Mucormicosis invasora en pacientes con COVID-19: reporte de 2 casos / Invasive mucormycosis during COVID-19 infection. Report of two cases

COVID-19 disease is associated with a significant number of opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections such as mucormycosis. The prevalence of the latter is rare, estimated to be between 0.005 and 1.7 per million inhabitants. Risk factors include hematological diseases, Diabetes Mellitus with poor metabolic control, solid organ transplantation, neutropenia, and prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids. We report two males aged 60 and 75 years with pulmonary and tracheobronchial invasive mucormycosis, respectively. Both patients had a deficient metabolic control of their diabetes as a predisposing risk factor added to severe COVID-19 infection. High suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for prompt treatment, especially considering the associated high morbidity and mortality of this fungal infection.

Opportunistic infections in pediatrics: when to suspect and how to approach / Infecções oportunistas em pediatria: quando suspeitar e como abordar

Abstract Objectives To describe the characteristics of opportunistic infections in pediatrics regarding their clinical aspects, as well as the diagnostic strategy and treatment. Source of data Non-systematic review of literature studies in the PubMed database. Synthesis of data Opportunistic infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, Herpesvirae, and infections affecting individuals using immunobiological agents are analyzed. Because these are severe diseases with a rapid evolution, diagnostic suspicion should be early, associated with the patient's clinical assessment and history pointing to opportunistic infections. Whenever possible, samples of secretions, blood, and other fluids and tissues should be collected, with early therapy implementation. Conclusions Despite the improved diagnosis of opportunistic infections in recent years, they remain a challenge for pediatricians who are not used to these infections. They should raise the suspicion and start treating the case, but should also resort to specialists in the management of these infections to provide a better outcome for these patients, who still have high mortality.

Resumo Objetivos Descrever as características das infecções oportunistas em pediatria em seus aspectos clínicos, bem como a estratégia diagnóstica e o tratamento. Fonte dos dados Revisão de trabalhos de literatura de forma não sistemática na base de dados Pubmed. Síntese dos dados São apresentadas as infecções oportunistas causadas por micobactérias não tuberculosas, fungos, herpervírus e as infecções que acometem indivíduos em uso de imunobiológicos. Por se tratar de doenças graves e de evolução rápida, a suspeita diagnóstica deve ser precoce, associada à clínica do paciente e aos dados de história que apontam para infecções oportunistas. Sempre que possível, amostras de secreções, sangue e outros fluidos e de tecidos devem ser coletadas, com instituição precoce de terapia. Conclusões Apesar da melhoria do diagnóstico de infecções oportunistas nos últimos anos, elas ainda são um desafio para o pediatra pouco habituado a essas infecções. Ele deve fazer a suspeita e iniciar a condução do caso, mas recorrer a especialistas com prática no manejo dessas infecções de modo a propiciar um melhor desfecho para esses pacientes que ainda apresentam alta mortalidade.

Histoplasmosis diseminada como manifestación inicial del linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas / Disseminated histoplasmosis as a first clinical manifestation in a patient with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

RESUMEN El linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas es una neoplasia de células B maduras con un amplio espectro de presentaciones clínicas. Las infecciones por gérmenes oportunistas no asociadas con el tratamiento, incluso en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad, tienen baja incidencia. Se han reportado muy pocos casos de pacientes con linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas asociado a histoplasmosis diseminada que no habían recibido quimioterapia en el momento del diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 82 años que fue hospitalizada por presentar tos seca intermitente, astenia y adinamia de un mes de evolución. Se le practicaron múltiples estudios para detectar infecciones o compromiso inmunológico o reumático, y se diagnosticó un síndrome adenopático extenso con compromiso cervical, torácico y retroperitoneal. En la citometría de flujo y en la biopsia de ganglio linfático cervical, se reportaron los fenotipos CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg y CD10neg, con restricción de la cadena ligera kappa, lo cual confirmó un linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas. En la histopatología del ganglio, se observaron granulomas epitelioides sin necrosis, pero las coloraciones especiales no mostraron la presencia de microorganismos, en tanto que el cultivo del ganglio fue positivo para Histoplasma capsulatum. Se inició el tratamiento antifúngico con anfotericina B e itraconazol, y la paciente tuvo una adecuada evolución. Dado que no se cumplían los criterios para el tratamiento oncológico, se continuó con su observación mediante controles periódicos. Las infecciones oportunistas pueden ser la manifestación clínica inicial en pacientes con síndromes linfoproliferativos de bajo grado. Este caso demuestra que pueden desarrollarse, incluso, en ausencia de quimioterapia.

ABSTRACT The small lymphocytic lymphoma is a mature B cell neoplasm with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Opportunistic infections that are not related to the treatment, even in advanced stages, have a low incidence rate. There are few case reports in the medical literature of patients who have not received immunosuppressive therapy and present with small lymphocytic lymphoma associated with disseminated histoplasmosis at diagnosis. A female 82-year-old patient was admitted due to an intermittent dry cough, asthenia, and adynamia that had persisted for one month. Multiple studies to detect infections and immuno-rheumatic conditions were performed and an extensive cervical, thoracic and peritoneal adenopathic syndrome was diagnosed. A flow cytometry and a cervical lymph node biopsy were performed reporting CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg, and CD10neg phenotypes with restriction in the light kappa chain compatible with a small lymphocytic lymphoma. Epithelioid granulomas without necrosis were observed in the lymph node histopathology and special colorations showed no microorganisms. The culture from the lymph node was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. We initiated treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole with an adequate response. In the absence of compliance with oncology treatment criteria, the patient was managed on a "watch and wait" basis. Opportunistic infections could be the initial clinical manifestation in patients with low-grade lymphoproliferative syndromes. This case report shows that they can develop even in the absence of chemotherapy.

Neumonía por Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum / Pneumonia caused by Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum

Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum forma parte de la microbiota normal de orofaringe y de piel. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas está emergiendo como oportunista causante de infecciones clínicamente significativas en pacientes con algún compromiso previo. Se refiere el caso clínico de una paciente de 76 años con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, hipotiroidismo, diabetes tipo 2 e insuficiencia renal crónica, que presentó neumonía durante su estadía en terapia intensiva. El examen directo del esputo inducido (coloración de Gram) reveló una muestra representativa con abundante microbiota monomicrobiana constituida por bacilos gram positivos pleomórficos corineformes y el cultivo presencia de C. pseudodiphtheriticum. La paciente recibió medicación empírica con cefalosporina de tercera generación con evolución favorable.

Microorganisms of the genera Corynebacterium, specie pseudodiphtheriticum are a part of the indigenous microbiota of human skin and oropharinx. Nevertheless in recent decades these bacilli are emerging as opportunistic pathogens causing clinically significant infections in patients with previous compromise. We report the case of a 76 years old female patient, with a history of hypertension, hypothyroidism, type 2 diabetes and chronic renal failure, who presented pneumonia during their stay at the intensive care unit. The induced sputum revealed a representative sample with monomicrobial gram positive pleomorphic coryneform rods (Gram stain) and cultures demonstrated the presence of C. pseudodiphtheriticum as the only bacteria recovered. The pacient received an empirical third generation cephalosporin medication with a succesfull recovery.

Risk factors in the progression of BK virus-associated nephropathy in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is an important cause of allograft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients. It has an unfavorable clinical course, and no definite treatment guidelines have yet been established. Here, we report our center's experience with biopsy-proven BKVAN and investigate factors associated with its progression. METHODS: From January 2004 to April 2013, 25 patients with BKVAN were diagnosed by biopsy at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Of the 25 patients, 10 were deceaseddonor transplant recipients and 15 were living-donor transplant recipients. Three of the patients underwent retransplantation. The primary immunosuppressant used was tacrolimus in 17 patients and cyclosporine in eight patients. RESULTS: BKVAN was observed at a mean duration of 22.8 ± 29.1 months after transplantation. The mean serum creatinine level at biopsy was 2.2 ± 0.7 mg/dL. BKVAN occurred with acute rejection in eight patients (28%). Immunosuppression modification was performed in 21 patients (84%). Additionally, leflunomide and intravenous immunoglobulin were administered to 13 patients (52%) and two (8%), respectively. Allograft loss occurred in five patients (27.8%) during the follow- up period at 0.7, 17.1, 21.8, 39.8, and 41.5 months after the BKVAN diagnosis. Advanced stages of BKVAN, increased creatinine levels, and accompanying acute rejection at the time of BKVAN diagnosis increased the risk of allograft failure. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes in patients with biopsy-proven BKVAN were unfavorable in the present study, especially in patients with advanced-stage BKVAN, poor renal function, and acute allograft rejection.

Estudio retrospectivo de la aplicación de la amplificación génica cualitativa en muestras biológicas para el seguimiento de la toxoplasmosis en pacientes pediátricos receptores de trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas / Retrospective study of the implementation of the qualitative PCR technique in biological samples for monitoring toxoplasmosis in pediatric patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantion

La toxoplasmosis es una infección oportunista causada por el parásito Toxoplasma gondii; su infección es grave y de difícil diagnóstico en pacientes que reciben un trasplante alogénico de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH). En el Hospital de Pediatría S.A.M.I.C. "Profesor Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" se realizó la vigilancia postrasplante de 12 pacientes receptores de TCPH mediante la técnica de PCR cualitativa. La necesidad de seguimiento de estos pacientes fue definida por el antecedente de serología positiva para toxoplasmosis en el donante o receptor y ante la imposibilidad de iniciar el uso profiláctico de trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol a causa de la condición hematológica. Dos pacientes presentaron signos de enfermedad por T. gondii con resultado de PCR positivo y recibieron tratamiento con pirimetamina-clindamicina. En otros dos, la toxoplasmosis fue causa de muerte y hallazgo de autopsia, con resultado de PCR negativo. Cuatro pacientes recibieron tratamiento contra toxoplasmosis por la detección de una PCR positiva, sin manifestaciones clínicas. En los cuatro pacientes restantes no se detectaron signos de enfermedad por toxoplasmosis, con resultados de PCR negativos durante el seguimiento. La técnica de PCR cualitativa demostró ser útil para detectar la reactivación de la toxoplasmosis en receptores de TCPH, pero tiene limitaciones para el seguimiento y la toma de decisiones clínicas en pacientes con PCR positiva que persiste en el tiempo y manifestaciones de toxicidad por el tratamiento.

Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is severe and difficult to diagnose in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twelve patients receiving HSCT were monitored post-transplant, by qualitative PCR at the Children's Hospital S.A.M.I.C. "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan". The monitoring of these patients was defined by a history of positive serology for toxoplasmosis in the donor or recipient and because their hematologic condition did not allow the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for prophylaxis. During the patients' monitoring, two of them with positive PCR results showed signs of illness by T. gondii and were treated with pyrimethamine-clindamycin. In two other patients, toxoplasmosis was the cause of death and an autopsy finding, showing negative PCR results. Four patients without clinical manifestations received treatment for toxoplasmosis because of positive PCR detection. In four patients there were no signs of toxoplasmosis disease and negative PCR results during follow-up. The qualitative PCR technique proved useful for the detection of toxoplasmosis reactivation in HSCT recipients, but has limitations in monitoring and making clinical decisions due to the persistence of positive PCR over time and manifestations of toxicity caused by the treatment.

Cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin

Various adverse events have been reported during combination therapy with pegylated (PEG)-interferon-alpha and ribavirin, although opportunistic infections, especially cryptococcal meningitis, are very rare. A 61-year-old woman complained of headaches and a fever during treatment of a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. She had been treated for 7 months. Her headaches were refractory to analgesics, and she developed subtle nuchal rigidity. The cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) revealed a white blood cell count of 205/mm3, 51 mg/dL protein, 35 mg/dL glucose, and negative Cryptococcus antigen. The CSF culture resulted in no growth. Five days later, the CSF was positive for Cryptococcus antigen. We administered amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by fluconazole. Approximately 2 months later, she was discharged. For the first time, we report a case of cryptococcal meningitis during the treatment of chronic HCV with PEG-interferon-alpha and ribavirin.

Oral lesions frequency in HIV-positive patients at a tertiary hospital, Southern Brazil

AIM: To report the frequency of oral lesions in HIV-positive patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), comparing with a non-HIV infected control group, and to correlate the presence of lesions with demographic and clinical features of HIV-seropositive patients. METHODS: A quantitative case-control study was conducted by a dental professional, using a questionnaire, analysis of medical records of patients and clinical examinations. RESULTS: According to the results, oral lesions were found in 23% of HIV-positive patients versus 5% in controls. Candidiasis (29%) and periodontal changes (25%) were the most frequent oral lesions found in these patients. Gender and viral load values were statistically significant when HIV-positive patients with and without oral lesions were compared. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed a change in lesion pattern of HIV patients on HAART, highlighting a high frequency of these new lesions and reinforcing the need for periodic dental evaluation of HIV-positive patients.

Cytomegalovirus esophagitis presents as chest pain in a renal transplant recipient

No abstract available.

Postinfectious Guillain-Barre syndrome in a patient with methimazole-induced agranulocytosis

Both Graves disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) are autoimmune disorders caused by impaired self-tolerance mechanisms and triggered by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. GBS in patients who suffer from other autoimmune diseases is rarely reported, and the development of postinfectious GBS in a patient with Graves disease has not been previously reported in the literature. Herein, we report a patient with Graves disease who developed postinfectious GBS during a course of methimazole-induced agranulocytosis.

Common variable immunodeficiency and isosporiasis: first report case / Imunodeficiência comum variável e isosporíase: primeiro relato de caso

We report a severe case of diarrhea in a 62-year-old female HIV-negative patient from whom Giardia lamblia and Isospora belli were isolated. Because unusual and opportunistic infections should be considered as criteria for further analysis of immunological status, laboratory investigations led to a diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This is the first reported case of isosporiasis in a patient with CVID and illustrates the importance of being aware of a possible link, particularly in relation to primary immunodeficiency.

Trata-se de relato de caso de uma paciente de 62 anos, sexo feminino, HIV negativo apresentando um quadro grave de diarréia, sendo isolados Giardia lamblia e Isospora belli. Infecções incomuns e oportunistas devem ser consideradas como um sinal para alerta para que se analise o sistema imunológico. O diagnóstico de imunodeficiência de comum variável foi realizado após investigação. Este é o primeiro caso relatado de isosporíase em pacientes com imunodeficiência comum variável e mostra a importância de estar alerta tambem em relação a imunodeficiências primárias.

A case of community-acquired Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii cellulitis / Celulitis por Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii adquirida en la comunidad: una presentación de caso

Acinetobacter skin and soft tissue infection outside of the traumatic wound setting are rare occurrences. The majority of cases occur in the presence of significant comorbilities and by Acinetobacter baumanii. Herein a case is reported of community-onset, health-care-associated, non-traumatic cellulitis caused by Acinetobacter, species junii-johnsonii with bacteremia. This is the first reported case of Acinetobacter junii-johnsonii skin and soft tissue infection. Hemorrhagic bullae might be one of the clinical features of Acinetobacter cellulitis.

La infección de piel y tejidos blandos por Acinetobacter no relacionada con trauma es una presentación inusual. La mayoría de los casos descritos presentan enfermedades concomitantes y son causados por Acinetobacter baumanii. Se describe un caso de celulitis no traumática por A. junii-johnsonii con bacteriemia, de inicio en la comunidad y asociado con el tratamiento médico. De acuerdo con nuestro conocimiento, éste sería el primer caso reportado de infección de tejidos blandos y piel por A. junii-johnsonii. La vesícula hemorrágica podría ser una característica clínica de celulitis por Acinetobacter.

Polyoma BK virus: an emerging opportunistic infectious agent of the human central nervous system

BK virus, a double-stranded DNA virus, is a member of the Polyomaviridae family which is known to infect humans. Clinical evidence of disease is mostly encountered in immunosuppressed individuals such as AIDS patients or those who undergo renal or bone marrow transplantation where complications associated with BKV infection manifest commonly as a polyomavirus nephropathy or hemorrhagic cystitis, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that in addition to the JC virus (the other member of the same family known to be strongly neurotropic and responsible for the progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy), BK virus can infect and cause clinically relevant disease in the human central nervous system. In this mini-review, an analysis of the literature is made. A special focus is given to alert clinicians to the possibility of this association during the differential diagnosis of infections of the central nervous system in the immunocompromised host.

Sequence of oral manifestations in rhino-maxillary mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis, caused by saprophytic fungi of the order Mucorales of the class Zygomycetes, is a rare opportunistic fungal infection, which has a rapidly progressive and fulminant course with fatal outcome. These fungi are ubiquitous, found in soil, bread molds, decaying fruits and vegetables. The most common form of mucormycosis is rhinocerebral and is usually seen in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or in immunocompromised patients. This fungus invades the arteries, leading to thrombosis that subsequently causes necrosis of hard and soft tissues. We report a case of palatal perforation by rhino-maxillary mucormycosis in an immunocompromised patient. The aim of this article is to draw attention to the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of mucormycosis and to emphasize the need for high degree of suspicion in its diagnosis and management.

Enfermedad de whipple en paciente HIV positivo / Whipple disease in an HIV patient

La enfermedad de Whipple es una enfermedad crónica sistématica de infrecuente presentación, causada por una bacteria, Tropheryma Whipplei, del orden Actinomycetales. Existen cerca de 1.000 casos reportados en la actualidad. Presentamos un caso de enfermedad de Whipple en un paciente HIV (+).

Common Opportunistic Infections in HIV Infected Infants and Children : Part 2 Non-Respiratory Infections

Increased susceptibility to infections is the major cause of disease; end organ damage and death in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. This article will focus on prevention; diagnosis and management of the most common and less common severe infections that are specifically associated with HIV-related immune compromise; as well as some aspects relating to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)

Diagnóstico laboratorial de enteroparasitoses oportunistas, com ênfase nas microsporidioses humanas, em Goiânia-GO / Laboratory diagnosis of opportunistic intestinal parasites with emphasis on human microsporidiosis, in Goiânia-Go

Os microsporídios são protozoários, emergentes e oportunistas, responsáveis por patologias de alta morbi-mortalidade, principalmente em indivíduos com distúrbios imunes. Este estudo visa determinar o perfil clínico-laboratorial destes agentes. No total, foram avaliados 723 pacientes divididos em dois grupos: I) Indivíduos imunodeprimidos/imunossuprimidos; II) Indivíduos aparentemente imunocompetentes. Estes, após livre e esclarecido consentimento, foram entrevistados e cederam amostras fecais, sendo todas submetidas a técnicas de HPJ, Rugai, Faust e colorações específicas para coccídios e microsporídios. A freqüência de microsporídios foi 1,3 por cento (5/393) no grupo I, enquanto no outro grupo foi quatro vezes menor. A ocorrência de outras enteroparasitoses oportunistas também foi maior no grupo I. Conclui-se, por um lado, que estes agentes estão em nosso meio, e por outro, necessitamos aprimorar o diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial, para definir a distribuição geográfica destes agentes no Estado de Goiás e no Brasil.

Microsporidia are emergent and opportunistic protozoa that are responsible for diseases with high morbidity and mortality, especially among individuals with immune disorders. This study had the aim of determining the clinical-laboratory profile of these agents. In total, 723 patients were evaluated, divided into two groups: I) Immunosuppressed/immunodepressed individuals; II) Apparently immunocompetent individuals. After obtaining free informed consent, these patients were interviewed and gave fecal samples. These samples were all subjected to the HPJ, Rugai and Faust techniques and to specific staining for Coccidia and Microsporidia. The frequency of Microsporidia was 1.3 percent (5/393) in group I, whereas it was a quarter of this in group II. The occurrence of other opportunistic intestinal parasites was also greater in group I. It was concluded, firstly, that these agents are present in our environment and, secondly, that there is a need to improve the clinical and laboratory diagnosis, in order to define the geographic distribution of these agents in the State of Goiás and throughout Brazil.

Prevalence of dermatophytes and other fungal agents isolated from clinical samples.

The common cause of skin infections are dermatophytes and opportunistic fungi. Aim of this study was to isolate and identify the fungal agents from clinical samples from patients with different mycoses. Clinical samples from 165 patients were subjected to potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination and culture isolation; causative agents were identified macroscopically and microscopically. All the 165 specimens were KOH positive and 110/165 (66.7%) samples were culture positive. Of these, highest isolation rate was obtained in opportunistic mycoses such as candidiasis (29/29, 100%). Dermatophytes were isolated in 53/80 (66.3%) specimens and Trichophyton rubrum was the commonest isolate in skin samples (17/24) among the patients suffering from dermatophytosis. Phaeoannellomyces wernecki was isolated in a patient suffering from tinea nigra. The study signifies the importance of mycological examination in the diagnosis of various mycoses for their effective management.

Mucormycosis presenting as palatal perforation.

Mucormycosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that is caused by normally saprobic organism of the class Zygomycetes. The main form of mucormycosis are pulmonary and rhinocerebral. Rhinocerebral mycormycosis typically starts in the maxillary antrum, particularly in poorly controlled diabetics. Invasion of surrounding tissue can cause necrotizing ulceration of palate with a blackish slough and exposure of bone. A case of mucormycosis presenting as palatal performation is discussed in this article.

Rhodococcus equi--an emerging human pathogen in immunocompromized hosts: a report of four cases from Malaysia.

Rhodococcus equi, a recognized pathogen in horses, is emerging as a human opportunistic pathogen, especially in immunocompromized hosts. We describe four immunocompromized patients who had serious R. equi infections with an overall mortality of 75%. The natural habitat of R. equi is soil, particularly soil contaminated with animal manure. Necrotizing pneumonia is the commonest form of infection but extrapulmonary infections, such as wound infections and subcutaneous abscess, have also been described in humans. R. equi is cultured easily in ordinary non-selective media. Large, smooth, irregular colonies appear within 48 hours. It is a facultative, intracellular, nonmotile, non-spore forming, gram-positive coccobacillus, which is weakly acid-fast staining and bears a similarity to diphtheroids. It forms a salmon-colored pigment usually after 48 hours incubation. A particular characteristic of this organism is that it undergoes synergistic hemolysis with some bacteria on sheep blood agar. R. equi may be misidentified as diphtheroids, Mycobacterium species, or Nocardia. In vitro R. equi is usually susceptible to erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, rifampin, imipenem and meropenem. The organism can be difficult to eradicate, making treatment challenging. Increased awareness of the infection may help with early diagnosis and timely treatment.