Itraconazole or Amphotericin B for Talaromycosis

Clinical features of Talaromyces marneffei infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals: A retrospective study in southern China

Talaromyces marneffei (TSM) is a temperature-dependent dimorphic fungus endemic to Southeast Asia and southern China. As the number of people at risk of TSM infection continues to increase, the clinical manifestations are becoming increasingly complex, posing challenges for clinical management. In this study, we analyzed the medical records of 99 patients (71 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-positive and 28 HIV-negative) diagnosed with TSM infection from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022, in southern China and compared the clinical manifestations in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Most patients (83/99, 84%) were male. The incidence of skin and soft tissue involvement (48% vs. 21%, P = .016); disseminated infection with blood circulation, hematopoietic, lymphatic, alimentary, or central nervous system involvement (69% vs. 36%, P = .002); and gastrointestinal bleeding (33% vs. 9%, P = .023) was higher in the HIV-positive group than the HIV-negative group. The HIV-positive group also had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (31 [26-42] vs. 14 [11-16] U/l, P < .001) and ALT/aspartate transaminase ratio (1.9 [1.5-2.2] vs. 1.3 [1.1-1.6], P = .006) than the HIV-negative group. The time to diagnosis (5.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.1 ± 1.4 days, P = .103), antifungal regimen (P = .278), case fatality rate (20% vs. 21%, P = .849), and relapse/reinfection rate (11% vs. 19%, P = .576) did not differ significantly between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups. Poor antiretroviral therapy adherence (OR = 26.19, 95%CI 3.26-210.70, P = .002), advanced age (OR = 1.13, 95%CI 1.03-1.23, P = .010), and Epstein-Barr virus co-infection (OR = 37.13, 95%CI 3.03-455.64, P = .005) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality from TSM infection in HIV-positive patients. Overall, the predominant infection sites, clinical manifestations, and complications of TSM infection differed by HIV status. However, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, HIV-positive patients with TSM infection can have similar outcomes to HIV-negative patients.

Drug-drug interaction between itraconazole capsule and efavirenz in adults with HIV for talaromycosis treatment

OBJECTIVES

To assess the pharmacokinetic of itraconazole capsule formulation and its active metabolite, hydroxyitraconazole, in adults with HIV diagnosed with talaromycosis in an endemic area, and to evaluate the drug-drug interaction between itraconazole/hydroxyitraconazole (ITC/OH-ITC) and efavirenz.

METHODS

Open-label, single arm, sequential pharmacokinetic study. Eligible subjects were adults with HIV, ≥18 years old, with confirmed talaromycosis, initiating itraconazole capsule as part of standard talaromycosis treatment, in whom efavirenz-based ART was anticipated. Steady-state pharmacokinetic assessments (pre-dose and at 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 12 h post dose) were performed for itraconazole/hydroxyitraconazole without and with efavirenz use. Mid-dose efavirenz concentrations were also assessed. Pharmacokinetics parameters were calculated using non-compartmental analysis.

RESULTS

Ten subjects (70% male) were enrolled. At entry, median (range) age was 29.5 years (22-64), and CD4 cell count was 18.0 (1-39) cells/mm3. Geometric mean (95% CI) of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole AUC0-12 without efavirenz were 9097 (6761-12 239) and 11 705 (8586-15 959) ng·h/mL, respectively, with a median metabolic ratio of OH-ITC : ITC of 1.3 (95% CI 0.9-1.9). Intra-subject comparison revealed that both itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole exposures were significantly reduced with concomitant efavirenz use, with the mean AUC0-12 of itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole being 86% (71%-94%) and 84% (64%-97%) lower, respectively. With efavirenz, itraconazole trough concentrations were also below the recommended therapeutic level (0.5 μg/mL). All subjects had mid-dose efavirenz concentrations >1000 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant administration of itraconazole capsule with efavirenz significantly reduced itraconazole and hydroxyitraconazole exposures. The clinical impact of this drug-drug interaction on talaromycosis treatment or prophylaxis in the era of potent ART needs further evaluation.