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Current and Future Pathways in Aspergillus Diagnosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020385. [PMID: 36830296 PMCID: PMC9952630 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus has been designated by the World Health Organization as a critical priority fungal pathogen. Some commercially available diagnostics for many forms of aspergillosis rely on fungal metabolites. These encompass intracellular molecules, cell wall components, and extracellular secretomes. This review summarizes the shortcomings of antibody tests compared to tests of fungal products in body fluids and highlights the application of β-d-glucan, galactomannan, and pentraxin 3 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. We also discuss the detection of nucleic acids and next-generation sequencing, along with newer studies on Aspergillus metallophores.
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Han Y, Wu X, Jiang G, Guo A, Jin Z, Ying Y, Lai J, Li W, Yan F. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid polymerase chain reaction for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among high-risk patients: a diagnostic meta-analysis. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:58. [PMID: 36750828 PMCID: PMC9906844 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are perceived to facilitate the diagnosis of fungal infections. However, due to lack of standardization, the value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid PCR in diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains unclear. METHODS We conducted a systematic meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of BAL fluid PCR in IPA diagnosis among high-risk patients. All studies involving patients at risk for IPA were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of BAL fluid PCR were summarized for diagnosis of proven/probable IPA, or proven IPA only. Potential heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. RESULTS Forty-one studies involving 5668 patients were analyzed. The summary sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios of BAL fluid PCR for proven/probable IPA were 0.75 (95% CI = 0.67-0.81), 0.94 (95% CI = 0.90-0.96), 11.8 (95% CI = 7.7-18.1) and 0.27 (95% CI = 0.20-0.36), respectively. Whereas for proven IPA only, sensitivity and specificity were 0.91 (95% CI = 0.68-0.98) and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.74-0.85) in fourteen studies involving 2061 patients. Significant heterogeneity was present due to the underlying disease, antifungal treatment and differences in DNA extraction techniques and choice of PCR assay. Compared to patients with hematological malignancies (HM) and hematopoietic stem cell/solid organ transplantation (HSCT/SOT), sensitivity was higher in the population with disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, solid tumor, autoimmune disease with prolonged use of corticosteroids, etc. (0.88 vs. 0.68, P < 0.001), which was related to the concurrent use of antifungal prophylaxis among patients with HM and HSCT/SOT. CONCLUSION BAL fluid PCR is a useful diagnostic tool for IPA in immunocompromised patients and is also effective for diagnosing IPA in patients without HM and HSCT/SOT. Furthermore, standard protocols for DNA extraction and PCR assays should be focused on to improve the diagnostic accuracy. Trial registration PROSPERO, registration number CRD42021239028.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinling Han
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiang Wu
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China ,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huangshan Hua Ze Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Huangshan, 245000 Anhui China
| | - Guangwei Jiang
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China ,Department of Intensive Care Unit, War Trauma Rescue Center, The 903Rd Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Hangzhou, 310007 Zhejiang China
| | - Anyi Guo
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Zhangchu Jin
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Yinghua Ying
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Jianxing Lai
- grid.412465.0Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Wen Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fugui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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Mikulska M, Furfaro E, Dettori S, Giacobbe DR, Magnasco L, Dentone C, Ball L, Russo C, Taramasso L, Vena A, Angelucci E, Pelosi P, Bassetti M. Aspergillus-PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage diagnostic accuracy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients. Mycoses 2022; 65:411-418. [PMID: 35138675 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is challenging and the role of Aspergillus-PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is unknown. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated diagnostic accuracy of Aspergillus-PCR in BAL in IPA in three different cohorts: ICU-admitted patients with COVID-19, ICU-admitted patients without COVID-19 and immunocompromised patients. METHODS All stored available BAL samples collected from three patient groups were tested with Aspergillus-PCR (AsperGenius®). IPA was diagnosed according to appropriate criteria for each patient group. RESULTS We included 111 BAL samples from 101 patients: 52 (51%) patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19, 24 (24%) admitted to ICU for other reasons and 25 (25%) immunocompromised. There were 31 cases of IPA (28%). Aspergillus-PCR sensitivity was 64% (95%CI 47-79), specificity 99% (95%CI 93-100). Aspergillus-PCR sensitivity was 40% (95%CI 19-64) in ICU COVID-19, 67% (95%CI 21-93) in non-COVID-19 ICU patients and 92% (95%CI 67-98) in the immunocompromised. The concordance between positive BAL-GM and BAL-PCR in patients with and without IPA was significantly lower in ICU patients (32%; 43% in COVID-19, 18% in non-COVID-19) than in the immunocompromised (92%), p<0.001. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus-PCR in BAL improves the diagnostic accuracy of BAL-GM in ICU patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Mikulska
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Furfaro
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Dettori
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniele Roberto Giacobbe
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Magnasco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Dentone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ball
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Russo
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lucia Taramasso
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio Vena
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Angelucci
- Hematology and Transplant Center, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Surgical Science and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital, IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genoa, Italy
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Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Castanheira M, Dannaoui E, White PL, Arendrup MC. OUP accepted manuscript. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:2053-2073. [PMID: 35703391 PMCID: PMC9333407 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence and changing epidemiology of invasive fungal infections continue to present many challenges to their effective management. The repertoire of antifungal drugs available for treatment is still limited although there are new antifungals on the horizon. Successful treatment of invasive mycoses is dependent on a mix of pathogen-, host- and antifungal drug-related factors. Laboratories need to be adept at detection of fungal pathogens in clinical samples in order to effectively guide treatment by identifying isolates with acquired drug resistance. While there are international guidelines on how to conduct in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing, these are not performed as widely as for bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, fungi generally are recovered in cultures more slowly than bacteria, and often cannot be cultured in the laboratory. Therefore, non-culture-based methods, including molecular tests, to detect fungi in clinical specimens are increasingly important in patient management and are becoming more reliable as technology improves. Molecular methods can also be used for detection of target gene mutations or other mechanisms that predict antifungal drug resistance. This review addresses acquired antifungal drug resistance in the principal human fungal pathogens and describes known resistance mechanisms and what in-house and commercial tools are available for their detection. It is emphasized that this approach should be complementary to culture-based susceptibility testing, given the range of mutations, resistance mechanisms and target genes that may be present in clinical isolates, but may not be included in current molecular assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maiken Cavling Arendrup
- Unit of Mycology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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5
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Wiederhold NP. Antifungal Susceptibility Testing: A Primer for Clinicians. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab444. [PMID: 34778489 PMCID: PMC8579947 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinicians treating patients with fungal infections may turn to susceptibility testing to obtain information regarding the activity of different antifungals against a specific fungus that has been cultured. These results may then be used to make decisions regarding a patient's therapy. However, for many fungal species that are capable of causing invasive infections, clinical breakpoints have not been established. Thus, interpretations of susceptible or resistant cannot be provided by clinical laboratories, and this is especially true for many molds capable of causing severe mycoses. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of susceptibility testing for clinicians, including the methods used to perform these assays, their limitations, how clinical breakpoints are established, and how the results may be put into context in the absence of interpretive criteria. Examples of when susceptibility testing is not warranted are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan P Wiederhold
- Fungus Testing Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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6
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Kayser MZ, Seeliger B, Valtin C, Fuge J, Ziesing S, Welte T, Pletz MW, Chhatwal P, Gottlieb J. Clinical decision making is improved by BioFire Pneumonia Plus in suspected lower respiratory tract infection after lung transplantation: Results of the prospective DBATE-IT * study. Transpl Infect Dis 2021; 24:e13725. [PMID: 34542213 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LTx) recipients. Timely and precise pathogen detection is vital to successful treatment. Multiplex PCR kits with short turnover times like the BioFire Pneumonia Plus (BFPPp) (manufactured by bioMérieux) may be a valuable addition to conventional tests. METHODS We performed a prospective observational cohort study in 60 LTx recipients with suspected LRTI. All patients received BFPPp testing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in addition to conventional tests including microbiological cultures and conventional diagnostics for respiratory viruses. Primary outcome was time-to-test-result; secondary outcomes included time-to-clinical-decision and BFPPp test accuracy compared to conventional tests. RESULTS BFPPp provided results faster than conventional tests (2.3 h [2-2.8] vs. 23.4 h [21-62], p < 0.001), allowing for faster clinical decisions (2.8 [2.2-44] vs. virology 28.1 h [23.1-70.6] and microbiology 32.6 h [4.6-70.9], both p < 0.001). Based on all available diagnostic modalities, 26 (43%) patients were diagnosed with viral LRTI, nine (15 %) with non-viral LRTI, and five (8 %) with combined viral and non-viral LRTI. These diagnoses were established by BFPPp in 92%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. The remaining 20 patients (33 %) received a diagnosis other than LRTI. Preliminary therapies based on BFPPp results were upheld in 90% of cases. There were six treatment modifications based on pathogen-isolation by conventional testing missed by BFPPp, including three due to fungal pathogens not covered by the BFPPp. CONCLUSION BFPPp offered faster test results compared to conventional tests with good concordance. The absence of fungal pathogens from the panel is a potential weakness in a severely immunosuppressed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Z Kayser
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Seeliger
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in End-Stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Christina Valtin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Fuge
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in End-Stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Ziesing
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Welte
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in End-Stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Patrick Chhatwal
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Department of Microbiology, MVZ Medical Laboratory Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Gottlieb
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in End-Stage and Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany
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7
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Arastehfar A, Carvalho A, Houbraken J, Lombardi L, Garcia-Rubio R, Jenks J, Rivero-Menendez O, Aljohani R, Jacobsen I, Berman J, Osherov N, Hedayati M, Ilkit M, Armstrong-James D, Gabaldón T, Meletiadis J, Kostrzewa M, Pan W, Lass-Flörl C, Perlin D, Hoenigl M. Aspergillus fumigatus and aspergillosis: From basics to clinics. Stud Mycol 2021; 100:100115. [PMID: 34035866 PMCID: PMC8131930 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2021.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The airborne fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses a serious health threat to humans by causing numerous invasive infections and a notable mortality in humans, especially in immunocompromised patients. Mould-active azoles are the frontline therapeutics employed to treat aspergillosis. The global emergence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in clinic and environment, however, notoriously limits the therapeutic options of mould-active antifungals and potentially can be attributed to a mortality rate reaching up to 100 %. Although specific mutations in CYP 51A are the main cause of azole resistance, there is a new wave of azole-resistant isolates with wild-type CYP 51A genotype challenging the efficacy of the current diagnostic tools. Therefore, applications of whole-genome sequencing are increasingly gaining popularity to overcome such challenges. Prominent echinocandin tolerance, as well as liver and kidney toxicity posed by amphotericin B, necessitate a continuous quest for novel antifungal drugs to combat emerging azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates. Animal models and the tools used for genetic engineering require further refinement to facilitate a better understanding about the resistance mechanisms, virulence, and immune reactions orchestrated against A. fumigatus. This review paper comprehensively discusses the current clinical challenges caused by A. fumigatus and provides insights on how to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Arastehfar
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - A. Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - J. Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - L. Lombardi
- UCD Conway Institute and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - R. Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - J.D. Jenks
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Clinical and Translational Fungal-Working Group, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - O. Rivero-Menendez
- Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28222, Spain
| | - R. Aljohani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - I.D. Jacobsen
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - J. Berman
- Research Group Microbial Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - N. Osherov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - M.T. Hedayati
- Invasive Fungi Research Center/Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - M. Ilkit
- Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Çukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey
| | | | - T. Gabaldón
- Life Sciences Programme, Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), Jordi Girona, Barcelona, 08034, Spain
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - W. Pan
- Medical Mycology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - C. Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - D.S. Perlin
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, 07110, USA
| | - M. Hoenigl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
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Evaluation of Three Commercial PCR Assays for the Detection of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus from Respiratory Samples of Immunocompromised Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020132. [PMID: 33670173 PMCID: PMC7916969 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first study comparing three commercially available PCR assays for the detection of Aspergillus DNA from respiratory specimen of immunocompromised patients and the presence of cyp51A gene mutations. Bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs, N = 103) from patients with haematological/oncological underlying diseases were retrospectively investigated. The performance of three PCR assays, namely MycoGENIE®Aspergillus fumigatus Real-Time PCR Kit (Adamtech), Fungiplex®Aspergillus Azole-R IVD Real-Time PCR Kit (Bruker Daltonik GmbH) and AsperGenius® (PathoNostics B.V.), were evaluated. All patients were categorised following current EORTC/MSG criteria, with exclusion of the PCR-results. From the 11 invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) probable samples, eight were detected with MycoGENIE®, resulting in a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 73%. Furthermore, Fungiplex® resulted in six positive BALs with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 91% and AsperGenius® in seven positive BAL samples, with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 97%. No proven IPA was detected. One isolate showed phenotypically an azole-resistance, which was also detected in each of the tested PCR assays with the mutation in TR34. The here tested PCR assays were capable of reliably detecting A. fumigatus DNA, as well as differentiation of the common cyp51A gene mutations. However, evaluation on the AsperGenius® assay revealed a low risk of false positive results.
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Emerging Microbiology Diagnostics for Transplant Infections: On the Cusp of a Paradigm Shift. Transplantation 2020; 104:1358-1384. [PMID: 31972701 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In light of the heightened risk for infection associated with solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, rapid and accurate microbiology diagnostics are essential to the practice of transplant clinicians, including infectious diseases specialists. In the last decade, diagnostic microbiology has seen a shift toward culture-independent techniques including single-target and multiplexed molecular testing, mass-spectrometry, and magnetic resonance-based methods which have together greatly expanded the array of pathogens identified, increased processing speed and throughput, allowed for detection of resistance determinants, and ultimately improved the outcomes of infected transplant recipients. More recently, a newer generation of diagnostics with immense potential has emerged, including multiplexed molecular panels directly applicable to blood and blood culture specimens, next-generation metagenomics, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Though these methods have some recognized drawbacks, many have already demonstrated improved sensitivity and a positive impact on clinical outcomes in transplant and immunocompromised patients.
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Hogea SP, Tudorache E, Pescaru C, Marc M, Oancea C. Bronchoalveolar lavage: role in the evaluation of pulmonary interstitial disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1117-1130. [PMID: 32847429 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1806063] [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: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), a noninvasive, well-tolerated procedure is an important diagnostic tool that can facilitate the diagnosis of various lung diseases. This procedure allows the assessment of large alveolar compartments, by providing cells as well as non-cellular constituents from the lower respiratory tract. Alterations in BAL fluid and cells ratio reflects pathological changes in the lung parenchyma. In some cases, clinicians use BAL as a differential diagnosis guide for interstitial lung disease. AREAS COVERED In this review, we summarized the diagnostic criteria for BAL in interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary infections, lung cancer and other pathologies such as fat embolism, gastroesophageal reflux and collagen vascular disease. For this review, we have selected scientific papers published in the PubMed database in our area of interest. We aimed to highlight the usefulness of BAL in respiratory pathology. EXPERT OPINION Although BAL fluid analyzes has an essential role in the diagnostic work-up of many lung pathologies, it should be performed in selected patients. For accurate results, the BAL technique is very important to be standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanca-Patricia Hogea
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Emanuela Tudorache
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Camelia Pescaru
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Monica Marc
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babeș" , Timișoara, Romania
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although clinical outcomes in the treatment of aspergillosis have markedly improved with the availability of newer triazoles, the development of resistance to these antifungals, especially in Aspergillus fumigatus, is a growing concern. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on azole resistance mechanisms and their epidemiology in A. fumigatus, the clinical implications of azole resistance, and to discuss future treatment options against azole-resistant aspergillosis. RECENT FINDINGS Resistance may develop through either patient or environmental azole exposure. Environmental exposure is the most prevalent means of resistance development, and these isolates can cause disease in various at-risk groups, which now include those with influenza, and potentially COVID-19. Although current treatment options are limited, newer therapies are in clinical development. These include agents with novel mechanisms of action which have in vitro and in vivo activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus. SUMMARY Azole-resistant A. fumigatus is an emerging threat that hampers our ability to successfully treat patients with aspergillosis. Certain geographic regions and patient populations appear to be at increased risk for this pathogen. As new patient groups are increasingly recognized to be at increased risk for invasive aspergillosis, studies to define the epidemiology and management of azole-resistant A. fumigatus are critically needed. While treatment options are currently limited, new agents under clinical development may offer hope.
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High-Frequency Direct Detection of Triazole Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus from Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Fungal Diseases in India. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6020067. [PMID: 32443672 PMCID: PMC7345705 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillosis due to azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is a worldwide problem with major therapeutic implications. In patients with invasive aspergillosis, a low yield of fungal cultures results in underestimation of azole resistance. To detect azole resistance in A. fumigatus, we applied the AsperGenius® Resistance multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect TR34/L98H, and TR46/T289A/Y121F mutations and the AsperGenius® G54/M220 RUO PCR assay to detect G54/M220 mutations directly in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples of 160 patients with chronic respiratory diseases in Delhi, India. Only 23% of samples were culture-positive compared to 83% positivity by A. fumigatus species PCR highlighting concerns about the low yield of cultures. Notably, 25% of BAL samples (33/160 patients) had azole resistance-associated mutation by direct detection using PCR assay. Detection of resistance-associated mutations was found mainly in 59% and 43% patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), respectively. Overall, a G54 mutation, conferring itraconazole resistance, was the predominant finding in 87.5% and 67% of patients with CPA and ABPA, respectively. In culture-negative, PCR-positive samples, we detected azole-resistant mutations in 34% of BAL samples. Azole resistance in chronic Aspergillus diseases remains undiagnosed, warranting standardization of respiratory culture and inclusion of rapid techniques to detect resistance markers directly in respiratory samples.
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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.
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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
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Fuchs S, Lass-Flörl C, Posch W. Diagnostic Performance of a Novel Multiplex PCR Assay for Candidemia among ICU Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5030086. [PMID: 31533333 PMCID: PMC6787705 DOI: 10.3390/jof5030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidemia poses a major threat to ICU patients and is routinely diagnosed by blood culture, which is known for its low sensitivity and long turnaround times. We compared the performance of a novel, Candida-specific multiplex real-time PCR assay (Fungiplex® Candida IVD Real-Time PCR Kit) with blood culture and another established diagnostic real-time PCR assay (LightCycler SeptiFast Test) with respect to Candida detection from whole blood samples. Clinical samples from 58 patients were analyzed by standard blood culture (BC) and simultaneously tested with the Fungiplex Candida PCR (FP) and the SeptiFast test (SF) for molecular detection of Candida spp. Compared to BC, the FP test showed high diagnostic power, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.1%. Overall diagnostic accuracy reached 94.6%. Using SF, we found a sensitivity of 60%, a specificity of 96.1%, and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 92.9%. The Fungiplex Candida PCR has shown good sensitivity and specificity on clinical samples of high-risk patients for direct detection of Candida species in whole blood samples. Together with conventional diagnostics (BC and antigen testing), this new multiplex PCR assay may contribute to a rapid and accurate diagnosis of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Fuchs
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wilfried Posch
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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