DFV890: a new oral NLRP3 inhibitor-tested in an early phase 2a randomised clinical trial in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and impaired respiratory function.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) has limited effective therapy to date. NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 contributes to cytokine storm. METHODS: This randomised, multinational study enrolled hospitalised patients (18-80 years) with COVID-19-associated pneumonia and impaired respiratory function. Eligible patients were randomised (1:1) via Interactive Response Technology to DFV890 + standard-of-care (SoC) or SoC alone for 14 days. Primary endpoint was APACHE II score at Day 14 or on day-of-discharge (whichever-came-first) with worst-case imputation for death. Other key assessments included clinical status, CRP levels, SARS-CoV-2 detection, other inflammatory markers, in-hospital outcomes, and safety. FINDINGS: Between May 27, 2020 and December 24, 2020, 143 patients (31 clinical sites, 12 countries) were randomly assigned to DFV890 + SoC (n = 71) or SoC alone (n = 72). Primary endpoint to establish clinical efficacy of DFV890 vs. SoC, based on combined APACHE II score, was not met; LSM (SE), 8·7 (1.06) vs. 8·6 (1.05); p = 0.467. More patients treated with DFV890 vs. SoC showed ≥ 1-level improvement in clinical status (84.3% vs. 73.6% at Day 14), earlier clearance of SARS-CoV-2 (76.4% vs. 57.4% at Day 7), and mechanical ventilation-free survival (85.7% vs. 80.6% through Day 28), and there were fewer fatal events in DFV890 group (8.6% vs. 11.1% through Day 28). DFV890 was well tolerated with no unexpected safety signals. INTERPRETATION: DFV890 did not meet statistical significance for superiority vs. SoC in primary endpoint of combined APACHE II score at Day 14. However, early SARS-CoV-2 clearance, improved clinical status and in-hospital outcomes, and fewer fatal events occurred with DFV890 vs. SoC, and it may be considered as a protective therapy for CARDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04382053.

Guía de Práctica Clínica para el diagnóstico temprano y la referencia oportuna del cáncer de pulmón.

OBJETIVO: Proporcionar recomendaciones para la detección temprana de pacientes con alto riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de pulmón (CP) en el primer nivel de atención y su referencia oportuna. Material y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda detallada de la evidencia científica disponible para responder las preguntas de investigación clínica y se utilizó el Panel Delphi modificado para lograr un consenso entre expertos. RESULTADOS: Se generaron 14 recomendaciones siguiendo los estándares de una GPC. Conclusión. El CP representa un problema de salud pública en México; por ello, esta guía establece recomendaciones que apoyan la toma de decisiones sobre la detección precoz y la referencia de pacientes con sospecha de CP en el primer nivel de atención.

Cortisol and perceived stress are associated with cytokines levels in patients infected with influenza B virus.

Influenza B virus (IBV) causes respiratory infectious disease. Cytokines are important immune mediators during infectious diseases. Cortisol and stress have been related to respiratory infection susceptibility and cytokine regulation. Little is known about systemic cytokines, cortisol, and perceived stress in the early stages of IBV infection. We researched the systemic cytokines and cortisol, as well as the perceived stress and blood cell count in patients infected with IBV. The diagnosis was established using the Luminex xTAG RVP kit and confirmed with qRT-PCR for IBV viral load. The perceived stress was evaluated using the perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Twenty-five plasma cytokines were determined using multiplex immunoassay and cortisol by ELISA. The leukocyte differential count was measured with a standard laboratory protocol. Th1, Th17, and IL-10 cytokines were higher in IBV infected patients (P < 0.05). Leukocytes and neutrophil count negatively correlated with viral load (P < 0.05). Perceived stress had a negative effect on monocyte and systemic cytokines in IBV infected patients (P < 0.05). Cortisol was higher in patients infected with IBV and correlated positively with CCL20 (P < 0.05). Cortisol showed a positive effect on most of the systemic cytokines (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a cytokine pattern was found in IBV infected patients, as well as the possible role of leukocyte counts in the control of IBV. Our results suggest the importance of cortisol and perceived stress on systemic cytokines in patients infected with IBV, but more studies are needed to understand their role in cytokine production in respiratory infectious disease.

Coexistencia de tuberculosis y Covid-19.

No disponible.

Worldwide Effects of Coronavirus Disease Pandemic on Tuberculosis Services, January-April 2020.

Coronavirus disease has disrupted tuberculosis services globally. Data from 33 centers in 16 countries on 5 continents showed that attendance at tuberculosis centers was lower during the first 4 months of the pandemic in 2020 than for the same period in 2019. Resources are needed to ensure tuberculosis care continuity during the pandemic.

Coccidioidomycosis in Latin America.

Coccidioidomycosis is a highly prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America and has been reported (human and zoonotic cases) in México, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Argentina. The incidence of coccidioidomycosis in Latin America is unknown due to lack of clinical awareness and limited access to laboratory diagnosis. Coccidioidomycosis is as prevalent in Mexico as in the endemic regions of the United States. The number of cases reported in Brazil and Argentina has progressively increased during the last decade, including areas that were not considered as endemic. Genetic studies have shown that the prevalent species in Latin America is Coccidioides posadasii. Coccidioides immitis has been reported sporadically in indigenous cases from Mexico and Colombia. Coccidioidomycosis and tuberculosis share some risk factors such as immunosuppression and residing in areas endemic for these conditions, so their coexistence in the same patient is not uncommon in Latin America. In most regions, clinical diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis is based on direct sputum examination and histopathology results from biopsies or autopsies. This would explain why primary coccidioidomycosis is rarely diagnosed, and most cases published are about chronic pulmonary or disseminated disease.

Isavuconazole Treatment of Cryptococcosis and Dimorphic Mycoses.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) caused by Cryptococcus and dimorphic fungi are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Isavuconazole (ISAV) is a novel, broad-spectrum, triazole antifungal agent (IV and by mouth [PO]) developed for the treatment of IFD. It displays potent activity in vitro against these pathogens and in this report we examine outcomes of patients with cryptococcosis or dimorphic fungal infections treated with ISAV. METHODS: The VITAL study was an open-label nonrandomized phase 3 trial conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ISAV treatment in management of rare IFD. Patients received ISAV 200 mg 3 times daily for 2 days followed by 200 mg once-daily (IV or PO). Proven IFD and overall response at end of treatment (EOT) were determined by an independent, data-review committee. Mortality and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients received ISAV for IFD caused by Cryptococcus spp. (n = 9), Paracoccidioides spp. (n = 10), Coccidioides spp. (n = 9), Histoplasma spp. (n = 7) and Blastomyces spp. (n = 3). The median length of therapy was 180 days (range 2-331 days). At EOT 24/38 (63%) patients exhibited a successful overall response. Furthermore, 8 of 38 (21%) had stable IFD at the end of therapy without progression of disease, and 6 (16%) patients had progressive IFD despite this antifungal therapy. Thirty-three (87%) patients experienced adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: ISAV was well tolerated and demonstrated clinical activity against these endemic fungi with a safety profile similar to that observed in larger studies, validating its broad-spectrum in vitro activity and suggesting it may be a valuable alternative to currently available agents. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT00634049.

Comparative Mycobacterium tuberculosis spoligotype distribution in Mexico.

In the present work, we studied the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates from patients according to their gender, age, and geographic location in Mexico. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in regard to age or gender. We found that spoligo international type 53 (SIT53) is more frequent in the northern states and that SIT119 predominates in central Mexico.

Understanding the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Older Adults in Latin America: An Expert Perspective on Knowledge Gaps.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant global health concern and major cause of hospitalization, particularly among infants and older adults. The clinical impact of RSV is well characterized in infants; however, in many countries, the burden and risk of RSV in older populations are overlooked. In Latin America, there are limited data on RSV epidemiology and disease management in older adults. Therefore, the impact of RSV in this region needs to be addressed. Here, current insights on RSV infections in older populations in Latin America, including those with underlying health conditions, are discussed. We also outline the key challenges limiting our understanding of the burden of RSV in Latin America in a worldwide context and propose an expert consensus to improve our understanding of the burden of RSV in the region. By so doing, we aim to ultimately improve disease management and outcomes of those at risk and to alleviate the impact on healthcare systems.A graphical plain language summary is available with this article.

Understanding the impact of adult pertussis and current approaches to vaccination: A narrative review and expert panel recommendations.

Pertussis has several notable consequences, causing economic burden, increased strain on healthcare facilities, and reductions in quality of life. Recent years have seen a trend toward an increase in pertussis cases affecting older children and adults. To boost immunity, and protect vulnerable populations, an enduring approach to vaccination has been proposed, but gaps remain in the evidence surrounding adult vaccination that are needed to inform such a policy. Gaps include: the true incidence of pertussis and its complications in adults; regional variations in disease recognition and reporting; and incidence of severe disease, hospitalizations, and deaths in older adults. Better data on the efficacy/effectiveness of pertussis vaccination in adults, duration of protection, and factors leading to poor vaccine uptake are needed. Addressing the critical evidence gaps will help highlight important areas of unmet need and justify the importance of adult pertussis vaccination to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and payers.

Public health management of pertussis in adults: Practical challenges and future strategies.

A panel of 24 international experts met in July 2022 to discuss challenges associated with pertussis detection, monitoring, and vaccination in adults; conclusions from this meeting are presented. There has been a shift in the epidemiology of pertussis toward older children and adults. This shift has been attributed to the waning of infection- or vaccine-induced immunity, newer detection techniques causing detection bias, and possibly the replacement of whole-cell pertussis with acellular vaccines in high-income countries, which may lead to immunity waning more quickly. The burden of adult pertussis is still likely under-ascertained due to widespread under-recognition by healthcare professionals (HCPs), under-diagnosis, and under-reporting in this age group. Non-standardized testing guidance and varied case definitions have contributed to under-reporting. Key barriers to HCP engagement with the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine include low awareness, lack of time/funding, and lack of motivation due to low prioritization of Tdap.

Comparison of CD4+/CD8+ Lymphocytic Subpopulations Pre- and Post-Antituberculosis Treatment in Patients with Diabetes and Tuberculosis.

Is there a CD4+ and CD8+ immunity alteration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes (DM) that does not recover after antituberculosis treatment? This prospective comparative study evaluated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytic subpopulations and antituberculosis antibodies in patients with diabetes and tuberculosis (TB-DM), before and after antituberculosis treatment. CD4+ T cell counts were lower in patients with TB-DM compared to those with only TB or only DM, and these levels remained low even after two months of anti-TB treatment. Regarding the CD8+ T cell analysis, we identified higher blood values in the DM-only group, which may be explained by the high prevalence of latent tuberculosis (LTBI) in patients with DM. IgM antituberculosis antibodies levels were elevated in patients with only TB at baseline, and 2 months post-anti-TB treatment, IgG did not express any relevant alterations. Our results suggest an alteration in CD4+ immunity in patients with TB-DM that did not normalize after antituberculosis treatment.

DElaying Disease Progression In COPD with Early Initiation of Dual Bronchodilator or Triple Inhaled PharmacoTherapy (DEPICT): A Predictive Modelling Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical studies demonstrate an accelerated decline in lung function in patients with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] grade 2) versus severe and very severe COPD (GOLD grades 3 and 4). This predictive modelling study assessed the impact of initiating pharmacotherapy earlier versus later on long-term disease progression in COPD. METHODS: The modelling approach used data on decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) extracted from published studies to develop a longitudinal non-parametric superposition model of lung function decline with progressive impact of exacerbations from 0 per year to 3 per year and no ongoing pharmacotherapy. The model simulated decline in FEV1 and annual exacerbation rates from age 40 to 75 years in COPD with initiation of long-acting anti-muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) (umeclidinium (UMEC)/vilanterol (VI)) or triple (inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LAMA/LABA; fluticasone furoate (FF)/UMEC/VI) therapy at 40, 55 or 65 years of age. RESULTS: Model-predicted decline in FEV1 showed that, compared with 'no ongoing' therapy, initiation of triple or LAMA/LABA therapy at age 40, 55 or 65 years preserved an additional 469.7 mL or 236.0 mL, 327.5 mL or 203.3 mL, or 213.5 mL or 137.5 mL of lung function, respectively, by the age of 75. The corresponding average annual exacerbation rates were reduced from 1.57 to 0.91, 1.06 or 1.23 with triple therapy or to 1.2, 1.26 and 1.4 with LAMA/LABA therapy when initiated at 40, 55 or 65 years of age, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This modelling study suggests that earlier initiation of LAMA/LABA or triple therapy may have positive benefits in slowing disease progression in patients with COPD. Greater benefits were demonstrated with early initiation therapy with triple versus LAMA/LABA.

Impact of COVID-19 on diagnosis of tuberculosis, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and on mortality in 11 countries in Europe, Northern America, and Australia. A Global Tuberculosis Network study.

OBJECTIVES: Although evidence is growing on the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tuberculosis (TB) services, global studies based on national data are needed to better quantify the extent of the impact and the countries' preparedness to tackle the two diseases. The aim of this study was to compare the number of people with new diagnoses or recurrence of TB disease, the number of drug-resistant (DR)-TB, and the number of TB deaths in 2020 vs 2019 in 11 countries in Europe, Northern America, and Australia. METHODS: TB managers or directors of national reference centers of the selected countries provided the agreed-upon variables through a validated questionnaire on a monthly basis. A descriptive analysis compared the incidence of TB and DR-TB and mortality of the pre-COVID-19 year (2019) vs the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). RESULTS: Comparing 2020 vs 2019, lower number of TB cases (new diagnosis or recurrence) was notified in all countries (except USA-Virginia and Australia), and fewer DR-TB notifications (apart from France, Portugal, and Spain). The deaths among TB cases were higher in 2020 compared to 2019 in most countries with three countries (France, The Netherlands, USA-Virginia) reporting minimal TB-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive evaluation of medium-term impact of COVID-19 on TB services would benefit from similar studies in multiple settings and from global availability of treatment outcome data from TB/COVID-19 co-infected patients.

Soluble RAGE as a severity marker in community acquired pneumonia associated sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is considered the most important cause of death from infectious disease in developed countries. Severity assessment scores partially address the difficulties in identifying high-risk patients. A lack of specific and valid pathophysiologic severity markers affect early and effective sepsis therapy. HMGB-1, sRAGE and RAGE have been involved in sepsis and their potential as severity markers has been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate HMGB-1, RAGE and sRAGE levels in patients with CAP-associated sepsis and determine their possible association with clinical outcome. METHOD: We evaluated 33 patients with CAP-associated sepsis admitted to the emergency room and followed in the medical wards. Severity assessment scores (CURB-65, PSI, APACHE II, SOFA) and serologic markers (HMGB-1, RAGE, sRAGE) were evaluated on admission. RESULTS: Thirty patients with a diagnosis of CAP-associated sepsis were enrolled in the study within 24 hours after admission. Fourteen (46.6%) had pandemic (H1N1) influenza A virus, 2 (6.6%) had seasonal influenza A and 14 other diagnoses. Of the patients in the study group, 16 (53.3%) had a fatal outcome. ARDS was observed in 17 (56.6%) and a total of 22 patients had severe sepsis on admission (73%). The SOFA score showed the greatest difference between surviving and non-surviving groups (P = .003) with similar results in ARDS patients (P = .005). sRAGE levels tended to be higher in non-surviving (P = .058) and ARDS patients (P = .058). Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that SOFA (P = .013) and sRAGE (P = .05) were the only variables that modified the probability of a fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The association of elevated sRAGE with a fatal outcome suggests that it may have an independent causal effect in CAP. SOFA scores were the only clinical factor with the ability to identify surviving and ARDS patients.

South to North Migration Patterns of Tuberculosis Patients Diagnosed in the Mexican Border with Texas.

The Mexican state of Tamaulipas serves as a migration waypoint into the US. Here, we determined the contribution of immigrants to TB burden in Tamaulipas. TB surveillance data from Tamaulipas (2006-2013) was used to conduct a cross-sectional characterization of TB immigrants (born outside Tamaulipas) and identify their association with TB treatment outcomes. Immigrants comprised 30.8% of TB patients, with > 99% originating from internal Mexican migration. Most migration was from South to North, with cities adjacent to the US border as destinations. Immigrants had higher odds of risk factors for TB [older age (≥ 65 year old, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1, 2.8), low education (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4), diabetes (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.4)], or abandoning treatment (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5). There is a need to identify strategies to prevent TB more effectively in Tamaulipas, a Mexican migration waypoint.

Tuberculosis Phenotypic and Genotypic Drug Susceptibility Testing and Immunodiagnostics: A Review.

Tuberculosis (TB), considered an ancient disease, is still killing one person every 21 seconds. Diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) still has many challenges, especially in low and middle-income countries with high burden disease rates. Over the last two decades, the amount of drug-resistant (DR)-TB cases has been increasing, from mono-resistant (mainly for isoniazid or rifampicin resistance) to extremely drug resistant TB. DR-TB is problematic to diagnose and treat, and thus, needs more resources to manage it. Together with+ TB clinical symptoms, phenotypic and genotypic diagnosis of TB includes a series of tests that can be used on different specimens to determine if a person has TB, as well as if the M.tb strain+ causing the disease is drug susceptible or resistant. Here, we review and discuss advantages and disadvantages of phenotypic vs. genotypic drug susceptibility testing for DR-TB, advances in TB immunodiagnostics, and propose a call to improve deployable and low-cost TB diagnostic tests to control the DR-TB burden, especially in light of the increase of the global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance, and the potentially long term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disruption on TB programs.