COVID-19 Induced Immunosuppression resulting in Pulmonary Mucormycosis : A Long COVID sequalae

With increasing incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Virus 2(SARS -CoV -2) in India, there has been growing reports of super infections in post covid 19 period. Long COVID refers to persistence of COVID19 symptoms for weeks to months. While most common manifestation of long COVID is fatigue and ill health, it may lead to development of life-threatening complications like Pulmonary Mucormycosis. We report a case of 54 year young, non-diabetic previously healthy male who had moderate COVID19 treated with low dose steroids and recovered completely, only to present with hemoptysis 3 months later on High Resolution Computed Tomography Scan of the Chest and Rhizopus fungi on bronchoalveolar lavage confirming Post Covid Pulmonary Mucormycosis in non-immunocompromised host. Patient was managed with dual antifungal therapy intravenous Liposomal Amphotericin B and Posaconazole for 3 weeks, followed by oral Posaconazole. J MEDICINE 2021; 22: 150-154

The Mote in thy Brother’s Eyes - Fusarium Solani in Leukemia Host

Fusariosis is increasingly seen among immunocompromised host. The organism is known for its virulence and spectrum of infections. Presenting here a case of relapse acute myeloblastic leukemia on chemotherapy with acute onset of red painful eye followed by widespread painful skin lesions. Microbiological and radiological investigations diagnosed her with disseminated fusariosis. Treatment was challenging in view its inherent resistance to multiple anti-fungal agents and the need for early aggressive source control. The case report reflects the importance of early diagnosis and combination chemotherapy to salvage the patient from high mortality.

Vaccination in Immunocompromised Host (ICH)

Infectious disease (ID) are a major cause of morbidity and fatality in the ICH and moreover IDs may trigger underlying diseases or graft versus host disease (GVHD) and organ rejection. To reduce risk, management of ID in ICH requires a comprehensive management from day 1, with (1) reduction of exposures: fewer social contacts; cocooning (vaccination of any close contacts); appropriate “low pathogen-diet”; avoiding environmental exposures (dust); (2) Detection of pre-existing risks (latent infections, vaccination history); (3) bearing in mind “expected IDs” by type and severity of immunosuppression. Inactivated vaccines have similar reactogenicity and safety profiles in the ICH and health subjects; however due to reduced immunogenicity, efficacy may be reduced. Live vaccines are usually contraindicated as they may cause harm in severely immunocompromised patients; however, they can be considered based on an individual risk-benefit assessment with remaining immune functions in mind. In some instances, post-exposure prophylaxis with immunoglobulins is effective, (“passive immunization”) specifically against measles and the varicella-zoster-virus. For the latter, antivirals can be used as an alternative.

B Cell Recognition of Candida albicans Hyphae via TLR 2 Promotes IgG1 and IL-6 Secretion for TH17 Differentiation

Candida albicans is usually a benign member of the human gut microbiota, but can become pathogenic under certain circumstances, for example in an immunocompromised host. The innate immune system, in particular neutrophils and macrophages, constitutes a crucial first line of defense against fungal invasion, however adaptive immunity may provide long term protection and thus allow vaccination of at risk patients. While TH1 and TH17 cells are important for antifungal responses, the role of B cells and antibodies in protection from C. albicans infection is less well defined. In this study, we show that C. albicans hyphae but not yeast, as well as fungal cell wall components, directly activate B cells via MyD88 signaling triggered by Toll- like receptor 2, leading to increased IgG1 production. While Dectin-1 signals and specific recognition by the B cell receptor are dispensable for B cell activation in this system, TLR2/MyD88 signals cooperate with CD40 signals in promoting B cell activation. Importantly, recognition of C. albicans via MyD88 signaling is also essential for induction of IL-6 secretion by B cells, which promotes TH17 polarization in T-B cell coculture experiments. B cells may thus be activated directly by C. albicans in its invasive form, leading to production of antibodies and T cell help for fungal clearance.

1303. A Rare Case of Legionella micdadei Lung Abscess in an Immunocompromised Patient

Background Legionella micdadei is the most common legionella species causing infection after L. pneumophila. It usually causes infection in immunocompromised hosts and leads to nodules with tendency to cavitate. It is difficult to culture which makes diagnosis challenging. We report a case or L. micdadei in an immunocompromised host with cavitary pneumonia. Methods Case Report. An 82 year-old female presented with upper abdominal pain for one day duration. She has history of hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, and hypothyroidism. She was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonia 5 months prior, treated with prednisone (40 mg daily). The pain was not associated with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. She was found with hypoxia despite she denied shortness of breath, cough, hemoptysis or chest pain. There was no fever, chills, headache, myalgia or upper respiratory symptoms. She was afebrile, tachycardic 134/min and hypoxic to 88% on room air. White cell count was 22x10(3) /mcL (90% neutrophils), hemoglobin was 10.4 g/dL, creatinine was 1.23 mg/dL and lactic acid was 3.6 mmol/L. Chest CT scan showed left lower lobe cavitary lesion with surrounding infiltrates (image 1). Quantiferon gold, serum galagtomannan, B-D-glucan, and vasculitis work-up were negative. Bronchoscopy showed a patent airway. Bronchial smears and cultures were negative for bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone and metronidazole with de-escalation to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Bronchial culture was positive for legionella micdadei after discharge, azithromycin was added. Image 1. Cavitary lesion on thoracic CT Results Our patient was considered immunocompromised given steroid use, predisposing her for L. micdadei infection. L. micdadei is considered an opportunistic infection and was reported in hematologic malignancy population. It can cause an invasive lung disease with lung cavities. It needs special media for growth making it difficult to diagnose especially it is not detected by legionella urine antigen. Conclusion L. micdadei should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cavitary lung lesions in immunocompromised patients. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures