Overview of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infection
This article reviews literature characterizing invasive fungal infections associated with COVID-19.Recent FindingsMultiple invasive fungal infections including aspergillosis, candidiasis, pneumocystosis, other non-Aspergillus molds, and endemic fungi have been reported in patients with COVID-19. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated fungal disease include underlying lung disease, diabetes, steroid or immunomodulator use, leukopenia, and malignancy. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) are the most common fungal infections described. However, there is variability in th...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - July 11, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Evolving Landscape of Diagnostics for Invasive Fungal Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients
The objective of this paper is to review the armamentarium of tests available for diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in lung transplant recipients (LTs), focusing on developments over the last 5 years.Recent FindingsThe use of fungal biomarkers is increasing, especiallyAspergillus galactomannan, which now has an established role in diagnosis and prevention of invasive aspergillosis. Molecular diagnostics are increasingly being applied to tissue and other specimens to assist identification of fungi. Functional imaging has an evolving role, improving diagnostic precision and time to diagnosis.SummaryWhile demons...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 14, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
COVID-19 and Plethora of Fungal Infections
AbstractPurpose of ReviewSevere-acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the single most important pathogen driving health care delivery system for the last one and half years. Now, as the time is passing, many issues related to co-infections/secondary infections/superinfections in COVID-19 patients are emerging. The literature is getting enriched everyday by addition of reports from all over the world for the same. The purpose of this review is to decipher the plethora of fungal infections in COVID-19.Recent FindingsCOVID-19 infection along with it brought many ris...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - April 9, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Mucormycosis in Solid Organ Transplant
AbstractPurpose of reviewAlthough mucormycosis remains an uncommon opportunistic fungal infection, new advances in diagnostic testing and in treatment have evolved to manage patients with such infections. The goal of this review is to determine how such advances have affected the management of mucormycosis.Recent FindingsFungal prophylaxis with voriconazole or caspofungin may increase the risk of mucormycosis in transplant recipients. Imaging the affected organ systems permits the extent of disease to be delineated and can inform decisions on surgical therapy. First-line treatment includes high-dose liposomal amphotericin ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - April 6, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Azole Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and its Use in the Management of Invasive Fungal Disease
This article summarises the pharmacologic rationale for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of azoles in the management of invasive fungal disease (IFD), explores practical recommendations for TDM guided dosing, discusses barriers to TDM and highlights future directions and challenges to incorporating azole TDM into routine clinical practice.Recent findingsPharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that significant inter- and intra-patient variability exists in the exposure of azole antifungal agents. This variability can affect treatment success and contribute to toxicity. TDM has been proposed as a tool to individualise azo...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 11, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Sporotrichosis in Children: Case series and Narrative Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewPediatric sporotrichosis has not been sufficiently studied; this review aims to evaluate the risk and prognostic factors related to the development of sporotrichosis associated to this age group. Also, we want to evaluate the causes of the increased number of cases of sporotrichosis in the pediatric population such as environmental changes in endemic areas, the biodiversity, and virulence among the pathogenic clade causing sporotrichosis in different areas of the globe, and especially the progression of the zoonotic transmission of infections caused bySporothrix brasiliensis infections, associated ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - March 8, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Histopathology Diagnosis of Filamentous Fungi
AbstractPurpose of ReviewInvasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are challenging to treat and early diagnosis is important. No single laboratory test is ideal. A proven diagnosis of IFD requires a microbiological and/or histopathological demonstration of fungi. Histopathology examination is rapid and cost effective but lacks specificity for the diagnosis of filamentous fungi. Ancillary techniques can enhance accuracy.Recent FindingsDiagnosis on histopathology is based on the diagnosis of the mould and the tissue reaction. The filamentous fungi can be classified as hyaline septate, hyaline pauci-septate and pigmented (dematiaceous)...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 30, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Central Nervous System Fungal Infections in Paediatric Patients
The objective of this paper is to review the main paediatric populations at risk for IFI-CNS and the most frequent agents involved, focusing in the clinical/radiological and diagnostic features, as well as the recommended treatment.Recent FindingsWith new and improved diagnostic techniques, reports on CNS fungal infections in paediatricpatients have increased not only in those with recently discovered congenital immune defects but in immunocompetent childrenas well. Information regarding clinical and imaging findings has expanded to shed light on previously ignored diagnoses.SummaryApart from well-described and devastating...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - January 30, 2022 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Invasive Candidiasis in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes the literature on invasive candidiasis (IC) in liver transplant recipients (LTRs) regarding diagnostic strategies, treatment, and prophylaxis.Recent FindingsRecent literature on IC has expanded and refined definitions of risk factors for IC in LTRs. We discuss increasing rates of resistance among candida species and new antifungals. Diagnostic modalities continue to decrease time to initiation of empiric antifungals, which may impact outcomes.SummaryA well-documented host of risk factors for IC may allow for targeted prophylaxis, while minimizing exposure to antifungal medica...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - November 22, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Coccidioidomycosis and Solid Organ Transplantation
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review discusses the epidemiology, microbiology and pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of coccidioidomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients.Recent FindingsCoccidioidomycosis is associated with a high mortality in solid organ transplant recipients than in immunocompetent individuals. Within the endemic area, strategies to reduce the incidence and mortality among solid organ transplant recipients include pretransplantation screening and treatment of coccidioidomycosis among donors and recipients, use of universal azole prophylaxis after transplantation, and more aggressive ...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - October 7, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Fungal Infection and Prevention in Lung Transplant
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe reviewed common fungal infections and prevention in lung transplant. We paid special attention to the impact of diagnostic and pharmacologic advances on preventative and treatment strategies.Recent FindingsLung transplant recipients receiving anti-mold agents appear to have a survival benefit compared to those not receiving anti-mold agents, but patients may be selected to receive medications by data not captured. Pre-emptive strategies aimed at preventing invasive mold infections may leave lung transplant patients vulnerable to invasive candidiasis in the early post-transplant period.SummaryLun...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 30, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
MALDI-TOF MS: Foundations and a Practical Approach to the Clinically Relevant Filamentous Fungi Identification
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIn this review, the applicability of matrix-assisted laser ionisation/desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) to the identification of clinical relevant filamentous fungi is presented. In addition, the need to implement and validate in-house databases, to fill the gaps in commercial databases, and the importance of permanently updating spectra databases are topics addressed.Recent FindingsMALDI-TOF MS is recognised as a powerful tool for discriminating complex and cryptic fungal species, as well as for strain typing of filamentous fungi of medical importance.SummaryMALDI-TOF MS is a...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 15, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Diagnostics for Fungal Infections in Solid Organ Transplants (SOT)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review examined the literature on the diagnosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in patients undergoing solid organ transplants (SOT) to describe the diagnostic options available for this cohort.Recent FindingsThe tools available for the diagnosis of IFD in SOT patients are similar to those for patients undergoing stem cell transplants. These include (1) direct visualisation by radiography or histopathology, (2) antigenic tests using ELISA or lateral flow devices for fungal antigens, and (3) PCR-based assays that are commercially available for the two primary IFD affecting SOT patients, asperg...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - September 13, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Candida auris: Diagnostic Challenges and Emerging Opportunities for the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarises the epidemiology ofCandida auris infection and describes contemporary and emerging diagnostic methods for detection and identification ofC. auris.Recent FindingsA fifthC. auris clade has been described. Diagnostic accuracy has improved with development of selective/differential media forC. auris. Advances in spectral databases of matrix-associated laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems have reduced misidentification. Direct detection ofC. auris in clinical specimens using real time PCR is increasingly used, as is whole genome seque...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 23, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Molecular Diagnosis of Yeast Infections
This article will review developments from the past decade in attempt to build on existing knowledge. It will highlight clinical performance and limitations while reviewing developments on recognized procedures; it will also provide insight into novel approaches incorporated in response to clinical demand (e.g.C. auris and antifungal resistance) or technological advances (e.g. next-generation sequencing).Recent FindingsLimited methodological standardization and, until recently, unavailability of commercial options have hindered the integration of molecular diagnostics for yeasts. The development of certain, novel commercia...
Source: Current Fungal Infection Reports - June 18, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
