Article
Microbiology
Tamara Katharina Kakoschke, Christoph Kleinemeier, Thomas Knosel, Sara Carina Kakoschke, Frank Ebel
Summary: The monoclonal antibody AB90-E8 can specifically recognize A. fumigatus, providing a rapid diagnostic tool for early detection of invasive aspergillosis and timely adjustment of treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Chien-Wen Hsiao, Tsai-Hung Yen, Yen-Ching Wu, Jun-Peng Chen, Yun-Yu Chen, Wen-Nan Huang, Yi-Hsing Chen, Yi-Ming Chen
Summary: This study investigated the optimal cut-off values of Aspergillus-specific antibodies for diagnosing aspergillosis. Geographic differences in the antibody levels were observed, indicating the need for eco-climatic-specific references to accurately diagnose aspergillosis.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Zhengtu Li, Mingdie Wang, Teng Xu, Yangqing Zhan, Fengyi Chen, Ye Lin, Shaoqiang Li, Jing Cheng, Feng Ye
Summary: A highly sensitive and specific method for the detection of A. fumigatus using the CRISPR/Cas13a system has been developed. The method shows a promising potential for clinical diagnosis with high specificity and sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY IMMUNOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ruina Zhang, Yizhen Zhang, Wenjing Xu, Xiaomin Han, Junying Zhao
Summary: This case report presents a rare case of primary cutaneous aspergillosis in an immunocompetent woman following tattooing. The patient presented with erythematous papules, papulopustules, and a plaque on the lower limb which had been unresponsive to antihistamine treatment for over two years. Histological examination revealed spores in the corneous layer, a slightly thickened epidermis, and inflammatory cells around blood vessels in the superficial dermis. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated and identified in cultures. The lesions resolved completely after systemic antifungal treatment.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xihua Lian, Amy Scott-Thomas, John G. Lewis, Madhav Bhatia, Sean A. MacPherson, Yiming Zeng, Stephen T. Chambers
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening fungal disease that poses challenges for early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic techniques are inadequate, resulting in patients being diagnosed as possible or probable cases without confirmation. Therefore, more precise diagnostic techniques and targeted antifungal treatments are needed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Patience Eschenhagen, Claudia Grehn, Carsten Schwarz
Summary: In this study, it was found that Af-specific IgG m3 could be a useful biomarker for acute ABPA and Af pneumonia in CF patients. The levels of Af-specific Gm3 were significantly higher in acute Af disease groups, with a calculated cut-off value of 78.05 mg/L to discriminate controls and patients with ABPA/pneumonia. Further studies with a larger multicenter cohort are needed to validate these results.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Rong-Sheng Zhu, Ling-Hong Zhou, Jia-Hui Cheng, Yu Luo, Wen-Jia Qiu, Jun-Tian Huang, Ying-Kui Jiang, Hua-Zhen Zhao, Xuan Wang, Zhong-Qing Chen, Li-Ping Zhu
Summary: This study investigated the diagnostic laboratory findings of 126 chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) patients and evaluated a novel Aspergillus IgG lateral flow assay. The study found that cavitary CPA subtypes had higher levels of Aspergillus IgG. For patients with negative Aspergillus IgG, biopsy, respiratory culture, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing were used for final diagnosis. The novel lateral flow assay showed satisfactory performance in cavitary CPA patients.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xihua Lian, Stephen Chambers, John G. Lewis, Amy Scott-Thomas, Madhav Bhatia
Summary: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening disease mainly caused by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus. Current diagnostic techniques for IA lack accuracy. Two monoclonal antibodies (1D2 and 4E4) provide a potentially promising diagnostic approach. These antibodies showed strong immunoreactivity against A. fumigatus and A. flavus. The antigens identified may be glycoproteins and the immunoreactivity is strong.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Raffaella Parente, Valentina Possetti, Marco Erreni, Francesca D'Autilia, Barbara Bottazzi, Cecilia Garlanda, Alberto Mantovani, Antonio Inforzato, Andrea Doni
Summary: The ubiquitous mold Aspergillus fumigatus is the major cause of invasive aspergillosis, requiring coordinated action of cellular and humoral components of the innate immune system for effective disposal. The complement system and pentraxins form an integrated system with interactions, synergy, and regulation, playing a pivotal role in mounting antifungal immunity. Proteins like PTX3 and SAP target A. fumigatus through complement-dependent pathways, utilising different mechanisms of complement activation and receptor-mediated phagocytosis, adding complexity to the immune response.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Keita Takeda, Junko Suzuki, Akira Watanabe, Osamu Narumoto, Masahiro Kawashima, Yuka Sasaki, Hideaki Nagai, Katsuhiko Kamei, Hirotoshi Matsui
Summary: Aspergillus antibody testing is crucial for diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) with high sensitivity. However, false-negative results may occur depending on the Aspergillus species. This study identified non-fumigatus Aspergillus species as a significant factor associated with negative Aspergillus precipitin test results in CPA patients. The sensitivity of the test was found to be lower in non-fumigatus Aspergillus-associated CPA compared to A. fumigatus-associated CPA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Animesh Ray, Mohit Chowdhury, Janya Sachdev, Prayas Sethi, Ved Prakash Meena, Gagandeep Singh, Immaculata Xess, Surabhi Vyas, Maroof Ahmad Khan, Sanjeev Sinha, David W. Denning, Naveet Wig, Sushil Kumar Kabra
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic performances of LDBio LFA in CPA and compared it with the diagnostic algorithm utilizing ImmunoCAP IgG Aspergillus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Silvia Bozza, Rossana Giulietta Iannitti, Marilena Pariano, Giorgia Renga, Claudio Costantini, Luigina Romani, Jagadeesh Bayry
Summary: The study assessed the potential therapeutic efficacy of a CCR4 small molecule antagonist against various settings of fungal infection, demonstrating effectiveness in different scenarios. The results suggest the need for developing novel compounds with potential for clinical trials in the field of CCR4 antagonism.
Article
Microbiology
Francois Danion, Norman van Rhijn, Alexandre C. Dufour, Rachel Legendre, Odile Sismeiro, Hugo Varet, Jean-Christophe Olivo-Marin, Isabelle Mouyna, Georgios Chamilos, Michael Bromley, Anne Beauvais, Jean-Paul Latge
Summary: The germination of Aspergillus fumigatus is shown to be asynchronous, regardless of the nutritional environment and extensive gene deletions. The reasons for this asynchrony remain unknown, but it is essential for the completion of the biological cycle of this filamentous fungus.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enas M. Ali, Basem M. Abdallah
Summary: In this study, the antifungal effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with Artemisia sieberi leaf extract (AS-AgNPs) against Aspergillus fumigatus was investigated. The AS-AgNPs showed significant antifungal activity and inhibited the growth of hyphae. They also exhibited low cytotoxicity on human lung cells. In a mouse model, AS-AgNPs effectively reduced lung tissue damage, suppressed the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and decreased oxidative stress. The findings suggest that AS-AgNPs have therapeutic potential as an alternative treatment for aspergillosis.
Article
Mycology
Hui Cai, Diquan Shuai, Xiaomin Xue, Yuqing Mo, Xixi Song, Ling Ye, Shuiming Li, Daiwei Wang, Yun Wang, Meiling Jin
Summary: This study identified serum differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using iTRAQ, with serum CNDP1 found to be significantly decreased in ABPA patients, aiding in distinguishing ABPA from asthma.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lisha Shen, Chan Lian, Bingquan Zhu, Yake Yao, Qing Yang, Jianying Zhou, Hua Zhou
Summary: Hematological malignancy and Pitt bacteremia score were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in patients with BSIs due to CRKP. Among patients receiving appropriate therapy, PMB-based therapy was associated with improved survival compared to TGC-based therapy.
MICROBIAL DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qunzhi Wang, An Guo, Meiling Sheng, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study found that there were significant changes in the components and the function of the microbiome when asthma changed from mild to severe, which can help us better understand the relationship between asthma and the respiratory microbiome.
MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jiasheng Wu, Na Chen, Yake Yao, Jianying Zhou, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study reported a case of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis patient with significantly increased blood lipids after treatment with voriconazole. The patient's blood lipid levels returned to normal after discontinuation of voriconazole and switching to itraconazole treatment. The study suggested a positive causal relationship between voriconazole and dyslipidemia, which may be related to the trough concentration of voriconazole.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yaping Zhang, Ping Song, Ruhui Zhang, Yake Yao, Lisha Shen, Qiang Ma, Jianying Zhou, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study analyzed five cases of chronic lung abscess associated with Parvimonas micra, commonly found in elderly male smokers with poor oral hygiene. The diagnosis is often delayed and can be misdiagnosed as lung cancer.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Pathology
Hua Zhou, Paige M. K. Larkin, Dongdong Zhao, Qiang Ma, Yake Yao, Xiaohong Wu, Jiaoli Wang, XiaoHu Zhou, Yaqing Li, Gang Wang, Malong Feng, Lei Wu, Jinyin Chen, Changsheng Zhou, Xiaoting Hua, Jianying Zhou, Shangxin Yang, Yunsong Yu
Summary: mNGS technology can assist in rapid and accurate identification of pathogens in pneumonia, with a positive impact on patient treatment and clinical outcomes, especially excelling in identifying fastidious and atypical pathogens.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Hua Zhou, Chuan Ouyang, Xu Han, Lisha Shen, Jian Ye, Zhixian Fang, Wenyu Chen, Aifeng Chen, Qiang Ma, Maohong Hua, Junfei Zhu, Xiaomai Wu, Xuemei Lin, Yuexiang Shui, Changsheng Zhou, Kai Fang, Junwei Du, Zhihui Huang, Gang Wang, Qun Lv, Weina Huang, Jun Wang, Xiaoting Hua, Jianying Zhou, Chao Liu, Yunsong Yu
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cheng Zhong, Pingping Huang, Yasheng Zhan, Yake Yao, Junhui Ye, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study investigated the clinical features of pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) in patients with different underlying diseases. The results showed that PN mainly occurred in immunocompromised host patients, but also occurred in immunocompetent host cases to a lesser extent, especially in patients with bronchiectasis and/or COPD. Patients in the immunocompromised host group had a higher incidence of complicated extrapulmonary infections, and combination therapy with two antibiotics was commonly used in this group.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wenzeng Xu, Yiqi Fu, Yake Yao, Jianying Zhou, Hua Zhou
Summary: This study examined the prevalence, risk factors, causative organisms, and effects on outcomes of nosocomial infections (NIs) in adult patients undergoing ECMO treatment in China.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Wang Zhang, Yue Yao, Hua Zhou, Jintao He, Jingfen Wang, Li Li, Minsong Gao, Xiaochen Liu, Ya Shi, Jinzhong Lin, Jianzhao Liu, Huan Chen, Yu Feng, Zhihui Zhou, Yunsong Yu, Xiaoting Hua
Summary: This study investigated the pathoadaptation mechanism of Acinetobacter baumannii in response to selective pressure exerted by pulmonary epithelial cells. Through experimental evolution, phenotypic characterization, and multi-omics analysis, the study revealed that A. baumannii exhibited mutations that altered its adhesion ability, anti-phagocytic ability, ribosome translation efficiency, and outer membrane permeability. These mutations also affected the susceptibility of A. baumannii to various antimicrobial agents.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Liya Ma, Jianping Shen, Huifang Jiang, Jin Zhang, Jianping Lan, Hongyan Tong, Shenxian Qian, Hua Zhou, Wei Lang, Chen Mei, Xinping Zhou, Lixia Zhu, Gaixiang Xu, Li Ye, Chao Hu, Yanling Ren, Xiudi Yang, Jie Jin, Xiujin Ye
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yi-Hui Zuo, Yi-Xing Wu, Wei-Ping Hu, Yan Chen, Yu-Ping Li, Zhen-Ju Song, Zhe Luo, Min-Jie Ju, Min-Hua Shi, Shu-Yun Xu, Hua Zhou, Xiang Li, Zhi-Jun Jie, Xue-Dong Liu, Jing Zhang
Summary: We conducted a study to assess the diagnostic performance of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) in hospitalized patients with suspected sepsis and its role in guiding antimicrobial therapy. The mNGS test showed shorter turn-out time and higher sensitivity compared with blood culture, especially for fungal infections. It performed better for patients with mild symptoms, prior antibiotic use, and early stage of infection, and was capable of guiding antibiotic regimen modification and improving prognosis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xi Li, Qiaojun Wang, Junwei Huang, Xiaofan Zhang, Longjie Zhou, Jingjing Quan, Zhiqiang Wang, Hua Zhou, Ruichao Li, Yuexing Tu
Summary: This study reports the outbreak of NDM-1-producing Enterobacter hormaechei in a tertiary hospital in China. The strains belonged to a high-risk clone and co-harbored tmexCD2-toprJ2 and blaNDM-1, with 12 strains also carrying mcr-9. The study highlights the rapid evolution and potential for clonal dissemination of these strains, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Qi Chen, Qing Yang, Hangfei Chen, Yake Yao, Lisha Shen, Ruhui Zhang, Huimin Guo, Yunsong Yu, Hua Zhou
Summary: A rare case of Arthroderma multifidum infection occurred in a 63-year-old man with certain risk factors, including occupational exposure and immunosuppression following previous pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumothorax surgery. The pathogen was isolated and identified through gene sequencing, and its whole genome sequencing and analysis have been completed. This study provides important clinical insights on the ideal conditions for zoonotic fungal infections created by a combination of immune suppression and environmental exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Xuehan Zou, Shaojun Jin, Lingxia Chen, Jie Li, Xiaofan Zhang, Hua Zhou, Xi Li, Haijun Huang
Summary: In this study, the antibacterial activity of Eravacycline against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) was analyzed. The results showed that Eravacycline had a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and a stronger bactericidal effect compared to tigecycline. This provides a theoretical basis for the future clinical treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xi Li, Xiaofan Zhang, Heng Cai, Yiwei Zhu, Jingshu Ji, Tingting Qu, Yuexing Tu, Hua Zhou, Yunsong Yu
Summary: Sequence type 235 (ST235) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, associated with high morbidity and mortality, has a relatively high resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), partly due to overexpression of blaGES-1 carried in a complex transposon. Overexpression of blaGES-1 combined with an efflux pump results in high-level CZA resistance, reducing therapeutic options for treating infections caused by ST235 P. aeruginosa. Surveillance initiatives are essential to prevent further dissemination of high-risk ST235 P. aeruginosa with CZA resistance.
DRUG RESISTANCE UPDATES
(2023)