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Viale MN, Caceres DH, Mansilla PE, Lopez-Joffre MC, Vivot FG, Motter AN, Toranzo AI, Canteros CE. Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of a Lateral Flow Assay for the Detection of Anti- Coccidioides Antibodies in Human Sera-Argentina. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:322. [PMID: 38786677 PMCID: PMC11122317 DOI: 10.3390/jof10050322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Coccidiomycosis is a potentially life-threatening fungal infection endemic to certain regions of Argentina. The infection is caused by Coccidioides spp. and is primarily diagnosed by Coccidioides antibody (Ab) detection. Access to rapid, highly accurate diagnostic testing is critical to ensure prompt antifungal therapy. The sōna Coccidioides Ab Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) performs faster and requires less laboratory infrastructure and equipment compared with other Ab detection assays, potentially providing a substantial improvement for rapid case screening in coccidioidomycosis-endemic regions; however, validation of this test is needed. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the sōna Coccidioides Ab (LFA) and compare agreement with anti-Coccidioides Ab detection assays. A total of 103 human sera specimens were tested, including 25 specimens from patients with coccidioidomycosis and 78 from patients without coccidioidomycosis. The sōna Coccidioides Ab Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) was performed with a sensitivity of 88%, and specificity and accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, the Coccidioides Ab LFA had good agreement with other anti-Coccidioides Ab detection assays. Our findings suggest the sōna Coccidioides Ab LFA has satisfactory performance and may be useful for diagnosing coccidioidomycosis in endemic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana N. Viale
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia en Micología Clínica, Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina; (M.C.L.-J.); (F.G.V.); (A.I.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Diego H. Caceres
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, 6525GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- Immuno-Mycologics Inc. (IMMY), Norman, OK 73069, USA
| | - Patricia E. Mansilla
- Hospital Interzonal San Juan Bautista, San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca 4700, Argentina;
| | - María C. Lopez-Joffre
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia en Micología Clínica, Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina; (M.C.L.-J.); (F.G.V.); (A.I.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Flavia G. Vivot
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia en Micología Clínica, Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina; (M.C.L.-J.); (F.G.V.); (A.I.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Andrea N. Motter
- Unidad Operativa Centro de Contención Biológica, Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina;
| | - Adriana I. Toranzo
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia en Micología Clínica, Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina; (M.C.L.-J.); (F.G.V.); (A.I.T.); (C.E.C.)
| | - Cristina E. Canteros
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia en Micología Clínica, Departamento Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI), Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) “Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán”, Buenos Aires 1282, Argentina; (M.C.L.-J.); (F.G.V.); (A.I.T.); (C.E.C.)
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2
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Chang SS, Hsu NS, Khalil M, Micheli A, Frezza E. Atypical Pleural Effusion in an Immunocompetent Patient With Valley Fever: A Case Study and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2024; 16:e57983. [PMID: 38738118 PMCID: PMC11086003 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Valley fever is a fungal infection, commonly of the lungs, caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii. This disease is endemic to the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America. Infected individuals are typically asymptomatic but may develop community-acquired pneumonia. On rare occasions, coccidioidomycosis can present with severe complications in addition to the pulmonary manifestation. In this study, a 58-year-old immunocompetent male presented to the Emergency Department with a cough, night sweats, and pleuritic chest pain. Despite the administration of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, he developed a large right pleural effusion that did not resolve following thoracentesis. Serology was positive for Coccidioides, and the patient was referred to a thoracic surgeon due to persistent effusion. It is rare for patients with coccidiomycosis to develop a large pleural effusion requiring surgical intervention, especially in immunocompetent individuals. This case highlights the importance of monitoring patients with unresolved acute pneumonia in endemic areas and considering Coccidioides as a possible etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean S Chang
- Surgery, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Neil S Hsu
- Surgery, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Mariam Khalil
- Surgery, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
| | - Amy Micheli
- Medicine, Colusa Medical Center, Colusa, USA
| | - Eldo Frezza
- Surgery, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, USA
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3
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Laboccetta CR, Toscanini MA, Garrido AV, Posse GB, Capece P, Valdez RM, Chacón YA, Maglio DG, Nusblat AD, Cuestas ML. Evaluation of the Histoplasma capsulatum 100-kilodalton antigen dot blot for the rapid diagnosis of progressive histoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 107:116060. [PMID: 37738785 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116060] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) represents an important cause of mortality. Since antigen detection allows a rapid diagnosis and the instauration of a specific treatment this study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Hcp100 dot blot, an in-house assay that detects the Histoplasma capsulatum 100-kilodalton antigen in urine and compare it with 2 commercially available assays the Histoplasma Urine Antigen Lateral Flow Assay (MVD-LFA) (MiraVista® Diagnostics) and the Clarus Histoplasma Galactomannan EIA (Clarus HGM) (IMMY). Urine specimens from 23 PLHIV with PDH, 13 patients with other infectious diseases, and 20 healthy individuals were tested. The Hcp100 dot blot showed higher sensitivity (87.0%), specificity (97.0%) and accuracy (92.9%) than the MVD-LFA (73.9%, 78.8%, and 76.8%, respectively) and the Clarus HGM (78.3%, 90.9%, and 85.7%, respectively). The Hcp100 dot blot had high analytical performance and would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing PDH among PLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rodríguez Laboccetta
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Toscanini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Videla Garrido
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gladys B Posse
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Capece
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ruth M Valdez
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital Señor del Milagro de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Yone A Chacón
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital Señor del Milagro de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Daniel González Maglio
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Inmunología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Estudios de la Inmunidad Humoral (IDEHU), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro D Nusblat
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María L Cuestas
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Fernández NB, Toranzo A, Farias L, Canteros CE. Mycological diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis in a hospital from a nonendemic area: classical and molecular methods. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:132-143. [PMID: 37721907 PMCID: PMC10569774 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. Climate change and host migration emphasize the need to optimize this infection diagnosis. Objective To evaluate the implementation of Paracoccidioides spp. DNA detection in the mycological diagnosis of patients with suspected paracoccidioidomycosis. Materials and methods It is a retrospective study with laboratory data from patients with clinical suspicion of paracoccidioidomycosis, who consulted a university hospital from a non-endemic area. Results We analyzed the laboratory results of samples from 19 patients with suspected paracoccidioidomycosis. Seventeen out of 19 patients were born in or had visited an endemic area in Latin America. Fourteen adult male patients were confirmed to have paracoccidioidomycosis by conventional diagnosis: the direct examination was positive in 12 samples while fungal growth was found only in 4. Anti-Paracoccidioides spp. antibodies were detected in 10 patients, 8 of them with proven paracoccidioidomycosis. Nested PCR for Paracoccidioides spp. detection was performed on clinical samples from 14 patients, and positive results were obtained for 9 out of 10 patients with the conventional diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. Conclusions The incorporation of molecular techniques to detect Paracoccidioides spp. DNA complements the conventional diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis. This tool allows the prescription of antifungal treatment in those cases where the fungus is not observed in the clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma B Fernández
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Adriana Toranzo
- Servicio Micosis Profundas, Departamento de Micología, INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Luciana Farias
- Laboratorio de Micología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Cristina E Canteros
- Departamento de Micología, INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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5
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Potosí JA, Gutiérrez YM, González FE. The relevance of clinical and epidemiological correlation in the early diagnosis of histoplasmosis: report of two clinical cases in Popayán, Colombia. BIOMEDICA : REVISTA DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL DE SALUD 2023; 43:20-31. [PMID: 37721919 PMCID: PMC10584038 DOI: 10.7705/biomedica.6782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an endemic mycosis in Colombia. Here we present two cases in the Cauca department, to indicate the clinical impact of histoplasmosis delayed diagnosis and treatment when its epidemiology is unknown. Informed consent was requested to review patients’ medical records and case report publication. The first case was a patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus and generalized presence of skin lesions. Initially, these lesions were diagnosed as herpes, but a postmortem diagnosis confirmed histoplasmosis through fungal cultures of tissues from the skin lesions. The second case is an immunocompetent patient with pulmonary symptoms diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis. However, given the lack of improvement and considering the bat cave entrance history, the patient was treated for possible pulmonary histoplasmosis with an adequate response. We made a review of laboratory tests and histoplasmosis epidemiological data relevant to health professionals. We concluded that health institutions must provide rapid tests, such as antigen ones, to adequately diagnose and treat this mycosis; and also take corrective measures to minimize exposure to Histoplasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Andrés Potosí
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia.
| | - Yina Marcela Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia.
| | - Fabiola Eugenia González
- Laboratorio de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia.
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6
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Calvopiña M, Toro M, Bastidas-Caldes C, Vasco-Julio D, Muñoz G. A Fatal Case of Disseminated Histoplasmosis by Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum Misdiagnosed as Visceral Leishmaniasis-Molecular Diagnosis and Identification. Pathogens 2023; 12:1112. [PMID: 37764920 PMCID: PMC10538155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is an endemic mycosis in the Americas. However, its diagnosis is challenging due to the complexity and limited availability of conventional laboratory techniques-antigen tests, culture, and staining. Microscopic preparations often confuse with other pathogens, such as Leishmania spp. The genus Histoplasma capsulatum comprises three varieties: var. capsulatum, var. duboissi, and var. farciminosum, which cannot be distinguished using conventional techniques. An infant from a tropical region of Ecuador was hospitalized for fever, bloody diarrhea, and anemia persisting for two months. Upon admission, he received antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Histopathological examination of the lymph nodes, intestines, and bone marrow aspirate reported the presence of Leishmania-like amastigotes, and treatment was initiated with meglumine antimoniate and conventional amphotericin B. However, subsequent analysis of samples using PCR and DNA sequencing identified H. capsulatum var. capsulatum but not Leishmania. Despite fluconazole and amphotericin B, the infant succumbed to the disease. The delay in clinical and laboratory diagnosis of histoplasmosis and the use of nonspecific and ineffective drugs such as fluconazole led to disease dissemination and, ultimately, death. Implementing molecular diagnosis and antigen tests in laboratories located in endemic regions and reference hospitals is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Calvopiña
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), Quito 170124, Ecuador;
| | - Marcelo Toro
- Hospital Pediátrico “Baca Ortiz”, Quito 170523, Ecuador; (M.T.); (G.M.)
| | | | - David Vasco-Julio
- Programa de Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62050, Mexico
| | - Greta Muñoz
- Hospital Pediátrico “Baca Ortiz”, Quito 170523, Ecuador; (M.T.); (G.M.)
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Park SY, Chang EJ, Ledeboer N, Messacar K, Lindner MS, Venkatasubrahmanyam S, Wilber JC, Vaughn ML, Bercovici S, Perkins BA, Nolte FS. Plasma Microbial Cell-Free DNA Sequencing from over 15,000 Patients Identified a Broad Spectrum of Pathogens. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0185522. [PMID: 37439686 PMCID: PMC10446866 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01855-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) sequencing is an emerging infectious disease diagnostic tool which enables unbiased pathogen detection and quantification from plasma. The Karius Test, a commercial mcfDNA sequencing assay developed by and available since 2017 from Karius, Inc. (Redwood City, CA), detects and quantifies mcfDNA as molecules/μL in plasma. The commercial sample data and results for all tests conducted from April 2018 through mid-September 2021 were evaluated for laboratory quality metrics, reported pathogens, and data from test requisition forms. A total of 18,690 reports were generated from 15,165 patients in a hospital setting among 39 states and the District of Columbia. The median time from sample receipt to reported result was 26 h (interquartile range [IQR] 25 to 28), and 96% of samples had valid test results. Almost two-thirds (65%) of patients were adults, and 29% at the time of diagnostic testing had ICD-10 codes representing a diverse array of clinical scenarios. There were 10,752 (58%) reports that yielded at least one taxon for a total of 22,792 detections spanning 701 unique microbial taxa. The 50 most common taxa detected included 36 bacteria, 9 viruses, and 5 fungi. Opportunistic fungi (374 Aspergillus spp., 258 Pneumocystis jirovecii, 196 Mucorales, and 33 dematiaceous fungi) comprised 861 (4%) of all detections. Additional diagnostically challenging pathogens (247 zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens, 144 Mycobacterium spp., 80 Legionella spp., 78 systemic dimorphic fungi, 69 Nocardia spp., and 57 protozoan parasites) comprised 675 (3%) of all detections. This is the largest reported cohort of patients tested using plasma mcfDNA sequencing and represents the first report of a clinical grade metagenomic test performed at scale. Data reveal new insights into the breadth and complexity of potential pathogens identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Messacar
- University of Colorado, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Parsons MG, Diekema DJ. What Is New in Fungal Infections? Mod Pathol 2023; 36:100187. [PMID: 37059227 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100187] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality. We provide a summary of important changes in the epidemiology of invasive fungal infections, citing examples of new emerging pathogens, expanding populations who are at-risk, and increasing antifungal resistance. We review how human activity and climate change may play a role in some of these changes. Finally, we discuss how these changes create the need for advances in fungal diagnostics. The limitations of existing fungal diagnostic testing emphasize the critically important role of histopathology in the early recognition of fungal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith G Parsons
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Daniel J Diekema
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa; Department and Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
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Cáceres DH, Gómez BL, Tobón ÁM, Restrepo Á, Chiller T, Lindsley MD, Meis JF, Verweij PE. Tackling Histoplasmosis Infection in People Living with HIV from Latin America: From Diagnostic Strategy to Public Health Solutions. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050558. [PMID: 37233269 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis, caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma spp., is a disease with a broad clinical spectrum, presenting from asymptomatic/flu-like symptoms to progressive disseminated disease in people with immunosuppression. In recent years, the concept of histoplasmosis as a disease restricted to the American continent has changed, as now histoplasmosis is reported in many regions around the world. In Latin America, histoplasmosis represents a threat, especially in people with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Diagnosis of histoplasmosis in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is challenging due to the low index of suspicion of the disease, non-specificity of signs and symptoms, and limited access to specific laboratory testing, while the diagnostic delay is significantly associated with mortality. In the last decade, novel diagnostic tests have been developed for the rapid detection of histoplasmosis, such as commercial kits for antigen detection. Furthermore, advocacy groups were created that presented histoplasmosis as a public health problem, with emphasis on patients at risk of progressive disseminated disease. This review aims to discuss the impact of histoplasmosis associated with AHD in Latin America and the strategies employed to tackle histoplasmosis, from the implementation of laboratory testing to disease advocacy and public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Cáceres
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
- IMMY, Norman, OK 73069, USA
| | - Beatriz L Gómez
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | - Ángela M Tobón
- Instituto Colombiano de Medicina Tropical, Universidad CES, Medellín 055450, Colombia
| | - Ángela Restrepo
- COLCIENCIAS Emeritus Researcher, Ministerio de Ciencias, Tecnología e Innovación, Bogota 111321, Colombia
| | - Tom Chiller
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mark D Lindsley
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospital Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul E Verweij
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Caceres DH, Rodriguez-Barradas MC, Whitaker M, Jackson BR, Kim L, Surie D, Cikesh B, Lindsley MD, McCotter OZ, Berkow EL, Toda M. Fungal Pathogens as Causes of Acute Respiratory Illness in Hospitalized Veterans: Frequency of Fungal Positive Test Results Using Rapid Immunodiagnostic Assays. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040456. [PMID: 37108910 PMCID: PMC10145596 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal respiratory illnesses caused by endemic mycoses can be nonspecific and are often mistaken for viral or bacterial infections. We performed fungal testing on serum specimens from patients hospitalized with acute respiratory illness (ARI) to assess the possible role of endemic fungi as etiologic agents. Patients hospitalized with ARI at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Houston, Texas, during November 2016-August 2017 were enrolled. Epidemiologic and clinical data, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples for viral testing (PCR), and serum specimens were collected at admission. We retrospectively tested remnant sera from a subset of patients with negative initial viral testing using immunoassays for the detection of Coccidioides and Histoplasma antibodies (Ab) and Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, and Histoplasma antigens (Ag). Of 224 patient serum specimens tested, 49 (22%) had positive results for fungal pathogens, including 30 (13%) by Coccidioides immunodiagnostic assays, 19 (8%) by Histoplasma immunodiagnostic assays, 2 (1%) by Aspergillus Ag, and none by Cryptococcus Ag testing. A high proportion of veterans hospitalized with ARI had positive serological results for fungal pathogens, primarily endemic mycoses, which cause fungal pneumonia. The high proportion of Coccidioides positivity is unexpected as this fungus is not thought to be common in southeastern Texas or metropolitan Houston, though is known to be endemic in southwestern Texas. Although serological testing suffers from low specificity, these results suggest that these fungi may be more common causes of ARI in southeast Texas than commonly appreciated and more increased clinical evaluation may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Caceres
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, 6532 SZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
| | | | - Michael Whitaker
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Brendan R Jackson
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- US Public Health Service, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Lindsay Kim
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- US Public Health Service, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Diya Surie
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- US Public Health Service, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Bryanna Cikesh
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mark D Lindsley
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Orion Z McCotter
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
- Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR 97232, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Berkow
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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11
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Of Mycelium and Men: Inherent Human Susceptibility to Fungal Diseases. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030456. [PMID: 36986378 PMCID: PMC10058615 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In medical mycology, the main context of disease is iatrogenic-based disease. However, historically, and occasionally, even today, fungal diseases affect humans with no obvious risk factors, sometimes in a spectacular fashion. The field of “inborn errors of immunity” (IEI) has deduced at least some of these previously enigmatic cases; accordingly, the discovery of single-gene disorders with penetrant clinical effects and their immunologic dissection have provided a framework with which to understand some of the key pathways mediating human susceptibility to mycoses. By extension, they have also enabled the identification of naturally occurring auto-antibodies to cytokines that phenocopy such susceptibility. This review provides a comprehensive update of IEI and autoantibodies that inherently predispose humans to various fungal diseases.
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12
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Satala D, Bras G, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. More than Just Protein Degradation: The Regulatory Roles and Moonlighting Functions of Extracellular Proteases Produced by Fungi Pathogenic for Humans. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010121. [PMID: 36675942 PMCID: PMC9865821 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular proteases belong to the main virulence factors of pathogenic fungi. Their proteolytic activities plays a crucial role in the acquisition of nutrients from the external environment, destroying host barriers and defenses, and disrupting homeostasis in the human body, e.g., by affecting the functions of plasma proteolytic cascades, and playing sophisticated regulatory roles in various processes. Interestingly, some proteases belong to the group of moonlighting proteins, i.e., they have additional functions that contribute to successful host colonization and infection development, but they are not directly related to proteolysis. In this review, we describe examples of such multitasking of extracellular proteases that have been reported for medically important pathogenic fungi of the Candida, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus, and Pneumocystis genera, as well as dermatophytes and selected endemic species. Additional functions of proteinases include supporting binding to host proteins, and adhesion to host cells. They also mediate self-aggregation and biofilm formation. In addition, fungal proteases affect the host immune cells and allergenicity, understood as the ability to stimulate a non-standard immune response. Finally, they play a role in the proper maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Knowledge about the multifunctionality of proteases, in addition to their canonical roles, greatly contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Satala
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence:
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13
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Caceres DH, Echeverri Tirado LC, Bonifaz A, Adenis A, Gomez BL, Flores CLB, Canteros CE, Santos DW, Arathoon E, Soto ER, Queiroz‐Telles F, Schwartz IS, Zurita J, Damasceno LS, Garcia N, Fernandez NB, Chincha O, Araujo P, Rabagliati R, Chiller T, Giusiano G. Current situation of endemic mycosis in the Americas and the Caribbean: Proceedings of the first international meeting on endemic mycoses of the Americas (IMEMA). Mycoses 2022; 65:1179-1187. [PMID: 35971917 PMCID: PMC9804294 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Americas are home to biologically and clinically diverse endemic fungi, including Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Emergomyces, Histoplasma, Paracoccidioides and Sporothrix. In endemic areas with high risk of infection, these fungal pathogens represent an important public health problem. OBJECTIVES This report aims to summarise the main findings of the regional analysis carried out on the status of the endemic mycoses of the Americas, done at the first International Meeting on Endemic Mycoses of the Americas (IMEMA). METHODS A regional analysis for the Americas was done, the 27 territories were grouped into nine regions. A SWOT analysis was done. RESULTS All territories reported availability of microscopy. Seventy percent of territories reported antibody testing, 67% of territories reported availability of Histoplasma antigen testing. None of the territories reported the use of (1-3)-β-d-glucan. Fifty two percent of territories reported the availability of PCR testing in reference centres (mostly for histoplasmosis). Most of the territories reported access to medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and amphotericin B (AMB) deoxycholate. Many countries had limited access to liposomal formulation of AMB and newer azoles, such as posaconazole and isavuconazole. Surveillance of these fungal diseases was minimal. CONCLUSIONS A consensus emerged among meeting participants, this group concluded that endemic mycoses are neglected diseases, and due to their severity and lack of resources, the improvement of diagnosis, treatment and surveillance is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H. Caceres
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)AtlantaGeorgiaUSA,Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZNijmegenThe Netherlands,Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | - Laura C. Echeverri Tirado
- Medical Mycology Group, School of Medicine, Microbiology and Parasitology DepartmentUniversidad de AntioquiaMedellínAntioquiaColombia
| | | | - Antoine Adenis
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane Inserm 1424CayenneFrance,Centre Hospitalier de CayenneCayenneFrance
| | - Beatriz L. Gomez
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversidad del RosarioBogotaColombia
| | | | - Cristina E. Canteros
- Departamento de Micología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas (INEI)Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud (ANLIS) "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán"Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Daniel Wagner Santos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection ControlUniversidade Federal do Maranhão, UFMASão LuísMaranhãoBrazil,Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, IDOR, Hospital UDISão LuisMaranhãoBrazil
| | | | - Elia Ramirez Soto
- Centro Nacional de Enfermedades Tropicales (CENETROP)Santa CruzBolivia
| | | | - Ilan S. Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious DiseasesUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Jeannete Zurita
- Facultad de MedicinaPontificia Universidad Católica del EcuadorQuitoEcuador,Unidad de Investigaciones en Biomedicina, Zurita & Zurita LaboratoriosQuitoEcuador
| | - Lisandra Serra Damasceno
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Federal do CearáFortalezaCEBrazil,Hospital São José de Doenças Infecciosas, Secretaria de SaúdeCearáBrazil
| | - Nataly Garcia
- Sociedad Venezolana de MicrobiologíaCaracasVenezuela
| | - Norma B. Fernandez
- Sección Micologia, Division InfectologíaHospital de Clinicas “José de San Martín” Universidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Omayra Chincha
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Hospital Cayetano HerediaLimaPeru
| | - Patricia Araujo
- Departamento de Bacteriología y MicologíaLaboratorio Central de Salud Pública, Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar SocialAsunciónParaguay
| | - Ricardo Rabagliati
- Departamento de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Adulto, Escuela de MedicinaPontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiagoChile
| | - Tom Chiller
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)AtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Gustavo Giusiano
- Instituto de Medicina RegionalUniversidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina (CONICET)ResistenciaChacoArgentina
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14
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Validation of a Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis in Advanced HIV Disease, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Appl Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol2040072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality in individuals with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD). We evaluated in patients with AHD a lateral flow assay (LFA) developed by MiraVista® Diagnostics (MVD LFA). Histoplasmosis was defined based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) case definitions. We also compared the results of this LFA with those obtained using a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) developed by IMMY, Clarus Histoplasma GM EIA, IMMY (HGM EIA). A retrospective observational study was conducted at Hospital Juan A. Fernández, located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The study included 48 urine specimens from patients aged >18 years with AHD. Urine specimens included 17 patients with disseminated histoplasmosis and 31 specimens from patients without evidence of histoplasmosis. Specimens were tested using the MVD LFA and the HGM EIA. The MVD LFA and the HGM EIA had similar analytical performance, with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 97%, and an accuracy of 98%. Comparison of the MVD LFA with the HGM EIA demonstrated a Kappa agreement index of 0.906. The LFA evaluated in this study had high analytical performance; it provided rapid diagnosis of histoplasmosis with minimal requirements for laboratory training, equipment, and laboratory infrastructure.
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15
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Reyes EY, Shinohara ML. Host immune responses in the central nervous system during fungal infections. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:50-74. [PMID: 35672656 PMCID: PMC9489659 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Fungal infections in the central nervous system (CNS) cause high morbidity and mortality. The frequency of CNS mycosis has increased over the last two decades as more individuals go through immunocompromised conditions for various reasons. Nevertheless, options for clinical interventions for CNS mycoses are still limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the host-pathogen interaction mechanisms in CNS mycoses for developing novel treatments. Although the CNS has been regarded as an immune-privileged site, recent studies demonstrate the critical involvement of immune responses elicited by CNS-resident and CNS-infiltrated cells during fungal infections. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of fungal invasion in the CNS, fungal pathogen detection by CNS-resident cells (microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons), roles of CNS-infiltrated leukocytes, and host immune responses. We consider that understanding host immune responses in the CNS is crucial for endeavors to develop treatments for CNS mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefany Y. Reyes
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Mari L. Shinohara
- Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
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16
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Almeida-Paes R, Bernardes-Engemann AR, da Silva Motta B, Pizzini CV, de Abreu Almeida M, de Medeiros Muniz M, Dias RAB, Zancopé-Oliveira RM. Immunologic Diagnosis of Endemic Mycoses. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8100993. [PMID: 36294558 PMCID: PMC9605100 DOI: 10.3390/jof8100993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The endemic mycoses blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, sporotrichosis, talaromycosis, adiaspiromycosis, and emergomycosis are mostly caused by geographically limited thermally dimorphic fungi (except for cryptococcosis), and their diagnoses can be challenging. Usual laboratory methods involved in endemic mycoses diagnosis include microscopic examination and culture of biological samples; however, serologic, histopathologic, and molecular techniques have been implemented in the last few years for the diagnosis of these mycoses since the recovery and identification of their etiologic agents is time-consuming and lacks in sensitivity. In this review, we focus on the immunologic diagnostic methods related to antibody and antigen detection since their evidence is presumptive diagnosis, and in some mycoses, such as cryptococcosis, it is definitive diagnosis.
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17
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Hepler SA, Kaufeld KA, Benedict K, Toda M, Jackson BR, Liu X, Kline D. Integrating Public Health Surveillance and Environmental Data to Model Presence of Histoplasma in the United States. Epidemiology 2022; 33:654-659. [PMID: 35545229 PMCID: PMC9345522 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, the true geographic distribution of the environmental fungus Histoplasma capsulatum remains poorly understood but appears to have changed since it was first characterized. Histoplasmosis is caused by inhalation of the fungus and can range in severity from asymptomatic to life threatening. Due to limited public health surveillance and under detection of infections, it is challenging to directly use reported case data to characterize spatial risk. METHODS Using monthly and yearly county-level public health surveillance data and various environmental and socioeconomic characteristics, we use a spatio-temporal occupancy model to estimate latent, or unobserved, presence of H. capsulatum , accounting for imperfect detection of histoplasmosis cases. RESULTS We estimate areas with higher probabilities of the presence of H. capsulatum in the East North Central states around the Great Lakes, reflecting a shift of the endemic region to the north from previous estimates. The presence of H. capsulatum was strongly associated with higher soil nitrogen levels. CONCLUSIONS In this investigation, we were able to mitigate challenges related to reporting and illustrate a shift in the endemic region from historical estimates. This work aims to help inform future surveillance needs, clinical awareness, and testing decisions for histoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Staci A. Hepler
- From the Mathematics and Statistics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | | | - Mitsuru Toda
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Xiaonan Liu
- From the Mathematics and Statistics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - David Kline
- Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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18
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Gold JAW, Ahmad FB, Cisewski JA, Rossen LM, Montero AJ, Benedict K, Jackson BR, Toda M. Increased Deaths From Fungal Infections During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic-National Vital Statistics System, United States, January 2020-December 2021. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 76:e255-e262. [PMID: 35717660 PMCID: PMC9214147 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated fungal infections cause severe illness, but comprehensive data on disease burden are lacking. We analyzed US National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data to characterize disease burden, temporal trends, and demographic characteristics of persons dying of fungal infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Using NVSS's January 2018-December 2021 Multiple Cause of Death Database, we examined numbers and age-adjusted rates (per 100 000 population) of deaths due to fungal infection by fungal pathogen, COVID-19 association, demographic characteristics, and year. RESULTS Numbers and age-adjusted rates of deaths due to fungal infection increased from 2019 (n = 4833; rate, 1.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.3]) to 2021 (n = 7199; rate, 1.8 [1.8-1.8] per 100 000); of 13 121 such deaths during 2020-2021, 2868 (21.9%) were COVID-19 associated. Compared with non-COVID-19-associated deaths (n = 10 253), COVID-19-associated deaths more frequently involved Candida (n = 776 [27.1%] vs n = 2432 [23.7%], respectively) and Aspergillus (n = 668 [23.3%] vs n = 1486 [14.5%]) and less frequently involved other specific fungal pathogens. Rates of death due to fungal infection were generally highest in nonwhite and non-Asian populations. Death rates from Aspergillus infections were approximately 2 times higher in the Pacific US census division compared with most other divisions. CONCLUSIONS Deaths from fungal infection increased during 2020-2021 compared with previous years, primarily driven by COVID-19-associated deaths, particularly those involving Aspergillus and Candida. Our findings may inform efforts to prevent, identify, and treat severe fungal infections in patients with COVID-19, especially in certain racial/ethnic groups and geographic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A W Gold
- Corresponding author: Jeremy A. W. Gold, MD, MS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road Northeast, Mailstop H24-10, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA,
| | - Farida B Ahmad
- National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jodi A Cisewski
- National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lauren M Rossen
- National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Alejandro J Montero
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brendan R Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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Boro R, Iyer PC, Walczak MA. Current Landscape of Coccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040413. [PMID: 35448644 PMCID: PMC9027852 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is an endemic fungal infection commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States. However, the disease has seen an increase in both in its area of residency and its prevalence. This review compiles some of the latest information on the epidemiology, current and in-development pharmaceutical approaches to treat the disease, trends and projections, diagnostic concerns, and the overlapping dynamics of coccidioidomycosis and COVID-19, including in special populations. This review provides an overview of the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and identifies areas of future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Boro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Prema C. Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
- Correspondence: (P.C.I.); (M.A.W.)
| | - Maciej A. Walczak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Correspondence: (P.C.I.); (M.A.W.)
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohann Le Govic
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy (AGIR), University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Parasitology-Mycology Department, Center for Human Biology, University Hospital of Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Baptiste Demey
- Infectious Agents, Resistance and Chemotherapy (AGIR), University of Picardy Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- Virology Department, Center for Human Biology, University Hospital of Amiens-Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Julien Cassereau
- Department of Neurology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- Univ Angers, Inserm, CNRS, MITOVASC, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (Y-SB); (NP)
| | - Nicolas Papon
- Univ Angers, Univ Brest, IRF, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- * E-mail: (Y-SB); (NP)
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21
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Validation and Concordance Analysis of a New Lateral Flow Assay for Detection of Histoplasma Antigen in Urine. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7100799. [PMID: 34682221 PMCID: PMC8539568 DOI: 10.3390/jof7100799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Histoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Rapid methods to diagnose Histoplasma capsulatum disease could dramatically decrease the time to initiate treatment, resulting in reduced mortality. The aim of this study was to validate a MiraVista® Diagnostics (MVD) Histoplasma urine antigen lateral flow assay (MVD LFA) for the detection of H. capsulatum antigen (Ag) in urine and compare this LFA against the MVista® Histoplasma Ag quantitative enzyme immunoassays (MVD EIA). We assessed the MVD LFA using a standardized reference panel of urine specimens from Colombia. We tested 100 urine specimens, 26 from PLHIV diagnosed with histoplasmosis, 42 from PLHIV with other infectious diseases, and 32 from non-HIV infected persons without histoplasmosis. Sensitivity and specificity of the MVD LFA was 96%, compared with 96% sensitivity and 77% specificity of the MVD EIA. Concordance analysis between MVD LFA and the MVD EIA displayed an 84% agreement, and a Kappa of 0.656. The MVD LFA evaluated in this study has several advantages, including a turnaround time for results of approximately 40 min, no need for complex laboratory infrastructure or highly trained laboratory personnel, use of urine specimens, and ease of performing.
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22
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Benedict K, Williams S, Beekmann SE, Polgreen PM, Jackson BR, Toda M. Testing Practices for Fungal Respiratory Infections and SARS-CoV-2 among Infectious Disease Specialists, United States. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080605. [PMID: 34436144 PMCID: PMC8397131 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In an online poll, 174 infectious disease physicians reported that testing frequencies for coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and cryptococcosis were similar before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that these physicians remain alert for these fungal infections and were generally not concerned about the possibility of under-detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Benedict
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Samantha Williams
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
| | - Susan E. Beekmann
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.E.B.); (P.M.P.)
| | - Philip M. Polgreen
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (S.E.B.); (P.M.P.)
| | - Brendan R. Jackson
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Mycotic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (S.W.); (B.R.J.); (M.T.)
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23
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de Perio MA, Benedict K, Williams SL, Niemeier-Walsh C, Green BJ, Coffey C, Di Giuseppe M, Toda M, Park JH, Bailey RL, Nett RJ. Occupational Histoplasmosis: Epidemiology and Prevention Measures. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070510. [PMID: 34206791 PMCID: PMC8306883 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas where Histoplasma is endemic in the environment, occupations involving activities exposing workers to soil that contains bird or bat droppings may pose a risk for histoplasmosis. Occupational exposures are frequently implicated in histoplasmosis outbreaks. In this paper, we review the literature on occupationally acquired histoplasmosis. We describe the epidemiology, occupational risk factors, and prevention measures according to the hierarchy of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A. de Perio
- Office of the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(513)-841-4116
| | - Kaitlin Benedict
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Samantha L. Williams
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Christine Niemeier-Walsh
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA;
| | - Brett J. Green
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA;
| | - Christopher Coffey
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (C.C.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Michelangelo Di Giuseppe
- National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA; (C.C.); (M.D.G.)
| | - Mitsuru Toda
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA; (K.B.); (S.L.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Ju-Hyeong Park
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Rachel L. Bailey
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
| | - Randall J. Nett
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA; (J.-H.P.); (R.L.B.); (R.J.N.)
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Thompson GR, Pasqualotto AC. Endemic mycoses: Expansion of traditional geographic ranges and pitfalls in management. Mycoses 2021; 64:989-992. [PMID: 34036653 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The endemic mycoses are a diverse group of environmental fungi that share several characteristics. Pitfalls in the recognition and management of endemic fungal infections are common. A general understanding of common presenting manifestations and their lingering effects is of paramount importance to the treating physician. We review the unmet needs of recently published guidelines and outline future areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R Thompson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Alessandro C Pasqualotto
- Molecular Biology Laboratory at Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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