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Liu MZ, Dai XH, Zeng MT, Chen EQ. Clinical treatment of cryptococcal meningitis: an evidence-based review on the emerging clinical data. J Neurol 2024; 271:2960-2979. [PMID: 38289535 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a fatal fungal central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Cryptococcus infecting the meninges and/or brain parenchyma, with fever, headache, neck stiffness, and visual disturbances as the primary clinical manifestations. Immunocompromised individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or who have undergone organ transplantation, as well as immunocompetent people can both be susceptible to CM. Without treatment, patients with CM may have a mortality rate of up to 100% after hospital admission. Even after receiving therapy, CM patients may still suffer from problems such as difficulty to cure, poor prognosis, and high mortality. Therefore, timely and effective treatment is essential to improve the mortality and prognosis of CM patients. Currently, the clinical outcomes of CM are frequently unsatisfactory due to limited drug choices, severe adverse reactions, drug resistance, etc. Here, we review the research progress of CM treatment strategies and discuss the suitable options for managing CM, hoping to provide a reference for physicians to select the most appropriate treatment regimens for CM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Zhu Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin-Hua Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ming-Tang Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guo Xue Xiang, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Okwir M, Link A, Opio B, Okello F, Nakato R, Nabongo B, Alal J, Rhein J, Meya D, Liu Y, Bohjanen PR. Poor long-term outcomes despite improved hospital survival for patients with cryptococcal meningitis in rural, Northern Uganda. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303805. [PMID: 38771769 PMCID: PMC11108149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a major cause of death among people living with HIV in rural sub-Saharan Africa. We previously reported that a CM diagnosis and treatment program (CM-DTP) improved hospital survival for CM patients in rural, northern Uganda. This study aimed to evaluate the impact on long-term survival. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda evaluating long-term survival (≥1 year) of CM patients diagnosed after CM-DTP initiation (February 2017-September 2021). We compared with a baseline historical group of CM patients before CM-DTP implementation (January 2015-February 2017). Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed time-to-death in these groups, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS We identified 318 CM patients, 105 in the Historical Group, and 213 in the CM-DTP Group. The Historical Group had a higher 30-day mortality of 78.5% compared to 42.2% in the CM-DTP Group. The overall survival rate for the CM-DTP group at three years was 25.6%. Attendance at follow-up visits (HR:0.13, 95% CI: [0.03-0.53], p <0.001), ART adherence (HR:0.27, 95% CI: [0.10-0.71], p = 0.008), and fluconazole adherence: (HR:0.03, 95% CI: [0.01-0.13], p <0.001), weight >50kg (HR:0.54, 95% CI: [0.35-0.84], p = 0.006), and performance of therapeutic lumbar punctures (HR:0.42, 95% CI: [0.24-0.71], p = 0.001), were associated with lower risk of death. Altered mentation was associated with increased death risk (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.10-2.42, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION Long-term survival of CM patients improved after the initiation of the CM-DTP. Despite this improved survival, long-term outcomes remained sub-optimal, suggesting that further work is needed to enhance long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Okwir
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, Uganda
| | - Abigail Link
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Bosco Opio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
| | - Fred Okello
- Department of Medicine, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, Uganda
| | - Ritah Nakato
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, Uganda
| | - Betty Nabongo
- Department of Medicine, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Alal
- Department of Medicine, Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Lira, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - David Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul R. Bohjanen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lira University, Lira, Uganda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
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Wake RM, Molloy SF, Jarvis JN, Harrison TS, Govender NP. Cryptococcal Antigenemia in Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Disease: Pathophysiology, Epidemiology, and Clinical Implications. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:764-770. [PMID: 35986670 PMCID: PMC9938740 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) is detectable in blood prior to the onset of symptomatic cryptococcal meningitis (CM), a leading cause of death among people with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease globally. Highly sensitive assays can detect CrAg in blood, and screening people with HIV with low CD4 counts, followed by preemptive antifungal treatment, is recommended and widely implemented as part of a global strategy to prevent CM and end cryptococcal-related deaths. Cryptococcal antigenemia encompasses a spectrum of conditions from preclinical asymptomatic infection (cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] CrAg-negative) through subclinical (CSF CrAg-positive without overt meningism) to clinical symptomatic cryptococcal disease, usually manifesting as CM. In this review, we summarize current understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors for, and clinical implications of cryptococcal antigenemia within this spectrum. We also provide an update on global prevalence, recommended screening and treatment strategies, and future considerations for improving outcomes among patients with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Wake
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Síle F Molloy
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Thomas S Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Nelesh P Govender
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Muzazu SGY, Assefa DG, Phiri C, Getinet T, Solomon S, Yismaw G, Manyazewal T. Prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis among people living with human immuno-deficiency virus and predictors of mortality in adults on induction therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:989265. [PMID: 36160163 PMCID: PMC9494297 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.989265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of adult meningitis in countries with a high burden of HIV. It has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa despite the extensive rollout of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the prevalence of CM among people living with HIV (PLWH) and its predictors of mortality among adults who are on induction antifungal therapy in Africa. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials or observational studies published in Africa from 1995 to April 2021. Pooled prevalence of CM among PLWH was calculated using R-studio Version 1.4.1717 software and the data extracted from eligible studies were pooled as percentage with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Predictors of mortality among adults on induction antifungal therapy were synthesized narratively. Results Out of 364 studies identified, 17 eligible articles were included in the analysis. The prevalence of CM among PLWH in Africa was 5.11% (95% CI 2.71-9.43%; participants = 10,813; studies = 9; I 2 = 97%). In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI 4.883-30.0; participants = 533; studies = 3; I 2 = 63%) in the years 1995-2010 and 3.18% (95% CI 1.54-6.45; participants = 10,280; studies = 6; I 2 = 98%) in the years 2011-2021, with the prevalence significantly decreased by 51% (p = 0.02). Predictors of mortality were fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological signs, low Glasgow coma scale, and delayed diagnosis of CM at varied timepoint. Conclusion Prevalence of CM has significantly decreased from 1996-2010 to 2011-2021 among PLWH on induction therapy in Africa. Fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological symptoms, diastolic blood pressure < 60 mmHg, and concurrent tuberculosis coinfection were significant predictors of mortality at 2- and 10-weeks timepoints. CM remains a major concern among PLWH despite increases in ART coverage. Improved access to effective antifungal therapies is needed in Africa for timely initiation of combination induction therapy and better treatment outcomes of PLWH. Systematic review registration [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254113], identifier [CRD42021254113].
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Affiliation(s)
- Seke G. Y. Muzazu
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Enteric Diseases and Vaccines Research Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Dawit Getachew Assefa
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Christabel Phiri
- Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Tewodros Getinet
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samrawit Solomon
- School of Public Health, Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Yismaw
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Joseph SK, M A A, Thomas S, Nair SC. Nanomedicine as a future therapeutic approach for treating meningitis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2021.102968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Stott KE, Loyse A, Jarvis JN, Alufandika M, Harrison TS, Mwandumba HC, Day JN, Lalloo DG, Bicanic T, Perfect JR, Hope W. Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis: time for action. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:e259-e271. [PMID: 33872594 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30771-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningoencephalitis was first described over a century ago. This fungal infection is preventable and treatable yet continues to be associated with excessive morbidity and mortality. The largest burden of disease resides in people living with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries. In this group, mortality with the best antifungal induction regimen (7 days of amphotericin B deoxycholate [1·0 mg/kg per day] and flucytosine [100·0 mg/kg per day]) in a clinical trial setting was 24% at 10 weeks. The world is now at an inflection point in terms of recognition, research, and action to address the burden of morbidity and mortality from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. However, the scope of interventional programmes needs to increase, with particular attention to implementation science that is specific to individual countries. This Review summarises causes of excessive mortality, interventions with proven survival benefit, and gaps in knowledge and practice that contribute to the ongoing high death toll from cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. TRANSLATIONS: For the Vietnamese and Chichewa translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Elizabeth Stott
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK; Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Angela Loyse
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - Joe N Jarvis
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melanie Alufandika
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Henry C Mwandumba
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jeremy N Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tihana Bicanic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University and Hospital, London, UK
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - William Hope
- Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics and Therapeutics, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
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Warrell CE, Macrae C, McLean ARD, Wilkins E, Ashley EA, Smithuis F, Tun NN. Ambulatory induction phase treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV integrated primary care clinics, Yangon, Myanmar. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:375. [PMID: 33882845 PMCID: PMC8059000 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a common HIV-associated opportunistic-infection worldwide. Existing literature focusses on hospital-based outcomes of induction treatment. This paper reviews outpatient management in integrated primary care clinics in Yangon. METHOD This retrospective case note review analyses a Myanmar HIV-positive patient cohort managed using ambulatory induction-phase treatment with intravenous amphotericin-B-deoxycholate (0.7-1.0 mg/kg) and oral fluconazole (800 mg orally/day). RESULTS Seventy-six patients were diagnosed between 2010 and 2017. The median age of patients diagnosed was 35 years, 63% were male and 33 (45%) were on concurrent treatment for tuberculosis. The median CD4 count was 60 at the time of diagnosis. Amphotericin-B-deoxycholate infusions precipitated 56 episodes of toxicity, namely hypokalaemia, nephrotoxicity, anaemia, febrile reactions, phlebitis, observed in 44 patients (58%). One-year survival (86%) was higher than existing hospital-based treatment studies. CONCLUSION Ambulation of patients in this cohort saved 1029 hospital bed days and had better survival outcomes when compared to hospital-based studies in other resource constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Warrell
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar.
| | | | - Alistair R D McLean
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Ni Ni Tun
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
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Miot J, Leong T, Takuva S, Parrish A, Dawood H. Cost-effectiveness analysis of flucytosine as induction therapy in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected adults in South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:305. [PMID: 33823842 PMCID: PMC8025344 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06268-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa accounts for three-quarters of the global cases and 135,000 deaths per annum. Current treatment includes the use of fluconazole and amphotericin B. Recent evidence has shown that the synergistic use of flucytosine improves efficacy and reduces toxicity, however affordability and availability has hampered access to flucytosine in many countries. This study investigated the evidence and cost implications of introducing flucytosine as induction therapy for cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected adults in South Africa. Methods A decision analytic cost-effectiveness and cost impact model was developed based on survival estimates from the ACTA trial and local costs for flucytosine as induction therapy in HIV-infected adults with cryptococcal meningitis in a public sector setting in South Africa. The model considered five treatment arms: (a) standard of care; 2-week course amphotericin B/fluconazole (2wk AmBd/Flu), (b) 2-week course amphotericin B/flucytosine (2wk AmBd/5FC), (c) short course; 1-week course amphotericin B/flucytosine (1wk AmBd/5FC) (d) oral course; 2-week oral fluconazole/flucytosine (oral) and e) 1-week course amphotericin B/fluconazole (1wk AmBd/Flu). A sensitivity analysis was conducted on key variables. Results The highest total treatment costs are in the 2-week AmBd/5FC arm followed by the 2-week oral regimen, the 1-week AmBd/5FC, then standard of care with the lowest cost in the 1-week AmBd/Flu arm. Compared to the lowest cost option the 1-week flucytosine course is most cost-effective at USD119/QALY. The cost impact analysis shows that the 1-week flucytosine course has an incremental cost of just over USD293 per patient per year compared to what is currently spent on standard of care. Sensitivity analyses suggest that the model is most sensitive to life expectancy and hospital costs, particularly infusion costs and length of stay. Conclusions The addition of flucytosine as induction therapy for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in patients infected with HIV is cost-effective when it is used as a 1-week AmBd/5FC regimen. Savings could be achieved with early discharge of patients as well as a reduction in the price of flucytosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Miot
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Trudy Leong
- National Department of Health, Affordable Medicines Directorate, Essential Drugs Programme, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Simbarashe Takuva
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andrew Parrish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London, South Africa
| | - Halima Dawood
- Department of Medicine, Greys Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Caprisa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Kitonsa J, Nsubuga R, Mayanja Y, Kiwanuka J, Nikweri Y, Onyango M, Anywaine Z, Ggayi AB, Kibengo FM, Kaleebu P, Day J. Determinants of two-year mortality among HIV positive patients with Cryptococcal meningitis initiating standard antifungal treatment with or without adjunctive dexamethasone in Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008823. [PMID: 33253210 PMCID: PMC7728283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV led to a reduction in the estimated mortality from cryptococcal meningitis (CCM) from 624,700 in 2009 to 181,100 in 2014. However, CCM remains one of the leading causes of mortality among HIV infected patients especially in sub-Saharan Africa where 75% of the deaths occur. Most of the studies evaluating mortality have reported short-term mortality (at or before 10 weeks of therapy). We determined mortality and associated factors among patients treated for CCM in the CryptoDex trial (ISRCTN59144167) in Uganda, and the effect of dexamethasone adjunctive therapy on mortality at two years. We conducted a retrospective cohort study between May 2017 and July 2017 to determine the long term survival (up to 2 years post-randomization) of all patients who had been enrolled into the CryptoDex trial in Uganda. The CryptoDex trial recruited between April 2013 and February 2015. We estimated mortality rates and determined factors affecting mortality at two years using Cox regression. The study followed up 211 participants, 127 (60.2%) of whom were male. Sixteen participants (7.58%) were diagnosed with HIV at the same admission when CCM was diagnosed. By two years following randomization 127 (60%) participants had died, a mortality rate of 67 deaths per 100 person-years. Mortality was associated with Glasgow coma score (GCS) below 15 (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR) 1.77, 95% CI: 1.02-2.44), p = 0.040; weight (aHR 0.97, per 1 Kg increase; 95% CI: 0.94-0.99), p = 0.003; and presence of convulsions (aHR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.32-4.04), p = 0.004, while dexamethasone use and fungal burden had no effect. Long-term mortality in CCM patients remains high even among patients receiving recommended therapy. Strategies to improve long-term survival in CCM patients are urgently needed, especially targeting those with reduced GCS, low weight, and convulsions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kitonsa
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Rebecca Nsubuga
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Yunia Mayanja
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Yofesi Nikweri
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Martin Onyango
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Zacchaeus Anywaine
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Abu-Baker Ggayi
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Freddie Mukasa Kibengo
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute & London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jeremy Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
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A pragmatic approach to managing antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients diagnosed with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: impact of antiretroviral therapy adherence and duration. AIDS 2020; 34:1425-1428. [PMID: 32590438 PMCID: PMC7473821 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Greene G, Lawrence DS, Jordan A, Chiller T, Jarvis JN. Cryptococcal meningitis: a review of cryptococcal antigen screening programs in Africa. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 19:233-244. [PMID: 32567406 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1785871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cryptococcal meningitis remains a significant contributor to AIDS-related mortality despite widened access to antiretroviral therapy. Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) can be detected in the blood prior to development of meningitis. Development of highly sensitive and specific rapid diagnostic CrAg tests has helped facilitate the adoption of CrAg screening programs in 19 African countries. AREAS COVERED The biological rationale for CrAg screening and the programmatic strategies for its implementation are reviewed. We describe the approach to the investigation of patients with cryptococcal antigenemia and the importance of lumbar puncture to identify individuals who may have cryptococcal meningitis in the absence of symptoms. The limitations of current treatment recommendations and the potential role of newly defined combination antifungal therapies are discussed. A literature review was conducted using a broad database search for cryptococcal antigen screening and related terms in published journal articles dating up to December 2019. Conference abstracts, publicly available guidelines, and project descriptions were also incorporated. EXPERT OPINION As we learn more about the risks of cryptococcal antigenemia, it has become clear that the current management paradigm is inadequate. More intensive investigation and management are required to prevent the development of cryptococcal meningitis and reduce mortality associated with cryptococcal antigenemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Greene
- Centre for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Antimicrobial Resistance and Mycoses, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a Division of the NHLS , Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK
| | - David S Lawrence
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Alex Jordan
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, USA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London, UK.,Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership , Gaborone, Botswana
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12
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Adewumi OM, Dukhovlinova E, Shehu NY, Zhou S, Council OD, Akanbi MO, Taiwo B, Ogunniyi A, Robertson K, Kanyama C, Hosseinipour MC, Swanstrom R. HIV-1 Central Nervous System Compartmentalization and Cytokine Interplay in Non-Subtype B HIV-1 Infections in Nigeria and Malawi. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:490-500. [PMID: 31914800 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 compartmentalization in the central nervous system (CNS) and its contribution to neurological disease have been well documented. Previous studies were conducted among people infected with subtypes B or C where CNS compartmentalization has been observed when comparing viral sequences in the blood to virus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, little is known about CNS compartmentalization in other HIV-1 subtypes. Using a deep sequencing approach with Primer ID, we conducted a cross-sectional study among Nigerian and Malawian HIV-1 cohorts with or without fungal Cryptococcus infection diagnosed as cryptococcal meningitis (CM) to determine the extent of CSF/CNS compartmentalization with CM. Paired plasma and CSF samples from 45 participants were also analyzed for cytokine/chemokine levels. Viral populations comparing virus in the blood and the CSF ranged from compartmentalized to equilibrated, including minor or partial compartmentalization or clonal amplification of a single viral sequence. The frequency of compartmentalized viral populations in the blood and CSF was similar between the CM- and CM+ participants. We confirmed the potential to see compartmentalization with subtype C infection and have also documented CNS compartmentalization of an HIV-1 subtype G infection. Cytokine profiles indicated a proinflammatory environment, especially within the CSF/CNS. However, sCD163 was suppressed in the CSF in the presence of CM, perhaps due to elevated levels of IL-4, which were also a feature of the cytokine profile, showing a distinct cytokine profile with CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubusuyi Moses Adewumi
- Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Elena Dukhovlinova
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan Y. Shehu
- Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Shuntai Zhou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Olivia D. Council
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maxwell O. Akanbi
- Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
- Health Sciences Integrated PhD Program, Center for Education in Health Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Babafemi Taiwo
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kevin Robertson
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cecilia Kanyama
- UNC Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Coelho C, Farrer RA. Pathogen and host genetics underpinning cryptococcal disease. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2020; 105:1-66. [PMID: 32560785 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcosis is a severe fungal disease causing 220,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis yearly. The etiological agents of cryptococcosis are taxonomically grouped into at least two species complexes belonging to the genus Cryptococcus. All of these yeasts are environmentally ubiquitous fungi (often found in soil, leaves and decaying wood, tree hollows, and associated with bird feces especially pigeon guano). Infection in a range of animals including humans begins following inhalation of spores or aerosolized yeasts. Recent advances provide fundamental insights into the factors from both the pathogen and its hosts which influence pathogenesis and disease. The complex interactions leading to disease in mammalian hosts have also updated from the availability of better genomic tools and datasets. In this review, we discuss recent genetic research on Cryptococcus, covering the epidemiology, ecology, and evolution of Cryptococcus pathogenic species. We also discuss the insights into the host immune response obtained from the latest genetic modified host models as well as insights from monogenic disorders in humans. Finally we highlight outstanding questions that can be answered in the near future using bioinformatics and genomic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Coelho
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rhys A Farrer
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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14
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Tenforde MW, Gertz AM, Lawrence DS, Wills NK, Guthrie BL, Farquhar C, Jarvis JN. Mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25416. [PMID: 31957332 PMCID: PMC6970088 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV-associated cryptococcal, TB and pneumococcal meningitis are the leading causes of adult meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the primary aim of estimating mortality from major causes of adult meningitis in routine care settings, and to contrast this with outcomes from clinical trial settings. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for published clinical trials (defined as randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) or investigator-managed prospective cohorts) and observational studies that evaluated outcomes of adult meningitis in SSA from 1 January 1990 through 15 September 2019. We performed random effects modelling to estimate pooled mortality, both in clinical trial and routine care settings. Outcomes were stratified as short-term (in-hospital or two weeks), medium-term (up to 10 weeks) and long-term (up to six months). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Seventy-nine studies met inclusion criteria. In routine care settings, pooled short-term mortality from cryptococcal meningitis was 44% (95% confidence interval (95% CI):39% to 49%, 40 studies), which did not differ between amphotericin (either alone or with fluconazole) and fluconazole-based induction regimens, and was twofold higher than pooled mortality in clinical trials using amphotericin based treatment (21% (95% CI:17% to 25%), 17 studies). Pooled short-term mortality of TB meningitis was 46% (95% CI: 33% to 59%, 11 studies, all routine care). For pneumococcal meningitis, pooled short-term mortality was 54% in routine care settings (95% CI:44% to 64%, nine studies), with similar mortality reported in two included randomized-controlled trials. Few studies evaluated long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Mortality rates from HIV-associated meningitis in SSA are very high under routine care conditions. Better strategies are needed to reduce mortality from HIV-associated meningitis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Tenforde
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
| | - Alida M Gertz
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - David S Lawrence
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Nicola K Wills
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
- Welcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in AfricaInfectious Disease and Molecular Medicine UnitUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Division of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWAUSA
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of Washington School of Public HealthSeattleWAUSA
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Department of Clinical ResearchFaculty of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
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