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Yerbanga IW, Nakanabo Diallo S, Rouamba T, Denis O, Rodriguez-Villalobos H, Montesinos I, Bamba S. A systematic review of epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, antifungal resistance, and management of invasive aspergillosis in Africa. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101328. [PMID: 36265260 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) affects more than 300,000 people annually worldwide with a case fatality rate reaching 80%. However, in Africa despite the presence of risk factors for the development of IA, the burden of these fungal infections remained unknown. This systematic review aimed to update the available information on the epidemiology and the therapeutic management of IA in Africa. The published papers were systematically searched on major medical databases from September 20 to October 10, 2021. The list of references of eligible articles and the Google scholar database were also checked in order to search for possible eligible articles. Results were reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search yielded 1864 articles of which 29 met the inclusion criteria. This systematic review showed the existence of IA in Africa. The prevalence of IA can reach 27% with a fatality rate of more than 60%. The most common clinical form of IA found was invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The main predisposing conditions identified were neutropenia, HIV/AIDS, renal transplant recipients, and renal failure. Aspergillus section Flavi and Nigri were the main Aspergillus species identified and Aspergillus section Fumigati was uncommon. The main management strategy for IA cases was to start antifungal therapy only after a failure of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. This review provided evidence of the existence of invasive aspergillosis in Africa and especially a high rate of undiagnosed invasive aspergillosis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidore W Yerbanga
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Régional de Ouahigouya, 01 BP 36 Ouahigouya 01, Burkina Faso; Université Nazi Boni, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso.
| | - Seydou Nakanabo Diallo
- Université Nazi Boni, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso; Centre Muraz/ Institut National de Santé Publique, 01 BP 390 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institute for Research in Health Sciences, National Center for Scientific and Technological Research, BP: 218 Ouaga 11, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Olivier Denis
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Namur site-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Rue Dr Gaston Therasse 1, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium; Ecole de Santé Publique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos
- Department of Microbiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc - Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Isabel Montesinos
- Department of Microbiology, CHU Namur site-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Rue Dr Gaston Therasse 1, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Sanata Bamba
- Université Nazi Boni, 01 BP 1091 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou, 01 BP 676 Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
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Doumbo SN, Cissoko Y, Dama S, Niangaly A, Garango A, Konaté A, Koné A, Traoré B, Thera M, Djimde A, Denning DW. The estimated burden of fungal diseases in Mali. J Mycol Med 2023; 33:101333. [PMID: 36270216 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2022.101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mali is a developing country facing several health challenges with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) and a moderate HIV infection burden. Little is known or done about fungal diseases, yet they represent a significant public health problem in certain populations. The aim of this study was to estimate the national burden of fungal disease, and summarize data, diagnostic and treatment gaps. We used national demographics and PubMed searches to retrieve articles on published data on these infections and at-risk populations (pulmonary TB, HIV/AIDS patients, patients receiving critical care etc.) in Mali. The estimated Malian population was 21,251,000 in 2020 (UN), of which 45% were children <14 years. Among HIV patients, we estimate an annual incidence of 611 cryptococcosis, 1393 Pneumocystis pneumonia, 180 histoplasmosis and >5,700 esophageal candidiasis and some microsporidiosis cases. Our prevalence estimates for tinea capitis are 2.3 million, for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis 272,460, ∼60,000 fungal asthma and 7,290 cases of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (often mistaken for TB). Less common acute fungal infections are probably invasive aspergillosis (n=1230), fungal keratitis (n=2820), candidaemia (>1,060) and mucormycosis (n=43). Histoplasmin was found in 6% in general population. A few cases of mycetoma are described in Mali. Many WHO Essential medicines and Diagnostics are not available in Mali. This shows a marked disparity in documented and estimated cases of fungal diseases in Mali. These infections are underestimated due to the lack of accurate diagnosis tools and lack of support for fungal diseases diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safiatou Niaré Doumbo
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali.
| | - Yacouba Cissoko
- Infectious disease and tropical medicine Unit, CHU Point G Bamako, Mali
| | - Souleymane Dama
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Adam Garango
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Ahmed Konaté
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Koné
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Boubacar Traoré
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Thera
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Djimde
- Department of epidemiology in parasitic diseases, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Core Technology Facility Grafton Street, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Global Action for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
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Martins-Santana L, Rezende CP, Rossi A, Martinez-Rossi NM, Almeida F. Addressing Microbial Resistance Worldwide: Challenges over Controlling Life-Threatening Fungal Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020293. [PMID: 36839565 PMCID: PMC9961291 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a serious global concern because of their ability to spread and colonize host tissues in immunocompromised individuals. Such infections have been frequently reported worldwide and are currently gaining clinical research relevance owing to their resistant character, representing a bottleneck in treating affected people. Resistant fungi are an emergent public health threat. The upsurge of such pathogens has led to new research toward unraveling the destructive potential evoked by these species. Some fungi-grouped into Candida, Aspergillus, and Cryptococcus-are causative agents of severe and systemic infections. They are associated with high mortality rates and have recently been described as sources of coinfection in COVID-hospitalized patients. Despite the efforts to elucidate the challenges of colonization, dissemination, and infection severity, the immunopathogenesis of fungal diseases remains a pivotal characteristic in fungal burden elimination. The struggle between the host immune system and the physiological strategies of the fungi to maintain cellular viability is complex. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of drug resistance phenotypes in fungi of clinical significance, taking into consideration their physiopathology and how the scientific community could orchestrate their efforts to avoid fungal infection dissemination and deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Martins-Santana
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Caroline Patini Rezende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Nilce Maria Martinez-Rossi
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Ekeng BE, Davies AA, Osaigbovo II, Emanghe UE, Udoh UA, Alex-Wele MA, Adereti OC, Oladele RO. Current epidemiology of histoplasmosis in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Niger Postgrad Med J 2023; 30:12-17. [PMID: 36814158 DOI: 10.4103/npmj.npmj_311_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Histoplasmosis commonly occurs in the advanced HIV disease population and also in immunocompetent individuals. Previous reviews and recent studies highlight several cases of histoplasmosis reported in Nigeria. We aimed to describe the current epidemiology of histoplasmosis in Nigeria and the need for active surveillance in the at-risk populations. Methods Literature searches for all publications on histoplasmosis in Nigeria were performed using online databases including Google scholar, PubMed and African Journal online. The following search terms: 'histoplasmosis' and 'Nigeria', AND/OR 'Histoplasma and Nigeria' were used. No limitations on the date or other search criteria were applied, to avoid the exclusion of articles on histoplasmosis in Nigeria. All publications on histoplasmosis outside Nigeria were excluded. Results Our review identified a total of 231 cases of histoplasmosis reported from Nigeria: 128 were from individual case reports and case series while 103 were cases from two observational studies. Of the 231 cases, 97 (42.0%) were from South West Nigeria, 66 (28.6%) were from South-South Nigeria, 24 (10.4%) were from North West, 22 (9.5%) from North Central Nigeria, 17 (7.4%) from South East Nigeria and 5 (2.2%) from the North East. Based on Nigeria's current population size of 216,953,585 the burden of histoplasmosis per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated to be 0.1%. The sheer number of cases detected in recent observational studies compared with individual case reports and series reported over a longer duration of 6 decades suggests gross under-reporting of histoplasmosis in Nigeria. Conclusion Histoplasmosis is not an uncommon clinical entity in Nigeria. Histoplasmosis case finding should be improved by training and retraining healthcare professionals and providing much-needed diagnostic capacity and infrastructure across health facilities in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassey Ewa Ekeng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar; Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adeyinka Afolake Davies
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria
| | - Iriagbonse Iyabo Osaigbovo
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Ubleni Ettah Emanghe
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Ubong Aniefiok Udoh
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar; Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Mary Adanma Alex-Wele
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria, Lagos; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Oluwaseun Chinaza Adereti
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rita Okeoghene Oladele
- Medical Mycology Society of Nigeria; Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Bongomin F, Ekeng BE, Kibone W, Nsenga L, Olum R, Itam-Eyo A, Kuate MPN, Pebolo FP, Davies AA, Manga M, Ocansey B, Kwizera R, Baluku JB. Invasive Fungal Diseases in Africa: A Critical Literature Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8121236. [PMID: 36547569 PMCID: PMC9853333 DOI: 10.3390/jof8121236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are of huge concern in resource-limited settings, particularly in Africa, due to the unavailability of diagnostic armamentarium for IFDs, thus making definitive diagnosis challenging. IFDs have non-specific systemic manifestations overlapping with more frequent illnesses, such as tuberculosis, HIV, and HIV-related opportunistic infections and malignancies. Consequently, IFDs are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. We critically reviewed the available literature on IFDs in Africa to provide a better understanding of their epidemiology, disease burden to guide future research and interventions. Cryptococcosis is the most encountered IFD in Africa, accounting for most of the HIV-related deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. Invasive aspergillosis, though somewhat underdiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, is increasingly being reported with a similar predilection towards people living with HIV. More cases of histoplasmosis are also being reported with recent epidemiological studies, particularly from Western Africa, showing high prevalence rates amongst presumptive tuberculosis patients and patients living with HIV. The burden of pneumocystis pneumonia has reduced significantly probably due to increased uptake of anti-retroviral therapy among people living with HIV both in Africa, and globally. Mucormycosis, talaromycosis, emergomycosis, blastomycosis, and coccidiomycosis have also been reported but with very few studies from the literature. The emergence of resistance to most of the available antifungal drugs in Africa is yet of huge concern as reported in other regions. IFDs in Africa is much more common than it appears and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Huge investment is needed to drive awareness and fungi related research especially in diagnostics and antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu P.O. Box 166, Uganda
- Correspondence:
| | - Bassey E. Ekeng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar P.O. Box 540281, Nigeria
| | - Winnie Kibone
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7072, Uganda
| | - Lauryn Nsenga
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kabale P.O. Box 317, Uganda
| | - Ronald Olum
- Department of Medicine, St. Francis’s Hospital Nsambya, Kampala P.O. Box 7176, Uganda
| | - Asa Itam-Eyo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar P.O. Box 540281, Nigeria
| | | | - Francis Pebalo Pebolo
- Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu P.O. Box 166, Uganda
| | - Adeyinka A. Davies
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu P.O. Box 121102, Nigeria
| | - Musa Manga
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 4114 McGavran-Greenberg, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bright Ocansey
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 22418, Uganda
| | - Joseph Baruch Baluku
- Division of Pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala P.O. Box 7178, Uganda
- Makerere Lung Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 22418, Uganda
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Dougue AN, El‐Kholy MA, Giuffrè L, Galeano G, D′Aleo F, Kountchou CL, Nangwat C, Dzoyem JP, Giosa D, Pernice I, Shawky SM, Ngouana T, Boyom FF, Romeo O. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis reveals many novel genotypes and a high level of genetic diversity in Candida tropicalis isolates from Italy and Africa. Mycoses 2022; 65:989-1000. [PMID: 35713604 PMCID: PMC9796097 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida tropicalis is a human pathogenic yeast frequently isolated in Latin America and Asian-Pacific regions, although recent studies showed that it is also becoming increasingly widespread throughout several African and south-European countries. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about its global patterns of genetic variation as most of existing multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data come from Asia and there are no genotyped African isolates. OBJECTIVES We report detailed genotyping data from a large set of C. tropicalis isolates recovered from different clinical sources in Italy, Egypt and Cameroon in order to expand the allele/genotype library of MLST database (https://pubmlst.org/ctropicalis), and to explore the genetic diversity in this species. METHODS A total of 103 C. tropicalis isolates were genotyped using the MLST scheme developed for this species. All isolates were also tested for in vitro susceptibility to various antifungals to assess whether certain genotypes were associated with drug-resistance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS A total of 104 different alleles were detected across the MLST-loci investigated. The allelic diversity found at these loci resulted in 51 unique MLST genotypes of which 36 (70.6%) were novel. Global optimal eBURST analysis identified 18 clonal complexes (CCs) and confirm the existence of a specific Italian-cluster (CC36). Three CCs were also statistically associated with fluconazole resistance, which was elevated in Cameroon and Egypt. Our data show high genetic diversity in our isolates suggesting that the global population structure of C. tropicalis is still poorly understood. Moreover, its clinical impact in Italy, Egypt and Cameroon appears to be relevant and should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Ngueguim Dougue
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Mohammed A. El‐Kholy
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Division of Clinical and Biological Sciences, College of PharmacyArab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)AlexandriaEgypt
| | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Grazia Galeano
- Department of Veterinary SciencesUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Francesco D′Aleo
- Laboratory of Clinical MicrobiologyGreat Metropolitan Hospital of Reggio CalabriaReggio CalabriaItaly
| | - Cyrille Levis Kountchou
- Research Unit of Laboratory of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Substances (RUMAS), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangDschangCameroon,Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant StudiesCenter for Medical Research in Health and Priority PathologiesYaoundéCameroon
| | - Claude Nangwat
- Research Unit of Laboratory of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Substances (RUMAS), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangDschangCameroon
| | - Jean Paul Dzoyem
- Research Unit of Laboratory of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Substances (RUMAS), Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of DschangDschangCameroon
| | - Domenico Giosa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Ida Pernice
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
| | - Sherine M. Shawky
- Department of Microbiology, Medical Research InstituteUniversity of AlexandriaAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Thierry Kammalac Ngouana
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon,Biomedical Research UnitLaboratoire SionYaoundéCameroon
| | - Fabrice Fekam Boyom
- Antimicrobial & Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Yaoundé IYaoundéCameroon
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental SciencesUniversity of MessinaMessinaItaly
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Kuate MPN, Abessolo Abessolo H, Denning DW, Stone NR, Ndip RN. Diagnosing disseminated histoplasmosis in advanced HIV/AIDS disease in Cameroon using a point of care lateral flow assay. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221132133. [PMID: 36277298 PMCID: PMC9583206 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221132133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. Disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) can be fatal without early diagnosis and treatment initiation. We present one confirmed and three probable cases of DH in advanced HIV/AIDS disease patients diagnosed using OIDx Histoplasma LFA in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Four women with HIV but unknown CD4 count presented with asthenia, weight loss, productive cough, and fever (39°C) as common symptoms for at least 3 weeks. Two of the patients had skin lesions. These included facial papules, macules, and umbilicated vesicles scattered over the trunk and limbs. These were diffuse lesions which were purulent, itching, and papillomatous lesions with a necrotic centre, and one patient had a right forearm ulcer. We performed the Histoplasma antigen tests using the OIDx Histo LFA, and they were strongly positive in all four patients. Histopathology in skin biopsy allowed identification of the species as Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum in one patient. In this same patient, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis were cultured from the forearm ulcer. This patient later commenced antibiotics (Levofloxacin 500 mg) and oral itraconazole (800 mg/day) with immediate improvement. Unfortunately, the other three patients could not access itraconazole, were discharged and lost to follow-up. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the management of DH. LFA is a test that can be set up in any setting with limited resource. Access to this can be a major advance in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermine Abessolo Abessolo
- Service of Infectious diseases, Central
Hospital Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon,Department of Microbiology, Haematology,
Parasitology and Infectious Diseases, University of Garoua, Garoua,
Cameroon
| | - David W. Denning
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,The Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections,
Genève, Switzerland
| | - Neil R. Stone
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University
College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Roland Ndip Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology,
University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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8
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Dangarembizi R. Reimagining the future of African brain health: Perspectives for basic research on the pathogenesis of cryptococcal meningitis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 18:100388. [PMID: 34825235 PMCID: PMC8605210 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is a fatal opportunistic infection of the brain and a leading cause of neurological damage and death in immunocompromised individuals. This neglected fungal disease of the brain is a huge burden on the health systems of developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 25% of people living with HIV/AIDS succumb to it. Cryptococcal fungal cells have a predilection for the brain and they are capable of traversing the blood brain barrier and invade the brain where they cause infection, inflammation and a disruption of normal brain function. A robust host neuroimmune response is critical for pathogen clearance and survival, and a good understanding of the mechanisms underlying its development in the host is critical for the development of effective treatments. However, past basic research studies have been focussed on the characteristics of the fungus and its effect on the peripheral immune system; with little attention paid to how it interacts with brain immune cells. This mini review briefly discusses the paucity of basic research data on the neuroimmune response to cryptococcal infection, raises pertinent questions on how the brain cells respond to the fungal infection, and thereafter discusses models, techniques and advanced technologies that could be useful for carrying out high-throughput research on the pathogenesis of cryptococcal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Dangarembizi
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- CMM AFRICA Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Kamwiziku GK, Makangara JCC, Orefuwa E, Denning DW. Serious fungal diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo - Incidence and prevalence estimates. Mycoses 2021; 64:1159-1169. [PMID: 34133799 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A literature review was conducted to assess the burden of serious fungal infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (population 95,326,000). English and French publications were listed and analysed using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and the African Journals database. Publication dates spanning 1943-2020 were included in the scope of the review. From the analysis of published articles, we estimate a total of about 5,177,000 people (5.4%) suffer from serious fungal infections in the DRC annually. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in adults and invasive aspergillosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 6168, 2800 and 380 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis represent 50,470 and 28,800 HIV-infected patients respectively. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis post-tuberculosis incidence and prevalence was estimated to be 54,700. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitization) probably has a prevalence of 88,800 and 117,200. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 1,202,640 and 3,551,900 respectively.Further work is required to provide additional studies on opportunistic infections for improving diagnosis and the implementation of a national surveillance programme of fungal disease in the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guyguy K Kamwiziku
- Department of Microbiology, Kinshasa University Hospital, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Claude C Makangara
- Department of Microbiology, Kinshasa University Hospital, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Emma Orefuwa
- Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David W Denning
- Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland.,Manchester Fungal Infection Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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10
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Kuate MPN, Nyasa R, Mandengue C, Tendongfor N, Bongomin F, Denning DW. Screening for acute disseminated histoplasmosis in HIV disease using urinary antigen detection enzyme immunoassay: A pilot study in Cameroon. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 185:106226. [PMID: 33878445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acute disseminated histoplasmosis (ADH) is an AIDS-defining illness and reported in Cameroon, but there are few data about its incidence. Between June and August 2019, we conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to screen for histoplasmosis in a population of adults with HIV infection, irrespective of their CD4 T-cell counts, using Histoplasma urine antigen detection enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and histoplasmin skin test. Of the 138 participants screened, 36 (26%) had detectable antigen in urine, using an OD cut off of 0.045. Skin lesions were present in two (6%) cases. Of 39 patients tested for histoplasmin skin test positivity, one was positive. Histoplasma antigenuria was associated with a positive history of chest infection (Odds ratio: 3.632, 95% confidence interval: 1.635-8.071, p= 0.001). As 30 (21.7%) of titres were between 0.045 (the current cut off) and 0.25, the cut off may need adjustment in Cameroon, using disease confirmation with alternative, highly sensitive diagnostic approaches such as PCR and bone marrow examination. H. capsulatum infection appears to be common among HIV-infected patients attending outpatient clinics at the Buea Regional Hospital. There is an acute need to improve awareness and management of HIV patients with respect to H. capsulatum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymond Nyasa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Christine Mandengue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology Unit, Université des Montagnes, Bangangte, Cameroon
| | - Nicholas Tendongfor
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - David W Denning
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; The Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Genève, Switzerland
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11
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Kuate MPN, Ekeng BE, Kwizera R, Mandengue C, Bongomin F. Histoplasmosis overlapping with HIV and tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and research priorities. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2021; 8:20499361211008675. [PMID: 33889408 PMCID: PMC8040546 DOI: 10.1177/20499361211008675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis, tuberculosis and HIV are all highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Co-occurrence of two or more of these infections has been reported in several populations of patients, especially those with advanced HIV infection where these opportunistic infections contribute to a significant morbidity and mortality. With a high burden of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) secondary to HIV in SSA, histoplasmosis is commonly misdiagnosed as smear-negative PTB in HIV patients due to similar clinical and radiological presentations. This is also partly the result of the lack of trained clinical and laboratory personnel to make a definite diagnosis of histoplasmosis. There is a low index of clinical suspicion for histoplasmosis, and cases are mostly discovered accidently and documented through case reports and case series. Similarly, the high cost and lack of fungal diagnostics in most SSA countries makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. There is a need to build local capacity for mycology so that patients are managed to improve on the index of clinical suspicion and diagnostic capabilities. Moreover, simple accurate point-of-care diagnostic tests and first-line antifungal treatment for histoplasmosis are not available in many SSA countries. This review describes the existence of co-infections of histoplasmosis, tuberculosis and HIV in SSA, highlighting the challenges and research priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bassey Ewa Ekeng
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Richard Kwizera
- Translational Research Laboratory, Department of Research, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Mandengue
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology Unit, Université des Montagnes, Bangangte, Cameroon
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
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12
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Antimicrobial Importance of Medicinal Plants in Nigeria. ScientificWorldJournal 2020; 2020:7059323. [PMID: 33029108 PMCID: PMC7528132 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7059323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of antibiotic discovery, infectious diseases remain the second leading source of death worldwide, while the resistance to antibiotics is among the significant problems in the twenty-first century. Medicinal plants are very rich in phytochemicals which can be structurally optimized and processed into new drugs. Nigeria enjoys a diverse collection of medicinal plants, and joint research has ascertained the efficacy of these plants. Plants such as guava (Psidium guajava), ginger (Zingiber officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), and moringa (Moringa oleifera) have been found to exhibit broad range of antimicrobial activities. Studies on Nigerian plants have shown that they contain alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenes, glycosides, and others with possible therapeutic potentials. The antimicrobial activities of some new compounds such as alloeudesmenol, hanocokinoside, orosunol, and 8-demethylorosunol, identified from medicinal plants in Nigeria, are not yet explored. Further investigation and optimization of these compounds will facilitate the development of new sets of pharmacologically acceptable antimicrobial agents. This review study revealed the efficacy of medicinal plants as an alternative therapy in combating and curtailing the development and survival of multidrug-resistant pathogens coupled with the toxic effects of some antibiotics. Due to enormous therapeutic possibilities buried in medicinal plants, there is a need for more research into unique fingerprints and novel compounds that can provide cure to the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of humans and animals facing Africa, especially Nigeria.
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13
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Amona FM, Denning DW, Moukassa D, Hennequin C. Current burden of serious fungal infections in Republic of Congo. Mycoses 2020; 63:543-552. [PMID: 32181941 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Republic of Congo (RoC) is characterised by a high prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, which largely drive the epidemiology of serious fungal infections. OBJECTIVE We aimed to estimate the current burden of serious fungal infections in RoC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Using local, regional or global data and estimates of population and at-risk population groups, deterministic modelling was employed to estimate national incidence or prevalence of the most serious fungal infections. RESULTS Our study revealed that about 5.4% of the Congolese population (283 450) suffer from serious fungal infections yearly. The incidence of cryptococcal meningitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients was estimated at 560, 830 and 120 cases per year. Oral and oesophageal candidiasis collectively affects 12 320 HIV-infected patients. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67% post-tuberculosis, probably has a prevalence of 3420. Fungal asthma (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation) probably has a prevalence of 3640 and 4800, although some overlap due to disease definition is likely. The estimated prevalence of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and tinea capitis is 85 440 and 178 400 respectively. Mostly related to agricultural activity, fungal keratitis affects an estimated 700 Congolese yearly. CONCLUSION These data underline the urgent need for an intensified awareness towards Congolese physicians to fungal infections and for increased efforts to improve diagnosis and management of fungal infections in the RoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fructueux M Amona
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo.,Laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology, Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba General Hospital, Oyo, Congo.,Research Center and Study of Infectious and Tropical Pathologies, Oyo, Congo
| | - David W Denning
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Leading International Fungal Education (LIFE), Cheshire, UK
| | - Donatien Moukassa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Congo.,Research Center and Study of Infectious and Tropical Pathologies, Oyo, Congo
| | - Christophe Hennequin
- Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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14
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Pfavayi LT, Sibanda EN, Mutapi F. The Pathogenesis of Fungal-Related Diseases and Allergies in the African Population: The State of the Evidence and Knowledge Gaps. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2020; 181:257-269. [PMID: 32069461 DOI: 10.1159/000506009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases in the African continent has received limited attention with the allergic diseases due to fungal allergens being among the least studied. This lead to the opinion being that the prevalence of allergic disease is low in Africa. Recent reports from different African countries indicate that this is not the case as allergic conditions are common and some; particularly those due to fungal allergens are increasing in prevalence. Thus, there is need to understand both the aetiology and pathogenies of these diseases, particularly the neglected fungal allergic diseases. This review addresses currently available knowledge of fungal-induced allergy, disease pathogenesis comparing findings from human versus experimental mouse studies of fungal allergy. The review discusses the potential role of the gut mycobiome and the extent to which this is relevant to fungal allergy, diagnosis and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Tsitsi Pfavayi
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, United Kingdom, .,Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,
| | - Elopy Nimele Sibanda
- Asthma Allergy and Immunology Clinic, Twin Palms Medical Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Pathology, National University of Science and Technology Medical School, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NIHR Global Health Research Unit Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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15
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Oladele RO, Akase IE, Fahal AH, Govender NP, Hoenigl M, Gangneux JP, Chiller TM, Denning DW, Cornely OA, Chakrabarti A. Bridging the knowledge gap on mycoses in Africa: Setting up a Pan-African Mycology Working Group. Mycoses 2019; 63:244-249. [PMID: 31829454 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Most African countries have poorly funded and overburdened health systems. Additionally, a high prevalence of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa contributes to a high burden of opportunistic fungal infections. Data generated by GAFFI from 15 of 57 African countries revealed that an estimated 47 million Africans suffer from fungal diseases, of whom an estimated 1.7 million suffer from a serious fungal infection annually. Almost all African countries lack a surveillance system for fungal infections with the exception of South Africa. South Africa is also the only African country with a national mycology reference laboratory. Across the continent, there is a pervasive picture of inadequate/poor diagnostic capacity, low level of awareness among healthcare workers and policymakers and unavailability and non-accessibility to essential antifungal medications. Recent outreach efforts by the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) and the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) have aimed to increase involvement of African countries and experts in global initiatives such as "One World One Guideline" and also the ECMM Academy. Recently, under the auspices of ISHAM, the African sub-region created a network of mycology experts whose goal is to organise and engage African leaders in the field of medical mycology. The aim of this ISHAM Working Group was to facilitate interaction and synergy among regional leaders in order to develop educational programmes for capacity building to aid in the diagnosis and care of patients with fungal infections in Africa. The working group will also encourage country initiatives to develop clinical guidelines, to support surveys and to support the establishment of reference mycology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita O Oladele
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Iorhen E Akase
- Department of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Nelesh P Govender
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, A Division of the National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public, Health University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Section of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jean Pierre Gangneux
- CHU de Rennes, University of Rennes, INSERM, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Tom M Chiller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David W Denning
- Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections, Geneva, Switzerland.,The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, European Diamond Excellence Center of Medical Mycology, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany.,Centre for Clinical Trials, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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16
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Choudhury AK, Mishra AK, Gautam DK, Tilak R, Tilak V, Gambhir IS, Chakrabarti SS. Case Report: Histoplasmosis Accompanying Disseminated Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Adolescent Boy. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 102:352-354. [PMID: 31769387 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of tuberculosis in India is quite high. In such a situation, empirical antitubercular therapy (ATT) is often resorted to, when some of the investigation findings are clearly diagnostic of tuberculosis. This may mean missing out on coinfections. Whereas this is particularly true for immunosuppressed patients, rarely even immunocompetent patients may present with such diagnostic dilemmas. We present the case of an adolescent boy who had been previously asymptomatic and who presented with fever with lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Initially, ATT was administered based on the detection of acid-fast bacteria in lymph node, caseating granulomas with Langhans giant cells, and a positive cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, when the patient failed to respond fully to the treatment, additional investigation in the form of bone marrow fungal culture led to the diagnosis of histoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashis Kumar Choudhury
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ankit Kumar Mishra
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Gautam
- Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Ragini Tilak
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Vijai Tilak
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Indrajeet Singh Gambhir
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (Previously Department of General Medicine), Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti
- Department of Geriatric Medicine (Previously Department of General Medicine), Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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17
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del Rocío Reyes-Montes M, Duarte-Escalante E, Guadalupe Frías-De-León M, Obed Martínez-Herrera E, Acosta-Altamirano G. Molecular Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis. Mol Med 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.78694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
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18
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Burden of fungal asthma in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216568. [PMID: 31095641 PMCID: PMC6521988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is one of the neglected diseases in Africa with a high prevalence. Allergic fungal diseases have been reported to complicate asthma progression and treatment outcomes. However, data about fungal asthma and its associated complications are limited in Africa. We aimed to estimate the burden of fungal asthma among adults and children in Africa using a systematic review. Methods We first engaged the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) to highlight the trend in morbidity and mortality attributed to asthma in Africa. We then searched PubMed, HINARI and Google Scholar for all studies of any design focusing on fungal asthma in any African country. Languages were restricted to English and French, but not year of publication. We estimated the weighted prevalence of allergic fungal infections among asthmatics with a 95% CI and pooled the results using a random effects model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42019117319. Results The IHME data showed that there has been a gradual increase in morbidity and mortality due to asthma in African adults with a prevalence of 4%. Our search retrieved 5233 citations. We retained 20 studies that met our selection criteria. These were from 13 African countries published between 1967 and 2018. There were eight cross-sectional studies and twelve review articles. The average asthma prevalence in Africa was 6% from these studies. The prevalence of fungal sensitisation was relatively high (3–52%) in the asthmatic population with an average of 28% and a pooled estimate of 23.3%, mostly due to Aspergillus species. Prevalence of Allergic bronchopulmonary apsergillosis was estimated at 1.6–21.2%. Diagnosis of fungal allergy was mostly made by skin prick tests. There was no data on the use of medication to manage fungal asthma. None of the studies evaluated the association between fungal allergy and asthma severity. Data were lacking in children. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of fungal sensitization among Africans with asthma. Fungal asthma is a significant problem in Africa but there remains a paucity of data on the epidemiology and associated complications. There is urgent need for national epidemiological studies to estimate the actual burden of fungal asthma in Africa.
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19
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Hassan MIA, Voigt K. Pathogenicity patterns of mucormycosis: epidemiology, interaction with immune cells and virulence factors. Med Mycol 2019; 57:S245-S256. [PMID: 30816980 PMCID: PMC6394756 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi of the basal lineage order Mucorales are able to cause infections in animals and humans. Mucormycosis is a well-known, life-threatening disease especially in patients with a compromised immune system. The rate of mortality and morbidity caused by mucormycosis has increased rapidly during the last decades, especially in developing countries. The systematic, phylogenetic, and epidemiological distributions of mucoralean fungi are addressed in relation to infection in immunocompromised patients. The review highlights the current achievements in (i) diagnostics and management of mucormycosis, (ii) the study of the interaction of Mucorales with cells of the innate immune system, (iii) the assessment of the virulence of Mucorales in vertebrate and invertebrate infection models, and (iv) the determination of virulence factors that are key players in the infection process, for example, high-affinity iron permease (FTR1), spore coat protein (CotH), alkaline Rhizopus protease enzyme (ARP), ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF), dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, calcineurin (CaN), serine and aspartate proteases (SAPs). The present mini-review attempts to increase the awareness of these difficult-to-manage fungal infections and to encourage research in the detection of ligands and receptors as potential diagnostic parameters and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed I Abdelwahab Hassan
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Pests and Plant Protection Department, National Research Centre, 33rd El Buhouth Street (Postal code: 12622) Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kerstin Voigt
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Adolf-Reichwein-Strasse 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
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20
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Global Epidemiology of Mucormycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2019; 5:jof5010026. [PMID: 30901907 PMCID: PMC6462913 DOI: 10.3390/jof5010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucormycosis is an angio-invasive fungal infection, associated with high morbidity and mortality. A change in the epidemiology of mucormycosis has been observed in recent years with the rise in incidence, new causative agents and susceptible population. The rise has been perceived globally, but it is very high in the Asian continent. Though diabetes mellitus overshadow all other risk factors in Asia, post-tuberculosis and chronic renal failure have emerged as new risk groups. The rhino-cerebral form of mucormycosis is most commonly seen in patients with diabetes mellitus, whereas, pulmonary mucormycosis in patients with haematological malignancy and transplant recipients. In immunocompetent hosts, cutaneous mucormycosis is commonly seen following trauma. The intriguing clinical entity, isolated renal mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients is only reported from China and India. A new clinical entity, indolent mucormycosis in nasal sinuses, is recently recognized. The causative agents of mucormycosis vary across different geographic locations. Though Rhizopusarrhizus is the most common agent isolated worldwide, Apophysomycesvariabilis is predominant in Asia and Lichtheimia species in Europe. The new causative agents, Rhizopus homothallicus, Mucor irregularis, and Thamnostylum lucknowense are reported from Asia. In conclusion, with the change in epidemiology of mucormycosis country-wise studies are warranted to estimate disease burden in different risk groups, analyse the clinical disease pattern and identify the new etiological agents.
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21
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Ashu EE, Xu J. Strengthening the One Health Agenda: The Role of Molecular Epidemiology in Aspergillus Threat Management. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9070359. [PMID: 30029491 PMCID: PMC6071254 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The United Nations’ One Health initiative advocates the collaboration of multiple sectors within the global and local health authorities toward the goal of better public health management outcomes. The emerging global health threat posed by Aspergillus species is an example of a management challenge that would benefit from the One Health approach. In this paper, we explore the potential role of molecular epidemiology in Aspergillus threat management and strengthening of the One Health initiative. Effective management of Aspergillus at a public health level requires the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools to not only identify the infecting pathogen to species level, but also to the level of individual genotype, including drug susceptibility patterns. While a variety of molecular methods have been developed for Aspergillus diagnosis, their use at below-species level in clinical settings has been very limited, especially in resource-poor countries and regions. Here we provide a framework for Aspergillus threat management and describe how molecular epidemiology and experimental evolution methods could be used for predicting resistance through drug exposure. Our analyses highlight the need for standardization of loci and methods used for molecular diagnostics, and surveillance across Aspergillus species and geographic regions. Such standardization will enable comparisons at national and global levels and through the One Health approach, strengthen Aspergillus threat management efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eta E Ashu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, Ontario, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
- Public Research Laboratory, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, China.
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