1
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Poth JM, Schmandt M, Schewe JC, Lehmann F, Kreyer S, Kohistani Z, Bakhtiary F, Hischebeth G, Putensen C, Weller J, Ehrentraut SF. Prevalence and prognostic relevance of invasive fungal disease during veno-arterial ECMO: A retrospective single-center study. J Crit Care 2024; 83:154831. [PMID: 38797056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.154831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and relevance of invasive fungal disease (IFD) during veno-arterial (V-A) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). METHODS Retrospective analysis from January 2013 to November 2023 of adult V-A ECMO cases at a German University Hospital. Parameters relating to IFD, demographics, length of stay (LoS), days on ECMO and mechanical ventilation, prognostic scores and survival were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with IFD and death as dependent variables were performed. Outcome was assessed after propensity score matching IFD-patients to non-IFD-controls. RESULTS 421 patients received V-A ECMO. 392 patients with full electronic datasets were included. The prevalence of IFD, invasive candidiasis and probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was 4.6%, 3.8% and 1.0%. Severity of acute disease, pre-existing moderate-to-severe renal disease and continuous kidney replacement therapy were predictive of IFD. In-hospital mortality (94% (17/18) compared to 67% (252/374) in non-IFD patients (p = 0.0156)) was predicted by female sex, SOFA score at admission, SAVE score and IFD (for IFD: OR: 8.31; CI: 1.60-153.18; p: 0.044). There was no difference in outcome after matching IFD-cases to non-IFD-controls. CONCLUSIONS IFD are detected in about one in 20 patients on V-A ECMO, indicating mortality >90%. However, IFD do not contribute to prognosis in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens M Poth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mathias Schmandt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens-Christian Schewe
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Kreyer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Zaki Kohistani
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Farhad Bakhtiary
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gunnar Hischebeth
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Putensen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan F Ehrentraut
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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Hurraß J, Heinzow B, Walser-Reichenbach S, Aurbach U, Becker S, Bellmann R, Bergmann KC, Cornely OA, Engelhart S, Fischer G, Gabrio T, Herr CE, Joest M, Karagiannidis C, Klimek L, Köberle M, Kolk A, Lichtnecker H, Lob-Corzilius T, Mülleneisen N, Nowak D, Rabe U, Raulf M, Steinmann J, Steiß JO, Stemler J, Umpfenbach U, Valtanen K, Werchan B, Willinger B, Wiesmüller GA. AWMF mold guideline "Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure" - Update 2023 AWMF Register No. 161/001. Allergol Select 2024; 8:90-198. [PMID: 38756207 PMCID: PMC11097193 DOI: 10.5414/alx02444e] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hurraß
- Section for Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities, Division of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Department, Cologne
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Birger Heinzow
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
| | - Sandra Walser-Reichenbach
- Formerly: State Agency for Social Services (LAsD) Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Ute Aurbach
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Sven Becker
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Romuald Bellmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Co-author
| | - Karl-Christian Bergmann
- Institute of Allergology Charité, Charité – University Medicine Berlin, Berlin
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Steffen Engelhart
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Guido Fischer
- Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Gabrio
- Formerly: Baden-Württemberg State Health Office in the Stuttgart Regional Council, Stuttgart
- Co-author
| | - Caroline E.W. Herr
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich
- Environmental Health and Prevention, Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University of Munich Hospital Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Marcus Joest
- Allergological-Immunological Laboratory, Helios Lung and Allergy Center Bonn, Bonn
- Co-author
| | - Christian Karagiannidis
- Faculty of Health, Professorship for Extracorporeal Lung Replacement Procedures, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten/Herdecke
- Lung Clinic Cologne Merheim, Clinics of the City of Cologne, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ludger Klimek
- Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Martin Köberle
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Annette Kolk
- Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), Unit Biological Agents, Sankt Augustin
- Co-author
| | - Herbert Lichtnecker
- Medical Institute for Environmental and Occupational Medicine MIU GmbH Erkrath, Erkrath
- Co-author
| | - Thomas Lob-Corzilius
- Scientific working group of environmental medicine of the German Society of Pediatric Allergology (GPAU)
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Norbert Mülleneisen
- Asthma and Allergy Center Leverkusen, Leverkusen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Uta Rabe
- Center for Allergology and Asthma, Johanniter Hospital Treuenbrietzen, Treuenbrietzen
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Monika Raulf
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Statutory Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr University Bochum (IPA), Bochum
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jörg Steinmann
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen
- Co-author
| | - Jens-Oliver Steiß
- Specialized Practice in Allergology and Pediatric Pulmonology in Fulda, Fulda
- Institute for Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Infectiology, Paracelsus Private Medical University Nuremberg Clinic, Nuremberg
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Jannik Stemler
- Institute for Translational Research, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department I for Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Cologne
- Co-author
| | - Ulli Umpfenbach
- Doctor for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Environmental Medicine, Classical Homeopathy, Asthma Trainer, Neurodermatitis Trainer, Viersen
- Co-author
| | - Kerttu Valtanen
- FG II 1.4 Microbiological Risks, German Environment Agency, Berlin
- Co-author
| | - Barbora Werchan
- German Pollen Information Service Foundation (PID), Berlin, Germany
- Co-author
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology – Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
| | - Gerhard A. Wiesmüller
- Laboratory Dr. Wisplinghoff
- ZfMK – Center for Environment, Hygiene and Mycology Cologne, Cologne
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Co-author
- Member of a scientific medical society, a society or a medical association with voting rights
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Lipovy B, Hladik M, Vyklicka K, Kocmanova I, Lengerova M, Kren L, Srnik M, Bohm J, Andrla P, Borilova Linhartova P. Rare multi-fungal sepsis: a case of triple-impact immunoparalysis. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2024:10.1007/s12223-024-01165-0. [PMID: 38647991 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Patients with burn injury and inhalation injury are highly susceptible to infectious complications, including opportunistic pathogens, due to the loss of skin cover and mucosal damage of respiratory tract as well as the disruption of homeostasis. This case report, a 34-year-old man suffered critical burns, provides the first literature description of triple-impact immunoparalysis (critical burns, inhalation injury, and SARS-CoV-2 infection), leading to a lethal multifocal infection caused by several fungi including very rare environmental representatives Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Wickerhamomyces anomalus. The co-infection by these common environmental yeasts in a human is unique and has not yet been described in the literature. Importantly, our patient developed refractory septic shock and died despite targeted antifungal therapy including the most potent current antifungal agent-isavuconazole. It can be assumed that besides immunoparalysis, effectiveness of therapy by isavuconazole was impaired by the large distribution volume in this case. As this is a common situation in intensive care patients, routine monitoring of plasmatic concentration of isavuconazole can be helpful in personalization of the treatment and dose optimization. Whatmore, many fungal species often remain underdiagnosed during infectious complications, which could be prevented by implementation of new methods, such as next-generation sequencing, into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bretislav Lipovy
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Institution Shared With University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Jihlavska 20, Brno, Czech Republic
- CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 656/123, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hladik
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Institution Shared With University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Jihlavska 20, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Vyklicka
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Kocmanova
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska 20, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Lengerova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Institution Shared With University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Jihlavska 20, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Institution Shared With University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Jihlavska 20, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Srnik
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Institutions Shared With St. Anne's Faculty Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Pekarska 664/53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bohm
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Andrla
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, Brno, Czech Republic
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4
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Mullis CE, Heldman M, Bahr NC, Minamoto GY, Puius YA, Malinis M. Persistent fever after coronavirus disease 2019 in liver/kidney transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2024:e14271. [PMID: 38605533 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this case, a 64-year-old male with a history of simultaneous orthotopic liver transplant and cadaveric renal transplant presented five years prior presented with persistent fevers two days after a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasal PCR. A CT scan of the chest on hospital day nine revealed innumerable 1-2 mm nodules in a miliary pattern throughout the lung. (1,3)-β-D-glucan on hospital day 11 was 133 pg/mL. In this article, the approach, diagnostic and management strategies for patients with persistent fevers after diagnosis of COVID-19 in a transplant recipient are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Mullis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Madeleine Heldman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan C Bahr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Grace Y Minamoto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Yoram A Puius
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Maricar Malinis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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5
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Gioia F, Walti LN, Orchanian-Cheff A, Husain S. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2024; 12:207-216. [PMID: 38185135 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00408-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported to be an emerging and potentially fatal complication of severe COVID-19. However, risk factors for CAPA have not been systematically addressed to date. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with CAPA, we comprehensively searched five medical databases: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; and the WHO COVID-19 Database. All case-control and cohort studies in adults (aged >18 years) that described at least six cases of CAPA and evaluated any risk factors for CAPA, published from Dec 1, 2019, to July 27, 2023, were screened and assessed for inclusion. Only studies with a control population of COVID-19-positive individuals without aspergillosis were included. Two reviewers independently screened search results and extracted outcome data as summary estimates from eligible studies. The primary outcome was to identify the factors associated with CAPA. Meta-analysis was done with random-effects models, with use of the Mantel-Haenszel method to assess dichotomous outcomes as potential risk factors, or the inverse variance method to assess continuous variables for potential association with CAPA. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots for factors associated with CAPA. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022334405. FINDINGS Of 3561 records identified, 27 articles were included in the meta-analysis. 6848 patients with COVID-19 were included, of whom 1324 (19·3%) were diagnosed with CAPA. Diagnosis rates of CAPA ranged from 2·5% (14 of 566 patients) to 47·2% (58 of 123). We identified eight risk factors for CAPA. These factors included pre-existing comorbidities of chronic liver disease (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·21-6·04], p=0·02; I2=53%), haematological malignancies (OR 2·47 [1·27-4·83], p=0·008; I2=50%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2·00 [1·42-2·83], p<0·0001; I2=26%), and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1·31 [1·01-1·71], p=0·05; I2=46%). Use of invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 2·83; 95% CI 1·88-4·24; p<0·0001; I2=69%), use of renal replacement therapy (OR 2·26 [1·76-2·90], p<0·0001; I2=14%), treatment of COVID-19 with interleukin-6 inhibitors (OR 2·88 [1·52-5·43], p=0·001; I2=89%), and treatment of COVID-19 with corticosteroids (OR 1·88 [1·28-2·77], p=0·001; I2=66%) were also associated with CAPA. Patients with CAPA were typically older than those without CAPA (mean age 66·6 years [SD 3·6] vs 63·5 years [5·3]; mean difference 2·90 [1·48-4·33], p<0·0001; I2=86%). The duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with CAPA was longer than in those without CAPA (n=7 studies; mean duration 19·3 days [8·9] vs 13·5 days [6·8]; mean difference 5·53 days [1·30-9·77], p=0·01; I2=88%). In post-hoc analysis, patients with CAPA had higher all-cause mortality than those without CAPA (n=20 studies; OR 2·65 [2·04-3·45], p<0·0001; I2=51%). INTERPRETATION The identified risk factors for CAPA could eventually be addressed with targeted antifungal prophylaxis in patients with severe COVID-19. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gioia
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CB21/13/00084), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura N Walti
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ani Orchanian-Cheff
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shahid Husain
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Dacey S, Velu PS, Wilson N, Levi JR, Paz-Lansberg M. Invasive fungal sinusitis: A comparison of pediatric versus adult cases. Am J Otolaryngol 2024; 45:104143. [PMID: 38101130 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.104143] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) is a rare infection with high mortality, mainly impacting immunocompromised patients. Given its significant mortality, timely recognition and treatment is crucial. This study aims to highlight the differences in presentation of IFS between pediatric and adult patients to aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, Global Health (EBSCO) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted to identify articles relating to IFS. Patient demographics, comorbidities, presentation, disease characteristics, treatments and outcomes were extracted from the studies, and statistical analyses were conducted to compare these variables between pediatric and adult patients. RESULTS 111 studies identified 22 pediatric and 132 adult patients worldwide. Children were more likely to have hematologic malignancies compared to adults (59.1 % vs. 15.2 %, p < 0.001). Facial symptoms such as pain, edema, and numbness were the most common symptoms for both age groups. In the pediatric population, fever and nasal or oral mucosal lesions were more common presenting symptoms (both p < 0.001). Pediatric patients were more likely to present without disease extension beyond the sinuses (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in either medication treatment or mortality between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION IFS often presents with non-specific symptoms and a unique presentation in pediatric and adult populations. Clinical awareness of the varying presentations in both populations is important to treat in a timely manner given the rapid progression and high mortality rates of IFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Dacey
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America.
| | - Preetha S Velu
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Wilson
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jessica R Levi
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Marianella Paz-Lansberg
- Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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7
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Shah K, Deshpande M, Shah P. Healthcare-associated fungal infections and emerging pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2024; 5:1339911. [PMID: 38465254 PMCID: PMC10920311 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2024.1339911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Historically, fungi were mainly identified as plant and insect pathogens since they grow at 28°C. At the same time, bacteria are known to be the most common human pathogens as they are compatible with the host body temperature of 37°C. Because of immunocompromised hosts, cancer therapy, and malnutrition, fungi are rapidly gaining attention as human pathogens. Over 150 million people have severe fungal infections, which lead to approximately more than one million deaths per year. Moreover, diseases like cancer involving long-term therapy and prophylactic use of antifungal drugs in high-risk patients have increased the emergence of drug-resistant fungi, including highly virulent strains such as Candida auris. This clinical spectrum of fungal diseases ranges from superficial mucocutaneous lesions to more severe and life-threatening infections. This review article summarizes the effect of hospital environments, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, on fungal infections and emerging pathogens. The review also provides insights into the various antifungal drugs and their existing challenges, thereby driving the need to search for novel antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krish Shah
- Biological Sciences Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA, United States
| | | | - P. Shah
- Science Ambassador/Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA, United States
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8
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Huang C, Chang S, Ma R, Shang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Feng M, Guo W. COVID-19 in pulmonary critically ill patients: metagenomic identification of fungi and characterization of pathogenic microorganisms. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1220012. [PMID: 38444540 PMCID: PMC10912313 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1220012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal co-infection is prevalent in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The conventional approach applied to fungal identification has relatively low sensitivity and is time-consuming. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology can simultaneously detect a variety of microorganisms, and is increasingly being used for the rapid detection and diagnosis of pathogens. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, we described the clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 and mNGS positive for fungi in pulmonary critically ill patients during the outbreak of Omicron infection from December 2022 to January 2023. Results Among 43 COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on a single intensive care unit (ICU), 10 were reported to be fungal positive using the mNGS test. The number of pathogenic microorganisms detected by mNGS was significantly higher than that via traditional methods, especially in the detection of fungi and viruses. Aspergillus infection was dominant, and most of these patients also had concurrent bacterial or viral infections. Probable or possible COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was diagnosed in all 10 patients, and the prognosis was poor. Conclusion Patients with COVID-19 may be at increased risk of developing fungal infections as well as concurrent bacterial or viral infections, and mNGS can be a powerful tool in identifying these infections. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients, particularly those who have underlying immunocompromising conditions, and should monitor for early signs of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Chang
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yishu Shang
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuexia Li
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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9
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Gandhi RT, Castle AC, de Oliveira T, Lessells RJ. Case 40-2023: A 70-Year-Old Woman with Cough and Shortness of Breath. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:2468-2476. [PMID: 38157503 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc2300910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh T Gandhi
- From the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School - both in Boston (R.T.G., A.C.C.); and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch (T.O.), and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban (T.O., R.J.L.) - both in South Africa
| | - Alison C Castle
- From the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School - both in Boston (R.T.G., A.C.C.); and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch (T.O.), and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban (T.O., R.J.L.) - both in South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- From the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School - both in Boston (R.T.G., A.C.C.); and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch (T.O.), and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban (T.O., R.J.L.) - both in South Africa
| | - Richard J Lessells
- From the Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School - both in Boston (R.T.G., A.C.C.); and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch (T.O.), and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban (T.O., R.J.L.) - both in South Africa
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10
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Simmons BC, Rhodes J, Rogers TR, Verweij PE, Abdolrasouli A, Schelenz S, Hemmings SJ, Talento AF, Griffin A, Mansfield M, Sheehan D, Bosch T, Fisher MC. Genomic Epidemiology Identifies Azole Resistance Due to TR 34/L98H in European Aspergillus fumigatus Causing COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1104. [PMID: 37998909 PMCID: PMC10672581 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus has been found to coinfect patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, leading to COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA all-cause mortality rate is approximately 50% and may be complicated by azole resistance. Genomic epidemiology can help shed light on the genetics of A. fumigatus causing CAPA, including the prevalence of resistance-associated alleles. We present a population genomic analysis of 21 CAPA isolates from four European countries with these isolates compared against 240 non-CAPA A. fumigatus isolates from a wider population. Bioinformatic analysis and antifungal susceptibility testing were performed to quantify resistance and identify possible genetically encoded azole-resistant mechanisms. The phylogenetic analysis of the 21 CAPA isolates showed that they were representative of the wider A. fumigatus population with no obvious clustering. The prevalence of phenotypic azole resistance in CAPA was 14.3% (n = 3/21); all three CAPA isolates contained a known resistance-associated cyp51A polymorphism. The relatively high prevalence of azole resistance alleles that we document poses a probable threat to treatment success rates, warranting the enhanced surveillance of A. fumigatus genotypes in these patients. Furthermore, potential changes to antifungal first-line treatment guidelines may be needed to improve patient outcomes when CAPA is suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Simmons
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
- UK Health Security Agency, London EP14 4PU, UK
| | - Johanna Rhodes
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Thomas R. Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Paul E. Verweij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Radboudumc-CWZ Center of Expertise for Mycology, Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Alireza Abdolrasouli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Infection Sciences, King’s College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK;
- School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Samuel J. Hemmings
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
| | - Alida Fe Talento
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
- Department of Microbiology, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, A92 VW28 Drogheda, Ireland
- Department of Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Auveen Griffin
- Department of Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Mary Mansfield
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - David Sheehan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, St. James’ Hospital Campus, Trinity College Dublin, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland; (T.R.R.); (A.F.T.); (M.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Thijs Bosch
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Diagnostics and Laboratory Surveillance, National for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
| | - Matthew C. Fisher
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; (J.R.); (S.J.H.); (M.C.F.)
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11
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Koulenti D, Karvouniaris M, Paramythiotou E, Koliakos N, Markou N, Paranos P, Meletiadis J, Blot S. Severe Candida infections in critically ill patients with COVID-19. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2023; 3:291-297. [PMID: 38028641 PMCID: PMC10658040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The frequency of co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens has constantly increased among critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic. Candidemia was the most frequently reported invasive fungal co-infection. The onset of candidemia in COVID-19 patients was often delayed compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, Candida invasive infections in COVID-19 patients were more often linked to invasive procedures (e.g., invasive mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy) during the intensive care stay and the severity of illness rather than more "classic" risk factors present in patients without COVID-19 (e.g., underlying diseases and prior hospitalization). Moreover, apart from the increased incidence of candidemia during the pandemic, a worrying rise in fluconazole-resistant strains was reported, including a rise in the multidrug-resistant Candida auris. Regarding outcomes, the development of invasive Candida co-infection had a negative impact, increasing morbidity and mortality compared to non-co-infected COVID-19 patients. In this narrative review, we present and critically discuss information on the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections caused by Candida spp. in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Koulenti
- Second Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Nikolaos Koliakos
- Second Critical Care Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Markou
- ICU of Latseio Burns Centre, General Hospital of Elefsis ‘Thriasio’, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalis Paranos
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Joseph Meletiadis
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stijn Blot
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Singh A, Kaur A, Chowdhary A. Fungal pathogens and COVID-19. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 75:102365. [PMID: 37625261 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the complications of secondary fungal infections that occurred globally in severe cases of coronavirus disease managed in the intensive care units. Furthermore, varied underlying host factors, such as preexisting immunosuppression, the use of immunomodulatory agents, and invasive procedures predisposing lung tissues to fungal colonization and proliferation, caused increased susceptibility to fungal infections in COVID-19 patient populations. These invasive fungal infections directly impact the overall length of hospitalization and mortality. The most commonly reported fungal infections in patients with COVID-19 include aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and mucormycosis. An overall worldwide increase in the prevalence of candidiasis and aspergillosis was observed in COVID-19 patients , whereas outbreaks of mucormycosis were mainly recorded from India. Diagnostic challenges and limited antifungal treatment options make secondary fungal infections among COVID-19 patients more burdensome, which results in improper management and increased mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Singh
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amtoj Kaur
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Medical Mycology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; National Reference Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance in Fungal Pathogens, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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13
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Swaney R, Jokomo-Nyakabau R, Nguyen AAN, Kenny D, Millner PG, Selim M, Destache CJ, Velagapudi M. Diagnosis and Outcomes of Fungal Co-Infections in COVID-19 Infections: A Retrospective Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2326. [PMID: 37764170 PMCID: PMC10535039 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a public health emergency with unique complications such as the development of fungal co-infections. The diagnosis of fungal infections can be challenging due to confounding imaging studies and difficulty obtaining histopathology. In this retrospective study, 173 patients with COVID-19 receiving antifungal therapy due to concern for fungal co-infection were evaluated. Patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, and the utility of fungal biomarkers were then evaluated for continuation of antifungal therapy. Data were collected from the electronic health record (EPIC) and analyzed using SPSS (version. 28, IBM, Inc., Armonk, NY, USA) Data are presented as mean ± SD or percentages. A total of 56 COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with fungal co-infection and 117 COVID-19 + patients had no fungal infection. Significantly fewer female patients were in the fungal+ group compared to COVID-19 control patients (29% in fungal+ compared to 51% in controls p = 0.005). Fungal diagnostics were all significantly higher in fungal+ patients. These include 1,4-beta-D-glucan (BDG), fungal culture, and bronchoalveolar lavage galactomannan (BAL GM). Intensive care unit hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and mortality in fungal+ patients with COVID-19 were significantly higher than in control patients. Finally, significantly more fungal+ patients received voriconazole, isavuconazonium, or amphotericin B therapies, whereas control patients received significantly more short-course fluconazole. COVID-19+ patients with fungal co-infection were significantly more likely to be in the ICU and mechanically ventilated, and they result in higher mortality compared to control COVID-19 patients. The use of fungal diagnostics markers were helpful for diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Swaney
- Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
| | - Rutendo Jokomo-Nyakabau
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Anny A. N. Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Dorothy Kenny
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (A.A.N.N.)
| | - Paul G. Millner
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammad Selim
- Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA; (R.J.-N.); (P.G.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Christopher J. Destache
- School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Manasa Velagapudi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Catholic Health Initiative (CHI) Health Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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14
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Hawkins BK, Walker SD, Shorman MA. Missed Opportunities for Antifungal Stewardship during the COVID-19 Era. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1352. [PMID: 37760649 PMCID: PMC10526074 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant increases in antibacterial use were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, subsequent analyses found this increase in antibiotic use to be excessive in comparison with the relatively low rates of bacterial coinfection. Although patients who are critically ill with COVID-19 may be at an increased risk for pulmonary aspergillosis, antifungal use in these populations remained underreported, particularly in later phases of the pandemic. This single-center, population-level cohort analysis compares the monthly use rates of mold-active antifungal drugs in the medical intensive care unit during April 2019-March 2020 (baseline) with those during April 2020-November 2022. The antifungal drugs included in the analysis were liposomal amphotericin B, anidulafungin, isavuconazonium, posaconazole, and voriconazole. We found that during 2020-2022, the usage of antifungal drugs was not significantly different from baseline for all included agents except isavuconazonium, which was used significantly more (p = 0.009). There were no changes in diagnostic modalities between the two time periods. The reported prevalence of and mortality from COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) may have resulted in higher rates of prescribing antifungal drugs for critically ill patients with COVID-19. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should develop and apply tools to facilitate more effective and appropriate antifungal use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon K. Hawkins
- College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
| | - Samantha D. Walker
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
| | - Mahmoud A. Shorman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 37920, USA
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15
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Liu H, Shetty AC, Ibrahim AS, Filler SG, Bruno VM. Novel Host Pathways Govern Epithelial Cell Invasion of Aspergillus fumigatus. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0008423. [PMID: 37255456 PMCID: PMC10434228 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00084-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is initiated when Aspergillus fumigatus adheres to and invades the pulmonary epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli. To gain deeper insight into how pulmonary epithelial cells respond to A. fumigatus invasion, we used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the transcriptional response of the A549 type II alveolar epithelial cell line to infection with strains CEA10 and Af293, two clinical isolates of A. fumigatus. Upstream regulator analysis of the data indicated that while both strains activated virtually identical host cell signaling pathways after 16 h of infection, only strain CEA10 activated these pathways after 6 h of infection. Many of the pathways that were predicted to be activated by A. fumigatus, including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-17A, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and TLR4 pathways, are known to be critical for the host defense against this fungus. We also found that the platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) and progesterone receptor (PGR) pathways were activated by A. fumigatus. Using pharmacologic inhibitors, we determined that blocking the PDGF receptor or PGR inhibited the endocytosis of both strains of A. fumigatus in an additive manner. Both the PDGF BB and PGR pathways are also predicted to be activated by infection of A549 cells with other molds, such as Rhizopus delemar and Rhizopus oryzae. Thus, these pathways may represent a common response of pulmonary epithelial cells to mold infection. IMPORTANCE Invasive aspergillosis is a deadly invasive fungal infection that initiates when Aspergillus fumigatus spores are inhaled and come into contact with the epithelial cells that line the airways and alveoli. Understanding this fungus-host interaction is important for the development of novel therapeutics. To gain a deeper understanding of how these airway epithelial cells respond to A. fumigatus during infection, we used RNA-seq to determine the transcriptional response of alveolar epithelial cells to infection with two different clinical isolates of A. fumigatus. Our analysis identified new host response pathways that have not previously been tied to infection with A. fumigatus. Pharmacological inhibition of two of these pathways inhibited the ability of A. fumigatus to invade airway epithelial cells. These two pathways are also predicted to be activated by infection with other filamentous fungi. Thus, these pathways may represent a common response of alveolar epithelial cells to mold infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Amol C. Shetty
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashraf S. Ibrahim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Scott G. Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Vincent M. Bruno
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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16
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Garcell HG, Al-Ajmi J, Arias AV, Abraham JC, Garmendia AMF, Hernandez TMF. Ten-year incidence and impact of coronavirus infections on incidence, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance of healthcare-associated infections in a critical care unit in Western Qatar. Qatar Med J 2023; 2023:11. [PMID: 37521091 PMCID: PMC10375912 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2023.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in critical patients affect the quality and safety of patient care as they impact morbidity and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the incidence rate was reported worldwide. We aim to describe the incidence of HAI in the intensive care unit (ICU) during a 10-year follow-up period and compare the incidence during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. METHODS A retrospective observational study of HAI in the medical-surgical ICU at The Cuban Hospital was conducted. The data collected include the annual incidence of HAI, its etiology, and antimicrobial resistance, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions, except for other respiratory tract infections (RTIs). RESULTS A total of 155 patients had HAI, of which 130 (85.5%) were identified during COVID-19. The frequency of device-associated infections (DAI) and non-DAI was higher during COVID-19, except for Clostridium difficile infections. Etiology was frequently related to species of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas in both periods, and a higher frequency of Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Candida, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was noted during the COVID-19 period. Device utilization ratio increased by 10.7% for central lines and 12.9% for ventilators, while a reduction of 15% in urinary catheter utilization ratio was observed. DAI incidence was higher during the COVID-19, with a 2.79 higher risk of infection (95% CI: 0.93-11.21; p < 0.0050), 15.31 (2.53-625.48), and 3.25 (0.68-31.08) for CLABSI, VAP, and CAUTI, respectively. CONCLUSION The incidence of DAI increased during the pandemic period as compared to the pre-pandemic period, and limited evidence of the impact on antimicrobial resistance was observed. The infection control program should evaluate strategies to minimize the impact of pandemics on HAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Guanche Garcell
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
| | - Jameela Al-Ajmi
- Corporate Infection Control Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Ariadna Villanueva Arias
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
| | - Joji C Abraham
- Corporate Infection Control Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Angel M Felipe Garmendia
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
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17
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Poth JM, Schewe JC, Lehmann F, Weller J, Schmandt MW, Kreyer S, Muenster S, Putensen C, Ehrentraut SF. COVID-19 Is an Independent Risk Factor for Detrimental Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients on Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:751. [PMID: 37504739 PMCID: PMC10381551 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is associated with the mortality of patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Several risk factors for IFD have been identified in patients with or without ECMO. Here, we assessed the relevance of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) for the occurrence of IFD in patients on veno-venous (V-V) ECMO for respiratory failure. In a retrospective analysis of all ECMO cases between January 2013 and December 2022 (2020-2022 for COVID-19 patients), active COVID-19 and the type, timing and duration of IFD were investigated. Demographics, hospital, ICU length of stay (LoS), duration of ECMO, days on invasive mechanical ventilation, prognostic scores (Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction (RESP) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS)-10, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS)-II) and length of survival were assessed. The association of COVID-19 with IFD was investigated using propensity score matching and uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. We identified 814 patients supported with ECMO, and 452 patients were included in further analyses. The incidence of IFD was 4.8% and 11.0% in patients without and with COVID-19, respectively. COVID-19 status represented an independent risk factor for IFD (OR 4.30; CI 1.72-10.85; p: 0.002; multivariable regression analysis). In patients with COVID-19, 84.6% of IFD was candidemia and 15.4% represented invasive aspergillosis (IA). All of these patients died. In patients on V-V ECMO, we report that COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for IFD, which is associated with a detrimental prognosis. Further studies are needed to investigate strategies of antifungal therapy or prophylaxis in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Martin Poth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jens-Christian Schewe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix Lehmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johannes Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Mathias Willem Schmandt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Kreyer
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Muenster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Putensen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Felix Ehrentraut
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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18
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Kangabam N, Nethravathy V. An overview of opportunistic fungal infections associated with COVID-19. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:231. [PMID: 37309405 PMCID: PMC10257773 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03648-2] [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: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 survivors and long-term steroid administered patients exhibit a variety of fungal co-infections. The lives of COVID-19 patients and survivors are hampered by fungal species of the genera Candida, Aspergillus, and Mucor. There have been cases of mucormycosis, aspergillosis, and candidiasis in COVID-19 patients. The treatments given to these opportunistic fungal infections include polyene like amphotericin B, azoles including imidazoles like ketoconazole, miconazole, and triazoles like fluconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, Echinocandin derivatives like- caspofungin, micafungin, immunomodulatory therapy, granulocyte transfusion, etc. A successful recovery and the reduction of fatalities depend on prompt diagnosis and treatment. To reduce mortality, advanced techniques to identify such uncommon infections at a very early stage are necessary. This review's goal is to provide a summary of the systemic and superficial opportunistic fungal infections that the COVID-19 survivors were dealing with, including information on illness incidence, pathogenicity, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navidita Kangabam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, , Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenehalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064 India
| | - V. Nethravathy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Sciences, REVA University, , Rukmini Knowledge Park, Kattigenehalli, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064 India
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Gold JAW, Adjei S, Gundlapalli AV, Huang YLA, Chiller T, Benedict K, Toda M. Increased Hospitalizations Involving Fungal Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, United States, January 2020-December 2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1433-1437. [PMID: 37347805 PMCID: PMC10310397 DOI: 10.3201/eid2907.221771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hospitalizations involving fungal infections increased 8.5% each year in the United States during 2019-2021. During 2020-2021, patients hospitalized with COVID-19-associated fungal infections had higher (48.5%) in-hospital mortality rates than those with non-COVID-19-associated fungal infections (12.3%). Improved fungal disease surveillance is needed, particularly during respiratory virus pandemics.
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20
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Pallotta F, Brescini L, Ianovitz A, Luchetti I, Franca L, Canovari B, Cerutti E, Barchiesi F. The Clinical Characteristics of Bloodstream Infections Due to Candida spp. in Patients Hospitalized in Intensive Care Units during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Results of a Multicenter Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:642. [PMID: 37367578 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidemia is a serious health threat. Whether this infection has a greater incidence and a higher mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 is still debated. In this multicenter, retrospective, observational study, we aimed to identify the clinical characteristics associated with the 30-day mortality in critically ill patients with candidemia and to define the differences in candidemic patients with and without COVID-19. Over a three-year period (2019-2021), we identified 53 critically ill patients with candidemia, 18 of whom (34%) had COVID-19 and were hospitalized in four ICUs. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiovascular (42%), neurological (17%), chronic pulmonary diseases, chronic kidney failure, and solid tumors (13% each). A significantly higher proportion of COVID-19 patients had pneumonia, ARDS, septic shock, and were undergoing an ECMO procedure. On the contrary, non-COVID-19 patients had undergone previous surgeries and had used TPN more frequently. The mortality rate in the overall population was 43%: 39% and 46% in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, respectively. The independent risk factors associated with a higher mortality were CVVH (HR 29.08 [CI 95% 3.37-250]) and a Charlson's score of > 3 (HR 9.346 [CI 95% 1.054-82.861]). In conclusion, we demonstrated that candidemia still has a high mortality rate in patients admitted to ICUs, irrespective of infection due to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pallotta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Brescini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Ianovitz
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Ilenia Luchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Lucia Franca
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, 61029 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Benedetta Canovari
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, 61029 Pesaro, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerutti
- Anestesia e Rianimazione dei Trapianti e Chirurgia Maggiore, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Barchiesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Malattie Infettive, Azienda Sanitaria Territoriale Pesaro-Urbino, 61029 Pesaro, Italy
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21
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Spencer AC, Brubaker KR, Garneau-Tsodikova S. Systemic fungal infections: A pharmacist/researcher perspective. FUNGAL BIOL REV 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Managing the Next Wave of Influenza and/or SARS-CoV-2 in the ICU—Practical Recommendations from an Expert Group for CAPA/IAPA Patients. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9030312. [PMID: 36983480 PMCID: PMC10058160 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish practical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza-associated invasive aspergillosis (IAPA) based on the available evidence and experience acquired in the management of patients with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). The CAPA/IAPA expert group defined 14 areas in which recommendations would be made. To search for evidence, the PICO strategy was used for both CAPA and IAPA in PubMed, using MeSH terms in combination with free text. Based on the results, each expert developed recommendations for two to three areas that they presented to the rest of the group in various meetings in order to reach consensus. As results, the practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients have been grouped into 12 sections. These recommendations are presented for both entities in the following situations: when to suspect fungal infection; what diagnostic methods are useful to diagnose these two entities; what treatment is recommended; what to do in case of resistance; drug interactions or determination of antifungal levels; how to monitor treatment effectiveness; what action to take in the event of treatment failure; the implications of concomitant corticosteroid administration; indications for the combined use of antifungals; when to withdraw treatment; what to do in case of positive cultures for Aspergillus spp. in a patient with severe viral pneumonia or Aspergillus colonization; and how to position antifungal prophylaxis in these patients. Available evidence to support the practical management of CAPA/IAPA patients is very scarce. Accumulated experience acquired in the management of CAPA patients can be very useful for the management of IAPA patients. The expert group presents eminently practical recommendations for the management of CAPA/IAPA patients.
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23
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Maini R, Saini N, Bhavana K, Bharti B, Walia S, Kori N, Kataria S, Sharma P, Deswal V, Atluri K, Sethi Y, Mandke C, Chansoria M, Rawat S, Bhat R, Dravid A, Baranwal C, Sarkar N, Jariwala S, Puius Y, Arora S. Clinico-Epidemiologic Characteristics of Patients Reported in the Mycotic Infections in COVID-19 Registry. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:584-587. [PMID: 36535246 PMCID: PMC9978542 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0503] [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: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We update results from the Mycotic Infections in COVID-19 (MUNCO) Registry, May-September 2021. Data collection from May to September 2021 yielded 728 cases from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, and the United States. The cases consisted of mostly mucormycosis (97.6%), primarily rhinocerebral, and were analyzed to investigate clinical characteristics associated with negative outcomes. Patients were mostly diabetic (85%) and male (76%), with significant mortality (11.7%). All patients received treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as well as antifungal treatment. The crude mortality rate was 11.3% for mucormycosis and 22.7% formixed infections. This study demonstrates the utility of online databases in the collection of high-caliber data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Maini
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Neha Saini
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Kranti Bhavana
- ENT, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | - Shweta Walia
- Opthamology, Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, Indore, India
| | - Neetu Kori
- Opthamology, Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, Indore, India
| | | | - Pooja Sharma
- Medanta Institute of Medicine and Research, Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Deswal
- Medanta Institute of Medicine and Research, Delhi, India
| | - Kavya Atluri
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yatin Sethi
- ENT, Venkateshwara Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi
| | - Charuta Mandke
- Opthalmology, HinduHrudaySamrat Balasaheb Thackarey Medical College, Mumbai, India
| | - Mayank Chansoria
- Emergency Medicine, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, India
| | - Sumit Rawat
- Microbiology, Bundelkhand Medical College, Sagar, India
| | | | - Ameet Dravid
- Infectious Diseases, Noble Hospital, Pune, India
| | | | - Nirmal Sarkar
- Pulmonology and Chest Medicine, Sarkari Kormochari Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sunit Jariwala
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Yoram Puius
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Address correspondence to Yoram Puius or Shitij Arora, Department of Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, NW651, 111 E 210TH STREET, BRONX, NY 10467. E-mails: or
| | - Shitij Arora
- Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
- Address correspondence to Yoram Puius or Shitij Arora, Department of Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, NW651, 111 E 210TH STREET, BRONX, NY 10467. E-mails: or
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24
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Andersson M(A, Vornanen-Winqvist C, Koivisto T, Varga A, Mikkola R, Kredics L, Salonen H. Composition of Culturable Microorganisms in Dusts Collected from Sport Facilities in Finland during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020339. [PMID: 36839611 PMCID: PMC9963892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020339] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sport facilities represent extreme indoor environments due to intense cleaning and disinfection. The aim of this study was to describe the composition of the cultivated microbiota in dust samples collected in sport facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dust sample is defined as the airborne dust sedimented on 0.02 m2 within 28 d. The results show that the microbial viable counts in samples of airborne dust (n = 9) collected from seven Finnish sport facilities during the pandemic contained a high proportion of pathogenic filamentous fungi and a low proportion of bacteria. The microbial viable counts were between 14 CFU and 189 CFU per dust sample. In seven samples from sport facilities, 20-85% of the microbial viable counts were fungi. Out of 123 fungal colonies, 47 colonies belonged to the potentially pathogenic sections of Aspergillus (Sections Fumigati, Nigri, and Flavi). Representatives of each section were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger and A. tubingensis. Six colonies belonged to the genus Paecilomyces. In six samples of dust, a high proportion (50-100%) of the total fungal viable counts consisted of these potentially pathogenic fungi. A total of 70 isolates were considered less likely to be pathogenic, and were identified as Aspergillus section Nidulantes, Chaetomium cochliodes and Penicillium sp. In the rural (n = 2) and urban (n = 7) control dust samples, the microbial viable counts were >2000 CFU and between 44 CFU and 215 CFU, respectively, and consisted mainly of bacteria. The low proportion of bacteria and the high proportion of stress tolerant, potentially pathogenic fungi in the dust samples from sport facilities may reflect the influence of disinfection on microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria (Aino) Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-405-508-934
| | - Camilla Vornanen-Winqvist
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Tuomas Koivisto
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - András Varga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Raimo Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - László Kredics
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Heidi Salonen
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12100, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland
- International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Faculty of Science, School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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25
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Pneumocystis pneumonia in COVID-19 patients: A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13618. [PMID: 36789388 PMCID: PMC9911155 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The admitted patients of intensive care units with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) meet the challenges of subsequent infections. Opportunistic fungal infections such as Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) are among the important factors in the context of COVID-19 patients affecting illness severity and mortality. We reviewed the literature on COVID-19 patients with PCP to identify features of this infection. Although studies confirmed at least the presence of one immunosuppressive condition in half of PCP patients, this disease can also occur in immunocompetent patients who developed the immunosuppressive condition during Covid-19 treatment. The major risk factors associated with COVID-19 patients with PCP can be considered low lymphocyte counts and corticosteroid therapy. Diagnostic and treatment options are complicated by the overlapping clinical and radiologic characteristics of PCP and COVID-19 pneumonia. Therefore, physicians should comprehensively evaluate high-risk patients for PCP prophylaxis.
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26
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Dangarembizi R, Wasserman S, Hoving JC. Emerging and re-emerging fungal threats in Africa. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12953. [PMID: 36175380 PMCID: PMC9892204 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of deadly fungal infections in Africa is primarily driven by a disproportionately high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, lack of access to quality health care, and the unavailability of effective antifungal drugs. Immunocompromised people in Africa are therefore at high risk of infection from opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii, which are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and related socioeconomic impacts. Other emerging fungal threats include Emergomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces spp., and healthcare-associated multi-drug resistant Candida auris. Socioeconomic development and the Covid-19 pandemic may influence shifts in epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases on the continent. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current management strategies available for these emerging fungal diseases in Africa. We also discuss gaps in knowledge, policy, and research to inform future efforts at managing these fungal threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Dangarembizi
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa,CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Contact information of corresponding author Dr Rachael Dangarembizi, Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,
| | - Sean Wasserman
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Claire Hoving
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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27
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Statement des Netzwerkes Schimmelpilzberatung Deutschland zu
gesundheitlichen Risiken durch Schimmel im Innenraum in Zusammenhang mit
Armutsgefährdung. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1980-1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Das Netzwerk Schimmelpilzberatung Deutschland kam bei seinem Treffen am 20. Juni
2022 zu dem Schluss, dass armutsgefährdete Menschen einem
erhöhten gesundheitlichen Risiko durch
Feuchte-/Schimmelschäden im Innenraum ausgesetzt sind, und hat
hierzu eine ausführliche Stellungnahme verfasst, die in der Zeitschrift
Umweltmedizin – Hygiene – Arbeitsmedizin 2022; 27(5):
249–252 veröffentlicht wurde. Im Folgenden sind die Kernaussagen
des Statements dargestellt.
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High Incidence of Candidemia in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Supported by Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Retrospective Study. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010119. [PMID: 36675940 PMCID: PMC9861971 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of candidemia in severe COVID-19 patients (0.8-14%) is two- to ten-fold higher than in non-COVID-19 patients. METHODS This retrospective analysis aimed to analyse the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI) due to Candida in a cohort of COVID-19 patients supported with ECMO. RESULTS Among 138 intubated and ventilated patients hospitalized for ≥10 days in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital, 45 (32.6%) patients received ECMO support, while 93 patients (67.4%) did not meet ECMO criteria and were considered the control group. In the ECMO group, 16 episodes of candidaemia were observed, while only 13 in patients of the control group (36.0% vs. 14.0%, p-value 0.004). It was confirmed at the survival analysis (SHR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.39-5.88) and at the multivariable analyses (aSHR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.73-8.86). A higher candida score seemed to increase the hazard for candidemia occurrence (aSHR: 3.04, 95% CI: 2.09-4.42), while vasopressor therapy was negatively associated with the outcome (aSHR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05-0.43). CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that the incidence of candidemia was significantly higher in critically ill COVID-19 patients supported with VV-ECMO than in critically ill COVID patients who did not meet criteria for VV-ECMO.
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29
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Cattaneo L, Buonomo AR, Iacovazzo C, Giaccone A, Scotto R, Viceconte G, Mercinelli S, Vargas M, Roscetto E, Cacciatore F, Salvatore P, Catania MR, Villari R, Cittadini A, Gentile I. Invasive Fungal Infections in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Non-Intensive Care Single-Centre Experience during the First Pandemic Waves. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010086. [PMID: 36675909 PMCID: PMC9865967 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a severe complication of COVID-19, yet they are under-estimated. We conducted a retrospective analysis including all the COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Federico II University Hospital of Naples until the 1 July 2021. Among 409 patients, we reported seven cases of IFIs by Candida spp., seven of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, three of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and one of Trichosporon asahii. None of the cases presented underlying predisposing conditions, excluding one oncohematological patient treated with rituximab. Ten cases showed lymphopenia with high rates of CD4+ < 200/µL. All cases received high-dose steroid therapy (mean duration 33 days, mean cumulative dosage 1015 mg of prednisone equivalent), and seven cases had severe COVID-19 disease (OSCI ≥ 5) prior to IFI diagnosis. The cases showed a higher overall duration of hospitalization (63 vs 24 days) and higher mortality rate (23% vs. 7%) compared with the COVID-19 patients who did not developed IFIs. Cases showed a higher prevalence of high-dose steroid therapy and lymphopenia with CD4+ < 200/µL, primarily due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and not related to underlying comorbidities. IFIs strongly impact the overall length of hospitalization and mortality. Therefore, clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion of IFIs, especially in severe COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Cattaneo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Carmine Iacovazzo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Agnese Giaccone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Scotto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Viceconte
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Mercinelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vargas
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Cacciatore
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Villari
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Cittadini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery—Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
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30
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Wu S, Guo W, Li B, Zhou H, Meng H, Sun J, Li R, Guo D, Zhang X, Li R, Qu W. Progress of polymer-based strategies in fungal disease management: Designed for different roles. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1142029. [PMID: 37033476 PMCID: PMC10073610 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1142029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases have posed a great challenge to global health, but have fewer solutions compared to bacterial and viral infections. Development and application of new treatment modalities for fungi are limited by their inherent essential properties as eukaryotes. The microorganism identification and drug sensitivity analyze are limited by their proliferation rates. Moreover, there are currently no vaccines for prevention. Polymer science and related interdisciplinary technologies have revolutionized the field of fungal disease management. To date, numerous advanced polymer-based systems have been developed for management of fungal diseases, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of current needs and advances in polymer-based strategies against fungal diseases. We high light various treatment modalities. Delivery systems of antifungal drugs, systems based on polymers' innate antifungal activities, and photodynamic therapies each follow their own mechanisms and unique design clues. We also discuss various prevention strategies including immunization and antifungal medical devices, and further describe point-of-care testing platforms as futuristic diagnostic and monitoring tools. The broad application of polymer-based strategies for both public and personal health management is prospected and integrated systems have become a promising direction. However, there is a gap between experimental studies and clinical translation. In future, well-designed in vivo trials should be conducted to reveal the underlying mechanisms and explore the efficacy as well as biosafety of polymer-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Wu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenlai Guo
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huidong Zhou
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongqi Meng
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junyi Sun
- Changchun American International School, Changchun, China
| | - Ruiyan Li
- Orthpoeadic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Orhtopeadics, Changchun, China
| | - Deming Guo
- Orthpoeadic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Orhtopeadics, Changchun, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Zhang, ; Rui Li, ; Wenrui Qu,
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Zhang, ; Rui Li, ; Wenrui Qu,
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Zhang, ; Rui Li, ; Wenrui Qu,
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Guanche Garcell H, Al-Ajmi J, Villanueva Arias A, Abraham JC, Felipe Garmendia AM, Fernandez Hernandez TM. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance of healthcare-associated infections in a critical care unit in Western Qatar. Qatar Med J 2022; 2023:2. [PMID: 36578436 PMCID: PMC9792289 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2023.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in critical patients affect the quality and safety of patient care and increase patient morbidity and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the incidence of HAIs, particularly device-associated infections (DAIs), was reported worldwide. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of HAIs in an intensive care unit (ICU) during a 10-year period and compare HAI incidence during the preCOVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. METHODS A retrospective, observational study of HAIs in the medical-surgical ICU at The Cuban Hospital was conducted. DAIs included central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Data included the annual incidence of HAIs, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance, using definitions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, except for other respiratory tract infections (RTIs). RESULTS 155 patients with HAI infections were reported, from which 130 (85.5%) were identified during the COVID-19 period. The frequencies of DAIs and non-DAIs were higher during the COVID-19 period, except for Clostridium difficile infections. Species under Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas dominated in both periods, and higher frequencies of Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Candida, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Stenotrophoma maltophila were noted during COVID-19 period. Device utilization ratio increased to 10.7% for central lines and 12.9% for ventilators, while a reduction of 15% in urinary catheter utilization ratio was observed. DAI incidence was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, with risks for CLABSI, VAP, and CAUTI increased by 2.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.93-11.21; p < 0.0050), 15.31 (2.53-625.48), and 3.25 (0.68-31.08), respectively. CONCLUSION The incidence of DAIs increased during the pandemic period, with limited evidence of antimicrobial resistance observed. The infection control program should evaluate strategies to minimize the impact of the pandemic on HAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Guanche Garcell
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062,E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
| | - Jameela Al-Ajmi
- Corporate Infection Control Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Ariadna Villanueva Arias
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
| | - Joji C Abraham
- Corporate Infection Control Department, Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar
| | - Angel M Felipe Garmendia
- Infection Control Department, The Cuban Hospital. E-mail: ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-0062
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Is the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species by macrophages associated with better infectious control in female mice with experimentally disseminated and pulmonary mucormycosis? PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270071. [PMID: 36520787 PMCID: PMC9754262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Different levels of resistance against Rhizopus oryzae infection have been observed between inbred (BALB/c) and outbred (Swiss) mice and are associated with the genetic background of each mouse strain. Considering that macrophages play an important role in host resistance to Rhizopus species, we used different infectious outcomes observed in experimental mucormycosis to identify the most efficient macrophage response pattern against R. oryzae in vitro and in vivo. For this, we compared BALB/c and Swiss macrophage activity before and after intravenous or intratracheal R. oryzae infections. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) was determined in cultures of peritoneal (PMΦ) or alveolar macrophages (AMΦ) challenged with heat-killed spores of R. oryzae. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured to confirm our findings. Naïve PMΦ from female BALB/c mice showed increased production of H2O2, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the presence of heat-killed spores of R. oryzae. Naïve PMΦ from female Swiss mice were less responsive. Naïve AMΦ from the two strains of female mice were less reactive to heat-killed spores of R. oryzae than PMΦ. After 30 days of R. oryzae intravenous infection, lower fungal load in spleen from BALB/c mice was accompanied by higher production of H2O2 by PMΦ compared with Swiss mice. In contrast, AMΦ from BALB/c mice showed higher production of NO, TNF-α, and IL-10 after 7 days of intratracheal infection. The collective findings reveal that, independent of the female mouse strain, PMΦ is more reactive against R. oryzae upon first contact than AMΦ. In addition, increased PMΦ production of H2O2 at the end of disseminated infection is accompanied by better fungal clearance in resistant (BALB/c) mice. Our findings further the understanding of the parasite-host relationship in mucormycosis.
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Guo L, Zhang J, Lei J, Wang G. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome Complicated with Rhino Mucormycosis: A Case Report. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:7139-7145. [PMID: 36510587 PMCID: PMC9738960 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s391035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis (MCR) is a rare but aggressive fungal disease. Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is the most common clinical form of MCR infection, and sinonasal inoculation is the primary site of infection. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with MCR remain high. In this case report, we describe the successful use of amphotericin B in a 40-year-old male with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) complicated by rhinomucormycosis. This case report provides evidence for the successful treatment of HFRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Litao Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin’e Lei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jin’e Lei, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China,Gang Wang, Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China, Email
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Walsh TJ, Bright RA, Ahuja A, McCarthy MW, Marfuggi RA, Simpson SQ. Meeting the Challenges of Sepsis in Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Call to Arms. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 10:ofac645. [PMID: 36686626 PMCID: PMC9850274 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction that is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis may be caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogens. The clinical manifestations exhibited by patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related sepsis overlap with those exhibited by patients with sepsis from secondary bacterial or fungal infections and can include an altered mental status, dyspnea, reduced urine output, tachycardia, and hypotension. Critically ill patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections have increased risk for secondary bacterial and fungal infections. The same risk factors that may predispose to sepsis and poor outcome from bloodstream infections (BSIs) converge in patients with severe COVID-19. Current diagnostic standards for distinguishing between (1) patients who are critically ill, septic, and have COVID-19 and (2) patients with sepsis from other causes leave healthcare providers with 2 suboptimal choices. The first choice is to empirically administer broad-spectrum, antimicrobial therapy for what may or may not be sepsis. Such treatment may not only be ineffective and inappropriate, but it also has the potential to cause harm. The development of better methods to identify and characterize antimicrobial susceptibility will guide more accurate therapeutic interventions and reduce the evolution of new antibiotic-resistant strains. The ideal diagnostic test should (1) be rapid and reliable, (2) have a lower limit of detection than blood culture, and (3) be able to detect a specific organism and drug sensitivity directly from a clinical specimen. Rapid direct detection of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens would allow targeted therapy and result in improved outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 and sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Walsh
- Correspondence: Thomas J. Walsh MD, PhD, Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, 6641 West Broad Street, Room 100, Richmond, Virginia 23220 ()
| | - Rick A Bright
- The Rockefeller Foundation, Pandemic Prevention Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthew W McCarthy
- Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard A Marfuggi
- American Medical Association Foundation, Chicago, Illinois, USA,WBB Research Institute, Cranford, New Jersey, USA
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Morton CO, Griffiths JS, Loeffler J, Orr S, White PL. Defective antifungal immunity in patients with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1080822. [PMID: 36531987 PMCID: PMC9750792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080822] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on global healthcare and been a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in at-risk populations. This disease attacks the respiratory systems and causes significant immune dysregulation in affected patients creating a perfect opportunity for the development of invasive fungal disease (IFD). COVID-19 infection can instill a significant, poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response. Clinically induced immunosuppression or pro-inflammatory damage to mucosa facilitate the development of IFD and Aspergillus, Mucorales, and Candida infections have been regularly reported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Corticosteroids and immune modulators are used in the treatment of COVID-19. Corticosteroid use is also a risk factor for IFD, but not the only reason for IFD in COVID -19 patients. Specific dysregulation of the immune system through functional exhaustion of Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells has been observed in COVID-19 through the expression of the exhaustion markers NK-G2A and PD-1. Reduced fungicidal activity of neutrophils from COVID-19 patients indicates that immune dysfunction/imbalance are important risk factors for IFD. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the at-risk population for IFD. Even if the incidence of IFD is relatively low, the size of this new at-risk population will result in a substantial increase in the overall, annual number of IFD cases. It is important to understand how and why certain patients with COVID-19 developed increased susceptibility to IFD, as this will improve our understanding of risk of IFD in the face of future pandemics but also in a clinical era of increased clinical immuno-suppression/modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James S. Griffiths
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selinda Orr
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - P. Lewis White
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: P. Lewis White,
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Hawes AM, Permpalung N. Diagnosis and Antifungal Prophylaxis for COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121704. [PMID: 36551361 PMCID: PMC9774425 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121704] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has redemonstrated the importance of the fungal-after-viral phenomenon, and the question of whether prophylaxis should be used to prevent COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). A distinct pathophysiology from invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), CAPA has an incidence that ranges from 5% to 30%, with significant mortality. The aim of this work was to describe the current diagnostic landscape of CAPA and review the existing literature on antifungal prophylaxis. A variety of definitions for CAPA have been described in the literature and the performance of the diagnostic tests for CAPA is limited, making diagnosis a challenge. There are only six studies that have investigated antifungal prophylaxis for CAPA. The two studied drugs have been posaconazole, either a liquid formulation via an oral gastric tube or an intravenous formulation, and inhaled amphotericin. While some studies have revealed promising results, they are limited by small sample sizes and bias inherent to retrospective studies. Additionally, as the COVID-19 pandemic changes and we see fewer intubated and critically ill patients, it will be more important to recognize these fungal-after-viral complications among non-critically ill, immunocompromised patients. Randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand the role of antifungal prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armani M. Hawes
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-955-5000; Fax: +1-210-892-3847
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Chastain DB, Kung VM, Vargas Barahona L, Jackson BT, Golpayegany S, Franco-Paredes C, Thompson GR, Henao-Martínez AF. Characteristics and Outcomes of Cryptococcosis among Patients with and without COVID-19. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111234. [PMID: 36422055 PMCID: PMC9695249 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of COVID-19 on the risk and prognosis of cryptococcosis is unclear. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of cryptococcosis in patients with and without COVID-19. Patients 18 years and older with cryptococcosis were identified from TriNetX and separated into two cohorts based on a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 3 months of the index diagnosis of cryptococcosis. Differences examined between groups included comorbidities, immunosuppressive medications, ED visits, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, mechanical ventilation, and deaths. The propensity score matching was performed based on demographics and comorbidities. Of the 6998 patients with cryptococcosis included, 4.4% (n = 306) had COVID-19 prior to cryptococcosis. Mortality was higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 (14% vs. 11%, p = 0.032). Additionally, those with COVID-19 were older (55.2 ± 14.4 vs. 51.9 ± 15.2 years, p < 0.001) with higher rates of transplant (29% vs. 13%, p < 0.001), neoplastic disease (37% vs. 21%, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (42% vs. 18%, p < 0.001), or diabetes (35% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) but not HIV (30% vs. 31%, p = 0.618). Glucocorticoid use was more common in those with COVID-19 (52% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). More patients with COVID-19 required ED visits (29% vs. 23%, p = 0.025) and ICU admission (18% vs. 11%, p < 0.001). After propensity score matching, patients with COVID-19 had higher rates of neoplastic disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and glucocorticoid use but did not experience worse outcomes compared to those without COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 who developed cryptococcosis had independently higher rates of comorbidities and glucocorticoid use but similar outcomes, including death, versus those without COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA 31701, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-229-312-2156; Fax: +1-229-312-2155
| | - Vanessa M. Kung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lilian Vargas Barahona
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | | | - Sahand Golpayegany
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA 31701, USA
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, México City 06720, Mexico
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - George R. Thompson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95616, USA
| | - Andrés F. Henao-Martínez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Clinical Challenges of Emerging and Re-Emerging Yeast Infections in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112223. [PMID: 36363816 PMCID: PMC9695014 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the geological eras, some fungi, through adaptation and/or environmental/ecological pressure, interacted directly and indirectly with humans, through occasionally harmful interaction interdependent on the individual’s immunological condition. Infections caused by yeasts are underreported, subjugated, and underdiagnosed, and treatment is restricted to a few drugs, even after the significant progress of medicine and pharmacology. In the last centuries, antagonistically, there has been an exponential increase of immunocompromised individuals due to the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids, increased cases of transplants, chemotherapeutics, autoimmune diseases, neoplasms, and, more recently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to survey emerging and re-emerging yeast infections in the current clinical context. Currently, there is an immense clinical challenge for the rapid and correct diagnosis and treatment of systemic mycoses caused by yeasts due to the terrible increase in cases in the current context of COVID-19.
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Case NT, Berman J, Blehert DS, Cramer RA, Cuomo C, Currie CR, Ene IV, Fisher MC, Fritz-Laylin LK, Gerstein AC, Glass NL, Gow NAR, Gurr SJ, Hittinger CT, Hohl TM, Iliev ID, James TY, Jin H, Klein BS, Kronstad JW, Lorch JM, McGovern V, Mitchell AP, Segre JA, Shapiro RS, Sheppard DC, Sil A, Stajich JE, Stukenbrock EE, Taylor JW, Thompson D, Wright GD, Heitman J, Cowen LE. The future of fungi: threats and opportunities. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:jkac224. [PMID: 36179219 PMCID: PMC9635647 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The fungal kingdom represents an extraordinary diversity of organisms with profound impacts across animal, plant, and ecosystem health. Fungi simultaneously support life, by forming beneficial symbioses with plants and producing life-saving medicines, and bring death, by causing devastating diseases in humans, plants, and animals. With climate change, increased antimicrobial resistance, global trade, environmental degradation, and novel viruses altering the impact of fungi on health and disease, developing new approaches is now more crucial than ever to combat the threats posed by fungi and to harness their extraordinary potential for applications in human health, food supply, and environmental remediation. To address this aim, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund convened a workshop to unite leading experts on fungal biology from academia and industry to strategize innovative solutions to global challenges and fungal threats. This report provides recommendations to accelerate fungal research and highlights the major research advances and ideas discussed at the meeting pertaining to 5 major topics: (1) Connections between fungi and climate change and ways to avert climate catastrophe; (2) Fungal threats to humans and ways to mitigate them; (3) Fungal threats to agriculture and food security and approaches to ensure a robust global food supply; (4) Fungal threats to animals and approaches to avoid species collapse and extinction; and (5) Opportunities presented by the fungal kingdom, including novel medicines and enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola T Case
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Judith Berman
- Shmunis School of Biomedical and Cancer Research, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - David S Blehert
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Christina Cuomo
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cameron R Currie
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Iuliana V Ene
- Department of Mycology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Paris 75015, France
| | - Matthew C Fisher
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK
| | | | - Aleeza C Gerstein
- Department of Microbiology and Department of Statistics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - N Louise Glass
- Plant and Microbial Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Neil A R Gow
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sarah J Gurr
- Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Chris Todd Hittinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center for Genomic Science Innovation, J.F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution, DOE Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53726, USA
| | - Tobias M Hohl
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, and Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Iliyan D Iliev
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Timothy Y James
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California—Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Bruce S Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin—Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - James W Kronstad
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Lorch
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | | | - Aaron P Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Julia A Segre
- Microbial Genomics Section, Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunology, Departments of Medicine, Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anita Sil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | - Jason E Stajich
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California—Riverside, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
| | - Eva E Stukenbrock
- Max Planck Fellow Group Environmental Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
- Environmental Genomics, Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - John W Taylor
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California—Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Gerard D Wright
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Joseph Heitman
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Medicine, and Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
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Castro-Fuentes CA, Reyes-Montes MDR, Frías-De-León MG, Valencia-Ledezma OE, Acosta-Altamirano G, Duarte-Escalante E. Aspergillus-SARS-CoV-2 Coinfection: What Is Known? Pathogens 2022; 11:1227. [PMID: 36364979 PMCID: PMC9694759 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has had a high incidence. In addition, it has been associated with prolonged hospital stays, as well as several predisposing risk factors, such as fungal factors (nosocomial organism, the size of the conidia, and the ability of the Aspergillus spp. of colonizing the respiratory tract), environmental factors (remodeling in hospitals, use of air conditioning and negative pressure in intensive care units), comorbidities, and immunosuppressive therapies. In addition to these factors, SARS-CoV-2 per se is associated with significant dysfunction of the patient's immune system, involving both innate and acquired immunity, with reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and cytokine storm. Therefore, this review aims to identify the factors influencing the fungus so that coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 can occur. In addition, we analyze the predisposing factors in the fungus, host, and the immune response alteration due to the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 that causes the development of CAPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Castro-Fuentes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - María del Rocío Reyes-Montes
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - María Guadalupe Frías-De-León
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Omar E. Valencia-Ledezma
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Acosta-Altamirano
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Carretera Federal México-Puebla Km. 34.5, Pueblo de Zoquiapan, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Duarte-Escalante
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. Preliminary Experience in Post-COVID-19 Mycoses: A Pathologist's Perspective. Cureus 2022; 14:e30339. [PMID: 36407132 PMCID: PMC9663879 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-19. Because of co-morbidities and indiscriminate use of steroids and antibiotics, the incidence of opportunistic fungal infections has increased in COVID-affected individuals. Aims and objectives The aim of the study is to analyze the various tissue reaction patterns of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in the surgical debridement specimens using routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and special stains like periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Grocott-Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS), Masson trichrome (MT) and Prussian blue (PB), and to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 sequelae. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study was conducted after the approval from the Institute Human Ethical Committee (IHEC) on 45 tissue samples of COVID-associated mucormycosis using routine H&E and histochemical stains such as PAS, GMS, MT, and PB. Detailed demographic profiles, clinical information, radiological findings, and relevant microbiological data in available cases, like reports on potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount preparation, and fungal culture reports on Saboraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium were collected. The different histomorphological tissue reaction patterns were observed and analyzed. Results All the surgical debridement specimens from post-COVID cases had histomorphology of mucormycosis displaying broad, aseptate, ribbon-like fungal hyphae with right-angle branching (45/45). Six of the 45 cases also reveal thin, narrow septate, acute angle branching hyphae, indicating co-existing Aspergillosis (6/45). The histological tissue reaction patterns observed were categorized as extensive tissue necrosis (100%), vascular proliferation (82%), angioinvasion (58%), giant cell reaction (53%), fibrin thrombi (47%), septic thrombi and angiodestruction (40%), fungal osteomyelitis (33%), necrotizing granulomas (31%). Conclusion This study infers that post-COVID-19 associated mucormycosis, alterations in the local tissue microenvironment are found to have a favorable effect on colonizing fungi and result in destructive tissue reactions such as angioinvasion, angiodestruction, necrosis, necrotizing granulomas, suppurative inflammation, and iron pigment deposition. The spectrum of morphological changes reflects the host's immune status.
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Langfeldt A, Gold JAW, Chiller T. Emerging Fungal Infections: from the Fields to the Clinic, Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and Dermatophyte Species: a One Health Perspective on an Urgent Public Health Problem. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 9:46-51. [PMID: 36188157 PMCID: PMC9512973 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-022-00181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review For this review, we use a One Health approach to examine two globally emerging public health threats related to antifungal drug resistance: triazole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus infections, which can cause a life-threatening illness in immunocompromised hosts, and antifungal-resistant dermatophytosis, which is an aggressive skin infection caused by dermatophyte molds. We describe the state of current scientific knowledge and outline necessary public health actions to address each issue. Recent Findings Recent evidence has identified the agricultural use of triazole fungicides as an important driver of triazole-resistant A. fumigatus infections. Antifungal-resistant dermatophyte infections are likely driven by the inappropriate use of antifungal drugs and antibacterial and corticosteroid creams. Summary This review highlights the need for a One Health approach to address emerging antifungal resistant infections, emphasizing judicious antifungal use to preserve available treatments; strengthened laboratory capacity to identify antifungal resistance; and improved human, animal, and environmental surveillance to detect emerging resistance, monitor trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to decrease spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Langfeldt
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Jeremy A. W. Gold
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
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Abstract
COVID-19 can cause serious illness requiring multimodal treatment and is associated with secondary infections. Studies have suggested an increased risk of fungal infections, including candidemia following severe COVID-19 though understanding of risk factors and clinical outcomes remains unclear.
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Xu J. Assessing global fungal threats to humans. MLIFE 2022; 1:223-240. [PMID: 38818220 PMCID: PMC10989982 DOI: 10.1002/mlf2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Fungi are an integral part of the earth's biosphere. They are broadly distributed in all continents and ecosystems and play a diversity of roles. Here, I review our current understanding of fungal threats to humans and describe the major factors that contribute to various threats. Among the 140,000 or so known species out of the estimated six million fungal species on Earth, about 10% directly or indirectly threaten human health and welfare. Major threats include mushroom poisoning, fungal allergies, infections of crop plants, food contamination by mycotoxins, and mycoses in humans. A growing number of factors have been identified to impact various fungal threats, including human demographics, crop distributions, anthropogenic activities, pathogen dispersals, global climate change, and/or the applications of antifungal drugs and agricultural fungicides. However, while models have been developed for analyzing various processes of individual threats and threat managements, current data are primarily descriptive and incomplete, and there are significant obstacles to integration of the diverse factors into accurate quantitative assessments of fungal threats. With increasing technological advances and concerted efforts to track the spatial and temporal data on climate and environmental variables; mycotoxins in the feed and food supply chains; fungal population dynamics in crop fields, human and animal populations, and the environment; human population demographics; and the prevalence and severities of fungal allergies and diseases, our ability to accurately assess fungal threats will improve. Such improvements should help us develop holistic strategies to manage fungal threats in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology and Institute of Infectious Diseases ResearchMcMaster UniversityHamiltonOntarioCanada
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Mina S, Yaakoub H, Annweiler C, Dubée V, Papon N. COVID-19 and Fungal Infections: A Double Debacle. Microbes Infect 2022; 24:105039. [PMID: 36030024 PMCID: PMC9400371 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2022.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fungal infections remain hardly treatable because of unstandardized diagnostic tests, limited antifungal armamentarium, and more specifically, potential toxic interactions between antifungals and immunosuppressants used during anti-inflammatory therapies, such as those set up in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Taking into account pre-existing difficulties in treating vulnerable COVID-19 patients, any co-occurrence of infectious diseases like fungal infections constitutes a double debacle for patients, healthcare experts, and the public economy. Since the first appearance of SARS-CoV-2, a significant rise in threatening fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients has been testified in the scientific literature. Better management of fungal infections in COVID-19 patients is, therefore, a priority and requires highlighting common risk factors, relationships with immunosuppression, as well as challenges in fungal diagnosis and treatment. The present review attempts to highlight these aspects in the three most identified causative agents of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients: Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucorales species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mina
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hajar Yaakoub
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - Cédric Annweiler
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Memory Clinic, Research Center on Autonomy and Longevity, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France; Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, LPPL, SFR CONFLUENCES, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Vincent Dubée
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, Inserm, CRCINA, INCIT, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; Infectious Diseases Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, F-49000, Angers, France.
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Madney Y, Shalaby L, Hammad M, Elanany M, Hassan R, Youssef A, Abdo I, Zaki A, Khedr R. COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Fungal Infection among Pediatric Cancer Patients, a Single Center Experience. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080850. [PMID: 36012838 PMCID: PMC9409978 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing secondary complications such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. This is a retrospective study including all cancer children diagnosed with COVID-19-associated pulmonary fungal infection (CAPFI) during the period 2020–2021. A total of 200 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, out of which 21 (10%) patients were diagnosed with CAPFI, 19 patients (90%) with COVID-aspergillosis (CAPA), and 2 (10%) patients with COVID-mucormycosis (CAM). Patients with CAPFI were classified using the “2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria”; proven in 2 (10%) patients, probable in 12 (57%), and possible in 7 (33%) patients. Although the hematological malignancy patients were already on antifungal prophylaxis, breakthrough fungal infection was reported in 16/21 (75%), 14 (65%) patients had CAPA while on echinocandin prophylaxis, while 2 (10%) patients had CAM while on voriconazole prophylaxis. Overall mortality was reported in 8 patients (38%) while CAPFI-attributable mortality was reported in 4 patients (20%). In conclusion, clinicians caring for pediatric cancer patients with COVID-19 should consider invasive pulmonary fungal infection, even if they are on antifungal prophylaxis, especially with worsening of the clinical chest condition. A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Madney
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Lobna Shalaby
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Hammad
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Mervat Elanany
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Reem Hassan
- Clinical and Chemical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Ayda Youssef
- Radiodiagnosis Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Abdo
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Abeer Zaki
- Clinical Research Department, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
| | - Reham Khedr
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt (57357), Cairo 11311, Egypt
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Shishido AA, Mathew M, Baddley JW. Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2022; 16:87-97. [PMID: 35846240 PMCID: PMC9274633 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-022-00434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Invasive fungal infections are a complication of COVID-19 disease. This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Recent Findings Multiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in the reported incidences related to use of differing diagnostic algorithms. Summary Fungal pathogens are important cause of infection in patients with COVID-19, and the diagnostic strategies continue to evolve. Mortality in these patients is increased, and providers should operate with a high index of suspicion. Further studies will be required to elucidate the associations and pathogenesis of these diseases and best management and prevention strategies.
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Nazari T, Sadeghi F, Izadi A, Sameni S, Mahmoudi S. COVID-19-associated fungal infections in Iran: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271333. [PMID: 35816494 PMCID: PMC9273100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This systematic review aims to summarize the mycological and clinical features of COVID-19-associated fungal infections (CAFIs) in Iran.
Methods
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, SID, Magiran, IranDoc, and Google Scholar were searched for Persian and English articles published from January 1, 2020, to November 5, 2021, using a systematic search strategy. Studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAFIs were included in the review.
Results
Twenty-two studies comprising 169 patients were retrieved. Reported CAFIs included candidiasis (85, 50.30%), mucormycosis (35, 20.71%), aspergillosis (29, 17.16%), fusariosis (6, 3.55%), three cases caused by rare pathogens (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Diaporthe foeniculina, and Sarocladium kiliense) and 11 (6.51%) uncharacterized mold infections. The most common underlying diseases were diabetes (67/168, 39.88%), cardiovascular diseases (55/168, 32.74%), and hypertension (43/168, 25.59%). The use of antibiotics (111/124, 89.52%), corticosteroids (93/132, 70.44%), and mechanical ventilation (66, 51.16%) were the most common predisposing factors. Totally, 72 (50.35%) of 143 patients with CAFIs died (data were not available for 26 patients).
Conclusion
Fungal infections are evident to be a complication of COVID-19 in Iran; thus, clinicians should consider them as a differential diagnosis, especially in patients with comorbidities and previous antibiotic or corticosteroid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Nazari
- Department of Medical Geriatrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Izadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Setayesh Sameni
- Department of Medical Sciences, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Shahram Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: ,
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Air Sampling for Fungus around Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070692. [PMID: 35887448 PMCID: PMC9321969 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of developing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) depends on factors related to the host, virus, and treatment. However, many hospitals have modified their existing rooms and adjusted airflow to protect healthcare workers from aerosolization, which may increase the risk of Aspergillus exposure. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate airborne fungal levels in negative and slightly negative pressure rooms for COVID-19 patients. The air in neutral pressure rooms in ordinary wards and a liver intensive care unit with high-efficiency particulate air filter was also assessed for comparison. We found the highest airborne fungal burden in recently renovated slightly negative air pressure rooms, and a higher airborne fungal concentration in both areas used to treat COVID-19 patients. The result provided evidence of the potential environmental risk of CAPA by quantitative microbiologic air sampling, which was scarcely addressed in the literature. Enhancing environmental infection control measures to minimize exposure to fungal spores should be considered. However, the clinical implications of a periodic basis to determine indoor airborne fungal levels and further air sterilization in these areas remain to be defined.
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