Invasive Mold Infections In Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of Empirical and Preemptive Therapy Approaches of Invasive Mold Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy

Evaluation of Empirical and Preemptive Therapy Approaches of Invasive Mold Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignancy

The first suspected disseminated Hormographiella aspergillata infection in China, diagnosed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing: a case report and literature review

ABSTRACT Hormographiella aspergillata is a rare and emerging cause of invasive mould infections in patients with haematological malignancies, with a mortality rate of approximately 70%. Here, we present the first reported case of suspected disseminated H. aspergillata infection in China. The patient experienced a second relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia and developed neutropenia, fever, discrepant blood pressure between limbs, and cutaneous lesions limited to the left upper extremity. Since lung tissue biopsy was not feasible, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood samples were performed, which indicated probable H. aspergillata pulmonary infection. Histopathology of cutaneous lesions revealed numerous fungal hyphae within dermal blood vessels. mNGS of a skin biopsy sample identified H. aspergillata sequences, and the fungi was subsequently recovered from fungal culture, proving cutaneous H. aspergillata infection. Despite combined antifungal therapy, the patient died owing to disease progression. Additionally, 22 previously reported cases of invasive H. aspergillata infection were reviewed in patients with haematological malignancies. Thus, mNGS is a powerful diagnostic tool for the early and effective detection of invasive H. aspergillata infections, with the advantage of sequencing all potential pathogens, and providing results within 24 h.

595. Olorofim (OLO) for treatment of invasive mould infections in patients with limited or no treatment options: PK data from a Phase 2b open-label study (NCT03583164, Study 32)

Abstract Background OLO is a novel antifungal active vs. Aspergillus (including azole-resistant strains), resistant moulds (e.g., Lomentospora prolificans), and dimorphic moulds. In preclinical PKPD studies, a plasma level ≥ 0.2 µg/mL was required for efficacy similar to mould-active azoles. Methods Patients in Study 32 (N=100) received OLO (30 mg tablets) guided either by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) based on baseline bodyweight and OLO pre-dose plasma levels (180 to 300 mg/day x 1 d to load then 120 to 240 mg/day, given BID or TID as appropriate) or a fixed dose (150 mg BID for 1d then 90 mg BID). For each subject, OLO PK profiles were determined over 1 or 2 dosing intervals, an additional 8 to 9 scheduled pre-dose samples were taken during the initial 84 days and every 1-3 months thereafter. Food intake was not constrained. Results Geometric mean steady-state OLO PK parameters in the 90 evaluable subjects were similar between the TDM and fixed dosing groups (Table). Mean OLO pre-dose concentrations were similar over time for all 100 patients regardless of group and regimen; drug concentration variability was slightly greater when TDM was not utilized (Figure). Pre-dose levels were greater than the Cmin observed over a dosing interval in most subjects (range of pre-dose: Cmin ratio of 1 to 15.8). which may be due to food-triggered release from a deep compartment such as the liver. Exposures exceeding the PD target (≥ 0.2 µg/mL) were consistently achieved. PK parameters predicted by population PK modelling of Phase II data were in reasonable agreement with observed data (Table). Table: OLO Systemic Exposure at Steady-State [median (5th – 95th percentiles)] 1 based on 90 mg BID Conclusion OLO is a novel mechanism oral antifungal with broad-spectrum mould activity. When administered as a fixed dose (90 mg BID), adequate exposure for efficacy against invasive mycoses is achieved, without the need to confirm by TDM Disclosures Karen Cornelissen, PhD, F2G: Employee James G. Wright, PhD, F2G: Advisor/Consultant Andrew Cristinacce, MSc by Research, F2G: Advisor/Consultant Roger Bruggemann, Pharm, PhD, Amplyx: Advisor/Consultant|Astellas: Advisor/Consultant|Cidara: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant|Mindipharma: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant Johan A. Maertens, MD PhD, F2G Ltd: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead Sciences Ltd: Advisor/Consultant|Mundipharma: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer Inc: Advisor/Consultant George R. Thompson, III, MD, Amplyx: Advisor/Consultant|Amplyx: Grant/Research Support|Astellas: Advisor/Consultant|Astellas: Grant/Research Support|Cidara: Advisor/Consultant|Cidara: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Advisor/Consultant|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: DSMB|Scynexis: Advisor/Consultant|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support Sharon C. Chen, PhD MBBS, F2G PTy Ltd: Grant/Research Support|MSD Australia: Grant/Research Support John H. Rex, MD, Advent Life Sciences: Operating Partner|Advent Life Sciences: Ownership Interest|AMR Action Fund: Advisor/Consultant|AstraZeneca: Stocks/Bonds|Basilea Pharmaceutica: Advisor/Consultant|Bugworks Research, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant|F2G, Limited: Employee|F2G, Limited: Stocks/Bonds|Forge Therapeutics: Advisor/Consultant|GlaxoSmithKline: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria|Sumitovant: Advisor/Consultant.

870. Olorofim for the treatment of invasive mould infections in patients with limited or no treatment options: Comparison of interim results from a Phase 2B open-label study with outcomes in historical control populations (NCT03583164, FORMULA-OLS, Study 32)

Abstract Background Olorofim is a novel antifungal agent active against Aspergillus spp (including azole-resistant strains), rare, resistant moulds (e.g., Lomentospora prolificans) and dimorphic moulds. Serial images of Lomentospora prolificans infection following breast enhancement surgery: progression of healing pre- and post-olorofim therapy. Post-surgical bone/ soft tissue Lomentospora prolificans infection of the chest wall in a healthy woman was uncontrolled with available agents (D -9 visible mould in wound base). At D42/84 overall response on olorofim monotherapy was stable; wound closure with complete resolution of IFI was achieved at D322 (case previously reported, ECCMID 2020 abstract #2585). Methods Patients with limited/no treatment options for proven invasive fungal infection (IFI) or probable pulmonary invasive aspergillosis (IA) using EORTC-MSGERC criteria1 received oral olorofim (150mg BID x1d loading dose then 90mg BID). Outcomes in the first 100 patients are compared with historical controls (HCs) as well as with expected outcomes in patients with baseline highly active, uncontrolled IFI (HAU-IFI). Results All-cause mortality in IA at month 3 (includes data to Day 100, the best-fit time point for IA HC data) was 17/53 (32%, 95 CI 20–46%) for olorofim vs. 40/46 (87%, 74–95%) in HCs given either no therapy or azole monotherapy for azole-resistant IA. Successful EORTC-MSGERC overall response2 (OR, complete or partial based on clinical + radiologic + mycologic improvement) was 47%/42% in IA (Day 42/D84, n = 53), 53%/53% (L. prolificans, n=17), 55%/36% (Scedosporium, n=11), and 50%/50% (other moulds, n=8). Stable response at D42/D84 predicted extended therapy responses, especially in HAU-IFI of brain and bone (Figure). For Coccidioides (n=11) OR was limited to stable due to very slow clearance of fungal serology but clinical response was rapid. Symptoms resolved completely in 18% (2/11) by D84 vs 3% (1/29) by D1523 in comparable HCs with poorly controlled extrapulmonary Coccidioides infection; similar trends were seen for other response measures. Conclusion Olorofim is a novel oral antifungal with activity against a wide range of mould infections which are difficult to treat. Compared with relevant HCs or expected outcomes for HAU-IFI, olorofim has a positive benefit-risk profile in a well-defined population of patients with limited/no treatment options. As noted previously3, considering stable in overall success if often appropriate when assessing responses in non-IA mould IFI.

348. Cell-free plasma next-generation sequencing assists in the evaluation of invasive mold infection in patients with COVID-19: a case series

Abstract Background Distinguishing COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) and invasive mold infections (IMIs) from other causes of secondary pneumonia in COVID-19 can be challenging. 1,3-β-D-Glucan and galactomannan are commonly utilized biomarkers for the workup of IMIs but are limited by a lack of specificity and sensitivity respectively. Cell-free plasma next-generation sequencing (cfNGS) is a promising non-invasive approach that can provide direct detection of pathogens in patient's serum. This study explored its potential role in the evaluation of secondary pneumonia in patients with COVID-19. Methods We performed a retrospective single-center observational study from March 2020 to December 2021 at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, a 811-bed tertiary care center, to evaluate patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus infection who underwent cfNGS for the evaluation of CAPA. CfNGS (Karius, Inc., Redwood City, CA) was performed at the discretion of the clinical provider and we evaluated the test indication, patient history, clinical impact, correlation with serum biomarkers, and 30 day all-cause mortality. Results Thirteen patients were evaluated and none had Aspergillus species detected. One patient had Pneumocystis jirovecii on cfNGS. There was a 76.9% (10/13) concordance rate with patients’ serum fungal biomarkers. CfNGS also detected concomitant organisms in 53.8% (7/13) of our cohort. These data assisted in changes of clinical management for 84.6% (11/13) of patients and lead to the change in antifungal usage in 69.2% (9/13). Conclusion In this study, both negative and positive cfNGS test results assisted in important clinical decision making. cfNGS may have a role in the evaluation of CAPA or other IMIs in patients with COVID-19. Disclosures Megan M. Morales, MD, Karius: Paid speaker.

Invasive Mold Infections in Patients with Hematologic Malignities: The Effects of Environmental Factors

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Candida and Aspergillus species constitute most of the IFI in these patients.. It has been reported that most of the invasive aspergillosis epidemics are related to the construction works in the hospital. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of IFI in the old and the new hospital building after relocation in patients with hematological malignancies. Of 8042 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Hematology, Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine between January 2015 and September 2019, 412 patients who were initiated antifungal therapy were included in the study. The patients in the hematology clinic, which were moved to the new oncology hospital building in January 2018, were grouped as prior and after relocation, and their demographical data, hematological diagnosis, chemotherapy regimens, mortality, IFI, focus of infection, presence of central venous catheter, antifungal prophylaxis and treatment, galactomannan level, fungal culture and computed tomography (CT) findings were evaluated retrospectively. It was determined that 55% of the patients were male and the median age was 58 (range:18-93). The rate of IFI development was 5.12% (n= 412) and the rate of invasive mold infection was 1.2% (n= 145). The most common hematological disease for which antifungal treatment initiated was acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a rate of 50% (n= 206/412). Of patients, 73% received induction chemotherapy (42%, first induction, 31% reinduction), 13.4% received consolidation therapy. Invasive mold infection was diagnosed as 40% possible, 59% probable, 1% proven. While patients had similar characteristics such as age, gender, hematological disease, chemotherapy regimens and antifungal prophylaxis prior and after transportation, the rate of development of invasive mold infection was 2.1%, 2.06 / 1000 patient days, before transportation, 1.37% (p= 0.009), 1.15/1000 patient days (p<0.001) after transportation, and it was statistically significantly lower after transportation. The median value of galactomannan antigen was detected as 0.17 (0.02-5.9). Blood cultures revealed 10.3% fungal growth and the most common growth was Candida albicans with 54.8% and Mucor spp. as mold with 3.2%. Large-scale construction works such as renovation, extension and demolition works in old hospital buildings are a permanent condition in different units. Clinicians should be aware of that infections due to opportunistic fungi can be seen in immunosuppressive patients close to such construction sites, and even cause epidemics. It should be kept in mind that these infections, which can progress with serious morbidity and mortality are difficult to treat but can be prevented by infection control measures.

Invasive mould infections in patients from floodwater-damaged areas after hurricane Harvey – a closer look at an immunocompromised cancer patient population

ObjectivesExtensive floodwater damage following hurricane Harvey raised concerns of increase in invasive mould infections (IMIs), especially in immunocompromised patients. To more comprehensively characterize the IMI landscape pre- and post-Harvey, we used a modified, less restrictive clinical IMI (mcIMI) definition by incorporating therapeutic-intent antifungal drug prescriptions combined with an expanded list of host and clinical features. MethodsWe reviewed 103 patients at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, Texas), who lived in Harvey-affected counties and had mould-positive cultures within 12 months pre-/post-Harvey (36 and 67 patients, respectively). Cases were classified as proven or probable IMI (EORTC/MSG criteria), mcIMI, or colonization/contamination. We also compared in-hospital mortality and 42- day survival outcomes of patients with mcIMI pre-/post-Harvey. ResultsThe number of patients with mould- positive cultures from Harvey-affected counties almost doubled from 36 pre- Harvey to 67 post- Harvey (p < 0.01). In contrast, no significant changes in (mc)IMI incidence post-Harvey nor changes in the aetiological mould genera were noted. However, patients with mcIMIs from flood affected areas had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (p = 0.01). ConclusionsWe observed increased colonization but no excess cases of (mc)IMIs in immunosuppressed cancer patients from affected areas following a large flooding event such as hurricane Harvey.

Genomic Diversity of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the United States.

ABSTRACTAzole resistance in pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus has become a global public health issue threatening the use of medical azoles. The environmentally occurring resistance mutations, TR34/L98H (TR34) and TR46/Y121F/T289A (TR46), are widespread across multiple continents and emerging in the United States. We used whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis on 179 nationally represented clinical and environmental A. fumigatus genomes from the United States along with 18 non-U.S. genomes to evaluate the genetic diversity and foundation of the emergence of azole resistance in the United States. We demonstrated the presence of clades of A. fumigatus isolates: clade A (17%) comprised a global collection of clinical and environmental azole-resistant strains, including all strains with the TR34/L98H allele from India, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and clade B (83%) consisted of isolates without this marker mainly from the United States. The TR34/L98H polymorphism was shared among azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains from India, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, suggesting the common origin of this resistance mechanism. Six percent of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates from the United States with the TR34 resistance marker had a mixture of clade A and clade B alleles, suggestive of recombination. Additionally, the presence of equal proportions of both mating types further suggests the ongoing presence of recombination. This study demonstrates the genetic background for the emergence of azole resistance in the United States, supporting a single introduction and subsequent propagation, possibly through recombination of environmentally driven resistance mutations.

Invasive fungal infections in ICU patients - What's New?

Invasive fungal infections are gaining increasing importance in intensive care medicine. The aim of this article is to present an update on recent developments in the field of invasive fungal infection in critically ill patients. Particular emphasis is placed on the recently described invasive mold infections in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to influenza or COVID-19. Detecting high-risk patients and the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies play a decisive role to improve outcome.

Invasive Mold Infections After Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T-Cell Therapy: A Case Series, Review of the Literature, and Implications for Prophylaxis.

Data on invasive mold infections (IMIs) after chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T-cell) therapy are limited. We describe 2 patients with post-CAR-T-cell IMI (Fusarium, Mucorales) and review the published literature. We propose strategies to prevent IMIs in patients, based on the IMI rate and presence of neutropenia or steroid use.

Invasive Mold Infections in Patients with Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders

This review summarizes data about epidemiology, treatment, and risk factors for invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma (MM), and indolent non Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). Despite advances in the prognosis and treatment of hematological malignancies in recent years, susceptibility to infection remains a significant challenge to patient care. A large amount of data regarding patients with acute leukemias have been published while little information is available on incidence of IFI in chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (CLD). The overall incidence of IFI in CLL patients is reported from 1.3 to 7.8% and the main risk factors are related to disease status (high-risk in relapsed/refractory disease), number of previous chemotherapy regimens, and Ig levels. In MM, most of the IFI occurred during refractory or progressive disease. The rate of IFI ranges from 0.5 to 12.3%. Neutropenia is the main risk factor in MM and risk seems to be related to its duration and severity. The overall incidence of IFI in iNHL ranges from 0.5 to 4% and the most important risk factors are disease status (high-risk in relapsed/refractory and advance stage disease) and type of treatment (high-risk for steroid administration, intensive chemotherapy with prolonged neutropenia, use of monoclonal antibodies and purine analogs).

Sequential systematic anti-mold prophylaxis with micafungin and voriconazole results in very low incidence of invasive mold infections in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are at high risk for invasive mold infections (IMI). The goal of the study is to describe the incidence and outcome of IMI in patients after allo-HSCT in a large cohort of patients receiving anti-mold prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective review of 988 consecutive adults who underwent allo-HSCT in our center from 2008 through 2014. Standard prophylaxis consisted of micafungin 150mg IV daily from admission to day +7±3 followed by voriconazole until day +75 to +100. Cases meeting criteria for proven or probable IMI according to EORTC-MSG criteria were included. Median age at HSCT was 54years. The most common diagnoses were acute myeloid leukemia (n=351, 36%) and lymphoid malignancies (n=248, 25%). Matched related or unrelated donors (URD) were used in 686 (69%) patients, mismatched URD in 142 (14%) and cord blood units in 154 (16%). Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with IMI after allo-HSCT, 19 probable and 2 proven, and one patient was diagnosed postmortem. Microbiological diagnosis was established in 9 cases, 5 of them being Aspergillus. One-year cumulative incidence (CI) of IMI was 1.6% (95% CI 0.9-2.5) while 12-week overall survival after IMI was 39% (95% CI 24-65) Analyzed by disease, there was a trend for a higher 1-year CI of IMI in patients with ALL (5% [95% CI 1.6-11.4]) when compared with AML (1.4%), MDS (1.5%) and lymphoma (1.2%), P=.06. The 1-year CI of IMI after transplantation is low in patients receiving anti-mold prophylaxis with micafungin bridged to voriconazole, although these infections are associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Changing Epidemiology of Invasive Mold Infections in Patients Receiving Azole Prophylaxis

Breakthrough invasive mold infections (IMIs) that occur during posaconazole or voriconazole prophylaxis are rare complications for which epidemiological data are lacking. This retrospective analysis comparing 24 microbiologically documented breakthrough with 66 nonbreakthrough IMIs shows a shift towards non-Aspergillus molds with a significantly increased proportion of rare multidrug-resistant molds.

Refractory disseminated fusariosis by Fusarium verticillioides in a patient with acute myeloid leukaemia relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report and literature review

BackgroundFusarium species are among the leading fungal pathogens to cause invasive mould infections in patients with hematopoietic malignancy. The Fusarium species most frequently involved in human infections are Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium verticillioides. However, identification is a cumbersome and time-consuming task. Fusarium is resistant in vitro to many of the antifungal agents and the management of fusariosis is not well defined. ObjectivesTo emphasise the difficulty of identifying Fusarium spp. by conventional methods and the need of new rapid molecular tests to achieve earlier diagnosis and appropriate therapy. MethodsA disseminated Fusarium infection due to F. verticillioides was documented in a neutropenic refractory patient with acute myeloid leukaemia, relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. ResultsThe patient died despite liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole combination and “in vitro” susceptibility of agents employed. Morphological and molecular identification of F. verticillioides was obtained only after the death of the patient. ConclusionsThis case highlights the poor outcome of an invasive fungal disease caused by Fusarium in aplastic patients. Identification of members of Fusarium genus remains restricted to selected laboratories and should be introduced into routine mycological diagnostics. In immunocompromised patients, diagnosis of fusariosis is directly related to prompt diagnosis and to patient's status. Current diagnosis methods and therapeutic options are discussed.

Posaconazole plasma concentrations and invasive mould infections in patients with haematological malignancies

Posaconazole (PCZ) is a triazole antifungal agent that has broad activity against pathogenic fungi and is increasingly used for prophylaxis and treatment of invasive mould infections (IMIs). PCZ is only available as an oral formulation, with varying absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. However, reports correlating PCZ plasma concentrations (PPCs) with breakthrough IMIs are rare. In this study, PPCs were analysed in a prospective, observational, single-centre study and the correlation of PPCs with breakthrough IMIs in patients with haematological malignancies was evaluated. Risk factors associated with low PPCs were further evaluated. A total of 109 PPCs were measured in 34 cases receiving PCZ prophylaxis (n=31) or treatment (n=3). Levels below the target of 0.5μg/mL were detected in 24 (71%) of the 34 cases; in 15 (63%) of these 24 cases concentrations were found to be <0.20μg/mL. Three patients receiving PCZ prophylaxis met the criteria of breakthrough infection. Notably, prior to development of IMI, PPCs were below the target in all three individuals. Associated risk factors for insufficient PPCs varied from previous reports. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that therapeutic drug monitoring of PCZ is mandatory in all patients with haematological malignancies as low PPCs are common and may be associated with development of IMIs.

Breakthrough invasive mould infections in patients treated with caspofungin

To describe and estimate the rate of breakthrough invasive mould diseases (IMD) in patients receiving caspofungin. Retrospective, non-interventional study conducted in three University Hospitals. Nineteen breakthrough infections have been identified including 13 aspergillosis, 2 mucormycosis, a fusariosis, a Hormographiella aspergillata infection and 2 possible IMD. Cases were equally distributed between the centres. Fourteen patients had a haematologic malignancy, four were transplant recipients (allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells in three, liver in one) and one had hepatic cirrhosis. Caspofungin has been prescribed as prophylaxis (n=3), empirical therapy (n=9) or directed therapy for candidemia (n=5) or aspergillosis (n=2). Aspergillus galactomannan was positive in serum or in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 10 of the 13 aspergillosis. Median duration of caspofungin treatment before breakthrough IMD was 15 days. Nine patients died within twelve weeks. Rate of breakthrough IMD in onco-haematology patients has been estimated to 7.3% for all mould infections and to 4.2% when restricted to documented aspergillosis. Our data call for Aspergillus galactomannan monitoring and close clinical and radiological examination in case of persistence or recurrence of infection signs in high-risk patients receiving caspofungin.

Airborne fungus exposure prior to hospitalisation as risk factor for mould infections in immunocompromised patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fungal exposure prior to hospitalisation and ensuing onset of invasive mould infections (IMI) in patients at risk. Patients admitted to the Department of Haematology, Oncology and Transplant Surgery of the Medical University Innsbruck received a questionnaire regarding fungal exposure prior to hospital stay. Questions inquired heavy fungal exposures up to 5 days before hospitalisation. A total of 234 patients were enrolled in this study. Multiple fungus exposures were associated with the onset of community-acquired IMI in patients with haematological malignancies. In univariate analysis, haematological malignancies (P = 0.013) and allergy to dust, pollen or moulds (P = 0.015) were significantly associated with fungal infections. In multivariate analysis, logistic regression showed that haematological patients (P = 0.015) and patients with allergy (P = 0.015) were significantly more frequently infected with fungi. Hospital-independent fungal sources highlight risk-factors for IMI in severe immunocompromised patients and the rate of community-acquired IMI does increase.

Invasive Mould Infections (IMI) In Acute Leukemia Patients on Chemotherapy - Can We Win the Battle?

AbstractAbstract 4871Aim: To determine risk factors for, and clinical features of, invasive mould infections in patients with acute leukemia on chemotherapy.Methods: A matched case control study where acute leukemia patients on chemotherapy were identified and clinical data pertaining to their disease, clinical course, IMI characteristics and treatment outcomes were evaluated. This was conducted in a tertiary hospital from 1 January 2004 to 31st March 2007.Results: All acute leukemia patients on chemotherapy receive itraconazole prophylaxis. Nineteen cases of invasive mould infections (IMI) were found in the period, giving an incidence of 11.2%, using only patients undergoing curative chemotherapy as denominator. The incidence in patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy was 8.9%; in patients receiving subsequent cycles of chemotherapy was 4%. Thirteen cases were proven by EORTC/MSG criteria, 8 of them by histology without positive cultures. There were 3 proven cases of fusariosis, and 1 each of aspergillosis and nodulisporiosis. Cases were more likely than controls to have had an absolute neutropenia for at least 14 days in the chemotherapy episode in which the IMI was diagnosed (p=0.045), to have been bacteremic prior to the diagnosis of IMI (p=0.045), and to have had fever not responding to a carbapenem (p=0.016). They also had a longer length of stay (51.8 vs 27.2 days, p=0.01). The use of itraconazole as anti-fungal prophylaxis was not less common in cases than controls. Common clinical features noted in cases included fever not responding to a carbapenem (84.7%), cough (42.1%), a rise in alkaline phosphatase (36.9%), breathlessness (26.3%), and hemoptysis (21.1%). A pleural effusion was noted on CXR or CT chest in 52.8% of cases, and a characteristic CT thorax in 47.4% of cases. Sixty-eight percent of cases received amphotericin (conventional or lipid preparation) as part of a febrile neutropenia protocol, though only 15.8% received this agent when an IMI was considered. Clinical improvement was attributed to an increase in ANC in 26.3% of cases, and to the introduction of voriconazole in 10.5%. The next cycle of chemotherapy was delayed for 2 – 4 weeks in 15.8% of cases, and for >4 weeks in 31/6% of cases. Three patients (15.8%) died within three months of IMI diagnosis, 47.4% survived >1 year.Conclusions: Anti-fungal prophylaxis with itraconazole did not reduce the likelihood of IMI and this should be changed. Absolute neutropenia is a risk factor for IMI in patients with acute leukemia. Fever not responding to carbapenems and a rise in ALP may be considered as red flags for clinicians to consider the possibility of an IMI and institute prompt treatment. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Index to Predict Invasive Mold Infection in High-Risk Neutropenic Patients Based on the Area Over the Neutrophil Curve

Patients with prolonged and profound neutropenia are at high risk to develop invasive mold infections (IMIs). We developed an index (D-index) that combines duration and severity of neutropenia. The aim of this study was to test the D-index as a predictor of IMI. The D-index was based on a graph plotting the absolute neutrophil counts during neutropenia and was the area over the neutrophil curve. We tested the D-index in 11 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed IMI during neutropenia and 33 AML patients without IMI (controls). We also calculated a cumulative D-index (c-D-index), defined as the cumulative D-index from the start of neutropenia until the date of the first clinical manifestation of IMI in patient cases. We compared the D-index and c-D-index with duration of neutropenia and defined a cutoff for IMI using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The median duration of neutropenia and profound neutropenia of patient cases were significantly higher compared with controls (P = .002 and P = .001, respectively), as were the D-index (P < .001) and c-D-index (P = .02). The D-index and c-D-index performed better than duration of neutropenia in ROC curve analysis. For a cutoff point of 5,800 of the c-D-index, the sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 58%, respectively, and for a prevalence of IMI of 5%, 10%, and 15%, the negative predictive values were 99%, 98%, and 97%, respectively. The high negative predictive value of the c-D-index may be of help in defining different risks for IMI in febrile neutropenic patients.

Broad-Spectrum Antifungal Prophylaxis in Patients With Cancer at High Risk for Invasive Mold Infections: Counterpoint

Management of invasive mold infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has been hampered by the difficulty in diagnosing these infections. Definite diagnosis invariably centers on histologic identification of hyphae in tissue or on culture from a sterile body site. Therefore, most practitioners have relied on prophylaxis and empiric therapy. Currently, emphasis is shifting from routine prophylaxis and empiric therapy to screening of patients with neutropenia at high risk so that clinicians can administer appropriate antifungal therapy early, when it can potentially improve patient outcome. Non-culture-based microbiologic tools are at the forefront of this paradigm shift. Commercially available methods to detect fungal antigens and sophisticated techniques to detect fungal DNA may be used as screening tools during the highest risk period. Together with assessment of clinical signs, cultures, and especially CT scanning, these methods are useful for starting antifungal therapy preemptively. While awaiting further evaluation of these tools during the postengraftment period of allogeneic HSCT, mold-active prophylaxis targeting the subgroup of patients with severe acute or chronic GVHD may be justified. However, some critical issues have not yet been adequately addressed, including the generalizability of study results, impact of mucositis and gastrointestinal GVHD on drug bioavailability, need for therapeutic drug monitoring, impact of prophylaxis on the performance of diagnostic assays, and optimal treatment of breakthrough invasive fungal infections.