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Saghir SA, Ansari RA. HLA gene variations and mycotoxin toxicity: Four case reports. Mycotoxin Res 2024; 40:159-173. [PMID: 38198040 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00517-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins are produced by certain molds that can cause many health effects. We present four human cases of prolonged consistent mycotoxins exposure linked to genetic variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. The HLA-DR/DQ isotype alleles are linked to mycotoxins susceptibility due to the lack of proper immune response; individuals with these alleles are poor eliminators of mycotoxins from their system. Four subjects with variations in their HLA-DR alleles were exposed to mycotoxins from living in mold-infested houses and experienced persistent mold-related symptoms long after moving out from the mold-infested houses and only exposed to the levels of molds found in the ambient air. From one of the subjects, two urine samples were collected ~ 18 months apart after the cessation of exposure. Urinary elimination rate was extremely slow for two of the mycotoxins (ochratoxin A [OTA] and mycophenolic acid [MPA]) detected in both samples. In 18 months, decline in OTA level was only ~ 3-fold (estimated t½ of ~ 311 days) and decline in MPA level was ~ 11-fold (estimated t½ of ~ 160 days), which was ~ 10- and ~ 213-fold slower than expected in individuals without HLA-DR alleles, respectively. We estimated that ~ 4.3 and ~ 2.2 years will be required for OTA and MPA to reach < LLQ in urine, respectively. Three other subjects with variations in HLA-DR alleles were members of a family who lived in a mold-infested house for 4 years. They kept experiencing mold-related issues >2 years after moving to a non-mold-infested house. Consistent exposure was confirmed by the presence of several mycotoxins in urine >2 years after the secession of higher than background (from outdoor ambient air) exposure. This was consistent with the extremely slow elimination of mycotoxins from their system. Variations in HLA-DR alleles can, consequently, make even short periods of exposure to chronic exposure scenarios with related adverse health effects. It is, therefore, important to determine genetic predisposition as a reason for prolonged/lingering mold-related symptoms long after the cessation of higher than background exposure. Increased human exposure to mycotoxins is expected from increased mold infestation that is anticipated due to rising CO2, temperature, and humidity from the climate change with possibly increased adverse health effects, especially in individuals with genetic susceptibility to mold toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmed Saghir
- ToxInternational Inc, Hilliard, OH, USA.
- Mold Law Group, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Univ, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
| | - Rais Ahmed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Health Professions Division, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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Erami M, Raiesi O, Momen-Heravi M, Mirhendi H, Aboutalebian S, Getso MI, Matini AH, Ahsaniarani AH, Ganjizadeh M, Hassani Josheghani H, Amiri S, Pakzad R, Hashemi SJ. COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM) in Kashan, Iran: clinical presentations, risk factors, management, and outcomes. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:81-90. [PMID: 37816067 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2267669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to estimate the disease burden and describe the clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcome of CAM in a single centre in Iran. METHODS A case of mucormycosis was defined as one that had clinical and radiological features consistent with mucormycosis along with demonstration of the fungus in tissue via KOH mount/culture/histopathological and molecular examination. RESULTS We report 30 cases of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). The results of this study showed the affected age group in the range of 40-79 years (median = 65.5; IQR = 5) with women (16/30, 53%) affected more than men (14/30, 47%). Among the fungi recovered, Rhizopus oryzae had the highest frequency (79%). Out of the 30 patients, 28 (93%) patients were diabetic with 24 (80%) patients having other co-morbidities. Headache followed by retro-orbital pain, proptosis/ptosis and rapid diminution of vision was a common sequence of symptoms reported by the majority of cases. Use of mechanical ventilation (58% vs. 6%, p = 0.003), O2 required (92% vs. 50%, p = 0.024), and development of renal dysfunction during hospital stay (17% vs. 0%, p = 0.041) was significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors. Temperature (C°), PR (pulse rate), mean levels of serum creatinine, BUN, troponin, and neutrophils were significantly higher in non-survivors (p < 0.05). Besides, Albumin and PO2 were also significantly higher in survivors than non-survivors. CONCLUSION Despite medical and surgical treatment, the mortality rate among CAM patients is still high. Thus, concerted efforts of revamping surveillance, diagnosis and management, along with public awareness and patient education, are the requisites for managing COVID-19 and mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Erami
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Raiesi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shima Aboutalebian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Getso
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Amir Hassan Matini
- Department of Pathology and Histology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Ahsaniarani
- Head and Neck Surgery, Department, Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Matini Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ganjizadeh
- Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Sasan Amiri
- Roozbeh hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Pakzad
- Department of Epidemiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyed Jamal Hashemi
- Department of Medical Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gomes Ferreira D, Gadêlha M, Ricardo Vissoci J, Negri M. Impact of invasive fungal infections in men from a state in southern Brazil: A geospatial analysis. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:771-779. [PMID: 37559424 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the records of male hospitalisation for fungal infections, including their spatial distribution and the main invasive epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics in the State of Paraná, Brazil. METHODS Spatial analysis based on data from male admission records for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in the State of Paraná, from 2015 to 2019. Data were taken from the hospital records obtained in the Hospital Information System of the Unified Health System, being collected, georeferenced and analysed to infer the existence of autocorrelation with the hospitalisation rates in the state. RESULTS From 2015 to 2019, there were 385 cases of IFIs in men, being more prevalent in white individuals aged 61-70 years. We observed that the metropolitan, southeast, central-eastern, north-central, northwestern and western regions formed high-high clusters, with regions with a high number of registered cases. In the regression, there was an association with socioeconomic and demographic factors that showed a correlation with the rates of hospitalisation for IFIs. CONCLUSION The study draws attention to Paraná as an endemic region for paracoccidioidomycosis, in addition to presenting high rates of nosocomial fungal infections. We also emphasise the importance of compulsory notification in the state and in the country to gain greater control over the incidence and prevalence of cases and to incentivise the creation of public policies for the prevention of IFIs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Gadêlha
- Post-graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | - Melyssa Negri
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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Dos Santos KS, Oliveira LT, de Lima Fontes M, Migliato KF, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes Giannini MJS, Moroz A. Alginate-Based 3D A549 Cell Culture Model to Study Paracoccidioides Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:634. [PMID: 37367570 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A three-dimensional (3D) lung aggregate model based on sodium alginate scaffolds was developed to study the interactions between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and lung epithelial cells. The suitability of the 3D aggregate as an infection model was examined using cell viability (cytotoxicity), metabolic activity, and proliferation assays. Several studies exemplify the similarity between 3D cell cultures and living organisms, which can generate complementary data due to the greater complexity observed in these designed models, compared to 2D cell cultures. A 3D cell culture system of human A549 lung cell line plus sodium alginate was used to create the scaffolds that were infected with Pb18. Our results showed low cytotoxicity, evidence of increased cell density (indicative of cell proliferation), and the maintenance of cell viability for seven days. The confocal analysis revealed viable yeast within the 3D scaffold, as demonstrated in the solid BHI Agar medium cultivation. Moreover, when ECM proteins were added to the alginate scaffolds, the number of retrieved fungi was significantly higher. Our results highlight that this 3D model may be promising for in vitro studies of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Sousa Dos Santos
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lariane Teodoro Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina de Lima Fontes
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes Giannini
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrei Moroz
- Department of Clinical Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 85040-167, São Paulo, Brazil
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Khan A, El Hosseiny A, Siam R. Assessing and Reassessing the Association of Comorbidities and Coinfections in COVID-19 Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e36683. [PMID: 37113367 PMCID: PMC10126732 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed an enormous global health and economic burden. To date, 324 million confirmed cases and over 5.5 million deaths have been reported. Several studies have reported comorbidities and coinfections associated with complicated and serious COVID-19 infections. Data from retrospective, prospective, case series, and case reports from various geographical locations were assessed, which included ~ 2300 COVID-19 patients with varying comorbidities and coinfection. We report that Enterobacterales with Staphylococcus aureus was the most while Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the least prevalent coinfection in COVID-19 patients with a comorbidity. In this order, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary disease were the prevalent comorbidities observed in COVID-19 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalent comorbidities observed in patients coinfected with Staphylococcus aureus and COVID-19 and a statistically non-significant difference in the prevalent comorbidities in patients coinfected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19 as compared to similar infections in non-COVID-19 coinfection. We report a significant difference in the prevalent comorbidities recorded in COVID-19 patients with varying coinfections and varying geographic study regions. Our study provides informative data on the prevalence of comorbidities and coinfections in COVID-19 patients to aid in evidence-based patient management and care.
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Murray J, Lu ZA, Miller K, Meadows A, Totten M, Zhang SX. Dual Disseminated Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis Diagnosed at Autopsy: A Report of Two Cases of Coinfection and a Review of the Literature. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:357. [PMID: 36983525 PMCID: PMC10055918 DOI: 10.3390/jof9030357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coinfection with invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in immunocompromised patients has been reported but is rarely confirmed by tissue histology or autopsy. Serum fungal biomarkers and culture are the primary diagnostic tools but are suboptimal for detecting fungal coinfection. Here, we present the cases of two patients who were immunocompromised due to hematologic malignancy where disseminated aspergillosis and mucormycosis coinfection was only diagnosed upon autopsy despite extensive fungal diagnostic workup, and also review recent literature of such instances of coinfection.
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Dantas KC, de Freitas—Xavier RS, Spina Lombardi SCF, Júnior AM, da Silva MV, Criado PR, de Freitas VLT, de Almeida TMB. Comparative analysis of diagnostic methods for the detection of Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011140. [PMID: 36877731 PMCID: PMC10019727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptococcosis is a devastating opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, primarily in people living with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated a protocol for the early diagnosis of meningitis due to C. neoformans, utilizing established molecular techniques from serum and CSF samples. METHODS The 18S and 5.8S (rDNA-ITS) sequence-specific nested PCR assays were compared with direct India ink staining and the latex agglutination test for detection of C. neoformans in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 49 Brazilian suspected meningitis patients. Results were validated with samples obtained from 10 patients negative for cryptococcosis and HIV, and by analysis of standard C. neoformans strains. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The 5.8S DNA-ITS PCR was more sensitive (89-100%) and specific (100%) than the 18S rDNA PCR and conventional tests (India ink staining and latex agglutination) for identification of C. neoformans. While the 18S PCR exhibited a sensitivity (72%) similar to that of the latex agglutination assay in serum samples, it was superior to the latex agglutination assay when testing CSF, with a sensitivity of 84%. However, the latex agglutination was superior to the 18SrDNA PCR in specificity in CSF (92%). The 5.8S DNA-ITS PCR yielded the highest levels of accuracy (96-100%) of any test for detection (serological and mycological) of C. neoformans in both serum and CSF. CONCLUSION Use of the nested 5.8S PCR was superior to other techniques for the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The possibility of using serum, a non-invasively collected material, in a targeted 5.8S PCR analysis to identify Cryptococcus spp. is recommended, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Our results indicate that nested 5.8S PCR can increase the diagnostic capability of cryptococcosis, and we suggest its use to monitor patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Cristina Dantas
- Department of Pathology, Sao Paulo University Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Alfredo Mendroni Júnior
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in OncoImmuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Department of Hematology, Hospital das Clínicas -HCFMUSP, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Emilio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, Consultant, Ministry of Health, Department of Medicine, Catholic University of Sao Paulo, and Professor, Program in Postgraduate Sciences and Coordination of Disease Control, Department of State Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vera Lúcia Teixeira de Freitas
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Imunology (LIM-48), Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sao Paulo University Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Peçanha-Pietrobom PM, Tirado-Sánchez A, Gonçalves SS, Bonifaz A, Colombo AL. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis and Paracoccidioidomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:218. [PMID: 36836333 PMCID: PMC9959547 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidioidomycosis (CM) and paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) are systemic mycoses that are highly endemic in Latin America and have recently been included on the World Health Organization (WHO) Fungal Priority Pathogens List. Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii are recognized as etiological agents of CM, with peculiarities in their geographic distribution. The genus Paracoccidioides now includes Paracoccidioides lutzii and the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex, which encompasses four phylogenetic species. In both diseases, pulmonary signs and symptoms are the main reasons for patients to seek medical assistance, and they are frequently misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. In this paper, we present a critical view of the strategies for diagnosis and clinical management of CM and PCM. Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of reports of endemic fungal infections in areas previously thought to be "non-endemic" due to climate change and increased travel, among other factors. Learning to recognize their main epidemiological aspects and clinical manifestations is crucial so that clinicians can include them in the differential diagnosis of lung disease and avoid late diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrés Tirado-Sánchez
- Dermatology Service & Mycology Department, Hospital General de México, “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City 06726, Mexico
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital General de Zona 29, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07950, Mexico
| | - Sarah Santos Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Infectious Diseases Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria 29043900, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Bonifaz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital General de Zona 29, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City 07950, Mexico
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04039032, Brazil
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Gupta V, Yadav A, Chilkoti GT, Mohta M, Meena RK. Predictors of Postoperative ICU Admission in Patients With COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis. Cureus 2022; 14:e29543. [PMID: 36312617 PMCID: PMC9592563 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies exploring factors predicting postoperative ICU requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) were not found in the literature. The aim was to evaluate the demographic profile, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, and intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations associated with ICU requirement amongst patients scheduled for sinonasal debridement. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. All CAM patients of ≥18 years were included. The patients’ characteristics, comorbidities, pattern of steroid received, airway assessment, intraoperative hemodynamic perturbations, and outcome data were retrieved. Results: A total of 130 patients were included. Thirty got admitted to ICU, out of which 26 expired. Amongst the various comorbidities, diabetes was the most common (93.85%) and was associated with higher chances of ICU requirement. Of patients with a history of steroid intake, 71% had a significantly higher risk of ICU admission. Out of 30 patients admitted to ICU, 87% (n=26) received invasive ventilation, and the rest were admitted for observation only. Conclusion: Middle age, uncontrolled diabetes, history of steroid intake, increased levels of serum creatinine with low potassium, and increased total leucocyte count are the independent risk factors predicting postoperative ICU admission amongst patients with CAM scheduled for sinonasal debridement.
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Kumar H. Epidemiological Mucormycosis treatment and diagnosis challenges using the adaptive properties of computer vision techniques based approach: a review. Multimed Tools Appl 2022; 81:14217-14245. [PMID: 35233180 PMCID: PMC8874753 DOI: 10.1007/s11042-022-12450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As everyone knows that in today's time Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning are being used extensively and generally researchers are thinking of using them everywhere. At the same time, we are also seeing that the second wave of corona has wreaked havoc in India. More than 4 lakh cases are coming in 24 h. In the meantime, news came that a new deadly fungus has come, which doctors have named Mucormycosis (Black fungus). This fungus also spread rapidly in many states, due to which states have declared this disease as an epidemic. It has become very important to find a cure for this life-threatening fungus by taking the help of our today's devices and technology such as artificial intelligence, data learning. It was found that the CT-Scan has much more adequate information and delivers greater evaluation validity than the chest X-Ray. After that the steps of Image processing such as pre-processing, segmentation, all these were surveyed in which it was found that accuracy score for the deep features retrieved from the ResNet50 model and SVM classifier using the Linear kernel function was 94.7%, which was the highest of all the findings. Also studied about Deep Belief Network (DBN) that how easy it can be to diagnose a life-threatening infection like fungus. Then a survey explained how computer vision helped in the corona era, in the same way it would help in epidemics like Mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harekrishna Kumar
- Department of Electronics and Communication, GLA University, Mathura, 281406 India
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Ricci G, Campanini EB, Nishikaku AS, Puccia R, Marques M, Bialek R, Rodrigues AM, Batista WL. PbGP43 Genotyping Using Paraffin-Embedded Biopsies of Human Paracoccidioidomycosis Reveals a Genetically Distinct Lineage in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Complex. Mycopathologia 2021; 187:157-168. [PMID: 34870754 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-021-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by a group of cryptic species embedded in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Four species were recently inferred to belong to the P. brasiliensis complex, but the high genetic diversity found in both human and environmental samples have suggested that the number of lineages may be higher. This study aimed to assess the 43-kilodalton glycoprotein genotypes (PbGP43) in paraffin-embedded samples from PCM patients to infer the phylogenetic lineages of the P. brasiliensis complex responsible for causing the infection. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with histopathological diagnosis of PCM were analyzed. DNAs were extracted and amplified for a region of the second exon of the PbGP43 gene. Products were sequenced and aligned with other PbGP43 sequences available. A haplotype network and the phylogenetic relationships among sequences were inferred. Amino acid substitutions were investigated regarding the potential to modify physicochemical properties in the proteins. Six phylogenetic lineages were identified as belonging to the P. brasiliensis complex. Two lineages did not group with any of the four recognized species of the complex, and, interestingly, one of them comprised only FFPE samples. A coinfection involving two lineages was found. Five parsimony-informative sites were identified and three of them showed radical non-synonymous substitutions with the potential to promote changes in the protein. This study expands the knowledge regarding the genetic diversity existing in the P. brasiliensis complex and shows the potential of FFPE samples in species identification and in detecting coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giannina Ricci
- Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Biologia Molecular Dr Ivo Ricci, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
- Departamento de Patologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Emeline Boni Campanini
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Angela Satie Nishikaku
- Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Biologia Molecular Dr Ivo Ricci, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rosana Puccia
- Disciplina de Biologia Celular, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariângela Marques
- Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Ralf Bialek
- LADR GmbH MVZ Dr, Kramer & Kollegen, Lauenburger Straße 67, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anderson Messias Rodrigues
- Disciplina de Biologia Celular, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner Luiz Batista
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Diadema, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Zhang D, Li X, Zhang J, Wu J, Sun X. Characteristics of Invasive Pulmonary Fungal Diseases Diagnosed by Pathological Examination. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2021:5944518. [PMID: 34745396 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5944518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the characteristics of invasive pulmonary fungal disease and the spectrum of pathogens causing invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by pathological examination using fungal stains. Methods Patients with an invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by histopathological analysis through the use of fungal stains (including Grocott's methenamine silver and periodic acid-Schiff stains) were included in this study. The clinical records, radiological reports, pathology, and fungal culture results were reviewed. Results Forty-eight invasive pulmonary fungal disease patients diagnosed by histopathological analysis in the Tianjin Haihe Hospital (including 8 cases obtained by pulmonary resection, 35 cases by fiberoptic bronchoscopic biopsy, and 5 cases by percutaneous lung biopsy) were included. There were 24 male and 24 female patients, aged 21–80 years (53 ± 13 years). There were 37 cases of pulmonary aspergillosis, 4 cases of pulmonary cryptococcosis, 2 cases of pulmonary mucormycosis, and 5 in which pathogens were not determined due to limited tissue availability. Among 48 cases, 32 specimens were submitted to fungal culture. No fungus was detected in culture, although 26 cases of fungus infections were diagnosed by histopathological analysis. Only 3 cases were consistent between histopathological and culture results. In 3 cases, the pathogen was identified as Aspergillus spp. by the histopathological analysis, while the contrasting fungal culture results identified Candida albicans. Conclusion Candida albicans pneumonia was rare, while aspergillosis was common in invasive pulmonary fungal disease diagnosed by histopathological analysis. The majority of patients with an invasive pulmonary fungal disease were culture-negative. Although culture can clarify the fungal pathogen species, it has low sensitivity. Pathological examination with fungal stains has its advantages in diagnosing fungal disease; therefore, more attention should be paid to the role of pathological examination in the diagnosis of fungal disease.
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Seidel D, Simon M, Sprute R, Lubnow M, Evert K, Speer C, Seeßle J, Khatamzas E, Merle U, Behrens C, Blau IW, Enghard P, Haas CS, Steinmann J, Kurzai O, Cornely OA. Results from a national survey on COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in Germany: 13 patients from six tertiary hospitals. Mycoses 2021; 65:103-109. [PMID: 34655486 PMCID: PMC8662289 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases are reported from India and neighbouring countries. Anecdotally cases from Europe have been presented. OBJECTIVE To estimate the disease burden and describe the clinical presentation of CAM in Germany. METHODS We identified cases through German mycology networks and scientific societies, and collected anonymised clinical information via FungiScope®. RESULTS We identified 13 CAM cases from six tertiary referral hospitals diagnosed between March 2020 and June 2021. Twelve patients had severe or critical COVID-19, eleven were mechanically ventilated for a median of 8 days (range 1-27 days) before diagnosis of CAM. Eleven patients received systemic corticosteroids. Additional underlying medical conditions were reported for all but one patient, five were immunocompromised because of malignancy or organ transplantation, three were diabetic. Eleven patients developed pneumonia. Mortality was 53.8% with a median time from diagnosis of mucormycosis to death of 9 days (range 0-214 days) despite treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and/or isavuconazole in 10 of 13 cases. CAM prevalence amongst hospitalised COVID-19 patients overall (0.67% and 0.58% in two centres) and those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (1.47%, 1.78% and 0.15% in three centres) was significantly higher compared to non-COVID-19 patients (P < .001 for respective comparisons). CONCLUSION COVID-19-associated mucormycosis is rare in Germany, mostly reported in patients with comorbidities and impaired immune system and severe COVID-19 treated in the ICU with high mortality compared to mainly rhino-orbito-cerebral CAM in patients with mild COVID-19 in India. Risk for CAM is higher in hospitalised COVID-19 patients than in other patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danila Seidel
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michaela Simon
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rosanne Sprute
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Lubnow
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katja Evert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claudius Speer
- Department of Nephrology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jessica Seeßle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elham Khatamzas
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Behrens
- Department Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Technische Hygiene, Medizet, Städtisches Klinikum München GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | - Igor Wolfgang Blau
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Enghard
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian S Haas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Joerg Steinmann
- Institute of Clinical Hygiene, Medical Microbiology and Infectiology, Klinikum Nürnberg, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Oliver A Cornely
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM), Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne (ZKS Köln), Cologne, Germany.,University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Cologne, Germany
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Mahalaxmi I, Jayaramayya K, Venkatesan D, Subramaniam MD, Renu K, Vijayakumar P, Narayanasamy A, Gopalakrishnan AV, Kumar NS, Sivaprakash P, Sambasiva Rao KRS, Vellingiri B. Mucormycosis: An opportunistic pathogen during COVID-19. Environ Res 2021; 201:111643. [PMID: 34237335 PMCID: PMC8258024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) still remains on an upsurge trend. The second wave of this disease has led to panic in many countries, including India and some parts of the world suffering from the third wave. As there are no proper treatment options or remedies available for this deadly infection, supportive care equipment's such as oxygen cylinders, ventilators and heavy use of steroids play a vital role in the management of COVID-19. In the midst of this pandemic, the COVID-19 patients are acquiring secondary infections such as mucormycosis also known as black fungus disease. Mucormycosis is a serious, but rare opportunistic fungal infection that spreads rapidly, and hence prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid high rate of mortality and morbidity rates. Mucormycosis is caused by the inhalation of its filamentous (hyphal form) fungi especially in the patients who are immunosuppressed. Recent studies have documented alarming number of COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis infection. Most of these patients had diabetes and were administered steroids for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and were consequently more prone to mucormycosis. Hence, the present review emphasizes mucormycosis and its related conditions, its mechanism in normal and COVID-19 affected individuals, influencing factors and challenges to overcome this black mold infection. Early identification and further investigation of this fungus will significantly reduce the severity of the disease and mortality rate in COVID-19 affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyer Mahalaxmi
- Livestock Farming and Bioresource Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaavya Jayaramayya
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641-046, India
| | - Dhivya Venkatesan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641-046, India
| | - Mohana Devi Subramaniam
- SN ONGC, Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Padmavathi Vijayakumar
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641-046, India
| | - Arul Narayanasamy
- Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nachimuthu Senthil Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, 796 004, Mizoram, India
| | - Palanisamy Sivaprakash
- Centre for Environmental Awareness, Dr. N.G.P. Institute of Technology, Coimbatore, 641048, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 641-046, India.
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Falci DR, Dalla Lana DF, Pasqualotto AC. The era of histoplasmosis in Brazilian endemic mycoses. Lancet Reg Health Am 2021; 3:100037. [PMID: 36777401 PMCID: PMC9903817 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego R. Falci
- Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Alessandro C. Pasqualotto
- Universidade Federal de Ciencias da Saude de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil,Corresponding author: Prof. Alessandro C. Pasqualotto. Molecular Biology Laboratory, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. Av. Independência 155, Hospital Dom Vicente Scherer, Heliponto. Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 90035075.
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