Surveillance of Hemodialysis Related Infections: A Prospective Multicenter Study

There is neither a surveillance system nor a study to reveal the HD related infection rates in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the infection rate among HD outpatients and implement CDC’s surveillance system. A multicenter prospective surveillance study is performed to investigate the infection rate among HD patients. CDC National Healthcare Safety Network dialysis event (DE) protocol is adopted for definitions and reporting. During April 2016–April 2018, 9 centers reported data. A total of 199 DEs reported in 10035 patient-months, and the overall DE rate was 1.98 per 100 patient-months. Risk of blood culture positivity is found to be 17.6 times higher when hemodialysis was through a tunneled catheter than through an arteriovenous fistula. DE rate was significantly lower in patients educated about the care of their vascular access site. Staphylococcus aureus was the most causative microorganism among mortal patients. Outcomes of DEs were hospitalization (73%), loss of vascular access (18.2%), and death (7.7%). This first surveillance study revealed the baseline status of HD related infections in Turkey and showed that NHSN DE surveillance system can be easily implemented even in a high workload dialysis unit and be adopted as a nationwide DE surveillance program.

Should all patients with a culture-negative periprosthetic joint infection be treated with antibiotics?

Aims The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) when adequate methods of culture are used, and to evaluate the outcome in patients who were treated with antibiotics for a culture-negative PJI compared with those in whom antibiotics were withheld. Methods A multicentre observational study was undertaken: 1,553 acute and 1,556 chronic PJIs, diagnosed between 2013 and 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Culture-negative PJIs were diagnosed according to the Muskuloskeletal Infection Society (MSIS), International Consensus Meeting (ICM), and European Bone and Joint Society (EBJIS) definitions. The primary outcome was recurrent infection, and the secondary outcome was removal of the prosthetic components for any indication, both during a follow-up period of two years. Results None of the acute PJIs and 70 of the chronic PJIs (4.7%) were culture-negative; a total of 36 culture-negative PJIs (51%) were treated with antibiotics, particularly those with histological signs of infection. After two years of follow-up, no recurrent infections occurred in patients in whom antibiotics were withheld. The requirement for removal of the components for any indication during follow-up was not significantly different in those who received antibiotics compared with those in whom antibiotics were withheld (7.1% vs 2.9%; p = 0.431). Conclusion When adequate methods of culture are used, the incidence of culture-negative PJIs is low. In patients with culture-negative PJI, antibiotic treatment can probably be withheld if there are no histological signs of infection. In all other patients, diagnostic efforts should be made to identify the causative microorganism by means of serology or molecular techniques. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):183–188.

First report of Alternaria alternata causing the golden spot in xoconostle (Opuntia matudae) in Hidalgo, México

The species<em> Opuntia ficus-indica</em> is affected by pests and diseases, one of the most important of these being golden spot. The latter has been reported in various countries, including Mexico. Symptoms similar to those of golden spot in <em>O. ficus-indica</em> have been observed in the xoconostle crop (<em>Opuntia matudae</em> Scheinvar, cv. Rosa). The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the causative agent that causes the symptoms, which resembled those of the disease described as golden spot in <em>O. ficus-indica</em>. Simple random sampling in the field (10 plots) was carried out on xoconostle plants that presented the described symptoms. Slices of diseased plant tissue were cut and placed in Petri plates with PDA medium. Compliance with Koch’s postulates showed that the isolated (one aislated) of <em>Alternaria</em> sp. obtained from the field samples colonized the cladodes after inoculations in the greenhouse. Through taxonomic keys, <em>Alternaria</em> sp. was identified as the causative microorganism. Molecular characterization of the isolated <em>Alternaria</em> sp. was identified as <em>Alternaria</em> <em>alternata</em>. This is the first report worldwide of <em>Alternaria alternata</em> as the causal agent of golden spot in a xoconostle crop.

The Case for Early Antibiotic Commencement and Source Control in Paediatric Subdural Empyema: A Single-Centre Retrospective Case Series

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Subdural empyema is a neurosurgical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. There is a debate between the benefits and risks of starting early antibiotics prior to surgical drainage as this is purported to reduce the rate of microbiological diagnosis. Here, we describe our experience of treating this potentially life-threatening condition, advocating for the early commencement of antibiotics and importance of source control in its treatment. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Retrospective review of a prospectively collected electronic departmental database included all patients who were admitted to our unit with a diagnosis of subdural empyema over an 11-year period (2008–2018). Basic demographic data were collected. Further data pertaining to mode of presentation, surgical approach, causative organism, post-operative antibiotic regime, anti-seizure medications, length of hospital stay, further surgery, and neurological outcomes were extracted. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-six children underwent 44 operations for subdural empyema at our institution during the study period. Median age was 11.0 (range 0.2–15.8); 47.2% (17/36) were female. Over time, there was decreasing use of burr holes and increasing use of craniectomy as the index surgery. Using a combination of extended culture and polymerase chain reaction, a microbiological diagnosis was achieved in all 36 cases; the commonest causative microorganism was of the <i>Streptococcus anginosus</i> group of bacteria. Seven patients underwent repeat surgery, and 4 patients underwent a concurrent ENT procedure. No risk factors were significant in predicting the likelihood of re-operation (location of subdural empyema, age, index surgery type, inflammatory markers, concurrent ENT procedure, and microorganism) although it was notable that none of the patients undergoing a concurrent ENT procedure underwent repeat surgery (<i>p</i> = 0.29). Median length of stay was 12 days (range 3–74), and there were no inpatient or procedure-related mortalities. Clinical outcomes were good with 94.4% (34/36) categorized as modified Rankin Scale 0–3 at discharge and there were 2 cranioplasty-related complications. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We observed an evolution of practice from limited surgical approaches towards more extensive index surgery over the study period. Given that a microorganism was isolated in all cases using a comprehensive approach, initiation of antibiotic therapy should not be delayed on presentation. Concurrent ENT surgery may be an important factor in providing aggressive source control thereby reducing the need for repeat surgery.

Clinicoetiological profile of urinary tract infection in pediatric population in a teaching hospital in south India

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections seen in children. A wide range of organisms with varying antibiotic sensitivity patterns have been known to cause UTI. The objective of the study was to analyse the clinical presentation of UTI in children between 1-month to15 years of age and to analyse the causative microorganism and their drug susceptibility in UTI in children between 1 month to 15 years of age.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a teaching hospital in Kerala, between July 2018 and June 2020 among children 1 month to 15 years of age who presented with symptoms of UTI. Patients who had culture positive UTI were included in the study. Clinical data was obtained from inpatient and outpatient records. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done for positive urine culture by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software version 16.Results: Of the 1057 urine samples analysed, 18.44% had significant bacteuria. 43.07% were children less than one year of age with male predominance. Fever and dysuria were the most common clinical presentation. E. coli was the most prevalent pathogen isolated followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Enterococcus faecalis was the only gram-positive bacilli isolated. Highest resistance was shown to ampicillin, third generation cephalosporins and co-trimoxazole. Least resistance was shown to nitrofurantoin, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, piperacillin- tazobactam and carbapenems.Conclusions: Regular surveillance programme is necessary for implementation of guidelines for empiric treatment of UTI.

1215. A Mixed Methods Study on Severe Bacterial Infections in People Who Inject Drugs

Background Severe bacterial infections (SBI) associated with intravenous drug use have been increasing in frequency in the U.S. over the last decade. This mixed methods study aims to identify the risk factors associated with SBI in hospitalized individuals with recent injection drug use. Methods We conducted 34 quantitative and 15 qualitative interviews between August 2020 and June 2021 at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Eligible participants were (1) &gt;/= 18 year of age, (2) admitted with a SBI, and (3) reported injection drug use within the 90 days prior to admission. Quantitative and qualitative data was obtained using a quantitative survey and in-depth, semi structured interviews of participants respectively. Analysis was performed to examine trends and explore common themes potentially contributing factors to SBI. Results Of the 34 participants included, the median age was 37.5, 85% were male, 53% white, and 65% reported being homeless within the past 3 months. Endocarditis was the most common primary diagnosis (65%). Median length of hospital stay was 24 days and 35% required ICU level care during admission. A causative microorganism was identified in 85% of participants and 50% had Staphylococcus aureus as the sole organism. Discharges against medical advice occurred in 35%. Daily injection drug use in prior 30 days was 95% with a median of 10 injections per day. In the 30 days prior to admission, 50% reported an increase in injection frequency, 80% reported reusing needles and/or syringes, 75% reused cookers, 65% reused cottons. Analysis of qualitative interview data revealed high risk injection behaviors. Participants were not practicing and unaware of strategies to reduce their risk of drug injection-related SBI. Prior hospitalizations for SBI did not impact on this knowledge deficit on what constitutes bacterial infection risk and how to prevent it. Conclusion Study findings highlight the complexity of the injection drug use process and the potential social and physiological pathways leading to SBI. Multiple domains at the structural, network, and individual level that impact drug injection practices and provide context by which these factors predispose and lead to physiological tissue damage and the development of SBI among PWID. Disclosures Benjamin Eckhardt, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences (Grant/Research Support)

Streptococcus gallolyticus endocarditis on a prosthetic tricuspid valve: a case report and review of the literature

Background Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus is a known pathogen that causes infective endocarditis, and most cases involve the left heart valves. We present the first reported case of prosthetic tricuspid valve endocarditis caused by this microorganism. Relevant literature is reviewed. Case presentation A 67-year-old Jewish female with a history of a prosthetic tricuspid valve replacement was admitted to the emergency department because of nonspecific complaints including effort dyspnea, fatigue, and a single episode of transient visual loss and fever. No significant physical findings were observed. Laboratory examinations revealed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and a few nonspecific abnormalities. Transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a vegetation attached to the prosthetic tricuspid valve. The involved tricuspid valve was replaced by a new tissue valve, and Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus was grown from its culture. Prolonged antibiotic treatment was initiated. Conclusions Based on this report and the reviewed literature, Streptococcus gallolyticus should be considered as a rare but potential causative microorganism in prosthetic right-sided valves endocarditis. The patient’s atypical presentation emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.

A study of Microorganisms causing wound infections after Elective laparotomy

Any purulent discharge from a closed surgical incision, after surgery, together with signs of inflammation of the surrounding tissue should be considered as Post operative (post-op) wound infection. There are two types of wounds in elective laparotomy: clean and contaminated wound Objective: To find out most causative microorganism involved in post-op wound infection in elective laparotomy cases at the Children Hospital and The Institute of Child Health Sciences, Lahore Pakistan. Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted on patients who developed wound infection after elective laparotomy. This study was conducted in the surgical Units I and II of Children Hospital Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan. The duration of the study was 11 months from January 2019 to November 2019. 150 patients were included in this study. Data was collected by convenient sampling technique. It was a hospital-based study in which patients from both genders were included. Data was obtained by a questionnaire. Patients were asked for wound condition and surgery details were taken to find out the reasons of wound infection. The data selected was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: Out of total 150 patients who underwent elective laparotomy, 40% patients were identified with Escherichia Coli, 13.3% patients identified with Pseudomonas species, 13.3% patients had klebsiella, 6.7% patients had Pseudomonas Florescence, 6.7% people had Acinetobacter, 6.7% had Staphylococcus aureus, 13.3% did not show any growth. Conclusions: It was concluded that most abundant microorganism isolated from patients who underwent elective laparotomy was Escherichia coli. The most common reasons for wound infection were increase in number of surgeons and increase in duration of illness.

A Schizophyllum commune fungus ball in a lung cancer cavity: a case report

Background Schizophyllum commune is a basidiomycete that lives in the environment and can cause infections, mainly those of the respiratory system. Although S. commune is increasingly reported as a cause of allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis and sinusitis, cases of fungal ball formation are extremely uncommon. Identification of S. commune is difficult using routine mycological diagnostic methods, and in clinically suspicious cases, internal transcribed spacer sequencing should be used for diagnosis. Here, we report a first case of lung cancer with a fungal ball formation of S. commune, confirmed by analyzing the internal transcribed spacer. Case presentation A 76-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of hemosputum, which he had for about 19 months. A computed tomography image of the patient’s chest showed a cavity and internal nodule in the left upper lobe of his lung. A left upper lobectomy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and a fungal ball. The isolate from the surgical specimen was identified as S. commune by analyzing the internal transcribed spacer. The patient had no recurrence of the infection during 5 months of follow-up. Conclusions Only three cases of lung fungal balls caused by S. commune have been previously reported, and this is the first case of lung cancer cavity with a fungal ball formation. In cases of fungal ball formation in the lung, S. commune should be considered a possible causative microorganism.

Local Trends of Antibiotic Prescriptions for Necrotizing Fasciitis Patients in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Central Malaysia

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive inflammatory infection of the soft tissue (also known as the fascia) with a secondary necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues, leading to a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), shock and eventually death despite the availability of current medical interventions. The clinical management of this condition is associated with a significant amount of morbidity with a high rate of mortality. The prognosis of the disease is affected by multiple factors, which include the virulence of the causative pathogen, local host immunity, local wound factors and empirical antibiotics used. The local trends in the prescription of empirical antibiotics are often based on clinical practice guidelines (CPG), the distribution of the causative microorganism and the cost-effectiveness of the drug. However, there appears to be a paucity of literature on the empirical antibiotic of choice when dealing with necrotizing fasciitis in the clinical setting. This paper will outline common causative microorganisms and current trends of prescription in two tertiary centres in Central Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using retrospective data of patients treated for NF collected from two tertiary care hospitals (Hospital Seremban and Hospital Ampang) in Central Malaysia. A total of 420 NF patients were identified from the five years of retrospective data obtained from the two hospitals. Results: The top three empirical antibiotics prescribed are ampicillin + sulbactam (n = 258; 61.4%), clindamycin (n = 55; 13.1%) and ceftazidime (n = 41; 9.8%). The selection of the antibiotic significantly impacts the outcome of NF. The top three causative pathogens for NF are Streptococcus spp. (n = 79; 18.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 61; 14.5%) and Staphylococcus spp. (n = 49; 11.7%). The patients who received antibiotics had 0.779 times lower chances of being amputated. Patients with a lower laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score had 0.934 times lower chances of being amputated. Conclusions: In this study, the most common empirical antibiotic prescribed was ampicillin + sulbactam followed by clindamycin and ceftazidime. The antibiotics prescribed lower the risk of having an amputation and, hence, a better prognosis of the disease. Broad-spectrum empirical antibiotics following surgical debridement reduce the mortality rate of NF.