Radiology of invasive fungal infections of the respiratory tract

Invasive fungal infections of the respiratory tract are a major cause of serious morbidity and mortality especially in immunocompromised patients due to neutropenia, corticosteroids, or hematologic malignancy. The role of imaging is very important in the management of patients with fungal infections and chest x-ray is still the most used exploration. Nevertheless, new approaches recommend the systematic use of computed tomography scan for early documentation of invasive fungal infection. Combination of clinical setting with recognition of radiological pattern is the best approach to pulmonary fungal diseases. The following is a review of the imaging features of different invasive fungal infections we can face in our daily practice.     

Hospital sources of Aspergillus: New routes of transmission?

With the continuing increase in the number of severely immunocompromised patients, hospitals are faced with the growing problem of invasive aspergillosis and other opportunistic fungal infections. Since treatment of these infections are difficult and outcome is often fatal, preventive measures are of major importance in the control of invasive filamentous fungal infections. Until recently, inhalation of airborne conidia was believed to be the primary route of acquiring Aspergillus infection. Despite the fact, that efforts to filter the hospital air has led to a reduction of airborne conidia paralleled by a decrease in the frequency of invasive infections, the correlation between the concentration of Aspergillus conidia in hospital air and the risk of invasive infections remains unclear. Furthermore, alternative modes of transmission may exist and should be recognized and investigated. The discovery of hospital water as a potential source of Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi may suggest a new route for the transmission of invasive filamentous fungal infections. Epidemiological studies, based on molecular characterization and comparisons of fungal isolates recovered from patients and environment, are needed to expand our understanding of these alternative routes of transmission.     

An update on the pharmacoeconomics of antifungal pharmacotherapy

The incidence and severity of invasive fungal infections are on the rise and they pose a risk of significant morbidity and mortality. The cost burden of fungal infections in the United States is high. There are many newer, less toxic antifungal agents to manage these challenging infections; however, these agents also carry a high cost of their own. When considering an antifungal agent for a specific patient, it is important to consider safety, efficacy, and cost, thus making it essential to continually evaluate the antifungal pharmacoeconomic literature to assist in the therapeutic decision-making process for patients with invasive fungal infections. Unfortunately, there is a lack of pharmacoeconomic studies addressing the costs associated with the treatment and prevention of fungal infections. Future large-scale clinical studies should include pharmacoeconomic analyses and end points that encompass all costs associated with antifungal drug use, not solely drug acquisition costs.     

Harnessing calcineurin as a novel anti-infective agent against invasive fungal infections

The number of immunocompromised patients with invasive fungal infections continues to increase and new antifungal therapies are not keeping pace with the growing incidence of these infections and their associated mortality. Calcineurin inhibition is currently used to exert effective immunosuppression following organ transplantation and in treating various other conditions. However, the calcineurin pathway is also intricately involved in the growth and pathogenesis of the three major fungal pathogens of humans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and the exploitation of fungal calcineurin pathways holds great promise for the future development of novel antifungal agents. This Review summarizes our current understanding of calcineurin biology in these fungal species, and its exciting potential role in treating invasive fungal infections.     

Combination antifungal therapy: From bench to bedside

Invasive fungal infections are major causes of mortality in immunocompromised patients. Despite improved outcomes with new antifungals, there remains a pressing need to further improve outcomes, especially with invasive aspergillosis and other invasive mold infections. Combination antifungal therapy is an attractive option that offers the prospect for improved efficacy, decreased toxicity, reduced likelihood for the emergence of resistance, and shorter courses of therapy. The current available evidence regarding the role of combination antifungal therapy for invasive fungal infections is discussed in this article, including data from in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials to try to clarify this important issue. Randomized, prospective clinical trials are urgently needed, especially for invasive aspergillosis.     

New insights on the development of fungal vaccines: from immunity to recent challenges

Fungal infections are emerging as a major problem in part due to high mortality associated with systemic infections, especially in the case of immunocompromised patients. With the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic, the number of immunosuppressed patients has increased and, as a consequence, also the number of invasive fungal infections has increased. Several studies have proposed new strategies for the development of effective fungal vaccines. In addition, better understanding of how the immune system works against fungal pathogens has improved the further development of these new vaccination strategies. As a result, some fungal vaccines have advanced through clinical trials. However, there are still many challenges that prevent the clinical development of fungal vaccines that can efficiently immunise subjects at risk of developing invasive fungal infections. In this review, we will discuss these new vaccination strategies and the challenges that they present. In the future with proper investments, fungal vaccines may soon become a reality.     

米卡芬净治疗重症侵袭性真菌感染40例的临床分析

目的评价米卡芬净治疗重症侵袭性真菌感染患者的疗效和安全性。方法采用回顾性分析2007年12月~2009年6月大连医科大学附属二院ICU病房40例侵袭性真菌感染患者应用米卡芬净治疗的临床资料。结果40例患者中,痊愈10例(25%),显效18例(45%),总有效率为70%,真菌清除率为60.8%,不良反应少,所有患者均耐受治疗。结论米卡芬净治疗重症侵袭性真菌感染安全、有效。     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acr</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">emonium</Emphasis> Species: A Review of the Etiological Agents of Emerging Hyalohyphomycosis

Unusual fungal agents that exist environmentally as saprophytes can often lead to opportunistic infections. Hyalohyphomycosis is a group of fungal infections caused by fungi characterized by hyaline septate hyphae and can infect both immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients. Many a times it becomes difficult to distinguish a pathogenic and a contaminant fungus, because many such agents can assume clinical significance depending on circumstances. Subcutaneous and invasive fungal infection due to the emerging hyalohyphomycotic fungus, Acremonium, has drawn the attention of clinicians and microbiologists, as a potential pathogen in patients with and without underlying risk factors. Generally considered to be minimally invasive in the past, genus Acremonium has been responsible for eumycotic mycetomas and focal infections in otherwise healthy individuals. It has also been increasingly implicated in systemic fungal diseases. The management with different antifungals in various clinical situations has been very conflicting and hence needs to be carefully evaluated. This overview is an endeavor to consolidate the available clinical infections due to Acremonium and the recommendations on treatment.     

Invasive Fungal Infection in Primary Immunodeficiencies Other Than Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Purpose of review

We aimed to review invasive fungal infections complicating primary immunodeficiencies (PID).

Recent findings

Several PID predisposing to fungal infections were recently deciphered. CARD9 deficiency selectively predisposes to fungal infections including candidiasis, aspergillosis, deep dermatophytosis, and phaeohyphomycosis, with frequent central nervous system location, especially after Candida infection. Patients with heterozygous STAT1 gain-of-function mutations are mostly predisposed to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis but may also display, even though less frequently, invasive fungal infections. Aspergillosis complicating STAT3 deficiency is also a major concern in patients with lung cavities. Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended in this first group of patients. Previously well-reported PID are known to predispose to fungal infections, such as genetic defects impairing the IL-12/IFN-γ axis can predispose to cryptococcosis, and dimorphic fungal infections.

Summary

Patients developing invasive fungal infections including candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, phaeohyphomycosis, pneumocystosis, or disseminated infections caused by dimorphic fungi, without known underlying risk factors, should be explored immunogenetically in order to diagnose primary immunodeficiencies, even in the absence of previous other infectious episodes.

     

伊曲康唑序贯疗法治疗老年MODS患者侵袭性肺部真菌感染14例

目的 观察伊曲康唑序贯疗法治疗老年多脏器功能障碍综合征（MODS）患者侵袭性肺部真菌感染的疗效。方法 回顾分析重症监护病房（ICU）中,老年MODS患者侵袭性真菌感染14例,最初应用伊曲康唑注射液7～14d,第1～2d,200mg,1次／12h,第3～14d,200mg,1次／d;然后,采用伊曲康唑胶囊或口服液序贯治疗,400mg／d剂量水平,疗程2—4周。结果 临床有效率85．7％,真菌清除率为92．9％,真菌清除平均天数为6．1d;患者28d生存率85．7％,不良反应发生率为42．9％。结论 对老年MODS合并侵袭性真菌感染患者在综合治疗的基础上,应用广谱抗真菌药物——伊曲康唑序贯疗法,是巩固疗效,防止复发值得推广的给药方式。临床应用伊曲康唑时,应注意适应证、药物不良反应及药物的相互作用。     

Prevention of invasive fungal infections in lung transplant patients

Lung transplantation is associated with a relatively high incidence of invasive fungal infections that directly affect the morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. In addition, these infections may have immunologic consequences that play a role in the evolution of lung injury syndromes and result in earlier loss of graft than otherwise would be expected to occur. This article is an overview of the epidemiology and prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections following lung transplantation.     

血液系统肿瘤患者侵袭性肺部真菌感染的外科手术治疗

目的探讨怀疑肺部有侵袭性真菌感染(invasivefungalinfection,IFI)的血液恶性肿瘤患者行手术切除肺部病灶的安全性及有效性。方法分析2005年4月～2009年7月之间因血液系统肿瘤合并疑似侵袭性肺部真菌感染而接受肺切除术的10名患者,总结术后并发症及死亡率来探讨手术的有效性和安全性。结果手术均在全身麻醉下进行,5例为胸廓切开术,5例为胸腔镜下手术。3例为病灶楔形切除术,7例为肺叶切除术。术后组织病理:确诊真菌感染6例(60%),慢性细菌感染1例,3例未见明确病原菌。术后4例出现并发症:3例为轻度并发症(30%),其中2例气胸后自行吸收,1例局限性肺不张;1例严重并发症为血胸(10%)。术后30d死亡率为10%。术后真菌复发率为16%。随访至2009年8月31日,中位随访时间为3.8个月(0.7～31.1个月),4例(40%)死亡,但手术相关死亡率为0%。结论手术切除不仅有助于明确诊断而且还可以清除病灶、防止IFI复发和允许进一步的免疫抑制治疗,手术本身是安全的。     

Antifungal Distribution Into Cerebrospinal Fluid,Vitreous Humor,Bone, and Other Difficult Sites

The incidence of invasive fungal infections continues to increase, especially in patients with immune dysfunction. Fungal infections are often difficult to treat, requiring therapy for weeks or months to eradicate infection. Although fungal infections of the central nervous system, eye, and bones occur less frequently than infections at other sites, it is necessary to assess the utility of the currently available antifungal agents in treating these infections. Unfortunately, information regarding drug distribution to these sites is often scarce and limited to a few animal studies or case reports. This review summarizes information about commonly used antifungal agents and their penetration into the central nervous system, eye, and bone.     

Opciones terapéuticas actuales en las micosis invasoras y papel terapéutico potencial del isavuconazol

The treatment of invasive fungal infections has deeply evolved in recent years with the inclusion of new antifungals to the therapeutic treatment arsenal. A new azole, isavuconazole, has been recently approved. This review focuses on the role of isavuconazole for treating the most important invasive fungal infections: invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, mucormicosis, infections caused by other filamentous fungi and those caused by dimorphic fungi.     

The role of second-generation triazole antifungal agents voriconazole and posaconazole in patients with hematologic malignancies

The second-generation triazoles, voriconazole and posaconazole, have found important roles in the management of invasive fungal infections in high-risk patients. Both agents are more active against Candida albicans and the non-albicans Candida species than the first-generation triazoles. They are active against Aspergillus species, including those species less susceptible to polyenes, and against a variety of non-Aspergillus molds. In contrast to posaconazole, voriconazole has no activity against the zygomycetes, and breakthrough infections have been observed. Both are well absorbed, but considerable intra- and interpatient pharmacokinetic variability has raised the question of therapeutic drug monitoring. Both inhibit hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, which are important in the metabolism of various drugs coadministered in the management of high-risk patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of both agents for antifungal prophylaxis and treatment in invasive candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis, and in invasive fungal infections caused by a variety of non-Aspergillus molds. Posaconazole is the only triazole approved for use in the treatment of invasive zygomycosis. Voriconazole is the accepted standard first-line therapy for invasive aspergillosis.     

Hacia el diagnóstico temprano de la candidiasis invasora en el paciente crítico

The management of invasive fungal infections in critically ill patients, from diagnosis to selection of the ther- apeutic protocol, is often a challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with a better prognosis, but apart from cases with positive cultures from blood or fluid/tissue biopsy, diagnosis is neither sensitive nor specific, and there is a need for specific markers in these diseases. Serodiagnostic assays such as mannan an-tigen, mannan antibodies, Candida albicans germ-tube antibodies or (1→3)-β-D-glucan detection, and mo-lecular techniques for the detection of fungal-specific DNA have been developed with promising results in critical care settings. One of the main features in diagnosis is the evaluation of risk factors for infection, which will identify patients in need of preemptive or empirical treatment. Clinical scores were built from those risk factors. The combination of prediction rules and non-culture microbiological tools could be currently be the key to improving the diagnosis and prognosis of invasive fungal infections in critically ill patients.     

Papel futuro de la micafungina en el tratamiento de las micosis invasoras por hongos filamentosos

BackgroundMicafungin is a echinocandin. It inhibits β-1,3-D-glucan synthesis, thus achieving fungicidal activity against virtually all Candida spp., including those resistant to fluconazole, and fungistatic activity against Aspergillus spp., as well as several but not all pathogenic molds. Results from in vitro studies, animal models, small clinical trials, hint at possible future indications such as invasive aspergillosis and empirical viantifungal therapy, although currently there is little information published.AimsTo describe published data of micafungin as treatment against invasive mold infections, specially analysing its role in the inmunodepressed host and critical care setting.MethodsA sistematic review of literature using the principal medical search engines was performed. Terms such as micafungin, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, invasive fungal infections, emerging fungal infections, antifungal treatment or therapy, antifungal prophylaxis, empiric or pre-emptive therapy were crossed. Febrile neutropenia patients were excluded.ResultsSeveral studies in these setting were identified and were described in this review. Although there were no blinded randomized clinical trials published, treatment or prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis and other invasive mould infections with micafungin described in open clinical studies were analyzed.ConclusionsMicafungin could play a future important role as a primary or rescue therapy, alone or in combination, in the treatment or prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections caused by moulds. New randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm their efficacy.     

Medical Mycology for the Hospital Epidemiologist

Healthcare-associated invasive fungal infections are increasing and are a cause of significant patient morbidity and mortality. Nosocomial infections due to Candida species, followed by Aspergillus species, are the most common causes of these infections in hospitalized patients. Hospital epidemiologists and infection control practitioners must recognize that similar to bacterial pathogens, fungal infections can be the cause of hospital outbreaks, and issues of resistance are increasing. Efforts to best identify patients at risk for developing fungal infections or those at risk of having a resistant organism are ongoing. Better diagnostics and tools to aid prevention are needed in addition to usual infection prevention and control standards.     

艾滋病合并侵袭性肺真菌病的诊治

近年来,侵袭性真菌感染的发病率不断增加,其中肺真菌感染居首位,己成为免疫功能下降或缺陷宿主常见的死亡原因。艾滋病是经典免疫功能缺陷性疾病,合并真菌感染时需及时识别、治疗,以降低其病死率。国内、外各种有关侵袭性真菌感染诊治指南的不断问世,极大地提高了临床医生对侵袭性真菌病的认识和诊治水平。该文就艾滋病常见侵袭性肺真菌病:肺念珠菌病、肺孢子菌肺炎、肺马内菲青霉病、肺隐球菌病、肺曲霉病的诊断及治疗进展进行综述。     

Aerosolized Antifungals for the Prevention and Treatment of Invasive Fungal Infections

Invasive fungal infections result in significant morbidity and mortality, most notably in immunosuppressed patients. Aerosolized antifungal agents have been utilized primarily as prophylaxis (either alone or in combination with systemic antifungals) in patients at highest risk of invasive infections in attempts to optimize drug delivery while minimizing the potential for systemic toxicity and/or drug interactions. Published clinical experience with aerosolized antifungals most frequently involves various formulations of the polyene amphotericin B in patients undergoing lung transplantation and/or select patients with hematologic malignancy. Adverse events are infrequent and generally limited to dyspnea, dysgeusia, and cough. Existing data suggests lipid-based amphotericin B formulations may be better tolerated than amphotericin B deoxycholate. Published clinical experience with aerosolized antifungals as adjunctive treatment of invasive fungal infections is limited to case reports. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support use of aerosolized echinocandins and azoles in clinical practice. Outstanding questions regarding comparative efficacy, optimal dose, duration and drug delivery present a continuing challenge when utilizing these agents in clinical practice.