1
|
Alqarihi A, Kontoyiannis DP, Ibrahim AS. Mucormycosis in 2023: an update on pathogenesis and management. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1254919. [PMID: 37808914 PMCID: PMC10552646 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1254919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis (MCR) is an emerging and frequently lethal fungal infection caused by the Mucorales family, with Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lichtheimia, accounting for > 90% of all cases. MCR is seen in patients with severe immunosuppression such as those with hematologic malignancy or transplantation, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and immunocompetent patients with severe wounds. The recent SARS COV2 epidemy in India has resulted in a tremendous increase in MCR cases, typically seen in the setting of uncontrolled DM and corticosteroid use. In addition to the diversity of affected hosts, MCR has pleiotropic clinical presentations, with rhino-orbital/rhino-cerebral, sino-pulmonary and necrotizing cutaneous forms being the predominant manifestations. Major insights in MCR pathogenesis have brought into focus the host receptors (GRP78) and signaling pathways (EGFR activation cascade) as well as the adhesins used by Mucorales for invasion. Furthermore, studies have expanded on the importance of iron availability and the complex regulation of iron homeostasis, as well as the pivotal role of mycotoxins as key factors for tissue invasion. The molecular toolbox to study Mucorales pathogenesis remains underdeveloped, but promise is brought by RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. Important recent advancements have been made in early, culture-independent molecular diagnosis of MCR. However, development of new potent antifungals against Mucorales remains an unmet need. Therapy of MCR is multidisciplinary and requires a high index of suspicion for initiation of early Mucorales-active antifungals. Reversal of underlying immunosuppression, if feasible, rapid DKA correction and in selected patients, surgical debulking are crucial for improved outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Alqarihi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Ashraf S Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gits-Muselli M, White PL, Mengoli C, Chen S, Crowley B, Dingemans G, Fréalle E, L Gorton R, Guiver M, Hagen F, Halliday C, Johnson G, Lagrou K, Lengerova M, Melchers WJG, Novak-Frazer L, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Scherer E, Steinmann J, Cruciani M, Barnes R, Donnelly JP, Loeffler J, Bretagne S, Alanio A. The Fungal PCR Initiative's evaluation of in-house and commercial Pneumocystis jirovecii qPCR assays: Toward a standard for a diagnostics assay. Med Mycol 2021; 58:779-788. [PMID: 31758173 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is increasingly used to detect Pneumocystis jirovecii for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), but there are differences in the nucleic acids targeted, DNA only versus whole nucleic acid (WNA), and also the target genes for amplification. Through the Fungal PCR Initiative, a working group of the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology, a multicenter and monocenter evaluation of PCP qPCR assays was performed. For the multicenter study, 16 reference laboratories from eight different countries, performing 20 assays analyzed a panel consisting of two negative and three PCP positive samples. Aliquots were prepared by pooling residual material from 20 negative or positive- P. jirovecii bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs). The positive pool was diluted to obtain three concentrations (pure 1:1; 1:100; and 1:1000 to mimic high, medium, and low fungal loads, respectively). The monocenter study compared five in-house and five commercial qPCR assays testing 19 individual BALFs on the same amplification platform. Across both evaluations and for all fungal loads, targeting WNA and the mitochondrial small sub-unit (mtSSU) provided the earliest Cq values, compared to only targeting DNA and the mitochondrial large subunit, the major surface glycoprotein or the beta-tubulin genes. Thus, reverse transcriptase-qPCR targeting the mtSSU gene could serve as a basis for standardizing the P. jirovecii load, which is essential if qPCR is to be incorporated into clinical care pathways as the reference method, accepting that additional parameters such as amplification platforms still need evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maud Gits-Muselli
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière, Saint-Louis, Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, UHW, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Sharon Chen
- Clinical Mycology reference Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, and the University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Brendan Crowley
- Department of Virology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Emilie Fréalle
- CHU Lille, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, F-59000 Lille, France & Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR8204-CIIL-Centre for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Rebecca L Gorton
- Regional UK Clinical Mycology Network (UK CMN) Laboratory, Dept. Infection Sciences, Health Services Laboratories (HSL) LLP, London, UK
| | - Malcom Guiver
- Public Health Laboratory, National Infection Service Public Health England, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ferry Hagen
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Catriona Halliday
- Clinical Mycology reference Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, and the University of Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, and Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Centre for Mycosis, Excellence Centre for Medical Mycology (ECMM), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Lengerova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Willem J G Melchers
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lily Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; and Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Mycology Reference Centre Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; and Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Emeline Scherer
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mario Cruciani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Bonifacio Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Juergen Loeffler
- University Hospital Wuerzburg, Medical Hospital II, C11, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière, Saint-Louis, Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Alanio
- Institut Pasteur, Molecular Mycology Unit, CNRS UMR2000, Paris, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Groupe Hospitalier Lariboisière, Saint-Louis, Fernand Widal, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wolff N, Geiss AF, Barišić I. Crosslinking of PCR primers reduces unspecific amplification products in multiplex PCR. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 178:106051. [PMID: 32911035 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The polymerase chain reaction is not only essential for many DNA-based diagnostic methods but is also exploited in other molecular methods that require an upstream amplification step. Multiplex PCRs are especially attractive as they reduce the number of individual reactions. However, the multiplexing efficiency is impaired by primer interactions such as the formation of primer dimers. In this study, covalent crosslinking of primers via their 5'-ends was used to avoid those undesired effects. The specificity of the primers as well as the efficiency of the PCR could be increased upon primer crosslinking in reactions containing up to 34 primer pairs targeting the most important antibiotic resistance genes in a single multiplex reaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Wolff
- Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Giefinggasse 4, Vienna, 1210, Austria.
| | - Andreas F Geiss
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivan Barišić
- Molecular Diagnostics, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Giefinggasse 4, Vienna, 1210, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Collaborative Tale of Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis, from the Perspectives of Clinical Microbiologists, Surgical Pathologists, and Infectious Disease Clinicians. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030106. [PMID: 32664547 PMCID: PMC7558816 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) refers to a spectrum of Aspergillus-mediated disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with its true prevalence vastly underestimated. The diagnosis of CPA includes characteristic radiographical findings in conjunction with persistent and systemic symptoms present for at least three months, and evidence of Aspergillus infection. Traditionally, Aspergillus infection has been confirmed through histopathology and microbiological studies, including fungal culture and serology, but these methodologies have limitations that are discussed in this review. The treatment of CPA requires an individualized approach and consideration of both medical and surgical options. Most Aspergillus species are considered susceptible to mold-active triazoles, echinocandins, and amphotericin B; however, antifungal resistance is emerging and well documented, demonstrating the need for novel therapies and antifungal susceptibility testing that correlates with clinical response. Here, we describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CPA, with an emphasis on the strengths and pitfalls of diagnostic and treatment approaches, as well as future directions, including whole genome sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. The advancement of molecular technology enables rapid and precise species level identification, and the determination of molecular mechanisms of resistance, bridging the clinical infectious disease, anatomical pathology, microbiology, and molecular biology disciplines.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang Z, Le JT, Hutter D, Bradley KM, Overton BR, McLendon C, Benner SA. Eliminating primer dimers and improving SNP detection using self-avoiding molecular recognition systems. Biol Methods Protoc 2020; 5:bpaa004. [PMID: 32395633 PMCID: PMC7200914 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its widespread value to molecular biology, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) encounters modes that unproductively consume PCR resources and prevent clean signals, especially when high sensitivity, high SNP discrimination, and high multiplexing are sought. Here, we show how "self-avoiding molecular recognition systems" (SAMRS) manage such difficulties. SAMRS nucleobases pair with complementary nucleotides with strengths comparable to the A:T pair, but do not pair with other SAMRS nucleobases. This should allow primers holding SAMRS components to avoid primer-primer interactions, preventing primer dimers, allowing more sensitive SNP detection, and supporting higher levels of multiplex PCR. The experiments here examine the PCR performances of primers containing different numbers of SAMRS components placed strategically at different positions, and put these performances in the context of estimates of SAMRS:standard pairing strengths. The impact of these variables on primer dimer formation, the overall efficiency and sensitivity of SAMRS-based PCR, and the value of SAMRS primers when detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are also evaluated. With appropriately chosen polymerases, SNP discrimination can be greater than the conventional allele-specific PCR, with the further benefit of avoiding primer dimer artifacts. General rules guiding the design of SAMRS-modified primers are offered to support medical research and clinical diagnostics products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zunyi Yang
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Jennifer T Le
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Daniel Hutter
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Kevin M Bradley
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Benjamin R Overton
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Chris McLendon
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| | - Steven A Benner
- Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution (FfAME), 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 7, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
- Firebird Biomolecular Sciences LLC, 13709 Progress Blvd, Box 17, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kidd SE, Chen SCA, Meyer W, Halliday CL. A New Age in Molecular Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Disease: Are We Ready? Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2903. [PMID: 31993022 PMCID: PMC6971168 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) present an increasing global burden in immunocompromised and other seriously ill populations, including those caused by pathogens which are inherently resistant or less susceptible to antifungal drugs. Early diagnosis encompassing accurate detection and identification of the causative agent and of antifungal resistance is critical for optimum patient outcomes. Many molecular-based diagnostic approaches have good clinical utility although interpretation of results should be according to clinical context. Where an IFD is in the differential diagnosis, panfungal PCR assays allow the rapid detection/identification of fungal species directly from clinical specimens with good specificity; sensitivity is also high when hyphae are seen in the specimen including in paraffin-embedded tissue. Aspergillus PCR assays on blood fractions have good utility in the screening of high risk hematology patients with high negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 94 and 70%, respectively, when two positive PCR results are obtained. The standardization, and commercialization of Aspergillus PCR assays has now enabled direct comparison of results between laboratories with commercial assays also offering the simultaneous detection of common azole resistance mutations. Candida PCR assays are not as well standardized with the only FDA-approved commercial system (T2Candida) detecting only the five most common species; while the T2Candida outperforms blood culture in patients with candidemia, its role in routine Candida diagnostics is not well defined. There is growing use of Mucorales-specific PCR assays to detect selected genera in blood fractions. Quantitative real-time Pneumocystis jirovecii PCRs have replaced microscopy and immunofluorescent stains in many diagnostic laboratories although distinguishing infection may be problematic in non-HIV-infected patients. For species identification of isolates, DNA barcoding with dual loci (ITS and TEF1α) offer optimal accuracy while next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies offer highly discriminatory analysis of genetic diversity including for outbreak investigation and for drug resistance characterization. Advances in molecular technologies will further enhance routine fungal diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Kidd
- National Mycology Reference Centre, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, South Australia Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Catriona L. Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
van der Torre MH, Novak-Frazer L, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Detecting Azole-Antifungal Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus by Pyrosequencing. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010012. [PMID: 31936898 PMCID: PMC7151159 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Aspergillus disease recommend a multi-test approach including CT scans, culture, fungal biomarker tests, microscopy and fungal PCR. The first-line treatment of confirmed invasive aspergillosis (IA) consists of drugs in the azole family; however, the emergence of azole-resistant isolates has negatively impacted the management of IA. Failure to detect azole-resistance dramatically increases the mortality rates of azole-treated patients. Despite drug susceptibility tests not being routinely performed currently, we suggest including resistance testing whilst diagnosing Aspergillus disease. Multiple tools, including DNA sequencing, are available to screen for drug-resistant Aspergillus in clinical samples. This is particularly beneficial as a large proportion of IA samples are culture negative, consequently impeding susceptibility testing through conventional methods. Pyrosequencing is a promising in-house DNA sequencing method that can rapidly screen for genetic hotspots associated with antifungal resistance. Pyrosequencing outperforms other susceptibility testing methods due to its fast turnaround time, accurate detection of polymorphisms within critical genes, including simultaneous detection of wild type and mutated sequences, and—most importantly—it is not limited to specific genes nor fungal species. Here we review current diagnostic methods and highlight the potential of pyrosequencing to aid in a diagnosis complete with a resistance profile to improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireille H. van der Torre
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
| | - Lilyann Novak-Frazer
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Riina Rautemaa-Richardson
- Mycology Reference Centre, Excellence Centre of Medical Mycology (ECMM), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (M.H.v.d.T.); (L.N.-F.)
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust-Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-161-291-5941
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arastehfar A, Wickes BL, Ilkit M, Pincus DH, Daneshnia F, Pan W, Fang W, Boekhout T. Identification of Mycoses in Developing Countries. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:E90. [PMID: 31569472 PMCID: PMC6958481 DOI: 10.3390/jof5040090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive advances in technology offer a vast variety of diagnostic methods that save time and costs, but identification of fungal species causing human infections remains challenging in developing countries. Since the echinocandins, antifungals widely used to treat invasive mycoses, are still unavailable in developing countries where a considerable number of problematic fungal species are present, rapid and reliable identification is of paramount importance. Unaffordability, large footprints, lack of skilled personnel, and high costs associated with maintenance and infrastructure are the main factors precluding the establishment of high-precision technologies that can replace inexpensive yet time-consuming and inaccurate phenotypic methods. In addition, point-of-care lateral flow assay tests are available for the diagnosis of Aspergillus and Cryptococcus and are highly relevant for developing countries. An Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay is also now available. Real-time PCR remains difficult to standardize and is not widespread in countries with limited resources. Isothermal and conventional PCR-based amplification assays may be alternative solutions. The combination of real-time PCR and serological assays can significantly increase diagnostic efficiency. However, this approach is too expensive for medical institutions in developing countries. Further advances in next-generation sequencing and other innovative technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based diagnostic tools may lead to efficient, alternate methods that can be used in point-of-care assays, which may supplement or replace some of the current technologies and improve the diagnostics of fungal infections in developing countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arastehfar
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Brian L Wickes
- The Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Macit Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana 01330, Turkey.
| | | | - Farnaz Daneshnia
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Weihua Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Mycology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Wenjie Fang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Mycology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
| | - Teun Boekhout
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Mycology, Shanghai Institute of Medical Mycology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalmykov VA, Kusov PA, Deykin AV. Development of a Multiplex PCR Test System for the Determination of a Transgene Based on the pBC1 Plasmid and Its Derivatives for the Expression of Recombinant Proteins in Mus musculus Milk. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2019; 485:153-156. [PMID: 31201639 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672919020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A multiplex PCR test system for identification of the regulatory sequences of genetic constructs for transformation (promotor, insulator, and terminator) in the Mus musculus genome and for transgenic animal selection by genotyping with horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis detection was developed. The proposed system was validated by genotyping mouse strains producing human lactoferrin, heat shock protein HSP 70, firefly luciferase, and lysozyme, which were obtained by microinjections of linearized DNA into murine zygote pronucleus with random transgene integration into the genome using the pBC1 plasmid for expression of the gene of interest in milk of transformed animals (milk expression vector kit).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V A Kalmykov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - P A Kusov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 143025, Skolkovo, Moscow oblast, Russia
| | - A V Deykin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334, Moscow, Russia. .,Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 125315, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kontoyiannis DP. Antifungal Resistance: An Emerging Reality and A Global Challenge. J Infect Dis 2019; 216:S431-S435. [PMID: 28911044 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramirez-Garcia A, Pellon A, Rementeria A, Buldain I, Barreto-Bergter E, Rollin-Pinheiro R, de Meirelles JV, Xisto MIDS, Ranque S, Havlicek V, Vandeputte P, Govic YL, Bouchara JP, Giraud S, Chen S, Rainer J, Alastruey-Izquierdo A, Martin-Gomez MT, López-Soria LM, Peman J, Schwarz C, Bernhardt A, Tintelnot K, Capilla J, Martin-Vicente A, Cano-Lira J, Nagl M, Lackner M, Irinyi L, Meyer W, de Hoog S, Hernando FL. Scedosporium and Lomentospora: an updated overview of underrated opportunists. Med Mycol 2018. [PMID: 29538735 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species of Scedosporium and Lomentospora are considered as emerging opportunists, affecting immunosuppressed and otherwise debilitated patients, although classically they are known from causing trauma-associated infections in healthy individuals. Clinical manifestations range from local infection to pulmonary colonization and severe invasive disease, in which mortality rates may be over 80%. These unacceptably high rates are due to the clinical status of patients, diagnostic difficulties, and to intrinsic antifungal resistance of these fungi. In consequence, several consortia have been founded to increase research efforts on these orphan fungi. The current review presents recent findings and summarizes the most relevant points, including the Scedosporium/Lomentospora taxonomy, environmental distribution, epidemiology, pathology, virulence factors, immunology, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aize Pellon
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Idoia Buldain
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Stephane Ranque
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HM / CHU Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Vladimir Havlicek
- Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Vandeputte
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Yohann Le Govic
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU, Angers, France.,Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- Host-Pathogen Interaction Study Group (EA 3142), UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Angers, France
| | - Sharon Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Johannes Rainer
- Institute of Microbiology, Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ana Alastruey-Izquierdo
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology. Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Javier Peman
- Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Cystic Fibrosis Centre Berlin/Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Bernhardt
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin Tintelnot
- Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Capilla
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jose Cano-Lira
- Mycology Unit, Medical School and IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Markus Nagl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michaela Lackner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laszlo Irinyi
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wieland Meyer
- Molecular Mycology Research Laboratory, Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School - Westmead Hospital, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sybren de Hoog
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando L Hernando
- Fungal and Bacterial Biomics Research Group, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fungal infection burden related to Mucorales has been on the rise with significant associated morbidity and mortality. The major obstacle in the management has been lack of a non-invasive rapid and a reliable diagnostic test. Developing a culture-independent biomarker for the early diagnosis of mucormycosis is a major unmet need in modern mycology. Several approaches have been developed, such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) that can confirm the histopathologic diagnosis of the invasive mold infection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) or fresh tissue, body fluids such as bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL), and detection directly from serum/blood. Serologic tests, matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS), metabolomics and metagenomic shotgun sequencing are other evolving technologies. Area covered: In this review paper, we report the current status of the molecular diagnostics in the diagnosis of mucormycosis: serologic tests, IHC, PCR, protein-based with MALDI-TOF, metabolomics and metagenomic sequencing. Expert commentary: This review will conclude with an expert commentary on the potential uses/challenges of the currently available tests and the future of molecular diagnostics for mucormycosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeet S Dadwal
- a Division of Infectious Disease , City of Hope National Medical Center , Duarte , CA , USA
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- b Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gamaletsou MN, Walsh TJ, Sipsas NV. Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Emergence of Resistant Pathogens and New Antifungal Therapies. Turk J Haematol 2018; 35:1-11. [PMID: 29391334 PMCID: PMC5843768 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.2018.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections caused by drug-resistant organisms are an emerging threat to heavily immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancies. Modern early antifungal treatment strategies, such as prophylaxis and empirical and preemptive therapy, result in long-term exposure to antifungal agents, which is a major driving force for the development of resistance. The extended use of central venous catheters, the nonlinear pharmacokinetics of certain antifungal agents, neutropenia, other forms of intense immunosuppression, and drug toxicities are other contributing factors. The widespread use of agricultural and industrial fungicides with similar chemical structures and mechanisms of action has resulted in the development of environmental reservoirs for some drug-resistant fungi, especially azole-resistant Aspergillus species, which have been reported from four continents. The majority of resistant strains have the mutation TR34/L98H, a finding suggesting that the source of resistance is the environment. The global emergence of new fungal pathogens with inherent resistance, such as Candida auris, is a new public health threat. The most common mechanism of antifungal drug resistance is the induction of efflux pumps, which decrease intracellular drug concentrations. Overexpression, depletion, and alteration of the drug target are other mechanisms of resistance. Mutations in the ERG11 gene alter the protein structure of C-demethylase, reducing the efficacy of antifungal triazoles. Candida species become echinocandin-resistant by mutations in FKS genes. A shift in the epidemiology of Candida towards resistant non-albicans Candida spp. has emerged among patients with hematological malignancies. There is no definite association between antifungal resistance, as defined by elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations, and clinical outcomes in this population. Detection of genes or mutations conferring resistance with the use of molecular methods may offer better predictive values in certain cases. Treatment options for resistant fungal infections are limited and new drugs with novel mechanisms of actions are needed. Prevention of resistance through antifungal stewardship programs is of paramount importance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Gamaletsou
- The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, St James University Hospital, Department of Infection and Travel Medicine, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Microbiology and Immunology, New York, United States of America
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Development and Validation of a High-Resolution Melting Assay To Detect Azole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01083-17. [PMID: 28893791 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01083-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains is a growing public health concern. Different patterns of azole resistance are linked to mutations in cyp51A Therefore, accurate characterization of the mechanisms underlying azole resistance is critical to guide selection of the most appropriate antifungal agent for patients with aspergillosis. This study describes a new sequencing-free molecular screening tool for early detection of the most frequent mutations known to be associated with azole resistance in A. fumigatus PCRs targeting cyp51A mutations at positions G54, Y121, G448, and M220 and targeting different tandem repeats (TRs) in the promoter region were designed. All PCRs were performed simultaneously, using the same cycling conditions. Amplicons were then distinguished using a high-resolution melting assay. For standardization, 30 well-characterized azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains were used, yielding melting curve clusters for different resistance mechanisms for each target and allowing detection of the most frequent azole resistance mutations, i.e., G54E, G54V, G54R, G54W, Y121F, M220V, M220I, M220T, M220K, and G448S, and the tandem repeats TR34, TR46, and TR53 Validation of the method was performed using a blind panel of 80 A. fumigatus azole-susceptible or azole-resistant strains. All strains included in the blind panel were properly classified as susceptible or resistant with the developed method. The implementation of this screening method can reduce the time needed for the detection of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates and therefore facilitate selection of the best antifungal therapy in patients with aspergillosis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Buchheidt D, Reinwald M, Hofmann WK, Boch T, Spiess B. Evaluating the use of PCR for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:603-610. [PMID: 28460550 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1325735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aspergillus species, primarily Aspergillus fumigatus, are still the most emerging fungal pathogens. Within recent years, novel molecular methods have been developed to improve the diagnosis of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis in high risk patients. Especially patients with malignant hematological diseases undergoing intensive chemotherapy are at risk and mortality rates are exceptionally high, in part due to difficulties and delays in establishing a microbiologic diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for an adequate therapeutical management, but, however, are hardly achieved in the clinical setting because most of the current conventional diagnostic tools either lack specificity or acceptable sensitivity at the critical early phase of the infection. Areas covered: To review the clinical value, advantages and problems as well as drawbacks of molecular approaches, especially polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to detect genomic DNA of Aspergillus species in clinical samples of immunocompromised, especially hematological patients at high risk for IA, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and expert opinion was expressed. Expert commentary: The results of numerous attempts to diagnose invasive aspergillosis by PCR-based detection of fungal genome in clinical samples highlight the potential of the PCR technique to improve early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies during intensive antineoplastic treatment, combined with imaging surveillance and serologic diagnostic tools. Further comparative validation of reliable assays in prospective multicenter studies is mandatory and urgently needed in order to establish a harmonization and standardization, so that 'gold standard assays' may be incorporated into diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms that improve the prognosis of patients with life-threatening infections caused by Aspergillus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Buchheidt
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Mark Reinwald
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Wolf-Karsten Hofmann
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Tobias Boch
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Birgit Spiess
- a Department of Internal Medicine -Hematology and Oncology , Mannheim University Hospital, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) has been increasingly reported in populations other than the historical hematology patients and there are new questions about the performance of microbiological tools. Microscopy and culture have been completed by biomarkers, either antigens or DNA, and in blood or respiratory specimens or both. First studied in hematology, the antigen galactomannan performance in serum is low in other patient populations where the pathophysiology of the infection can be different and the prevalence of IA is much lower. DNA detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in blood or serum (or both) has reached a certain level of acceptance thanks to consensus methods based on real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). When used on respiratory specimens, galactomannan and qPCR depend on standardization of the sampling and the diverse mycological procedures. Thus, culture remains the main diagnostic criterion in critically ill patients. The current trend toward more effective anti-mold prophylaxis in hematology hampers the yield of a screening strategy, as is usually performed in hematology. Therefore, circulating biomarkers as confirmatory tests should be considered and their performance should be reappraised in each new setting. The use of azole prophylaxis also raises the issue of selecting azole-resistance Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Ideally, the biomarkers will be more efficient when individual genetic risks of IA are defined. Culture, though not standardized, remains a key element for the diagnosis of IA and has the advantage to easily detect molds other than A. fumigatus. It is still unclear whether next-generation sequencing will replace culture in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Alanio
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Lariboisière Saint-Louis Fernand Widal hospitals, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit, Reference National Center of Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Bretagne
- Parasitology-Mycology Laboratory, Lariboisière Saint-Louis Fernand Widal hospitals, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Molecular Mycology Unit, Reference National Center of Invasive Mycoses and Antifungals, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cramer RA, Sheppard DC, Clemons KV. 7th Advances Against Aspergillosis: Basic, diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic studies. Med Mycol 2016; 55:1-3. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|