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Invasive fungal infections are associated with severe depletion of circulating RANTES

Michael Ellis1, Basel Al-Ramadi1, Ulla Hedström1

  • 1Department of Medicine1 and Department of Medical Microbiology2, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University Medical School, PO Box 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates 3Department of Haematology and Oncology, Tawam Hospital, PO Box 15555, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.

Journal of Medical Microbiology
|September 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Serum RANTES, a key immune mediator, significantly decreased in patients with hematological malignancies and invasive fungal infections. Low RANTES levels correlated with poor outcomes and mortality in these vulnerable patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) pose a significant threat to immunocompromised patients, particularly those with hematological malignancies.
  • Early detection and understanding of host response are crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of serum RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) concentrations in patients with hematological malignancies and IFIs.
  • To explore the correlation between RANTES levels, platelet counts, and patient survival.

Main Methods:

  • Serum RANTES concentrations were measured in 14 patients with hematological malignancies and IFIs.
  • RANTES levels were analyzed at different time points: pre-chemotherapy, during fungal infection, and at recovery or death.
  • Platelet counts were correlated with RANTES levels.

Main Results:

  • Serum RANTES levels significantly decreased at the onset and throughout invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies.
  • RANTES levels recovered in surviving patients but remained low in non-survivors.
  • A strong positive correlation was observed between RANTES concentrations and platelet counts (r = 0.63, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Decreased serum RANTES concentrations are associated with invasive fungal infections in patients with hematological malignancies.
  • Low RANTES levels and platelet counts may indicate a poor prognosis and play a role in the host's response to IFIs.
  • Further research is warranted to explore RANTES as a potential biomarker for IFIs in immunocompromised individuals.

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