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Aguzie IO, Obioha AM, Unachukwu CE, Okpasuo OJ, Anunobi TJ, Ugwu KO, Ubachukwu PO, Dibua UME. Hand contamination and hand hygiene knowledge and practices among commercial transport users after the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) scare, Enugu State, Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002627. [PMID: 38820394 PMCID: PMC11142581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Contaminated hands are one of the most common modes of microorganism transmission that are responsible for many associated infections in healthcare, food industries, and public places such as transportation parks. Public health approaches during COVID-19 pandemic have shown that hand hygiene practices and associated knowledge are critical measure to control the spread of infectious agent. Hence, assessment of commercial transport users' knowledge, belief and practices on hand hygiene, and potential contamination with infectious agents which is the aim of the study, aligns with general health concern of quantifying contamination risk levels to predict disease outbreaks. This study utilized a randomized sampling approach to select 10 frequently used commercial parks within two districts in the State: Enugu and Nsukka. The parameters analysed include a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, hand swab and hand washed samples collected from dominant hand of participants. A total of 600 participants responded to the questionnaire survey, while 100 participants' hand swabs were examined for microbial contamination. This study recorded a high prevalence of fungal (90.0%) and bacterial (87.0%) species; 20 species of fungus were identified with prevalence range of 1% to 14%; 21 bacterial species were isolated with prevalence range of 1% to 16%. These species were identified as either opportunistic, non-invasive, or pathogenic, which may constitute a health concern amongst immunocompromised individuals within the population. Aspergillus spp. (14%), was the most common fungal species that was exclusively found amongst Nsukka commercial users, while E. coli was the most prevalent isolated bacterial species amongst Nsukka (12%) and Enugu (20%) commercial park users. Prevalence of fungal contamination in Nsukka (94.0%; 47/50) and Enugu (86.0%; 43/50) were both high. Prevalence of bacterial contamination was higher in Enugu than Nsukka but not significantly (47[94.0%] vs. 40[80.0%], p = 0.583). A greater number of participants (99.3%) were aware of the importance of hand hygiene, however with low compliance rate aside "after using the toilet" (80%) and "before eating" (90%), other relevant hand washing and sanitizing practices were considered less important. With these observations, we can emphatically say that despite the COVID-19 scare, commercial park users within the sampled population do not efficiently practice quality hand wash and hygiene measures, hence, risking the widespread of infectious agents in situation of disease outbreak or among immunocompromised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeanyi O. Aguzie
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Ahaoma M. Obioha
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chisom E. Unachukwu
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Onyekachi J. Okpasuo
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Toochukwu J. Anunobi
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria
| | - Kenneth O. Ugwu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Patience O. Ubachukwu
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Uju M. E. Dibua
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Almeida-Silva F, Tenório-Alvarenga PH, da Costa RV, Coelho RA, de Sousa Araújo GR, Zancopé-Oliveira RM, Frases S, Almeida-Paes R. In vitro antifungal activity of MMV Pathogen Box® compounds alone or in combination with antifungal drugs against mucormycosis agents. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100242. [PMID: 38799088 PMCID: PMC11126940 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a severe fungal infection that demands immediate and decisive intervention upon suspicion. The causative agents of mucormycosis exhibit inherent resistance to echinocandins and voriconazole, and their in vitro susceptibility to terbinafine is highly variable and species-specific. Considering these factors and the limitations of currently available antifungal therapies, the identification of novel antifungals with potent activity against mucormycosis is of paramount importance. This study aims to identify compounds from the MMV Pathogen Box® presenting antifungal activity against selected mucormycosis agents and to evaluate their potential synergistic effects when combined with antifungal drugs. A screening of the Pathogen Box® compounds was conducted, isolated or in combination with sub-inhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, isavuconazole or posaconazole, against a Rhizopus oryzae strain. Hits from the screenings were further evaluated against eight Mucoralean strains for minimal inhibitory and fungicidal concentration determinations and to confirm synergistic interactions using the checkerboard method. Ultrastructural studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy. MMV675968 exhibited fungicidal activity against a R. oryzae strain. All but one Rhizopus spp. strains presented MIC ≤ 1 μg/mL, with a geometric mean of 0.78 μg/mL observed across all isolates for this compound, which did not change significantly the cellular structure of this fungus. The combination screening with antifungal drugs revealed six additional compounds potentially active against the R. oryzae strain, two of them demonstrated proven synergism through the checkerboard assay. This first study with the MMV Pathogen Box® and Zigomycetes highlights promising new treatment options for mucormycosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Pedro Henrique Tenório-Alvarenga
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Raiane Valle da Costa
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rowena Alves Coelho
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Glauber Ribeiro de Sousa Araújo
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rosely Maria Zancopé-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Susana Frases
- Laboratório de Biofísica de Fungos, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Rede Micologia – FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Laboratório de Micologia, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas (INI), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Rede Micologia – FAPERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Konkel Neabore L. Wake-up Call: Rapid Increase in Human Fungal Diseases under Climate Change. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:42001. [PMID: 38648197 PMCID: PMC11034633 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Rising temperatures and extreme weather are setting the stage for increases in fungal diseases. As new pathogenic fungi emerge and known threats spread and evolve, scientists and decision makers are responding.
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Singh R, Mittal G, Kakati B, Koul N. An Observational Study of Fungal Infections in COVID-19: Highlighting the Role of Mucormycosis in Tertiary Healthcare Settings. Cureus 2024; 16:e57295. [PMID: 38690487 PMCID: PMC11059081 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal infections, especially mucormycosis, have remarkably surged during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, especially during the second wave peak of the pandemic raising the concern of the clinicians for the admitted patients. Steroid therapy, diabetes, and other immunocompromised states are more commonly associated with COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Aim and objective The aim of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of fungal infections amidst the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and discern the associated risk factors. Materials and methods During the second peak of COVID-19, samples were received in the microbiology laboratory from all clinically suspected mucormycosis patients. These samples underwent processing for potassium hydroxide (KOH) wet mount, fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) medium, and COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. All relevant clinical and associated risk factors were tabulated and analyzed. Results Among the 107 suspected cases of mucormycosis, 39 (36.4%) were confirmed positive for COVID-19 via RT-PCR, while 68 (63.6%) tested negative. Males exhibited a predominant infection rate, with the rhinocerebral system being the most commonly affected site. Significantly higher mortality rates were observed in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) patients (33.4%) compared to those without COVID-19 (5.9%), with a notable p-value of 0.0005. CAM patients also demonstrated a higher frequency of ICU admissions (77%) compared to non-COVID-19-associated mucormycosis patients (21.4%), a statistically significant finding (p-value of 0.007). Additionally, immunocompromised states, diabetes, and the administration of oxygen therapy were identified as significant risk factors in CAM (p < 0.05). Notably, mucormycosis accounted for the majority of fungal isolates (48.27%) among COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Mucormycosis infection is more commonly seen in COVID-19-infected patients as compared to non-COVID-19 patients, especially with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, steroid usage, and other immunocompromised states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajender Singh
- Microbiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, IND
| | - Garima Mittal
- Microbiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, IND
| | - Barnali Kakati
- Microbiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, IND
| | - Nupur Koul
- Microbiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, IND
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Jeican II, Horhat DI, Dumitru M, Florea A, Barbu-Tudoran L, Gheban BA, Anton V, Toader C, Aluaș M, Siserman CV, Balica N, Vrînceanu D, Albu S. COVID-19-Associated Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis: Histological and Electron Microscopy Characteristics. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:429. [PMID: 38396469 PMCID: PMC10887990 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040429] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital mucormycosis has become a new clinical entity. This study's aim was to evaluate the histopathological and ultramicroscopic morphological aspects of this fungal infection. This was an observational retrospective study on eight patients from three tertiary centers in Romania. The tissue samples collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery were studied through histopathological examination, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the histopathological examination, the morphological aspects characteristic of mucormycosis in all cases were identified: wide aseptate hyphae with right-angle ramifications, which invade blood vessels. One case presented perineural invasion into the perineural lymphatics. And in another case, mucormycosis-aspergillosis fungal coinfection was identified. Through scanning electron microscopy, long hyphae on the surface of the mucosa surrounded by cells belonging to the local immune system were identified in all samples, and bacterial biofilms were identified in half of the samples. Through transmission electron microscopy, aseptate hyphae and bacterial elements were identified in the majority of the samples. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 produces nasal sinus dysbiosis, which favors the appearance of bacterial biofilms. The way in which the infection develops depends on the interaction of the fungi with cells of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionuț Isaia Jeican
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Delia Ioana Horhat
- Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.I.H.); (N.B.)
| | - Mihai Dumitru
- Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050472 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.); (D.V.)
| | - Adrian Florea
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Lucian Barbu-Tudoran
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory Prof. C. Crăciun, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Electron Microscopy Integrated Laboratory, National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Pathology, Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Anton
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Corneliu Toader
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Maria Aluaș
- Department of Oral Health, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Costel Vasile Siserman
- Institute of Legal Medicine, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Department of Legal Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nicolae Balica
- Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (D.I.H.); (N.B.)
| | - Daniela Vrînceanu
- Department of Ear-Nose-Throat, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050472 Bucharest, Romania; (M.D.); (D.V.)
| | - Silviu Albu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, University Clinical Hospital of Railway Company, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Tomer R, Patiyal S, Kaur D, Choudhury S, Raghava GPS. Genome-based solutions for managing mucormycosis. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 139:383-403. [PMID: 38448141 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
An uncommon opportunistic fungal infection known as mucormycosis is caused by a class of molds called mucoromycetes. Currently, antifungal therapy and surgical debridement are the primary treatment options for mucormycosis. Despite the importance of comprehensive knowledge on mucormycosis, there is a lack of well-annotated databases that provide all relevant information. In this study, we have gathered and organized all available information related to mucormycosis that include disease's genome, proteins, diagnostic methods. Furthermore, using the AlphaFold2.0 prediction tool, we have predicted the tertiary structures of potential drug targets. We have categorized the information into three major sections: "genomics/proteomics," "immunotherapy," and "drugs." The genomics/proteomics module contains information on different strains responsible for mucormycosis. The immunotherapy module includes putative sequence-based therapeutics predicted using established tools. Drugs module provides information on available drugs for treating the disease. Additionally, the drugs module also offers prerequisite information for designing computationally aided drugs, such as putative targets and predicted structures. In order to provide comprehensive information over internet, we developed a web-based platform MucormyDB (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/mucormydb/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Tomer
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Sumeet Patiyal
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Dilraj Kaur
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Shubham Choudhury
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Gajendra P S Raghava
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi, India.
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Erami M, Raiesi O, Momen-Heravi M, Mirhendi H, Aboutalebian S, Getso MI, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Ganjizadeh M, Hassani Josheghani H, Amiri S, Pakzad R, Hashemi SJ. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in Kashan, Iran: clinical presentations, risk factors, management, and outcomes. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:81-90. [PMID: 37816067 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2267669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the disease burden and describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome of CAM in a single centre in Iran. METHODS A case of mucormycosis was defined as one that had clinical and radiological features consistent with mucormycosis along with demonstration of the fungus in tissue via KOH mount/culture/histopathological and molecular examination. RESULTS We report 30 cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The results of this study showed the affected age group in the range of 40-79 years (median = 65.5; IQR = 5) with women (16/30, 53%) affected more than men (14/30, 47%). Among the fungi recovered, Rhizopus oryzae had the highest frequency (79%). Out of the 30 patients, 28 (93%) patients were diabetic with 24 (80%) patients having other co-morbidities. Headache followed by retro-orbital pain, proptosis/ptosis and rapid diminution of vision was a common sequence of symptoms reported by the majority of cases. Use of mechanical ventilation (58% vs. 6%, p = 0.003), O2 required (92% vs. 50%, p = 0.024), and development of renal dysfunction during hospital stay (17% vs. 0%, p = 0.041) was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. Temperature (C°), PR (pulse rate), mean levels of serum creatinine, BUN, troponin, and neutrophils were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Besides, Albumin and PO2 were also significantly higher in survivors than non-survivors. CONCLUSION Despite medical and surgical treatment, the mortality rate among CAM patients is still high. Thus, concerted efforts of revamping surveillance, diagnosis and management, along with public awareness and patient education, are the requisites for managing COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Head and Neck Surgery, Department, Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ganjizadeh
- Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Amiri
- Roozbeh hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Pourazizi M, Hakamifard A, Peyman A, Mohammadi R, Dehghani S, Tavousi N, Hosseini NS, Azhdari Tehrani H, Abtahi-Naeini B. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis surge: A review on multi-pathway mechanisms. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13016. [PMID: 37846902 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13016] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by moulds from the Mucorales order. Concerns have been mounting due to the alarming increase in severe morbidity and mortality associated with mucormycosis during the COVID-19 pandemic. This condition, known as COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM), has been linked to various environmental, host-related, and medical factors on a global scale. We have categorized the most significant potential risk factors for developing mucormycosis in individuals with a previous history of coronavirus infection into 10 major categories. These categories include acute hyperglycemia, the impact of cytokine release, immune response deficiencies in COVID-19 patients, microvasculopathy and dysfunction of endothelial cells, imbalances in iron metabolism, metabolic acidosis, organ damage resulting from COVID-19, underlying health conditions (such as diabetes), environmental factors, and medical treatments that can be iatrogenic in nature (such as inappropriate glucocorticoid use). Many of these factors can lead to potentially life-threatening infections that can complicate the treatment of COVID-19. Physicians should be vigilant about these factors because early detection of mucormycosis is crucial for effective management of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Pourazizi
- Isfahan Eye Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Atousa Hakamifard
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Peyman
- Isfahan Eye Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shakiba Dehghani
- Farabi Eye Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Tavousi
- School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Hamed Azhdari Tehrani
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Abtahi-Naeini
- Pediatric Dermatology Division of Department of Pediatrics, Imam Hossein Children's Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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9
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Wadhwa S, Mathew RS, Daniel AY, Kurian N, Varghese KG. Prosthetic rehabilitation of intraoral defects in patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis: A systematic review. J Indian Prosthodont Soc 2024; 24:36-45. [PMID: 38263556 PMCID: PMC10896304 DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_305_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to systematically review the frequency and type of intraoral prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral-mucormycosis (ROCM). SETTINGS AND DESIGN Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Case reports that documented prosthetic rehabilitation following surgery in patients with ROCM were included. This review was registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42021262284. Assessment of the quality of the included studies was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case reports, which comprised of an eight-item checklist. The recorded observations were organized and subjected to analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Qualitative analysis was used. RESULTS Among the 25 case reports, type IId defect was the most common. Three types of prosthetic treatments were rendered, with the obturator being the most common choice of rehabilitation, followed by implant-retained obturator overdenture and fixed implant-supported prosthesis. Patients undergoing implant-based rehabilitation exhibited a 100% survival rate for implants, with follow-up periods spanning from 6 months to 3 years. No prosthetic complications were reported in any of the included case reports. CONCLUSIONS The prevailing defect type identified was IId (48%), while the treatment of choice most frequently employed was an obturator (84%). However, with limited evidence available at present, further research is required to draw more definitive conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samiksha Wadhwa
- Department of Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Christian Dental College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
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10
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Lubis IND, Farah S, Pasaribu AP, Evalina R, Daulay RS, Wijaya H. A pediatric case and literature review of mucormycosis: Diagnostic and treatment challenges in a resource poor setting. NARRA J 2023; 3:e426. [PMID: 38450345 PMCID: PMC10914060 DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i3.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an emerging disease that primarily affects immunocompromised patients; however, it has also been reported in immunocompetent individuals. Studies in the pediatric population are limited and reported mostly in case studies or series. The aim of this case report is to present a pediatric mucormycosis originated from Sumatra Island, Indonesia. A 13-year-old boy was referred to a tertiary hospital with facial necrosis involving the nasal, oral, and left maxillary areas, as well as left periorbital edema. No known underlying conditions were documented. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological findings of broad, pauci-septate, ribbon-like hyphae branching at 90°. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of the ear, nose, and throat, infectious diseases, dermatology, surgery, microbiology, and pathology departments. Management of the patient included debridement of the necrotic lesion and antibiotics and anti-fungal (fluconazole). Due to unavailability, the patient was not treated with amphotericin B. The patient died after 30 days of admission. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high suspicion of invasive mucormycosis, even in immunocompetent children, when symptoms and signs are present, especially in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inke ND. Lubis
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Sara Farah
- University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ayodhia P. Pasaribu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Rita Evalina
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Rini S. Daulay
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Hendri Wijaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
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Sindi AS, Kumar L, Verma A, Pal US, Sayed ME, Mattoo K, Morsy MS, Baba SM, Khalid I, Baig FA, Basheer SA, Kota MZ, Shafi S. Prosthodontic Rehabilitation's Role in Alleviating Anxiety and Depression in Mucormycosis-Induced Maxillectomy Patients Post-COVID-19. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e941488. [PMID: 37997301 PMCID: PMC10683707 DOI: 10.12659/msm.941488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of maxillofacial prosthodontic rehabilitation on anxiety/depression severity in patients with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) after maxillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty post-mucormycotic patients treated with maxillectomy (33 males, 27 females) were divided into 5 groups based on maxillectomy types (unilateral/bilateral, subtotal/total) and treatment given (psychotherapy/obturator/implant/orbital/ocular prosthesis). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using appearance anxiety inventory (AAI) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ9). Data were collected at 4 time intervals [T0 (before prosthesis), T1 (2 weeks after prosthesis), T2 (6 months) and T3 (1 year). Frequency distribution and mean values were determined for individual group/subgroups/total cohort. Differences between groups were determined using one-way ANOVA (single-factor/Friedman's) followed by post hoc correction (Bonferroni) and t test for unequal variance with probability P value being statistically significant at <0.05. RESULTS The mean scores for appearance anxiety were 29.13±4.72 (diagnostic for existing body dysmorphic disorder) at T0, which decreased to 16.88±3.02 at T3 for the total cohort. The differences for the gender-based cohort, its various groups, and respective subgroups were significant (P<0.05) at various time intervals. The mean scores in the total cohort for depression symptom severity were 16.81±4.89 (moderately severe) at T0, which increased to 18.5±4.94 at T1, followed by reduction at T2 (12.0±4.43; moderate) and T3 (7.38±3.37; mild). Gender differences for both variables were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive rehabilitation that included a diagnosis of psychological symptoms followed by psychotherapeutic/pharmacotherapeutic/prosthodontic intervention reduced the anxiety/depression symptom levels to normal at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulelah Sameer Sindi
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lakshya Kumar
- Department of Prosthodontics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aditi Verma
- Department of Prosthodontics, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Uma Shanker Pal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammed E. Sayed
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khurshid Mattoo
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S.M. Morsy
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suheel Manzoor Baba
- Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Khalid
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz A.H. Baig
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulphi Abdul Basheer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Z. Kota
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shabina Shafi
- Specialist Pediatric Dentist, Saudi Dental Group, Khamis Mushayt, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Mehdinezhad H, Mohseni Ahangar R, Golparvar Azizi M, Ghasemian M, Yari Z, Jafarian E, Tavakoli Pirzaman A. Foreign body aspiration and mucormycosis: a case report. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1273240. [PMID: 38020099 PMCID: PMC10658733 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1273240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the course of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous complications have been documented. In this report, we have detailed an unexpected complication of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that occurred in a 73-year-old female patient who was simultaneously afflicted with mucormycosis and another unanticipated problem. Due to the lack of recovery of the patient after receiving mucormycosis treatment and continued fever, cough and hemoptysis, bronchoscopy was performed for her. During bronchoscopy, we encountered a foreign body that was the cause of the patient's fever, cough, and hemoptysis. Rigid bronchoscopy was performed and the foreign body was removed from the left main bronchus. The lack of a favorable treatment response after administering antifungal therapy suggested that the presence of a foreign body could potentially act as an underlying nidus, thus influencing the suboptimal therapeutic outcome. Mucormycosis is usually characterized by distinct radiological patterns. However, this case did not present predictable imaging findings, further complicating the diagnostic process associated with this invasive fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehdinezhad
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Reza Mohseni Ahangar
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Golparvar Azizi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghasemian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Zahra Yari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Elham Jafarian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rouhani Hospital, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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13
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Tschritter CM, V. C. de Groot P, Branigan M, Dyck M, Sun Z, Lougheed SC. A new multiplexed magnetic capture-Droplet digital PCR tool for monitoring wildlife population health and pathogen surveillance. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10655. [PMID: 37915804 PMCID: PMC10616740 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic stressors are exacerbating the emergence and spread of pathogens worldwide. In regions like the Arctic, where ecosystems are particularly susceptible, marked changes are predicted in regional diversity, intensity, and patterns of infectious diseases. To understand such rapidly changing host-pathogen dynamics and mitigate the impacts of novel pathogens, we need sensitive disease surveillance tools. We developed and validated a novel multiplexed, magnetic capture, and ddPCR tool for the surveillance of multiple pathogens in polar bears, a sentinel species that is considered susceptible to climate change and other stressors with a pan-Arctic distribution. Through sequence-specific magnetic capture, we concentrated five target template sequences from three zoonotic bacteria (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Francisella tularensis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex) and two parasitic (Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp.) pathogens from large quantities (<100 g) of host tissue. We then designed and validated two multiplexed probe-based ddPCR assays for the amplification and detection of the low-concentration target DNA. Validations used 48 polar bear tissues (muscle and liver). We detected 14, 1, 3, 4, and 22 tissue positives for E. rhusiopathiae, F. tularensis, M. tuberculosis complex, T. gondii, and Trichinella spp., respectively. These multiplexed assays offer a rapid, specific tool for quantifying and monitoring the changing geographical and host distributions of pathogens relevant to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marsha Branigan
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesGovernment of the Northwest TerritoriesInuvikNorthwest TerritoriesCanada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Department of EnvironmentGovernment of NunavutIgloolikNunavutCanada
| | - Zhengxin Sun
- Department of BiologyQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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14
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Omranzadeh A, Afzalzadeh M, Ghodsi A, Neshati H, Mahdavi Rashed M. Radiological features of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis: A report of 36 cases along with a literature review. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e8154. [PMID: 38028099 PMCID: PMC10661319 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 along with high use of corticosteroids resulted in the emergence of invasive fungal infection. Here, we reported the radiologic feature of mucormycosis in COVID-19-infected cases and reviewed with available literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hashem Neshati
- Radiology DepartmentMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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15
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Aboul-Fotouh S, Mahmoud AN, Elnahas EM, Habib MZ, Abdelraouf SM. What are the current anti-COVID-19 drugs? From traditional to smart molecular mechanisms. Virol J 2023; 20:241. [PMID: 37875904 PMCID: PMC10594888 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02210-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a highly infectious member of the coronavirus family, which emerged in December 2019 in "Wuhan, China". It induces respiratory illness ranging from mild symptoms to severe disease. It was declared a "pandemic" by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. Since then, a vast number of clinical and experimental studies have been conducted to identify effective approaches for its prevention and treatment. MAIN BODY The pathophysiology of COVID-19 represents an unprecedented challenge; it triggers a strong immune response, which may be exacerbated by "a cytokine storm syndrome". It also induces thrombogenesis and may trigger multi-organ injury. Therefore, different drug classes have been proposed for its treatment and prevention, such as antivirals, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody agents (monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, and immunoglobulins), anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators, and anticoagulant drugs. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to present, discuss, and summarize the current knowledge about the different drug classes used for the treatment of COVID-19, with special emphasis on their targets, mechanisms of action, and important adverse effects and drug interactions. Additionally, we spotlight the latest "October 2023" important guidelines (NIH, IDSA, and NICE) and FDA approval or authorization regarding the use of these agents in the management of COVID-19. CONCLUSION Despite the wide array of therapeutic strategies introduced for the treatment of COVID-19, one of the most prominent therapeutic challenges is SARS-CoV-2 mutations and emerging new variants and subvariants. Currently, the anti-COVID-19 drug pipeline is continuously affording novel treatments to face this growing challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Aboul-Fotouh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Nageh Mahmoud
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Esraa M Elnahas
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Z Habib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sahar M Abdelraouf
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
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16
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Abdorahimi M, Pakdel F, Salehi M, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Hashemi SJ, Daie Ghazvini R, Ahmadkhani F, Ahmadikia K, Abdollahi A, Debran JCS, Tabari A, Farrokh F, Mousavand A, Afarinesh Khaki P, Salami Khaneshan A, Ibrahim AS, Khodavaisy S. COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis: Clinical Features, Antifungal Susceptibility, Management and Outcome in a Tertiary Hospital in Iran. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:783-792. [PMID: 37672164 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00785-3] [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: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the unprecedented surge in the incidence of mucormycosis in the COVID-19 era, the antifungal susceptibility patterns (ASPs) of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) isolates have not been investigated so far and it is unclear if the high mortality rate associated with CAM is driven by decreased susceptibility of Mucorales to antifungal drugs. OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical, mycological, outcome and in vitro ASPs of CAM cases and their etiologies from Iran. PATIENTS/METHODS A prospective study from January 2020 to January 2022 at a referral tertiary hospital in Tehran, Iran was conducted for screening mucormycosis through histopathology and mycological methods. The identity of Mucorales isolates was revealed with ITS-panfungal PCR& sequencing and MALDI-TOF. The AS for amphotericin B, itraconazole, isavuconazole and posaconazole was cleared according to the EUCAST antifungal susceptibility testing protocol. RESULT A total of 150 individuals were diagnosed with CAM. Males constituted 60.7% of the population. The mean age was 54.9 years. Diabetes was the leading risk factor (74.7%). The median interval between diagnosis of COVID-19 and CAM was 31 days. The recovery rate of culture was as low as 41.3% with Rhizopus arrhizus being identified as the dominant (60; 96.7%) agent. Amphotericin B (MIC50 = 0.5 µg/ml) demonstrated the highest potency against Mucorales. CONCLUSION Majority of the cases had either diabetes, history of corticosteroid therapy or simultaneously both conditions. Accordingly, close monitoring of blood glucose should be considered. The indications for corticosteroids therapy are recommended to be optimized. Also, an anti Mucorales prophylaxis may be necessitated to be administrated in high risk individuals. Although amphotericin B was the most active agent, a higher rate of resistance to this antifungal was noted here in comparison with earlier studies on mucormycetes from non-CAM cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Abdorahimi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Pakdel
- Department of Oculo-Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Salehi
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roshanak Daie Ghazvini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Ahmadkhani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Ahmadikia
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abdollahi
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Juan Carlos Soto Debran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Azin Tabari
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farrokh
- Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Mousavand
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pegah Afarinesh Khaki
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Salami Khaneshan
- Research Center for Antibiotic Stewardship and Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sadegh Khodavaisy
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Raina D, Rohilla R, Patwal S, Pandita A. The Second COVID-19 Wave Is a Tsunami With Aftershocks: Mucormycosis Ire as Seen in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Uttarakhand, India. Cureus 2023; 15:e47358. [PMID: 38021725 PMCID: PMC10657149 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in recent times, an upsurge of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as mucormycosis was witnessed by many countries like India. This COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has presented as a menace to the already creaking health infrastructure. Clinical manifestations, risk factors, and end clinical outcomes varied for every other region/country. The aim of this study is to delineate and analyze plausible clinical and epidemiological factors and associated predictors of CAM in suspected patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India, during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 200 cases of suspected post‑COVID-19 mucormycosis were enrolled. Data were collected taking into account parameters such as hospitalization and ICU admissions during the episode of COVID-19 infection, steroid/antibiotics/oxygen requirement, and comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or any chronic illness and outcome. RESULTS Participants diagnosed with CAM using KOH examination and fungal culture were analyzed in the study (n=46). The median age of patients included was 48, 73.9% were males, and 26% were females. The major predisposing factor was found to be diabetes mellitus type 2. Our work suggests that the mean duration between COVID-19 episodes and CAM was 11.86 days with a significant statistical association. Oxygen requirement and imprudent use of steroids/antibiotics were also allied with mucormycosis. CONCLUSION The burden of such IFIs is expected to be unveiled in tropical countries during pandemics such as COVID-19, which lead to immunosuppression in masses post-treatment. Comorbidities such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension add to the risk of acquiring other infectious disease. Such times require competent healthcare professionals such as diagnosticians, physicians, and surgeons who are skilled to manage such IFIs timely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimple Raina
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Ranjana Rohilla
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Shiwang Patwal
- Microbiology, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
| | - Ajay Pandita
- Community Medicine, Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, IND
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S A, Govindarajan K, S Y, Parivallal PLG, Hariharan S, Khaleel A, Sb PT, Goswami K, Saravanan P, Panneerselvam D. A Comparative Study on Survivors Versus Non-Survivors Among Diabetic Patients Having Mucormycosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e47932. [PMID: 38034231 PMCID: PMC10684971 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47932] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection caused by fungi belonging to the Mucorales order and Mucoraceae family. It ranks as the third most prevalent angioinvasive fungal infection, following aspergillosis and candidiasis. This severe infection typically affects individuals with compromised immune systems, including those with hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma, individuals who have undergone stem cell transplants, and people with diabetes mellitus. Individuals in good health are rarely affected, making immunocompromised individuals particularly vulnerable to this potentially fatal fungal disease. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of survivors versus non-survivors among diabetes patients admitted with mucormycosis. Methodology This was a descriptive observational study. A total of 338 patients were enrolled in the study. The study variables included demographics, COVID-19 infection, diabetes mellitus history, steroid use, use of oxygen support, and steam inhalation. Results Of the total 338 patients enrolled in the study, 253 (74.9%) were male and 85 (25.01%) were female. The number of survivors were 305 (90.2%) and non-survivors were 33(9.8%). The mean age of survivors was 52.50 ± 11.31 and non-survivors was 54.06 ± 8.54 years. Patients who underwent steam inhalation had a higher chance of survival compared to those who did not undergo steam inhalation and this association was statistically significant (p=0.01). Males showed a higher chance of survival (93.7%) as compared to females (80.0%). The associations between oxygen support, steroid use, and COVID-19 infection with the survival status were statistically non-significant. Conclusion There was a strong association between the history of steam inhalation and the outcome of mucormycosis among diabetes patients admitted with mucormycosis. Female patients demonstrated a higher fatality rate than males indicating a significant gender disparity observed in cases. Our findings may help to better identify and treat patients who are at higher risk for severe forms of mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbumathi S
- Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
| | | | - Yogesh S
- Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pushpa Saravanan
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, IND
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19
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Dadgarnia M, Mandegari M, Baradaranfar M, Vaziribozorg S, Abdollahpour M. Sinonasal mucormycosis during 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic in central Iran: incidence rate and clinical features. ACTA OTORRINOLARINGOLOGICA ESPANOLA 2023; 74:298-304. [PMID: 36966984 DOI: 10.1016/j.otoeng.2023.03.005] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a novel infectious disease, COVID-19 is caused by SARS-COV-2, spreading rapidly worldwide. ENT specialists have faced this challenging disease in various ways since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are currently facing an increase in cases referred due to sinonasal mucormycosis which is a rare but invasive, rapidly progressive, and life-threatening infection. We provide an overview of this disease's incidence rate and clinical features. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 46 sinonasal mucormycosis patients who were histopathologically confirmed after sinonasal endoscopic surgery in our educational therapeutic hospital during 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 20, 2020, to March 20, 2022. RESULTS There was an increase in the incidence of mucormycosis more than twice as much as before. All patients had a history of COVID-19 and 69.6% were diabetic. The median time to symptom onset from COVID-19 detection was 3.3 weeks. A total of 60.9% received steroids while 85.7% were prescribed during COVID-19 treatment. The most common manifestation was orbital involvement (80.4%). Of the 46 study cases, unfortunately, 17 (37%) died. An exciting point in our study was the incidence of peripheral facial palsy which is associated involvement of multiple other cranial nerves (II, III, IV, V, VI) considered to be the likely occurrence of a rare phenomenon called Garcin's syndrome. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, during 2 years of the COVID -19 pandemic, there was an increase in the incidence of sinonasal mucormycosis more than twice as much as before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadhossein Dadgarnia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mandegari
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammadhossein Baradaranfar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sedighe Vaziribozorg
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahsa Abdollahpour
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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20
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Davis K, Almog R, Peleg Y, Spiegelman L. A Case Report of Invasive Mucormycosis in a COVID-19 Positive and Newly-Diagnosed Diabetic Patient. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION & TEACHING IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2023; 8:V10-V13. [PMID: 37575409 PMCID: PMC10414977 DOI: 10.21980/j81m1g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
This is a case report of a 46-year-old female with undiagnosed diabetes, COVID-19, and mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly progressive disease process characterized by an insidious onset of vague symptoms and is associated with a high mortality rate. The patient initially presented at two outside ophthalmology clinics due to right eye pain and was prescribed steroids. Upon presentation to our institution's Emergency Department, the patient's pain had significantly increased along with new symptoms of ptosis and failure to adduct the right eye. Laboratory results demonstrated leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a diagnosis of mucormycosis and the patient underwent surgery and began intravenous antifungal therapy. This discussion addresses the presenting features of mucormycosis in the emergency department while highlighting the need for immediate investigation due to the fungi's rapidly progressive nature. Topics Mucormycosis, mucor, diabetes, COVID-19, ROCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konnor Davis
- University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
| | - Roy Almog
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Orange, CA
| | - Yuval Peleg
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Orange, CA
| | - Lindsey Spiegelman
- University of California, Irvine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Orange, CA
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Gentry Z, Zhao L, Faust RA, David RE, Norton J, Xagoraraki I. Wastewater surveillance beyond COVID-19: a ranking system for communicable disease testing in the tri-county Detroit area, Michigan, USA. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1178515. [PMID: 37333521 PMCID: PMC10272568 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, wastewater surveillance has been utilized to monitor the disease in the United States through routine national, statewide, and regional monitoring projects. A significant canon of evidence was produced showing that wastewater surveillance is a credible and effective tool for disease monitoring. Hence, the application of wastewater surveillance can extend beyond monitoring SARS-CoV-2 to encompass a diverse range of emerging diseases. This article proposed a ranking system for prioritizing reportable communicable diseases (CDs) in the Tri-County Detroit Area (TCDA), Michigan, for future wastewater surveillance applications at the Great Lakes Water Authority's Water Reclamation Plant (GLWA's WRP). Methods The comprehensive CD wastewater surveillance ranking system (CDWSRank) was developed based on 6 binary and 6 quantitative parameters. The final ranking scores of CDs were computed by summing the multiplication products of weighting factors for each parameter, and then were sorted based on decreasing priority. Disease incidence data from 2014 to 2021 were collected for the TCDA. Disease incidence trends in the TCDA were endowed with higher weights, prioritizing the TCDA over the state of Michigan. Results Disparities in incidences of CDs were identified between the TCDA and state of Michigan, indicating epidemiological differences. Among 96 ranked CDs, some top ranked CDs did not present relatively high incidences but were prioritized, suggesting that such CDs require significant attention by wastewater surveillance practitioners, despite their relatively low incidences in the geographic area of interest. Appropriate wastewater sample concentration methods are summarized for the application of wastewater surveillance as per viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens. Discussion The CDWSRank system is one of the first of its kind to provide an empirical approach to prioritize CDs for wastewater surveillance, specifically in geographies served by centralized wastewater collection in the area of interest. The CDWSRank system provides a methodological tool and critical information that can help public health officials and policymakers allocate resources. It can be used to prioritize disease surveillance efforts and ensure that public health interventions are targeted at the most potentially urgent threats. The CDWSRank system can be easily adopted to geographical locations beyond the TCDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Gentry
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Liang Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Randy E. David
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - John Norton
- Great Lakes Water Authority, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Irene Xagoraraki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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22
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Lynch JP, Fishbein MC, Abtin F, Zhanel GG. Part 1: Mucormycosis: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Clinical Features and Diagnosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023. [PMID: 37262298 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2220964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mucormycosis (MCR) is caused by filamentous molds within the Class Zygomycetes and Order Mucorales. Infections can result from inhalation of spores into the nares, oropharynx or lungs, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or inoculation into disrupted skin or wounds. In developed countries, MCR occurs primarily in severely immunocompromised hosts. In contrast, in developing/low income countries, most cases of MCR occur in persons with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and some cases in immunocompetent subjects following trauma. Mucormycosis exhibits a propensity to invade blood vessels, leading to thrombosis and infarction of tissue. Mortality rates associated with invasive MCR are high and can exceed 90% with disseminated disease. Mucormycosis can be classified as one of six forms: (1) rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM); (2) pulmonary; (3) cutaneous; (4) gastrointestinal or renal (5); disseminated; (6) uncommon (focal) sites. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss the prevalence, risk factors and clinical features of mucormycosis.A literature search of mucormycosis was performed via PubMed (up to November 2022), using the key words: invasive fungal infections; mold; mucormycosis; Mucorales; Zyzomyces; Zygomycosis; Rhizopus, diagnosis. EXPERT OPINION Mucormycosis occurs primarily in severely immunocompromised hosts. Mucormycosis can progress rapidly, and delay in initiating treatment by even a few days worsens outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Lynch
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael C Fishbein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Fereidoun Abtin
- Section of Radiology Cardiothoracic and Interventional, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - George G Zhanel
- Department of Medical Microbiology/Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba
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23
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Yang N, Zhang L, Feng S. Clinical Features and Treatment Progress of Invasive Mucormycosis in Patients with Hematological Malignancies. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050592. [PMID: 37233303 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of invasive mucormycosis (IM) in patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) is increasing year by year, ranging from 0.07% to 4.29%, and the mortality rate is mostly higher than 50%. With the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) also became a global health threat. Patients with high risk factors such as active HMs, relapsed/refractory leukemia, prolonged neutropenia may still develop breakthrough mucormycosis (BT-MCR) even under the prophylaxis of Mucorales-active antifungals, and such patients often have higher mortality. Rhizopus spp. is the most common genus associated with IM, followed by Mucor spp. and Lichtheimia spp. Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is the most common form of IM in patients with HMs, followed by rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and disseminated mucormycosis. The prognosis of IM patients with neutrophil recovery, localized IM and receiving early combined medical-surgical therapy is usually better. As for management of the disease, risk factors should be eliminated firstly. Liposome amphotericin B (L-AmB) combined with surgery is the initial treatment scheme of IM. Those who are intolerant to L-AmB can choose intravenous formulations or tablets of isavuconazole or posaconazole. Patients who are refractory to monotherapy can turn to combined antifungals therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuobing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Lining Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300020, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin 301600, China
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Aboutalebian S, Erami M, Momen-Heravi M, Charsizadeh A, Hezaveh SJH, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Fakhrehi M, Mirhendi H. A case of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa. J Clin Lab Anal 2023:e24895. [PMID: 37183276 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucormycosis is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised and COVID-19 patients. CASE REPORT Here, we report a fatal rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis caused by Lichtheimia ramosa, in a 79-year-old diabetic female. She was initially admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 infection and received broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids. After 1 month, she was admitted again because of persistent headaches and decreased right eye movement when the computed tomography scan showed mucosal thickening and opacification of paranasal sinuses. Microbiological investigations, including culture and direct microscopy, and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of proven mucormycosis. The isolated causal agent was identified as Lichtheimia ramosa by sequencing the entire ITS region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Despite surgical debridement and administration of liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg/day, the patient's level of consciousness suddenly deteriorated; she was intubated and mechanically ventilated in the ICU and died on the same day. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first worldwide case of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahzad Erami
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansooreh Momen-Heravi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Charsizadeh
- Immunology, Asthma, and Allergy Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi Hezaveh
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Fakhrehi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, Research Core Facilities Laboratory, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Jeong HW, Lee JS, Ko JH, Hong S, Oh ST, Choi S, Peck KR, Yang JH, Chung S, Kim SH, Kim YS, Shin EC. Corticosteroids reduce pathologic interferon responses by downregulating STAT1 in patients with high-risk COVID-19. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:653-664. [PMID: 36941461 PMCID: PMC10026241 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We do not yet understand exactly how corticosteroids attenuate hyperinflammatory responses and alleviate high-risk coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to reveal the molecular mechanisms of hyperinflammation in COVID-19 and the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids in patients with high-risk COVID-19. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three independent COVID-19 cohorts: cohort 1 was used for comparative analysis of high-risk and low-risk COVID-19 (47 PBMC samples from 28 patients), cohort 2 for longitudinal analysis during COVID-19 (57 PBMC samples from 15 patients), and cohort 3 for investigating the effects of corticosteroid treatment in patients with high-risk COVID-19 (55 PBMC samples from 13 patients). PBMC samples from healthy donors (12 PBMC samples from 12 donors) were also included. Cohort 1 revealed a significant increase in the proportion of monocytes expressing the long noncoding RNAs NEAT1 and MALAT1 in high-risk patients. Cohort 2 showed that genes encoding inflammatory chemokines and their receptors were upregulated during aggravation, whereas genes related to angiogenesis were upregulated during improvement. Cohort 3 demonstrated downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), including STAT1, in monocytes after corticosteroid treatment. In particular, unphosphorylated STAT-dependent ISGs enriched in monocytes from lupus patients were selectively downregulated by corticosteroid treatment in patients with high-risk COVID-19. Corticosteroid treatment suppresses pathologic interferon responses in monocytes by downregulating STAT1 in patients with high-risk COVID-19. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying COVID-19 aggravation and improvement and the effects of corticosteroid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Jeong Seok Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hoon Ko
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghee Hong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sang Taek Oh
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongkyun Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Ran Peck
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hun Yang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Han Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeon-Sook Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Garag SS, Pai S, Shanbag RD, Arunkumar JS, Kavitha Y. Comparative Study of Clinical Severity and Biochemical Markers in Pre COVID-19 and COVID-19 Rhino-Orbito Cerebral Mucormycosis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023. [PMCID: PMC10022559 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In view of high surge of sinonasal mucormycosis cases after the second wave of covid 19, present study was planned to know and compare the clinical severity of the disease and also to better understand the difference in the biochemical markers during precovid and post covid period. This retrospective observational study included all cases of sinonasal mucormycosis which were treated in our institute from August 2012 to August 2021. Details of these cases were collected from hospital database system. Biochemical parameters included FBS, HbA1C, urine ketone bodies, blood pH and creatinine. Clinical severity score was measured using self-structured severity scoring system. We found that out of 74 cases treated in our hospital 28 cases were in pre covid period while 46 cases belonged to covid 19 period. Higher male predominance was seen during post covid period (76% vs. 60%). Urine ketone bodies were positive in 7% patients in precovid period compared to 26% in post-covid period. FBS and HbA1C were high approximately 80 and 90% patients respectively in both groups. Clinical severity was significantly high in post covid patients. The present study showed that in spite of similar biochemical profile. The severity of mucormycosis was high in covid positive patients. This study shows that Covid-19 is an independent high risk factor in mucormycosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh S. Garag
- grid.415414.10000 0004 1765 8845Department of ENT, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka India
| | - Shraddha Pai
- grid.415414.10000 0004 1765 8845Department of ENT, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka India
| | - Raghunath D. Shanbag
- grid.415414.10000 0004 1765 8845Department of ENT, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka India
| | - J. S. Arunkumar
- grid.415414.10000 0004 1765 8845Department of ENT, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka India
| | - Y. Kavitha
- grid.415414.10000 0004 1765 8845Department of ENT, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka India
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Mahalakshmi V, Balobaid A, Kanisha B, Sasirekha R, Ramkumar Raja M. Artificial Intelligence: A Next-Level Approach in Confronting the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060854. [PMID: 36981511 PMCID: PMC10048108 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in late 2019 in China created a devastating economical loss and loss of human lives. To date, 11 variants have been identified with minimum to maximum severity of infection and surges in cases. Bacterial co-infection/secondary infection is identified during viral respiratory infection, which is a vital reason for morbidity and mortality. The occurrence of secondary infections is an additional burden to the healthcare system; therefore, the quick diagnosis of both COVID-19 and secondary infections will reduce work pressure on healthcare workers. Therefore, well-established support from Artificial Intelligence (AI) could reduce the stress in healthcare and even help in creating novel products to defend against the coronavirus. AI is one of the rapidly growing fields with numerous applications for the healthcare sector. The present review aims to access the recent literature on the role of AI and how its subfamily machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are used to curb the pandemic’s effects. We discuss the role of AI in COVID-19 infections, the detection of secondary infections, technology-assisted protection from COVID-19, global laws and regulations on AI, and the impact of the pandemic on public life.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Mahalakshmi
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Awatef Balobaid
- Department of Computer Science, College of Computer Science & Information Technology, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - B. Kanisha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Computing, College of Engineering and Technology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chengalpattu 603203, India
| | - R. Sasirekha
- Department of Computing Technologies, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus, Chengalpattu 603203, India
| | - M. Ramkumar Raja
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Management of Invasive Infections in Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review. BIOLOGICS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/biologics3010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Patients with diabetes often have more invasive infections, which may lead to an increase in morbidity. The hyperglycaemic environment promotes immune dysfunction (such as the deterioration of neutrophil activity, antioxidant system suppression, and compromised innate immunity), micro- and microangiopathies, and neuropathy. A greater number of medical interventions leads to a higher frequency of infections in diabetic patients. Diabetic individuals are susceptible to certain conditions, such as rhino-cerebral mucormycosis or aspergillosis infection. Infections may either be the primary symptom of diabetes mellitus or act as triggers in the intrinsic effects of the disease, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hypoglycaemia, in addition to increasing morbidity. A thorough diagnosis of the severity and origin of the infection is necessary for effective treatment, which often entails surgery and extensive antibiotic use. Examining the significant issue of infection in individuals with diabetes is crucial. Comprehensive research should examine why infections are more common amongst diabetics and what the preventive treatment strategies could be.
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Srivastava S, Beri N, Das GK, Sahu PK, Singh A, Sharma I. The Psychological Impact of Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis During the Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic From South East Asian Country. Cureus 2023; 15:e35349. [PMID: 36974229 PMCID: PMC10039460 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The present study addressed overcoming the lacunae in the literature of psychiatric manifestations associated with rhino-orbital mucormycosis. The current study aimed to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, coping measures, suicidal intent, and visual disability in patients of rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM) during the epidemic of the disease at the nodal tertiary care center in North India. METHODS Fifty-four inpatients of laboratory-proven rhino-orbital mucor-mycosis (ROM) were included for an observational, cross-sectional study at nodal, designated COVID-19, and mucormycosis treating tertiary care hospital. Patients with Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination score <24, prior psychiatric illness, and severely ill requiring ventilator support were excluded. The psychological variables were assessed using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21), Beck's Suicide intent Scale, Coping Scale Questionnaire, and Visual disability scale (IND-VFQ33). Their socioeconomic status was assessed using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. RESULTS Ninety percent of patients with ROM had diabetes mellitus. The majority (44%) of patients belonged to lower socioeconomic strata. Higher frequencies of severe depression (28%), extremely severe anxiety (26%), and mild stress (17%) were noted in the study participants. On the Tukey test, depression score was higher in patients of ROM compared to COVID (with ROM) (p-value= 0.016). On Tukey analysis, anxiety score was significantly higher in ROM patients compared to COVID (with ROM) patients (p-value = 0.018). Coping scores were significantly higher in COVID (with ROM) patients compared to ROM patients (p value = 0.035). Mild to moderate visual disability was noted in the study participants. Conclusion: The current study reflects the association of higher depression and anxiety scores in cases with ROM that indicated higher mental health needs. Early assessment, early detection, and early intervention for psychological help, along with the multidisciplinary team, helped to improve the overall psychological outcome of the affected patients.
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Cighir A, Mare AD, Cighir T, Coșeriu RL, Vintilă C, Man A. Filamentous Fungi Infections: Yet Another Victim of COVID-19? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020546. [PMID: 36836903 PMCID: PMC9961999 DOI: 10.3390/life13020546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi have always been a matter of concern in the medical field, but nowadays, due to an increase in the risk factors and the added infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they are slowly but surely emerging as a dangerous health threat worldwide. Our study aims to estimate the incidence of mold infections in central Romania, as well as assess the impact the pandemic had on them while evaluating other parameters such as age, associated bacterial and fungal infections and comorbidities. Purulent discharge and respiratory secretion specimens were collected and analyzed over a period of 10 years. A total of 68 samples tested positive for molds, with an increased number of positive samples during the pandemic. The highest number of specimens came from the outpatient department, followed by medical wards, with the most common filamentous fungus being Aspergillus section Flavi. Associated diseases included affections of the respiratory system, followed by the cardiovascular system and people who suffered from a viral infection with SARS-CoV-2, and they were mostly present in seniors. The most common associated infections were with Staphylococcus aureus and Candida nonalbicans. A statistically significant correlation was found between the association of mold infection and SARS-CoV-2 and an increase in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Cighir
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
| | - Anca Delia Mare
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Teodora Cighir
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
| | - Răzvan Lucian Coșeriu
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
| | - Camelia Vintilă
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
| | - Adrian Man
- Department of Microbiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania
- Mureș Clinical County Hospital, 1 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540103 Târgu Mures, Romania
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Moromizato T, Sakaniwa R, Tokuda Y, Taniguchi K, Shibuya K. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and the risk of in-hospital mortality among acute COVID-19 patients: Nationwide clinical cohort study. Crit Care 2023; 27:53. [PMID: 36755340 PMCID: PMC9906603 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroids are widely used to modulate the inflammatory reactions associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the optimal upper limit dose of steroid use for acute COVID-19 care remains unclear and currently available data may suffer from a time-dependent bias of no effectiveness or reversed causation given the desperate situation of treatment during this pandemic. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of intravenous pulse therapy with methylprednisolone (500 mg or greater per day) on the risk of in-hospital mortality among patients with COVID-19 by controlling for time-dependent bias. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study with 67,348 hospitalised acute COVID-19 patients at 438 hospitals during 2020-2021 in Japan. The impact of intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy on the risk of in-hospital mortality was examined based on hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), with stratification according to the status of invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV). Time-dependent bias was controlled for in a marginal structural model analysis, with reference to patients without methylprednisolone therapy. RESULTS During the study period, 2400 patients died. In-hospital mortality rates of iMV-free patients without or with methylprednisolone pulse therapy were 2.3% and 19.5%, and the corresponding values for iMV-receiving patients were 24.7% and 28.6%, respectively. The marginal structural model analysis showed that intravenous pulse therapy with methylprednisolone was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality among patients receiving-iMV (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.52-0.68). In contrast, pulse therapy with methylprednisolone increased the risk of in-hospital mortality among iMV-free patients (HR 3.38; 95% CI 3.02-3.79). The benefits of pulse therapy for iMV-receiving patients were greater than in those treated with intermediate/higher doses (40-250 mg intravenously) of methylprednisolone (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.71-0.89). CONCLUSION The results of our study suggest that intravenous methylprednisolone showed dose-response efficiencies, and pulse therapy may benefit critically ill patients with acute COVID-19, such as those requiring iMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuhiro Moromizato
- Okinawa Nanbu Prefectural Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center, Haebaru, Okinawa Japan ,Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan
| | - Ryoto Sakaniwa
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Social Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka Japan
| | - Yasuharu Tokuda
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan. .,Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. .,Muribushi Okinawa Center for Teaching Hospitals, Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Kiyosu Taniguchi
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan ,grid.415573.10000 0004 0621 2362National Hospital Organization Mie National Hospital, Tsu-shi, Mie Japan
| | - Kenji Shibuya
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan
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Dong J, Chen R, Zhao H, Zhu Y. COVID-19 and ocular complications: A review of ocular manifestations, diagnostic tools, and prevention strategies. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2023; 3:33-38. [PMID: 36471811 PMCID: PMC9714126 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavins 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to the severe Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak that started in December 2019 in China and caused enormous health and economic problems worldwide. Over time, SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the capacity for mutation. As the most prevalent new coronavirus variety worldwide, the Omicron variant has supplanted the Delta variant. The COVID-19 primarily damages the immune system and the lungs, but it can also harm other organs secondarily, depending on the patients' co-existing conditions. Main Text COVID-19 is associated with ophthalmic manifestations such as conjunctival congestion, tear overflow, and conjunctival edema, with the majority of eye complications occurring in patients with severe infection. The virus may make a patient more susceptible to thrombotic conditions that affect venous and arterial circulation. Meanwhile, it can lead to efferent complications and mucormycosis which is more common in patients with diabetes or who have critical or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Significantly, there are a number of ocular side effects following the COVID-19 vaccination, such as herpetic keratitis and facial nerve palsy, which have been reported. These side effects may be caused by the vaccinations' propensity to trigger autoimmune symptoms or thromboembolic events. At present, large-scale nucleic acid testing mainly relies on nasopharyngeal swabs and throat swabs. Tear samples and conjunctival swabs may be helpful samples for the diagnosis of ocular SARS-CoV-2 infection. The eye could be a new route of infection, and finding ways such as effective environmental disinfection, scientific administrative control management, qualified personal protection and other measures to protect the eyes could further reduce the risk of infection. Conclusions This review aims to sum up the ocular complications of COVID-19, the possible pathogenesis, and preventive strategies to protect ophthalmology practitioners and patients by reviewing the currently available literature on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilian Dong
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruida Chen
- Eye Department, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, China
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hanhe Zhao
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yirui Zhu
- Eye Center, Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Ankrah AO, Lawal IO, Dierckx RAJO, Sathekge MM, Glaudemans AWJM. Imaging of Invasive Fungal Infections- The Role of PET/CT. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:57-69. [PMID: 35933165 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Over the last decades, the population at risk for invasive fungal disease (IFD) has increased because of medical therapy advances and diseases compromising patients' immune systems. The high morbidity and mortality associated with invasive fungal disease in the immunocompromised present the challenge of early diagnosis of the IFD and the need to closely monitor the infection during treatment. The definitive diagnosis of invasive fungal disease based on culture or histopathological methods often has reduced diagnostic accuracy in the immunocompromised and may be very invasive. Less invasive and indirect evidence of the fungal infection by serology and imaging has been used for the early diagnosis of fungal infection before definitive results are available or when the definitive methods of diagnosis are suboptimal. Imaging in invasive fungal disease is a non-invasive biomarker that helps in the early diagnosis of invasive fungal disease but helps follow-up the infection during treatment. Different imaging modalities are used in the workup to evaluate fungal disease. The different imaging modalities have advantages and disadvantages at different sites in the body and may complement each other in the management of IFD. Positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography with [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET/CT) has helped manage IFD. The combined functional data from PET and anatomical data from the CT from almost the whole body allows noninvasive evaluation of IFD and provides a semiquantitative means of assessing therapy. FDG PET/CT adds value to anatomic-based only imaging modalities. The nonspecificity of FDG uptake has led to the evaluation of other tracers in the assessment of IFD. However, these are mainly still at the preclinical level and are yet to be translated to humans. FDG PET/CT remains the most widely evaluated radionuclide-based imaging modality in IFD management. The limitations of FDG PET/CT must be well understood, and more extensive prospective studies in uniform populations are needed to validate its role in the management of IFD that can be international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred O Ankrah
- National Centre for Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra GA, Ghana; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ismaheel O Lawal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rudi A J O Dierckx
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, RB Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mike M Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Medical Imaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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Alsayed HH, Al-Qurain A, Alrais Z. Rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis: A life-threatening complication of coronavirus diseases 2019 in an uncontrolled diabetic patient. Turk J Emerg Med 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/tjem.tjem_308_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Thwe H, Alam B, Awosika AO, Omole AE. Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Non-diabetic Patient Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e32884. [PMID: 36699798 PMCID: PMC9867915 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.32884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis has been commonly seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several factors responsible for etiology and pathophysiology have been identified, among which corticosteroids and diabetes have contributed to the lion's share of the outbreak of mucormycosis. In this report, we discuss a case of a 41-year-old non-diabetic male with a recent convalescence from COVID-19 infection presented with gradual vision loss and loss of sensations in his right eye. He was found to have periorbital swelling, restriction of extraocular movements in all gazes, chemosis, ptosis of the right eye, and right maxillary sinus tenderness. His serum investigations, radiologic findings, and blood culture were indicative of rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis. He was started on systemic liposomal amphotericin B immediately and underwent aggressive surgical debridement. A high index of clinical suspicion, aggressive multifaceted management, and follow-up are needed to have successful outcomes, thereby lowering the morbidity of coronavirus-associated mucormycosis.
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Shah NN, Khan Z, Ahad H, Elderdery AY, Alomary MN, Atwah B, Alhindi Z, Alsugoor MH, Elkhalifa AME, Nabi S, Bashir SM, Yaqub T, Rather GA, Ansari MA. Mucormycosis an added burden to Covid-19 Patients: An in-depth systematic review. J Infect Public Health 2022; 15:1299-1314. [PMID: 36279686 PMCID: PMC9562622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As of 25th July, 2022, global Disease burden of 575,430,244 confirmed cases and over 6,403,511 deaths have been attributed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Co-infections/secondary infections continue to plague patients around the world as result of the co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, biochemical changes caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) especially significant elevation in free iron levels, immune suppression caused by SARS-CoV-2, and indiscriminate use of systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of severe COVID-19 disease. In such circumstances, opportunistic fungal infections pose significant challenge for COVID-19 disease therapy in patients with other co-morbidities. Although COVID-19-associated Mucormycosis (CAM) has been widely recognized, currently extensive research is being conducted on mucormycosis. It has been widely agreed that patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy are highly susceptible for CAM, henceforth high index of screening and intensive care and management is need of an hour in order to have favorable outcomes in these patients. Diagnosis in such cases is often delayed and eventually the disease progresses quickly which poses added burden to clinician and increases patient load in critical care units of hospitals. A vast perusal of literature indicated that patients with diabetes mellitus and those with other co-morbidities might be highly vulnerable to develop mucormycosis. In the present work, the case series of three patients presented at Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir infected with CAM has been described with their epidemiological data in supplementary section. All these cases were found to be affected with co-morbidity of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and were under corticosteroid therapy. Furthermore, given the significant death rate linked with mucormycosis and the growing understanding of the diseases significance, systematic review of the literature on CAM has been discussed and we have attempted to discuss emerging CAM and related aspects of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveed Nazir Shah
- Department of Chest Medicine, Govt. Medical College Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Zaid Khan
- Department of Chest Medicine, Govt. Medical College Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Hashim Ahad
- Government Dental College, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Abozer Y Elderdery
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad N Alomary
- National Centre for Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Banan Atwah
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zain Alhindi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahdi H Alsugoor
- Department of Emergency Medical Services, faculty of Health Sciences, AlQunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21912, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M E Elkhalifa
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia & Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti 1158, Sudan
| | - Showket Nabi
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama Alusteng, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir 190006, India
| | - Showkeen Muzamil Bashir
- Molecular biology Laboratory, Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama Alusteng, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir 190006, India.
| | - Tahir Yaqub
- Institute of Microbiology University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Gulzar Ahmed Rather
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science & Technology, Deemed to be University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohammad Azam Ansari
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia.
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Potential inhibitory activity of phytoconstituents against black fungus: In silico ADMET, molecular docking and MD simulation studies. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 24:100247. [PMID: 36193218 PMCID: PMC9508704 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mucormycosis or “black fungus” has been currently observed in India, as a secondary infection in COVID-19 infected patients in the post-COVID-stage. Fungus is an uncommon opportunistic infection that affects people who have a weak immune system. In this study, 158 antifungal phytochemicals were screened using molecular docking against glucoamylase enzyme of Rhizopus oryzae to identify potential inhibitors. The docking scores of the selected phytochemicals were compared with Isomaltotriose as a positive control. Most of the compounds showed lower binding energy values than Isomaltotriose (-6.4 kcal/mol). Computational studies also revealed the strongest binding affinity of the screened phytochemicals was Dioscin (-9.4 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the binding interactions of the top ten potential phytochemicals were elucidated and further analyzed. In-silico ADME and toxicity prediction were also evaluated using SwissADME and admetSAR online servers. Compounds Piscisoflavone C, 8-O-methylaverufin and Punicalagin exhibited positive results with the Lipinski filter and drug-likeness and showed mild to moderate of toxicity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (at 300 K for 100 ns) was also employed to the docked ligand-target complex to explore the stability of ligand-target complex, improve docking results, and analyze the molecular mechanisms of protein-target interactions.
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Monroig V, Tarquinio KM. Diabetic ketoacidosis and coronavirus disease 2019-associated mucormycosis: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:400. [PMID: 36316719 PMCID: PMC9624001 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03594-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mucormycosis is a rare, life-threatening fungal infection that affects immunocompromised hosts. Diabetes mellitus is a common predisposing condition and most often presents with rhino-orbital-cerebral infection. Association with coronavirus disease 2019 infection was revealed following a resurgence in cases of mucormycosis during the second wave of the pandemic wherein poorly controlled diabetes mellitus was the most significant risk factor in the affected population. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis has a high mortality rate, and cerebral involvement is a poor prognostic factor. Herein, we report a case of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus with concurrent coronavirus disease 2019 infection complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis and rhinocerebral mucormycosis at presentation, describe the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and discuss the interventions that ultimately resulted in a favorable clinical response. Case presentation We describe the case of a previously healthy 13-year-old African American female patient with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus and concurrent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection whose disease course was complicated by rhinocerebral mucormycosis. She presented with fever, altered mental status, and Kussmaul respirations and was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis with concern for cerebral edema. Concern for infectious cerebritis arose due to recurring fevers and persistently altered mental status despite correction of her metabolic derangements. This raised concern for infectious cerebritis and prompted evaluation with serial head imaging, lumbar puncture, and initiation of broad empiric antimicrobial regimen. Head imaging revealed an evolving cerebral abscess, and fungal deoxyribonucleic acid was identified on blood metagenomics testing, which ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of rhinocerebral mucormycosis. Treatment was challenging as she required surgical debridement of the frontal lobe and aggressive antifungal therapy complicated by electrolyte derangements and electrocardiogram changes that necessitated modification of the antimicrobial regimen. Despite these challenges and high mortality rate, the patient was discharged from the hospital in stable condition to inpatient rehabilitation service for reconditioning after prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion Rhinocerebral mucormycosis mortality is associated with delays in therapeutic interventions, thus a high index of suspicion and early recognition were essential for timely initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical debridement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Monroig
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Keiko M. Tarquinio
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA ,grid.428158.20000 0004 0371 6071Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA USA
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Sharma S, Sharma AK, Amreen, Singhal P, Poonia A, Agrawal S, Jat KS, Sharma MP. Sublabial Approach Versus Modified Denker's Procedure: A Comparative Study of Pre-maxillary Tissue Clearance in Covid-Associated Mucormycosis. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:3252-3258. [PMID: 36452567 PMCID: PMC9702130 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-03060-3] [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: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To compare the efficacy of the sublabial and modified Denker's procedure in clearance of fungal disease from the anterior wall of maxilla and the pre-maxillary area i.e. the difficult areas of maxillary sinus. A prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 2 months (April 21-June 21) in the ENT department of Sawai Man Singh hospital, Jaipur. All the patients with clinical involvement of the premaxilla or the cheek abutting the anterior wall of maxilla were included in the study population. Cases matched in both groups were subjected to debridement either by the sublabial or the modified denker's approach. Outcomes were measured by assessing the daily CRP values, post-operative DNE every 3 days after pack removal, and imaging at the end of 1 month. Repeat biopsies were performed in patients that still had persistent symptoms after getting operated on. 16 of the 60 patients (26.6%) operated on by the endoscopic approach showed evidence of residual disease on follow-up whereas only 5 patients (9.6%) in the other category had a similar outcome. Most of the recidivism was seen in the anterior maxilla. Lower rates of complications were found following debridement by the sublabial approach. Since the sublabial approach is the most direct approach for the key areas of fungal involvement of maxillary sinus, it is recommended over the modified Denker's procedure for disease clearance from pre maxilla and the anterior wall of maxillary sinus. This view is also supported by the lower rates of complications encountered following the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Anjani Kumar Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Amreen
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
- No. 115, Shastri Colony, Opposite to A. S. Sen. Sec. School, Talwara Road, Mukerian district, Hoshiarpur, Punjab India
| | - Pawan Singhal
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Ashok Poonia
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Shubham Agrawal
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Kailash Singh Jat
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
| | - Man Prakash Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, S.M.S. Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004 India
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Gupta V, Yadav A, Chilkoti GT, Mohta M, Meena RK. Predictors of Postoperative ICU Admission in Patients With COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e29543. [PMID: 36312617 PMCID: PMC9592563 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies exploring factors predicting postoperative ICU requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) were not found in the literature. The aim was to evaluate the demographic profile, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, and intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations associated with ICU requirement amongst patients scheduled for sinonasal debridement. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. All CAM patients of ≥18 years were included. The patients’ characteristics, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations, and outcome data were retrieved. Results: A total of 130 patients were included. Thirty got admitted to ICU, out of which 26 expired. Amongst the various comorbidities, diabetes was the most common (93.85%) and was associated with higher chances of ICU requirement. Of patients with a history of steroid intake, 71% had a significantly higher risk of ICU admission. Out of 30 patients admitted to ICU, 87% (n=26) received invasive ventilation, and the rest were admitted for observation only. Conclusion: Middle age, uncontrolled diabetes, history of steroid intake, increased levels of serum creatinine with low potassium, and increased total leucocyte count are the independent risk factors predicting postoperative ICU admission amongst patients with CAM scheduled for sinonasal debridement.
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Nayak PS, Katyal I, Kumar AD, Prasheetha B, Harugop AS, Reshma R. COVID 19 Associated Mucormycosis: Preventable Risk Factors Leading to a Better Prognosis: A Case Series. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:3536-3540. [PMID: 36160947 PMCID: PMC9486771 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-022-03163-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
India was severely affected by the second wave of coronavirus disease (COVID‑19), leading to sudden expansive spread of Mucormycosis, presenting with sinusitis, blackish mucus secretions, discolouration of palate, facial pain, swelling and blurring of vision. Hyperglycemia, hypercoagulable state and elevated levels of serum ferritin were the major contributing factors in progression of the deadly disease. To highlight the correlation between Diabetes Mellitus, hyperferritenimia and elevated levels of D-Dimer with increased rate of incidence and poor prognosis of the disease. This study was undertaken in KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belagavi, including 30 patients, between April to July 2021. Serum ferritin, HbA1C and D-Dimer were evaluated for patients on admission, along with the other routine blood investigations. The mean age was 50 years (49.99 ± 1.8), with a male predominance of 83.33% (25 Male patients). 93.33% patients had uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus with a mean value of 10.12% (± 0.37) indicating Diabetes Mellitus to be the prime risk factor. The raised levels of serum ferritin with a mean of 662.01 ng/ml (± 129.18) and high levels of D-Dimer (Mean- 761.33 ± 151.8 ng/ml) also demonstrated their role as interlinked factors. Mucor epidemic was caused by convergence of interlinked risk factors. Awareness of red flag clinical features, prompt diagnosis, early initiation of treatment with amphotericin-B with aggressive surgical debridement are essential for successful outcome, to avoid high rate of mortality and morbidity rates in the mucormycosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneeth S. Nayak
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
| | - Isha Katyal
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
| | - Adarsh D. Kumar
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
| | - B. Prasheetha
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
| | - Anil S. Harugop
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
| | - R. Reshma
- Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, J. N. Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka India
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Akbari M, Dourandeesh M. Update on overview of ocular manifestations of COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:877023. [PMID: 36177323 PMCID: PMC9513125 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.877023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become the most critical health crisis at present, and research is continued about the exact pathophysiology, presentations, and complications of this pandemic. It influences several organs, and many studies have addressed the organs, the involvement of which during the COVID-19 results in patients' death. One of the important organs that can be involved during COVID-19, which is also a transmission route of the disease, is the eye. According to the evidence, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can have ocular manifestations and complications. According to the literature, conjunctivitis is the most common presentation, which can develop at any stage of COVID-19 (during and even after the disease), and the major pathophysiology of the eye involvement during the disease is attributed to the direct effect of the virus on the eyes, tissue damage caused by inflammation, underlying diseases, and the adverse effect of the medications prescribed. There are also reports of life-threatening complications, such as rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis, which require urgent treatment and are associated with a great mortality rate. Ocular manifestations may also be the presentation of a life-threatening event, such as stroke; therefore, it is necessary to pay great attention to the ocular manifestations during COVID-19. In this review, after about 2 years of the pandemic started, we present a narrative review on ocular manifestations during COVID-19, categorized into three main categories; ophthalmic, orbital, and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations with a detailed description of the presenting symptoms, risk factor, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies suggested for each.
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Arjmand P, Bahrami M, Mohammadie ZE, Taherynejad M, Khorasani NY, Mehrad‐Majd H, Roshanzamir I, Bakhshaee M. Mucormycosis in pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era: A study of prevalence, risk factors and clinical features. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2022; 7:LIO2899. [PMID: 36249085 PMCID: PMC9539365 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Mucormycosis is a rare yet devastating fungal disease with a frequently fatal outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of mucormycosis, evaluate its risk factors, and assess the patients' outcomes in pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era. Methods In this retrospective observational study, clinical data of 158 patients with confirmed histopathological diagnosis of mucormycosis were collected from the medical records departments of Imam Reza and Ghaem hospitals, Mashhad, Iran during 2018-2021. The collected data were risk factors associated with mucormycosis including age, gender, underlying diseases, details of corticosteroid administration, and complications such as blindness and mortality. Results Of 158 studied patients, 48 patients were diagnosed in the pre-pandemic period whereas 110 cases were admitted during the pandemic era. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) was observed in 58.1% of the pandemic cases. In the pre-pandemic period, cancer (89.5% vs. 39%, p < .001) was significantly more prevalent while during the pandemic era, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (16.7% vs. 51%, p < .001) was remarkably higher. Moreover, the mortality rate of mucormycosis was considerably reduced after the pandemic (64.6%-45.4%), especially in CAM patients (35.9%). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased prevalence of mucormycosis, due to the convergence of interlinked risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid therapy, and COVID-19. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the probable occurrence of mucormycosis in the first or second week of COVID-19 infection in vulnerable patients and use the steroids cautiously. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Arjmand
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghaem HospitalMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Milad Bahrami
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedical SciencesMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | | | | | | | - Hassan Mehrad‐Majd
- Cancer Molecular Pathology Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Imaneh Roshanzamir
- Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Department of OtorhinolaryngologyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
| | - Mehdi Bakhshaee
- Sinus and Surgical Endoscopic Research Center, Department of OtorhinolaryngologyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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Bhargav A, Fatima F, Chaurasia P, Seth S, Ramachandran S. Computer-Aided Tools and Resources for Fungal Pathogens: An Application of Reverse Vaccinology for Mucormycosis. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2022; 41:243-254. [PMID: 35939284 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts are a growing concern for global public health. Along with treatments, preventive measures are required. The emergence of reverse vaccinology has opened avenues for using genomic and proteomic data from pathogens in the design of vaccines. In this work, we present a comprehensive collection of various computational tools and databases with potential to aid in vaccine development. The ongoing pandemic has directed attention toward the increasing number of mucormycosis infections in COVID-19 patients. As a case study, we developed a computational pipeline for assisting vaccine development for mucormycosis. We obtained 6 proteins from 29,447 sequences from UniProtKB as potential vaccine candidates against mucormycosis, fulfilling multiple criteria. These criteria included potential characteristics, namely adhesin properties, surface or extracellular localization, antigenicity, no similarity to any human proteins, nonallergenicity, stability in vitro, and expression in fungal cells. These six proteins were predicted to have B cell and T cell epitopes, proinflammatory inducing peptides, and orthologs in several mucormycosis-causing species. These data could aid in vaccine development against mucormycosis for at-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anasuya Bhargav
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Firdaus Fatima
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Pratibha Chaurasia
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Surabhi Seth
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Informatics and Big Data, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: A Matter of Concern Amid the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081266. [PMID: 36016154 PMCID: PMC9415927 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection caused by fungi belonging to order Mucorales. Recently, with the increase in COVID-19 infections, mucormycosis infections have become a matter of concern globally, because of the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with them. Due to the association of mucormycosis with COVID-19 disease, it has been termed COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM). In the present review, we focus on mucormycosis incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, immune dysfunction, interactions of Mucorales with endothelial cells, and the possible role of iron in Mucorales growth. We review the limitations associated with current diagnostic procedures and the requirement for more specific, cost-effective, convenient, and sensitive assays, such as PCR-based assays and monoclonal antibody-based assays for the effective diagnosis of mucormycosis. We discuss the current treatment options involving antifungal drug therapies, adjunctive therapy, surgical treatment, and their limitations. We also review the importance of nutraceuticals-based therapy for the prevention as well as treatment of mucormycosis. Our review also highlights the need to explore the potential of novel immunotherapeutics, which include antibody-based therapy, cytokine-based therapy, and combination/synergistic antifungal therapy, as treatment options for mucormycosis. In summary, this review provides a complete overview of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis, addressing the current research gaps and future developments required in the field.
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Balushi AA, Ajmi AA, Sinani QA, Menon V, Berieki ZA, Shezawi AA, Azri SA, Rashdi AA, Jardani AA, Baluki TA, Ghaithi SA, Reesi AA, Al-Za'abi AT, Al’ Balushi MA, Maqbali TA. COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis: An Opportunistic Fungal Infection. A Case Series and Review. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 121:203-210. [PMID: 35533833 PMCID: PMC9075983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A surge in COVID-19-associated mucormycosis cases has been observed during the second wave of COVID-19 in summer of 2021. Most cases were reported from India. The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was the most common variant circulating at that time. Mucormycosis is an opportunistic angioinvasive fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality. METHODS We present 10 cases of COVID-19-associated rhino-orbital and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis managed in a secondary hospital in Oman. RESULTS The median time for developing mucormycosis was two weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis. All patients were newly diagnosed or already known to have poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Five patients received corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19. Three patients had severe COVID-19 and died of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock. Another three patients died of advanced mucormycosis and cerebral involvement. Despite aggressive medical and surgical intervention, the mortality rate was 60% (6/10). CONCLUSION Mucormycosis is an aggressive opportunistic infection with high morbidity and mortality that requires prompt recognition and urgent intervention. Uncontrolled blood sugar, the use of corticosteroids, and immune dysfunction due to COVID-19 are all important risk factors for development of mucormycosis. Worse outcomes are associated with poor glycemic control despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Al Balushi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman,Corresponding author: Asma Al Balushi: Address: Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Seeb, Alkhoudh, P. O. Box 35, Postal Code 123, Oman. Mobile number: (+968) 92319222
| | - Ahmed Al Ajmi
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Qais Al Sinani
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Varna Menon
- Histopathology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Zainab Al Berieki
- Radiology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Asma Al Shezawi
- Radiology Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Saleh Al Azri
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Azza Al Rashdi
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Amina Al Jardani
- Central Public Health Laboratories, Directorate General for Disease Surveillance and Control, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Thuwaiba Al Baluki
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Salem Al Ghaithi
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | - Ali Al Reesi
- Internal Medicine Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
| | | | | | - Talib Al Maqbali
- Ear, Nose and Throat Surgical Department, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman
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Kankam SB, Saffar H, Shafizadeh M, Afhami S, Khoshnevisan A. Intraventricular CNS aspergillosis in a patient with prior history of COVID-19: Case report and review of literature. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 80:104122. [PMID: 35821741 PMCID: PMC9259190 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and importance Although some immunocompetent patients have developed invasive aspergillosis, the vast majority of cases are seen in immunocompromised patients. COVID-19 infection has been proposed to cause immune dysfunction or suppression, which predisposes patients to fungal co-infections such as mucormycosis and aspergillosis. Case presentation A 58-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with confusion, dysarthria, and loss of consciousness. The patient had a 1-month prior history of severe COVID-19 infection. A computerized tomography (CT) scan and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intraventricular lesion with perilesional edema and a significant midline shift, which was initially thought to be an intraventricular tumor. Following a posterior parietal craniotomy, the lesion was resected via a transcortical approach from the posterior parietal region to the right lateral ventricle. Histopathological findings confirmed intraventricular aspergillosis (IVA). The patient was treated with intravenous amphotericin B for two months and discharged with oral variconazole for 4 months. Discussion Covid-19 infections can result in- dissemination of fungal diseases such as aspergillosis. As a minor component of cerebral aspergillosis with a poor prognosis, intraventricular aspergillosis necessitates prompt treatment, which includes surgical resection and the administration of anti-fungal medications. Conclusion Infection with COVID-19 causes immune dysfunction, which leads to fungal co-infection, including CNS aspergillosis. As a result, all COVID-19 patients who present with acute neurologic symptoms should have CNS aspergillosis considered in their differential diagnosis. Infection with COVID-19 can cause immune dysfunction, which may lead to fungal co-infection, including CNS aspergillosis. Workup of COVID-19 patients with acute neurologic symptoms should be broad and include fungal infectious. Patients with CNS aspergillosis should receive prompt treatment because these cases have poor prognosis and can be fatal.
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Noor M, Amin S, Rahim F, Ali B, Zafar S. Acute Kidney Injury Following Posaconazole for Mucormycosis: SARS-CoV-2 as a Back-Seat Driver. Cureus 2022; 14:e27018. [PMID: 35989786 PMCID: PMC9387747 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have been implicated in the causation of several systemic illnesses, either directly or by immune modulation. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is not an exception. Due to altered immune regulation, it is often associated with novel clinical manifestations and complications which have not been reported before. SARS-CoV-2 induces a pro-inflammatory state which makes the patient vulnerable to developing a variety of previously unreported adverse reactions to medications. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its treatment have provided a fertile ground for various opportunistic infections including mucormycosis. The standard treatment for mucormycosis is surgical debridement and liposomal amphotericin B. Triazole antifungals such as posaconazole and isavuconazonium are the second-line agents for those intolerant to first-line therapy. Posaconazole is safer than amphotericin B as far as renal adverse effects are concerned. We report the case of a 60-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and osteoarthritis. She had severe COVID-19 requiring non-invasive ventilation four months ago. She presented with right rhino-orbital swelling, diplopia, and serosanguinous discharge from the right nostril. She had right third, sixth, and seventh cranial nerve palsies. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed right maxillary, ethmoid, and frontal sinusitis. Biopsy from the right nostril confirmed mucormycosis. Having normal renal and liver functions, she was started on oral posaconazole as she had an allergic reaction to a test dose of 1 mg amphotericin B (non-liposomal) in 20 mL of 5% dextrose water infused over 30 minutes. On day five, she developed acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy. Her posaconazole was stopped. As she was not improving with conservative treatment, an ultrasound-guided, percutaneous renal biopsy was performed from the left kidney. The renal biopsy revealed thrombotic microangiopathy. She was started on liposomal amphotericin B as decided by the multidisciplinary team. Her renal function improved, and she continued on liposomal amphotericin B. We conclude that thrombotic microangiopathy, in this case, was likely due to posaconazole. This is a novel adverse effect presumably of posaconazole. This case report will alert physicians to be vigilant of the renal adverse effects of posaconazole in patients who have had COVID-19. Patients who develop renal injury while on posaconazole should undergo an early renal biopsy to ascertain the exact histopathology.
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Maxillary Fungal Osteomyelitis Mimicking and Treated as Endodontic Pathosis. Case Rep Dent 2022; 2022:1976352. [PMID: 35846181 PMCID: PMC9287005 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1976352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal osteomyelitis is a lethal opportunistic infection that affects only a small percentage of patients present to endodontists. It is a highly contagious infection that requires urgent treatment. We discuss three cases in which endodontic pathology was initially recognized but subsequent follow-up revealed severe osteolytic fungal infection of the maxilla manifesting as acute apical abscesses in the maxillary canine region. CBCT demonstrated osteolytic abnormalities, and further histology confirmed the illness was caused by mucormycosis in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and exposure to COVID-19.
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Risal R, Jahir T, Islam R, Noel P, Subedi KR, Khan A, Kumari A, Schmidt M. A Rare Case of Empyema Complicated With Bronchopleural Fistula Secondary to Mucormycosis in a Young Immunocompromised Diabetic Patient With COVID-19. Cureus 2022; 14:e26635. [PMID: 35949757 PMCID: PMC9356580 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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