1
|
Rafat Z, Ashrafi K, Hashemi SJ, Sasani E, Naserani A, Sarvestani HK, Hashemi F. The mycological and molecular study of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia among HIV and non-HIV immunocompromised patients hospitalized in pulmonary units in Guilan, Northern Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 13:518-524. [PMID: 34557281 PMCID: PMC8421585 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v13i4.6977] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a serious infection that usually affects those with a weak immune system. Since the prevalence of this infection in Iran and in the world is not clearly defined, the present study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical spectrum, and demographic characteristics of PJP among HIV and non-HIV immunocompromised patients. Materials and Methods Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) specimens were obtained from 3 groups of immunocompromised patients, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, diabetic patients, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. All were hospitalized in pulmonary units. The specimens were examined using microscopic methods (Giemsa and calcofluor white staining) and the nested-PCR technique based on mtLSU-rRNA gene. Results A total of 120 BAL samples were collected. From 12.5% (5 from 40) of HIV-infected patients, 5% (2 from 40) of patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and 2.5% (1 from 40) of diabetic patients Pneumocystis jiroveci was isolated. There was not any association between the prevalence of PJP and the patient's gender (p= 0.557) and age (p= 0.681). Fever and dyspnea (n=7, 87.5%), nonproductive cough and abnormal auscultation sound (n=5, 62.5%), and also chills and weight loss (n=2, 25%) were the documented clinical symptoms of PJP. Also, the results showed that none of the samples had positive results for P. jiroveci with microscopic tests while using the nested-PCR method 8 samples had positive results. Conclusion Since PJP often causes symptoms that are similar to other illnesses, such as the flu or tuberculosis, clinical and laboratory findings should be used simultaneously for making the final decision on drug administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rafat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keyhan Ashrafi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Food Microbiology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Sasani
- Department of Mycology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Naserani
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hasti Kamali Sarvestani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Hashemi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
|
3
|
Fillaux J, Berry A. Real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 943:159-70. [PMID: 23104289 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60327-353-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a common cause of life-threatening pneumonia among immunocompromised patients. Since P. jirovecii cannot be cultured, specific identification of it depends on examining respiratory specimens. In the last decade, PCR has been developed which allows the detection of very low levels of P. jirovecii not detectable by routine histochemical staining. We have shown that the direct immunofluorescence assay can be replaced by a real-time PCR assay given its feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity, for the detection of P. jirovecii. A negative PCR, performed on a LightCycler System(®), enables a diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PjP) to be excluded, and the semiquantitative result with the application of some cutoff values can have a role in distinguishing between colonized or subclinically infected patients and PjP patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Fillaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Esgalhado R, Esteves F, Antunes F, Matos O. Study of the epidemiology of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. suis in abattoir swine in Portugal. Med Mycol 2012; 51:66-71. [PMID: 22852751 DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2012.700123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis has been identified in various mammalian species, including domestic, wild and zoo animals. This study's main objectives were: (1) to estimate the prevalence of the Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. suis infection in slaughtered pigs in Portugal, (2) assess the prevalence differences within distinct age groups of animals, (3) determine the possible associations between pulmonary lesions and the infection, and (4) genetically characterize the P. carinii f. sp. suis isolates recovered from infected animals using PCR with DNA sequencing. An epidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted using 215 pig lung tissue samples which demonstrated a global prevalence of 7% (14 positive samples). This value was later validated by statistical analysis as being representative of the national population prevalence. Regarding the assessment of relations between the different variables investigated during the study (age, gender, geographical region, type of farming, weight and pulmonary lesion) and the P. carinii f. sp. suis infection, no significant statistical differences were found, and apparently, no predisposing factors could be defined. Nevertheless, infection by Pneumocystis in pigs is ubiquitous and it can be detected in healthy animals. Thus, the colonization of P. carinii f. sp. suis among healthy individuals suggests that asymptomatic carriers can be an effective reservoir for susceptible animals and participate in the transmission of infection. The present data confirmed that porcine Pneumocystis is genetically distinct from Pneumocystis DNA detected in other mammalian hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Esgalhado
- Unidade de Parasitologia Médica, Grupo de Protozoários Oportunistas/VIH e Outros Protozoários - CMDT, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hof H. Pneumocystis jirovecii: a peculiar fungus posing particular problems for therapy and prophylaxis. Mycoses 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2011.02159.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
6
|
Dihydropteroate synthase gene mutations in Pneumocystis jiroveci strains isolated from immunocompromised patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 59:222-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2010.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
7
|
Döşkaya M, Caner A, Değirmenci A, Wengenack NL, Yolasığmaz A, Turgay N, Özensoy Töz S, Gürüz Y. Degree and frequency of inhibition in a routine real-time PCR detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in Turkey. J Med Microbiol 2011; 60:937-944. [PMID: 21459903 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.030775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Routine laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii is currently achieved by PCR in almost all laboratories with sufficient equipment due to its high sensitivity and specificity compared to staining methods. A current issue that limits the reliability and sensitivity of PCR is the degree of inhibition caused by inhibitory substances in respiratory samples. The present study aimed to analyse the degree and frequency of inhibition in real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens submitted to a Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) diagnosis laboratory in Ege University Medical School, Turkey. Between July 2009 and December 2010, 76 respiratory specimens [63 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, 10 sputum samples, two tracheal aspiration fluid and one thoracentesis fluid] obtained from 69 PcP-suspected patients were investigated for the presence of P. jirovecii using real-time PCR targeting the cdc2 gene. Of these samples, 42 of the specimens were stained and examined by microscopy according to the request of the clinicians. PCR was positive in 15 specimens in the initial run. Of the remaining 61 samples, 41 of them were negative with positive internal inhibition controls (i.e. true-negative group). The frequency of inhibition in the initial run was 26.31 % (20/76) as determined by spiked negative controls. All of the inhibited samples were resolved after 1 : 2, 1 : 5, 1 : 10 and 1 : 20 dilutions. P. jirovecii was detected by PCR in two inhibited specimens after retesting with diluted samples which were also positive by microscopy. The incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens was 22.36 % (17/76) as determined by real-time PCR and 7.14 % (3/42) by microscopy. Overall, the incidence of P. jirovecii in respiratory samples was 23.68 % (18/76) as detected by both methods. In conclusion, inclusion of spiked positive controls in each sample and retesting with diluted samples to resolve inhibition increased the reliability of the real-time PCR assay in terms of determining false-negative results and influencing the treatment of the patient. Furthermore, results of the present study determined for the first time the frequency and degree of inhibition in a real-time PCR detecting P. jirovecii in respiratory specimens during routine diagnosis of PcP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Caner
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nancy L Wengenack
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ayşegül Yolasığmaz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Nevin Turgay
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Seray Özensoy Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova/Izmir 35100, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lee JH, Lee JY, Shin MR, Ahn HK, Kim CW, Kim I. Immunohistochemical Identification of Pneumocystis jiroveciiin Liquid-based Cytology of Bronchoalveolar Lavage - Nine Cases Report -. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.4132/koreanjpathol.2011.45.1.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hyeon Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Young Lee
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Ran Shin
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeong Kee Ahn
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Whan Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Insun Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Matos O, Esteves F. Pneumocystis jirovecii multilocus gene sequencing: findings and implications. Future Microbiol 2010; 5:1257-67. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.10.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP) remains a major cause of respiratory illness among immunocompromised patients, especially patients infected with HIV, but it has also been isolated from immunocompetent persons. This article discusses the application of multilocus genotyping analysis to the study of the genetic diversity of P. jirovecii and its epidemiological and clinical parameters, and the important concepts achieved to date with these approaches. The multilocus typing studies performed until now have shown that there is an important genetic diversity of stable and ubiquitous P. jirovecii genotypes; infection with P. jirovecii is not necessarily clonal, recombination between some P. jirovecii multilocus genotypes has been suggested. P. jirovecii-specific multilocus genotypes can be associated with severity of PcP. Patients infected with P. jirovecii, regardless of the form of infection they present with, are part of a common human reservoir for future infections. The CYB, DHFR, DHPS, mtLSU rRNA, SOD and the ITS loci are suitable genetic targets to be used in further epidemiological studies focused on the identification and characterization of P. jirovecii haplotypes correlated with drug resistance and PcP outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Esteves
- Unidade de Protozoários Oportunistas/VIH e Outras Protozooses, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The incidence of invasive mycoses is increasing, especially among patients who are immunocompromised or hospitalized with serious underlying diseases. Such infections may be broken into two broad categories: opportunistic and endemic. The most important agents of the opportunistic mycoses are Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and Aspergillus spp. (although the list of potential pathogens is ever expanding); while the most commonly encountered endemic mycoses are due to Histoplasma capsulatum, Coccidioides immitis/posadasii, and Blastomyces dermatitidis. This review discusses the epidemiologic profiles of these invasive mycoses in North America, as well as risk factors for infection, and the pathogens' antifungal susceptibility.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gupta R, Mirdha BR, Guleria R, Kumar L, Samantaray JC, Agarwal SK, Kabra SK, Luthra K. Diagnostic significance of nested polymerase chain reaction for sensitive detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii in respiratory clinical specimens. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2009; 64:381-8. [PMID: 19631091 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2009.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A total of 327 clinical specimens, including both invasive and noninvasive samples, obtained from 275 patients with various types of underlying immunocompromised conditions and a clinical suspicion of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) were subjected to 2 different nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The target genes used for nested PCR were mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSU rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The results were compared with a single-round PCR targeting major surface glycoprotein (MSG) gene. Amplification was successful in 16% of cases by mtLSU rRNA nested PCR, in 14.5% by ITS nested PCR, and in 10.9% by MSG PCR. The nested mtLSU rRNA PCR was found to be more sensitive (100% sensitive and 98.7% specific) and useful in detecting PCP for its use in routine diagnosis in our settings. Thus, this assay may be quite useful in the identification of patients who are in the early stage of Pneumocystis jirovecii infection with an organism load that could not be easily detected by the single-step PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Daly K, Koch J, Respaldiza N, de la Horra C, Montes-Cano MA, Medrano FJ, Varela JM, Calderon EJ, Walzer PD. Geographical variation in serological responses to recombinant Pneumocystis jirovecii major surface glycoprotein antigens. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15:937-42. [PMID: 19416292 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02716.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The use of recombinant fragments of the major surface glycoprotein (Msg) of Pneumocystis jirovecii has proven useful for studying serological immune responses of blood donors and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive (HIV(+)) patients. Here, we have used ELISA to measure antibody titres to Msg fragments (MsgA, MsgB, MsgC1, MsgC3, MsgC8 and MsgC9) in sera isolated in the USA (n=200) and Spain (n=326), to determine whether geographical location affects serological responses to these antigens. Blood donors from Seville exhibited a significantly greater antibody titre to MsgC8, and significantly lower responses to MsgC3 and MsgC9, than did Cincinnati (USA) donors. Spanish blood donors (n=162) also exhibited elevated responses to MsgC1, MsgC8 and MsgC9 as compared with Spanish HIV(+) (n=164) patients. HIV(+) patients who had Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP(+)) exhibited a higher response to MsgC8 than did HIV(+) PcP(-) patients. These data show that geographical location plays a role in responsiveness to Msg fragments. Additionally, these fragments have utility in differentiating HIV(+) PcP and HIV(+) PcP(+) among patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Daly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0560, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hernández-Trejo N, Kayser O, Steckel H, Müller RH. Characterization of nebulized buparvaquone nanosuspensions—effect of nebulization technology. J Drug Target 2008; 13:499-507. [PMID: 16332575 DOI: 10.1080/10611860500353245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The poorly soluble drug buparvaquone is proposed as an alternative treatment of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) lung infections. Physically stable nanosuspensions were formulated in order to deliver the drug at the site of infection using nebulization. The aerosolization characteristics of two buparvaquone nanosuspensions were determined with commercial jet and ultrasonic nebulizer devices. Aerosol droplet size distribution was determined with laser diffractometry (LD). Nebulization of the nanosuspensions and dispersion media surfactant solutions produced aerosol droplets diameters in the range from 3 to 5 microm for Respi-jet Kendall, Pari Turbo Boy system and Multisonic nebulizers and particles around 9-10 microm with Omron U1. Fractions of the nanosuspensions from the nebulizer reservoir and of aerosol produced were collected to investigate changes in the size of the drug nanocrystals influenced by the nebulization technology. Comparisons were performed measuring the drug nanocrystals with photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and LD of the samples. Drug particle aggregates were detected in the fractions of aerosol collected from jet nebulizers. Nebulizer technology (jet vs. ultrasonic) showed influence on the stability of the drug particle size distribution of buparvaquone nanocrystals during the nebulization time evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norma Hernández-Trejo
- Biotechnology & Quality Management, Free University of Berlin, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kelchstr. 31, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Aliouat-Denis CM, Chabé M, Demanche C, Aliouat EM, Viscogliosi E, Guillot J, Delhaes L, Dei-Cas E. Pneumocystis species, co-evolution and pathogenic power. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2008; 8:708-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Revised: 05/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
15
|
Cody V, Pace J, Rosowsky A. Structural analysis of a holoenzyme complex of mouse dihydrofolate reductase with NADPH and a ternary complex with the potent and selective inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-(2'-hydroxydibenz[b,f]azepin-5-yl)methylpteridine. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA. SECTION D, BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2008; 64:977-84. [PMID: 18703847 PMCID: PMC2615397 DOI: 10.1107/s0907444908022348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that 2,4-diamino-6-arylmethylpteridines and 2,4-diamino-5-arylmethylpyrimidines containing an O-carboxylalkyloxy group in the aryl moiety are potent and selective inhibitors of the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from opportunistic pathogens such as Pneumocystis carinii, the causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients. In order to understand the structure-activity profile observed for a series of substituted dibenz[b,f]azepine antifolates, the crystal structures of mouse DHFR (mDHFR; a mammalian homologue) holo and ternary complexes with NADPH and the inhibitor 2,4-diamino-6-(2'-hydroxydibenz[b,f]azepin-5-yl)methylpteridine were determined to 1.9 and 1.4 A resolution, respectively. Structural data for the ternary complex with the potent O-(3-carboxypropyl) inhibitor PT684 revealed no electron density for the O-carboxylalkyloxy side chain. The side chain was either cleaved or completely disordered. The electron density fitted the less potent hydroxyl compound PT684a. Additionally, cocrystallization of mDHFR with NADPH and the less potent 2'-(4-carboxybenzyl) inhibitor PT682 showed no electron density for the inhibitor and resulted in the first report of a holoenzyme complex despite several attempts at crystallization of a ternary complex. Modeling data of PT682 in the active site of mDHFR and P. carinii DHFR (pcDHFR) indicate that binding would require ligand-induced conformational changes to the enzyme for the inhibitor to fit into the active site or that the inhibitor side chain would have to adopt an alternative binding mode to that observed for other carboxyalkyloxy inhibitors. These data also show that the mDHFR complexes have a decreased active-site volume as reflected in the relative shift of helix C (residues 59-64) by 0.6 A compared with pcDHFR ternary complexes. These data are consistent with the greater inhibitory potency against pcDHFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Cody
- Structural Biology Department, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fillaux J, Malvy S, Alvarez M, Fabre R, Cassaing S, Marchou B, Linas MD, Berry A. Accuracy of a routine real-time PCR assay for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. J Microbiol Methods 2008; 75:258-61. [PMID: 18606198 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Revised: 06/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii is a common cause of life-threatening pneumonia among immunocompromised patients. Using 400 fresh bronchoalveolar lavage samples, we compared prospectively routine direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) and a real-time PCR assay, performed on a LightCycler system, for the detection of P. jirovecii. Among the 66 PCR positive samples, 31 were positive by DFA. No patient was found as having the pattern "PCR--ve/DFA+ve". The semi-quantification of the P. jirovecii DNA was represented by the cycle threshold (Ct). Using DFA as the gold standard, the sensitivity of the PCR was 100% for Ct > or = 28 and the specificity was 100% for Ct < 22. Between these two points, the results could be discrepant. The patients of the "22 < or = Ct < 28" group presented more frequently with a radiological interstitial syndrome than the "Ct > or = 28" group, and presented less frequently with HIV-infection and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay than in the "Ct < 22" group. A negative PCR allowed us to exclude the P. jirovecii pneumonia. The real-time PCR assay seems to be an accurate diagnosis method and could replace the DFA. The semi-quantitative results should be helpful to distinguish colonized, subclinically infected and P. jirovecii pneumonia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Fillaux
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Toulouse University Hospitals, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Esteves F, Montes-Cano M, Horra CDL, Costa M, Calderón E, Antunes F, Matos O. Pneumocystis jirovecii multilocus genotyping profiles in patients from Portugal and Spain. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14:356-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2007.01944.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
18
|
Valerio A, Tronconi E, Mazza F, Fantoni G, Atzori C, Tartarone F, Duca P, Cargnel A. Genotyping of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in Italian AIDS patients. Clinical outcome is influenced by dihydropteroate synthase and not by internal transcribed spacer genotype. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2007; 45:521-8. [PMID: 17558331 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3180decbe2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two Pneumocystis jiroveci independent genomic regions, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and ITS2, and dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene have been used for typing a cohort of HIV-infected Italian patients with P jiroveci pneumonia (PcP). METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage samples isolated from 207 HIV-infected adults were ITS and DHPS genotyped by DNA sequencing and by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, respectively. Mutant DHPS samples were cloned and ITS typed. Data on severity, treatment, and outcome of PcP were obtained by chart review. RESULTS High diversity with 46 different ITS genotypes was observed. At the DHPS locus, 9.1% of samples analyzed were found to be mutated. A correlation was observed between DHPS mutants and greater severity of PcP, as defined by higher lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.015) and need for intubation (P = 0.002), and worse outcomes, as defined by failure of sulfa treatment (P = 0.04), death, and/or relapse of PcP (P = 0.008). There was a significant difference in ITS genotype patterns between DHPS wild-type and mutants (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS The present data suggest the absence of a correlation between P jiroveci ITS types and specific clinical characteristics. DHPS mutations correlate with possible failure of anti-P jiroveci sulfa therapy, and a trend of association is shown between DHPS mutations and some clinical PcP features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Valerio
- II Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kobayashi H, Worgall S, O'Connor TP, Crystal RG. Interaction of Pneumocystis carinii with dendritic cells and resulting host responses to P. carinii. J Immunother 2007; 30:54-63. [PMID: 17198083 DOI: 10.1097/01.cji.0000211314.13492.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To assess the interaction of Pneumocystis carinii with dendritic cells (DCs), and the consequences of the response of the host immune system to P. carinii antigens when DC are pulsed with P. carinii, murine DC were pulsed with P. carinii, and the resultant P. carinii host responses assessed in vitro and in vivo. P. carinii interacted with murine bone marrow-derived DC in vitro in part via mannose receptors. DC pulsed with P. carinii did not demonstrate increased expression of the cell surface markers MHC II, CD40, CD54, CD80 (B7.1), and CD86 (B7.2). The release of interleukin (IL)-4 was increased, but there was no increase in the release of interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and nitrite compared with naive DC. In vivo administration of DC pulsed with P. carinii induced a P. carinii-specific response, generating CD4+ cells that proliferated and released IL-4, but not interferon-gamma, in response to P. carinii-pulsed DC in vitro. In vivo administration of DC pulsed with P. carinii also induced P. carinii-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, but not IgG3, antibodies in serum, and lung lavage fluid. Finally, CD4+ depleted mice immunized with DC pulsed with P. carinii demonstrated suppression of lung growth of P. carinii after intratracheal challenge with P. carinii at 3 and 16 weeks after immunization. These observations provide insight into DC-P. carinii interactions, and support the concept that a vaccine that includes DC pulsed with P. carinii can mount a humoral and T helper 2-type cellular response to P. carinii sufficient to suppress the growth of P. carinii in the lung.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Kobayashi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cody V, Pace J, Chisum K, Rosowsky A. New insights into DHFR interactions: analysis of Pneumocystis carinii and mouse DHFR complexes with NADPH and two highly potent 5-(omega-carboxy(alkyloxy) trimethoprim derivatives reveals conformational correlations with activity and novel parallel ring stacking interactions. Proteins 2007; 65:959-69. [PMID: 17019704 DOI: 10.1002/prot.21131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Structural data are reported for two highly potent antifolates, 2,4-diamino-5-[3',4'-dimethoxy-5'-(5-carboxy-1-pentynyl)]benzylpyrimidine (PY1011), with 5000-fold selectivity for Pneumocystis carinii dihydrofolate reductase (pcDHFR), relative to rat liver DHFR, and 2,4-diamino-5-[2-methoxy-5-(4-carboxybutyloxy)benzyl]pyrimidine (PY957), that has 80-fold selectivity for pcDHFR. Crystal structures are reported for NADPH ternary complexes with PY957 and pcDHFR, refined to 2.2 A resolution; with PY1011 and pcDHFR, refined to 2.0 A resolution; and with PY1011 and mouse DHFR (mDHFR), refined to 2.2 A resolution. These results reveal that the carboxylate of the omega-carboxyalkyloxy side chain of these inhibitors form ionic interactions with the conserved Arg in the substrate binding pocket of DHFR. These data suggest that the enhanced inhibitory activity of PY1011 compared with PY957 is, in part, due to the favorable contacts with Phe69 of pcDHFR by the methylene carbons of the inhibitor side chain that are oriented by the triple bond of the 1-pentynyl side chain. These contacts are not present in the PY957 pcDHFR complex, or in the PY1011 mDHFR complex. In the structure of mDHFR the site of Phe69 in pcDHFR is occupied by Asn64. These data also revealed a preference for an unusual parallel ring stacking interaction between Tyr35 of the active site helix and Phe199 of the C-terminal beta sheet in pcDHFR and by Tyr33 and Phe179 in mDHFR that is independent of bound ligand. A unique His174-His187 parallel ring stacking interaction was also observed only in the structure of pcDHFR. These ring stacking interactions are rarely found in any other protein families and may serve to enhance protein stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Cody
- Department of Structural Biology, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Daly KR, Koch JV, Shire NJ, Levin L, Walzer PD. Human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with prior Pneumocystis pneumonia exhibit increased serologic reactivity to several major surface glycoprotein clones. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 13:1071-8. [PMID: 17028210 PMCID: PMC1595325 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00140-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant clones of the carboxyl terminus of the major surface glycoprotein (MsgC) of Pneumocystis jirovecii are useful for analyzing serologic responses in humans. However, there is no standardized set of antigens in general use, which could lead to conflicting results. We have previously shown that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients with prior Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP+) responded more frequently and more strongly to a clone of MsgC than did HIV-1-infected patients without PcP (PcP-). Here we test three new clones of MsgC to determine the effect of antigenic sequence variation on immune reactivity in blood donors and HIV-infected patients previously analyzed for reactivity to our original MsgC clone. In Western blot analyses, PcP+ patients exhibited the highest frequency of reactivity to each MsgC clone, and the frequency of reactivity with all four MsgC clones together was significantly higher in sera from PcP+ patients than in sera from the other patient groups. Furthermore, in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we found that the PcP+ population had the highest level of reactivity to two of the four clones tested. One of the new clones could distinguish between PcP+ and PcP- populations, and two MsgC clones could distinguish blood donors from the other patient populations. The results show that inherent differences in MsgC amino acid sequence can affect recognition by antibodies independently of variations in protein length or patient population, and the utility of a clone depends on its sequence and on the populations tested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K R Daly
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0560, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Shivji M, Burger S, Moncada CA, Clarkson AB, Merali S. Effect of nicotine on lung S-adenosylmethionine and development of Pneumocystis pneumonia. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:15219-28. [PMID: 15668255 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m413946200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Because S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) is required by Pneumocystis carinii in vitro, Pneumocystis infection depletes plasma AdoMet of rats and humans, nicotine reduces AdoMet of guinea pig lungs, and smoking correlates with reduced episodes of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients, we tested the effect of nicotine treatment on PCP using a rat model. Intraperitoneal infusion of 400 microg of R-(+) nicotine kg(-1) h(-1) intraperitoneal for 21 days caused a 15-fold reduction in lung AdoMet although neither plasma nor liver were changed. Infusion of 4 and 400 microg kg(-1) h(-1) into immunosuppressed rats, beginning when rats were inoculated with P. carinii, caused 85 and 99.88% reductions, respectively, in P. carinii cysts at sacrifice 21 days later; P. carinii nuclei were reduced by 91.2 and >99.99%, respectively. This effect was reversed by concomitant administration of AdoMet with nicotine. Treatment with AdoMet alone increased infection intensity. We conclude that AdoMet is a critical and limiting nutrient for Pneumocystis thus can serve as a therapeutic target for PCP. Regarding the mechanism, nicotine treatment caused no change in rat lung activity of AdoMet synthesizing methionine ATP transferase activity nor was there any evidence of increased AdoMet utilization for methylation reactions. Except of a doubling of putrescine, nicotine treatment also did not change lung polyamine content. However, key polyamine anabolic and catabolic enzymes were upregulated, and there were corresponding changes in polyamine metabolic intermediates. We conclude that chronic nicotine treatment increases lung polyamine catabolic/anabolic cycling and/or excretion leading to increased AdoMet-consuming polyamine biosynthesis and depletion of lung AdoMet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehboob Shivji
- Department of Medical and Molecular Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10010, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pinlaor S, Mootsikapun P, Pinlaor P, Phunmanee A, Pipitgool V, Sithithaworn P, Chumpia W, Sithithaworn J. PCR diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii on sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples in immuno-compromised patients. Parasitol Res 2004; 94:213-8. [PMID: 15340838 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-004-1200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2004] [Accepted: 07/12/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was compared with Wright-Giemsa (WG), Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for detection of Pneumocystis carinii in immuno-compromised patients. Specimens of 21 bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) and 139 sputum samples, were obtained from 157 patients (38 with AIDS and 119 with HIV) from four hospitals in Khon Kaen, Thailand. A true positive required at least two positives by techniques considered gold standard tests. Eleven (52.38%) BAL and 13 (9.35%) sputum specimens were positive. PCR produced the highest sensitivity and negative predictive values for the BAL (100% for each) vs. sputum samples at 84.62 and 98.41 percent, respectively. The specificity of PCR was 90% and 98.41% for BAL and sputum samples, respectively. We suggest PCR is an important tool for the epidemiological study of P. carinii in high-risk individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Somchai Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Daly KR, Koch J, Levin L, Walzer PD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and serologic responses to Pneumocystis jiroveci. Emerg Infect Dis 2004; 10:848-54. [PMID: 15200818 PMCID: PMC3323219 DOI: 10.3201/eid1005.030497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroepidemiologic studies of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in humans have been limited by inadequate reagents. We have developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using three overlapping recombinant fragments of the human Pneumocystis major surface glycoprotein (MsgA, MsgB, and MsgC) for analysis of antibody responses in HIV-positive patients and healthy blood donors. HIV-positive patients had significantly higher antibody levels to all Msg fragments. Furthermore, HIV-positive patients who experienced a previous episode of PCP (PCP-positive) had higher levels of antibodies to MsgC than patients who never had PCP. A significant association was found between ELISA antibody level and reactivity by Western blot in HIV-positive patients, especially those who were PCP-positive. Thus, this ELISA will be useful in studying serum antibody responses to Pneumocystis in different human populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kieran R Daly
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0560, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
|
26
|
Totet A, Duwat H, Magois E, Jounieaux V, Roux P, Raccurt C, Nevez G. Similar genotypes of Pneumocystis jirovecii in different forms of Pneumocystis infection. Microbiology (Reading) 2004; 150:1173-1178. [PMID: 15133077 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.26919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the genotyping of Pneumocystis jirovecii organisms isolated from three groups of patients that developed diverse forms of P. jirovecii infection; the patients were monitored in the same French hospital. Forty archival specimens from 13 adults with Pneumocystis pneumonia, eight adults colonized by P. jirovecii and 19 immunocompetent infants infected with the fungus contemporaneously with a bronchiolitis episode were analysed retrospectively. Genotyping was performed by analysis of sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS2 regions, and of the dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) locus. At the ITS regions, a high diversity of genotypes, identical main genotypes (B1a3 and B2a1) and the occurrence of mixed infections (more than one genotype) were observed in the three patient groups. At the DHPS locus, the results indicated the presence of mutants in the two adult groups, as well as in the infant group. Consequently, at these two independent genomic regions, P. jirovecii isolates from patients who developed different forms of infection and who lived in the same geographical region presented common characteristics. These results suggest that patients infected with P. jirovecii, whatever the form of infection they present, are part of a common human reservoir for P. jirovecii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Totet
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| | - Hyacinthe Duwat
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| | - Eline Magois
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Jounieaux
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Roux
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Christian Raccurt
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Nevez
- Service de Parasitologie, Mycologie et Médecine des Voyages, Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, 1 rue Laennec, 80054 Amiens, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Steele C, Marrero L, Swain S, Harmsen AG, Zheng M, Brown GD, Gordon S, Shellito JE, Kolls JK. Alveolar macrophage-mediated killing of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. muris involves molecular recognition by the Dectin-1 beta-glucan receptor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 198:1677-88. [PMID: 14657220 PMCID: PMC2194130 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20030932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Innate immune mechanisms against Pneumocystis carinii, a frequent cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals, are not well understood. Using both real time polymerase chain reaction as a measure of organism viability and fluorescent deconvolution microscopy, we show that nonopsonic phagocytosis of P. carinii by alveolar macrophages is mediated by the Dectin-1 β-glucan receptor and that the subsequent generation of hydrogen peroxide is involved in alveolar macrophage–mediated killing of P. carinii. The macrophage Dectin-1 β-glucan receptor colocalized with the P. carinii cyst wall. However, blockage of Dectin-1 with high concentrations of anti–Dectin-1 antibody inhibited binding and concomitant killing of P. carinii by alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, RAW 264.7 macrophages overexpressing Dectin-1 bound P. carinii at a higher level than control RAW cells. In the presence of Dectin-1 blockage, killing of opsonized P. carinii could be restored through FcγRII/III receptors. Opsonized P. carinii could also be efficiently killed in the presence of FcγRII/III receptor blockage through Dectin-1–mediated phagocytosis. We further show that Dectin-1 is required for P. carinii–induced macrophage inflammatory protein 2 production by alveolar macrophages. Taken together, these results show that nonopsonic phagocytosis and subsequent killing of P. carinii by alveolar macrophages is dependent upon recognition by the Dectin-1 β-glucan receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad Steele
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Fungi affect humans in complex ways and are capable of eliciting a number of disease responses, such as infectious, allergic, and irritant and toxic effects. Fungal exposure is unequivocally associated with exacerbations of asthma, although the role of fungi in causing the disease is yet to be determined. The association between home dampness and respiratory health effects is strong, and fungal exposure is suspected to be associated with this linkage. Fear of toxin exposures has generated debate over the possible toxic health effects of airborne fungi; however, several recent reviews discount the health impacts of mycotoxin through indoor exposures. Nevertheless, fungal contamination of indoor environments is undesirable. Knowledge of sources and characteristics of fungal spore release and dispersal are important for understanding the processes of exposure. Environmental monitoring for fungi and their disease agents are important aspects of exposure assessment, but few guidelines exist for interpreting their health impacts. Much work is needed in isolating, characterizing and standardizing fungal disease agents to properly assess the prevalence of fungal health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Rogers
- Environmental Science and Engineering Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Landmark Center, PO Box 15677, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Vargas SL, Ponce CA, Sanchez CA, Ulloa AV, Bustamante R, Juarez G. Pregnancy and asymptomatic carriage of Pneumocystis jiroveci. Emerg Infect Dis 2003; 9:605-6. [PMID: 12737749 PMCID: PMC2972767 DOI: 10.3201/eid0905.020660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
|
30
|
Lubis N, Baylis D, Short A, Stebbing J, Teague A, Portsmouth S, Bower M, Nelson M, Gazzard B. Prospective cohort study showing changes in the monthly incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Postgrad Med J 2003; 79:164-6. [PMID: 12697918 PMCID: PMC1742624 DOI: 10.1136/pmj.79.929.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) remains a serious opportunistic infection in HIV infected individuals. Seasonal changes in climate are associated with changes within individual susceptibility to infection. The possibility of monthly variability in the incidence of PCP was therefore examined by means of a cohort study of a database of 8640 HIV infected individuals attending the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. There were 792 cases of PCP diagnosed since 1985. A marked decline was observed in the incidence of PCP in mid-1992 coincident with the introduction of PCP prophylaxis. There was a further decline in 1996 after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Despite no significant monthly variation in the mean attendance to clinic and CD4 count, both new and all cases of PCP were higher in January than in other months (15.9% and 14.5% of all cases, respectively). A correlation with low rainfall in January and new cases of PCP was observed. These data are consistent with an influence of climatic conditions on the presentation of PCP. The diagnosis of PCP is more common in winter months suggesting that this is a transmissible infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Lubis
- Imperial College School of Medicine, London
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|