Diagnostic performance of 1→3-β-d-glucan in neonatal and pediatric patients with Candidemia

Retrospective analysis of fungemia among children in Anka General Hospital, Nigeria, from October 2018 to November 2021: a case series

Yeast-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) in pediatric patients are associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), hematological/oncological malignancies and admission to an intensive care unit. These infections are rarely described from low- and middle-income countries. We describe a case series of pediatric patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and yeast isolated from their blood culture in a conflict-affected area of Nigeria from October 2018 to November 2021. We identified 20 patients with yeast BSIs, among whom 17 were also diagnosed with SAM. We recommend the inclusion of antifungal treatment for empiric treatment guidelines for children with SAM and severe sepsis in similar settings.

Serum Beta-D-Glucan in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease in Neonates, Children and Adolescents: A Critical Analysis of Current Data

β-D-glucan (BDG) is a cell wall component of many pathogenic fungi. The detection of BDG as an assay is clinically broadly used as a diagnostic tool. However, the current data on BDG in paediatrics are limited, prompting specific considerations about when BDG can be used in neonates and children. We aimed to analyse the available data for the use of serum BDG in neonates and immunocompromised children and adolescents; as well as to understand the extent and characteristics of the use of BDG in children in Europe.

Multicenter Prospective Study of Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) relies on insensitive cultures; the relative utility of fungal biomarkers in children is unclear.

METHODS

This multinational observational cohort study enrolled patients aged >120 days and <18 years with concern for IC from 1 January 2015 to 26 September 2019 at 25 centers. Blood collected at onset of symptoms was tested using T2Candida, Fungitell (1→3)-β-D-glucan, Platelia Candida Antigen (Ag) Plus, and Platelia Candida Antibody (Ab) Plus assays. Operating characteristics were determined for each biomarker, and assays meeting a defined threshold considered in combination. Sterile site cultures were the reference standard.

RESULTS

Five hundred participants were enrolled at 22 centers in 3 countries, and IC was diagnosed in 13 (2.6%). Thirteen additional blood specimens were collected and successfully spiked with Candida species, to achieve a 5.0% event rate. Valid T2Candida, Fungitell, Platelia Candida Ag Plus, and Platelia Candida Ab Plus assay results were available for 438, 467, 473, and 473 specimens, respectively. Operating characteristics for T2Candida were most optimal for detecting IC due to any Candida species, with results as follows: sensitivity, 80.0% (95% confidence interval, 59.3%-93.2%), specificity 97.1% (95.0%-98.5%), positive predictive value, 62.5% (43.7%-78.9%), and negative predictive value, 98.8% (97.2%-99.6%). Only T2Candida and Platelia Candida Ag Plus assays met the threshold for combination testing. Positive result for either yielded the following results: sensitivity, 86.4% (95% confidence interval, 65.1%- 97.1%); specificity, 94.7% (92.0%-96.7%); positive predictive value, 47.5% (31.5%-63.9%); and negative predictive value, 99.2% (97.7%-99.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

T2Candida alone or in combination with Platelia Candida Ag Plus may be beneficial for rapid detection of Candida species in children with concern for IC.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02220790.

[Fungal infection in immunocompromised children]

In recent years, immunodeficiency condition has experienced a rise among children, who are at risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI) due to their health condition. Cancer, non-malignant hematological diseases, as primary immunodeficiencies, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), extreme prematurity, or critically ill condition in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) are some immunosuppressive situations in children. The use of oncologic therapies, including immunotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, for the treatment of the aforementioned health conditions has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality rates of IFI in children. The underlying diseases and their management, comorbidities, the diagnostic tests used (both molecular and imaging), as well as the treatment used can be significantly different between adult patients and children admitted to PICU or with cancer. In pediatrics, the treatment of IFI is based primarily on pharmacokinetic studies performed in adults. In higher risk patients prophylaxis should be considered and, in the case of an IFI diagnosis, an antifungal treatment should be administered as early as possible, supported by the reversion of the immune dysfunction and surgery when appropriate.

Serum (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan could be useful to rule out invasive candidiasis in neonates with an adapted cut-off

AIM

We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of serum (1 → 3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) for neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) using the recommended cut-off usually used in adults for detecting invasive candidiasis and searched for an optimal cut-off for ruling out NIC.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study at Nantes University medical centre from January 2017 to July 2018. All consecutive newborn infants of less than 28 days of corrected age, with clinically suspected NIC, who underwent BDG assay, were included. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by using the recommended cut-off of 80 pg/mL. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify an optimal cut-off value.

RESULTS

We included 55 newborn infants with 61 episodes of suspected NIC. Their median gestational and chronological ages were 28.0 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 26.4-34.1) and 10.0 days (IQR 6.0-22.0), respectively. Of 61 episodes, seven revealed NIC. Sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.1%-99.6%) and 51.9% (37.8%-65.7%) with the recommended cut-off, respectively. An optimal cut-off of 174 pg/mL offered the same sensitivity but higher specificity 77.8% (64.4%-88.0%).

CONCLUSION

The recommended cut-off of 80 pg/mL was probably too low for ruling out NIC. A higher cut-off might have been more appropriate.

Neonatal fluid and electrolytes profile effect on amphotericin B associated nephrotoxicity in neonatal tertiary care unit of Karachi-Pakistan

OBJECTIVES

Amphotericin-B (d-AmB) has a broader anti-fungal spectrum and is used for neonatal invasive-fungal-infections especially invasive-candidiasis (IC). To prevent d-AmB-induced nephrotoxicity, renal protective effect of fluid and electrolyte management has been established among adults; in this study, the authors determined this effect among neonates.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, the authors reviewed neonatal medical records, admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and received d-AmB therapy. Patients were divided into, renal-insufficiency-group (RIG) and the non-renal-insufficiency-group (NIG).

RESULTS

A total of 90 cases were analyzed, 41 composed RIG and 49 NIG. Renal insufficiency (RI) was developed on 1.7 (0.84) and 7.8 (1.21) days of d-AmB therapy in 26 (63%) and 15 (37%) cases respectively. Bivariate and multivariate analysis demonstrate that >4 m Eq/kg/d sodium intake across all-time points was significantly (p < 0.0001) associated with reduced risk of RI [(phase-I: AOR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.91-0.99), (phase-II: AOR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.68-0.92) and (phase-III: AOR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.86-0.95)]. While adequate fluid intake reduced the likelihood of RI if started before and initial 2 days of d-AmB therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate hydration before and 48 hours after d-AmB therapy and >4 mEq/kg/day sodium intake before and through d-AmB therapy may protect neonatal RI.

Diagnosis of invasive fungal disease in children: a narrative review

Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) represent important causes of morbidity and mortality in pediatrics. Early diagnosis and treatment of IFD is associated with better outcome and this entails the need to use fast and highly sensitive and specific methods that can support clinicians in the management of IFD.Areas covered: A narrative review was performed on conventional diagnostic methods such as culture, microscopy and histopathology are still gold standard but are burdened by a lack of sensitivity and specificity; on the other hand, imaging and noninvasive antigen-based such as beta-D-glucan, galactomannan and molecular biomarkers are the most convenient nonculture methods for diagnosis and monitoring effects of therapy. Aim of the present review is to summarize what is available in these fields at end of the second decade of the third millennium and look for future perspectives.Expert opinion: Promising and useful diagnostic methods have been applied in infectious disease diagnosis in clinical practice or in designing platforms. Unfortunately, most of them are not standardized or validated in pediatric population. However, clinicians should be aware of all innovative diagnostic tools to use in combination with conventional diagnostic methods for a better management of pathology and patient.

Diagnostic accuracy of serum (1,3)-beta-d-glucan for neonatal invasive candidiasis: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates. Several studies have shown that (1,3)-Beta-d-glucan (BDG) was accurate in detecting invasive fungal infection in adults, but studies in neonates are scarce. The aim was to obtain summary estimates of the accuracy of BDG detection in serum for the diagnosis of NIC.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar (inception to July 2019). We checked the reference lists of included studies, clinical guidelines, and review articles. We included studies that assessed the accuracy of BDG against a reference standard that defined groups of patients with ordinal levels of NIC probability (e.g. proven, probable, possible) and included fungal blood culture. Participants were neonates suspected of having NIC. The intervention was BDG measurement in serum (Fungitell® assay). We assessed risk of bias and applicability using QUADAS-2. We used bivariate meta-analysis to produce summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy at prespecified positivity thresholds of 80 and 120 pg/mL. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018089545).

RESULTS

We included eight studies (465 participants). Of these, two were judged at low overall risk of bias. There was substantial variability across studies in the reference standards used. At a positivity threshold of 80 pg/mL, summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity of BDG were 89% (95% CI: 80-94%) and 60% (53-66%), respectively; summary sensitivity for detecting proven cases of NIC was 99% (93-100%). At a positivity threshold of 120 pg/mL, summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 81% (71-88%) and 80% (67-88%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of high sensitivity, BDG seems promising to rule-out NIC. It might be too early to recommend its use because of the scarcity of reliable clinical data, heterogeneity in case definitions, and unstable accuracy estimates.

Comparative sensitivity of 1,3 beta-D-glucan for common causes of candidaemia in South Africa

Culture-based diagnosis of candidaemia suffers poor sensitivity and prolonged turnaround time. The 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) assay is a non-culture-based broad fungal antigen with rapid turnaround time. To assess overall, species-specific and population-specific sensitivity of the BDG assay for candidaemia, to determine if the BDG assay is able to detect candidaemia prior to blood culture collection, and to evaluate the performance of the assay for the detection of Candida auris candidaemia. A retrospective review of all blood cultures (BC) with C albicans, C parapsilosis, C glabrata, C krusei and C auris was performed. A corresponding BDG result (Fungitell^® ) within 10 days of the BC was sought on the laboratory information system. Overall sensitivity of the assay was 79% (95% CI 73-85; 173/218). Per species sensitivity was 81% (95% CI 72-90; 66/81) for C albicans, 72% (61-83; 60/83) for C parapsilosis, 90% (95% CI 79-100; 27/30) for C glabrata, 71% (95% CI 43-99; 10/14) C auris and 100% (10/10) for C krusei. No statistically significant difference in sensitivity between species was noted (P = .093). The assay demonstrated 92% (59/64) sensitivity in neonatal ICU (P = .047) compared to 94% (15/16) in surgery, 81% (59/73) in adult ICUs and 71% (15/21) in Oncology. BDG results were positive up to 10 days prior to blood culture collection with no significant difference in detection rate (P = .563). BDG results were positive up to 10 days prior to blood culture collection. BDG when collected a mean of 2.5 days (range 1-10 days) prior to blood culture collection were positive.

The diagnostic value of (1,3)-β-D-glucan alone or combined with traditional inflammatory markers in neonatal invasive candidiasis

Background

Asymptom of invasive candidiasis (IC) and low positive rate of blood culture lead to delay diagnose of neonatal infection. Serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) performs well in adult IC, but its use in neonatal IC is unclear. We evaluated the use of BDG, procalcitonin (PCT), high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or platelet count (PC) in neonatal IC.

Methods

We collected the data of neonates admitted to our institute. Eighty neonates were enrolled, and divided into IC group, bacterial infection (BI) group and control (CTRL) group. We analyzed the difference of these indicators between groups, and generated Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The value of BDG in antifungal therapy efficacy assessment was also investigated.

Results

The BDG level was higher in IC group compared with BI and CTRL group. C. albicans lead to significant increase of BDG compared with C. parapsilosis. IC group had highest hsCRP level and lowest PC. PCT level was similar between groups. ROC showed that BDG or hsCRP performs well in neonatal IC, the optimal cut-off for BDG was 13.69 mg/ml. Combined BDG with hsCRP, PCT and PC increased diagnostic value. Serum BDG level was decreased during antifungal treatment.

Conclusion

Serum BDG performs well in identification of neonatal IC and in monitoring the antifungal therapy efficacy.

Genotype and homology analysis of pathogenic and colonization strains of Candida albicans from hospitalized neonates

BACKGROUND

To detect the genotypes of pathogenic and colonization Candida albicans strains and to reveal whether there was a homologous relationship between these strains.

METHODS

Pathogenic and colonization isolates were collected from infants in the NICU of Shenzhen People's Hospital (Shenzhen, People's Republic of China). rDNA identification, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and multi-loci variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) were used for species confirmation, strain identification, phylogenetic tree clustering, and assessment of homology among the pathogenic and colonization strains.

RESULTS

All 48 isolates belonged to C. albicans species; 12 were collected from premature infants with fungal sepsis. These isolates generated 5 sequence types (ST1867, ST2551, ST2552, ST2937, and ST2945) and were designated as pathogenic strains. The other 36 isolates were collected from the infants without fungal infection; 9 sequence types were detected and designated as the colonization strains. In the phylogenetic tree, the upper branch consisted of a 4° clade composed of 20 colonization isolates designated to 3 strains, and 4 pathogenic isolates designated to 1 strain; a 5° clade composed of 8 pathogenic isolates designated to 3 strains; and a 4° clade consisting 1 pathogenic isolate designated to 1 strain and 4 colonization isolates designated to 2 strains. The lower branch consisted of a 3° clade composed of 6 colonization isolates designated to 2 strains and a control pathogenic isolate, and a 3° clade composed of 5 colonization isolates designated to 2 strains.

CONCLUSION

Although there was no core ST detected to specify pathogenicity or colonization of C. albicans, the genotypes of the colonization strains were different from those of the pathogenic strains. Most of the colonization and pathogenic strains were highly homologous within their classifications while some pathogenic strains had genomes highly homologous with those of colonization strains and clustered in heterogeneous groups.

Evaluation of the (1,3)-β-D-glucan assay for the diagnosis of neonatal invasive yeast infections

Most newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are premature and at risk of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Invasive yeast infections (IYIs) are the most common fungal infections in this population. These infections are difficult to diagnose because symptoms are nonspecific, and the sensitivity of blood cultures is low. The serum (1,3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) assay provides a reliable marker for the diagnosis of IFIs in adults with haematological malignancies. We assessed the diagnostic performance of this test in neonatal IYIs and its contribution to the monitoring of antifungal treatment. A retrospective study was performed in the NICU of the French University Hospital of Amiens from February 2012 to February 2014. Forty-seven neonates (33 males, 14 females) with a median gestational age of 30 weeks (IQR: 27-31) and median birth weight of 1200 g (IQR: 968-1700) were included and divided into three groups: 21 control neonates (CTRL), 20 neonates with probable IYI (PB), and six with proven IYI (PV). Median BDG levels were significantly higher in the global IYI group (PB + PV): 149 pg/ml (IQR: 85-364) vs. CTRL group: 39 pg/ml (IQR: 20-94) (P < .001). The optimal cut-off was 106 pg/ml (sensitivity 61.5%; specificity 81%). BDG levels decreased with antifungal treatment. BDG was detectable in cerebrospinal fluid, but the interest of this for diagnostic purposes remains unclear. Our results suggest that the BDG assay may be useful for the early identification of IYIs in neonates and for monitoring antifungal therapy efficacy.

Non-culture based assays for the detection of fungal pathogens

Traditional, culture based methods for the diagnosis of fungal infections are still considered as gold standard, but they are time consuming and low sensitive. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations, many researchers have focused on the development of new immunological and molecular based rapid assays that could enable early diagnosis of infection and accurate identification of fungal pathogens causing superficial and invasive infection. In this brief review, we highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of conventional diagnostic methods and possibility of non-culture based assays in diagnosis of superficial fungal infections and presented the overview on currently available immunochromatographic assays as well as availability of biomarkers detection by immunodiagnostic procedures in prompt and accurate diagnosis of invasive fungal infections. In addition, we presented diagnostic efficiency of currently available molecular panels and researches in this area.

The diagnostic performance of the beta-glucan assay in the detection of intra-amniotic infection with Candida species

INTRODUCTION

A bioassay based on the detection of beta-glucan, a constituent of the cell wall of fungi, has been successfully used to diagnose fungal infections in a variety of biological fluids but not yet in the amniotic fluid.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the diagnostic performance of a beta-glucan bioassay in the detection of Candida species in the amniotic fluid of women who either did or did not have an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) in place during an episode of spontaneous preterm parturition.

METHODS

The study population comprised women who had a singleton pregnancy without congenital or chromosomal abnormalities, who experienced preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes, and who underwent a transabdominal amniocentesis for clinical indications. Samples of amniotic fluid were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, genital mycoplasmas, and Candida species, and assayed for beta-glucan, using the (1→3)-beta-d-glucan-specific Limulus amebocyte lysate test (beta-glucan assay) in all cases. Amniotic fluid interleukin (IL)-6 assay results were also available for all cases. The beta-glucan assay takes about 1 hour to run: a concentration >80 pg/mL was considered positive for fungi. Sterile intra-amniotic inflammation of the amniotic cavity was defined by the presence of an amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration ≥2.6 ng/mL and a negative amniotic fluid culture.

RESULTS

(1) One hundred ninety-seven (197) women met the study criteria, of whom 58 (29.4%) had an IUD in place; (2) 20 (10.2%) women had a culture of proven intra-amniotic Candida species-related infection, 19 of whom had a positive beta-glucan assay [sensitivity, 95% (19/20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 75.1-99.9%)]; and (3) the specificity of the beta-glucan assay was 75.1% [133/177; 95% CI: 68.1-99.9%]. It was affected by the presence of nonfungal intra-amniotic infections and an IUD, but not by the presence of sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, and there was a significant interaction between the presence of an IUD and nonfungal intra-amniotic infections (estimated for the interaction effect = 2.1923, p value =.026). The assay's specificity was reduced when nonfungal intra-amniotic infections were diagnosed but only in women who did not have an IUD. Among women without an IUD, the assay's specificity was 91.4% (117/128); it was 93% (106/114) for those without intra-amniotic infection, and 78.6% (11/14) for those with a nonfungal intra-amniotic infection; the difference was not significant (p = .09). Among women with an IUD, the assay's specificity was 32.7% (16/49); 42.9% (9/21) for those with a nonfungal intra-amniotic infection; and 25% (7/28) for those without intra-amniotic infection; and the difference was significant (p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The beta-glucan assay is a sensitive, rapid, point-of-care test used to diagnose intra-amniotic Candida species-related infection, and it has a high specificity in pregnant women who did not have an IUD in place.

Role of Molecular Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Diseases in Children

Invasive fungal diseases are important clinical problems that are often complicated by severe illness and therefore the inability to use invasive measures to definitively diagnose the disease. Tests for a range of fungal biomarkers that do not require an invasive sample-collection procedure have been incorporated into adult clinical practice, but pediatric data and pediatric-specific recommendations for some of these diagnostic tools are lacking. In this review, we summarize the published literature and contemporary strategies for using the biomarkers galactomannan, (1→3)-β-d-glucan, Candida mannan antigen and anti-mannan antibody, and fungal polymerase chain reaction for diagnosing invasive fungal disease in children. Data on biomarker use in neonates and children with cancer, history of hematopoietic stem cell transplant, or primary immunodeficiency are included. Fungal biomarker tests performed on blood, other body fluids, or tissue specimens represent promising adjuncts to the diagnostic armamentarium in populations with a high prevalence of invasive fungal disease, but substantial gaps exist in the correct use and interpretation of these diagnostic tools in pediatric patients.

Performance of 1,3-β-D-glucan for diagnosing invasive fungal diseases in children

Plasma 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG) is indicated as a tool for early diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases (IFD). However, data on its diagnostic value are scarce in children. Therefore, definition of BDG test performance in paediatrics is needed. BDG was evaluated in children admitted to "Istituto Giannina Gaslini," Genoa, Italy, who developed clinical conditions at risk for IFD. Results were analysed for sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, accuracy, informedness and probability of missing one case by a negative test. A total of 1577 BDG determinations were performed on 255 patients (49% males, median age 5.4 years). Overall 46 IFD were diagnosed, 72% proven/probable. The test performance was evaluated for 80 pg/mL, 120 pg/mL, 200 pg/mL, 350 pg/mL, 400 pg/mL cut offs. Sensitivity was always <0.80 and specificity > 0.90 only for cut offs ≥200 pg/mL. Negative predictive value was ≥0.90 for all the cut offs evaluated, while positive predictive value resulted barely 0.50 (8% IFD prevalence). Accuracy was never >0.90, and informedness was at best 0.50. The risk of missing one IFD by a negative result was < 10%. Analyses in haemato-oncological or newborn patients did not show major differences. Detection of serum BDG does not appear a valuable adjunctive diagnostic tool for IFD in paediatrics.

Performance of a Quantitative PCR-Based Assay and Beta-d-Glucan Detection for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonatal Patients (CANDINEO Study)

An epidemiological, multicenter, noninterventional, observational case-control study was conducted to describe the performance of serum beta-d-glucan (BDG) and Candida PCR in blood, serum, and sterile samples for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm neonates and to compare these techniques with culture of samples from blood and other sterile sites. Seventeen centers participated in the study, and the number of episodes analyzed was 159. A total of 9 episodes of IC from 9 patients (7 confirmed and 2 probable) and 150 episodes of suspected sepsis from 117 controls were identified. The prevalence of IC was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.1 to 9.3). The mortality was significantly higher in episodes of IC (44.4%) than in the non-IC episodes (11.1%, P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR performed on blood/serum samples were 87.5% and 81.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BDG results were lower (75.0% and 64.6%). For cases with negative culture results, the PCR and the BDG results were positive in 27 (17.4%) and 52 (33.5%) episodes, respectively. The presence of multiorgan failure, improvement with empirical antifungal therapy, thrombocytopenia, and Candida colonization were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with PCR or BDG positivity regardless of the results of the cultures. Serum BDG analysis and Candida PCR could be used as complementary diagnostic techniques to detect IC in VLBW neonates.

Diagnosis of invasive fungal diseases in pediatric patients

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in children requires prompt and precise diagnosis that enables timely implementation of appropriate antifungal therapy and decreased use of unnecessary toxic antifungals. Areas covered: Traditional approaches such as culture, microscopy and histopathology remain the gold standard but are often not sufficiently sensitive and specific. These limitations have led to the development of alternative non-invasive diagnostic methods that in most cases detect fungal components, such as antigens or nucleic acids. To date, galactomannan and 1,3 β-D-glucan assays are the most efficient non-culture methods for diagnosis and monitoring of antifungal therapy. New technologies from nano-sciences are applied, like T2Candida assay. However, these are not standardized or validated in children. Herein, we focus on IFI diagnosis emphasizing current perspectives, interpretation difficulties, and need for further evaluation in pediatrics. Expert commentary: The new diagnostic tools may enhance diagnostic capacity in combination with traditional methods.

(1→3)-β-d-Glucan in Cerebrospinal Fluid as a Biomarker for Candida and Aspergillus Infections of the Central Nervous System in Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

Fungal infections of the central nervous system (FICNS) are important causes of morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised pediatric patients. Standard diagnostic modalities lack the sensitivity for detecting and therapeutically monitoring these life-threatening diseases. Current molecular methods remain investigational. (1→3)-β-d-glucan (BDG) is a cell wall component found in several fungal pathogens, including Candida and Aspergillus spp. Detecting BDG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be an important approach for detecting and therapeutically monitoring FICNS. To date, there has been no study that has investigated the effectiveness of CSF BDG as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker of FICNS in children.

METHODS

Serial BDG levels were measured in serum and CSF samples obtained from pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) with a diagnosis of probable or proven Candida or Aspergillus CNS infection.

RESULTS

Nine cases of FICNS were identified in patients aged 1 month to 18 years. Two patients were infected with an Aspergillus species, and 7 patients were infected with a Candida species. All the patients at baseline had detectable BDG in their CSF. Among 7 patients who completed therapy for an FICNS, all elevated CSF BDG levels decreased to <31 pg/mL. At the time of this writing, 1 patient was still receiving therapy and continued to have elevated BDG levels. One patient died from overwhelming disseminated candidiasis. The lengths of therapy for these 9 children ranged from 2 weeks to 28 months.

CONCLUSION

The BDG assay is useful in diagnosing and therapeutically monitoring Candida and Aspergillus CNS infections in pediatric patients.

Pediatric Invasive Candidiasis: Epidemiology and Diagnosis in Children

Pediatric patients present with differing underlying conditions and cytotoxic therapeutic protocols, so the differing epidemiology of invasive candidiasis in children versus adults is not surprising. Understanding the Candida species epidemiology is critical, as we often begin empiric therapy or therapy before antifungal susceptibilities are known. Reports with newer molecular diagnostic assays for invasive candidiasis are rare and require more study to develop firm pediatric-specific guidance. Antifungal treatment of pediatric candidiasis is reviewed in the context of larger epidemiologic studies and the few trials completed to date.

Update on the management of Candida infections in preterm neonates

Invasive fungal infections in preterm neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit are predominantly caused by Candida spp, and have a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Effective prophylactic strategies have recently become available, but the identification of the best possible strategies to manage high-risk infants is still a priority. Choice and use of appropriate antifungal drugs needs careful assessment of neonatal characteristics, the epidemiology and drug pharmacokinetics. Ideally, antifungal drugs for preterm neonates should target fungal bio-films, prevent or effectively treat end-organ localisations, be active against fluconazole-resistant Candida species, and have reliable safety and tolerability profiles. The paper reviews the state-of-the-art in the area of neonatal fungal infections, and addresses some open questions related to the best possible prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to be implemented in such unique patients.

(1-3)-β-D-glucan levels in candidiasis infections in the critically ill neonate

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of neonatal invasive Candida infections (ICIs) is problematic because the clinical signs are not specific and blood cultures are rarely positive. Hence, new diagnostic markers are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the contribution of serum (1-3)-β-d-glucan (BDG) levels to the diagnosis of neonatal ICIs and to analyse the change in this parameter during antifungal therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective study (December 2010-March 2012) was performed at Amiens University Medical Center (Amiens, France). We included newborns in whom a BDG assay was performed for a suspected ICI and classified as infected (n = 18) or non-infected (n = 43).

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients (median (IQR) gestational age: 28.5 weeks (26.7-30.6); birth weight: 1000 g (910-1440)) were included. The BDG level was higher in the infected group (364 pg/ml (131-976) vs. 89 pg/ml (30-127); p < 0.001). The optimal BDG cut-off for distinguishing between non-infected and infected patients was 125 pg/ml (Se = 84%, Sp = 75%). The BDG level fell over the course of antifungal therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our study results suggest that BDG levels were increased in neonatal invasive Candida infections (cut-off for BDG positivity > 125 pg/ml). The change in the serum BDG levels may be of value in evaluating the efficacy of antifungal therapy.