Pub Date : 2025-03-19DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2025.02.001
Mi Kwon
Isavuconazole has emerged as a significant antifungal agent in the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) among immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or receiving treatment for hematological malignancies. Real-world experience with the use of isavuconazole in oncohematological patients has increasingly been reported. Isavuconazole has demonstrated efficacy against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens, with a favorable safety profile and lower rates of hepatotoxicity compared to other azoles. Isavuconazole is generally well-tolerated, making it suitable for long-term use in high-risk patients for both treatment and prophylaxis of IFIs. Isavuconazole can be considered a valuable treatment option for IFIs in patients with hematological malignancies and HSCT recipients. It may be a suitable alternative to other azoles, especially in patients with underlying liver dysfunction or those experiencing the effects of multiple drug interactions. Nevertheless, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of isavuconazole, particularly in specific patient populations and in combination with other antifungal agents. Overall, isavuconazole represents a promising addition to the antifungal armamentarium, offering a safer and more effective treatment option for patients at high risk of IFIs.
{"title":"Real-world use of isavuconazole in adult oncohematology patients.","authors":"Mi Kwon","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riam.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Isavuconazole has emerged as a significant antifungal agent in the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) among immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or receiving treatment for hematological malignancies. Real-world experience with the use of isavuconazole in oncohematological patients has increasingly been reported. Isavuconazole has demonstrated efficacy against a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens, with a favorable safety profile and lower rates of hepatotoxicity compared to other azoles. Isavuconazole is generally well-tolerated, making it suitable for long-term use in high-risk patients for both treatment and prophylaxis of IFIs. Isavuconazole can be considered a valuable treatment option for IFIs in patients with hematological malignancies and HSCT recipients. It may be a suitable alternative to other azoles, especially in patients with underlying liver dysfunction or those experiencing the effects of multiple drug interactions. Nevertheless, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of isavuconazole, particularly in specific patient populations and in combination with other antifungal agents. Overall, isavuconazole represents a promising addition to the antifungal armamentarium, offering a safer and more effective treatment option for patients at high risk of IFIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143812219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-03-11DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.003
Fernando Riera, Julieta Carballo, Carlos Bergallo, Federico Romero, Belén Palacio, Lizet Luque-Aguada, Marcos Marino, Jon Salmanton-García
Background: Invasive aspergillosis poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals. Diagnostic criteria incorporating biomarkers and imaging have improved diagnosis, and treatment options have expanded. However, in Argentina, diverse patient demographics and environmental factors add complexity to managing this infection.
Aims: This study aims to explore the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment of invasive aspergillosis in an Argentine hospital setting.
Methods: We collected data from patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis at a tertiary care hospital in Central-Northern Argentina. Variables included demographics, underlying conditions, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and outcomes.
Results: With a median age of 44.5 years and a 51% of male patients, our institution conducted invasive aspergillosis screenings on 192 patients, many of whom were battling malignancies (90%). One third of them had the infection set as probable or possible. Imaging (31%) and positive microbiological results (16%) were examples of diagnostic evidence. With an overall mortality rate of 15%, half of the patients got antifungal treatment for a median of seven days. Mortality among the diagnosed patients was 22%. Patients without stem-cell transplantation had a high death rate (31%), although this difference was not statistically significant; in patients having pulmonary nodules (15%) the death rate was not statistically significant either. There were no discernible variations in mortality according to the type of treatment received.
Conclusions: Our study reveals that invasive aspergillosis remains a significant issue in high-risk patients, and has a notable mortality rate, particularly among those patients with pulmonary nodules. Computed tomography provides a high diagnostic yield.
{"title":"Clinical insights into invasive aspergillosis among immunosuppressed patients: A single-centre experience from Argentina.","authors":"Fernando Riera, Julieta Carballo, Carlos Bergallo, Federico Romero, Belén Palacio, Lizet Luque-Aguada, Marcos Marino, Jon Salmanton-García","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Invasive aspergillosis poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals. Diagnostic criteria incorporating biomarkers and imaging have improved diagnosis, and treatment options have expanded. However, in Argentina, diverse patient demographics and environmental factors add complexity to managing this infection.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aims to explore the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment of invasive aspergillosis in an Argentine hospital setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected data from patients with suspected invasive aspergillosis at a tertiary care hospital in Central-Northern Argentina. Variables included demographics, underlying conditions, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>With a median age of 44.5 years and a 51% of male patients, our institution conducted invasive aspergillosis screenings on 192 patients, many of whom were battling malignancies (90%). One third of them had the infection set as probable or possible. Imaging (31%) and positive microbiological results (16%) were examples of diagnostic evidence. With an overall mortality rate of 15%, half of the patients got antifungal treatment for a median of seven days. Mortality among the diagnosed patients was 22%. Patients without stem-cell transplantation had a high death rate (31%), although this difference was not statistically significant; in patients having pulmonary nodules (15%) the death rate was not statistically significant either. There were no discernible variations in mortality according to the type of treatment received.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study reveals that invasive aspergillosis remains a significant issue in high-risk patients, and has a notable mortality rate, particularly among those patients with pulmonary nodules. Computed tomography provides a high diagnostic yield.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143788867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.003
Fernanda A Oliveira, Andrea R Bernardes-Engemann, Fernando Almeida-Silva, Beatriz da S Motta, Marcos A Almeida, Marcus M Teixeira, Andrea d'Avila Freitas, Kim M Geraldo, Valdiléa G Veloso, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Marcel de Souza Borges Quintana, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes, Rosely M Zancopé-Oliveira
Background: Trichosporon genus encompasses emergent fungal pathogens with an increased incidence that concerns potential multi-drug resistance and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. COVID-19 is a disease of pandemic proportions with complications related to cytokine storm and lymphopenia.
Aims: To study the isolation of fungi within the Trichosporanaceae family in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Methods: In this work we recovered 35 fungal isolates belonging to the Trichosporonaceae family from urine samples of 32 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications. We evaluated their mycological characteristics, as well as the patient's clinical aspects.
Results: Trichosporon asahii was the main species identified, followed by Cutaneotrichosporon jirovecii and Trichosporon inkin, respectively. The blood cultures of 20 of these patients were all negative for fungi. Isolation of Trichosporonaceae fungi in urine was associated with high COVID-19 severity. The antifungal susceptibility test showed low MIC values for voriconazole, an antifungal in the first-line treatment of trichosporonosis. In contrast, high MIC values were found in the case of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in all the species, except for C. jirovecii. Since invasive trichosporonosis was not confirmed, none of the patients were given an antifungal treatment, without affecting the outcome of the patients.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that the isolation in urine of fungi from the Trichosporonaceae family may be associated to more severe forms of the disease COVID-19, but not with an increase in death rate. However, these isolates do not seem to be linked to urinary infections, therefore no antifungal therapy is mandatory in these cases.
{"title":"Isolation of fungi from the Trichosporonaceae family in urine samples from COVID-19 patients: Should we worry about it?","authors":"Fernanda A Oliveira, Andrea R Bernardes-Engemann, Fernando Almeida-Silva, Beatriz da S Motta, Marcos A Almeida, Marcus M Teixeira, Andrea d'Avila Freitas, Kim M Geraldo, Valdiléa G Veloso, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Marcel de Souza Borges Quintana, Rodrigo Almeida-Paes, Rosely M Zancopé-Oliveira","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Trichosporon genus encompasses emergent fungal pathogens with an increased incidence that concerns potential multi-drug resistance and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. COVID-19 is a disease of pandemic proportions with complications related to cytokine storm and lymphopenia.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To study the isolation of fungi within the Trichosporanaceae family in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this work we recovered 35 fungal isolates belonging to the Trichosporonaceae family from urine samples of 32 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications. We evaluated their mycological characteristics, as well as the patient's clinical aspects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Trichosporon asahii was the main species identified, followed by Cutaneotrichosporon jirovecii and Trichosporon inkin, respectively. The blood cultures of 20 of these patients were all negative for fungi. Isolation of Trichosporonaceae fungi in urine was associated with high COVID-19 severity. The antifungal susceptibility test showed low MIC values for voriconazole, an antifungal in the first-line treatment of trichosporonosis. In contrast, high MIC values were found in the case of amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine in all the species, except for C. jirovecii. Since invasive trichosporonosis was not confirmed, none of the patients were given an antifungal treatment, without affecting the outcome of the patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our results suggest that the isolation in urine of fungi from the Trichosporonaceae family may be associated to more severe forms of the disease COVID-19, but not with an increase in death rate. However, these isolates do not seem to be linked to urinary infections, therefore no antifungal therapy is mandatory in these cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":"58-67"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A 48-year-old man with no relevant medical history went to a general acute hospital seeking medical attention. He had fever, cough, and chest pain. A chest X-ray revealed pleural effusion, which prompted a puncture and a subsequent culture of the sample; antibiotic treatment was prescribed. Despite the treatment, the man remained febrile, and a new clinical examination suggested a probable onychomycosis of all 20 nails. A rapid HIV test was carried out. The culture from the pleural puncture showed yeast growth identified as Cryptococcus sp., revealing a disseminated disease with central nervous involvement, thus leading to an early diagnosis with a better prognosis.
{"title":"[Clinical problems in Medical Mycology: Problem number 57].","authors":"Gabriela Santiso, Fernando Messina, Matías Gastón Pérez, Daniela Masini, Mercedes Romero, Emanuel Marin, Alicia Arechavala","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 48-year-old man with no relevant medical history went to a general acute hospital seeking medical attention. He had fever, cough, and chest pain. A chest X-ray revealed pleural effusion, which prompted a puncture and a subsequent culture of the sample; antibiotic treatment was prescribed. Despite the treatment, the man remained febrile, and a new clinical examination suggested a probable onychomycosis of all 20 nails. A rapid HIV test was carried out. The culture from the pleural puncture showed yeast growth identified as Cryptococcus sp., revealing a disseminated disease with central nervous involvement, thus leading to an early diagnosis with a better prognosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":"83-85"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143568072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2025-02-28DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2024.11.001
Stella Wolfgruber, Jon Salmanton-García, Marius Paulin Ngouanom Kuate, Martin Hoenigl, Jose Guillermo Pereira Brunelli
Fungal infections are becoming an escalating public health challenge, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The partially limited efficacy of current antifungal treatments, their potential adverse effects, and the increasing problem of resistance emphasize the need for new treatment options. Existing antifungal classes-allylamines, azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, and pyrimidine analogs-face challenges due to their similarity with human cells and rising resistance. New antifungal agents, such as ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, oteseconazole, and miltefosine, offer novel mechanisms of action along with reduced toxicity. While antifungal resistance is a growing global concern, fungal infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present specific challenges with high rates of opportunistic infections like cryptococcosis and endemic mycoses such as histoplasmosis. The World Health Organization's fungal priority pathogens list highlights the prevalence of these infections in LMICs, where limited access to antifungal drugs and misuse are common. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these new agents and their mechanisms, and explores the challenges and roles of antifungal drugs in LMICs, where the burden of fungal infections is high. Continued research and development are essential to address the rising incidence and resistance of fungal infections globally.
{"title":"Antifungal pipeline: New tools for the treatment of mycoses.","authors":"Stella Wolfgruber, Jon Salmanton-García, Marius Paulin Ngouanom Kuate, Martin Hoenigl, Jose Guillermo Pereira Brunelli","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fungal infections are becoming an escalating public health challenge, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. The partially limited efficacy of current antifungal treatments, their potential adverse effects, and the increasing problem of resistance emphasize the need for new treatment options. Existing antifungal classes-allylamines, azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, and pyrimidine analogs-face challenges due to their similarity with human cells and rising resistance. New antifungal agents, such as ibrexafungerp, rezafungin, oteseconazole, and miltefosine, offer novel mechanisms of action along with reduced toxicity. While antifungal resistance is a growing global concern, fungal infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present specific challenges with high rates of opportunistic infections like cryptococcosis and endemic mycoses such as histoplasmosis. The World Health Organization's fungal priority pathogens list highlights the prevalence of these infections in LMICs, where limited access to antifungal drugs and misuse are common. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these new agents and their mechanisms, and explores the challenges and roles of antifungal drugs in LMICs, where the burden of fungal infections is high. Continued research and development are essential to address the rising incidence and resistance of fungal infections globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":"68-78"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143537555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2025-03-06DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.002
Maximiliano Gabriel Castro, Erwin Alexander Rottoli, María José Sadonio, Melina Beloso, Andrea Gómez Colussi, María Fernanda Argarañá, Federico Rafael Galluccio
Background: Disseminated histoplasmosis is a common infection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Aims: To examine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of disseminated histoplasmosis in people living with HIV focusing on delayed diagnoses.
Methods: A descriptive study in a public hospital in Santa Fe (Argentina) was conducted between 2017 and 2023. Disseminated histoplasmosis was diagnosed through direct examination and/or culture of blood, respiratory secretions, bone marrow, or skin samples.
Results: Twenty-one patients were included (median age: 34 years; 61.9% male). Ten (47.6%) patients were under antiretroviral therapy, but were non-adherent. The median CD4+ count was 10cells/mm3. Fever was the prevailing symptom (19, 90.5%), with a median duration of 30 days. Visceromegalies were observed in 11 patients (52.4%), lymphadenopathy in 10 (47.6%), and skin lesions in 11 (52.4%). All patients had anemia, and 13 (61.9%) had liver function abnormalities. Diagnosis was made through the scraping of mucocutaneous lesions in 11 patients (52.4%). Eight patients (38.1%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, and six (28.6%) died. Five patients (23.8%) had delayed diagnoses.
Conclusions: Disseminated histoplasmosis may be underdiagnosed due to its subacute course and nonspecific clinical presentation. A high index of suspicion is essential, particularly in people living with the HIV.
{"title":"Series of cases of disseminated histoplasmosis in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus: A neglected endemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.","authors":"Maximiliano Gabriel Castro, Erwin Alexander Rottoli, María José Sadonio, Melina Beloso, Andrea Gómez Colussi, María Fernanda Argarañá, Federico Rafael Galluccio","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Disseminated histoplasmosis is a common infection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America and the Caribbean.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To examine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of disseminated histoplasmosis in people living with HIV focusing on delayed diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive study in a public hospital in Santa Fe (Argentina) was conducted between 2017 and 2023. Disseminated histoplasmosis was diagnosed through direct examination and/or culture of blood, respiratory secretions, bone marrow, or skin samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-one patients were included (median age: 34 years; 61.9% male). Ten (47.6%) patients were under antiretroviral therapy, but were non-adherent. The median CD4+ count was 10cells/mm<sup>3</sup>. Fever was the prevailing symptom (19, 90.5%), with a median duration of 30 days. Visceromegalies were observed in 11 patients (52.4%), lymphadenopathy in 10 (47.6%), and skin lesions in 11 (52.4%). All patients had anemia, and 13 (61.9%) had liver function abnormalities. Diagnosis was made through the scraping of mucocutaneous lesions in 11 patients (52.4%). Eight patients (38.1%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, and six (28.6%) died. Five patients (23.8%) had delayed diagnoses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Disseminated histoplasmosis may be underdiagnosed due to its subacute course and nonspecific clinical presentation. A high index of suspicion is essential, particularly in people living with the HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":"79-82"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143586588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2025-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.002
Beatriz Gálvez, Consuelo Ferrer, Violeta Esteban, José Noberto Sancho-Chust, Beatriz Amat, Eusebi Chiner, Maria Francisca Colom
Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization rates in healthy patients are unclear. Previously published studies suggest that the fungus could play a role in the physiopathology and progression of chronic respiratory diseases.
Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of colonization by this fungus in the lower respiratory tract of immunocompetent patients who are not at risk of dysbiosis.
Methods: The presence of P. jirovecii was confirmed in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from adults who underwent bronchoscopy for non-infectious reasons, had no immunosuppressive factors, and had not been on antibiotic treatment for at least one month. The results were compared with those obtained in the study on the presence of Pneumocystis in environmental dust samples obtained by swabbing surfaces in the participating subjects' domestic settings. Real-time PCR was the technique used for detecting the fungus in both types of samples.
Results: A total of 97 BAL samples and 49 domestic environment samples were studied. The medical reasons for needing a bronchoscopy were, mainly, the examination of both pulmonary neoplasm in 55 patients (57%) and diffuse interstitial lung disease in 21 patients (22%). The overall prevalence of P. jirovecii in our population was 7.22% in BAL samples and 0% in domestic samples.
Conclusions: The presence of P. jirovecii in the lower respiratory tract is relevantly linked with the patient's immune status, not with an underlying pathology. Prevalence is low in immunocompetent individuals who do not have any infectious pathology and are not having antimicrobial treatments. Our results do not enable us to figure out which the environmental niche of P. jirovecii is.
{"title":"Pneumocystis jirovecii in the lower respiratory tract of immunocompetent individuals.","authors":"Beatriz Gálvez, Consuelo Ferrer, Violeta Esteban, José Noberto Sancho-Chust, Beatriz Amat, Eusebi Chiner, Maria Francisca Colom","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pneumocystis jirovecii colonization rates in healthy patients are unclear. Previously published studies suggest that the fungus could play a role in the physiopathology and progression of chronic respiratory diseases.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of colonization by this fungus in the lower respiratory tract of immunocompetent patients who are not at risk of dysbiosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The presence of P. jirovecii was confirmed in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from adults who underwent bronchoscopy for non-infectious reasons, had no immunosuppressive factors, and had not been on antibiotic treatment for at least one month. The results were compared with those obtained in the study on the presence of Pneumocystis in environmental dust samples obtained by swabbing surfaces in the participating subjects' domestic settings. Real-time PCR was the technique used for detecting the fungus in both types of samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 97 BAL samples and 49 domestic environment samples were studied. The medical reasons for needing a bronchoscopy were, mainly, the examination of both pulmonary neoplasm in 55 patients (57%) and diffuse interstitial lung disease in 21 patients (22%). The overall prevalence of P. jirovecii in our population was 7.22% in BAL samples and 0% in domestic samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The presence of P. jirovecii in the lower respiratory tract is relevantly linked with the patient's immune status, not with an underlying pathology. Prevalence is low in immunocompetent individuals who do not have any infectious pathology and are not having antimicrobial treatments. Our results do not enable us to figure out which the environmental niche of P. jirovecii is.</p>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":" ","pages":"51-57"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2024.07.001
Gabriela López Daneri , Natali Niebles , Agustina Bustos , Pablo Martin Bravo , Edith Susana Paterno , Fernando Picco , Alejandra Margari , María Teresa Mujica
Background
Scedosporium species are considered emerging pathogens causing illness in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts.
Case report
A case of non-invasive pulmonary (fungal ball) infection by Scedosporium apiospermum complex in a 49-year-old female with bronchiectasis and cavities secondary to tuberculosis is described. The patient had a history of three years of cough and hemoptysis. A computed tomography scan of the thorax revealed the presence of a cavity in the lower lobe of the right lung, associated with bronchiectasis. A combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy (voriconazole) was the treatment of choice. Pulmonary resection (right lower lobectomy) was performed, and samples were sent for microbiological culture and histopathological examination; by means of the latter technique, hyphae were shown. The identification of Scedosporium angustum, a phylogenetic species of the S. apiospermum complex, was obtained by amplifying and sequencing the β-tubulin locus. Voriconazole therapy was started at a loading dose of 800 mg/12 h for the first 24 h, followed by 200 mg/12 h for 6 months. The patient responded favorably to the treatment and remained asymptomatic.
Conclusions
This case emphasizes the importance of considering Scedosporium species in the differential diagnosis of fungal balls by Aspergillus.
{"title":"Fungal ball due to a species of the Scedosporium apiospermum complex in a post-tuberculosis patient","authors":"Gabriela López Daneri , Natali Niebles , Agustina Bustos , Pablo Martin Bravo , Edith Susana Paterno , Fernando Picco , Alejandra Margari , María Teresa Mujica","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Scedosporium</em> species are considered emerging pathogens causing illness in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>A case of non-invasive pulmonary (fungal ball) infection by <em>Scedosporium apiospermum</em> complex in a 49-year-old female with bronchiectasis and cavities secondary to tuberculosis is described. The patient had a history of three years of cough and hemoptysis. A computed tomography scan of the thorax revealed the presence of a cavity in the lower lobe of the right lung, associated with bronchiectasis. A combination of surgical debridement and antifungal therapy (voriconazole) was the treatment of choice. Pulmonary resection (right lower lobectomy) was performed, and samples were sent for microbiological culture and histopathological examination; by means of the latter technique, hyphae were shown. The identification of <em>Scedosporium angustum</em>, a phylogenetic species of the <em>S. apiospermum</em> complex, was obtained by amplifying and sequencing the β-tubulin locus. Voriconazole therapy was started at a loading dose of 800<!--> <!-->mg/12<!--> <!-->h for the first 24<!--> <!-->h, followed by 200<!--> <!-->mg/12<!--> <!-->h for 6 months. The patient responded favorably to the treatment and remained asymptomatic.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case emphasizes the importance of considering <em>Scedosporium</em> species in the differential diagnosis of fungal balls by <em>Aspergillus</em>.</div><div>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":"41 2","pages":"Pages 43-47"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142792350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.07.003
Yahui Feng , Zhiya Yang , Dengli Li , Juanjuan Li , Dongmei Li , Sybren de Hoog , Dongmei Shi
Background
Post-traumatic Fusarium infection is rare. Arterial occlusive disease, a common vascular disorder in the elderly, often leads to ischemic necrosis of the lower extremities, which in turn increases the likelihood of secondary infections. Those secondary infections can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi.
Case report
We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with a co-infection by Fusarium verticillioides and Proteus vulgaris on nails and foot skin, secondary to senile arterial occlusion on the lower extremities. The skin and nails recovered well after following stent implantation and a combination treatment of itraconazole and a macrolide antibiotic. A retrospective analysis of the literature identified 17 patients with Fusarium infection, all of whom were immunocompetent.
Conclusions
Trauma may be a predisposing cause of Fusarium infection. Combination of oral itraconazole and terbinafine, or amphotericin B and surgical means, are all effective treatments.
{"title":"Nails and skin co-infection by Fusarium verticillioides and Proteus vulgaris secondary to arterial occlusion of lower extremity","authors":"Yahui Feng , Zhiya Yang , Dengli Li , Juanjuan Li , Dongmei Li , Sybren de Hoog , Dongmei Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2021.07.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2021.07.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Post-traumatic <em>Fusarium</em> infection is rare. Arterial occlusive disease, a common vascular disorder in the elderly, often leads to ischemic necrosis of the lower extremities, which in turn increases the likelihood of secondary infections. Those secondary infections can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungi.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with a co-infection by <em>Fusarium verticillioides</em> and <em>Proteus vulgaris</em> on nails and foot skin, secondary to senile arterial occlusion on the lower extremities. The skin and nails recovered well after following stent implantation and a combination treatment of itraconazole and a macrolide antibiotic. A retrospective analysis of the literature identified 17 patients with <em>Fusarium</em> infection, all of whom were immunocompetent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Trauma may be a predisposing cause of <em>Fusarium</em> infection. Combination of oral itraconazole and terbinafine, or amphotericin B and surgical means, are all effective treatments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":"41 2","pages":"Pages 37-42"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142807914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-04-01DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.001
Cristian Mateo León , Ángeles Sampere Martínez , Isabel Fabelo Hidalgo , Diego García Martínez de Artola
Background
Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus are commonly involved in fungal endophthalmitis. However, other less pathogenic species of the genus are also causal agents of opportunistic infections. Aspergillus hiratsukae, a species within Aspergillus section Fumigati, is an uncommon fungus responsible for a few infectious cases worldwide.
Case report
We present a case of post-surgical endophthalmitis in a man caused by A. hiratsukae after phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation. The patient underwent an urgent vitrectomy in which infectious foci were observed. Due to adverse clinical evolution, evisceration was performed five days after admission. In the study of the intraoperative samples fungal growth was observed. Microscopic analysis showed conidial heads resembling Aspergillus species. The final identification of A. hiratsukae was achieved by amplifying and sequencing the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 spacer region. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the method described by EUCAST. The isolate exhibited sensitivity to azoles and polyenes.
Conclusions
Due to the morphological similarity of the Aspergillus species, molecular techniques are essential for discriminating among them, as there are different antifungal susceptibility profiles within the same complex. Further studies to improve clinical surveillance, make an early diagnosis and start a targeted therapy are necessary.
{"title":"Aspergillus hiratsukae as a causative agent of endophthalmitis: A case report","authors":"Cristian Mateo León , Ángeles Sampere Martínez , Isabel Fabelo Hidalgo , Diego García Martínez de Artola","doi":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.riam.2024.10.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Aspergillus flavus</em> and <em>Aspergillus fumigatus</em> are commonly involved in fungal endophthalmitis. However, other less pathogenic species of the genus are also causal agents of opportunistic infections. <em>Aspergillus hiratsukae</em>, a species within <em>Aspergillus</em> section <em>Fumigati</em>, is an uncommon fungus responsible for a few infectious cases worldwide.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>We present a case of post-surgical endophthalmitis in a man caused by <em>A. hiratsukae</em> after phacoemulsification surgery and intraocular lens implantation. The patient underwent an urgent vitrectomy in which infectious foci were observed. Due to adverse clinical evolution, evisceration was performed five days after admission. In the study of the intraoperative samples fungal growth was observed. Microscopic analysis showed conidial heads resembling <em>Aspergillus</em> species. The final identification of <em>A. hiratsukae</em> was achieved by amplifying and sequencing the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 spacer region. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the method described by EUCAST. The isolate exhibited sensitivity to azoles and polyenes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Due to the morphological similarity of the <em>Aspergillus</em> species, molecular techniques are essential for discriminating among them, as there are different antifungal susceptibility profiles within the same complex. Further studies to improve clinical surveillance, make an early diagnosis and start a targeted therapy are necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21291,"journal":{"name":"Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia","volume":"41 2","pages":"Pages 48-50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142819031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}