Outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients receiving organs from a donor with Fusarium solani species complex meningitis.

BACKGROUND: Five organs (heart, right lung, liver, right, and left kidneys) from a deceased patient were transplanted into five recipients in four US states; the deceased patient was identified as part of a healthcare-associated fungal meningitis outbreak among patients who underwent epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico. METHODS: After transplant surgeries occurred, Fusarium solani species complex, a fungal pathogen with a high case-mortality rate, was identified in cerebrospinal fluid from the organ donor by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and fungal-specific polymerase chain reaction and in plasma by mNGS. RESULTS: Four of five transplant recipients received recommended voriconazole prophylaxis; four were monitored weekly by serum (1-3)-ß-d-glucan testing. All five were monitored for signs of infection for at least 3 months following transplantation. The liver recipient had graft failure, which was attributed to an etiology unrelated to fungal infection. No fungal DNA was identified in sections of the explanted liver, suggesting that F. solani species complex did not contribute to graft failure. The remaining recipients experienced no signs or symptoms suggestive of fusariosis. CONCLUSION: Antifungal prophylaxis may be useful in preventing donor-derived infections in recipients of organs from donors that are found to have Fusarium meningitis.

Evaluation of targeted versus universal prophylaxis for the prevention of invasive fungal infections following lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Antifungal prophylaxis to prevent invasive fungal infections (IFI) is widely used following lung transplantation, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We compared universal with targeted antifungal prophylaxis for effectiveness in preventing IFI. METHODS: Adult patients who underwent lung transplantation at the University of Michigan from /1 July 2014-31 December 2017 were studied for 18 months post-transplant. Universal prophylaxis consisted of itraconazole with or without inhaled liposomal amphotericin B. Using specific criteria, targeted prophylaxis was given with voriconazole for patients at risk for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) and with fluconazole or micafungin for patients at risk for invasive candidiasis. Risk factors, occurrence of proven/probable IFI, and mortality were analyzed for the two prophylaxis cohorts. RESULTS: Of 105 lung transplant recipients, 84 (80%) received a double lung transplant, and 38 (36%) of patients underwent transplant for pulmonary fibrosis. Fifty-nine (56%) patients received universal antifungal prophylaxis, and 46 (44%), targeted antifungal prophylaxis. Among 20 proven/probable IFI, there were 14 IPA, 4 invasive candidiasis, 1 cryptococcosis, and 1 deep sternal mold infection. Six (10%) IFI occurred in the universal prophylaxis cohort and 14 (30%) in the targeted prophylaxis cohort. Five of 6 (83%) IFI in the universal prophylaxis cohort, compared with 9/14 (64%) in the targeted prophylaxis cohort, were IPA Candida infections occurred only in the targeted prophylaxis cohort. The development of IFI was more likely in the targeted prophylaxis cohort than the universal prophylaxis cohort, HR = 4.32 (1.51-12.38), P = .0064. CONCLUSIONS: Universal antifungal prophylaxis appears to be more effective than targeted antifungal prophylaxis for prevention of IFI after lung transplant.

Revision and Update of the Consensus Definitions of Invasive Fungal Disease From the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group Education and Research Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) remain important causes of morbidity and mortality. The consensus definitions of the Infectious Diseases Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the Mycoses Study Group have been of immense value to researchers who conduct clinical trials of antifungals, assess diagnostic tests, and undertake epidemiologic studies. However, their utility has not extended beyond patients with cancer or recipients of stem cell or solid organ transplants. With newer diagnostic techniques available, it was clear that an update of these definitions was essential. METHODS: To achieve this, 10 working groups looked closely at imaging, laboratory diagnosis, and special populations at risk of IFD. A final version of the manuscript was agreed upon after the groups' findings were presented at a scientific symposium and after a 3-month period for public comment. There were several rounds of discussion before a final version of the manuscript was approved. RESULTS: There is no change in the classifications of "proven," "probable," and "possible" IFD, although the definition of "probable" has been expanded and the scope of the category "possible" has been diminished. The category of proven IFD can apply to any patient, regardless of whether the patient is immunocompromised. The probable and possible categories are proposed for immunocompromised patients only, except for endemic mycoses. CONCLUSIONS: These updated definitions of IFDs should prove applicable in clinical, diagnostic, and epidemiologic research of a broader range of patients at high-risk.

Blastomycosis.

Blastomycosis is a serious fungal disease of humans and other mammals caused by environmentally acquired infection with geographically restricted, thermally dimorphic fungi belonging to the genus Blastomyces. The genetic and geographic diversity of these pathogens is greater than previously appreciated. In addition to Blastomyces dermatitidis and the cryptic species Blastomyces gilchristii, which cause blastomycosis in mid-western and various eastern areas of North America, atypical blastomycosis is occasionally caused by Blastomyces helicus in western parts of North America and Blastomyces percursus in Africa. Blastomycosis is acquired by inhalation of the conidia that are produced in the mold phase; in the lungs, temperature-dependent transformation occurs to the yeast phase. In this form, the organism is phagocytized by macrophages and can spread hematogenously to various organs causing disseminated infection. Pulmonary disease is most common and varies from mild, self-limited infection to severe, potentially fatal adult respiratory distress syndrome. Disseminated infection is manifested primarily by skin lesions, but many other organs can be involved. Diagnosis is established by growth of the organism in culture; however, a tentative diagnosis can be made quickly by histopathological identification of the classic yeast form in tissues or by finding Blastomyces antigen in urine or serum. Blastomycosis is treated initially with amphotericin B when the disease is severe, involves the central nervous system, or the host is immunosuppressed. Itraconazole is recommended for primary therapy in mild-to-moderate infection and for step-down therapy after initial amphotericin B treatment. Voriconazole and posaconazole can be used for patients in whom itraconazole is not tolerated.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of invasive Lomentospora prolificans infections: Analysis of patients in the FungiScope® registry.

OBJECTIVES: Invasive fungal infections caused by Lomentospora prolificans are associated with very high mortality rates and can be challenging to treat given pan-drug resistance to available antifungal agents. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical presentation and outcomes in a cohort of patients with invasive L prolificans infections. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of medical records of patients with invasive L prolificans infection in the FungiScope® registry of rare invasive fungal infections. Patients diagnosed between 01 January 2008 and 09 September 2019 were included in for analysis. RESULTS: The analysis included 41 patients with invasive L prolificans infection from eight different countries. Haematological/oncological malignancies were the most frequent underlying disease (66%), disseminated infection was frequent (61%), and the lung was the most commonly involved organ (44%). Most infections (59%) were breakthrough infections. Progression/deterioration/treatment failure was observed in 23/40 (58%) of patients receiving antifungal therapy. In total, 21/41 (51%) patients, and 77% of patients with underlying haematological/oncological malignancy, had a fatal outcome attributed to invasive fungal infection. Combination antifungal therapy was frequent (24/40) and associated with improved survival. In particular, treatment regimens including terbinafine were significantly associated with higher treatment success at final assessment (P = .012), with a positive trend observed for treatment regimens that included voriconazole (P = .054). CONCLUSIONS: Lomentospora prolificans infections were associated with mortality rates of 77% and above in patients with underlying haematological/oncological malignancies and those with disseminated infections. While combination therapy is the preferred option for now, the hope lies with novel antifungals currently under development.

Breakthrough Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the occurrence, risk factors, effect of antifungal prophylaxis, and outcomes of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients admitted to the University of Michigan Health System for AML over a 3-year period from 2010 to 2013. We determined comorbidities, hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) status, antifungal prophylaxis, proven and probable IFI, and outcomes at 12 weeks after initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy. RESULTS: Of 333 patients in our cohort, 116 of whom had received a HCT, 98 (29%) developed an IFI. Of the 30 (9%) patients who had a proven or probable IFI, 18 had breakthrough infection while on micafungin (n = 5), voriconazole (n = 4), posaconazole (n = 5), or fluconazole (n = 4). Breakthrough IFIs were due to Aspergillus species (n = 11), other molds (n = 4), and Candida species (n = 3). Factors associated with breakthrough IFI were prolonged severe neutropenia (p = .05) and having received tacrolimus (p = .04). Antifungal therapy was successful in 7 of the 18 (39%) patients with breakthrough IFI and 8 of the 12 (67%) patients with non-breakthrough IFI, p = .13. Mortality at 12 weeks was 27%, 5 with breakthrough IFI and 3 with non-breakthrough IFI and was associated with prolonged severe neutropenia, p = .04. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AML remain at risk for IFI despite the use of several different antifungal agents for prophylaxis. Mortality remains high in patients with AML who develop IFI.

Performance of the (1,3)-Beta-D-Glucan Assay on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for the Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis.

Detection of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG), a component of the cell wall of many fungi, was studied in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as a possible aid for the diagnosis of proven/probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). BDG was measured on stored BALF from 13 patients with EORTC/MSGERC defined proven/probable IPA and 26 matched control patients without IPA. The median BALF BDG was 80 pg/mL (range < 45-8240 pg/mL) in the IPA cohort and 148 pg/mL (range < 45-5460 pg/mL) in the non-IPA cohort. Using a positive cutoff of ≥ 80 pg/mL, sensitivity was 54% and specificity was 38%. Higher cutoff values led to improvement in specificity but a dramatic decrease in sensitivity. ROC/AUC analysis was unable to identify an optimal cutoff value at which test performance was enhanced: AUC 0.43, 95% CI 0.24-0.63. When the BDG assay was performed on BALF, neither sensitivity nor specificity was sufficient for use in the diagnosis of IPA.

Clinical application of Aspergillus lateral flow device in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with classic risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains challenging. We evaluated the performance characteristics of a newly formatted Aspergillus lateral flow test, AspLFD, in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from patients with classic risk factors for IPA. METHODS: Prospectively banked BAL samples from 14 patients with proven or probable IPA defined by EORTC/MSG criteria and 28 BAL samples from age-matched high-risk patients without IPA were tested with AspLFD according to manufacturer's directions. Results were read by two independent observers, and test performance was calculated. RESULTS: Age, gender and underlying risk factors, except for neutropenia and haematological malignancy, were similar between IPA cases and controls. Seven patients (50%) in the IPA group received a mould-active agent within 5 days prior to bronchoscopy compared with only three patients (11%) in the control group, P = .004. Of 14 patients with proven/probable IPA, AspLFD was positive in 3 and negative in 9; two tests yielded invalid results. All 28 control patients had a negative AspLFD test. AspLFD showed low sensitivity (25%, 95% CI: 5.5% to 57.2%), but high specificity (100%. (95% CI: 87.7% to 100%). CONCLUSIONS: A positive AspLFD test in BAL fluid of patients with classic risk factors for IPA could be useful to support the diagnosis of proven/probable IPA because of its high specificity. However, as a stand-alone test for IPA, the use of AspLFD is limited by low sensitivity.

Cytomegalovirus infections in lung and hematopoietic cell transplant recipients in the Organ Transplant Infection Prevention and Detection Study: A multi-year, multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Most studies of post-transplant CMV infection have focused on either solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. A large prospective cohort study involving both lung and HCT recipients provided an opportunity to compare the epidemiology and outcomes of CMV infections in these 2 groups. METHODS: Patients were followed up for 30 months in a 6-center prospective cohort study. Data on demographics, CMV infections, tissue-invasive disease, recurrences, rejection, and immunosuppression were recorded. RESULTS: The overall incidence of CMV infection was 83/293 (28.3%) in the lung transplant group and 154/444 (34.7%) in the HCT group (P = .0706). Tissue-invasive CMV disease occurred in 8/83 (9.6%) of lung and 6/154 (3.9%) of HCT recipients with CMV infection, respectively (P = .087). Median time to CMV infection was longer in the lung transplant group (236 vs 40 days, P < .0001), likely reflecting the effects of prophylaxis vs preemptive therapy. Total IgG levels of < 350 mg/dL in lung recipients and graft vs host disease (GvHD) in HCT recipients were associated with increased CMV risk. HCT recipients had a higher mean number of CMV episodes (P = .008), although duration of viremia was not significantly different between the 2 groups. CMV infection was not associated with reduced overall survival in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Current CMV prevention strategies have resulted in a low incidence of tissue-invasive disease in both lung transplant and HCT, although CMV viremia is still relatively common. Differences between the lung and HCT groups in terms of time to CMV and recurrences of CMV viremia likely reflect differences in underlying host immunobiology and in CMV prevention strategies in the modern era.

Testing the performance of a prototype lateral flow device using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in high-risk patients.

The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) increasingly relies on non-culture-based biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The Aspergillus lateral flow device (LFD) is a rapid immunoassay that uses a novel Aspergillus monoclonal antibody to gain specificity. The objective of the study is to compare specificity and sensitivity of the prototype LFD and the galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay in BAL fluid in high-risk patients. A total of 114 BAL samples from 106 patients at high risk for IPA were studied: 8 patients had proven/probable IPA, 16 had possible IPA and 82 did not have IPA. In patients with proven/probable IPA, specificity of LFD was 94% and GM was 89%; sensitivity of LFD was 38% and GM was 75%. Negative predictive value (NPV) for LFD was 94% and for GM was 98%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 38% for both tests. The use of anti-mould prophylaxis did not affect specificity but resulted in decreased NPV of both LFD and GM. Union and intersection analysis showed no improvement in the performance by using both tests. Among patients at risk for IPA, the diagnostic performance of LFD and GM in BAL fluid appears comparable; specificity is high, but sensitivity of both LFD and GM is poor.

Therapeutic drug monitoring and use of an adjusted body weight strategy for high-dose voriconazole therapy.

Objectives: A high-dose 12 mg/kg/day (6 mg/kg twice daily) voriconazole regimen was recommended by the CDC to treat patients injected with contaminated methylprednisolone acetate that caused a multi-state fungal outbreak in 2012-13. Therapeutic drug monitoring results of this unique regimen are unknown, as is the most appropriate dosing weight for obese patients. We evaluated voriconazole trough measurements for this dosing scheme, as well as the use of adjusted body weight dosing for obese patients. Methods: Voriconazole trough levels were analysed in obese (BMI ≥35 kg/m 2 ) and non-obese (BMI <35 kg/m 2 ) patients who were given initial therapy with 12 mg/kg/day. Results: Of 138 patients, the first steady-state voriconazole troughs were supratherapeutic (>5 mg/L) in 65 (47%) patients, therapeutic (2-5 mg/L) in 57 (41%) patients and subtherapeutic (<2 mg/L) in 16 (12%) patients. Twenty-three patients had pre-steady-state dose decreases due to supratherapeutic levels, with subsequent first steady-state troughs in the therapeutic ( n = 17) and subtherapeutic ( n = 6) categories. Voriconazole doses >11 and >8 mg/kg/day produced mainly first steady-state supratherapeutic troughs in 44 obese and 94 non-obese patients, respectively. An initial 12 mg/kg/day was progressively lowered to a median maintenance dose of 8.5 mg/kg/day in the obese and 8.6 mg/kg/day in the non-obese. Conclusions: A high-dose voriconazole regimen produced initial supratherapeutic troughs that required dose adjustment downward by nearly 30%. Adjusted body weight dosing in obese patients resulted in a similar maintenance dose to total body weight dosing in the non-obese, and appears to be a sensible dosing strategy for these patients.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Invasive Fungal Infections in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at increased risk of invasive fungal infections (IFI), which are associated with a high mortality rate. We evaluated the impact of IFI in allogeneic HCT patients. In total, 541 consecutive allogeneic HCT recipients were included. The cumulative incidence of any IFI and mold infections at 1-year post-HCT was 10 and 7%, respectively. Median times to IFI and mold infection were 200 and 210 days, respectively. There was a trend toward fewer IFI and mold infections in the last several years. Both acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (OR 1.83, p = 0.05) and corticosteroid duration (OR 1.0, p = 0.026) were significantly associated with increased risk of IFI, acute GVHD (OR 2.3, p = 0.027) emerged as the most important association with mold infections. Any IFI [HR 4.1 (2.79-6.07), p < 0.0001] and mold infections [HR 3.34 (2.1-5.1), p < 0.0001] were independently associated with non-relapse mortality (NRM). This association persisted in the setting of both acute and chronic GVHD. Corticosteroid treatment for >90 days was also significantly associated with higher NRM [HR 1.9 (1.3-2.6), p < 0.0001]. This study highlights the impact of IFI on NRM among HCT patients. The decrease in number of IFI and mold infections over the last several years may reflect the benefit of prophylaxis with mold-active antifungal agents.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

Executive Summary: Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

The epidemiology and outcomes of invasive Candida infections among organ transplant recipients in the United States: results of the Transplant-Associated Infection Surveillance Network (TRANSNET).

BACKGROUND: Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a common cause of mortality in solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs), but knowledge of epidemiology in this population is limited. METHOD: The present analysis describes data from 15 US centers that prospectively identified IC from nearly 17 000 OTRs. Analyses were undertaken to determine predictors of infection and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 639 cases of IC were identified. The most common species was Candida albicans (46.3%), followed by Candida glabrata (24.4%) and Candida parapsilosis (8.1%). In 68 cases >1 species was identified. The most common infection site was bloodstream (44%), followed by intra-abdominal (14%). The most frequently affected allograft groups were liver (41.1%) and kidney (35.3%). All-cause mortality at 90 days was 26.5% for all species and was highest for Candida tropicalis (44%) and C. parapsilosis (35.2%). Non-white race and female gender were more commonly associated with non-albicans species. A high rate of breakthrough IC was seen in patients receiving antifungal prophylaxis (39%). Factors associated with mortality include organ dysfunction, lung transplant, and treatment with a polyene antifungal. The only modifiable factor identified was choice of antifungal drug class based upon infecting Candida species. CONCLUSION: These data highlight the common and distinct features of IC in OTRs.

Isavuconazole: A New Broad-Spectrum Triazole Antifungal Agent.

Isavuconazole is a new extended-spectrum triazole with activity against yeasts, molds, and dimorphic fungi. It is approved for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. Advantages of this triazole include the availability of a water-soluble intravenous formulation, excellent bioavailability of the oral formulation, and predictable pharmacokinetics in adults. A randomized, double-blind comparison clinical trial for treatment of invasive aspergillosis found that the efficacy of isavuconazole was noninferior to that of voriconazole. An open-label trial that studied primary as well as salvage therapy of invasive mucormycosis showed efficacy with isavuconazole that was similar to that reported for amphotericin B and posaconazole. In patients in these studies, as well as in normal volunteers, isavuconazole was well tolerated, appeared to have few serious adverse effects, and had fewer drug-drug interactions than those noted with voriconazole. As clinical experience increases, the role of this new triazole in the treatment of invasive fungal infections will be better defined.

Long-term persistence of zoster vaccine efficacy.

BACKGROUND: The Shingles Prevention Study (SPS) demonstrated zoster vaccine efficacy through 4 years postvaccination. A Short-Term Persistence Substudy (STPS) demonstrated persistence of vaccine efficacy for at least 5 years. A Long-Term Persistence Substudy (LTPS) was undertaken to further assess vaccine efficacy in SPS vaccine recipients followed for up to 11 years postvaccination. Study outcomes were assessed for the entire LTPS period and for each year from 7 to 11 years postvaccination. METHODS: Surveillance, case determination, and follow-up were comparable to those in SPS and STPS. Because SPS placebo recipients were offered zoster vaccine before the LTPS began, there were no unvaccinated controls. Instead, SPS and STPS placebo results were used to model reference placebo groups. RESULTS: The LTPS enrolled 6867 SPS vaccine recipients. Compared to SPS, estimated vaccine efficacy in LTPS decreased from 61.1% to 37.3% for the herpes zoster (HZ) burden of illness (BOI), from 66.5% to 35.4% for incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, and from 51.3% to 21.1% for incidence of HZ, and declined for all 3 outcome measures from 7 through 11 years postvaccination. Vaccine efficacy for the HZ BOI was significantly greater than zero through year 10 postvaccination, whereas vaccine efficacy for incidence of HZ was significantly greater than zero only through year 8. CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of vaccine efficacy decreased over time in the LTPS population compared with modeled control estimates. Statistically significant vaccine efficacy for HZ BOI persisted into year 10 postvaccination, whereas statistically significant vaccine efficacy for incidence of HZ persisted only through year 8.

Complications of Candidemia in ICU Patients: Endophthalmitis, Osteomyelitis, Endocarditis.

Bloodstream infection with Candida species is not uncommon in the intensive care unit setting and has the potential to distribute organisms to many different organ systems causing secondary infections, such as endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis. In some patients, these types of infections become manifested shortly after the episode of candidemia. In others, especially vertebral osteomyelitis, weeks pass before the diagnosis is entertained. Endophthalmitis should be sought by a retinal examination in all patients early after an episode of candidemia. Both osteomyelitis and endocarditis are less common complications of candidemia than endophthalmitis. In patients who manifest symptoms or signs suggesting these infections, magnetic resonance imaging and transesophageal echocardiography, respectively, are extremely helpful diagnostic tests. Newer approaches to the treatment of these infections allow the use of better tolerated, safer antifungal agents. Endophthalmitis is often treated with fluconazole or voriconazole, and the echinocandins are increasingly used, instead of amphotericin B, as initial therapy for osteomyelitis and endocarditis before step-down therapy to oral azole agents.

Invasive Aspergillosis: Epidemiology, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment.

Invasive aspergillosis remains an often fatal, difficult-to treat infection in immunocompromised patients. Patients not classically defined as immunocompromised, especially those in an intensive care unit setting, also develop invasive aspergillosis. Clinical clues suggesting angioinvasion and radiographic modalities, especially computed tomographic scans, combined with newer non-culture-based diagnostic techniques, have allowed earlier recognition of invasive aspergillosis. Although mortality remains high, it has greatly decreased over the past 15 years. Voriconazole has supplanted amphotericin B, with its various toxicities, as primary treatment for invasive aspergillosis. Combination therapy with voriconazole and an echinocandin for initial therapy, based on results from a recent controlled clinical trial, could become the standard of care in high-risk patients.