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Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Over the past century, antibiotic usage has skyrocketed in the treatment of critically ill patients. There have been increasing calls to establish guidelines for... (Review)
Review
Over the past century, antibiotic usage has skyrocketed in the treatment of critically ill patients. There have been increasing calls to establish guidelines for appropriate treatment and durations of antibiosis. Antibiotic treatment, even when appropriately tailored to the patient and infection, is not without cost. Short term risks-hepatic/renal dysfunction, intermediate effects-concomitant superinfections, and long-term risks-potentiating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), are all possible consequences of antimicrobial administration. These risks are increased by longer periods of treatment and unnecessarily broad treatment courses. Recently, the literature has focused on multiple strategies to determine the appropriate duration of antimicrobial therapy. Further, there is a clinical shift to multi-modal approaches to determine the most suitable timepoint at which to end an antibiotic course. An approach utilising biomarker assays and an inter-disciplinary team of pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and microbiologists appears to be the way forward to develop sound clinical decision-making surrounding antibiotic treatment.
PubMed: 38534707
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030272 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024has been described as a cause of serious community-acquired infections in tropical countries. Currently, its implications when simultaneously identified with other...
has been described as a cause of serious community-acquired infections in tropical countries. Currently, its implications when simultaneously identified with other pathogens are not yet adequately understood. A descriptive study was conducted on hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of moderate/severe SARS-CoV-2-induced pneumonia confirmed via real-time RT-PCR. Patients aged > 18 years who were admitted to a specialized COVID-19 treatment center in Peru were selected for enrollment. was detected via the PCR amplification of the gene obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs within 48 h of hospitalization. A total of 295 patients with COVID-19 who met the study inclusion criteria were enrolled. was simultaneously identified in 40/295 (13.5%) of COVID-19-hospitalized patients. Demographic data and comorbidities were comparable in both -positive and -negative subgroups. However, patients identified as being infected with were more likely to have received outpatient antibiotics prior to hospitalization, had a higher requirement for high-flow nasal cannula and a higher subjective incidence of fatigue, and were more likely to develop -induced pneumonia during hospitalization. Conclusions: The group in which SARS-CoV-2 and were simultaneously identified had a higher proportion of fatigue, a higher frequency of requiring a high-flow cannula, and a higher proportion of superinfection with the same microorganism during hospitalization.
PubMed: 38534701
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030266 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024The treatment of infections remains a challenge for physicians worldwide in the 21st century. The bacterium possesses a multitude of mechanisms to escape the human... (Review)
Review
The treatment of infections remains a challenge for physicians worldwide in the 21st century. The bacterium possesses a multitude of mechanisms to escape the human immune system. The consequences of infections on morbidity and mortality, as well on financial resources, remain dire. Furthermore, superinfections have also occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. While prevention is important, the antibiotic armamentarium remains the most essential factor for the treatment of these infections. The main problem is the notorious resistance profile (including resistance to carbapenems and colistin) that this bacterium exhibits. While newer beta lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors have entered clinical practice, with excellent results against various infections due to Enterobacteriaceae, their contribution against infections is almost absent. Hence, we have to resort to at least one of the following, sulbactam, polymyxins E or B, tigecycline or aminoglycosides, against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) infections. Furthermore, the notable addition of cefiderocol in the fight against infections represents a useful addition. We present herein the existing information from the last decade regarding therapeutic advances against MDR/XDR infections.
PubMed: 38534696
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030261 -
United European Gastroenterology Journal May 2024The prevalence of Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is underestimated and the assessment of fibrosis is recommended for this infection. We tested the diagnostic impact of an...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is underestimated and the assessment of fibrosis is recommended for this infection. We tested the diagnostic impact of an annual screening for HDV serology in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBs Ag) chronic carriers and followed the progression of fibrosis in these patients.
METHODS
Between January 2014 and October 2021, we annually tested all chronic HBs Ag-positive patients for HDV antibody (HDV Ab). Each HDV Ab positive patient underwent annually repeated elastometry. Patients with detectable HDV RNA levels (group 1) were compared to those with undetectable HDV RNA (group 2).
RESULTS
We identified 610 chronic HBs Ag-positive patients, and repeated screening for HDV Ab was performed in 534 patients. Sixty (11%) patients were HDV Ab positive at baseline and were considered as "coinfected". Seven cases of HDV superinfection were diagnosed through repeated screening. In co-infected patients, cirrhosis was initially diagnosed in 12/60 patients and developed in six patients during follow-up. HDV RNA PCR was performed in 57/67 patients and 27 had detectable levels (group 1). Cumulative incidence of cirrhosis at 7 years was 13.8% (95% CI 0-30) in group 1 and 0 (95% CI 0-0) in group 2 (p = 0.026).
CONCLUSION
A systematic screening for HDV in chronic HB Ag carriers revealed a high prevalence of HDV Ab. Repeated serological screening enables the diagnosis of superinfections in asymptomatic patients. Regular assessment of fibrosis using elastometry leads to the identification of incidental cirrhosis in patients with detectable HDV RNA.
Topics: Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Female; Hepatitis Delta Virus; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Middle Aged; Hepatitis D; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; Mass Screening; Carrier State; Adult; RNA, Viral; Coinfection; Disease Progression; Hepatitis Antibodies; Prevalence; Elasticity Imaging Techniques; Aged; Incidence
PubMed: 38520063
DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12564 -
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses Apr 2024With the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC subtypes in China, the co-circulation of multiple subtypes in the HIV-1-positive...
With the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC subtypes in China, the co-circulation of multiple subtypes in the HIV-1-positive population may result in dual infection or superinfection in the population, leading to the emergence of unique recombinant forms (URFs) of the HIV-1 virus. In this study, two second-generation unique recombinant strains, BI0114 and BI0116, were identified, and their near full-length genome sequences were obtained. Recombination analysis showed that both sequences were isoforms of URF_0107, and they were second-generation unique recombinant strains formed by the recombination of CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC, with the isoforms being CRF01_AE and CRF0107_BC, respectively. The continued emergence of novel CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC recombinant strains suggests that the epidemiological, preventive, and control situation of HIV-1 is complex and that the relevant health authorities urgently need to establish responses to the challenges posed by changes in the pattern of strain recombination.
PubMed: 38517080
DOI: 10.1089/AID.2023.0149 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Mar 2024A case of a male with human immunodeficiency virus with plasma genotyping detecting no resistance and a CRF02_AG subtype had a controlled HIV RNA on antiretroviral...
A case of a male with human immunodeficiency virus with plasma genotyping detecting no resistance and a CRF02_AG subtype had a controlled HIV RNA on antiretroviral therapy since 2010. We introduced intramuscular therapy with cabotegravir and rilpivirine. One month later, his HIV RNA was 1500 copies/mL; genotyping found a subtype B with many mutations.
PubMed: 38513236
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad757 -
Virus Evolution 2024We investigated transmission dynamics of a large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in KY and OH during 2017-20 by using...
We investigated transmission dynamics of a large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in KY and OH during 2017-20 by using detailed phylogenetic, network, recombination, and cluster dating analyses. Using polymerase () sequences from 193 people associated with the investigation, we document high HIV-1 diversity, including Subtype B (44.6 per cent); numerous circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) including CRF02_AG (2.5 per cent) and CRF02_AG-like (21.8 per cent); and many unique recombinant forms composed of CRFs with major subtypes and sub-subtypes [CRF02_AG/B (24.3 per cent), B/CRF02_AG/B (0.5 per cent), and A6/D/B (6.4 per cent)]. Cluster analysis of sequences using a 1.5 per cent genetic distance identified thirteen clusters, including a seventy-five-member cluster composed of CRF02_AG-like and CRF02_AG/B, an eighteen-member CRF02_AG/B cluster, Subtype B clusters of sizes ranging from two to twenty-three, and a nine-member A6/D and A6/D/B cluster. Recombination and phylogenetic analyses identified CRF02_AG/B variants with ten unique breakpoints likely originating from Subtype B and CRF02_AG-like viruses in the largest clusters. The addition of contact tracing results from OH to the genetic networks identified linkage between persons with Subtype B, CRF02_AG, and CRF02_AG/B sequences in the clusters supporting recombinant generation. Superinfection prevalence was 13.3 per cent (8/60) in persons with multiple specimens and included infection with B and CRF02_AG; B and CRF02_AG/B; or B and A6/D/B. In addition to the presence of multiple, distinct molecular clusters associated with this outbreak, cluster dating inferred transmission associated with the largest molecular cluster occurred as early as 2006, with high transmission rates during 2017-8 in certain other molecular clusters. This outbreak among PWID in KY and OH was likely driven by rapid transmission of multiple HIV-1 variants including viral recombinants from circulating viruses within the community. Our findings documenting the high HIV-1 transmission rate and clustering through partner services and molecular clusters emphasize the importance of leveraging multiple different data sources and analyses, including those from disease intervention specialist investigations, to better understand outbreak dynamics and interrupt HIV spread.
PubMed: 38510920
DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae015 -
Clinical Case Reports Mar 2024Hydatid cysts, primarily found in the liver (70%), are caused by parasitic infections and can lead to severe complications such as cyst rupture. This case report...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Hydatid cysts, primarily found in the liver (70%), are caused by parasitic infections and can lead to severe complications such as cyst rupture. This case report describes a unique instance of a hydatid liver cyst occupying the right lobe with a communicating part with the biliary tree that ruptured showing a concurrent superinfection.
ABSTRACT
Hydatid cysts are a clinical pathology resulting from parasitic infections. They may occur in different organs of the body. However, these are mostly found in the liver (70%). This can cause significant complications including cyst rupture. Several case reports have described various hydatid cyst ruptures; however, only a few have reported an intra-biliary hydatid cyst rupture. A 24-year-old male patient presented with right upper quadrant pain, jaundice, dark urine, and pale stool. Imaging studies, including Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and computed tomography (CT), revealed a beavertail liver, cystobiliary communication and intrahepatic biliary tree-ruptured hydatid cysts. The cyst was in the right liver lobe, which is the most common site for hydatid cysts. Surgical intervention involving laparoscopic de-roofing and cyst removal resulted in a smooth recovery without complications. Several case reports have described various hydatid cyst ruptures; however, only a few have reported originally placed intra-biliary hydatid cyst ruptures. This case report describes a unique instance of a hydatid liver cyst occupying the right lobe with a communicating part with the biliary tree that ruptured showing a concurrent superinfection.
PubMed: 38500781
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8581 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Cases of mpox have been reported worldwide since May 2022. Limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term course of this disease. To assess sequelae in terms of... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Cases of mpox have been reported worldwide since May 2022. Limited knowledge exists regarding the long-term course of this disease. To assess sequelae in terms of scarring and quality of life (QoL) in mpox patients 4-6 months after initial infection.
METHODS
Prospective observational study on clinical characteristics and symptoms of patients with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed mpox, including both outpatients and inpatients. Follow-up visits were conducted at 4-6 months, assessing the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and sexual impairment, using a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10.
RESULTS
Forty-three patients, age range 19-64 years, 41 men (all identifying as MSM) and 2 women, were included. Upon diagnosis, skin or mucosal lesions were present in 93.0% of cases, with 73.3% reporting pain (median intensity: 8, Q1-Q3: 6-10). Anal involvement resulted in a significantly higher frequency of pain than genital lesions (RR: 3.60, 95%-CI: 1.48-8.74). Inpatient treatment due to pain, superinfection, abscess or other indications was required in 20 patients (46.5%). After 4-6 months, most patients did not have significant limitations, scars or pain. However, compared to patients without such complications, patients with superinfection or abscess during the acute phase had significantly more extensive scar formation (median PSAS: 24.0 vs. 11.0, p = 0.039) and experienced a significantly greater impairment of their QoL (median DLQI: 2.0 vs. 0.0, p = 0.036) and sexuality (median NRS: 5.0 vs. 0.0, p = 0.017).
CONCLUSION
We observed a wide range of clinical mpox manifestations, with some patients experiencing significant pain and requiring hospitalization. After 4-6 months, most patients recovered without significant sequelae, but those with abscesses or superinfections during the initial infection experienced a significant reduction in QoL and sexuality. Adequate treatment, including antiseptic and antibiotic therapy during the acute phase, may help prevent such complications, and hence, improve long-term outcomes.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Abscess; Superinfection; Cohort Studies; Quality of Life; Cicatrix; Follow-Up Studies; Homosexuality, Male; Mpox (monkeypox); Sexual and Gender Minorities; Pain
PubMed: 38491447
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09191-6 -
American Journal of Ophthalmology Case... Jun 2024Two cases are described of necrotizing Sweet syndrome (nSS), a rare variant of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis that mimics necrotizing soft tissue infections.
PURPOSE
Two cases are described of necrotizing Sweet syndrome (nSS), a rare variant of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis that mimics necrotizing soft tissue infections.
OBSERVATION
A 74-year-old female with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) presented with isolated periorbital nSS that closely mimicked necrotizing fasciitis (NF); she displayed pathergy to debridement, was exquisitely responsive to corticosteroids, and underwent successful first-stage reconstruction of the eyelid with full-thickness skin grafting. A second 40-year-old female patient with relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) presented with multifocal nSS most prominently involving the eyelid. Positive herpes zoster virus (HSV) PCR and bacterial superinfection complicated the diagnosis. She improved with chemotherapy for AML and corticosteroid therapy.
CONCLUSION
nSS is rare and a high level of clinical suspicion as well as an understanding of its distinguishing features is necessary to avoid undue morbidity. Identification of pathergy, histopathology, microbiology, and clinical context are critical to avoid misdiagnosis of infection.
PubMed: 38487334
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102033