MyMedR

Fulltext Symptomatic chronic strongyloidiasis in children following treatment for solid organ malignancies: case reports and literature review

Norsarwany M, Abdelrahman Z, Rahmah N, Ariffin N, Norsyahida A, Madihah B, et al.

Trop Biomed, 2012 Sep;29(3):479-88.

PMID: 23018511

Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the intestinal nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. Infected healthy individuals are usually asymptomatic, however it is potentially fatal in immunocompromised hosts due to its capacity to cause an overwhelming hyperinfection. Strongyloidiasis could be missed during routine screening because of low and intermittent larval output in stool and variable manifestations of the symptoms. We present two cases of strongyloidiasis occurring in children with solid organ malignancies suspected to have the infection based on their clinical conditions and treatment history for cancer. Both patients were diagnosed by molecular and serological tests and were successfully treated. Thus, strongyloidiasis in patients undergoing intensive treatment for malignancies should be suspected, properly investigated and treated accordingly.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Strongyloides stercoralis induced bilateral blood stained pleural effusion in patient with recurrent Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Win TT, Sitiasma H, Zeehaida M

Trop Biomed, 2011 Apr;28(1):64-7.

PMID: 21602770

Infections and mTalignancies are common causes of pleural effusion. Among infectious causes, hyperinfection syndrome of Strongyloides stercoralis may occur in immunosuppressive patient. A 62-year-old man, known case of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was presented with recurrent NHL stage IV and had undergone salvage chemotherapy. Patient subsequently developed pneumonia with bilateral pleural effusion and ascites. We reported rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis in pleural fluid of both lungs without infiltration by lymphoma cells. Stool for microscopic examination also revealed rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis. This patient was a known case of NHL receiving chemotherapy resulting in immunosuppression state. Although S. stercoralis infection is not very common compared to other parasitic infections, it is common in immunosuppressive patients and may present with hyperinfection. Therefore, awareness of this parasite should be kept in mind in immunosuppressive patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext When dermatomyositis patient has blurring of vision - what goes wrong?

Ng CWK, Hanizasurana H, Nor Azita AT, Nor Fariza N, Zabri K

Medicine & Health, 2016;11(2):313-318.

MyJurnal

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis occurs predominantly in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) -infected patients. It was also reported in HIV-seronegative patients with systemic autoimmune disorder requiring systemic immunosuppression, organ or bone marrow transplantation, haematological or breast malignancy receiving chemotherapy, ocular diseases following intraocular or periocular corticosteroid injection, diabetes mellitus and Good syndrome. However, CMV retinitis in patients with concurrent dermatomyositis and malignancy has not been previously reported. It has not been reported in cancer other than haematological or breast malignancy, or in cancer patient prior to chemotherapy. We report a case of 40-year-old HIV-seronegative woman with underlying dermatomyositis and lung malignancy who developed right CMV retinitis which relapsed after recommencement of immunosuppressant. Both episodes of CMV retinitis were successfully treated after taken her immunocompromised state into consideration.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Effect of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine on Incidence of Herpes Zoster After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Bastidas A, de la Serna J, El Idrissi M, Oostvogels L, Quittet P, López-Jiménez J, et al.

JAMA, 2019 07 09;322(2):123-133.

PMID: 31287523 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.9053

Importance: Herpes zoster, a frequent complication following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), is associated with significant morbidity. A nonlive adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine has been developed to prevent posttransplantation zoster.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and adverse event profile of the recombinant zoster vaccine in immunocompromised autologous HSCT recipients.

Design, Setting, and Participants: Phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded study conducted in 167 centers in 28 countries between July 13, 2012, and February 1, 2017, among 1846 patients aged 18 years or older who had undergone recent autologous HSCT.

Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive 2 doses of either recombinant zoster vaccine (n = 922) or placebo (n = 924) administered into the deltoid muscle; the first dose was given 50 to 70 days after transplantation and the second dose 1 to 2 months thereafter.

Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was occurrence of confirmed herpes zoster cases.

Results: Among 1846 autologous HSCT recipients (mean age, 55 years; 688 [37%] women) who received 1 vaccine or placebo dose, 1735 (94%) received a second dose and 1366 (74%) completed the study. During the 21-month median follow-up, at least 1 herpes zoster episode was confirmed in 49 vaccine and 135 placebo recipients (incidence, 30 and 94 per 1000 person-years, respectively), an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.44; P

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host*

Fulltext Cell surface proteins of cryptococcus neoformans mediate adherence and internalisation into mammalian cells

Choo, K.K., Chin, V.K., Chong, P.P., Ho, S.H., Yong, V.C.

JUMMEC, 2019;22(2):24-30.

MyJurnal

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen that causes severe disease primarily in
immunocompromised patients. Adherence and internalisation of microbial pathogens into host cells often
begin with engagement of microbes to the surface receptors of host. However, the mechanisms involved
remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the association of cell surface determinants of C.
neoformans with mammalian cells. Our results showed that treatment with trypsin, but not paraformaldehyde
or heat killing, could reduce host-cryptococci interaction, suggesting the involvement of cell surface proteins
(CSPs) of C. neoformans in the interaction. We extended our investigations to determine the roles of CSPs
during cryptococci-host cells interaction by extracting and conjugating CSPs of C. neoformans to latex beads.
Conjugation of CSPs with both encapsulated and acapsular C. neoformans increased the association of latex
beads with mammalian alveolar epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages.
Further examination on the actin organisation of the host cells implied the involvement of actin-dependent
phagocytosis in the internalisation of C. neoformans in CSP-conjugated latex beads. We hypothesised that
CSPs present on the cell wall of C. neoformans mediate the adherence and actin-dependent phagocytosis
of cryptococci by mammalian cells. Our results warrant further studies on the exact role of CSPs in the
pathogenesis of cryptococcosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Acanthamoeba encephalitis in an immunocompetent child and review of the imaging features of intracranial acanthamoebic infections in immunocompetent patients

Mohammad Hanafiah, Mohd Farhan Hamdan, Azura Mohamed Mukhari Shahizon, Wong, Sau Wei, Yoganathan Kanaheswari

Neurology Asia, 2018;23(2):179-184.

MyJurnal

Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by Acanthamoeba is a rare entity mainly affecting
immunocompromised patients. We reported a case of Acanthamoeba encephalitis of a 1-year-old
immunocompetent child and described the CT and MRI findings of the brain, while reviewing the
relevant literatures. The imaging findings of Acanthamoeba meningoencepalitis in immunocompetent
patients are non-specific and pose a diagnostic challenge.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Varicella in children with haematological malignancy--outcome of treatment and prevention

Ho CM, Khuzaiah R, Yasmin AM

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Mar;49(1):29-35.

PMID: 8057987

Primary varicella-zoster virus infection in children with haematological malignancy is a life threatening disease. In one year, there were 10 cases of varicella and 2 cases of zoster among these children as well as 5 mothers who were accompanying their children who developed varicella in the oncology ward. Two children died of fulminating disease despite aggressive antiviral and supportive treatment. Acyclovir can be used in treatment and prophylaxis in exposed susceptible children. Varicella -zoster immune globulin is not available in this country. Vaccination with live virus has been shown to be protective in immunocompromised children and needs consideration.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Cutaneous tuberculosis mimicking cellulitis in an immunosuppressed patient

Chin PW, Koh CK, Wong KT

Singapore Med J, 1999 Jan;40(1):44-5.

PMID: 10361486

A 28-year-old lady suffering from systemic lupus erythomatosus (SLE) with diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) and who was on oral cyclophosphamide and prednisolone presented with left lower limb 'cellulitis'. The 'cellulitis' of the left lower limb failed to respond to usual antibiotics which prompted evaluation of the clinical diagnosis. The diagnosis is made based on the presence of granulomas, multinucleated giant cells and acid fast bacilli on the skin biopsy.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host*

Fulltext Herpes zoster in children with cancer

Menon BS, Wan Maziah WM

Malays J Pathol, 2001 Jun;23(1):47-8.

PMID: 16329548

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and outcome of herpes zoster hospitalised children with cancer in Kota Baru. It was a retrospective review from January 1994 to December 1998. The diagnosis of herpes zoster was a clinical one. Herpes zoster was diagnosed in 10 of 188 (5%) children with malignancy. The most common malignancy was leukaemia. Nine children were treated with acyclovir. No child developed visceral dissemination and there were no deaths.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Bacillus cereus endocarditis in native aortic valve

Ngow HA, Wan Khairina WM

J Infect Chemother, 2013 Feb;19(1):154-7.

PMID: 22627887 DOI: 10.1007/s10156-012-0427-2

Bacillus cereus endocarditis is rare. It has been implicated in immunocompromised individuals, especially in intravenous drug users as well as in those with a cardiac prosthesis. The patient was a 31-year-old ex-intravenous drug addict with a past history of staphylococcal pulmonary valve endocarditis, who presented with symptoms of decompensated cardiac failure. Echocardiography showed severe aortic regurgitation with an oscillating vegetation seen on the right coronary cusp of the aortic valve. The blood cultures grew Bacillus cereus. We report this as a rare case of Bacillus cereus endocarditis affecting a native aortic valve.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a treatment dilemma

Jeevanan J, Gendeh BS, Faridah HA, Vikneswaran T

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Mar;61(1):106-8.

PMID: 16708746 MyJurnal

A case of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is presented showing its aggressive nature and progression of disease. The typical clinical features, neuroimaging and histological findings are highlighted in this report. Amphotericin B and surgical debridement remain the mainstay of treatment. However, associated co-morbidities need to be addressed.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext A standardised model for stool banking for faecal microbiota transplantation: a consensus report from a multidisciplinary UEG working group

Keller JJ, Ooijevaar RE, Hvas CL, Terveer EM, Lieberknecht SC, Högenauer C, et al.

United European Gastroenterol J, 2021 Mar;9(2):229-247.

PMID: 33151137 DOI: 10.1177/2050640620967898

BACKGROUND: Faecal microbiota transplantation is an emerging therapeutic option, particularly for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Stool banks that organise recruitment and screening of faeces donors are being embedded within the regulatory frameworks described in the European Union Tissue and Cells Directive and the technical guide to the quality and safety of tissue and cells for human application, published by the European Council.

OBJECTIVE: Several European and international consensus statements concerning faecal microbiota transplantation have been issued. While these documents provide overall guidance, we aim to provide a detailed description of all processes that relate to the collection, handling and clinical application of human donor stool in this document.

METHODS: Collaborative subgroups of experts on stool banking drafted concepts for all domains pertaining to stool banking. During a working group meeting in the United European Gastroenterology Week 2019 in Barcelona, these concepts were discussed and finalised to be included in our overall guidance document about faecal microbiota transplantation.

RESULTS: A guidance document for all domains pertaining to stool banking was created. This document includes standard operating manuals for several processes involved with stool banking, such as handling of donor material, storage and donor screening.

CONCLUSION: The implementation of faecal microbiota transplantation by stool banks in concordance with our guidance document will enable quality assurance and guarantee the availability of donor faeces preparations for patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Dual panel multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection of medically important fungi and resistant species of candida and aspergillus

Jacinta Santhanam, Mohd Hanif Jainlabdin, Ang LC, Tzar Mohd Nizam

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:489-498.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) have risen dramatically in recent years among high risk immunocompromised patients.
Rapid detection of fungal pathogens is crucial to timely and accurate antifungal therapy. Two multiplex polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to detect major fungal species that cause invasive infections and identify
resistant species. Genus specific primers for Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium and species specific primers for Candida
glabrata, Candida krusei and Aspergillus terreus which are known to be clinically resistant species, were designed from
the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene complex. Both assays were
performed simultaneously to promote rapid detection of fungal isolates based on distinct amplicon sizes. Inclusion of the
universal fungal primers ITS 1 and ITS 4 in the genus specific assay produced a second amplicon for each isolate which
served to confirm the detection of a fungal target. The limit of detection for the genus specific assay was 1 nanogram
(ng) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) for Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, 0.1 ng DNA for Fusarium solani, while
the species-specific assay detected 0.1 ng DNA of A. terreus and 10 picogram (pg) DNA of C. krusei and C. glabrata. The
multiplex PCR assays, apart from universal detection of any fungal target, are able to detect clinically important fungi
and differentiate resistant species rapidly and accurately, which can contribute to timely implementation of effective
antifungal regime.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Early-Stage Multifocal Candida chorioretinitis in an Immunocompromised Woman

Chen KJ, Chou HD, Teh WM

Ophthalmol Retina, 2019 10;3(10):887.

PMID: 31585711 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2019.05.023

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host*

Fulltext Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Ng KP, Soo-Hoo TS, Na SL, Gan GG, Sangkar JV, Teh AKH

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Oct;58(4):608-12.

PMID: 15190640

Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a soil fungus normally associated with onychomycosis. It causes subcutaneous infection in immunocompromised patients and is rarely isolated from blood. A case of systemic Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection was reported in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia. The patient developed persistent fever that did not respond to wide spectrum antibiotics and amphotericin B. Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was the only pathogen isolated from blood cultures. The fever subsided with itraconazole and there was no recurrence of fungal infection with prolonged maintenance of oral itraconazole.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

LC-MS analysis reveals biological and metabolic processes essential for Candida albicans biofilm growth

Munusamy K, Loke MF, Vadivelu J, Tay ST

Microb Pathog, 2021 Mar;152:104614.

PMID: 33202254 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104614

Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection associated with high morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised patients. The ability to form biofilm is essential for Candida albicans pathogenesis and drug resistance. In this study, the planktonic cell and biofilm proteomes of C. albicans SC5314 strain analyzed using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) were compared. In total, 280 and 449 proteins are annotated from the planktonic cell and biofilm proteomes, respectively. The biofilm proteome demonstrated significantly higher proportion of proteins associated with the endomembrane system, mitochondrion and cytoplasm than planktonic proteome. Among proteins detected, 143 and 207 biological processes are annotated, of which, 38 and 102 are specific to the planktonic cell and biofilm proteomes, respectively, while 105 are common biological processes. The specific biological processes of C. albicans planktonic cell proteome are associated with cell polarity, energy metabolism and nucleotide (purine) metabolism, oxido-reduction coenzyme metabolic process, monosaccharide and amino acid (methionine) biosynthesis, regulation of anatomical structure morphogenesis and cell cycling, and single organism reproduction. Meanwhile, regulation of cellular macromolecule biosynthesis and metabolism, transcription and gene expression are major biological processes specifically associated with C. albicans biofilm proteome. Biosynthesis of leucine, isoleucine, and thiocysteine are highlighted as planktonic-related pathways, whereas folate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids (lysine, serine and glycine) are highlighted as biofilm-related pathways. In summary, LC-MS-based proteomic analysis reveals different adaptative strategies of C. albicans via specific biological and metabolic processes for planktonic cell and biofilm lifestyles. The mass spectrometry data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifiers PXD007830 (for biofilm proteome) and PXD007831 (for planktonic cell proteome).

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Cavernous sinus fungal infection: a rare case

Ng BHK, Kho GS, Sim SK, Liew DNS, Tang IP

Br J Neurosurg, 2017 Jun 09.

PMID: 28597698 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2017.1335857

Intracranial fungal infection of the cavernous sinus is a condition that usually affects immunocompromised individuals and is rarely seen in immunocompetent individuals. It is a potentially life threatening condition which requires prompt treatment. Here we present a case of an immunocompetent patient with a fungal infection of the cavernous sinus.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext A case report of Intramuscular Abscess Secondary to Epicoccum Nigrum infection

Azira NMS, Zeehaida M, Nazli Z, Suraiya S

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1:48-51.

A 36-year-old man with underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia had left arm swelling for a duration of 3 months. Clinically, the affected arm was swollen, erythematous and tender. Epicoccum nigrum was isolated from the culture of the tissue that was obtained intraoperatively. He was treated and responded to voriconazole therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of intramuscular abscess as a result of E. nigrum infection in an immunocompromised patient.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Fulltext A case report of Intramuscular Abscess Secondary to Epicoccum Nigrum infection

Azira NMS, Zeehaida M, Nazli Z, Suraiya S

Journal of Clinical and Health Sciences, 2016;1(2):48-51.

MyJurnal

A 36-year-old man with underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia had left arm swelling for a duration of 3 months. Clinically, the affected arm was swollen, erythematous and tender. Epicoccum nigrum was isolated from the culture of the tissue that was obtained intraoperatively. He was treated and responded to voriconazole therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of intramuscular abscess as a result of E. nigrum infection in an immunocompromised patient.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

An age-adjusted seroprevalence study of Toxoplasma antibody in a Malaysian ophthalmology unit

Singh S, Khang TF, Andiappan H, Nissapatorn V, Subrayan V

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 2012 May;106(5):322-6.

PMID: 22480791 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2012.01.009

Toxoplasma gondii is a public health risk in developing countries, especially those located in the tropics. Widespread infection may inflict a substantial burden on state resources, as patients can develop severe neurological defects and ocular diseases that result in lifelong loss of economic independence. We tested sera for IgG antibody from 493 eye patients in Malaysia. Overall age-adjusted seroprevalence was estimated to be 25% (95% CI: [21%, 29%]). We found approximately equal age-adjusted seroprevalence in Chinese (31%; 95% CI: [25%, 38%]) and Malays (29%; 95% CI: [21%, 36%]), followed by Indians (19%; 95% CI: [13%, 25%]). A logistic regression of the odds for T. gondii seroprevalence against age, gender, ethnicity and the occurrence of six types of ocular diseases showed that only age and ethnicity were significant predictors. The odds for T. gondii seroprevalence were 2.7 (95% CI for OR: [1.9, 4.0]) times higher for a patient twice as old as the other, with ethnicity held constant. In Malays, we estimated the odds for T. gondii seroprevalence to be 2.9 (95% CI for OR: [1.8, 4.5]) times higher compared to non-Malays, with age held constant. Previous studies of T. gondii seroprevalence in Malaysia did not explicitly adjust for age, rendering comparisons difficult. Our study highlights the need to adopt a more rigorous epidemiological approach in monitoring T. gondii seroprevalence in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Immunocompromised Host

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 112 in total