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Martinelli AW, Wright CB, Lopes MS, Swayne RL, Krishnamurthy P, Crawley C, Uttenthal B, Follows G, Babar J, Aliyu SH, Enoch DA, Sander CR. Introducing biomarkers for invasive fungal disease in haemato-oncology patients: a single-centre experience. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35819894 PMCID: PMC7613179 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001564] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The impacts of increased biomarker testing on antifungal prescribing have not yet been fully examined in a real-life setting.Objectives. Biomarkers for invasive fungal disease (IFD) have been shown to reduce antifungal prescriptions in neutropaenic haemato-oncology patients. Our study aimed to assess the real-life impacts of introducing a novel biomarker-based pathway, incorporating serum galactomannan and Aspergillus PCR, for pyrexial haemato-oncology admissions.Methods. Patients with neutropaenic fever were identified prospectively after introduction of the new pathway from 2013-2015. A historical group of neutropaenic patients who had blood cultures taken from 2009-2012 was generated for comparison. Clinical details, including demographics, underlying diagnosis, investigations, radiology and antimicrobial treatment were obtained.Results. Prospective data from 308 patients were compared to retrospective data from 302 patients. The proportion of patients prescribed an antifungal medication was unchanged by the pathway (P=0.79), but the pattern was different, with more patients receiving targeted antifungals (P=0.04). A negative serum galactomannan test was not sufficient evidence to withhold therapy, with 17.2% of these episodes felt to have possible or probable IFD using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria. There was no difference in 30-day mortality (P=0.21) or 1-year mortality (P=0.57) following introduction of the pathway.Conclusions. Biomarkers can be used safely as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis of IFD in neutropaenic haemato-oncology patients. Whilst they do not necessarily result in antifungal therapy being withheld, they can allow more confident diagnosis of IFD and more specific antifungal therapy in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony W Martinelli
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Callum B Wright
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marta S Lopes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosemary L Swayne
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Pramila Krishnamurthy
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Haematology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charles Crawley
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ben Uttenthal
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - George Follows
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Judith Babar
- Department of Radiology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sani H Aliyu
- Clinical Microbiology & Public Health Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - David A Enoch
- Clinical Microbiology & Public Health Laboratory, UK Health Security Agency, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clare R Sander
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
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Lessons from an Educational Invasive Fungal Disease Conference on Hospital Antifungal Stewardship Practices across the UK and Ireland. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100801. [PMID: 34682223 PMCID: PMC8538376 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a growing health burden. High mortality rates, increasing numbers of at-risk hosts, and a limited availability of rapid diagnostics and therapeutic options mean that patients are increasingly exposed to unnecessary antifungals. High rates of prescriptions promote patient exposure to undue toxicity and drive the emergence of resistance. Antifungal stewardship (AFS) aims to guide antifungal usage and reduce unnecessary exposure and antifungal consumption whilst maintaining or improving outcomes. Here, we examine several AFS approaches from hospitals across the UK and Ireland to demonstrate the benefits of AFS practices and support the broader implementation of AFS as both a necessary and achievable strategy. Since the accuracy and turnaround times (TATs) of diagnostic tools can impact treatment decisions, several AFS strategies have included the development and implementation of diagnostic-driven care pathways. AFS informed treatment strategies can help stratify patients on a risk basis ensuring the right patients receive antifungals at the optimal time. Using a multidisciplinary approach is also key due to the complexity of managing and treating patients at risk of IFD. Through knowledge sharing, such as The Gilead Antifungal Information Network (GAIN), we hope to drive practices that improve patient management and support the preservation of antifungals for future use.
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Johnson MD, Lewis RE, Dodds Ashley ES, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Zaoutis T, Thompson GR, Andes DR, Walsh TJ, Pappas PG, Cornely OA, Perfect JR, Kontoyiannis DP. Core Recommendations for Antifungal Stewardship: A Statement of the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S175-S198. [PMID: 32756879 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the global public health community has increasingly recognized the importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in the fight to improve outcomes, decrease costs, and curb increases in antimicrobial resistance around the world. However, the subject of antifungal stewardship (AFS) has received less attention. While the principles of AMS guidelines likely apply to stewarding of antifungal agents, there are additional considerations unique to AFS and the complex field of fungal infections that require specific recommendations. In this article, we review the literature on AMS best practices and discuss AFS through the lens of the global core elements of AMS. We offer recommendations for best practices in AFS based on a synthesis of this evidence by an interdisciplinary expert panel of members of the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium. We also discuss research directions in this rapidly evolving field. AFS is an emerging and important component of AMS, yet requires special considerations in certain areas such as expertise, education, interventions to optimize utilization, therapeutic drug monitoring, and data analysis and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D Johnson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Russell E Lewis
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elizabeth S Dodds Ashley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Luis Ostrosky-Zeichner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Mycology Research, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Theoklis Zaoutis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - George R Thompson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine and Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter G Pappas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinical Trials Center Cologne, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - John R Perfect
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dimitrios P Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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4
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Serin I, Dogu MH. Serum Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: A single-centre study. Mycoses 2021; 64:678-683. [PMID: 33683715 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus species meet the most important group of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) in immunosuppressed patients. Galactomannan is a polysaccharide antigen located in the wall structure of Aspergillus. The most commonly used method for antigen detection is enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay (LFA) constitutes one of the new methods in the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). The goal of this study was to demonstrate efficacy of LFA in our patients and to compare it to synchronous ELISA results. METHODS Galactomannan antigen was examined using both LFA and ELISA in serum samples taken from patients who were followed up in our haematology clinic. All patients are classified in subgroups as 'proven', 'probable' and 'possible' patients according to the last EORTC / MSG guideline. Patients who met the 'proven' IA criteria were included in the study as the gold standard. RESULTS A total of 87 patients were included in the study. Majority of patients had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (56.3%). Eleven (12.6%) were in 'proven' IA group. LFA test showed a superior diagnostic performance compared with ELISA (LFAAUC = 0.934 vs ELISAAUC = 0.545; p < .001). The LFA had a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 90.8% for '0.5 ODI' in predicting IA (PPV = 55.8%; NPV = 98.6%; p < .001). CONCLUSION The most important finding of this study is that the specificity of LFA was found to be higher for cut-off value of 0.5. It is recommended to combine the methods in many studies to provide a better early diagnosis for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istemi Serin
- Department of Hematology, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Hilmi Dogu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Istinye University, Liv Hospital ULUS, Istanbul, Turkey
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5
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Barnes R, Rogers T, Maertens J. Defining standards of CARE for invasive fungal diseases in adult haematology patients: antifungal prophylaxis versus treatment. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:ii21-ii26. [PMID: 31222310 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of four different classes of antifungal agents, invasive fungal infections, in particular mould diseases, continue to have a high crude mortality rate in adult haematology patients, especially when diagnosed late. Early diagnosis, resulting in prompt and adequate antifungal intervention, is of great importance when trying to improve the overall outcome of these infections, but depends on the availability of rapid and sensitive diagnostic tools. The medical community has developed and continues to evaluate a continuum of antifungal strategies (starting with prophylaxis followed by empirical therapy and more recently a diagnostic-driven or pre-emptive approach) to better tackle these life-threatening diseases. While the empirical approach seems to have lost some of its popularity, the jury is still out about the pros and cons of universal antifungal prophylaxis in at-risk adult haematology patients compared with an approach that uses radiological and mycological diagnostic methods with good to excellent negative predictive values (also erroneously called pre-emptive), trying to exclude the presence of an invasive fungal disease. Whilst awaiting the results of comparative clinical studies, believers and non-believers around the globe continue to argue about the advantages and shortcomings of both strategies. The debate presented here provides a rationale for both prophylaxis for 'high-risk' haematology patients as well as for a more targeted approach based on the appropriate use of mycological, radiological, immunological (and genetic) methods for the diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Barnes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin & St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Department of Haematology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To outline key drivers and components of antifungal stewardship (AFS) programmes, the evidence for specific interventions, and methods to assess performance of programmes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent developments in antifungal resistance and breakthrough invasive fungal diseases have increased the urgency for effective AFS. In practice, however, few hospitals have dedicated AFS programmes. To date, AFS programmes have centred around the provision of expert bedside reviews and have reduced costs and consumption of antifungal agents. Incorporating tools such as fungal diagnostics and therapeutic drug monitoring into AFS programme models is recommended. However, the application and impact of these tools in this context have not been adequately assessed. The effectiveness of AFS programmes has been measured in multiple ways but a standardized method of evaluation remains elusive. Few studies have explored the impact of AFS interventions on patient outcomes. SUMMARY The uptake of formal AFS programmes has been slow. New initiatives integrating AFS tools in programmes, and measuring the impacts on patient outcomes are required given such data are not readily available. A comprehensive approach to evaluate AFS programmes by correlating the quantity and quality of antifungal prescribing with impacts on patient outcomes is needed. Consensus definitions for core AFS metrics are required to benchmark performance and are essential to the resourcing and sustainability of these programmes.
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7
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Cruciani M, Mengoli C, Barnes R, Donnelly JP, Loeffler J, Jones BL, Klingspor L, Maertens J, Morton CO, White LP. Polymerase chain reaction blood tests for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 9:CD009551. [PMID: 31478559 PMCID: PMC6719256 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009551.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is an update of the original review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Issue 10, 2015.Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common life-threatening opportunistic invasive mould infection in immunocompromised people. Early diagnosis of IA and prompt administration of appropriate antifungal treatment are critical to the survival of people with IA. Antifungal drugs can be given as prophylaxis or empirical therapy, instigated on the basis of a diagnostic strategy (the pre-emptive approach) or for treating established disease. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research into both new diagnostic tools and drug treatment strategies. Increasingly, newer methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect fungal nucleic acids are being investigated. OBJECTIVES To provide an overall summary of the diagnostic accuracy of PCR-based tests on blood specimens for the diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised people. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE (1946 to June 2015) and Embase (1980 to June 2015). We also searched LILACS, DARE, Health Technology Assessment, Web of Science and Scopus to June 2015. We checked the reference lists of all the studies identified by the above methods and contacted relevant authors and researchers in the field. For this review update we updated electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 3) in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE via Ovid (June 2015 to March week 2 2018); and Embase via Ovid (June 2015 to 2018 week 12). SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that: i) compared the results of blood PCR tests with the reference standard published by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG); ii) reported data on false-positive, true-positive, false-negative and true-negative results of the diagnostic tests under investigation separately; and iii) evaluated the test(s) prospectively in cohorts of people from a relevant clinical population, defined as a group of individuals at high risk for invasive aspergillosis. Case-control and retrospective studies were excluded from the analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. For PCR assays, we evaluated the requirement for either one or two consecutive samples to be positive for diagnostic accuracy. We investigated heterogeneity by subgroup analyses. We plotted estimates of sensitivity and specificity from each study in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) space and constructed forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. We performed meta-analyses using the bivariate model to produce summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. MAIN RESULTS We included 29 primary studies (18 from the original review and 11 from this update), corresponding to 34 data sets, published between 2000 and 2018 in the meta-analyses, with a mean prevalence of proven or probable IA of 16.3 (median prevalence 11.1% , range 2.5% to 57.1%). Most patients had received chemotherapy for haematological malignancy or had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Several PCR techniques were used among the included studies. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR for the diagnosis of IA varied according to the interpretative criteria used to define a test as positive. The summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 79.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 71.0 to 85.5) and 79.6% (95% CI 69.9 to 86.6) for a single positive test result, and 59.6% (95% CI 40.7 to 76.0) and 95.1% (95% CI 87.0 to 98.2) for two consecutive positive test results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS PCR shows moderate diagnostic accuracy when used as screening tests for IA in high-risk patient groups. Importantly the sensitivity of the test confers a high negative predictive value (NPV) such that a negative test allows the diagnosis to be excluded. Consecutive positives show good specificity in diagnosis of IA and could be used to trigger radiological and other investigations or for pre-emptive therapy in the absence of specific radiological signs when the clinical suspicion of infection is high. When a single PCR positive test is used as the diagnostic criterion for IA in a population of 100 people with a disease prevalence of 16.3% (overall mean prevalence), three people with IA would be missed (sensitivity 79.2%, 20.8% false negatives), and 17 people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 79.6%, 21.4% false positives). If we use the two positive test requirement in a population with the same disease prevalence, it would mean that nine IA people would be missed (sensitivity 59.6%, 40.4% false negatives) and four people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 95.1%, 4.9% false positives). Like galactomannan, PCR has good NPV for excluding disease, but the low prevalence of disease limits the ability to rule in a diagnosis. As these biomarkers detect different markers of disease, combining them is likely to prove more useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cruciani
- Azienda ULSS9 ScaligeraAntibiotic Stewardship ProgrammeVeronaItaly37135
| | - Carlo Mengoli
- Università di PadovaDepartment of Histology, Microbiology and Medical BiotechnologyVia Aristide Gabelli, 63PadovaItaly35121
| | - Rosemary Barnes
- Cardiff University School of MedicineInfection, Immunity and BiochemistryHeath ParkCardiffWalesUKCF14 4XN
| | - J Peter Donnelly
- Nijmegen Institute for InfectionDepartment of HaematologyInflammation and ImmunityRadboud University Nijmegen Medical CenterNijmegenNetherlands
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Julius‐Maximilians‐UniversitatMedizinische Klinik IIKlinikstrasse 6‐8WurzburgGermany97070
| | - Brian L Jones
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary & University of GlasgowDepartment of Medical MicrobiologyGlasgowUK
| | - Lena Klingspor
- Division of Clinical MicrobiologyDepartment of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Johan Maertens
- Acute Leukemia and Stem Cell Transplantation UnitDepartment of HematologyUniversity Hospitals LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Charles O Morton
- Western Sydney UniversitySchool of Science and HealthCampbelltown CampusCampbelltownNew South WalesAustralia2560
| | - Lewis P White
- Microbiology Cardiff, UHWPublic Health WalesHeath ParkCardiffUKCF37 1EN
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Macesic N, Morrissey CO, Liew D, Bohensky MA, Chen SCA, Gilroy NM, Milliken ST, Szer J, Slavin MA. Is a biomarker-based diagnostic strategy for invasive aspergillosis cost effective in high-risk haematology patients? Med Mycol 2018; 55:705-712. [PMID: 28131991 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical antifungal therapy is frequently used in hematology patients at high risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA), with substantial cost and toxicity. Biomarkers for IA aim for earlier and more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. However, data on the cost-effectiveness of a biomarker-based diagnostic strategy (BDS) are limited. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of BDS using results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and individual patient costing data. Data inputs derived from a published RCT were used to construct a decision-analytic model to compare BDS (Aspergillus galactomannan and PCR on blood) with standard diagnostic strategy (SDS) of culture and histology in terms of total costs, length of stay, IA incidence, mortality, and years of life saved. Costs were estimated for each patient using hospital costing data to day 180 and follow-up for survival was modeled to five years using a Gompertz survival model. Treatment costs were determined for 137 adults undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant or receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia in four Australian centers (2005-2009). Median total costs at 180 days were similar between groups (US$78,774 for SDS [IQR US$50,808-123,476] and US$81,279 for BDS [IQR US$59,221-123,242], P = .49). All-cause mortality was 14.7% (10/68) for SDS and 10.1% (7/69) for BDS, (P = .573). The costs per life-year saved were US$325,448, US$81,966, and US$3,670 at 180 days, one year and five years, respectively. BDS is not cost-sparing but is cost-effective if a survival benefit is maintained over several years. An individualized institutional approach to diagnostic strategies may maximize utility and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Macesic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - C O Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 55 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 55 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
| | - D Liew
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 40 Exhibition Walk, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - M A Bohensky
- Melbourne EpiCentre, University of Melbourne, Level 7 East, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - S C-A Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Level 3, ICPMR, Westmead Hospital, Locked Bag 9001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - N M Gilroy
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation, 67 Albert Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2057, Australia
| | - S T Milliken
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - J Szer
- Department of Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, 300 Grattan St, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - M A Slavin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 2 St Andrews Pl, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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9
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Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Population. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-018-0159-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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10
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Predicting Invasive Aspergillosis in Hematology Patients by Combining Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors with Early Diagnostic Biomarkers. J Clin Microbiol 2017; 56:JCM.01122-17. [PMID: 29118175 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01122-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine provides a strategic approach to the management of IA. The incidence of IA in high-risk hematology populations is relatively low (<10%), despite unavoidable Aspergillus exposure in patients with a potentially similar clinical risk. Nonclinical variables, including genetic mutations that increase susceptibility to IA, could explain why only certain patients develop the disease. This study screened for mutations in 322 hematology patients classified according to IA status and developed a predictive model based on genetic risk, established clinical risk factors, and diagnostic biomarkers. Genetic markers were determined by real-time PCR and, with clinical risk factors and Aspergillus PCR results, subjected to multilogistic regression analysis to identify a best-fit model for predicting IA. The probability of IA was calculated, and an optimal threshold was determined. Mutations in dectin-1 (rs7309123) and DC-SIGN (rs11465384 and rs7248637), allogeneic stem cell transplantation, respiratory virus infection, and Aspergillus PCR positivity were all significant risk factors for developing IA and were combined in a predictive model. An optimal threshold requiring three positive factors generated a mean sensitivity/specificity of 70.4%/89.2% and a probability of developing IA of 56.7%. In patients with no risk factors, the probability of developing IA was 2.4%, compared to >79.1% in patients with four or more factors. Using a risk threshold of 50%, preemptive therapy would have been prescribed for 8.4% of the population. This pilot study shows that patients can be stratified according to risk of IA, providing personalized medicine based on strategic evidence for the management of IA. Further studies are required to confirm this approach.
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11
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Perlin DS, Rautemaa-Richardson R, Alastruey-Izquierdo A. The global problem of antifungal resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e383-e392. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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12
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Mercier T, Maertens J. Clinical considerations in the early treatment of invasive mould infections and disease. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 72:i29-i38. [PMID: 28355465 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Different therapeutic strategies for invasive fungal diseases have been explored, each with particular strengths and weaknesses. Broad-spectrum antifungal prophylaxis seems logical, but selective use is important due to its substantial disadvantages, including interference with diagnostic assays, selection for resistance, drug toxicity and drug-drug interactions. Antimould prophylaxis should be restricted to high-risk groups, such as patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, allogeneic HSCT patients with prior invasive fungal infection, graft-versus-host-disease or extended neutropenia, recipients of a solid organ transplant, or patients with a high-risk inherited immunodeficiency. An empirical approach, whereby mould-active therapy is started in neutropenic patients with fever unresponsive to broad-spectrum antibiotics, is widely applied but incurs the clinical and cost penalties associated with overtreatment. A benefit for all-cause mortality using empirical therapy has not been shown, but it is recommended for high-risk patients who remain febrile after 4-7 days of broad-spectrum antibiotics and in whom extended neutropenia is anticipated. There is growing interest in delaying antifungal treatment until an invasive fungal infection is confirmed ('pre-emptive' or 'diagnostics-driven' management), prompted by the development of more sensitive diagnostic techniques. Comparisons of empirical versus pre-emptive regimens are sparse, particularly with modern triazole agents, but treatment costs are lower with pre-emptive therapy and the available evidence has not indicated reduced efficacy. Pre-emptive treatment may be appropriate in neutropenic patients who remain febrile after administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics but who are clinically stable. Further work is required to define accurately the specific patient subgroups in which each management approach is optimal.
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13
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Maertens JA, Blennow O, Duarte RF, Muñoz P. The current management landscape: aspergillosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2017; 71:ii23-ii29. [PMID: 27880666 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing invasive aspergillosis (IA) has long been challenging due to the inability to culture the causal Aspergillus agent from blood or other body fluids. This shortcoming has fuelled an interest in non-culture-based diagnostic techniques such as the detection of galactomannan (GM) in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, the detection of 1,3-β-d-glucan (BDG) in blood and the detection of Aspergillus DNA by PCR-based techniques. Past decades have witnessed important improvements in our understanding of the strengths and limitations of antigen assays and in the standardization of PCR-based DNA techniques. These assays are now being incorporated into care pathways and diagnostic algorithms; they help us to steward and monitor antifungal therapies and to predict treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan A Maertens
- University Hospitals Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ola Blennow
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rafael F Duarte
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patricia Muñoz
- Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Division, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias-CIBERES (CB06/06/0058), Madrid, Spain.,Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Abstract
PCR can aid in the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD). While the large number of "in-house" methodologies drives technological diversity, providing robustness, they make it difficult to identify optimal strategies, limiting standardization, and widespread acceptance. No matter how efficient, PCR utility will be limited by the quality of extracted nucleic acid. This chapter highlights benefits and limitations affecting the nucleic acid extraction process, before focusing on recent recommendations that through multicenter evaluation have provided optimal and standardized methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lewis White
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.
| | - Rosemary A Barnes
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Cardiff, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XW, UK.,Department of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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15
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Comparison of Nonculture Blood-Based Tests for Diagnosing Invasive Aspergillosis in an Animal Model. J Clin Microbiol 2016; 54:960-6. [PMID: 26791366 PMCID: PMC4809952 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03233-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Aspergillus PCR Initiative (EAPCRI) has provided recommendations for the PCR testing of whole blood (WB) and serum/plasma. It is important to test these recommended protocols on nonsimulated “in vivo” specimens before full clinical evaluation. The testing of an animal model of invasive aspergillosis (IA) overcomes the low incidence of disease and provides experimental design and control that is not possible in the clinical setting. Inadequate performance of the recommended protocols at this stage would require reassessment of methods before clinical trials are performed and utility assessed. The manuscript describes the performance of EAPCRI protocols in an animal model of invasive aspergillosis. Blood samples taken from a guinea pig model of IA were used for WB and serum PCR. Galactomannan and β-d-glucan detection were evaluated, with particular focus on the timing of positivity and on the interpretation of combination testing. The overall sensitivities for WB PCR, serum PCR, galactomannan, and β-d-glucan were 73%, 65%, 68%, and 46%, respectively. The corresponding specificities were 92%, 79%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. PCR provided the earliest indicator of IA, and increasing galactomannan and β-d-glucan values were indicators of disease progression. The combination of WB PCR with galactomannan and β-d-glucan proved optimal (area under the curve [AUC], 0.95), and IA was confidently diagnosed or excluded. The EAPRCI-recommended PCR protocols provide performance comparable to commercial antigen tests, and clinical trials are warranted. By combining multiple tests, IA can be excluded or confirmed, highlighting the need for a combined diagnostic strategy. However, this approach must be balanced against the practicality and cost of using multiple tests.
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16
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Cruciani M, Mengoli C, Loeffler J, Donnelly P, Barnes R, Jones BL, Klingspor L, Morton O, Maertens J. Polymerase chain reaction blood tests for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD009551. [PMID: 26424726 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009551.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common life-threatening opportunistic invasive mould infection in immunocompromised people. Early diagnosis of IA and prompt administration of appropriate antifungal treatment are critical to the survival of people with IA. Antifungal drugs can be given as prophylaxis or empirical therapy, instigated on the basis of a diagnostic strategy (the pre-emptive approach) or for treating established disease. Consequently there is an urgent need for research into both new diagnostic tools and drug treatment strategies. Newer methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect fungal nucleic acids are increasingly being investigated. OBJECTIVES To provide an overall summary of the diagnostic accuracy of PCR-based tests on blood specimens for the diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised people. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE (1946 to June 2015) and EMBASE (1980 to June 2015). We also searched LILACS, DARE, Health Technology Assessment, Web of Science and Scopus to June 2015. We checked the reference lists of all the studies identified by the above methods and contacted relevant authors and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that: i) compared the results of blood PCR tests with the reference standard published by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG); ii) reported data on false-positive, true-positive, false-negative and true-negative results of the diagnostic tests under investigation separately; and iii) evaluated the test(s) prospectively in cohorts of people from a relevant clinical population, defined as a group of individuals at high risk for invasive aspergillosis. Case-control studies were excluded from the analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. For PCR assays, we evaluated the requirement for either one or two consecutive samples to be positive for diagnostic accuracy. We investigated heterogeneity by subgroup analyses. We plotted estimates of sensitivity and specificity from each study in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) space and constructed forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. We performed meta-analyses using the bivariate model to produce summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. MAIN RESULTS Eighteen primary studies, corresponding to 19 cohorts and 22 data sets, published between 2000 and 2013 were included in the meta-analyses, with a median prevalence of IA (proven or probable) of 12.0% (range 2.5 to 30.8 %). The majority of people had received chemotherapy for a haematological malignancy or had undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Several PCR techniques were used among the included studies. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR for the diagnosis of IA varied according to the interpretative criteria used to define a test as positive. The mean sensitivity and specificity were 80.5% (95% CI; 73.0 to 86.3) and 78.5% (67.8 to 86.4) for a single positive test result, and 58.0% (36.5 to 76.8) and 96.2% (89.6 to 98.6) for two consecutive positive test results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS PCR shows moderate diagnostic accuracy when used as screening tests for IA in high-risk patient groups. Importantly the sensitivity of the test confers a high negative predictive value (NPV) such that a negative test allows the diagnosis to be excluded. Consecutive positives show good specificity in diagnosis of IA and could be used to trigger radiological and other investigations or for pre-emptive therapy in the absence of specific radiological signs when the clinical suspicion of infection is high. When a single PCR positive test is used as diagnostic criterion for IA in a population of 100 people with a disease prevalence of 13.0% (overall mean prevalence), three people with IA would be missed (sensitivity 80.5%, 19.5% false negatives), and 19 people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 78.5%, 21.5% false positives). If we use the two positive test requirement in a population with the same disease prevalence, it would mean that six IA people would be missed (sensitivity 58.0%, 42.1% false negatives) and three people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 96.2%, 3.8% false positives). Galactomannan and PCR have good NPV for excluding disease but the low prevalence of disease limits the ability to rule in a diagnosis. The biomarkers are detecting different aspects of disease and the combination of both together is likely to be more useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cruciani
- Center of Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases Service, ULSS 20 Verona, Via Germania, 20, Verona, Italy, 37135
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17
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Pfaller MA, Castanheira M. Nosocomial Candidiasis: Antifungal Stewardship and the Importance of Rapid Diagnosis. Med Mycol 2015; 54:1-22. [PMID: 26385381 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myv076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candidemia and other forms of candidiasis are associated with considerable excess mortality and costs. Despite the addition of several new antifungal agents with improved spectrum and potency, the frequency of Candida infection and associated mortality have not decreased in the past two decades. The lack of rapid and sensitive diagnostic tests has led to considerable overuse of antifungal agents resulting in increased costs, selection pressure for resistance, unnecessary drug toxicity, and adverse drug interactions. Both the lack of timely diagnostic tests and emergence of antifungal resistance pose considerable problems for antifungal stewardship. Whereas antifungal stewardship with a focus on nosocomial candidiasis should be able to improve the administration of antifungal therapy in terms of drug selection, proper dose and duration, source control and de-escalation therapy, an important parameter, timeliness of antifungal therapy, remains a victim of slow and insensitive diagnostic tests. Fortunately, new proteomic and molecular diagnostic tools are improving the time to species identification and detection. In this review we will describe the potential impact that rapid diagnostic testing and antifungal stewardship can have on the management of nosocomial candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pfaller
- T2Biosystems, Lexington, Massachusetts JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, Iowa University of Iowa College of Medicine College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
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18
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Pfaller MA, Wolk DM, Lowery TJ. T2MR and T2Candida: novel technology for the rapid diagnosis of candidemia and invasive candidiasis. Future Microbiol 2015; 11:103-17. [PMID: 26371384 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis pose a significant diagnostic challenge. In order to provide the best treatment, it is important to accurately detect the fungal infection and identify the species. Historically, diagnosis of Candida infections depended upon three classical laboratory approaches: microbiologic, immunologic, histopathologic; and now includes new methods such as radiographic techniques, molecular, proteomic and biochemical methods. The T2Candida Panel has introduced a new class of infectious disease diagnostics that can rapidly detect and identify the causative pathogen of sepsis directly from a patient blood sample in a culture-independent manner. This test enables detection of Candida directly from the patient sample, a significant advance for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Pfaller
- T2 Biosystems, 101 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, MA 02421, USA.,University of Iowa College of Medicine & College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
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19
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Cruciani M, Mengoli C, Loeffler J, Donnelly P, Barnes R, Jones BL, Klingspor L, Morton O, Maertens J. Polymerase chain reaction blood tests for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised people. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015:CD009551. [PMID: 26343815 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009551.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most common life-threatening opportunistic invasive mould infection in immunocompromised people. Early diagnosis of IA and prompt administration of appropriate antifungal treatment are critical to the survival of people with IA. Antifungal drugs can be given as prophylaxis or empirical therapy, instigated on the basis of a diagnostic strategy (the pre-emptive approach) or for treating established disease. Consequently there is an urgent need for research into both new diagnostic tools and drug treatment strategies. Newer methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect fungal nucleic acids are increasingly being investigated. OBJECTIVES To provide an overall summary of the diagnostic accuracy of PCR-based tests on blood specimens for the diagnosis of IA in immunocompromised people. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE (1946 to June 2015) and EMBASE (1980 to June 2015). We also searched LILACS, DARE, Health Technology Assessment, Web of Science and Scopus to June 2015. We checked the reference lists of all the studies identified by the above methods and contacted relevant authors and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies that: i) compared the results of blood PCR tests with the reference standard published by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG); ii) reported data on false-positive, true-positive, false-negative and true-negative results of the diagnostic tests under investigation separately; and iii) evaluated the test(s) prospectively in cohorts of people from a relevant clinical population, defined as a group of individuals at high risk for invasive aspergillosis. Case-control studies were excluded from the analysis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Authors independently assessed quality and extracted data. For PCR assays, we evaluated the requirement for either one or two consecutive samples to be positive for diagnostic accuracy. We investigated heterogeneity by subgroup analyses. We plotted estimates of sensitivity and specificity from each study in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) space and constructed forest plots for visual examination of variation in test accuracy. We performed meta-analyses using the bivariate model to produce summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. MAIN RESULTS Eighteen primary studies, corresponding to 19 cohorts and 22 data sets, published between 2000 and 2013 were included in the meta-analyses, with a median prevalence of IA (proven or probable) of 12.0% (range 2.5 to 30.8 %). The majority of people had received chemotherapy for a haematological malignancy or had undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Several PCR techniques were used among the included studies. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR for the diagnosis of IA varied according to the interpretative criteria used to define a test as positive. The mean sensitivity and specificity were 80.5% (95% CI; 73.0 to 86.3) and 78.5% (67.8 to 86.4) for a single positive test result, and 58.0% (36.5 to 76.8) and 96.2% (89.6 to 98.6) for two consecutive positive test results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS PCR shows moderate diagnostic accuracy when used as screening tests for IA in high-risk patient groups. Importantly the sensitivity of the test confers a high negative predictive value (NPV) such that a negative test allows the diagnosis to be excluded. Consecutive positives show good specificity in diagnosis of IA and could be used to trigger radiological and other investigations or for pre-emptive therapy in the absence of specific radiological signs when the clinical suspicion of infection is high. When a single PCR positive test is used as diagnostic criterion for IA in a population of 100 people with a disease prevalence of 13.0% (overall mean prevalence), three people with IA would be missed (sensitivity 80.5%, 19.5% false negatives), and 19 people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 78.5%, 21.5% false negatives). If we use the two positive test requirement in a population with the same disease prevalence, it would mean that six IA people would be missed (sensitivity 58.0%, 42.1% false negatives) and three people would be unnecessarily treated or referred for further tests (specificity of 96.2%, 3.8% false negatives). Galactamannan and PCR have good NPV for excluding disease but the low prevalence of disease limits the ability to rule in a diagnosis. The biomarkers are detecting different aspects of disease and the combination of both together is likely to be more useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cruciani
- Center of Community Medicine and Infectious Diseases Service, ULSS 20 Verona, Via Germania, 20, Verona, Italy, 37135
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20
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Application of Culture-Independent Rapid Diagnostic Tests in the Management of Invasive Candidiasis and Cryptococcosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2015; 1:217-251. [PMID: 29376910 PMCID: PMC5753112 DOI: 10.3390/jof1020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) and cryptococcosis is often complicated by slow and insensitive culture-based methods. Such delay results in poor outcomes due to the lack of timely therapeutic interventions. Advances in serological, biochemical, molecular and proteomic approaches have made a favorable impact on this process, improving the timeliness and accuracy of diagnosis with resultant improvements in outcome. This paper will serve as an overview of recent developments in the diagnostic approaches to infections due to these important yeast-fungi.
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21
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Combining standard clinical methods with PCR showed improved diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies and prolonged neutropenia. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:251. [PMID: 26126706 PMCID: PMC4487853 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0995-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed the diagnostic value of standard clinical methods and combined biomarker testing (galactomannan assay and polymerase chain reaction screening) in a prospective case–control study to detect invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hematological malignancies and prolonged neutropenia. Methods In this observational study 162 biomarker analyses were performed on samples from 27 febrile neutropenic episodes. Sera were successively screened for galactomannan antigen and for Aspergillus fumigatus specific nucleic acid targets. Furthermore thoracic computed tomography scanning was performed along with bronchoscopy with lavage when clinically indicated. Patients were retrospectively stratified to define a case-group with “proven” or “probable” invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (25.93 %) and a control-group of patients with no evidence for of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (74.07 %). In 44.44 % of episodes fever ceased in response to antibiotic treatment (group II). Empirical antifungal therapy was administered for episodes with persistent or relapsing fever (group I). 48.15 % of patients died during the study period. Postmortem histology was pursued in 53.85 % of fatalities. Results Concordant negative galactomannan and computed tomography supported by a polymerase chain reaction assay were shown to have the highest discriminatory power to exclude invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 6 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and in 15 controls. Although bronchoalveolar lavage proved negative in 93 % of controls it did not detect IPA in 86 % of the cases. Remarkably post mortem histology convincingly supported the presence of Aspergillus hyphae in lung tissue from a single case which had consecutive positive polymerase chain reaction assay results but was misdiagnosed by both computed tomography and consistently negative galactomannan assay results. For the galactomannan enzyme-immunoassay the diagnostic odds ratio was 15.33 and for the polymerase chain reaction assay it was 28.67. According to Cohen’s kappa our in-house polymerase chain reaction method showed a fair agreement with the galactomannan immunoassay. Combined analysis of the results from the Aspergillus galactomannan enzyme immunoassay together with those generated by our polymerase chain reaction assay led to no misdiagnoses in the control group. Conclusion The data from this pilot-study demonstrate that the consideration of standard clinical methods combined with biomarker testing improves the capacity to make early and more accurate diagnostic decisions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-0995-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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22
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Ambasta A, Carson J, Church DL. The use of biomarkers and molecular methods for the earlier diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. Med Mycol 2015; 53:531-57. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myv026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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23
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British Society for Medical Mycology best practice recommendations for the diagnosis of serious fungal diseases. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2015; 15:461-74. [PMID: 25771341 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)70006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients, and early diagnosis and management are a challenge. We therefore did a review of the scientific literature to generate a series of key recommendations for the appropriate use of microbiological, histological, and radiological diagnostic methods for diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases. The recommendations emphasise the role of microscopy in rapid diagnosis and identification of clinically significant isolates to species level, and the need for susceptibility testing of all Aspergillus spp, if treatment is to be given. In this Review, we provide information to improve understanding of the importance of antigen detection for cryptococcal disease and invasive aspergillosis, the use of molecular (PCR) diagnostics for aspergillosis, and the crucial role of antibody detection for chronic and allergic aspergillosis. Furthermore, we consider the importance of histopathology reporting with a panel of special stains, and emphasise the need for urgent (<48 hours) and optimised imaging for patients with suspected invasive fungal infection. All 43 recommendations are auditable and should be used to ensure best diagnostic practice and improved outcomes for patients.
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25
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Morrissey CO, Gilroy NM, Macesic N, Walker P, Ananda-Rajah M, May M, Heath CH, Grigg A, Bardy PG, Kwan J, Kirsa SW, Slavin M, Gottlieb T, Chen S. Consensus guidelines for the use of empiric and diagnostic-driven antifungal treatment strategies in haematological malignancy, 2014. Intern Med J 2014; 44:1298-314. [DOI: 10.1111/imj.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. O. Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Alfred Health and Monash University; Prahran Victoria
- Department of Clinical Haematology; Alfred Health; Prahran Victoria
| | - N. M. Gilroy
- Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Network; Agency for Clinical Innovation; Chatswood New South Wales
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology; St Vincent's Hospital; Darlinghurst New South Wales
| | - N. Macesic
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases; Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria
| | - P. Walker
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service; Alfred Health; Prahran Victoria
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria
| | - M. Ananda-Rajah
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Alfred Health and Monash University; Prahran Victoria
- Department of General Medicine; Alfred Health; Prahran Victoria
| | - M. May
- Department of Microbiology; Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology; Brisbane Queensland
| | - C. H. Heath
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology (RPH Unit); University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia
| | - A. Grigg
- Department of Clinical Haematology; Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
| | - P. G. Bardy
- Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Centre; Royal Adelaide Hospital; Adelaide South Australia
- Division of Medicine; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital; Woodville South South Australia
- Discipline of Medicine; School of Medicine; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia
| | - J. Kwan
- Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant; Westmead Hospital; Westmead New South Wales
| | - S. W. Kirsa
- Pharmacy Department; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne Victoria
| | - M. Slavin
- School of Medicine; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; East Melbourne Victoria
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service; The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity; Parkville Victoria
| | - T. Gottlieb
- The Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Department; Concord Repatriation General Hospital; Concord New South Wales
| | - S. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services; ICPMR - Pathology West; Westmead New South Wales
- Department of Infectious Diseases; Westmead Hospital; Westmead New South Wales
- Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales
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26
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Mikulska M, Furfaro E, Viscoli C. Non-cultural methods for the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 13:103-17. [PMID: 25385534 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.979788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases carry a high mortality risk which can be reduced by early treatment. Diagnosing invasive fungal diseases is challenging, because invasive methods for obtaining histological samples are frequently not feasible in thrombocytopenic immunocompromised patients, while fungal cultures have low sensitivity and a long turn-around time. Non-cultural methods are fundamental for a rapid diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases and they include assays based on the detection of fungal antigens (galactomannan, Aspergillus-lateral flow device, [1,3]-β-D-glucan, mannan), antibodies, such as anti-mannan, and molecular tests. With the exception of some molecular methods for rare fungi, the non-cultural assays are usually applied to the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis and pneumocystosis. The performance of a single test or a combination of tests will be discussed, with particular focus on choosing the most appropriate marker(s) for every specific patient population. Reasons for potential false-positive or false-negative results will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Mikulska
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Martino University Hospital - IST, L.go R. Benzi, 10 - 16132, Genoa, Italy
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- M Backx
- Specialist Registrar in Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology
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28
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PCR in diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: a meta-analysis of diagnostic performance. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:3731-42. [PMID: 25122854 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01365-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is a difficult-to-diagnose infection with a high mortality rate that affects high-risk groups such as patients with neutropenia and hematologic malignancies. We performed a bivariate meta-analysis of diagnostic data for an Aspergillus sp. PCR assay with blood specimens from high-risk hematology patients. We included all studies involving human subjects that assessed the performance of any PCR assay for invasive aspergillosis in whole blood or serum and that used the European Organization for the treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria as a reference standard. Three investigators independently searched the literature for eligible studies and extracted the data. Out of a total of 37 studies, 25 met strict quality criteria and were included in our evidence synthesis. Twenty-five studies with 2,595 patients were analyzed. The pooled diagnostic performance of whole-blood and serum PCR assays was moderate, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75 to 91%) and 76% (95% CI, 65 to 84%), respectively, suggesting that a positive or negative result is unable, on its own, to confirm or exclude a suspected infection. The performance of a PCR assay of serum was not significantly different from that of whole blood. Notably, at least two positive PCR test results were found to have a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 64% for invasive infection, achieving a high positive likelihood ratio of 12.8. Importantly, the European Aspergillus PCR Initiative (EAPCRI) recommendations improved the performance of the PCR even further when at least two positive specimens were used to define PCR positivity. In conclusion, two positive PCR results should be considered highly indicative of an active Aspergillus sp. infection. Use of the EAPCRI recommendations by clinical laboratories can further enhance PCR performance.
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Danylo A, Courtemanche C, Pelletier R, Boudreault AA. Performance of MycAssay Aspergillus DNA real-time PCR assay compared with the galactomannan detection assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis from serum samples. Med Mycol 2014; 52:577-83. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myu025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections have increase worldwide and represent a threat for immunocompromised patients including HIV-infected, recipients of solid organ and stem cell transplants, and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies. High mortality rates and difficulties in early diagnosis characterize pulmonary fungal infections. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis has been reviewed focussing on therapeutic management. Although new compounds have become available in the past years (i.e., amphotericin B lipid formulations, last-generation azoles, and echinocandines), new diagnostic tools and careful therapeutic management are mandatory to assure an early appropriate targeted treatment that represents the key factor for a successful conservative approach in respiratory fungal infections.
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31
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Drgona L, Colita A, Klimko N, Rahav G, Ozcan MA, Donnelly JP. Triggers for driving treatment of at-risk patients with invasive fungal disease. J Antimicrob Chemother 2014; 68 Suppl 3:iii17-iii24. [PMID: 24155142 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Timing of treatment for invasive fungal disease (IFD) is critical for making appropriate clinical decisions. Historically, many centres have treated at-risk patients prior to disease detection to try to prevent fungal colonization or in response to antibiotic-resistant fever. Many studies have indicated that a diagnostic-driven approach, using radiological tests and biomarkers to guide treatment decisions, may be a more clinically relevant and cost-effective approach. The Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) defined host clinical and mycological criteria for proven, probable and possible classes of IFD, to aid diagnosis. However, some patients at risk of IFD do not meet EORTC/MSG criteria and have been termed Groups B (patients with persistent unexplained febrile neutropenia) and C (patients with non-definitive signs of IFD) in a study by Maertens et al. (Haematologica 2012; 97: 325-7). Consequently, we considered the most appropriate triggers (clinical or radiological signs or biomarkers) for treatment of all patient groups, especially the unclassified B and C groups, based on our clinical experience. For Group C patients, additional diagnostic testing is recommended before a decision to treat, including repeat galactomannan tests, radiological scans and analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Triggers for stopping antifungal treatment were considered to include resolution of all clinical signs and symptoms. For Group B patients, it was concluded that better definition of risk factors predisposing patients to fungal infection and the use of more sensitive diagnostic tests are required to aid treatment decisions and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubos Drgona
- Department of Hemato-oncology, National Cancer Institute and Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Alanio A, Bretagne S. Difficulties with molecular diagnostic tests for mould and yeast infections: where do we stand? Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20 Suppl 6:36-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Cordonnier C, Robin C, Alanio A, Bretagne S. Antifungal pre-emptive strategy for high-risk neutropenic patients: why the story is still ongoing. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20 Suppl 6:27-35. [PMID: 24283975 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies are at high risk of invasive fungal disease (IFD). Due to limitations in specific procedures to establish an early diagnosis of IFD, two historical unpowered studies suggested, three decades ago, that giving an empirical antifungal treatment to patients with persistent or recurrent fever under broad-spectrum antibacterials, could reduce the risk of IFD. For cost and toxicity reasons, this strategy became debated when modern imaging and indirect biological markers became available. Different pre-emptive strategies, either based on lung imaging, galactomannan antigenaemia, fungal PCR, or a combination of several parameters, were designed with the goal of restricting the administration of antifungals to the more at-risk patients with early signs of IFD. Almost all pre-emptive studies showed or suggested a reduction of administration and cost of antifungals during neutropenic phases. However, the clinical pertinence and safety of the strategy, and mainly its optimal design, are still pending. This paper reviews the evolution of these strategies and how they may be implemented in the haematology ward.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cordonnier
- Haematology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) and University Paris-Est-Créteil, Créteil, France
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Hicheri Y, Toma A, Maury S, Pautas C, Mallek-Kaci H, Cordonnier C. Updated guidelines for managing fungal diseases in hematology patients. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 8:1049-60. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.10.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Drgona L, Khachatryan A, Stephens J, Charbonneau C, Kantecki M, Haider S, Barnes R. Clinical and economic burden of invasive fungal diseases in Europe: focus on pre-emptive and empirical treatment of Aspergillus and Candida species. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 33:7-21. [PMID: 24026863 PMCID: PMC3892112 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-013-1944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) have been widely studied in recent years, largely because of the increasing population at risk. Aspergillus and Candida species remain the most common causes of IFDs, but other fungi are emerging. The early and accurate diagnosis of IFD is critical to outcome and the optimisation of treatment. Rapid diagnostic methods and new antifungal therapies have advanced disease management in recent years. Strategies for the prevention and treatment of IFDs include prophylaxis, and empirical and pre-emptive therapy. Here, we review the available primary literature on the clinical and economic burden of IFDs in Europe from 2000 to early 2011, with a focus on the value and outcomes of different approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Drgona
- Department of Haematology/Oncology, National Cancer Institute and Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - A. Khachatryan
- Pharmerit International, 4350 East West Highway, Suite 430, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - J. Stephens
- Pharmerit International, 4350 East West Highway, Suite 430, Bethesda, MD 20814 USA
| | - C. Charbonneau
- Pfizer Global Outcomes Research, Pfizer Inc., New York, NY USA
| | - M. Kantecki
- Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer Inc., Paris, France
| | - S. Haider
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT USA
| | - R. Barnes
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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Ng TY, Kang ML, Tan BH, Ngan CCL. Case report: Enteral nutritional supplement as a likely cause of false-positive galactomannan testing. Med Mycol Case Rep 2013; 3:11-3. [PMID: 24567893 PMCID: PMC3930958 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2013.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of galactomannan (GM) in the serum of in immunocompromised patients is widely used for the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. We report a case of a false-positive GM test presumably caused by the enteral nutritional supplement given to a non-neutropenic patient with intestinal graft-versus-host disease after a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of false-positive GM results in patients on nutritional supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yong Ng
- Department of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Mei-Ling Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Ban-Hock Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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Zhang SX. Enhancing molecular approaches for diagnosis of fungal infections. Future Microbiol 2013; 8:1599-611. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.13.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular tests can improve the diagnosis of fungal infections. Despite the increasing application for fungal detection, molecular tests are still not accepted as a diagnostic criterion to define invasive fungal diseases. This limitation is largely due to a lack of a standardized method. Method standardization can be achieved by following a consensus protocol developed by a working group, by performing a molecular test in a centralized laboratory or by using a commercial assay that provides a standardized method and quality-controlled reagents. Forming a consortium or a working group consisting of large-scale diagnostic mycology laboratories can accelerate the process of validating and implementing a commercial molecular assay for clinical use through a joint effort between industry partners and clinicians. Development of molecular tests not only for the detection of fungi but also for the identification of antifungal drug resistance directly in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues greatly enhances fungal diagnostic capacities. Advances of developing quantitative assays and RNA detection platforms may provide another avenue to further improve fungal diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean X Zhang
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 Wolfe Street, Meyer B1-193, Baltimore 21287, MD, USA
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Ben-Ami R, Halaburda K, Klyasova G, Metan G, Torosian T, Akova M. A multidisciplinary team approach to the management of patients with suspected or diagnosed invasive fungal disease. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 68 Suppl 3:iii25-33. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Barnes RA, Stocking K, Bowden S, Poynton MH, White PL. Prevention and diagnosis of invasive fungal disease in high-risk patients within an integrative care pathway. J Infect 2013; 67:206-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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41
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Barnes RA. Directed therapy for fungal infections: focus on aspergillosis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2013; 68:2431-4. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkt227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Donnelly JP. Care pathways for managing invasive mould diseases. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2013; 42:5-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Performance of serum biomarkers for the early detection of invasive aspergillosis in febrile, neutropenic patients: a multi-state model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65776. [PMID: 23799048 PMCID: PMC3683047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The performance of serum biomarkers for the early detection of invasive aspergillosis expectedly depends on the timing of test results relative to the empirical administration of antifungal therapy during neutropenia, although a dynamic evaluation framework is lacking. Methods We developed a multi-state model describing simultaneously the likelihood of empirical antifungal therapy and the risk of invasive aspergillosis during neutropenia. We evaluated whether the first positive test result with a biomarker is an independent predictor of invasive aspergillosis when both diagnostic information used to treat and risk factors of developing invasive aspergillosis are taken into account over time. We applied the multi-state model to a homogeneous cohort of 185 high-risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Patients were prospectively screened for galactomannan antigenemia twice a week for immediate treatment decision; 2,214 serum samples were collected on the same days and blindly assessed for (1->3)- β-D-glucan antigenemia and a quantitative PCR assay targeting a mitochondrial locus. Results The usual evaluation framework of biomarker performance was unable to distinguish clinical benefits of β-glucan or PCR assays. The multi-state model evidenced that the risk of invasive aspergillosis is a complex time function of neutropenia duration and risk management. The quantitative PCR assay accelerated the early detection of invasive aspergillosis (P = .010), independently of other diagnostic information used to treat, while β-glucan assay did not (P = .53). Conclusions The performance of serum biomarkers for the early detection of invasive aspergillosis is better apprehended by the evaluation of time-varying predictors in a multi-state model. Our results provide strong rationale for prospective studies testing a preemptive antifungal therapy, guided by clinical, radiological, and bi-weekly blood screening with galactomannan antigenemia and a standardized quantitative PCR assay.
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Morrissey CO, Chen SCA, Sorrell TC, Milliken S, Bardy PG, Bradstock KF, Szer J, Halliday CL, Gilroy NM, Moore J, Schwarer AP, Guy S, Bajel A, Tramontana AR, Spelman T, Slavin MA. Galactomannan and PCR versus culture and histology for directing use of antifungal treatment for invasive aspergillosis in high-risk haematology patients: a randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013; 13:519-28. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Evaluation of real-time PCR, galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a novel lateral-flow device for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:1510-6. [PMID: 23486712 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03189-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains challenging. With a relatively low incidence of disease, the use of expensive empirical antifungal therapy exposes many patients to unnecessary toxicity. Diagnosis places emphasis on specific but temporal radiological evidence. Circulating biomarker diagnosis has shown potential, but assays show variable performance, take several hours to perform, and require a degree of technical ability. A novel and simple lateral-flow device (LFD) using monoclonal antibody JF5, which targets an extracellular glycoprotein, has been developed and potentially removes any technical requirements, reducing processing time considerably. In this study, we evaluate the performance of this LFD compared to real-time PCR (targeting the 28S rRNA gene) and galactomannan (GM) detection when testing serum from a European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG)-defined hematological population. In a proven/probable-IA population versus a no-IA population, the LFD performance was comparable to that of both PCR and galactomannan enzyme immunoassay. Specificity (98.0%) was similar to that of PCR (96.6%) and slightly superior to that of GM (91.5%). Sensitivity (81.8%) was inferior to that of PCR (95.5%) but better than that of GM (77.3%). In combination with PCR, it provided both 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The LFD permits rapid testing of easily obtainable specimens, to be used as an adjunct test, before confirmation by other investigations. Its simplicity provides centers without specialist diagnostics with a test with clinical performance superior to that of classical microbiological approaches and results that can be used to direct antifungal management. In summary, microbiological diagnosis of IA is difficult and options are limited, with variable performance. An LFD assay targeting a novel specific biomarker has been developed, one which is methodologically simple and provides good clinical performance, particularly if combined with PCR.
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Comparison of galactomannan enzyme immunoassay performance levels when testing serum and plasma samples. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2013; 20:636-8. [PMID: 23389933 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00730-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing is formally validated only for serum, though in practice, plasma is occasionally tested. It is assumed, but not confirmed, that results will be comparable to those for serum. GM EIA when testing plasma was evaluated, providing sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (85.4%) comparable to those for serum. Plasma index values were higher than those for serum; if plasma GM EIA were used to define probable cases, four additional cases would have been diagnosed.
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Barton RC. Laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: from diagnosis to prediction of outcome. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:459405. [PMID: 24278780 PMCID: PMC3820361 DOI: 10.1155/2013/459405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA), an infection caused by fungi in the genus Aspergillus, is seen in patients with immunological deficits, particularly acute leukaemia and stem cell transplantation, and has been associated with high rates of mortality in previous years. Diagnosing IA has long been problematic owing to the inability to culture the main causal agent A. fumigatus from blood. Microscopic examination and culture of respiratory tract specimens have lacked sensitivity, and biopsy tissue for histopathological examination is rarely obtainable. Thus, for many years there has been a great interest in nonculture-based techniques such as the detection of galactomannan, β -D-glucan, and DNA by PCR-based methods. Recent meta-analyses suggest that these approaches have broadly similar performance parameters in terms of sensitivity and specificity to diagnose IA. Improvements have been made in our understanding of the limitations of antigen assays and the standardisation of PCR-based DNA detection. Thus, in more recent years, the debate has focussed on how these assays can be incorporated into diagnostic strategies to maximise improvements in outcome whilst limiting unnecessary use of antifungal therapy. Furthermore, there is a current interest in applying these tests to monitor the effectiveness of therapy after diagnosis and predict clinical outcomes. The search for improved markers for the early and sensitive diagnosis of IA continues to be a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Barton
- Mycology Reference Centre, Department of Microbiology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK
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Morrissey CO. Advancing the Field: Evidence for New Management Strategies in Invasive Fungal Infections. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2013; 7:51-58. [PMID: 23420637 PMCID: PMC3568482 DOI: 10.1007/s12281-012-0128-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised. The traditional diagnostic methods of culture and histological examination lack sensitivity and often only make a diagnosis late when the fungal burden is high, reducing the chances of cure even with the availability of new more potent and less toxic antifungal agents. New non-culture-based serological and PCR assays have been developed. These appear more sensitive and are able to make an earlier diagnosis as compared with traditional diagnostic methods. Early diagnosis is central to reducing IFI-related morbidity and mortality. This review describes the diagnostic potential of the new serological and PCR assays and outlines how these assays have been incorporated into algorithms to improve the management of IFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Orla Morrissey
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Alfred Health, Level 2, Burnet Building, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004 Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Agrawal SG, Mather SJ. Pathogen identification by nuclear imaging--almost there? Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2012; 39:1173-4. [PMID: 22652983 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-012-2165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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50
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Lewis White P, Loeffler J, Barnes RA, Peter Donnelly J. Towards a standard for Aspergillus PCR - requirements, process and results. INFECTIO 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0123-9392(12)70029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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