Delivery Characteristics and the Risk of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Multiple strategies are used to identify newborn infants at high risk of culture-confirmed early-onset sepsis (EOS). Delivery characteristics have been used to identify preterm infants at lowest risk of infection to guide initiation of empirical antibiotics. Our objectives were to identify term and preterm infants at lowest risk of EOS using delivery characteristics and to determine antibiotic use among them. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of term and preterm infants born January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2014, with blood culture with or without cerebrospinal fluid culture obtained ≤72 hours after birth. Criteria for determining low EOS risk included: cesarean delivery, without labor or membrane rupture before delivery, and no antepartum concern for intraamniotic infection or nonreassuring fetal status. We determined the association between these characteristics, incidence of EOS, and antibiotic duration among infants without EOS. RESULTS: Among 53 575 births, 7549 infants (14.1%) were evaluated and 41 (0.5%) of those evaluated had EOS. Low-risk delivery characteristics were present for 1121 (14.8%) evaluated infants, and none had EOS. Whereas antibiotics were initiated in a lower proportion of these infants (80.4% vs 91.0%, P < .001), duration of antibiotics administered to infants born with and without low-risk characteristics was not different (adjusted difference 0.6 hours, 95% CI [−3.8, 5.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of EOS among infants with low-risk delivery characteristics is extremely low. Despite this, a substantial proportion of these infants are administered antibiotics. Delivery characteristics should inform empirical antibiotic management decisions among infants born at all gestational ages.

Spontaneous alveolo-pleural fistula in a case of COVID-19 pneumonia-challenges and solutions: case report

COVID-19 pneumonia has demonstrated a wide spectrum of clinical presentations that have yet to be completely uncovered. As this pandemic progresses, uncommon presentations of this disease have come into light. Development of broncho/alveolo-pleural fistula in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia is a rare phenomenon with only 4 cases reported in literature till date. A 61-year-old gentleman presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. His initial chest X-ray was suggestive of a viral pneumonia that was later confirmed to be due to COVID-19. The patient was put on non-invasive ventilator support and treated with empirical antibiotics, glucocorticoids, anti-viral medications and convalescent plasma therapy. Four weeks into the patient’s hospital course, his vital parameters suddenly deteriorated with a subsequent chest X-ray showing a tension pneumothorax, for which a chest tube insertion was done. However, when the air leak did not resolve by the 3rd day, a chest computed tomography (CT) was planned which showed a spontaneous alveolo-pleural fistula (APF). The patient was managed with conservative treatment using negative suction applied to an underwater seal, had his chest tube removed 10 days later and was discharged subsequently. Spontaneous fistulisation between broncho-alveolar tree and pleura can occur rarely in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and can be managed using underwater seal with negative suction, insertion of endobronchial valves or surgical closure, and needs to be individualised.

The spectrum of Cefditoren for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) in Surabaya

Background: Empirical antibiotics among outpatients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) are scarcely allocated in Indonesia. The study aims to evaluate the pathogens causing LRTIs, drug sensitivity test and the minimum inhibitory concentrations of 90% (MIC90) of Cefditoren, Azithromycin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid, and Cefixime Methods: The study was performed in adult outpatients with LRTI that can be expectorated. Patients with diabetes mellitus, HIV, lung tuberculosis, renal or hepatic failure, and hemoptysis were excluded. We performed bacterial culture, antibiotic sensitivity, and MIC measurement of four antibiotics. Results: There were 126 patients with LRTIs, and 61 patients were eligible for the study. We identified 69 bacteria. We found Klebsiella pneumonia (n=16; 26.23%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=11; 18%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=8; 13.11%), Acinetobacter baumanii complex (n= 4; 6.55%), Streptococcus pneumonia (n=3; 4.9%) and others bacteria as causa of LRTI. Testing MIC90 of Cefditoren and three empiric antibiotics on LRTI found that Cefditoren has a lower MIC of 90 for K. pneumonia (0.97(2.04) µg.mL-1) and S. pneumonia (0.06(0.00)µg.mL-1) than other antibiotics, but almost the same as Cefixime ((0.05(0.16)µg.mL-1) and (0.38(0.17)µg.mL-1). MIC90 Cefditoren for S.aureus (3.18(3.54)µg.mL-1) and P.aeruginosa (9.2(3.53)µg.mL-1) is lower than Cefixime but higher than Azithromycin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid. Reference data MIC90 of Cefditoren for LRTI bacteria is lower than the other three oral empirical antibiotics. Conclusions: In vitro studies of an outpatient LRTI in Surabaya found gram-negative bacteria dominant. Cefditoren can inhibit K.pneumonia and S.pneumonia has lower MIC90 compared to other antibiotics. Cefditoren can inhibit gram-negative and positive bacteria causing LRTI.

Antibiotic prescribing patterns among patients admitted to an academic teaching hospital for COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Toronto: A retrospective, controlled study

Background: Empirical antibiotics are not recommended for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients admitted to Toronto General Hospital’s general internal medicine from the emergency department for COVID-19 between March 1 and August 31, 2020 were compared with those admitted for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in 2020 and 2019 in the same months. The primary outcome was antibiotics use pattern: prevalence and concordance with COVID-19 or CAP guidelines. The secondary outcome was antibiotic consumption in days of therapy (DOT)/100 patient-days. We extracted data from electronic medical records. We used logistic regression to model the association between disease and receipt of antibiotics, linear regression to compare DOT. Results: The COVID-19, CAP 2020, and CAP 2019 groups had 67, 73, and 120 patients, respectively. Median age was 71 years; 58.5% were male. Prevalence of antibiotic use was 70.2%, 97.3%, and 90.8% for COVID-19, CAP 2020, and CAP 2019, respectively. Compared with CAP 2019, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for receiving antibiotics was 0.23 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.53, p = 0.001) and 3.42 (95% CI 0.73 to 15.95, p = 0.117) for COVID-19 and CAP 2020, respectively. Among patients receiving antibiotics within 48 hours of admission, compared with CAP 2019, the aOR for guideline-concordant combination regimens was 2.28 (95% CI 1.08 to 4.83, p = 0.031) for COVID-19 and 1.06 (95% CI 0.55 to 2.05, p = 0.856) for CAP-2020. Difference in mean DOT/100 patient-days was –24.29 ( p = 0.009) comparing COVID-19 with CAP 2019, and +28.56 ( p = 0.003) comparing CAP 2020 with CAP 2019. Conclusions: There are opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship to address unnecessary antibiotic use.

Ureaplasma parvum meningitis following atypical choroid plexus papilloma resection in an adult patient: a case report and literature review

Background While Ureaplasma parvum has previously been linked to the incidence of chorioamnionitis, abortion, premature birth, and perinatal complications, there have only been rare reports of invasive infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in adults. Owing to its atypical presentation and the fact that it will yield sterile cultures using conventional techniques, diagnosing U. parvum meningitis can be challenging. Case presentation We describe a case of U. parvum meningitis detected in an adult patient following surgical brain tumor ablation. After operation, the patient experienced epilepsy, meningeal irritation, and fever with unconsciousness. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed leukocytosis (484 * 106 /L), elevated protein levels (1.92 g/L), and decreased glucose concentrations (0.02 mmol/L). Evidence suggested that the patient was suffering from bacterial meningitis. However, no bacterial pathogens in either CSF or blood were detected by routine culture or serology. The symptoms did not improve with empirical antibiotics. Therefore, we performed metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to identify the etiology of the meningitis. Ureaplasma parvum was detected by mNGS in CSF samples. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first reported instance of U. parvum meningitis in an adult patient in Asian. After diagnosis, the patient underwent successful moxifloxacin treatment and recovered without complications. Conclusions As mNGS strategies can enable the simultaneous detection of a diverse array of microbes in a single analysis, they may represent a valuable means of diagnosing the pathogens responsible for CNS infections and other clinical conditions with atypical presentations.

A case of Sphingomonas paucimobilis causing peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis and review of the literature

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis (S. paucimobilis) is very rare, and most of the characteristics of such cases are still unknown. Case presentation An 80-year-old Japanese woman on PD was diagnosed with PD-associated peritonitis and received ceftazidime and cefazolin. The number of cells in the peritoneal dialysate decreased quickly. However, because S. paucimobilis was detected, the antibiotic was changed to meropenem according to the susceptibility test results. She was treated with meropenem for two weeks and discharged. After 21 days, she was hospitalized for relapsing peritonitis. S. paucimobilis was detected again, and improvement after the administration of meropenem was poor, eventually resulting in catheter removal. Conclusions S. paucimobilis may be resistant to empirical antibiotics; furthermore, catheter removal may still be required, even with sensitive-antibiotic treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19 Using a Multiplex PCR Assay: A Large Italian Hospital’s Five-Month Experience

Since bacterial pneumonia is relatively frequent, suspicion of it in COVID-19 patients may prompt ICU clinicians to overuse (broad-spectrum) antibiotics, particularly when empirical antibiotics do not cover the suspected pathogen. We showed that a PCR-based, culture-independent laboratory assay allows not only accurate diagnosis but also streamlining of antimicrobial therapy for bacterial pneumonia episodes.

990. Fungal Malignant Otitis Externa: Clinical and Therapeutic Features

Background Fungal malignant otitis externa is a rare, but a serious infection that might lead to death if not promptly diagnosed and treated. We aimed to study the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of fungal malignant otitis externa. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all cases of fungal malignant otitis externa hospitalized in the infectious diseases department between 2003 and 2020. Results We included 35 patients with a mean age of 68±11 years. There were 18 males (51.4%). All patients were diabetics, and 7 patients had a previous medical history of otitis externa (20%). The use of topical corticosteroids was noted in 10 cases (28.5%). The revealing symptoms were otalgia (97.1%), otorrhea (82.9%) and cephalalgia (54.3%). Physical examination revealed tenderness to palpation of the mastoid bone in 21 cases (60%) and the temporomandibular joint in 16 cases (45.7%). Facial paralysis was noted in 14.3% of the cases. Otoscopic examination revealed stenosis of the external auditory canal (94.3%), granulation tissue (34.3%) and a polyp (31.4%). Candida species were isolated in 22 cases (62.8%) represented by Candida parapsilosis in 15 cases (42.8%) and Candida albicans in 5 cases (14.2%). Serological tests detecting Candida were positive in 12 cases (34.2%). Aspergillus species were isolated in 13 cases (37.1%) represented mainly by Aspergillus flavus in 7 cases (20%). Positive serology results for Aspergillus were noted in 8 cases (22.8%). A polyp or granulation tissue biopsy, performed in 12 cases (34.2%), revealed non-specific inflammatory reaction (28.5%) and the presence of fungal hyphae and spores (5.7%). After empirical antibiotics treatment, patients received fluconazole in 18 cases (51.4%) and voriconazole in 17 cases (48.6%). The median duration of treatment was 3 [1.5-12] months. Both surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy were indicated in one case (2.8%). Complications including the onset of contralateral otitis (14.3%) and endocranial extension (8.6%) were noted. The disease evolution was favorable in 65.7% of the cases. Four patients were dead (11.4%). Conclusion Involvement of fungal species in malignant otitis externa should be considered in front of the absence of improvement with antibiotic. Prompt treatment might prevent complications. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Culture Sensitivity Patterns and Outcome of Liver Abscess in Children Admitted at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

BACKGROUND Liver abscess has been recognised since the time of Hippocrates. Liver abscess is defined as collection of purulent material in liver parenchyma. They are usually caused by bacterial and amoebic infections, and less commonly, by other protozoal and helminthic organisms. Amoebic liver abscess is the commonest extra intestinal site of invasive amoebiasis which mainly affects infants and young children. The incidence of pyogenic liver abscess is much higher among children in developing countries than those in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate culture sensitivity pattern (Blood & Pus) of liver abscess in children. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikistalaya, Delhi from July 2016 –to August 2017. This study has got Institutional Ethics Committee approval (Regd No: IEC/MAMC/78, Dt: 26/07/2016). All children aged 1 month to 12 years admitted with liver abscess (included consecutively) were enrolled after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written and informed consent was taken from parents/guardians of children. Their clinical characteristics, radiological features, laboratory data, clinical management, and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS In our study, out of 70 patients, 3.2 % patients showed growth in the blood culture. Organsims isolated were Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 1.4 % (1), Salmonella typhi 1.4 % (1), staphylococcus coagulase negative 1.4 % (1). Out of 70 patients of liver abscess enrolled in the study, 36 patients underwent aspiration of pus from the abscess. Out of 36 aspirated cases, gram positive cocci was identified in 1 (1.4 %) patient. In our study, no acid fast bacilli was identified and no fungal culture showed growth of organism. Out of 70 cases of liver abscess, 10 were found to be amoebic liver abscess. In our study, all the 70 patients were started on empirical antibiotics. Out of 70 patients, surgical intervention was done in 36 patients. In our study all the patients were started on empirical antibiotics according to hospital protocol. CONCLUSIONS Liver abscess should be considered in children presenting with fever and abdominal pain. Organisms recovered from liver abscesses vary greatly. Surgical drainage has been the traditional mode of treatment of pyogenic liver abscess, but this was replaced by IV broad-spectrum antibiotics and imaging-guided percutaneous drainage. KEYWORDS Paediatric Liver Abscess, Amoebic Liver Abscess, Pyogenic Liver Abscess, Culture-Sensitivity, Children

INHALE: the impact of using FilmArray Pneumonia Panel molecular diagnostics for hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia on antimicrobial stewardship and patient outcomes in UK Critical Care—study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Background Hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonias (HAP and VAP) are common in critical care and can be life-threatening. Rapid microbiological diagnostics, linked to an algorithm to translate their results into antibiotic choices, could simultaneously improve patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship. Methods The INHALE Randomised Controlled Trial is a multi-centre, parallel study exploring the potential of the BioFire FilmArray molecular diagnostic to guide antibiotic treatment of HAP/VAP in intensive care units (ICU); it identifies pathogens and key antibiotic resistance in around 90 min. The comparator is standard care whereby the patient receives empirical antibiotics until microbiological culture results become available, typically after 48–72 h. Adult and paediatric ICU patients are eligible if they are about to receive antibiotics for a suspected lower respiratory infection (including HAP/VAP) for the first time or a change in antibiotic because of a deteriorating clinical condition. Breathing spontaneously or intubated, they must have been hospitalised for 48 h or more. Patients are randomised 1:1 to receive either antibiotics guided by the FilmArray molecular diagnostic and its trial-based prescribing algorithm or standard care, meaning empirical antibiotics based on local policy, adapted subsequently based upon local microbiology culture results. Co-primary outcomes are (i) non-inferiority in clinical cure of pneumonia at 14 days post-randomisation and (ii) superiority in antimicrobial stewardship at 24 h post-randomisation (defined as % of patients on active and proportionate antibiotics). Secondary outcomes include further stewardship reviews; length of ICU stay; co-morbidity indicators, including septic shock, change in sequential organ failure assessment scores, and secondary pneumonias; ventilator-free days; adverse events over 21 days; all-cause mortality; and total antibiotic usage. Both cost-effectiveness of the molecular diagnostic-guided therapy and behavioural aspects determining antibiotic prescribing are being explored. A sample size of 552 will be required to detect clinically significant results with 90% power and 5% significance for the co-primary outcomes. Discussion This trial will test whether the potential merits of rapid molecular diagnostics for pathogen and resistance detection in HAP/VAP are realised in patient outcomes and/or improved antibiotic stewardship. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN16483855. Retrospectively registered on 15 July 2019