Mycoses最新文献

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a severe opportunistic infection affecting immunocompromised patients. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is widely used for the detection of P. jirovecii in respiratory samples. However, the diagnosis of PCP remains challenging and the high prevalence of P. jirovecii airway colonisation complicates the interpretation of positive results. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of P. jirovecii PCR Quantification Cycle (Cq) values in differentiating between PCP and colonisation in PCR-positive respiratory samples from immunocompromised patients.

Methods: Adult patients with P. jirovecii detected by qPCR in respiratory samples (bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), sputum and oral wash) collected between 2017 and 2023 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were classified as having PCP or P. jirovecii colonisation and Cq values were compared between the groups. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses were used to assess the performance of Cq values to distinguish between PCP and colonisation, and to establish Cq cut-off values for the different sample types.

Result: Of 520 included participants, 247 patients (47.5%) were classified as PCP and 273 (52.5%) as colonised. The median Cq value was significantly lower in the PCP group compared to colonised patients in BAL (33.0 vs. 36.6, p < 0.001) and sputum (33.4 vs. 36.0, p < 0.0001), yielding a ROC area under the curve of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. Cq levels for oral wash did not differ between PCP and colonisation and lacked discriminatory power with a ROC AUC of 0.45. A Cq cut-off level at 31 for BAL and sputum could predict PCP with a positive predictive value of > 85% while Cq < 38 provided a negative predictive value of 89% for BAL and 73% for sputum.

Conclusion: Different Cq cut-off values in BAL and sputum may support discrimination between PCP and colonisation and assist physicians in their clinical management of PCP.

Objectives: To evaluate the susceptibility and resistance of Aspergillus and Mucorales isolates to antifungal agents.

Methods: Studies in susceptibility or resistance of Aspergillus and Mucorales isolates to antifungal agents published between January 2010 and June 2023 were systematically searched in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), susceptibility and resistance data were analysed using CLSI or EUCAST methods.

Results: After following the systematic review processes, 96 studies were included. The total number of isolates was 16,258. Compared with existing MIC distributions and breakpoints or epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) established by CLSI or EUCAST, for A. flavus, the posaconazole and voriconazole MIC values were at or below the ECV, indicating that the isolates were wild-type (WT) strains; however, the amphotericin B, isavuconazole and itraconazole MIC values were elevated. For A. fumigatus, the isavuconazole MIC values were within ECV limits, indicating that the isolates were WT strains; however, the amphotericin B, posaconazole and voriconazole MIC values were elevated. For A. niger, the isavuconazole and voriconazole MIC values were within ECV limits, indicating that the isolates were WT strains; however, the amphotericin B and posaconazole MIC values were elevated. A. flavus had consistently high in vitro susceptibility to voriconazole, and A. fumigatus and A. niger had consistently high in vitro susceptibility to amphotericin B. For Mucorales, the resistance to amphotericin B was consistently at the lowest level. The subgroup analysis indicated that the resistance among the strains in the environment was higher than that of the clinical isolates.

Conclusion: Trends in susceptibility and resistance of Aspergillus and Mucorales isolates should be adequately considered in antifungal therapy. The evaluation of drug resistance is beneficial in that it enables clinicians to choose suitable drugs and appropriate doses.

Background: Malassezia genus includes lipodependent commensal yeasts of humans and animals' skin and mucous membranes. It can cause dermatological pathologies, and azoles are mainly used for treatment. However, in vitro susceptibility testing has shown decreased sensitivity to these antifungals. Some publications have suggested that resistance mechanisms to azoles include biofilm formation and efflux pump expression, which are proteins encoded by the ATM1 gene, among others.

Objective: This work aimed to characterise Colombian isolates of Malassezia spp. resistant to azoles.

Methods: Twenty-six Malassezia spp. isolates were identified via PCR, ribosomal gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Susceptibility tests were performed on planktonic and sessile cells by microdilution against azoles and by adding efflux pump inhibitors. The relative expression levels of the ATM1 gene in fluconazole-resistant isolates were evaluated via RT-qPCR.

Results: It was observed that 42% of the isolates in their planktonic form were resistant to voriconazole, 31% to fluconazole, 23% to itraconazole and 15% to ketoconazole. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was higher in sessile cells than planktonic cells, especially for fluconazole. The MICs of itraconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole decreased in the presence of haloperidol, promethazine and tacrolimus, while this effect did not occur with fluconazole. The expression of the ATM1 gene was markedly greater in Malassezia spp. isolates resistant to fluconazole than in those susceptible (p < 0.05), both in those exposed and not exposed to the antifungal agent.

Conclusions: We observed resistance of Colombian Malassezia spp. isolates to azoles, mainly fluconazole, through the expression of efflux pumps and biofilm formation.

Introduction: Intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) still has a high mortality rate despite prompt antifungal therapy due to immunosuppression. T cell exhaustion is an important manifestation of immunosuppression. This study aimed to explore the expression pattern of exhaustion-related molecules in patients with IAC and determine the possible association between dynamic trends and prognosis.

Methods: Patients with IAC were enrolled, and non-IAC critically ill patients were included as controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analysed by flow cytometry to determine the expression levels of T cell exhaustion-related markers. T cells isolated from PBMCs were stimulated by IL-2 in α-CD3/α-CD28 medium to compare intracellular cytokine production and proliferative capacity.

Results: A total of 34 patients with IAC and 35 controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with IAC had a significant decrease in lymphocytes. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients with IAC had a significantly higher level of immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4), and B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), and exhibited a consistently impaired cytokine-secreting function. Increased exhaustion-associated molecules and deteriorating dysfunction were detected in non-survivors, while survivors demonstrated the opposite tendency. Patients with impaired granzyme B (GZMB) production function who died from IAC over the course of the disease had higher levels of PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells.

Conclusions: T cells from patients with IAC displayed an immunosuppressive phenotype of T cell exhaustion. Sustaining exhaustion status and deteriorated dysfunction were associated with poor prognosis. Persistently increased PD-1 expression and impaired GZMB secretion in CD8+ T cells were linked to worse outcomes. Immunoadjuvants reversing T cell exhaustion have promising prospects in treating IAC and improving prognosis.

Introduction: Candidaemia is a life-threatening infection with a persistently high mortality rate, despite significant advances in antifungal therapy and supportive care. The European Confederation of Medical Mycology developed the EQUAL Candida Score as a standardised tool to evaluate adherence to guideline-based management; however, its prognostic value has not been consistently demonstrated in different patient populations. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of adhering to guidelines and determine the predictive value of the EQUAL Candida Score for mortality risk in candidaemia patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with candidaemia who were treated at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were classified as survivors or nonsurvivors based on 90-day candidaemia-related mortality. We identified independent predictors of mortality using multivariable Cox regression analysis and subsequently developed a prognostic nomogram based on the final model.

Results: A total of 189 patients with candidaemia were included in the study, of whom 88 (46.6%) died within 90 days. The median EQUAL Candida Score was significantly lower among nonsurvivors compared with survivors (8 vs. 13, p < 0.001). This prognostic association remained consistent in subgroup analyses, both in patients with (10 vs. 13, p < 0.001) and without (10 vs. 13, p = 0.022) central venous catheters. An optimal cut-off score of 12 was identified across all groups, yielding a sensitivity of 70%-80% and a specificity of 79%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis further confirmed that patients with an EQUAL Score ≥ 12 had significantly higher survival rates in all subgroups. In multivariable Cox regression, immunosuppressive treatment (HR 1.728), septic shock (HR 2.035), lack of source control (HR 2.013) and an EQUAL Score < 12 (HR 3.503) were identified as independent predictors of candidaemia-related mortality. Based on these variables, a nomogram was developed to estimate individualised survival probabilities at 1, 3 and 6 months. External validation in an independent cohort (n = 64) confirmed the model's prognostic performance, with a Harrell's C-index of 0.704 (95% CI: 0.587-0.821), despite the limited sample size.

Conclusion: The EQUAL Candida Score serves as a reliable prognostic marker for candidaemia. When combined with clinical parameters, it enhances the accuracy of mortality risk estimation. Our novel nomogram provides a practical framework for early risk stratification and may optimise management strategies for high-risk patients.

Background: Tinea pedis is a type of dermatophytosis that affects the superficial layers of the skin on feet. Limited data are available on the skin microbiome composition in affected patients and its changes following topical antifungal therapy.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of topical ketoconazole 2% cream (KTZ) and miconazole nitrate 2% cream (MCZ) using standardised clinical scoring and amplicon sequencing.

Methods: A total of 42 patients with tinea pedis and 28 healthy controls were enrolled. Skin swabs were collected from lesional sites (interdigital or heel) at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, and 2 weeks post-treatment. DNA was extracted from the samples, and the bacterial 16S rRNA (V3-V4 region) and fungal ITS1-5F regions were sequenced to analyse microbial community composition.

Results: Both KTZ and MCZ led to comparable clinical improvement. However, the KTZ group showed faster symptom resolution and a higher sustained improvement rate during follow-up. Treatment with either antifungal effectively reduced the abundance of pathogenic Trichophyton species to levels similar to those in healthy controls, thereby contributing to partial recovery of the overall fungal community structure. In parallel, the bacterial profile became more dispersed, with notable shifts observed in bacterial genera such as Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium following treatment.

Conclusion: Topical antifungal therapy with KTZ or MCZ effectively improved the symptoms of tinea pedis, diminished the pathogenic fungal load and altered both fungal and bacterial community compositions. However, only partial restoration of the mycobiome was achieved, and the bacterial profile, especially in the interdigital region, showed a lack of bacterial normalisation. These findings highlight the need for further studies to assess long-term outcomes and to explore microbiome-targeted strategies addressing both bacterial and fungal components.

Background: Rezafungin, a novel echinocandin with once-weekly intravenous dosing, offers potential advantages for outpatient parenteral antifungal therapy (OPAT) in invasive candidiasis (IC). While clinical trial data support its efficacy and safety, real-world experience remains limited.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients treated with rezafungin across Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States between January 2024 and June 2025 was conducted. Data was collected via the FungiScope registry. Clinical characteristics, indications for rezafungin, outcomes, safety, and logistical aspects of administration were evaluated.

Results: Fifteen patients were included, fourteen with IC; one with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Regarding patients with IC, the median age was 65.5 years; 43% were female. The most frequently identified pathogens were Candida glabrata (57%) and Candida parapsilosis (21%). Primary indications for rezafungin were intravascular (36%) and osteoarticular infections (36%). Rezafungin was mainly selected to enable OPAT (86%) or due to fluconazole resistance (36%) or drug-drug interactions (14%). The median treatment duration was 9 weeks (range: 1-38 weeks). One mild adverse event occurred (cutaneous photosensitivity), but rezafungin was otherwise well tolerated. Complete clinical or mycological response was observed in 36% at day 30, and partial response in 50% of patients. Access differed substantially across centres due to administrative and reimbursement hurdles, affecting treatment transition to rezafungin in 71% of patients with IC.

Conclusions: Rezafungin was effective and well tolerated in this cohort, particularly in patients requiring long-term treatment. Administrative and logistical hurdles remain significant barriers to its widespread use. Facilitated access and enhanced awareness may improve patient outcomes by supporting early initiation and continuity of care.

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare, rapidly progressive fungal infection with a high mortality rate. However, clinical data of mucormycosis patients, especially those related to adverse outcomes in China, remain limited.

Objective: To enhance understanding of the clinical characteristics of different infection site mucormycosis and identify the factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods: A 14-year retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in China. Patients were categorised based on the site of infection and clinical outcomes.

Results: From 2010 to 2024, 32 cases of mucormycosis were identified. Among these, pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) was the most common infection site, followed by disseminated mucormycosis. All patients had underlying comorbidities, predominantly chronic lung disease (37.5%) and diabetes mellitus (34.3%). All received pharmacological treatment, most commonly amphotericin B; 15.6% of patients additionally underwent surgical intervention. Chest CT findings in PM cases most frequently revealed bilateral involvement (68.8%) and cavitation (43.8%). Diagnosis was primarily based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS, n = 14) and histopathological examination (n = 11). Adverse outcomes were observed in 46.9% of patients and were significantly associated with corticosteroid or immunosuppressant use, COVID-19 co-infection, disseminated disease, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased incidence of complications, and ICU admission (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Pulmonary mucormycosis was the predominant subtype in this cohort and was frequently associated with chronic lung disease and diabetes. The high incidence of adverse outcomes highlights the necessity for early diagnosis, prompt antifungal therapy, and aggressive management of complications to improve patient survival.

Background: Starting from 2018 onwards, several outbreaks of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis have been reported in many countries worldwide.

Objectives: Here we report a retrospective study on C. parapsilosis blood isolates collected over 7 years (2018-2024) in two hospitals in Northern Italy.

Patients/methods: The study involved 169 C. parapsilosis isolates collected from individual hospitalised patients. We assessed the antifungal susceptibility of the isolates, evaluated the presence of mutations in the ERG11 gene and performed multilocus microsatellite typing to highlight the genetic relatedness of the strains. All isolates were also tested for their ability to produce biofilm.

Results: Among the 169 clinical isolates, 124 (73.4%) were classified as fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis (FRCP) and 45 (26.6%) as fluconazole-susceptible (FSCP). ERG11 sequencing highlighted that the most frequent mutation in FRCP is the Y132F (118/124, 95.2%). None of the FSCP carried the Y132F. Microsatellite genotyping showed five major clusters and 13 sub-clusters, formed by isolates sharing identical genotypes. Sub-cluster R1 included 96 FRCP carrying the Y132F substitution, isolated from 2018 to 2024 in both hospitals. Interestingly, 99.1% of the FRCP carrying the Y132F mutation were categorised as low biofilm formers, while FRCP carrying other ERG11 mutations were categorised as medium or high biofilm formers.

Conclusions: Our results confirmed that Y132F may be mainly responsible for azole resistance in C. parapsilosis and inter-hospital spread. As we found, recent clinical studies indicate that FRCP isolates responsible for severe outbreaks produce thin biofilms. Mutated and therefore resistant strains may exhibit reduced biofilm production as a protective mechanism.

Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is most commonly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (AF-CPA). Serum A. fumigatus-IgG, a pivotal investigation for diagnosing CPA, misses 10%-15% of CPA cases. We aimed to determine whether measuring serum IgG against non-fumigatus Aspergillus species enhances the serodiagnosis of CPA.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive, treatment-naïve adults with CPA. The diagnosis of CPA was made using the ESCMID-ERS criteria. Serum IgG against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus (cut-off, 27 mgA/L) was measured by fluorescent enzyme immunoassay. Non-fumigatus-CPA (NF-CPA) was defined when non-fumigatus species-specific IgG titres exceeded A. fumigatus-IgG by ≥ 25%. The primary objective was to evaluate the incremental diagnostic yield of non-fumigatus species-specific IgG for identifying CPA cases missed by A. fumigatus-IgG. The secondary outcome was to compare clinical features and treatment outcomes of AF-CPA and NF-CPA.

Results: Among 279 patients (mean age 45.7 ± 14.8 years, 64% male), seropositivity was 95.3% for A. fumigatus, 70.6% for A. flavus, 56.6% for A. niger and 30.5% for A. terreus. The addition of non-fumigatus-IgG increased serologic yield by 61%. NF-CPA was diagnosed in 14% (39/279), with A. fumigatus-IgG alone missing 25.6% of these cases. Treatment outcomes at six (n = 228) and 12 (n = 222) months were similar between AF-CPA and NF-CPA groups, although the percentage reduction in serum A. fumigatus-IgG was significantly greater in AF-CPA.

Conclusions: Incorporating non-fumigatus Aspergillus-IgG enhances the serodiagnosis of CPA. However, treatment outcomes are similar in patients with AF-CPA and NF-CPA.