Six-year experience with GM test in hematological patients in a public Brazilian tertiary hospital

Abstract Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is frequent in patients with hematologic malignancies or submitted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Objectives To evaluate the role of the GM (galactomannan) test in prescribing therapeutic antifungals; to determine invasive aspergillosis (IA) frequency, the factors associated with positive GM test, and the in-hospital mortality. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study including patients aged 18 or over with hematological malignancy or submitted to HSCT. GM test was measured twice weekly. The hypothesis of IFI was considered in patients with neutropenia and persistent fever despite broad-spectrum antibiotics. Results A total of 496 patients were evaluated; the mean of GM tests performed per patient was 4.2 (+3.1), and 86 (17.3 %) had positive results. IFI was diagnosed in 166 (33.5 %) and IA in 22 (24.6 %) patients. Positive GM test was more frequent in patients with IFI (72.2 % and 25.1 %; OR 8.1; 95 % CI 4.8 - 13.8), and was associated with therapeutic antifungals prescription (52, 9 % and 20.5 %; OR 4.3, 95CI% 2.0 - 9.4), as well as lung abnormalities on HRCT (45.3% vs. 21.5 %; OR 3.0, 95 %CI 1.4 - 6.5). Mortality was 31.6 %. In the multivariate analysis, the variables associated with mortality were the hypothesis of IFI (OR 6.35; 95 % CI 3.63-11.12.0), lung abnormalities on HRCT (57.9 % and 26.9 %; OR 2 0.6; 95 % CI 1.5 - 4.4), and positive GM test (57.9 % and 26.9 %; OR 2.7 95 % CI 1.6 - 4.5). Conclusions Positive GM test was associated with lung abnormalities on HRCT and with the introduction of therapeutic antifungals. If adequate anti-mold prophylaxis is available, the GM test should not be used as screening, but to investigate IFI in high-risk patients. The diagnosis of IFI, positive GM test and lung abnormalities on HRCT were predictors of hospital mortality in patients with hematological malignancies or undergoing HSCT.

Clinical treatment and management of invasive fungal disease in recipients of solid organ transplantation / 器官移植

With widespread application of solid organ transplantation (SOT), the incidence of postoperative invasive fungal disease (IFD) in SOT recipients has been increased year by year. In recent years, the awareness of preventive antifungal therapy for SOT recipients has been gradually strengthened. However, the problem of fungal resistance has also emerged, leading to unsatisfactory efficacy of original standardized antifungal regimens. Drug-drug interaction and hepatorenal toxicity induced by drugs are also challenges facing clinicians. In this article, the characteristics of drug-drug interaction and hepatorenal toxicity among triazole, echinocandin and polyene antifungal drugs and immunosuppressants were reviewed, and postoperative preventive strategies for IFD in different types of SOT recipients and treatment strategies for IFD caused by infection of different pathogens were summarized, aiming to provide reference for physicians in organ transplantation and related disciplines.

Resistencia a los azoles en cepas de Aspergilus fumigatus sensu stricto aislados de muestras clínicas respiratorias

Introducción. La aspergilosis invasiva presenta alta mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedades crónicas e inmunocomprometidos. Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto (AFSS) es el principal agente etiológico y su tipificación requiere de métodos moleculares. La incidencia incrementada de AI resistentes a los antifúngicos demanda un diagnóstico certero y oportuno. Métodos. Se estudiaron 20 cepas de la micoteca del Instituto de Medicina Tropical - Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, aisladas de muestras respiratorias e identificadas como Aspergillus fumigatus sensu lato mediante el estudio macroscópico y microscópico. Las cepas fueron referidas a la Universidad Nacional del Litoral para su tipificación mediante una PCR screening para AFSS basada en secuencias del gen CYP51A y el estudio de sensibilidad antifúngica para voriconazol (VOR), itraconazol (ITC), posaconazol (POS), isavuconazol (ISA), anidulafungina (ANF), caspofungina (CSF) y anfotericina B (AMB) obteniendo la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) mediante el protocolo de CLSI M38M51S-Ed3. Resultados. Las 20 cepas fueron identificadas como AFSS. Ninguna de las cepas tuvo una CIM por encima del punto de corte clínico (VOR), ni epidemiológico (ITC, ISA, AMB y CSF). POS fue la droga más potente frente a la colección de cepas evaluadas (media geométrica (GM) de CIM de 0,042 µg/ml). Conclusiones. Todos los aislamientos fueron tipificados como AFSS sensibles a los azoles según los puntos de corte clínico, posaconazol tuvo la mayor actividad antifúngica. Nuestros hallazgos aportan a incrementar la escasa información sobre la etiología y sensibilidad a los antifúngicos de uso clínico de las aspergilosis invasiva en nuestro país.

Introduction. Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) poses a significant threat to patients with chronic diseases and compromised immune systems, with Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto (AFSS) being the primary etiological agent. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial, particularly given the rising incidence of IA strains resistant to antifungals, necessitating molecular methods for typing. Methods. Twenty strains from Instituto de Medicina Tropical - Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, mycological collection, previously identified as Aspergillus fumigatus sensu lato through macroscopic and microscopic analysis, were studied. These strains were forwarded to the Universidad Nacional del Litoral for AFSS typing using a PCR screening based on CYP51A gene sequences. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed for Voriconazole (VOR), Itraconazole (ITC), Posaconazole (POS), Isavuconazole (ISA), Anidulafungin (ANF), Caspofungin (CSF), and Amphotericin B (AMB), obtaining Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) according to CLSI M38M51S-Ed3. Results. All 20 strains were identified as AFSS. None of the strains exhibited MICs above the clinical breakpoint (VOR) or the epidemiological cutoffs (ITC, ISA, AMB, and CSF). POS demonstrated the highest potency against the strain collection, with a geometric mean MIC of 0,042 µg/ml. Conclusions. All isolates were classified as azole-sensitive Aspergillus fumigatus sensu stricto (AFSS) based on clinical cutoff points, particularly posaconazole, which exhibited superior antifungal activity. Our findings contribute to augmenting the limited information on the etiology and clinical antifungal sensitivity of IA in our country.

Aspergilosis invasiva de vías aéreas / Airway invasive aspergillosis

Es poco común encontrar en la literatura casos de traqueobronquitis invasiva por aspergillus que se manifiesten como tumores endobronquiales que produzcan atelectasia pulmonar total. Aunque relatada en inmunocomprometidos, la morbimortalidad es considerable aun en pacientes sin enfermedad de base.

It is rare to find in the literature cases of invasive aspergillus tracheobronchitis that manifest as endobronchial tumors that produce total pulmonary atelectasis. Although reported in immunocompromised patients, morbidity and mortality are considerable even in patients without underlying disease.

Aspergilosis invasiva de vías aéreas

Es poco común encontrar en la literatura casos de traqueobronquitis invasiva por aspergillus que se manifiesten como tumores endobronquiales que produzcan atelectasia pulmonar total. Aunque relatada en inmunocomprometidos, la morbimortalidad es considerable aun en pacientes sin enfermedad de base.

It is rare to find in the literature cases of invasive aspergillus tracheobronchitis that manifest as endobronchial tumors that produce total pulmonary atelectasis. Although reported in immunocompromised patients, morbidity and mortality are considerable even in patients without underlying disease.

Comparative evaluation of histopathological analysis, KOH wet mount and fungal culture to diagnose fungal infections in post-COVID patients

Context and Aim: There is increasing prevalence of post-COVID fungal infection of rhinoorbitocerebral region especially mucormycosis and aspergillosis in India.[1] Early diagnosis of these fungal infections are of utmost importance, since it may improve outcome and survival.[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8] The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare routine laboratory diagnostic methods, that is, histopathological examination, KOH wet mount and fungal culture in the diagnosis of post-COVID fungal infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 specimens of clinically suspected patients of post-COVID fungal infection of rhinoorbitocerebral region received in histopathology department were included in this study. The data of KOH wet mount and culture were acquired from the microbiology department after histopathological examination. Result: Approximately 88.68% of patients were diagnosed having fungal infections by one of the laboratory methods. The sensitivity of histopathological examination was highest (79.78%), followed by KOH wet mount (58.51%) and fungal culture (35.10%). Rhizopus species of zygomycetes group were the most common isolate (24.24%) on SDA culture. Overall 76% concordance was found between histopathological examination and fungal culture report for morphological identification of fungi. Conclusion: For the diagnosis of post-COVID fungal infection of Rhino-orbito-cerebral region, histopathological examination is was found to be more sensitive and rapid method to detect fungal hyphae. It leads to early treatment, prevents morbidity and mortality.

Validación de la reacción de polimerasa en cadena en tiempo real como herramienta diagnóstica en la aspergilosis asociada a COVID-19 en pacientes hospitalizados en Clínica Dávila de Santiago, Chile, durante los años 2020 y 2021

Introducción: Desde el inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 se han registrado casos de infecciones de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a esta infección, la cual tiene características diferentes a la aspergilosis pulmonar clásica y, por lo tanto, han significado un desafío diagnóstico. Objetivo: Validar una reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) en tiempo real (sigla en inglés RT-PCR) comercial, como herramienta diagnóstica alternativa a la técnica de galactomanano (GM) en el diagnóstico de aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (sigla en inglés CAPA). Pacientes y Método: Se analizaron resultados de RT-PCR de Aspergillus spp y GM en lavado bronco-alveolar (LBA) de 72 pacientes, hospitalizados por COVID-19 de Clínica Dávila entre los años 2020 y 2021. De estos pacientes, 33 presentaron CAPA. Resultados: La RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM presentaron una correlación positiva (r = 0,6351, valor p < 0,0001). La técnica de RT-PCR presentó una sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictor positivo (VPP) y valor predictor negativo (VPN) de 100, 44, 66 y 100%, respectivamente, mientras que en GM fueron de 64, 89, 84 y 73%, respectivamente para LBA. Al utilizar ambas técnicas en combinación se obtuvo una S, E, VPP y VPN de 100, 82, 88 y 100%, respectivamente. Conclusión: Este estudio concluyó que usar una técnica de RT-PCR de Aspergillus y GM en conjunto en LBA mejoraron los parámetros de desempeño de ambas técnicas usadas de manera individual para diagnosticar CAPA. Se requieren más estudios para evaluar el desempeño de técnicas combinadas en otros tipos de aspergilosis.

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been cases of pulmonary aspergillosis infections associated with this infection, which has different characteristics from classical pulmonary aspergillosis and therefore, have been diagnostic challenges. Aim: To validate a commercial real-time PCR (RT-PCR) method as an alternative diagnostic tool to the galactomannan (GM) technique in the diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). Methods: Results of RT-PCR of Aspergillus spp and GM in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) of 72 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at Clínica Dávila between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. Of these patients, 33 presented CAPA. Results: The RT-PCR for Aspergillus and GM showed a positive correlation (r = 0.6351, p-value < 0.0001). The RT-PCR for Aspergillus technique presented a sensitivity (S), specificity (S), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100, 44, 66 and 100% respectively, while the GM technique presented 64, 89, 84 and 73%, respectively for BAL. Using both techniques in combination a S, E, PPV and NPV of 100, 82, 88 and 100% were obtained respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that using RT-PCR and GM techniques in combination in BAL improved the performance parameters of both techniques from those used individually to diagnose CAPA. Further studies are required to evaluate the performance of combined techniques in other aspergillosis focus.

Case Analysis and Systematic Review of Aspergilloma

Introduction: Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent fungal pathogen reported to cause diseases such as aspergilloma or aspergillosis in humans. Aspergillomas are commonly seen in a poorly drained and avascular cavitary space. Paranasal sinuses are most commonly involved, especially maxillary sinus. In the past two decades, the incidence of aspergillosis has increased substantially. Aims: To evaluate cases reported as aspergilloma of the maxillary sinus and to determine the percentage of cases involving aspergilloma of the maxillary sinus in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: After the final full-text review,16 articles were included in this systematic review. Data extracted from these full-text articles was reviewed. Results: 83 % of cases had a history of dental procedures, with 42 % of those being due to infection from previous extraction sockets and 41 % due to root canal therapy (RCT). About 43% of the patients were immunocompromised, while 56% were healthy without any predisposing conditions. Conclusion: Aspergillus fungal infections of the paranasal sinuses are common and can occur in apparently healthy as well as immunocompromised individuals. Aspergilloma is the most common fungal infection involving the maxillary sinus with iatrogenic-dentogenic factors being predominant for initiation and progression of the infection. About 43% of the patients in this review were immunocompromised patients whereas 56% of the patients were healthy without any known predisposing condi- tions. The progression and prognosis of this disease depends on the location and immunologic status of the patient. So, it is very important for dentists to be cautious while performing any dental procedures so as not to initiate any iatrogenic infections.

Aspergilosis invasiva: definiciones, diagnóstico y tratamiento / Invasive aspergillosis: definitions, diagnosis, and treatment

Resumen La aspergilosis invasiva (AI) es una enfermedad grave y con alta mortalidad. Existen factores de riesgo y se describen brotes intrahospitalarios relacionados con construcciones. También se des cribe una entidad relacionada con la infección por COVID-19, conocida como aspergilosis pulmonar asociada a COVID-19 (APAC). Es de vital importancia implementar un tratamiento adecuado y precoz, especialmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos y críticamente enfermos. El diagnóstico se basa en reconocer los factores predisponentes, la clínica, la obtención de imágenes, exámenes directos, cultivos, histopatología y biomarca dores como el galactomanano. La droga de elección es el voriconazol, pero se deben conocer las alternativas terapéuticas dada la creciente presencia de aislamientos resistentes.

Abstract Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious disease with high mortality. There are several risk factors and in-hospital outbreaks related with construction have been described. An entity related to COVID-19 infection, known as COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), has recently appeared. Early and appropriate treatment is of paramount importance, especially in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Diagnosis is based on recognition of predisposing factors, clinical signs, imaging, direct examination, culture, histopathology, and biomarkers such as galactomannan. The drug of choice is voriconazole, but alternative therapies must be taken into account given the increasing presence of resistant isolates.

Infección por Aspergillus flavus y Rhizopus oryzae complex en paciente con diabetes mellitus / Infection due to Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae complex in a patient with diabetes mellitus

La sinusitis micótica es una condición patológica que puede presentarse en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y estar asociada a una crisis hiperglucémica. Es una entidad agresiva con complicaciones locales que incluyen afectación de la órbita y el sistema nervioso central, y compromiso vascular. A pesar del tratamiento quirúrgico y antimicótico, la mortalidad es de hasta el 75 %. Se describe el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de cetoacidosis diabética y signos de oftalmoplejía unilateral que llevaron al estudio con resonancia magnética del sistema nervioso central; se encontraron signos de sinusitis, meningitis y cerebritis. Los estudios microbiológicos iniciales fueron negativos, y los biomarcadores galactomanano sérico y el antígeno de Cryptococcus también fueron negativos. Tras el manejo quirúrgico, se llegó a la identificación de Aspergillus flavus y Rhizopus spp. en el tejido de los senos paranasales. La paciente recibió tratamiento con posaconazol y, tras dos meses de seguimiento, había presentado mejoría clínica. La infección fúngica dual y la infección por A. flavus son entidades poco frecuentes y de relevancia clínica, sin casos presentados previamente en nuestro país por lo que este corresponde a un caso de interés clínico.

Fungal sinusitis is a pathology that can occur in patients with diabetes mellitus and be associated with a hyperglycemic crisis. It is an aggressive entity with local complications that include involvement of the orbit or the central nervous system, and vascular involvement. Despite surgical and antifungal treatment, mortality raises up to 75%. We report the case of a female patient with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and signs of unilateral ophthalmoplegia, which led to the study with magnetic resonance imaging of the central nervous system, finding signs of sinusitis, meningitis, and cerebritis. Initial microbiological studies were negative, and biomarkers such as serum galactomannan and Cryptococcus antigen were also negative. After surgical management and the identification of Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus spp. in sinus tissue, the patient received treatment with posaconazole and after two months of follow-up she presented clinical improvement. Dual fungal infection and infection by A. flavus are uncommon and clinically relevant entities, with no cases previously reported in our country, therefore this corresponds to a case of clinical interest.

Significance of Aspergillus spp. isolation in defining cases of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis - CAPA

ABSTRACT COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) is a relatively common complication in patients with severe forms of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Diagnosing and confirming CAPA is challenging. In this study, Aspergillus spp. isolation in respiratory specimens from patients with COVID-19 was evaluated for identifying cases of CAPA. In 2020-2021, 17 Aspergillus spp. were isolated from 15 COVID-19 patients admitted to a university hospital in Brazil. Patient records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain clinical-epidemiological data and other markers of Aspergillus spp. infection and then compared with the ECMM/ISHAM criteria for defining CAPA. Probable CAPA was defined in 5/10 patients, who had Aspergillus spp. isolated from Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) or a positive galactomannan blood test. Additionally, anti-Aspergillus antibodies were detected in two of these patients, during active or follow-up phases of CAPA. In another seven patients with Aspergillus spp. isolated from tracheobronchial aspirate or sputum, CAPA was presumed, mainly due to deterioration of clinical conditions and new lung imaging suggestive of fungal infection. Antifungal agents to control CAPA, particularly voriconazole, were used in 9/15 cases. In cases of probable CAPA and remaining patients, clinical conditions and comorbidities were similar, with lethality being high, at 60% and 71%, respectively. The number of CAPA cases defined by scientific criteria was lower than that assumed in the clinical context. This was largely due to the lack of BAL collection for fungal culture and the non-intensive use of other markers of invasive aspergillosis. The isolation of Aspergillus spp. in different respiratory specimens should alert clinicians to the diagnosis of CAPA.

Acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva: uma revisão rápida / Accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a rapid review

Tecnologia: Detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro. Contexto: A aspergilose pulmonar invasiva (API) é uma infecção fúngica oportunista de grande risco para pacientes imunocomprometidos. A detecção do antígeno galactomanana no soro por meio de um imunoensaio (ELISA) pode ser um teste não invasivo que auxilie no diagnóstico precoce da doença nestes pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar a acurácia da detecção do antígeno galactomana no soro para o diagnóstico precoce de aspergilose pulmonar invasiva. Métodos: Revisão rápida sistematizada sobre acurácia de diagnóstico. As bases de dados utilizadas na pesquisa foram: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS e Cochrane Library. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos incluídos foi realizada por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR-2. Resultados: Foram selecionadas três revisões sistemáticas que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade com as quais foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados encontrados. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica demonstrou que duas das revisões sistemáticas (RS) apresentaram qualidade criticamente baixa e uma das RS apresentou qualidade alta. Conclusão: A detecção da galactomanana sérica por ELISA pode ser um teste auxiliar no diagnóstico de API, entretanto, possui várias limitações e deve ser utilizado juntamente com outros critérios diagnósticos do consenso do EORTC/MSG. Novas pesquisas devem ser fomentadas para avaliar a utilização do teste no tempo do diagnóstico e no monitoramento da API

Technology: Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum. Background: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an opportunistic fungal infection of serious risk for immunocompromised patients. Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum by immunoassay (ELISA) could be a noninvasive test that contributes to the early diagnosis of the disease in this group of patients. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of serum galactomannan antigen detection for the early diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Methods: Rapid review of diagnostic accuracy. Databases used in the search were: PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, BVS, and Cochrane Library. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: Three systematic reviews that satisfied the eligibility criteria were selected, and a descriptive analysis of the data found was performed. The methodological quality assessment showed that two of the systematic reviews (SR) presented critically low quality, and one of the SR presented high quality. Conclusion: Detection of serum galactomannan by ELISA may be a valuable test for diagnosing IPA; however, it has a series of limitations and should be used in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria of the EORTC/MSG consensus. Further research should be encouraged to evaluate the use of this assay, considering the time to diagnosis and IPA monitoring

Retrospective analysis of 77 pathologically confirmed cases of pulmonary mycosis in a hospital in the south Sichuan Basin, 2014-2021 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To observe the etiological distribution, basic information, clinical characteristics, imaging and pathological features, treatment regimens, and prognosis of pathologically confirmed cases of pulmonary mycosis, aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment level of pulmonary mycosis. Methods The clinical, imaging and pathological data of patients with pulmonary mycosis diagnosed by pathological biopsy in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results There were 77 cases of pulmonary mycosis who were diagnosed by pathology, and of these patients, 42 cases (54.54%) suffered from pulmonary aspergillosis, 34 cases (44.16%) suffered from pulmonary cryptococcosis, and 1 case (1.30%) suffered from pulmonary mucormycosis. Among the 77 patients, there were 38 male and 39 female patients, with an age range of 25 to 68 years old (mean age 51.13±10.32 years old). The common respiratory symptoms on admission included cough (33 cases, 42.86%), hemoptysis (24 cases, 31.17%), expectoration (22 cases, 28.57%) and chest pain (13 cases, 16.88%). Chest imaging features mainly included pulmonary nodules (37 cases, 48.05%), cavity (14 cases, 18.18%) and air crescent sign (10 cases, 12.99%). In this study, the main treatment measures for pulmonary mycosis were surgical resection (47 cases, 61.04%) and antifungal therapy combined with surgical resection (19 cases, 24.68%). After active treatments, most of these patients (72/77, 93.51%) discharged with better condition. Conclusions Pulmonary aspergillosis and pulmonary cryptococcosis are common pulmonary mycosis diagnosed by pathology. The main respiratory symptoms on admission are cough, expectoration and hemoptysis. Pulmonary nodules are the most common imaging features, and "air crescent sign" can be seen in some patients with pulmonary aspergillosis. Most pulmonary mycosis can have good treatment outcomes. Combining fungal histopathological characteristics and fungal special staining such as Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) staining can identify most pathogenic fungi into genera, which has important clinical significance for the timely diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary mycosis

Role of innate immune cells in host immune responses against Aspergillus fumigatus / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Aspergillus fumigatus ( A. fumigatus) is an environmental filamentous fungus and an opportunistic pathogen that can cause chronic and invasive aspergillosis. The development of aspergillosis is the result of the interaction between the host and the pathogen, and the symptoms of A. fumigatus infection varied in patients with different immune status. The host innate immune response to inhaled fungal spores is a key determinant of the development of aspergillosis. This review focused on the role of innate immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells and mast cells in host defense against A. fumigatus, aiming to provide reference for further research on the pathogenesis, clinical prevention and treatment of aspergillosis.

Aspergilosis pulmonar crónica necrotizante

Introducción: La aspergilosis crónica necrotizante es una enfermedad infrecuente que se caracteriza por ser un proceso destructivo y crónico en el parénquima pulmonar. Se clasifica en cavitaria, necrotizante y fibrosante. Objetivo: Presentar una paciente con aspergilosis crónica necrotizante, sus características clínicas, diagnósticas y procedimiento terapéutico empleado. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 20 años de edad con antecedentes de asma bronquial que hace 6 meses presenta tos con expectoración amarrilla; realizó varios ciclos de antibióticos con poca mejoría clínica, un mes atrás comenzó con fiebre de 38 ºC, falta de aire y hemoptisis. Se ingresó en la sala de neumología con la sospecha de tuberculosis pulmonar o micosis pulmonar. Se estableció el diagnóstico definitivo de aspergilosis crónica necrotizante, a través de la tinción de Grocott y ácido peryódico de Schiff, los esputos micológicos y la tomografía axial computarizada. Se instauró tratamiento con anfotericina B liofilizada, por 21 días y luego itraconazol por vía oral, por 3 meses; la evolución fue satisfactoria. Conclusiones: La sospecha clínica y la confirmación, tanto radiológica como micológica en todo paciente con manifestaciones clínicas de evolución insidiosa y escasa respuesta a los antibióticos, es fundamental para llegar al diagnóstico de aspergilosis pulmonar.

Introduction: Chronic necrotizing aspergillosis is a rare disease that is characterized by being a destructive and chronic process in the lung parenchyma. It is classified as cavitary, necrotizing and fibrosing. Objective: To present a patient with chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, her clinical and diagnostic characteristics and the therapeutic procedure used. Clinical case: A 20-year-old female patient with a history of bronchial asthma who had a cough with yellow expectoration 6 months ago; she underwent several cycles of antibiotics with little clinical improvement, a month ago she started with a fever of 38 ºC, shortness of breath and hemoptysis. She was admitted to the pulmonology ward with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis or pulmonary mycosis. The definitive diagnosis of chronic necrotizing aspergillosis was established through Grocott and Schiff periodic acid staining, mycological sputum, and computerized axial tomography. Treatment with lyophilized amphotericin B was established for 21 days and then oral itraconazole for 3 months; the evolution was satisfactory. Conclusions: Clinical suspicion and confirmation, both radiological and mycological in all patients with clinical manifestations of insidious evolution and poor response to antibiotics, is essential to reach the diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis.

Combined Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis and Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia: A Rare Co-occurrence

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) are common lung diseases presenting with peripheral blood eosinophilia. Although these have been widely reported both from India and outside, simultaneous co-occurrence of the two diseases has not been reported so far. We hereby present a case of an elderly male, a known case of asthma, who was diagnosed to have concurrent ABPA and TPE. Partial clinical response as well as the persistence of eosinophilia after ABPA treatment raised the suspicion that subsequently led to the diagnosis of TPE. The concurrent treatment of both conditions led to satisfactory clinical and serological improvement.

Aspectos clínicos asociados al diagnóstico y tratamiento de la aspergilosis laríngea en pacientes inmunocompetentes / Clinical aspects associated with the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients

INTRODUCCIÓN. La aspergilosis laríngea en individuos inmunocompetentes, aunque rara, se reporta cada vez con más frecuencia; por lo cual, es necesario comprender mejor los aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos más adecuados para abordar su atención. OBJETIVO. Documentar los aspectos clínicos asociados al diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la aspergilosis laríngea en sujetos inmunocompetentes. METODOLOGÍA. Se realizó un estudio Bibliográfico Narrativo de carácter retrospectivo, donde se evaluaron los casos clínicos reportados de personas inmunocompetentes con aspergilosis laríngea desde el año 1983 hasta el 2022. Se hizo una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline y ScienceDirect, y se incluyeron todos los casos reportados en sujetos inmunocompetentes. RESULTADOS. Se identificaron 30 casos clínicos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión dentro de un grupo de 586 artículos revisados. El patógeno más reportado fue Aspergillus fumigatus y la evaluación histopatológica la principal herramienta para diagnosticar la aspergilosis. Se reportaron más casos en mujeres con un 58%. La mayor incidencia se observó en sujetos entre 20 y 49 años de edad. Los síntomas más comunes fueron disfonía, disnea y tos. El tratamiento farmacológico empleado actualmente es el Itraconazol seguido por el Voriconazol. CONCLUSIONES. La evidencia reportada mostró que la aspergilosis laríngea en pacientes inmunocompetentes podría estar dejando de ser un evento "poco común" por lo que debe prestarse más atención a su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION. Laryngeal aspergillosis in immunocompetent individuals, although rare, is reported with increasing frequency; therefore, it is necessary to better understand the most appropriate clinical and therapeutic aspects to address its care. OBJECTIVE. To document the clinical aspects associated with the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal aspergillosis in immunocompetent subjects. METHODOLOGY. A retrospective Narrative Bibliographic study was performed, where clinical case reports of immunocompetent subjects with laryngeal aspergillosis from 1983 to 2022 were evaluated. A literature review was performed in PubMed/Medline and ScienceDirect databases, and all reported cases in immunocompetent subjects were included. RESULTS. Thirty clinical cases that met the inclusion criteria were identified from a pool of 586 articles reviewed. The most reported pathogen was Aspergillus fumigatus and histopathologic evaluation the main tool for diagnosing aspergillosis. More cases were reported in women with 58%. The highest incidence was observed in subjects between 20 and 49 years of age. The most common symptoms were dysphonia, dyspnea and cough. The pharmacological treatment currently used is Itraconazole followed by Voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS. The evidence reported showed that laryngeal aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients may no longer be a "rare" event and more attention should be paid to its diagnosis and treatment.

Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis misdiagnosed as tuberculosis in a Nigerian man: A case report

Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a form of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) with rapid progression. The clinical features of CPA mimic tuberculosis (TB) and may lead to delayed and/or misdiagnosis. We report a 39-year-old Nigerian previously managed in a peripheral hospital as a case of TB despite negative Gene-X pert results with no resolution of symptoms. Chest X-ray and computer tomography findings were suggestive of CPA and galactomannan assay positive. Symptoms resolved 2 months into itraconazole treatment. There is a dire need to drive awareness of CPA among clinicians, especially in our primary and secondary healthcare facilities where the knowledge base and expertise in the management of fungal infections is still at a rudimentary level or perhaps not available at all.

A rare case report of tracheobronchial aspergillosis with endobronchial aspergilloma in a patient clinically recovered from COVID-19

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has led to an increased incidence of fungal infections. However, pulmonary infections are rare. COVID-associated pulmonary aspergillosis has been reported; however, there is no prior report of tracheobronchial aspergillosis with endobronchial aspergilloma as per the authors' literature search. We report such a case of a 65-year-old male with radiology and biopsy-proven endobronchial aspergilloma upon a background of tracheobronchial and pulmonary aspergillosis after having recovered clinically from severe COVID-19 disease.

LDBio Aspergillus immunochromatographic test lateral flow assay for IgG/IgM antibody detection in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: Single-centre evaluation and meta-analysis

Purpose: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is an infection of the lung usually caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with pre-existing pulmonary diseases. Its diagnosis hinges on demonstrating IgG antibodies against A. fumigatus. Herein, we evaluated the performance of a newly introduced point of care test (POCT) kit, the LDBio Aspergillus IgG/IgM lateral flow assay (LFA) in India with the standard ImmunoCAP kit for diagnosing CPA. Methods: A total of 60 serum samples (30 CPA cases and 30 controls) were evaluated by the Aspergillus immunochromatographic test (ICT) IgG/IgM LFA. Fluorescent-enzyme immunoassay was used to determine specific A. fumigatus-IgG concentrations (positive >27 mgA/L). Further, a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies (up to August 26, 2021) reporting the performance of LDBio ICT for the diagnosis of CPA was performed. Result: A sensitivity of 86.7%, specificity of 90%, negative predictive value of 87.1%, positive predictive value of 89.7%, negative likelihood ratio of 0.15, positive likelihood ratio of 8.67, and was observed for the LDBio IC. There was good agreement between LDBio ICT and ImmunoCAP (88.3%) with a Cohen's Kappa score of 0.77. Our systematic review identified four studies and the pooled sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 91%, area under the curve of 0.94 and diagnostic odds ratio of 57.2, for CPA diagnosis by LDBio ICT. Conclusion: Aspergillus LDBio ICT assay exhibits good sensitivity and can be used to screen CPA cases