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Maule M, Vitte J, Ambrosani F, Caminati M. Epidemiology of the relationship between allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:102-108. [PMID: 38295145 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can complicate the natural history of asthmatic patients, especially the more severe ones, worsening disease control and increasing the need for therapies, steroids in particular, and medical care. The aim of the present review is to summarize the latest epidemiological data related to the relationship between asthma and ABPA and to offer a summary of the most recent strategies that could potentially facilitate in the identification of ABPA in asthmatic patients. RECENT FINDINGS In the last years, great efforts have been made by researchers worldwide to provide reliable epidemiological data on fungal sensitization and ABPA, especially in severe asthma patients both in adult and pediatric population. Data differ depending on the geographical area and population studied, but pooled data show a concerning 11% of severe asthma patients having ABPA and one out of four asthmatic patients being sensitized to fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus in particular. SUMMARY Reliable epidemiological data and advances in the diagnostic procedures can facilitate the detection of ABPA among asthmatic patients, improving the management of a still under-recognized and challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Maule
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Center for Hyper-eosinophilic dysimmune conditions, Integrated University Hospital of Verona
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Joana Vitte
- University Hospital of Reims, Laboratory of Immunology
- INSERM UMR-S 1250 P3CELL, University of Reims, Reims, France
| | | | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Center for Hyper-eosinophilic dysimmune conditions, Integrated University Hospital of Verona
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Janssens I, Lambrecht BN, Van Braeckel E. Aspergillus and the Lung. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:3-20. [PMID: 38286136 PMCID: PMC10857890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777259] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus causes a wide spectrum of diseases in the human lung, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most pathogenic and allergenic subspecies. The broad range of clinical syndromes that can develop from the presence of Aspergillus in the respiratory tract is determined by the interaction between host and pathogen. In this review, an oversight of the different clinical entities of pulmonary aspergillosis is given, categorized by their main pathophysiological mechanisms. The underlying immune processes are discussed, and the main clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological findings are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Janssens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC; Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Gleeson PK, Morales KH, Buckey TM, Fadugba OO, Apter AJ, Christie JD, Himes BE. Benefits of Aeroallergen Testing on Oral Corticosteroid Bursts in Adults with Asthma. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.29.24301962. [PMID: 38352545 PMCID: PMC10863005 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.24301962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aeroallergen testing can improve precision care for persistent asthma and is recommended by the U.S. clinical guidelines. How testing benefits diverse populations of adults with asthma, and the importance of the testing modality used, are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate whether receipt of aeroallergen testing was associated with a reduction in oral corticosteroid (OCS) bursts. METHODS We used electronic health record data to conduct a retrospective, observational cohort study of adults with asthma who were prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid and had an Allergy/Immunology visit in a large health system between 1/1/2017-6/30/2022. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate whether OCS bursts in the 12-month period after an initial visit were reduced for patients who received aeroallergen testing. We also measured differences in benefit after excluding patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and smoking histories, and whether testing receipt was via skin prick or serum. RESULTS 668/1,383 (48.3%) patients received testing. Receipt of testing was not associated with fewer bursts in all patients (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.83 versus no testing, p=0.059), but it was among never smokers without COPD (417/844 tested, IRR=0.68, p=0.004). The receipt of skin testing was associated with fewer bursts in all patients (418/1,383 tested, IRR=0.77, p=0.02) and among never smokers without COPD (283/844 tested, IRR=0.59 versus no testing, p=0.001). CONCLUSION Guideline-concordant aeroallergen testing in the context of Allergy/Immunology care was associated with clinical benefit in a real-life, diverse cohort of adults with asthma. This benefit varied according to patient comorbidities and the testing modality.
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Naftel J, Mistry H, Mitchell FA, Belson J, Kyyaly MA, Barber C, Haitchi HM, Dennison P, Djukanovic R, Seumois G, Vijayanand P, Arshad SH, Kurukulaaratchy RJ. How Does Mild Asthma Differ Phenotypically from Difficult-to-Treat Asthma? J Asthma Allergy 2023; 16:1333-1345. [PMID: 38144877 PMCID: PMC10748667 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s430183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite most of the asthma population having mild disease, the mild asthma phenotype is poorly understood. Here, we aim to address this gap in knowledge by extensively characterising the mild asthma phenotype and comparing this with difficult-to-treat asthma. Methods We assessed two real-world adult cohorts from the South of England using an identical methodology: the Wessex AsThma CoHort of difficult asthma (WATCH) (n=498) and a mild asthma cohort from the comparator arm of the Epigenetics Of Severe Asthma (EOSA) study (n=67). Data acquisition included detailed clinical, health and disease-related questionnaires, anthropometry, allergy and lung function testing, plus biological samples (blood and sputum) in a subset. Results Mild asthma is predominantly early-onset and is associated with type-2 (T2) inflammation (atopy, raised fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood/sputum eosinophilia) plus preserved lung function. A high prevalence of comorbidities and multimorbidity was observed in mild asthma, particularly depression (58.2%) and anxiety (56.7%). In comparison to difficult asthma, mild disease showed similar female predominance (>60%), T2-high inflammation and atopy prevalence, but lower peripheral blood/airway neutrophil counts and preserved lung function. Mild asthma was also associated with a greater prevalence of current smokers (20.9%). A multi-component T2-high inflammatory measure was comparable between the cohorts; T2-high status 88.1% in mild asthma and 93.5% in difficult asthma. Conclusion Phenotypic characterisation of mild asthma identified early-onset disease with high prevalence of current smokers, T2-high inflammation and significant multimorbidity burden. Early comprehensive assessment of mild asthma patients could help prevent potential later progression to more complex severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Naftel
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Heena Mistry
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
- Vijayanand Laboratory, La Jolla Institute of Immunology, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Frances Ann Mitchell
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
| | - Jane Belson
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
| | - Mohammed Aref Kyyaly
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
| | - Clair Barber
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hans Michael Haitchi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paddy Dennison
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Ratko Djukanovic
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gregory Seumois
- Vijayanand Laboratory, La Jolla Institute of Immunology, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Vijayanand Laboratory, La Jolla Institute of Immunology, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Syed Hasan Arshad
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ramesh J Kurukulaaratchy
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- The David Hide Asthma & Allergy Research Centre, St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK
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Kwong K, Robinson M, Sullivan A, Letovsky S, Liu AH, Valcour A. Fungal allergen sensitization: Prevalence, risk factors, and geographic variation in the United States. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1658-1668. [PMID: 37741553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many fungal species are associated with the pathogenesis of allergic disease, yet most epidemiologic studies on IgE-mediated fungal sensitization have only included a few species. OBJECTIVE We investigated fungal allergen sensitization prevalence, risk factors, and geographic variation in the United States. METHODS From 2014 to 2019, a total of 7,912,504 serum-specific IgE (sIgE) test results for 17 fungal species were measured in 1,651,203 patients aged 0-85 years by a US-wide clinical laboratory. Fungal sensitization prevalence, patterns, and relationship with demographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, and geographic regions were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-two percent of patients were positive (sIgE > 0.10 kUA/L) to at least 1 fungal allergen; 13.7% were positive to >2 fungal allergens. Fungal species-specific positivity rates ranged 7.4-18.6% and were highest for Candida albicans (18.6%), Alternaria alternata (16.6%), Stemphylium herbarum (14.9%), and Aspergillus fumigatus (14.2%). Other fungi that were frequently tested had relatively low positivity rates (eg, Cladosporium herbarum 11.1%, Penicillium chrysogenum 10.7%). Independent risk factors for test positivity for all fungal species included male sex, teen age (highest in those aged 10-19 years), atopic dermatitis, and asthma. Fungal sensitization was generally higher in urban areas and ecoregions composed predominantly of grasslands and prairies compared to woodlands and forest, although there was greater variation in sensitization risk to different fungi in different ecoregions. CONCLUSION Independent risk factors for fungal sensitization include male sex, teen ages, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and ecoregion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Kwong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy-Immunology, Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
| | | | | | | | - Andrew H Liu
- Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Section, and Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colo
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Gleeson PK, Morales KH, Buckey TM, Fadugba OO, Apter AJ, Christie JD, Himes BE. Factors associated with aeroallergen testing among adults with asthma in a large health system. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2023; 2:100167. [PMID: 37841071 PMCID: PMC10570953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2023.100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Aeroallergen testing informs precision care for adults with asthma, yet the epidemiology of testing in this population remains poorly understood. Objective We sought to identify factors associated with receiving aeroallergen testing, the results of these tests, and subsequent reductions in exacerbation measures among adults with asthma. Methods We used electronic health record data to conduct a retrospective, observational cohort study of 30,775 adults with asthma who had an office visit with a primary care provider or an asthma specialist from January 1, 2017, to August 26, 2022. We used regression models to identify (1) factors associated with receiving any aeroallergen test and tests to 9 allergen categories after the index visit, (2) factors associated with positive test results, and (3) reductions in asthma exacerbation measures in the year after testing compared with before testing. Results Testing was received by 2201 patients (7.2%). According to multivariable models, receiving testing was associated with having any office visit with an allergy/immunology specialist during the study period (odds ratio [OR] = 91.3 vs primary care only [P < .001]) and having an asthma emergency department visit (OR = 1.62 [P = .004]) or hospitalization (OR = 1.62 [P = .03]) in the year before the index visit. Age 65 years or older conferred decreased odds of testing (OR = 0.74 vs age 18-34 years [P = .008]) and negative test results to 6 categories (P ≤ .04 for all comparisons). Black race conferred increased odds of testing (OR =1.22 vs White race [P = .01]) and positive test results to 8 categories (P < .04 for all comparisons). Exacerbation measures decreased after testing. Conclusion Aeroallergen testing was performed infrequently among adults with asthma and was associated with reductions in asthma exacerbation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick K. Gleeson
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Knashawn H. Morales
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Timothy M. Buckey
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Olajumoke O. Fadugba
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Andrea J. Apter
- Section of Allergy and Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Jason D. Christie
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Blanca E. Himes
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa
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Denning DW, Pfavayi LT. Poorly controlled asthma - Easy wins and future prospects for addressing fungal allergy. Allergol Int 2023; 72:493-506. [PMID: 37544851 DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Poorly controlled asthma is especially common in low resource countries. Aside from lack of access to, or poor technique with, inhaled beta-2 agonists and corticosteroids, the most problematic forms of asthma are frequently associated with both fungal allergy and exposure, especially in adults leading to more asthma exacerbations and worse asthma. The umbrella term 'fungal asthma' describes many disorders linked to fungal exposure and/or allergy to fungi. One fungal asthma endotype, ABPA, is usually marked by a very high IgE and its differential diagnosis is reviewed. Both ABPA and fungal bronchitis in bronchiectasis are marked by thick excess airway mucus production. Dermatophyte skin infection can worsen asthma and eradication of the skin infection improves asthma. Exposure to fungi in the workplace, home and schools, often in damp or water-damaged buildings worsens asthma, and remediation improves symptom control and reduces exacerbations. Antifungal therapy is beneficial for fungal asthma as demonstrated in nine of 13 randomised controlled studies, reducing symptoms, corticosteroid need and exacerbations while improving lung function. Other useful therapies include azithromycin and some biologics approved for the treatment of severe asthma. If all individuals with poorly controlled and severe asthma could be 'relieved' of their fungal allergy and infection through antifungal therapy without systemic corticosteroids, the health benefits would be enormous and relatively inexpensive, improving the long term health of over 20 million adults and many children. Antifungal therapy carries some toxicity, drug interactions and triazole resistance risks, and data are incomplete. Here we summarise what is known and what remains uncertain about this complex topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Lorraine T Pfavayi
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Chauhan BV, Higgins Jones D, Banerjee G, Agrawal S, Sulaiman IM, Jia C, Banerjee P. Indoor Bacterial and Fungal Burden in "Moldy" versus "Non-Moldy" Homes: A Case Study Employing Advanced Sequencing Techniques in a US Metropolitan Area. Pathogens 2023; 12:1006. [PMID: 37623966 PMCID: PMC10457890 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081006] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of fungi in the indoor environment is associated with allergies and other respiratory symptoms. The aim of this study was to use sequencing and molecular methods, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches, to explore the bacterial and fungal communities and their abundance in the indoor environment of houses (n = 20) with visible "moldy" (HVM) and nonvisible "non-moldy" (HNM) in Memphis, TN, USA. Dust samples were collected from air vents and ground surfaces, and the total DNA was analyzed for bacteria and fungi by amplifying 16S rRNA and ITS genes on the Illumina Miseq. Results indicated that Leptosphaerulina was the most abundant fungal genus present in the air vent and ground samples from HNM and HVM. At the same time, the most abundant bacterial genera in the air vent and ground samples were Propionibacterium and Streptococcus. The fungi community diversity was significantly different in the air vent samples. The abundance of fungal species known to be associated with respiratory diseases in indoor dust samples was similar, regardless of the visibility of fungi in the houses. The existence of fungi associated with respiratory symptoms was compared with several parameters like dust particulate matter (PM), CO2 level, temperature, and humidity. Most of these parameters are either positively or negatively correlated with the existence of fungi associated with respiratory diseases; however, none of these correlations were significant at p = 0.05. Our results indicate that implementing molecular methods for detecting indoor fungi may strengthen common exposure and risk assessment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavin V. Chauhan
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | | | - Goutam Banerjee
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA
| | - Saumya Agrawal
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA
| | - Irshad M. Sulaiman
- Southeast Regional Laboratory, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA
| | - Chunrong Jia
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Pratik Banerjee
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61820, USA
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Agarwal R, Muthu V, Sehgal IS, Dhooria S, Prasad KT, Soundappan K, Rudramurthy SM, Aggarwal AN, Chakrabarti A. Prevalence of Aspergillus Sensitization and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Adults With Bronchial Asthma: A Systematic Review of Global Data. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:1734-1751.e3. [PMID: 37088374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthmatic patients remains unclear and is likely different across geographic locales. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the literature for estimating the prevalence of Aspergillus sensitization (AS) and ABPA in adults with bronchial asthma. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the prevalence of AS or ABPA in at least 50 asthmatic subjects. The primary outcome was to assess the prevalence of ABPA. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the prevalence of AS in asthma and that of ABPA in asthma with AS. We pooled the prevalence estimates using a random-effects model and examined the factors influencing the prevalence using multivariate meta-regression. RESULTS Of the 11,801 records retrieved, 86 studies with 25,770 asthmatic subjects met the inclusion criteria. Most of the studies were from tertiary care centers. The pooled prevalence of ABPA in asthma (47 studies; 9822 asthmatic subjects) was 11.3% (95% CI, 8.7-14.2). The pooled prevalence of AS in asthma (73 studies; 23,003 asthmatic subjects) was 25.1% (95% CI, 20.5-30.0), whereas the prevalence of ABPA in AS (36 studies; 2954 asthmatic subjects) was 37.0% (95% CI, 27.9-46.6). Multivariate meta-regression identified studies published from India (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23) as the only factor associated with higher ABPA prevalence. There was presence of significant statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. CONCLUSIONS We found a high prevalence of ABPA in adult asthmatic subjects, underscoring the need for screening for ABPA in all asthmatic subjects seeking tertiary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Agarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
| | - Valliappan Muthu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Inderpaul Singh Sehgal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sahajal Dhooria
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Kuruswamy Thurai Prasad
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Kathirvel Soundappan
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Ashutosh Nath Aggarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Mucus Plugging: A New Phenotype for Your Practice. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:527-528. [PMID: 36759080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2022.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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Moss RB. Severe Fungal Asthma: A Role for Biologics and Inhaled Antifungals. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010085. [PMID: 36675906 PMCID: PMC9861760 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma has traditionally been treated with inhaled and systemic glucocorticosteroids. A continuum of allergic fungal airways disease associated with Aspergillus fumigatus colonization and/or atopic immune responses that encompasses fungal asthma, severe asthma with fungal sensitization and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is now recognized along a phenotypic severity spectrum of T2-high immune deviation lung disease. Oral triazoles have shown clinical, anti-inflammatory and microbiologic efficacy in this setting; in the future inhaled antifungals may improve the therapeutic index. Humanized monoclonal antibody biologic agents targeting T2-high disease also show efficacy and promise of improved control in difficult cases. Developments in these areas are highlighted in this overview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Moss
- Center of Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Division of Pulmonary, Asthma and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 770 Welch Road, Suite 350, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Lo YL, Lin HC, Lo CY, Huang HY, Lin TY, Lin CH, Hsieh MH, Fang YF, Lin SM, Huang YT, Liao TW, Wang CH, Lin CY. Clinical manifestations and outcomes of fungus-associated asthma: A multi-institution database study in Taiwan. Microbiol Res 2023; 266:127234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Punia A, Choudhary P, Sharma N, Dahiya S, Gulia P, Chhillar AK. Therapeutic Approaches for Combating Aspergillus Associated Infection. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1465-1488. [PMID: 35748549 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220623164548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Now-a-days fungal infection emerges as a significant problem to healthcare management systems due to high frequency of associated morbidity, mortality toxicity, drug-drug interactions, and resistance of the antifungal agents. Aspergillus is the most common mold that cause infection in immunocompromised hosts. It's a hyaline mold that is cosmopolitan and ubiquitous in nature. Aspergillus infects around 10 million population each year with a mortality rate of 30-90%. Clinically available antifungal formulations are restricted to four classes (i.e., polyene, triazole, echinocandin, and allylamine), and each of them have their own limitations associated with the activity spectrum, the emergence of resistance, and toxicity. Consequently, novel antifungal agents with modified and altered chemical structures are required to combat these invasive fungal infections. To overcome these limitations, there is an urgent need for new antifungal agents that can act as potent drugs in near future. Currently, some compounds have shown effective antifungal activity. In this review article, we have discussed all potential antifungal therapies that contain old antifungal drugs, combination therapies, and recent novel antifungal formulations, with a focus on the Aspergillus associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Punia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Pooja Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Namita Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Sweety Dahiya
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Prity Gulia
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Anil K Chhillar
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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Atopy and Multisensitizations in Specific IgE Microarrays and Their Impact on Severe Asthma. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101520. [DOI: 10.3390/life12101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Around 3–10% of patients experience severe refractory asthma. These patients with high symptom intensity and frequent exacerbations present a challenge for allergologists. Their allergic vs. non-allergic profile might be different from the standard asthmatic group and this difference is vital in qualifying for anti-IgE biologicals. The aim of the study was to analyze multiple sensitizations in patients with severe asthma and assess their impact on the course of the disease. (2) Forty-two patients with severe asthma according to GINA were enrolled. They experienced at least two exacerbations during the past year and had uncontrolled asthma despite high inhaled steroid use. A microarray serum Alex test (allergen-specific IgE to 295 extracts and components) was performed together with Complete Blood Count tests, the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), and spirometry. (3) There were 29 female and 13 male patients. The patient mean age was 50.4 (22–70). In 25 (60%) patients, inhalant sensitizations were detected. In 9 (21%) cases, a new perennial allergen was discovered that might enable anti-IgE treatment in the future. In the entire studied group, 8 patients (19%) would still not qualify for anti-IgE, anti-IL4, or anti-IL5 treatment. A linear regression analysis revealed that a Canis familiaris allergen (Can f 1) correlated with worse asthma control in ACQ. An Aspergillus allergen (Asp f 6) correlated negatively with Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). (4) The study presents the usefulness of the ALEX test in 21% of patients with severe asthma in qualification for anti-IgE treatment. It highlights the impact of canine and Aspergillus sensitizations on worse control in patients with severe asthma.
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Lewis BW, Ford ML, Khan AQ, Walum J, Britt RD. Chronic Allergen Challenge Induces Corticosteroid Insensitivity With Persistent Airway Remodeling and Type 2 Inflammation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:855247. [PMID: 35479312 PMCID: PMC9035517 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.855247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2-high severe asthma is described as a distinct endotype with Th2 inflammation, high eosinophil lung infiltration, impaired lung function, and reduced corticosteroid sensitivity. While the inflammatory milieu is similar to mild asthma, patients with type 2-high severe asthma likely have underlying mechanisms that sustain asthma pathophysiology despite corticosteroid treatments. Acute and chronic allergen models induce robust type 2 inflammatory responses, however differences in corticosteroid sensitivity remains poorly understood. In the present study, we sensitized and challenged mice with ovalbumin (OVA; acute model) or mixed allergens (MA; chronic model). Corticosteroid sensitivity was assessed by administering vehicle, 1, or 3 mg/kg fluticasone propionate (FP) and examining key asthmatic features such as airway inflammation, remodeling, hyperresponsiveness, and antioxidant capacity. Both acute and chronic allergen exposure exhibited enhanced AHR, immune cell infiltration, airway inflammation, and remodeling, but corticosteroids were unable to fully alleviate inflammation, AHR, and airway smooth muscle mass in MA-challenged mice. While there were no differences in antioxidant capacity, persistent IL-4+ Th2 cell population suggests the MA model induces type 2 inflammation that is insensitive to corticosteroids. Our data indicate that chronic allergen exposure is associated with more persistent type 2 immune responses and corticosteroid insensitivity. Understanding differences between acute and chronic allergen models could unlock underlying mechanisms related to type 2-high severe asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon W. Lewis
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Maria L. Ford
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Aiman Q. Khan
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Joshua Walum
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rodney D. Britt
- Center for Perinatal Research, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Rodney D. Britt Jr,
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Trained immunity in type 2 immune responses. Mucosal Immunol 2022; 15:1158-1169. [PMID: 36065058 PMCID: PMC9705254 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-022-00557-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunological memory of innate immune cells, also termed "trained immunity", allows for cross-protection against distinct pathogens, but may also drive chronic inflammation. Recent studies have shown that memory responses associated with type 2 immunity do not solely rely on adaptive immune cells, such as T- and B cells, but also involve the innate immune system and epithelial cells. Memory responses have been described for monocytes, macrophages and airway epithelial cells of asthmatic patients as well as for macrophages and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) from allergen-sensitized or helminth-infected mice. The metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms that mediate allergen- or helminth-induced reprogramming of innate immune cells are only beginning to be uncovered. Trained immunity has been implicated in helminth-driven immune regulation and allergen-specific immunotherapy, suggesting its exploitation in future therapies. Here, we discuss recent advances and key remaining questions regarding the mechanisms and functions of trained type 2 immunity in infection and inflammation.
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Wardlaw AJ. Allergic Fungal Airway Disease Is a Distinct Endotype of Difficult-to-Treat Asthma. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2021; 9:4268-4269. [PMID: 34893188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew John Wardlaw
- Institute for Lung Health, Department of Respiratory Science, Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.
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Kurukulaaratchy RJ, Rupani H, Fong WCG, Kyyaly A. A Role for Mucolytics and Expectorants in Aiding Inhaled Therapies in Asthma? [Response To Letter]. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:5183-5185. [PMID: 34675596 PMCID: PMC8517631 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s341547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh J Kurukulaaratchy
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Isle of Wight, UK.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Hitasha Rupani
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Wei Chern Gavin Fong
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Isle of Wight, UK
| | - Aref Kyyaly
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Isle of Wight, UK
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