Spectrum of Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Hyper-IgE Syndrome with Autosomal-Dominant STAT3 Deficiency. (Duréault et al., 2019).
This nationwide, French study reports on aspergillosis in STAT3-deficient patients (who are predisposed to bacterial pneumonia complicated by bronchiectasis and pneumatoceles, and aspergillosis) with a prevalence of 17.5%. The paper provides a precise overview of the pulmonary aspergillosis spectrum in STAT3-deficient patients, highlighting poorly reported allergic forms with clues for the clinician concerning radiological presentation, diagnostic tools, medical and surgical treatment, and outcome.
This paper reports on the findings of 893 post mortems during a period of 25 years. The study found that despite 25 patients being diagnosed with IA during post mortem, only 10 had been diagnosed prior to death. A subsequent analysis of risk factors associated with IA in ICU include corticosteroid treatment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immuno‐suppression and haematological malignancy. The authors report that critically ill patients with pulmonary infiltrates, treated with high doses intravenous corticosteroids (even for a short period of time), particularly COPD patients who developed worsening respiratory insufficiency despite appropriate treatment were at the highest risk of IA.
High incidence of invasive fungal infection during acute myeloid leukemia treatment in a resource-limited country: clinical risk factors and treatment outcomes. (Nganthavee et al., 2019)
Clinical data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have been treated with chemotherapy without antifungal prophylaxis were retrieved during a 5-year period at Thailand's hematology referral center. Incidence and risk factors of IFI and outcomes of patients were evaluated.
Incidence of recurrent fungal keratitis after primary keratoplasty and visual outcome and prognosis after intervention for the recurrence. (Gong & Xin., 2019)
There are no standardized protocols or guidelines for the treatment of recurrent fungal keratitis after therapeutic keratoplasty. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of recurrent fungal keratitis after the primary keratoplasty and the visual outcome and prognosis after intervention for the recurrence. Individualized treatment according to recurrent sites of fungal keratitis can achieve a good prognosis in most patients.
Mycology Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Diseases in 2017: Results of a National Survey. (Schelenz et al., 2019)
A survey of laboratory testing capabilities for systemic fungal pathogens was undertaken in the UK, to identify where improved compliance with published standards and guidelines is required and to inform antifungal stewardship (AFS). The survey captured information from laboratories in the UK on diagnostic capacity for invasive fungal diseases (IFD), including identification, serology, molecular diagnostics and susceptibility testing. The survey highlights that the current level of fungal diagnostics in the UK is below accepted best practice with an urgent need to improve across many diagnostic areas including the timely accessibility of fungal biomarkers, susceptibility testing and provision of TDM testing. Improvements are important to facilitate the delivery of diagnostic driven AFS strategies as well as appropriate management of IFD.
