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Infectious Disease Reports
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Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases
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Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Infectious Disease Reports (ISSN 2036-7449). This special issue belongs to the section "Infection Prevention and Control".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2025) | Viewed by 6536

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Navneet Kaur Dhillon

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Guest Editor
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
Interests: pulmonary vascular disease; viral infections; illicit drug use; endothelial and smooth muscle dysfunction; inflammation
Dr. Rudolf K F Oliveira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 771, 3º Andar, São Paulo CEP 04024-002, SP, Brazil
Interests: pulmonary vascular disease; pulmonary hypertension; pulmonary hemodynamics; exercise physiology
Prof. Dr. Ghazwan Butrous

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. School of Pharmacy, University of Kent in Canterbury, Chatham ME4 4BF , UK
2. School of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
3. Faculty of Medicine Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: pulmonary

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pulmonary vascular diseases are global conditions that are not yet fully understood. In developing nations, infectious diseases, such as schistosomiasis, viral infections, high altitude, hemoglobinopathies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and delayed cardiac management contribute to pulmonary hypertension. Other helminthic diseases, fungal infections, bacterial infections, and tuberculosis have also been implicated. Co-exposure and polyparasitism can be issues in developing countries, as both HIV and schistosomiasis can be found in the same patients. Studying pulmonary manifestations of infection can help understand the role of inflammation and underlying mechanisms to develop new therapies.

This Special Issue of Infectious Disease Reports aims at highlighting future perspectives on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of infection-associated pulmonary vascular disease, while also facilitating the timely publication and dissemination of cutting-edge research. Reviews, case studies, and original research articles are all encouraged. Submissions pertaining to acute- and long-COVID-associated pulmonary complications are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Navneet Kaur Dhillon
Dr. Rudolf K F Oliveira
Prof. Dr. Ghazwan Butrous
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Infectious Disease Reports is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pulmonary vascular diseases
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • HIV
  • schistosomiasis
  • COVID
  • post-tuberculosis
  • fungus

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1944 KiB  
Article
Delineating the Significance of Several Inflammatory Markers in a Lung Tuberculosis Cohort During the Active and Post-Tuberculosis Stages of the Disease: An Observational Study in Cape Town, South Africa (2019 to 2024)
by Chrisstoffel Jumaar, Lindiwe Malefane, Steve Jacobs, Olakunle Sanni, Elize Louw, Nicola Baines, Carmen Payne, Sigrid Schulz, Carl Lombard, Merga Feyasa, David Maree, Shantal Windvogel, Hans Strijdom, Benjamin Botha, Brian Allwood and Gerald J. Maarman
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030052 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) frequently leads to long-term lung complications that contribute to increased mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis of post-TB lung impairments is crucial for improving long-term outcomes in TB patients; yet this area remains poorly researched. Methods: Our study assessed circulatory inflammatory [...] Read more.
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) frequently leads to long-term lung complications that contribute to increased mortality. Understanding the pathogenesis of post-TB lung impairments is crucial for improving long-term outcomes in TB patients; yet this area remains poorly researched. Methods: Our study assessed circulatory inflammatory markers in patients who completed TB treatment more than one year before enrolment (population 1) and patients receiving in-hospital treatment for active drug-sensitive TB (population 2). Results: IL-6 was seven times higher in both populations compared to the normal range. IL-8 was below the limit of detection (LOD) in population 1, while it was approximately 2.5 times higher in population 2 compared to the normal range. TNF-α was 21 times higher in population 1 and 19 times higher in population 2 compared to the normal range. CRP was almost 49 times higher in both populations, and IL-1Ra was below the LOD in population 1, while it was ~1.5 times higher in population 2 compared to the normal range. Conclusions: These inflammatory biomarkers correlated well with lung function in the post-TB state, and their high levels suggest a persistent pro-inflammatory state post-TB, which may contribute to post-TB lung disease. More research is warranted to better understand this phenomenon, but these findings may highlight a need to consider anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with post-TB lung disease, especially since these high levels of cytokines can directly contribute to lung damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
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11 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Endothelial Dysfunction Markers Correlate with the Time Since Completion of Tuberculosis Treatment and the Number of Previous Tuberculosis Episodes
by Chrisstoffel Jumaar, Steve Jacobs, Carmen Payne, Olakunle Sanni, Elize Louw, Nicola Baines, David Maree, Benjamin Botha, Merga Belina Feyasa, Hans Strijdom, Brian Allwood and Gerald J. Maarman
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17020021 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 557
Abstract
Background: Despite “successful” treatment, some lung tuberculosis (TB) patients develop long-term lung impairments that includes damage to the parenchyma and reduced function, which may predispose them to diseases like pulmonary hypertension. However, this is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated whether previous or [...] Read more.
Background: Despite “successful” treatment, some lung tuberculosis (TB) patients develop long-term lung impairments that includes damage to the parenchyma and reduced function, which may predispose them to diseases like pulmonary hypertension. However, this is not well understood. Therefore, we investigated whether previous or current TB patients would display elevated biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. Methods: We performed assays for ADMA, VCAM-1, VEGF, angiopoietin-1, TBARS, NT-pro-BNP, and cardiac troponin-I. We further stratified the patients based on 1, 2, 3, and >3 previous TB episodes, and 1–5 yrs, 5–10 yrs, 10–15 yrs and >15 yrs after the last TB treatment completion. We also assessed correlations between the biomarkers and the number of previous TB episodes or the time since the completion of the last TB treatment. Results: ADMA was 70 times higher, VEGF was 2000 times higher and angiopoietin-1 was 6500 times higher than the normal range. NT-pro-BNP and cardiac troponin-I were undetected, and TBARS levels were low. There was a positive linear relationship between the number of previous TB episodes and angiopoietin-1, and between VEGF and the number of previous TB episodes. ADMA, VCAM-1 and TBARS exhibited a weak and negative linear association with the number of previous TB episodes. A negligible negative linear association was observed between the time since the completion of the last TB treatment and angiopoietin-1, VEGF and ADMA. Conclusions: Therefore, having >1 previous TB episode, despite the successful completion of TB treatment, associates with an increased risk of endothelial dysfunction/angiogenesis or vascular remodeling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
13 pages, 1200 KiB  
Article
Early Use of Liraglutide for the Treatment of Acute COVID-19 Infection: An Open-Label Single-Center Phase II Safety Study with Biomarker Profiling
by Eloara V. M. Ferreira, Rudolf K. F. Oliveira, Reinaldo Salomao, Milena K. C. Brunialti, Martyella B. A. Cardoso, Chien-nien Chen, Lan Zhao and Colm McCabe
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17010005 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1080
Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are an existing treatment option for patients with insulin-resistant states, which elicit further pleiotropic effects related to immune cell recruitment and vascular inflammation. GLP-1 agonists downregulate the cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) receptor, one of several receptors for [...] Read more.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are an existing treatment option for patients with insulin-resistant states, which elicit further pleiotropic effects related to immune cell recruitment and vascular inflammation. GLP-1 agonists downregulate the cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) receptor, one of several receptors for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that mediate viral infection of host cells. Methods: We conducted an open-label prospective safety and tolerability study including biomarker responses of the GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide, administered for 5 days as an add-on therapy to the standard of care within 48 h of presentation in a cohort of 13 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Biomarker responses were compared in patients admitted to critical care and those not requiring critical care admission (non-critical group). Results: Liraglutide (0.6 mg, subcutaneously) was well tolerated by all patients and all patients were alive 30 days after diagnosis. Plasma soluble CD147 levels were reduced in the non-critical patient group at day 5 in contrast to critical care-treated patients, who demonstrated an increase in soluble CD147 levels between day 0 and day 5. Patients with milder COVID-19 pneumonia severity also demonstrated improvement in echocardiographic parameters of right and left ventricular function, reduction in plasma Troponin levels, increased CD147 expression on T lymphocytes, and reduction in plasma IL-8. Conclusions: This first-in-disease use of the GLP-1 agonist Liraglutide demonstrates its safety and tolerability in an unselected cohort of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia across a range of clinical severities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
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Review

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16 pages, 1066 KiB  
Review
Global Landscape of Infection-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
by Ghazwan Butrous
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17020035 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Introduction: Infectious diseases significantly impact pulmonary vascular disorders, particularly in developing countries where parasitic infections remain prevalent. These infections constitute a substantial yet frequently overlooked contributor to pulmonary hypertension. Discussion: This review examines the prevalence of parasitic lung diseases in regions [...] Read more.
Introduction: Infectious diseases significantly impact pulmonary vascular disorders, particularly in developing countries where parasitic infections remain prevalent. These infections constitute a substantial yet frequently overlooked contributor to pulmonary hypertension. Discussion: This review examines the prevalence of parasitic lung diseases in regions where communicable infections are endemic and highlights their pathophysiological links to pulmonary hypertension. Schistosomiasis and HIV notably increase pulmonary hypertension risk in these areas. While other infectious diseases may also cause pulmonary vascular lesions, most remain insufficiently studied. The review addresses global epidemiological trends, diagnostic challenges, and recent advancements in understanding the multifaceted origins of pulmonary hypertension. Conclusion: The association between parasitic infections and pulmonary hypertension is significant, necessitating a high index of suspicion for pulmonary hypertension in patients with a history of parasitic diseases, especially in endemic regions. More research is needed to understand infection-related pulmonary hypertension mechanisms and reduce its global impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
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20 pages, 2636 KiB  
Review
COVID-19 and Parasitic Co-Infection: A Hypothetical Link to Pulmonary Vascular Disease
by Peter S. Nyasulu, Jacques L. Tamuzi, Rudolf K. F. Oliveira, Suellen D. Oliveira, Nicola Petrosillo, Vinicio de Jesus Perez, Navneet Dhillon and Ghazwan Butrous
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17020019 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Before the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the global prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was between 0.4 and 1.4 per 100,000 people. The long-term effects of protracted COVID-19 associated with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) risk factors may increase this prevalence. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Before the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the global prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was between 0.4 and 1.4 per 100,000 people. The long-term effects of protracted COVID-19 associated with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) risk factors may increase this prevalence. According to preliminary data, the exact prevalence of early estimates places the prevalence of PVD in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection at 22%, although its predictive value remains unknown. PVD caused by COVID-19 co-infections is understudied and underreported, and its future impact is unclear. However, due to COVID-19/co-infection pathophysiological effects on pulmonary vascularization, PVD mortality and morbidity may impose a genuine concern—both now and in the near future. Based on reported studies, this literature review focused on the potential link between COVID-19, parasitic co-infection, and PVD. This review article also highlights hypothetical pathophysiological mechanisms between COVID-19 and parasitic co-infection that could trigger PVD. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) searching peer-reviewed articles, including link between COVID-19, parasitic co-infection, and PVD. Results: This review hypothesized that multiple pathways associated with pathogens such as underlying schistosomiasis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), pulmonary aspergillosis, Wuchereria bancrofti, Clonorchis sinensis, paracoccidioidomycosis, human herpesvirus 8, and scrub typhus coupled with acute or long COVID-19, may increase the burden of PVD and worsen its mortality in the future. Conclusions: Further experimental studies are also needed to determine pathophysiological pathways between PVD and a history of COVID-19/co-infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
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13 pages, 276 KiB  
Review
Genetics of Long COVID: Exploring the Molecular Drivers of Persistent Pulmonary Vascular Disease Symptoms
by Sana Ayyoub, Navneet Kaur Dhillon and Olga Tura-Ceide
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17010015 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Background/ Objectives: Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) are symptoms that manifest despite passing the acute infection phase. These manifestations encompass a wide range of symptoms, the most common being fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction. Genetic predisposition is [...] Read more.
Background/ Objectives: Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) are symptoms that manifest despite passing the acute infection phase. These manifestations encompass a wide range of symptoms, the most common being fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive dysfunction. Genetic predisposition is clearly involved in the susceptibility of individuals to developing these persistent symptoms and the variation in the severity and forms. This review summarizes the role of genetic factors and gene polymorphisms in the development of major pulmonary vascular disorders associated with long COVID. Methods: A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted to examine the genetic contributions to pulmonary complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies investigating genetic polymorphisms linked to pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pulmonary vascular endothelialitis were reviewed and summarized. Results: Findings show that specific genetic variants contribute to increased susceptibility to pulmonary vascular complications in long COVID patients. Variants associated with endothelial dysfunction, coagulation pathways, and inflammatory responses have been implicated in the development of pulmonary hypertension and thromboembolic events. Genetic predispositions influencing vascular integrity and immune responses appear to influence disease severity and progression. Conclusions: Understanding these mechanisms and genetic predispositions could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions to alleviate the burden on patients experiencing long COVID. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)

Other

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11 pages, 4264 KiB  
Case Report
Lemierre Syndrome Associated with Streptococcus constellatus and Atypical Vascular Involvement: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
by Luca Pipitò, Antonio Anastasia, Fabrizio Passalacqua, Giulio D’Agati, Floriana Di Figlia, Benedetta Romanin, Silvia Bonura, Raffaella Rubino, Agostino Inzerillo, Caterina Sarno and Antonio Cascio
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(6), 1064-1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16060086 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1610
Abstract
Background: Lemierre syndrome is a rare and life-threatening disease. It is characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, historically associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum infection. However, atypical cases and associations with other organisms have been reported. Methods: Here, we describe a challenging [...] Read more.
Background: Lemierre syndrome is a rare and life-threatening disease. It is characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, historically associated with Fusobacterium necrophorum infection. However, atypical cases and associations with other organisms have been reported. Methods: Here, we describe a challenging case of Lemierre syndrome in a 71-year-old woman caused by Streptococcus constellatus and review the related literature. Case: The patient experienced multiple hospital admissions due to misdiagnoses and developed thrombosis involving the internal jugular vein and transverse sinus bilaterally, pulmonary complications including the formation of a pseudoaneurysm, and occipital abscess. She presented with headaches, neck pain, and blindness. Prolonged antibiotic therapy was administered, leading to gradual improvement of symptoms, with partial resolution of blindness. Prophylaxis with intramuscular penicillin was prescribed at discharge. Conclusions: Our case underscores the importance of considering Lemierre syndrome in patients who present with multiple thrombotic events affecting the intracranial circulation and/or jugular veins, particularly in those already receiving anticoagulation therapy or with no identifiable cause for thrombosis, even in the absence of sore throat or fever. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pulmonary Vascular Manifestations of Infectious Diseases)
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