from infection. METHODS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were performed. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Original clinical studies reporting sensitivity and specificity data for diagnostic tests such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), nested PCR, (1,3)-Beta-D glucan (BDG), metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and digital PCR (ddPCR) to differentiate PJC from PJP were included. Quality assessment was performed using QUADAS-2 tool, and data processing followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using either a random-effects or fixed-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies (2,550 patients, 1,445 with PJP) were included, with moderate methodological quality. The pooled sensitivity of these diagnostic tests was 0.80 (95% CI 0.77-0.82) and specificity was 0.83 (95% CI 0.81-0.85), with a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 23.12. Among the individual tests, BDG (5 studies) showed high pooled sensitivity (0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.88) but lower specificity (0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.85). mNGS (3 studies) had the highest performance, with pooled sensitivity and specificity both at 0.87 (95% CI 0.80-0.92 and 95% CI 0.77-0.94, respectively), and the highest DOR of 41.57. qPCR (19 studies) demonstrated adequate pooled sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI 0.76-0.81) and high specificity (0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.86), with a DOR of 20.44. CONCLUSION While BDG has low specificity and mNGS is costly with no standardized interpretation, along with the limited number of relevant studies in BDG and mNGS, this meta-analysis concluded that qPCR remains valuable for distinguishing P. jirovecii infection from colonization. A well-designed randomized clinical trial that standardizes the technical aspects of the qPCR protocol is needed to assess its effectiveness and provide a solid basis for clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Caopei Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hanxue Xiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Ying Liang
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Feili Wei
- Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
- Beijing Research Center for Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Jaramillo Cartagena A, Asowata OE, Ng D, Babady NE. An overview of the laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. J Clin Microbiol 2025; 63:e0036124. [PMID: 39898657 PMCID: PMC11898755 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00361-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) is a fungal pathogen associated with significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients, including both HIV- and non-HIV-infected patients. The nonspecific clinical and radiological presentation makes clinical diagnostic challenging, emphasizing the need for accurate laboratory diagnostic tests. However, P. jirovecii does not grow in routine culture media, which presents diagnostic challenges in the laboratory as well. Recent publications from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium continue to rely on direct detection of P. jirovecii organisms in tissues and respiratory samples to define proven P. jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) even as the sensitivity of these methods are lower. Novel, standardized methods are needed to improve the clinical and laboratory diagnosis and management of PCP. This minireview provides an overview of current diagnostic tests for PCP and emerging applications that aim at filling existing diagnostic gaps and providing more accurate and less invasive diagnoses for this significant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Jaramillo Cartagena
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Osaretin Emmanuel Asowata
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dianna Ng
- Cytology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - N. Esther Babady
- Clinical Microbiology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Lee R, Huh K, Kang CK, Kim YC, Kim JH, Kim H, Park JS, Park JY, Sung H, Jung J, Kim CJ, Song KH. Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patient in Korea: A Review and Algorithm Proposed by Expert Consensus Group. Infect Chemother 2025; 57:45-62. [PMID: 39918228 PMCID: PMC11972913 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2024.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a life-threatening infection commonly observed in immunocompromised patients, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. This review evaluates the diagnostic performance of various tests used for PJP diagnosis through a comprehensive literature review. Additionally, we propose a diagnostic algorithm tailored to non-human immunodeficiency virus immunocompromised patients, considering the specific characteristics of current medical resources in Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeseok Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyungmin Huh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Kyung Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Chan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Ho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyungjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Su Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ji Young Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Heungsup Sung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongtak Jung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chung-Jong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Kyoung-Ho Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.
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4
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White PL. Progress on nonculture based diagnostic tests for invasive mould infection. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:451-463. [PMID: 39270052 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000001060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes the current status of diagnosing invasive mould disease and Pneumocystis pneumonia using nonconventional diagnostics methods. RECENT FINDINGS There has been significant development in the range of nonculture mycological tests. Lateral flow tests (LFTs) for diagnosing aspergillosis complement galactomannan ELISA testing, and LFTs for other fungal diseases are in development. Rapid and low through-put B-D-Glucan assays increase access to testing and there has been significant progress in the standardization/development of molecular tests. Despite this, no single perfect test exists and combining tests (e.g., antigen and molecular testing) is likely required for the optimal diagnosis of most fungal diseases. SUMMARY Based on established clinical performance few mycological tests can be used alone for optimal diagnosis of fungal disease (FD) and combining tests, including classical approaches is the preferred route for confirming and excluding disease. Next-generation sequencing will likely play an increasing role in how we diagnose disease, but optimization, standardization and validation of the entire molecular process is needed and we must consider how host biomarkers can stratify risk. Given the burden of FD in low- and medium-income countries, improved access to novel but more so existing diagnostic testing is critical along with simplification of testing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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Brown L, Alanio A, Cruciani M, Barnes R, Donnelly JP, Loeffler J, Rautemaa-Richardson R, White PL. Strengths and limitations of molecular diagnostics for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:899-911. [PMID: 39552603 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2405920] [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: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) remains a major AIDS-defining disease, the majority of cases of PcP now present in the HIV-negative cohort, causing significant mortality. PcP PCR diagnosis is not novel, and the optimal route of diagnosis remains unclear, with an imperfect reference method and complexity in result interpretation for alternative tests. AREAS COVERED This extensive review utilizing a literature search underpinning a recent systematic review/meta-analysis discusses the technical and clinical performance of PcP PCR, the added benefits of PCR testing, future aspects/considerations, and how PCR may be best used in clinical algorithms to provide a probability of PcP. EXPERT OPINION Given the current imperfect reference test for PcP, an alternative would be beneficial. Concerns over PcP PCR generating false positive results are valid but can be resolved by using positivity thresholds that drive specificity. Unfortunately, the extensive range of PCR assays complicates the provision of a PCR reference method. Combination testing incorporating PCR and B-D-Glucan, along with clinical and host risk factors, is key to understanding the individual probability of PcP. It is critical that access to PcP PCR testing is improved through technical and logistical development. Conversely, syndromic approaches including PcP need to be fully evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lottie Brown
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's Hospital and St George's University, London, UK
| | | | | | - Rosemary Barnes
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Biochemistry and School of Medicine, University of Cardiff, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Juergen Loeffler
- Medizinische Klinik II, Labor WÜ4i, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester and Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference laboratory and Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research, UHW, Cardiff, UK
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Lim HJ, Ahn S, No JH, Park MY, Kim MJ, Sohn YH, Shin KS, Park JE, Yang YJ. Development of a Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Simultaneous Detection of Two Fungal Pathogens Causing Pneumonia. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:619. [PMID: 39330379 PMCID: PMC11433024 DOI: 10.3390/jof10090619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by fungal sources are of great interest owing to their increasing prevalence. Invasive fungal infections, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and Pneumocystis pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. The accurate and timely detection of these pathogens in this high-risk population is crucial for effective patient management. We developed a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, RF2 mRT-PCR, specifically designed to detect two respiratory fungi, P. jirovecii and A. fumigatus, and evaluated its performance in specimens of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. The performance was evaluated using 731 clinical samples, 55 reference species, and one synthetic DNA. The reproducibility test yielded a probit curve with a lower limit of detection of 19.82 copies/reaction for P. jirovecii and 64.20 copies/reaction for A. fumigatus. The RF2 mRT-PCR assay did not cross-react with non-A. fumigatus Aspergillus species or other common bacterial and viral species, and showed 100% in vitro sensitivity and specificity with reference assays. Additionally, it simultaneously detected A. fumigatus and P. jirovecii in co-infected samples. Therefore, the RF2 mRT-PCR assay is an efficient and reliable tool for in vitro diagnosis of A. fumigatus and P. jirovecii pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jae Lim
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Seojin Ahn
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun No
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Young Park
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Jin Kim
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hak Sohn
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Soo Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Department of Integrative Biological Sciences & BK21 FOUR Educational Research Group for Age-Associated Disorder Control Technology, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Yang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
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Iturrieta-González I, Chahin C, Cabrera J, Concha C, Olivares-Ferretti P, Briones J, Vega F, Bustos-Medina L, Fonseca-Salamanca F. Molecular Study of Pneumocystis jirovecii in Respiratory Samples of HIV Patients in Chile. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:117. [PMID: 38392789 PMCID: PMC10889964 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis is an opportunistic fungus that causes potentially fatal pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of P. jirovecii in HIV patients through phenotypic and molecular study, to investigate the genetic polymorphisms of P. jirovecii at the mitochondrial gene mtLSU and at the nuclear dihydropteroate synthase gene (DHPS), and by analysis of molecular docking to study the effect of DHPS mutations on the enzymatic affinity for sulfamethoxazole. A PCP prevalence of 28.3% was detected, with mtLSU rRNA genotypes 3 (33.3%) and 2 (26.6%) being the most common. A prevalence of 6.7% (1/15) mutations in the DHPS gene was detected, specifically at codon 55 of the amino acid sequence of dihydropteroate synthase. Molecular docking analysis showed that the combination of mutations at 55 and 98 codons is required to significantly reduce the affinity of the enzyme for sulfamethoxazole. We observed a low rate of mutations in the DHPS gene, and molecular docking analysis showed that at least two mutations in the DHPS gene are required to significantly reduce the affinity of dihydropteroate synthase for sulfamethoxazole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Iturrieta-González
- Department of Preclinic Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Laboratory of Infectology and Clinical Immunology, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
- Jeffrey Modell Foundation for Diagnosis and Research in Primary Immunodeficiencies, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Medicine Faculty, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Carolina Chahin
- Infectology Unit, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco 4781151, Chile
| | - Johanna Cabrera
- Infectology Unit, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco 4781151, Chile
| | - Carla Concha
- Infectology Unit, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco 4781151, Chile
| | | | - Javier Briones
- Infectology Unit, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco 4781151, Chile
| | - Fernando Vega
- Critical Patient Unit, Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco 4781151, Chile
| | - Luis Bustos-Medina
- Department of Public Health and CIGES, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4781176, Chile
| | - Flery Fonseca-Salamanca
- Department of Preclinic Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Laboratory of Molecular Immunoparasitology, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
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Liao TY, Huang YT, Lee TF, Hsueh PR, Yu CJ, Chien JY. Clinical significance of mutations in dihydropteroate synthase in Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia among non-HIV-infected patients. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107019. [PMID: 37925109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.107019] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) mutations may be associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance in Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and worse clinical outcomes. However, the clinical significance of DHPS mutations in PCP among non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remains unclear. METHODS Patients with PCP in three tertiary referral hospitals in Taiwan between 2016 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Two point mutations, Thr55Ala and Pro57Ser, in the DHPS protein were analysed. Patients with invalid DHPS mutations in the respiratory specimen, chronic respiratory failure, receiving endotracheal intubation for surgical intervention, HIV infection, Pneumocystis jirovecii colonisation, and no lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) data were excluded. The primary outcome was 30-day survival. RESULTS A total of 215 patients were analysed. Mutants inside DHPS were found in 78 patients (36.3%) and 68 patients (31.6%) died within 30 days. A total of 214 patients (99.5%) received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as the first-line treatment. The rates of mechanical ventilation, 30-day, and in-hospital mortality were similar between wild-type and mutant DHPS PCP. After adjusting for important confounders, LDH > 500 µ/L (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.448, P = 0.001), pneumonia severity index > 135 mg/dL (aHR = 1.689, P = 0.049), and having solid tumours (aHR = 1.832, P = 0.034) were independently associated with higher mortality. In subgroup analysis, mutant DHPS PCP patients had less 30-day mortality among patients aged > 65 years (P = 0.049), with lymphopenia (P = 0.040), and those without solid tumour (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS In non-HIV-infected PCP, point mutants inside DHPS may not be associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment outcomes. Further prospective large-scale studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Yu Liao
- Department of Integrated Diagnostics & Therapeutics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tsung Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Fen Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chong-Jen Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Yien Chien
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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9
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Chen RY, Li DW, Wang JY, Zhuang SY, Wu HY, Wu JJ, Qu JW, Sun N, Zhong C, Zhu C, Zhang M, Yu YT, Yuan XD. Prophylactic effect of low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in adult recipients of kidney transplantation: a real-world data study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 125:209-215. [PMID: 36243280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose trimethoprim (TMP)-sulfamethoxazole (SMX) (TMP-SMX) as the primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in adult recipients of kidney transplantation. METHODS Three kinds of prescriptions in kidney recipients were documented, including 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX oral daily, 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX oral every other day, and nonprophylaxis. The primary outcome was the incidence of PJP in the first 180 days of follow-up after kidney transplantation. The secondary outcomes were changes in renal and liver function. RESULTS Among the 1469 recipients, 1066 (72.56%) received 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX daily, 127 (8.65%) received 20 mg TMP/100 mg SMX every other day, and 276 (18.79%) did not have prophylaxis prescription. The 276 recipients in the nonprophylaxis group had 124.92 person-years of follow-up, during which PJP occurred in 29 patients, for an incidence rate of 23.21 (95% confidence interval 15.76-32.72) per 100 person-years. The TMP-SMX daily group and the TMP-SMX every other day group had 524.89 and 62.07 person-years of follow-up, respectively, with no occurrence of PJP. There was no significant difference among the three groups in changes in renal and liver function (P >0.05, respectively). A total of 111 recipients in each group were enrolled in the propensity score matching analysis. It was revealed that the 111 nonprophylaxis recipients had 51.27 person-years of follow-up and 10 PJP cases. Prophylaxis was considered effective because there was a significant difference between the three groups (P <0.001). CONCLUSION Low-dose TMP-SMX prophylaxis significantly reduces the incidence of PJP within 6 months after kidney transplantation and has a favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo-Yang Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Wei Li
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Ying Wang
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Yong Zhuang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Yu Wu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Jin Wu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Wen Qu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhong
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Disease Prevention and Control, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yue-Tian Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiao-Dong Yuan
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Fisher MC, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Berman J, Bicanic T, Bignell EM, Bowyer P, Bromley M, Brüggemann R, Garber G, Cornely OA, Gurr SJ, Harrison TS, Kuijper E, Rhodes J, Sheppard DC, Warris A, White PL, Xu J, Zwaan B, Verweij PE. Tackling the emerging threat of antifungal resistance to human health. Nat Rev Microbiol 2022; 20:557-571. [PMID: 35352028 PMCID: PMC8962932 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 172.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections pose an important threat to public health and are an under-recognized component of antimicrobial resistance, an emerging crisis worldwide. Across a period of profound global environmental change and expanding at-risk populations, human-infecting pathogenic fungi are evolving resistance to all licensed systemic antifungal drugs. In this Review, we highlight the main mechanisms of antifungal resistance and explore the similarities and differences between bacterial and fungal resistance to antimicrobial control. We discuss the research and innovation topics that are needed for risk reduction strategies aimed at minimizing the emergence of resistance in pathogenic fungi. These topics include links between the environment and One Health, surveillance, diagnostics, routes of transmission, novel therapeutics and methods to mitigate hotspots for fungal adaptation. We emphasize the global efforts required to steward our existing antifungal armamentarium, and to direct the research and development of future therapies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Outbreak Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Berman
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University London, London, UK
| | - Elaine M Bignell
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Roger Brüggemann
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboudumc Institute for Health Sciences and Radboudumc - CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gary Garber
- Department of Medicine and the School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University London, London, UK
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Outbreak Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program and McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Adilia Warris
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Mycology Reference Laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bas Zwaan
- Department of Plant Science, Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboudumc - CWZ Centre of Expertise for Mycology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
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11
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Interpretation, pitfalls of biomarkers in diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases. Indian J Med Microbiol 2022; 40:480-484. [PMID: 35970627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2022.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive Fungal Diseases (IFD), account for high morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised and seriously ill patients worldwide. Early, faster and accurate diagnosis with timely and appropriate patient management is critical for improved patient outcome and antifungal stewardship. Clinical/radiological presentations in IFD are non-specific and microscopy/culture based tests have low sensitivity and long turnaround time. Biomarkers have clinical utility for diagnosing IFD but their interpretation is not straight forward. OBJECTIVES This review discusses the salient characteristics, clinical usefulness and limitations of common biomarkers such as Galactomannan (GM), 1-3, β D glucan (βDG), mannan, anti-mannan antibody (Mn/antiMn), Cryptococcal antigen test (CrAg), Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) tests and next generation sequencing for diagnosing IFD. CONTENTS Fungal biomarkers are useful adjuncts as screening and diagnostic tools for IFD and are much more suited for 'ruling out' rather than 'ruling in' disease. GM, NAA tests are promising biomarkers for screening of invasive Aspergillosis in high risk asymptomatic patients who are not on antifungal therapy and for diagnosis of breakthrough infections in symptomatic patients. 1-3, β D glucan has limitations both as a 'rule in' and 'rule out' test and is useful in only specific clinical settings. Two consecutive positive 1-3-βDG tests or combined positivity with GM increases its specificity. Mn/antiMn, T2Candida nano diagnostic panel are promising candidates for diagnosing invasive candidiasis. Combining two or more biomarkers improves the sensitivity for prompt initiation of antifungal therapy and the negative predictive value for suspension of empirical treatment. Serum CrAg test is a good 'rule in' rather than a 'rule out' test in immunocompetent patients but has good diagnostic accuracy in immunocompromised patients. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms by next generation sequencing is useful for fungal characterization and identification of host determinants responsible for increased susceptibility to fungal infections but is still in experimental stages.
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12
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Gu ZY, Liu WJ, Huang DL, Liu YJ, He HY, Yang C, Liu YM, Xu M, Rong RM, Zhu DM, Luo Z, Ju MJ. Preliminary Study on the Combination Effect of Clindamycin and Low Dose Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole on Severe Pneumocystis Pneumonia After Renal Transplantation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:827850. [PMID: 35602475 PMCID: PMC9120531 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.827850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Evaluate the effect of the combination of clindamycin with low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) regimen on sever Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) after renal transplantation. Method 20 severe PCP patients after renal transplantation were included in this historical-control, retrospective study. A 10 patients were treated with the standard dose of TMP/SMX (T group), the other 10 patients were treated with the combination of clindamycin and low dose TMP/SMX (CT group). Results Although there was no significant difference in the hospital survival between the two groups, the CT protocol improved the PaO2/FiO2 ratio more significantly and rapidly after the 6th ICU day (1.51 vs. 0.38, P = 0.014). CT protocol also ameliorated the pulmonary infiltration and the lactate dehydrogenase level more effectively. Moreover, the CT protocol reduced the incidence of pneumomediastinum (0 vs. 50%, P = 0.008), the length of hospital staying (26.5 vs. 39.0 days, P = 0.011) and ICU staying (12.5 vs. 22.5 days, P = 0.008). Furthermore, more thrombocytopenia (9/10 vs. 3/10, P = 0.020) was emerged in the T group than in the CT group. The total adverse reaction rate was much lower in the CT group than in the T group (8/80 vs. 27/80, P < 0.001). Consequently, the dosage of TMP/SMX was reduced in 8 patients, while only 2 patients in the CT group received TMP/SMX decrement (P = 0.023). Conclusion The current study proposed that clindamycin combined with low-dose TMP/SMX was more effective and safer the than single use of TMP/SMX for severe PCP patients after renal transplantation (NCT04328688).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhun-Yong Gu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Lei Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Jing Liu
- Department of Nursing, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Urology Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Mei Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Urology Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui-Ming Rong
- Department of Urology Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Du-Ming Zhu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Jie Ju
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Ruiz-Ruiz S, Ponce CA, Pesantes N, Bustamante R, Gatti G, San Martin V, Gutierrez M, Bórquez P, Vargas SL, Magne F, Calderón EJ, Pérez-Brocal V, Moya A. A Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Low Pneumocystis jirovecii Levels. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:787554. [PMID: 35087490 PMCID: PMC8787145 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.787554] [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] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report a new real-time PCR assay using SYBR Green which provides higher sensitivity for the specific detection of low levels of Pneumocystis jirovecii. To do so, two primer sets were designed, targeting the family of genes that code for the most abundant surface protein of Pneumocystis spp., namely the major surface glycoproteins (Msg), and the mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA) multicopy gene, simultaneously detecting two regions. PCR methods are instrumental in detecting these low levels; however, current nested-PCR methods are time-consuming and complex. To validate our new real-time Msg-A/mtLSUrRNA PCR protocol, we compared it with nested-PCR based on the detection of Pneumocystis mitochondrial large subunit rRNA (mtLSUrRNA), one of the main targets used to detect this pathogen. All samples identified as positive by the nested-PCR method were found positive using our new real-time PCR protocol, which also detected P. jirovecii in three nasal aspirate samples that were negative for both rounds of nested-PCR. Furthermore, we read both rounds of the nested-PCR results for comparison and found that some samples with no PCR amplification, or with a feeble band in the first round, correlated with higher Ct values in our real-time Msg-A/mtLSUrRNA PCR. This finding demonstrates the ability of this new single-round protocol to detect low Pneumocystis levels. This new assay provides a valuable alternative for P. jirovecii detection, as it is both rapid and sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Ruiz-Ruiz
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina A Ponce
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicole Pesantes
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Bustamante
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gianna Gatti
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | - Sergio L Vargas
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabien Magne
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique J Calderón
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Vicente Pérez-Brocal
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Moya
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)-Salud Pública, València, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (I2Sysbio), Universitat de València and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), València, Spain
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14
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Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Castanheira M, Dannaoui E, White PL, Arendrup MC. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2053-2073. [PMID: 35703391 PMCID: PMC9333407 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and changing epidemiology of invasive fungal infections continue to present many challenges to their effective management. The repertoire of antifungal drugs available for treatment is still limited although there are new antifungals on the horizon. Successful treatment of invasive mycoses is dependent on a mix of pathogen-, host- and antifungal drug-related factors. Laboratories need to be adept at detection of fungal pathogens in clinical samples in order to effectively guide treatment by identifying isolates with acquired drug resistance. While there are international guidelines on how to conduct in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, these are not performed as widely as for bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, fungi generally are recovered in cultures more slowly than bacteria, and often cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Therefore, non-culture-based methods, including molecular tests, to detect fungi in clinical specimens are increasingly important in patient management and are becoming more reliable as technology improves. Molecular methods can also be used for detection of target gene mutations or other mechanisms that predict antifungal drug resistance. This review addresses acquired antifungal drug resistance in the principal human fungal pathogens and describes known resistance mechanisms and what in-house and commercial tools are available for their detection. It is emphasized that this approach should be complementary to culture-based susceptibility testing, given the range of mutations, resistance mechanisms and target genes that may be present in clinical isolates, but may not be included in current molecular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Mendonça A, Santos H, Franco-Duarte R, Sampaio P. Fungal infections diagnosis - Past, present and future. Res Microbiol 2022; 173:103915. [PMID: 34863883 PMCID: PMC8634697 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2021.103915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the scientific advances observed in the recent decades and the emergence of new methodologies, the diagnosis of systemic fungal infections persists as a problematic issue. Fungal cultivation, the standard method that allows a proven diagnosis, has numerous disadvantages, as low sensitivity (only 50% of the patients present positive fungal cultures), and long growth time. These are factors that delay the patient's treatment and, consequently, lead to higher hospital costs. To improve the accuracy and quickness of fungal infections diagnosis, several new methodologies attempt to be implemented in clinical microbiology laboratories. Most of these innovative methods are independent of pathogen isolation, which means that the diagnosis goes from being considered proven to probable. In spite of the advantage of being culture-independent, the majority of the methods lack standardization. PCR-based methods are becoming more and more commonly used, which has earned them an important place in hospital laboratories. This can be perceived now, as PCR-based methodologies have proved to be an essential tool fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to go through the main steps of the diagnosis for systemic fungal infection, from diagnostic classifications, through methodologies considered as "gold standard", to the molecular methods currently used, and finally mentioning some of the more futuristic approaches.
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16
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Nijhuis RHT, Godschalk PCR, Smink JHI, van der Zee C, van Hannen EJ. Comparison of the PneumoGenius® and RealStar® Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR CE-IVD assays with a lab developed test for the detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii. Med Mycol 2021; 60:6459726. [PMID: 34894244 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pj) is a fungal pathogen that can cause severe and potential fatal pneumonia (Pneumocystis pneumonia, PCP) in immunocompromised patients. Microbiological diagnosis is necessary to confirm PCP, for which mainly real-time PCR assays are used by detecting Pj from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens. In this study, we evaluate the performance of the CE-IVD PneumoGenius® assay and CE-IVD RealStar® Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR assay in comparison to the lab developed test (LDT) that is used in routine diagnostics. Comparison was done by including 100 BAL specimens: 25 retrospective specimens, selected based on results obtained with LDT (15 positive/10 negative), and 75 prospectively collected specimens. LDT (targeting MSG) was performed according to local procedures and the PneumoGenius® (targeting mtLSU and DHPS fas) and RealStar® assays (targeting mtLSU) according to manufacturer's instructions. Combining results of retrospective and prospective analysis, sensitivity was 69.7%, 100% and 100% for the LDT, PneumoGenius® and RealStar®, respectively. Specificity was 100% for LDT and Pneumogenius®, whereas RealStar® showed a specificity of 97%. Correlation of fungal loads found with the PneumoGenius® and RealStar® assays was high (R2: 0.98). The PneumoGenius® and RealStar® assays performed comparable, and both showed high sensitivity in comparison to the LDT. For optimal diagnosis of PCP, the LDT has to be replaced by another, more sensitive assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel H T Nijhuis
- Laboratory for medical microbiology and medical immunology, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Peggy C R Godschalk
- Laboratory for medical microbiology and medical immunology, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Jorike H I Smink
- Laboratory for medical microbiology and medical immunology, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
| | - Cindy van der Zee
- Laboratory for medical microbiology and immunology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J van Hannen
- Laboratory for medical microbiology and immunology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
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17
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Is It Possible to Differentiate Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia and Colonization in the Immunocompromised Patients with Pneumonia? J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121036. [PMID: 34947017 PMCID: PMC8707387 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory sample staining is a standard tool used to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PjP). Although molecular tests are more sensitive, their interpretation can be difficult due to the potential of colonization. We aimed to validate a Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pj) real-time PCR (qPCR) assay in bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and oropharyngeal washes (OW). We included 158 immunosuppressed patients with pneumonia, 35 lung cancer patients who underwent BAL, and 20 healthy individuals. We used a SYBR green qPCR assay to look for a 103 bp fragment of the Pj mtLSU rRNA gene in BAL and OW. We calculated the qPCR cut-off as well as the analytical and diagnostic characteristics. The qPCR was positive in 67.8% of BAL samples from the immunocompromised patients. The established cut-off for discriminating between disease and colonization was Ct 24.53 for BAL samples. In the immunosuppressed group, qPCR detected all 25 microscopy-positive PjP cases, plus three additional cases. Pj colonization in the immunocompromised group was 66.2%, while in the cancer group, colonization rates were 48%. qPCR was ineffective at diagnosing PjP in the OW samples. This new qPCR allowed for reliable diagnosis of PjP, and differentiation between PjP disease and colonization in BAL of immunocompromised patients with pneumonia.
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18
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de la Horra C, Friaza V, Morilla R, Delgado J, Medrano FJ, Miller RF, de Armas Y, Calderón EJ. Update on Dihydropteroate Synthase (DHPS) Mutations in Pneumocystis jirovecii. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100856. [PMID: 34682277 PMCID: PMC8540849 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A Pneumocystis jirovecii is one of the most important microorganisms that cause pneumonia in immunosupressed individuals. The guideline for treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) is the use of a combination of sulfa drug-containing trimethroprim and sulfamethoxazole. In the absence of a reliable method to culture Pneumocystis, molecular techniques have been developed to detect mutations in the dihydropteroate synthase gene, the target of sulfa drugs, where mutations are related to sulfa resistance in other microorganisms. The presence of dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) mutations has been described at codon 55 and 57 and found almost around the world. In the current work, we analyzed the most common methods to identify these mutations, their geographical distribution around the world, and their clinical implications. In addition, we describe new emerging DHPS mutations. Other aspects, such as the possibility of transmitting Pneumocystis mutated organisms between susceptible patients is also described, as well as a brief summary of approaches to study these mutations in a heterologous expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen de la Horra
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
| | - Vicente Friaza
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (V.F.); (E.J.C.); Tel.: +34-955923096 (E.J.C.)
| | - Rubén Morilla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
- Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Delgado
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
| | - Francisco J. Medrano
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
| | - Robert F. Miller
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London WC1E 6JB, UK;
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Yaxsier de Armas
- Department of Clinical Microbiology Diagnostic, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí”, Havana 11400, Cuba;
- Pathology Department, Hospital Center of Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí,” Havana 11400, Cuba
| | - Enrique J. Calderón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain; (C.d.l.H.); (R.M.); (J.D.); (F.J.M.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: (V.F.); (E.J.C.); Tel.: +34-955923096 (E.J.C.)
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19
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Salsé M, Mercier V, Carles MJ, Lechiche C, Sasso M. Performance of the RealStar ® Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR kit for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Mycoses 2021; 64:1230-1237. [PMID: 34346113 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP) is a frequent infection in HIV-positive and also in immunocompromised HIV-negative patients. PCR analysis of pulmonary samples has become an essential element in PCP laboratory diagnosis. Currently, many commercially PCR-based tests are available for P jirovecii detection and need to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the performance of the RealStar® P jirovecii PCR kit for PCP diagnosis. METHODS We performed the RealStar® P jirovecii PCR and an in-house PCR in 219 pulmonary samples. We then assessed the performance of the RealStar® P jirovecii PCR kit by classifying patients in proven, probable, possible PCP or no final diagnosis, on the basis of the clinical and radiological signs and direct examination of bronchoalveolar lavage samples. RESULTS The results showed excellent concordance (96.8%) with another in-house PCR, previously used in the laboratory. The available clinical data allowed classifying 219 patients as having proven PCP (n = 6), probable PCP (n = 27), possible PCP (n = 29) and no final diagnosis of PCP (n = 157). The RealStar® P jirovecii PCR kit performed well with samples from patients with proven and probable PCP, as indicated by the detection of P jirovecii DNA in all these samples. The percentage of positive samples in the possible PCP category was 75.9%. In patients with no final diagnosis of PCP, P jirovecii DNA was detected in 13.4% of samples, indicating colonisation by this pathogen. CONCLUSIONS The RealStar® P jirovecii PCR kit shows excellent performance for PCP diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Salsé
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Victor Mercier
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CHU de Nîmes, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Catherine Lechiche
- Service de Maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU de Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Milène Sasso
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CHU de Nîmes, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Recent Advances and Novel Approaches in Laboratory-Based Diagnostic Mycology. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010041. [PMID: 33440757 PMCID: PMC7827937 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
What was once just culture and microscopy the field of diagnostic mycology has significantly advanced in recent years and continues to incorporate novel assays and strategies to meet the changes in clinical demand. The emergence of widespread resistance to antifungal therapy has led to the development of a range of molecular tests that target mutations associated with phenotypic resistance, to complement classical susceptibility testing and initial applications of next-generation sequencing are being described. Lateral flow assays provide rapid results, with simplicity allowing the test to be performed outside specialist centres, potentially as point-of-care tests. Mycology has responded positively to an ever-diversifying patient population by rapidly identifying risk and developing diagnostic strategies to improve patient management. Nowadays, the diagnostic repertoire of the mycology laboratory employs classical, molecular and serological tests and should be keen to embrace diagnostic advancements that can improve diagnosis in this notoriously difficult field.
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21
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Arastehfar A, Gabaldón T, Garcia-Rubio R, Jenks JD, Hoenigl M, Salzer HJF, Ilkit M, Lass-Flörl C, Perlin DS. Drug-Resistant Fungi: An Emerging Challenge Threatening Our Limited Antifungal Armamentarium. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9120877. [PMID: 33302565 PMCID: PMC7764418 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The high clinical mortality and economic burden posed by invasive fungal infections (IFIs), along with significant agricultural crop loss caused by various fungal species, has resulted in the widespread use of antifungal agents. Selective drug pressure, fungal attributes, and host- and drug-related factors have counteracted the efficacy of the limited systemic antifungal drugs and changed the epidemiological landscape of IFIs. Species belonging to Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, and Pneumocystis are among the fungal pathogens showing notable rates of antifungal resistance. Drug-resistant fungi from the environment are increasingly identified in clinical settings. Furthermore, we have a limited understanding of drug class-specific resistance mechanisms in emerging Candida species. The establishment of antifungal stewardship programs in both clinical and agricultural fields and the inclusion of species identification, antifungal susceptibility testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring practices in the clinic can minimize the emergence of drug-resistant fungi. New antifungal drugs featuring promising therapeutic profiles have great promise to treat drug-resistant fungi in the clinical setting. Mitigating antifungal tolerance, a prelude to the emergence of resistance, also requires the development of effective and fungal-specific adjuvants to be used in combination with systemic antifungals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.A.); (R.G.-R.)
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Programme, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), 08024 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies. Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.A.); (R.G.-R.)
| | - Jeffrey D. Jenks
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA;
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | | | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, University of Çukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (D.S.P.); Tel.: +90-532-286-0099 (M.I.); +1-201-880-3100 (D.S.P.)
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - David S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA; (A.A.); (R.G.-R.)
- Correspondence: (M.I.); (D.S.P.); Tel.: +90-532-286-0099 (M.I.); +1-201-880-3100 (D.S.P.)
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22
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Bateman M, Oladele R, Kolls JK. Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: A review of current methods and novel approaches. Med Mycol 2020; 58:1015-1028. [PMID: 32400869 PMCID: PMC7657095 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii can cause life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Traditional diagnostic testing has relied on staining and direct visualization of the life-forms in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This method has proven insensitive, and invasive procedures may be needed to obtain adequate samples. Molecular methods of detection such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and antibody-antigen assays have been developed in an effort to solve these problems. These techniques are very sensitive and have the potential to detect Pneumocystis life-forms in noninvasive samples such as sputum, oral washes, nasopharyngeal aspirates, and serum. This review evaluates 100 studies that compare use of various diagnostic tests for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patient samples. Novel diagnostic methods have been widely used in the research setting but have faced barriers to clinical implementation including: interpretation of low fungal burdens, standardization of techniques, integration into resource-poor settings, poor understanding of the impact of host factors, geographic variations in the organism, heterogeneity of studies, and limited clinician recognition of PCP. Addressing these barriers will require identification of phenotypes that progress to PCP and diagnostic cut-offs for colonization, generation of life-form specific markers, comparison of commercial PCR assays, investigation of cost-effective point of care options, evaluation of host factors such as HIV status that may impact diagnosis, and identification of markers of genetic diversity that may be useful in diagnostic panels. Performing high-quality studies and educating physicians will be crucial to improve the rates of diagnosis of PCP and ultimately to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Bateman
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
| | - Rita Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Center for Translational Research in Infection and Inflammation, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a frequent opportunistic infection associated with a high mortality rate. PCP is of increasing importance in non-HIV immunocompromised patients, who present with severe respiratory distress with low fungal loads. Molecular detection of Pneumocystis in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) has become an important diagnostic tool, but quantitative PCR (qPCR) needs standardization. RECENT FINDINGS Despite a high negative predictive value, the positive predictive value of qPCR is moderate, as it also detects colonized patients. Attempts are made to set a cut-off value of qPCR to discriminate between PCP and colonization, or to use noninvasive samples or combined strategies to increase specificity. SUMMARY It is easy to set a qPCR cut-off for HIV-infected patients. In non-HIV IC patients, a gain in specificity could be obtained by combining strategies, that is, qPCR on BAL and a noninvasive sample, or qPCR and serum beta-1,3-D-glucan dosage.
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Dunbar A, Schauwvlieghe A, Algoe S, van Hellemond JJ, Reynders M, Vandecasteele S, Boelens J, Depuydt P, Rijnders B. Epidemiology of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia and (Non-)use of Prophylaxis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:224. [PMID: 32500040 PMCID: PMC7243458 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives:Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an AIDS-defining illness. In patients with HIV, the benefit of PCP prophylaxis is well-defined when the CD4 T-cell count decreases below 200 cells/μL. In other immunocompromised patients, the value of PCP prophylaxis is not always as well-established. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of PCP in recent years and assess how many patients with PCP did or did not receive prophylaxis in the month preceding the infection. Material and Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was performed in 3 tertiary care hospital. A list of patients that underwent broncho-alveolar lavage sampling and Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJ) PCR testing was retrieved from the microbiology laboratories. An in-house PJ quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used in each center. A cycle threshold (Ct) value of ≤ 28.5-30 was considered a probable PCP. For patients with a positive PJ qPCR but above this threshold, a predefined case definition of possible PCP was defined as a qPCR Ct value ≤ 34-35 and both of the following criteria: 1. Clinical and radiological features compatible with PCP and 2. The patient died or received PCP therapy and survived. Patient files from those with a qPCR Ct value ≤ 35 were reviewed to determine whether the patient fulfilled the case definition and if PCP prophylaxis had been used in the weeks preceding the PCP. Disease-specific guidelines, as well as hospital-wide guidelines, were used to evaluate if prophylaxis could be considered indicated. Results: From 2012 to 2018, 482 BAL samples were tested. Two hundred and four had a qPCR Ct value ≤ 35 and were further evaluated: 90 fulfilled the definition of probable and 63 of possible PCP while the remaining 51 were considered colonized. Seventy-four percentages of the patients with PCP were HIV-negative. Only 11 (7%) of the 153 patients had received prophylaxis, despite that in 133 (87%) cases prophylaxis was indicated according to guidelines. Conclusion: In regions where HIV testing and treatment is available without restrictions, PCP is mainly diagnosed in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. More than four out of five patients with PCP had not received prophylaxis. Strategies to improve awareness of antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines in immunocompromised patients are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Dunbar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Schauwvlieghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sheruna Algoe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap J. van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marijke Reynders
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Vandecasteele
- Departments of Nephrology and Infectious Diseases, AZ St-Jan Brugge-Oostende Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Jerina Boelens
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Depuydt
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Rijnders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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25
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Dailey PJ, Elbeik T, Holodniy M. Companion and complementary diagnostics for infectious diseases. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:619-636. [PMID: 32031431 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1724784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Companion diagnostics (CDx) are important in oncology therapeutic decision-making, but specific regulatory-approved CDx for infectious disease treatment are officially lacking. While not approved as CDx, several ID diagnostics are used as CDx. The diagnostics community, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies have made major efforts to ensure that diagnostics for new antimicrobials are available at or near release of new agents. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the status of Complementary and companion diagnostic (c/CDx) in the infectious disease literature, with a focus on genotypic antimicrobial resistance testing against pathogens as a class of diagnostic tests. EXPERT OPINION CRISPR, sepsis markers, and narrow spectrum antimicrobials, in addition to current and emerging technologies, present opportunities for infectious disease c/CDx. Challenges include slow guideline revision, high costs for regulatory approval, lengthy buy in by agencies, discordant pharmaceutical/diagnostic partnerships, and higher treatment costs. The number of patients and available medications used to treat different infectious diseases is well suited to support competing diagnostic tests. However, newer approaches to treatment (for example, narrow spectrum antibiotics), may be well suited for a small number of patients, i.e. a niche market in support of a CDx. The current emphasis is rapid and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms as well as changes in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Dailey
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley , Berkeley, CA, USA.,The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) , Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tarek Elbeik
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs , Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mark Holodniy
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs , Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University , Stanford, CA, USA
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26
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Kidd SE, Chen SCA, Meyer W, Halliday CL. A New Age in Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Disease: Are We Ready? Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2903. [PMID: 31993022 PMCID: PMC6971168 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) present an increasing global burden in immunocompromised and other seriously ill populations, including those caused by pathogens which are inherently resistant or less susceptible to antifungal drugs. Early diagnosis encompassing accurate detection and identification of the causative agent and of antifungal resistance is critical for optimum patient outcomes. Many molecular-based diagnostic approaches have good clinical utility although interpretation of results should be according to clinical context. Where an IFD is in the differential diagnosis, panfungal PCR assays allow the rapid detection/identification of fungal species directly from clinical specimens with good specificity; sensitivity is also high when hyphae are seen in the specimen including in paraffin-embedded tissue. Aspergillus PCR assays on blood fractions have good utility in the screening of high risk hematology patients with high negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 94 and 70%, respectively, when two positive PCR results are obtained. The standardization, and commercialization of Aspergillus PCR assays has now enabled direct comparison of results between laboratories with commercial assays also offering the simultaneous detection of common azole resistance mutations. Candida PCR assays are not as well standardized with the only FDA-approved commercial system (T2Candida) detecting only the five most common species; while the T2Candida outperforms blood culture in patients with candidemia, its role in routine Candida diagnostics is not well defined. There is growing use of Mucorales-specific PCR assays to detect selected genera in blood fractions. Quantitative real-time Pneumocystis jirovecii PCRs have replaced microscopy and immunofluorescent stains in many diagnostic laboratories although distinguishing infection may be problematic in non-HIV-infected patients. For species identification of isolates, DNA barcoding with dual loci (ITS and TEF1α) offer optimal accuracy while next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies offer highly discriminatory analysis of genetic diversity including for outbreak investigation and for drug resistance characterization. Advances in molecular technologies will further enhance routine fungal diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, South Australia Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Catriona L. Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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27
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White PL. Recent advances and novel approaches in laboratory-based diagnostic mycology. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S259-S266. [PMID: 31292661 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of diagnostic mycology represents much more than culture and microscopy and is rapidly embracing novel techniques and strategies to help overcome the limitations of conventional approaches. Commercial molecular assays increase the applicability of PCR testing and may identify markers of antifungal resistance, which are of great clinical concern. Lateral flow assays simplify testing and turn-around time, with potential for point of care testing, while proximity ligation assays embrace the sensitivity of molecular testing with the specificity of antibody detection. The first evidence of patient risk stratification is being described and together with the era of next generation sequencing represents an exciting time in mycology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis White
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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28
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Morilla R, González-Magaña A, Friaza V, de Armas Y, Medrano FJ, Calderón EJ, de la Horra C. Genetic Polymorphisms of Superoxide Dismutase Locus of Pneumocystis jirovecii in Spanish Population. Front Public Health 2019; 7:292. [PMID: 31681723 PMCID: PMC6803434 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective:Pneumocystis pneumonia remains a major opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients worldwide. Colonization with Pneumocystis jirovecii has recently gained attention as an important issue for understanding the complete cycle of human Pneumocystis infection. P. jirovecii Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) gene could be a molecular target with high clinical relevance, but the epidemiological information about SOD genotypes distribution is scarce. The aim of this work was to provide information about the prevalence of genotypes of Pneumocystis SOD among Spanish patients and to describe possible differences between colonized and Pneumocystis pneumonia patients. Methods: we developed a cross-sectional study analyzing broncho-alveolar lavage fluid samples from 30 Pneumocystis pneumonia patients, 30 colonized patients, and 20 controls using a nested PCR protocol designed to amplify the sodA gene of P. jirovecii. The diagnostic yield of SOD Nested PCR was evaluated against the routine practice of mtLSUrRNA Nested PCR, which is considered the gold standard. Results: SOD locus was amplified in 90% of Pneumocystis pneumonia patients, 10% of colonized patients, and none of controls. Genotype SOD1 was observed in 11 cases (52.4%) and genotype SOD2 in 10 cases (47.6%). Genotype SOD2 was observed only in Pneumocystis pneumonia patients while the genotype SOD1 was observed in both colonized and Pneumocystis pneumonia patients. Conclusions: This study provides epidemiological information about SOD genotypes distribution in Spain, showing a low genetic diversity and a predominant presence of genotype SOD1 in colonized patients. SOP Nested PCR was more sensitive and accurate assay in Pneumocystis pneumonia patients than in colonized individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Morilla
- Department of Nursing, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Amaia González-Magaña
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Vicente Friaza
- Hospital Microbiology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Havana, Cuba
| | - Yaxsier de Armas
- Hospital Microbiology Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí", Havana, Cuba
| | - Francisco J Medrano
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique J Calderón
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen de la Horra
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
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29
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White PL, Price JS, Backx M. Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestation and Diagnosis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-019-00349-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Fishman JA, Gans H. Pneumocystis jiroveci in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. Clin Transplant 2019; 33:e13587. [PMID: 31077616 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of Pneumocystis jiroveci fungal infection transplant recipients. Pneumonia (PJP) may develop via airborne transmission or reactivation of prior infection. Nosocomial clusters of infection have been described among transplant recipients. PJP should not occur during prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Without prophylaxis, PJP risk is greatest in the first 6 months after organ transplantation but may develop later. Risk factors include low lymphocyte counts, cytomegalovirus infection (CMV), hypogammaglobulinemia, treated graft rejection or corticosteroids, and advancing patient age (>65). Presentation typically includes fever, dyspnea with hypoxemia, and cough. Chest radiographic patterns generally reveal diffuse interstitial processes best seen by CT scans. Patients generally have PO2 < 60 mm Hg, elevated serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and elevated serum (1 → 3) β-d-glucan assay. Specific diagnosis uses respiratory specimens with direct immunofluorescent staining; invasive procedures may be required. Quantitative PCR is a useful adjunct to diagnosis. TMP-SMX is the drug of choice for therapy; drug allergy should be documented before resorting to alternative therapies. Adjunctive corticosteroids may be useful early. Routine PJP prophylaxis is recommended for at least 6-12 months post-transplant, preferably with TMP-SMX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Fishman
- Medicine, Transplant Infectious Diseases and Transplant Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hayley Gans
- Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Program for Immunocompromised Hosts, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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31
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Huh HJ, Lim KR, Ki CS, Huh K, Shim HJ, Song DJ, Kim YJ, Chung DR, Lee NY. Comparative Evaluation Between the RealStar Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR Kit and the AmpliSens Pneumocystis jirovecii ( carinii)-FRT PCR Kit for Detecting P. jirovecii in Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients. Ann Lab Med 2019; 39:176-182. [PMID: 30430780 PMCID: PMC6240529 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2019.39.2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time PCR is more sensitive than microscopic examination for detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii. We compared the performance of two assays for detecting P. jirovecii DNA: the RealStar Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR Kit 1.0 CE (Altona Diagnostics, Hamburg, Germany) and the AmpliSens Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii)-FRT PCR kit (InterLabService Ltd., Moscow, Russia). METHODS We used 159 samples from the lower respiratory tract (112 bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] fluid, 37 sputum, and 10 endotracheal aspirate [ETA] samples) of non-HIV immunocompromised patients. Nested PCR and sequencing were used to resolve discordant results. The performance of the two assays was evaluated according to clinical categories (clinical Pneumocystis pneumonia [PCP], possible PCP, or unlikely PCP) based on clinical and radiological observations. RESULTS The positive and negative percent agreement values were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.4-100%) and 96.6% (95% CI, 90.9-98.9%), respectively, and kappa was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.84-0.99). P. jirovecii DNA load was significantly higher in the clinical PCP group than in the other groups (P<0.05). When stratified by sample type, the positive rate for BAL fluids from the clinical PCP group was 100% using either assay, whereas the positive rate for sputum/ETA samples was only 20%. CONCLUSIONS The two assays showed similar diagnostic performance and detected low P. jirovecii burden in BAL fluids. Both assays may be useful as routine methods for detecting P. jirovecii DNA in a clinical laboratory setting, though their results should be interpreted considering sample type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jae Huh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Ree Lim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | - Kyungmin Huh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyang Jin Shim
- Center for Clinical Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yae Jean Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo Ryeon Chung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Center for Infection Prevention and Control, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam Yong Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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White PL, Price JS, Backx M. Therapy and Management of Pneumocystis jirovecii Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:E127. [PMID: 30469526 PMCID: PMC6313306 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rates of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) are increasing in the HIV-negative susceptible population. Guidance for the prophylaxis and treatment of PcP in HIV, haematology, and solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients is available, although for many other populations (e.g., auto-immune disorders) there remains an urgent need for recommendations. The main drug for both prophylaxis and treatment of PcP is trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, but resistance to this therapy is emerging, placing further emphasis on the need to make a mycological diagnosis using molecular based methods. Outbreaks in SOT recipients, particularly renal transplants, are increasingly described, and likely caused by human-to-human spread, highlighting the need for efficient infection control policies and sensitive diagnostic assays. Widespread prophylaxis is the best measure to gain control of outbreak situations. This review will summarize diagnostic options, cover prophylactic and therapeutic management in the main at risk populations, while also covering aspects of managing resistant disease, outbreak situations, and paediatric PcP.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK.
| | - Jessica S Price
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK.
| | - Matthijs Backx
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK.
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Ma L, Cissé OH, Kovacs JA. A Molecular Window into the Biology and Epidemiology of Pneumocystis spp. Clin Microbiol Rev 2018; 31:e00009-18. [PMID: 29899010 PMCID: PMC6056843 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00009-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis, a unique atypical fungus with an elusive lifestyle, has had an important medical history. It came to prominence as an opportunistic pathogen that not only can cause life-threatening pneumonia in patients with HIV infection and other immunodeficiencies but also can colonize the lungs of healthy individuals from a very early age. The genus Pneumocystis includes a group of closely related but heterogeneous organisms that have a worldwide distribution, have been detected in multiple mammalian species, are highly host species specific, inhabit the lungs almost exclusively, and have never convincingly been cultured in vitro, making Pneumocystis a fascinating but difficult-to-study organism. Improved molecular biologic methodologies have opened a new window into the biology and epidemiology of Pneumocystis. Advances include an improved taxonomic classification, identification of an extremely reduced genome and concomitant inability to metabolize and grow independent of the host lungs, insights into its transmission mode, recognition of its widespread colonization in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient hosts, and utilization of strain variation to study drug resistance, epidemiology, and outbreaks of infection among transplant patients. This review summarizes these advances and also identifies some major questions and challenges that need to be addressed to better understand Pneumocystis biology and its relevance to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ousmane H Cissé
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph A Kovacs
- Critical Care Medicine Department, NIH Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Brakemeier S, Pfau A, Zukunft B, Budde K, Nickel P. Prophylaxis and treatment of Pneumocystis Jirovecii pneumonia after solid organ transplantation. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:61-67. [PMID: 29890253 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection diagnosed in immunocompromized patients. After solid organ transplantation, early infection has decreased as a result of effective prophylaxis, but late infections and even outbreaks caused by interpatient transmission of pneumocystis by air are present in the SOT community. Different risk factors for PJP have been described and several indications for PJP prophylaxis have to be considered by clinicians in patients even years after transplantation. Diagnosis of PJP is confirmed by microscopy and immunofluorescence staining of bronchial fluid but PCR as well as serum ß-D-Glucan analysis have become increasingly valuable diagnostic tools. Treatment of choice is Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and early treatment improves prognosis. However, mortality of PJP in solid organ transplant patients is still high and many aspects including the optimal management of immunosuppression during PJP treatment require further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Brakemeier
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anja Pfau
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Zukunft
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nickel
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité, Berlin, Germany
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Hoarau G, Le Gal S, Zunic P, Poubeau P, Antok E, Jaubert J, Nevez G, Picot S. Evaluation of quantitative FTD-Pneumocystis jirovecii kit for Pneumocystis infection diagnosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 89:212-217. [PMID: 28851493 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the Fast track Diagnostics (FTD) Pneumocystis PCR kit, targeting the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (mtLSU rRNA) of Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii). A hundred and thirty-three patients were prospectively enrolled. Respiratory specimens were examined using both microscopy and the PCR assay. Twenty-six patients led to P. jirovecii detection. Fourteen patients presented with Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) whereas 12 patients were considered to be colonized. The median copy numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly different in the PCP and colonization groups (1.35×108/ml vs. 1.45×105/ml, P < 0.0001). Lower and upper cut-off values of 3.9×105 copies/ml and 3.2×106 copies/ml allowed differentiating PCP and colonization. The FTD P. jirovecii assay was secondarily compared to an in-house reference PCR assay targeting the mtLSUrRNA gene. A concordance rate of 97.5% was observed (Cohen's kappa coefficient κ=0.935). The FTD Pneumocystis PCR kit showed good performance and represents an alternative method to diagnose P. jirovecii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautier Hoarau
- Department of Microbiology, CHU La Reunion, St Pierre, France; UMR PIMIT « processus infectieux en milieu insulaire tropical », Inserm 1187, CNRS 9192, IRD 249, université de La Réunion, CYROI, 97490 Sainte-Clotilde, Reunion.
| | | | - Patricia Zunic
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, CHU La Reunion, St Pierre, France
| | - Patrice Poubeau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, CHU La Reunion, St Pierre, France
| | | | - Julien Jaubert
- Department of Microbiology, CHU La Reunion, St Pierre, France
| | - Gilles Nevez
- University of Brest, GEIHP EA, 3142, Brest, France
| | - Sandrine Picot
- Department of Microbiology, CHU La Reunion, St Pierre, France
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