scholarly journals 150. Updated Clinical Guidelines for Treatment and Prophylaxis of Plague

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S91-S91
Author(s):  
Christina Nelson ◽  
Katharine Cooley ◽  
Shannon Fleck-Derderian

Abstract Background Plague still occurs naturally in the western United States, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is a Tier 1 bioterrorism agent due to its potential for aerosol release and high fatality rates. Recommendations for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of plague were published in 2000 and included limited first-line options for treating plague, namely streptomycin or gentamicin. Doxycycline or ciprofloxacin were recommended for PEP. However, since 2000 new human clinical data and animal data have become available, and the FDA has approved additional antimicrobials for plague. Methods CDC developed updated, evidence-based guidelines for treatment and prophylaxis of plague using a comprehensive process. To collect evidence on relative efficacy of various antimicrobials for treatment of plague, the guidelines team conducted systematic literature reviews and analyzed U.S. surveillance data. Results of these investigations were published in Clinical Infectious Diseases in 2020. We also hosted several meetings with subject matter experts and clinical organizations (IDSA, AAP, etc.), federal agencies, and others to review relevant data and gather individual input on treatment and prophylaxis of plague. Results The forthcoming plague guidelines will include several important updates. First-line treatment options have been expanded to include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin in addition to streptomycin and gentamicin. For PEP, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin are now first-line options in addition to doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is now one of several new alternative options for PEP. The updated guidelines also include recommendations for treatment of clinical forms of plague other than pneumonic. Additional special populations such as immunocompromised persons and neonates are also covered. Conclusion Plague remains a threat, both as a naturally occurring disease and as a potential bioterrorism weapon, and preparedness and early recognition are key to effective response. The updated clinical guidelines will be a useful tool for clinicians to manage antimicrobial treatment and PEP for plague. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Juan Tu ◽  
Robert D. McCuaig ◽  
Michelle Melino ◽  
Daniel J. Rawle ◽  
Thuy T. Le ◽  
...  

AbstractTreatment options for COVID-19 remain limited, especially during the early or asymptomatic phase. Here, we report a novel SARS-CoV-2 viral replication mechanism mediated by interactions between ACE2 and the epigenetic eraser enzyme LSD1, and its interplay with the nuclear shuttling importin pathway. Recent studies have shown a critical role for the importin pathway in SARS-CoV-2 infection, and many RNA viruses hijack this axis to re-direct host cell transcription. LSD1 colocalized with ACE2 at the cell surface to maintain demethylated SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain lysine 31 to promote virus–ACE2 interactions. Two newly developed peptide inhibitors competitively inhibited virus–ACE2 interactions, and demethylase access to significantly inhibit viral replication. Similar to some other predominantly plasma membrane proteins, ACE2 had a novel nuclear function: its cytoplasmic domain harbors a nuclear shuttling domain, which when demethylated by LSD1 promoted importin-α-dependent nuclear ACE2 entry following infection to regulate active transcription. A novel, cell permeable ACE2 peptide inhibitor prevented ACE2 nuclear entry, significantly inhibiting viral replication in SARS-CoV-2-infected cell lines, outperforming other LSD1 inhibitors. These data raise the prospect of post-exposure prophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2, either through repurposed LSD1 inhibitors or new, nuclear-specific ACE2 inhibitors.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254650
Author(s):  
Stevens Kisaka ◽  
Fredrick E. Makumbi ◽  
Samuel Majalija ◽  
Alexander Kagaha ◽  
S. M. Thumbi

Dog-mediated rabies is on the increase in Uganda despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP procedures are expounded in the Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG) of 2016. We assessed adherence by health workers to UCG while managing dog bites in two PEP centers and obtained insights into motivations of their practices. Using qualitative methods, we observed the health worker-patient encounters, reviewed medical records, and interviewed 14 health workers that were involved in managing dog bite injuries. We used deductive thematic analysis to identify codes in themes developed from UCG. We found that much of the history of the bites was taken, but it was neither verified nor written down on the patient’s file. Classification of wounds was inaccurate and ancillary laboratory assessments like culture and sensitivity tests were not conducted in all cases. Although antibiotics were given for both treatment and prophylactic purposes, the prescription was based on availability and affordability, not UCG recommendations. Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) was not administered to deserving patients due to unavailability and high costs to the patient. Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) was prescribed indiscriminately and some health workers attributed this to pressure from patients. Health education regarding prevention of dog bites was not given to patients due to time constraints on the side of the providers as a result of high caseloads at the emergency departments. Challenges to adherence to guidelines were identified as frequent ARV stock outs; inadequate cooperation among health facilities; and insufficient knowledge and skills on how injuries and rabies should be managed. We conclude that clinical management of dog bites is not fully in line with UCG. We argue that adoption of an integrated bite case management and cost-saving strategies as well as continuing medical education programs on rabies control and management could improve the clinical management of dog bites.


2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 21-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Bossi ◽  
A Tegnell ◽  
A Baka ◽  
F van Loock ◽  
J Hendriks ◽  
...  

The spore-forming Bacillus anthracis must be considered as one of the most serious potential biological weapons. The recent cases of anthrax caused by a deliberate release reported in 2001 in the United States point to the necessity of early recognition of this disease. Infection in humans most often involves the skin, and more rarely the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Inhalational anthrax is of particular interest for possible deliberate release: it is a life-threatening disease and early diagnosis and treatment can significantly decrease the mortality rate. Treatment consists of massive doses of antibiotics and supportive care. Isolation is not necessary. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin are recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis during 60 days.


2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 27-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Bossi ◽  
A Tegnell ◽  
A Baka ◽  
F van Loock ◽  
A Werner ◽  
...  

Francisella tularensis is one of the most infectious pathogenic bacteria known, requiring inoculation or inhalation of as few as 10 organisms to initiate human infection. Inhalational tularaemia following intentional release of a virulent strain of F. tularensis would have great impact and cause high morbidity and mortality. Another route of contamination in a deliberate release could be contamination of water. Seven clinical forms, according to route of inoculation (skin, mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, respiratory tract), dose of the inoculum and virulence of the organism (types A or B) are identified. The pneumonic form of the disease is the most likely form of the disease should this bacterium be used as a bioterrorism agent. Streptomycin and gentamicin are currently considered the treatment of choice for tularemia. Quinolone is an effective alternative drug. No isolation measures for patients with pneumonia are necessary. Streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline or ciprofloxacin are recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis.


BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Jan Kullberg ◽  
Hedwig D Vrijmoeth ◽  
Freek van de Schoor ◽  
Joppe W Hovius

Abstract Lyme borreliosis is the most common vectorborne disease in the northern hemisphere. It usually begins with erythema migrans; early disseminated infection particularly causes multiple erythema migrans or neurologic disease, and late manifestations predominantly include arthritis in North America, and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) in Europe. Diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is based on characteristic clinical signs and symptoms, complemented by serological confirmation of infection once an antibody response has been mounted. Manifestations usually respond to appropriate antibiotic regimens, but the disease can be followed by sequelae, such as immune arthritis or residual damage to affected tissues. A subset of individuals reports persistent symptoms, including fatigue, pain, arthralgia, and neurocognitive symptoms, which in some people are severe enough to fulfil the criteria for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The reported prevalence of such persistent symptoms following antimicrobial treatment varies considerably, and its pathophysiology is unclear. Persistent active infection in humans has not been identified as a cause of this syndrome, and randomized treatment trials have invariably failed to show any benefit of prolonged antibiotic treatment. For prevention of Lyme borreliosis, post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated in specific cases, and novel vaccine strategies are under development.


Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Savransky ◽  
Boris Ionin ◽  
Joshua Reece

Bacillus anthracis has been identified as a potential military and bioterror agent as it is relatively simple to produce, with spores that are highly resilient to degradation in the environment and easily dispersed. These characteristics are important in describing how anthrax could be used as a weapon, but they are also important in understanding and determining appropriate prevention and treatment of anthrax disease. Today, anthrax disease is primarily enzootic and found mostly in the developing world, where it is still associated with considerable mortality and morbidity in humans and livestock. This review article describes the spectrum of disease caused by anthrax and the various prevention and treatment options. Specifically we discuss the following; (1) clinical manifestations of anthrax disease (cutaneous, gastrointestinal, inhalational and intravenous-associated); (2) immunology of the disease; (3) an overview of animal models used in research; (4) the current World Health Organization and U.S. Government guidelines for investigation, management, and prophylaxis; (5) unique regulatory approaches to licensure and approval of anthrax medical countermeasures; (6) the history of vaccination and pre-exposure prophylaxis; (7) post-exposure prophylaxis and disease management; (8) treatment of symptomatic disease through the use of antibiotics and hyperimmune or monoclonal antibody-based antitoxin therapies; and (9) the current landscape of next-generation product candidates under development.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-248
Author(s):  
Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽  
Mohammed Sanusi Yusuf ◽  
Elmon Mudefi ◽  
Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽  
Ntombana Rala ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Sivananjiah Pradeep ◽  
Suman Gadicherla Raghu ◽  
Prathab A G ◽  
Banashankari G Rudresh ◽  
Radhika Kunnavil

The working environment of healthcare workers (HCW) exposes them to sharp injuries. This communication attempts to examine the injury registers, incidence of sharps injuries and blood splash exposures, and the post-exposure prophylaxis status of employees in a tertiary care hospital. Analysis included records form 54 locations of two units of a tertiary hospital attached to a Medical College. Maintenance of the injury register overall was highly satisfactory in both units. Two hundred and nine injuries were recorded from both units of the hospital. The majority of injuries (60.5%) occurred in the age group of 20-30 years with 70% among females. Waste handlers were at increased risk during waste management procedures. Thirty two percent of sharps injury injuries occurred in wards. Of the ward nursing staff, 25.3% received sharps injuries. Post-exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B (primary dose) was given to 25 HCWs; 11 received booster doses. The basic regimen for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was given to 4 HCWs. Awareness about records maintenance, regular documentation, awareness and training, and implementation of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the incidence of injuries. Key words: Sharps, injury register, Health care workers (HCW),Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)


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