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Zanganeh E, Zarrinfar H, Rezaeetalab F, Fata A, Tohidi M, Najafzadeh MJ, Alizadeh M, Seyedmousavi S. Predominance of non-fumigatus Aspergillus species among patients suspected to pulmonary aspergillosis in a tropical and subtropical region of the Middle East. Microb Pathog 2018; 116:296-300. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Posch W, Heimdörfer D, Wilflingseder D, Lass-Flörl C. Invasive candidiasis: future directions in non-culture based diagnosis. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2017; 15:829-838. [PMID: 28829207 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2017.1370373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delayed initial antifungal therapy is associated with high mortality rates caused by invasive candida infections, since accurate detection of the opportunistic pathogenic yeast and its identification display a diagnostic challenge. diagnosis of candida infections relies on time-consuming methods such as blood cultures, serologic and histopathologic examination. to allow for fast detection and characterization of invasive candidiasis, there is a need to improve diagnostic tools. trends in diagnostics switch to non-culture-based methods, which allow specified diagnosis within significantly shorter periods of time in order to provide early and appropriate antifungal treatment. Areas covered: within this review comprise novel pathogen- and host-related testing methods, e.g. multiplex-PCR analyses, T2 magnetic resonance, fungus-specific DNA microarrays, microRNA characterization or analyses of IL-17 as biomarker for early detection of invasive candidiasis. Expert commentary: Early recognition and diagnosis of fungal infections is a key issue for improved patient management. As shown in this review, a broad range of novel molecular based tests for the detection and identification of Candida species is available. However, several assays are in-house assays and lack standardization, clinical validation as well as data on sensitivity and specificity. This underscores the need for the development of faster and more accurate diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfried Posch
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - David Heimdörfer
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- a Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology , Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck , Austria
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Buchheidt D, Reinwald M, Hofmann WK, Boch T, Spiess B. Evaluating the use of PCR for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:603-610. [PMID: 28460550 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1325735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aspergillus species, primarily Aspergillus fumigatus, are still the most emerging fungal pathogens. Within recent years, novel molecular methods have been developed to improve the diagnosis of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in high risk patients. Especially patients with malignant hematological diseases undergoing intensive chemotherapy are at risk and mortality rates are exceptionally high, in part due to difficulties and delays in establishing a microbiologic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for an adequate therapeutical management, but, however, are hardly achieved in the clinical setting because most of the current conventional diagnostic tools either lack specificity or acceptable sensitivity at the critical early phase of the infection. Areas covered: To review the clinical value, advantages and problems as well as drawbacks of molecular approaches, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to detect genomic DNA of Aspergillus species in clinical samples of immunocompromised, especially hematological patients at high risk for IA, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and expert opinion was expressed. Expert commentary: The results of numerous attempts to diagnose invasive aspergillosis by PCR-based detection of fungal genome in clinical samples highlight the potential of the PCR technique to improve early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies during intensive antineoplastic treatment, combined with imaging surveillance and serologic diagnostic tools. Further comparative validation of reliable assays in prospective multicenter studies is mandatory and urgently needed in order to establish a harmonization and standardization, so that 'gold standard assays' may be incorporated into diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients with life-threatening infections caused by Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Buchheidt
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Mark Reinwald
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Tobias Boch
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Birgit Spiess
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
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Buchheidt D, Spiess B, Hofmann WK, Reinwald M. Galactomannan-Based and PCR-Based Assays in Bronchoalveolar Lavage to Diagnose Invasive Aspergillosis: Current Status and Future Prospects. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-013-0141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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5
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Substantially elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), together with low levels of procalcitonin (PCT), contributes to diagnosis of fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Support Care Cancer 2013; 21:2733-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1844-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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6
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Lass-Flörl C, Follett S, Moody A, Denning D. Detection ofAspergillusin lung and other tissue samples using the MycAssay Aspergillus real-time PCR kit. Can J Microbiol 2011; 57:765-8. [DOI: 10.1139/w11-064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Fritz-Pregl-Straße 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - S.A. Follett
- Myconostica Ltd., South Court, Sharston Road, Manchester, M22 4SN, UK
| | - A. Moody
- Myconostica Ltd., South Court, Sharston Road, Manchester, M22 4SN, UK
| | - D.W. Denning
- Myconostica Ltd., South Court, Sharston Road, Manchester, M22 4SN, UK
- National Aspergillosis Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
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Cornely OA, Aversa F, Cook P, Jones B, Michallet M, Shea T, Vallejo C. Evaluating the role of prophylaxis in the management of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancy. Eur J Haematol 2011; 87:289-301. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2011.01682.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Hemoptysis and thoracic fungal infections are infrequent but challenging problems, especially when encountered in the emergency setting. The evaluation and management of massive and nonmassive hemoptysis is described with special attention to radiologic, bronchcoscopic, and surgical interventions. The important principles of airway control, stabilization, and definitive management are emphasized. Endemic and opportunistic fungal infections are more common than they seem. The role of the surgeon is to assist in diagnosis, evaluate and treat pulmonary nodules, and consider resectional therapy for mycetoma and invasive fungal infections in selected candidates.
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10
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Advances in molecular detection of Aspergillus: an update. Arch Microbiol 2010; 192:409-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00203-010-0563-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Revised: 11/01/2009] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Perlin DS, Zhao Y. Molecular diagnostic platforms for detectingAspergillus. Med Mycol 2009; 47 Suppl 1:S223-32. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780802126583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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12
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Buchheidt D. Molecular diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancies – new answers to a diagnostic challenge? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 2:753-61. [DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2.7.753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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13
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Khan ZU, Ahmad S, Theyyathel A. Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus-specific DNA, (1–3)-β-d-glucan and galactomannan in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens of experimentally infected rats. Mycoses 2008; 51:129-35. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ahmad S, Khan ZU, Theyyathel AM. Diagnostic value of DNA, (1-3)-β-d-glucan, and galactomannan detection in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage of mice experimentally infected with Aspergillus terreus. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 59:165-71. [PMID: 17574786 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2007] [Revised: 04/05/2007] [Accepted: 04/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of Aspergillus terreus-specific DNA, (1-3)-beta-d-glucan (BDG), and galactomannan (GM) in immunosuppressed mice infected intravenously with A. terreus conidia and sacrificed in groups of 12 each on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. A. terreus-specific DNA, BDG, and GM in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were detected by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR), Fungitell kit (Associates of Cape Cod, E. Falmouth, MA), and Aspergillus Platelia kit (Bio-Rad, Marnes-laCoquette, France), respectively. Cultures of lung homogenate of all the animals yielded A. terreus. The BDG positivity, GM positivity, and nPCR positivity in serum specimens were 43%, 78%, and 73%, respectively. Combined detection enhanced the positivity to 95% for A. terreus DNA and GM, 83% for GM and BDG, and 95% for DNA, GM, and BDG. In BAL, the GM positivity and nPCR positivity were 80% and 81%, respectively, whereas combined detection increased the positivity to 98%. Detection of GM and DNA offers a sensitive and specific diagnostic option for invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait 13110
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Spiess B, Seifarth W, Hummel M, Frank O, Fabarius A, Zheng C, Mörz H, Hehlmann R, Buchheidt D. DNA microarray-based detection and identification of fungal pathogens in clinical samples from neutropenic patients. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:3743-53. [PMID: 17715373 PMCID: PMC2168469 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00942-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in immunocompromised patients emphasizes the need to improve diagnostic tools. We established a DNA microarray to detect and identify DNA from 14 fungal pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata, Candida lusitaniae, Candida tropicalis, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Mucor racemosus, Rhizopus microsporus, Scedosporium prolificans, and Trichosporon asahii) in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tissue samples from high-risk patients. The assay combines multiplex PCR and consecutive DNA microarray hybridization. PCR primers and capture probes were derived from unique sequences of the 18S, 5.8S, and internal transcribed spacer 1 regions of the fungal rRNA genes. Hybridization with genomic DNA of fungal species resulted in species-specific hybridization patterns. By testing clinical samples from 46 neutropenic patients with proven, probable, or possible IFI or without IFI, we detected A. flavus, A. fumigatus, C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, F. oxysporum, F. solani, R. microsporus, S. prolificans, and T. asahii. For 22 of 22 patients (5 without IFI and 17 with possible IFI), negative diagnostic results corresponded with negative microarray data. For 11 patients with proven (n = 4), probable (n = 2), and possible IFI (n = 5), data for results positive by microarray were validated by other diagnostic findings. For 11 of 11 patients with possible IFI, the microarray results provided additional information. For two patients with proven and probable invasive aspergillosis, respectively, microarray results were negative. The assay detected genomic DNA from 14 fungal pathogens from the clinical samples, pointing to a high significance for improving the diagnosis of IFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Spiess
- III Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167, Mannheim, Germany
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16
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Schaal R, Kupfahl C, Buchheidt D, Neumaier M, Findeisen P. Systematic identification of substrates for profiling of secreted proteases from Aspergillus species. J Microbiol Methods 2007; 71:93-100. [PMID: 17707935 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2007.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Revised: 04/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reliable and early diagnosis of life-threatening invasive mycoses in neutropenic patients caused by fungi of the Aspergillus species remains challenging because current clinical diagnostic tools lack in sensitivity and/or specificity. During invasive growth a variety of fungal proteases are secreted into the bloodstream and protease profiling with reporter peptides might improve diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in serum specimens. To characterise the specific protease activity of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger we analyzed Aspergillus culture supernatants, human serum and the mixture of both. A systematic screening for optimised protease substrates was performed using a random peptide library consisting of 360 synthetic peptides featuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). We could identify numerous peptides that are selectively cleaved by fungus-specific proteases. These reporter peptides might be feasible for future protease profiling of serum specimens to improve diagnosis and monitoring of invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Schaal
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, University Hospital Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Hummel M, Buchheidt D. Molecular and serological diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: new answers to old questions? Mycoses 2007; 50 Suppl 1:18-23. [PMID: 17394606 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2007.01376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the recent years, novel molecular and serological methods have been developed to improve diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in patients at high risk for fungal infections, especially patients with malignant haematological diseases undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in the management of fungal infections. However, diagnosis often remains difficult as most of the diagnostic tools in clinical use at present either lack specificity or acceptable sensitivity in the early phase of the infection. The clinical value, advantages and problems of current molecular and serological approaches to diagnose IA are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Hummel
- 3, Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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18
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Balajee SA, Sigler L, Brandt ME. DNA and the classical way: Identification of medically important molds in the 21st century. Med Mycol 2007; 45:475-90. [PMID: 17710617 DOI: 10.1080/13693780701449425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of the 21st century has seen significant advances in the methods and practices used for identification of medically important molds in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Historically, molds have been identified by using observations of colonial and microscopic morphology, along with tables, keys and textbook descriptions. This approach still has value for the identification of many fungal organisms, but requires expertise and can be problematic in determining a species identification that is timely and useful in the management of high-risk patients. For the increasing number of isolates that are uncommon, atypical, or unusual, DNA-based identification methods are being increasingly employed in many clinical laboratories. These methods include the commercially available GenProbe assay, methods based on the polymerase chain reaction such as single-step PCR, RAPD-PCR, rep-PCR, nested PCR, PCR-RFLP, PCR-EIA, and more recent microarray-based, Luminex technology-based, and real-time PCR-based methods. Great variation in assay complexity, targets, and detection methods can be found, and many of these methods have not been widely used or rigorously validated. The increasing availability of DNA sequencing chemistry has made comparative DNA sequence analysis an attractive alternative tool for fungal identification. DNA sequencing methodology can be purchased commercially or developed in-house; such methods display varying degrees of usefulness depending on the breadth and reliability of the databases used for comparison. The future success of sequencing-based approaches will depend on the choice of DNA target, the reliability of the result, and the availability of a validated sequence database for query and comparison. Future studies will be required to determine sequence homology breakpoints and to assess the accuracy of molecular-based species identification in various groups of medically important filamentous fungi. At this time, a polyphasic approach to identification that combines morphologic and molecular methods will ensure the greatest success in the management of patients with fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Arunmozhi Balajee
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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Maertens J, Deeren D, Dierickx D, Theunissen K. Preemptive antifungal therapy: still a way to go. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2006; 19:551-6. [PMID: 17075330 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0b013e3280106854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Early treatment of invasive mold infections improves the outcome. Therapy is often delayed, however, because available diagnostic tools such as culture, microscopy and conventional radiology lack sensitivity; consequently, empirical initiation of antifungal therapy has been advocated, particularly for patients with prolonged unexplained neutropenic fever. RECENT FINDINGS Much recent progress has been made in the development and evaluation of nonculture-based assays, including the detection of the fungal antigens galactomannan and beta-D-glucan and the detection of fungal DNA by polymerase chain reaction techniques. These new tools should aid the rapid, early diagnosis of invasive fungal disease, especially when used as screening tools in conjunction with sensitive imaging techniques. SUMMARY The review will consider these recent developments with the purpose of introducing the concept of preemptive antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, Acute Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium.
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20
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Quindós G. New microbiological techniques for the diagnosis of invasive mycoses caused by filamentous fungi. Clin Microbiol Infect 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2006.01605.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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White PL, Barton R, Guiver M, Linton CJ, Wilson S, Smith M, Gomez BL, Carr MJ, Kimmitt PT, Seaton S, Rajakumar K, Holyoake T, Kibbler CC, Johnson E, Hobson RP, Jones B, Barnes RA. A consensus on fungal polymerase chain reaction diagnosis?: a United Kingdom-Ireland evaluation of polymerase chain reaction methods for detection of systemic fungal infections. J Mol Diagn 2006; 8:376-84. [PMID: 16825512 PMCID: PMC1867606 DOI: 10.2353/jmoldx.2006.050120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The limitations of classical diagnostic methods for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) have led to the development of molecular techniques to aid in the detection of IFIs. Despite good published performance, interlaboratory reproduction of these assays is variable, and no consensus has been reached for an optimal method. This publication describes the first multicenter study of polymerase chain reaction methods, for the detection of Aspergillus and Candida species, currently used in the UK and Ireland by distribution and analysis of multiple specimen control panels. All three Candida methods were comparable, achieving a satisfactory level of detection (10 cfu), and the method of preference was dependent on the requirements of the particular laboratory. The results for the five Aspergillus assays were more variable, but two methods (2Asp and 4Asp) were superior (10(1) conidia). Formally, the overall performances of the two Aspergillus assays were comparable (kappa statistic = 0.77). However, on the Roche LightCycler, there was a clear sample-type effect that greatly reduced the detection limit of the 4Asp method when testing whole blood samples. Therefore, the preferred Aspergillus method relied on the amplification platform available to the user. This study represents the initial process to achieve a consensus method for the diagnosis of IFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis White
- Department of Medical Microbiology and NPHS Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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Hummel M, Spiess B, Kentouche K, Niggemann S, Böhm C, Reuter S, Kiehl M, Mörz H, Hehlmann R, Buchheidt D. Detection of Aspergillus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with cerebral aspergillosis by a nested PCR assay. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:3989-93. [PMID: 16943359 PMCID: PMC1698333 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00466-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA), a complication with high mortality rates, especially in disseminated IA with cerebral involvement, is difficult to diagnose. Biopsy of cerebral lesions is often not feasible, and culture of Aspergillus spp. from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is frequently negative. New molecular methods have emerged for diagnosing IA. So far, there are only few reports of Aspergillus DNA detection in CSF. After modifying the DNA extraction protocol, we detected Aspergillus DNA in CSF samples by a previously described nested PCR assay. In six patients with hematologic malignancy and cerebral aspergillosis, CSF samples were investigated for Aspergillus DNA. IA was classified according to the EORTC/MSG 2002 criteria. Two patients each had proven, probable, and possible IA. Thirty-five CSF samples were investigated for Aspergillus DNA by nested PCR. Samples with positive results in the nested PCR assay were quantified by LightCycler PCR assay. Fourteen CSF samples showed positive results in the nested PCR assay. Of these, six samples gave positive results in real-time PCR. The range of CFU per ml was 2,154 to 63,100,000. The highest number of CFU per ml was found in a CSF sample of a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia and probable cerebral aspergillosis. Detection of Aspergillus DNA in CSF samples is thus possible and has the potential to improve diagnosis of cerebral aspergillosis. Further prospective studies with larger numbers of patients must be performed to evaluate the clinical significance of Aspergillus PCR with CSF samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hummel
- III. Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Fakultät für Klinische Medizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
PCR is a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. However, it is essential that an optimal method be agreed to allow inclusion in future consensus diagnosis criteria. It should be used in conjunction with other methods (e.g., galatomannan (GM) ELISA and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT)) to enhance the opportunity for detection of this devastating infection. This manuscript will try to highlight the benefits but mainly the limitations occurring throughout the process of molecular testing. It will focus on real-time methods although many of the points will be relevant to block-based amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosemary A Barnes
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
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