Breakthrough invasive fungal infections on isavuconazole prophylaxis in hematologic malignancy & hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Isavuconazole (ISA) is a newer antifungal used in patients with history of hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic transplant and cellular therapies (HM/TCT). Although it has a more favorable side-effect profile, breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) while on ISA have been reported. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study evaluating HM/TCT patients who received prophylactic ISA for ≥7 days, we evaluated the incidence and potential risk factors for bIFIs. RESULTS: We evaluated 106 patients who received prophylactic ISA. The patients were predominantly male (60.4%) with median age of 65 (range: 21-91) years. Acute myeloid leukemia (48/106, 45.3%) was the most common HM, with majority having relapsed and/or refractory disease (43/106, 40.6%) or receiving ongoing therapy (38/106, 35.8%). Nineteen patients (17.9%) developed bIFIs-nine proven [Fusarium (3), Candida (2), Mucorales plus Aspergillus (2), Mucorales (1), Colletotrichum (1)], four probable invasive pulmonary Aspergillus, and six possible infections. Twelve patients were neutropenic for a median of 28 (8-253) days prior to bIFI diagnosis. ISA levels checked within 7 days of bIFI diagnosis (median: 3.65 µg/mL) were comparable to industry-sponsored clinical trials. All-cause mortality among the bIFI cases was 47.4% (9/19).We also noted clinically significant cytomegalovirus co-infection in 5.3% (1/19). On univariate analysis, there were no significant differences in baseline comorbidities and potential risk factors between the two groups. CONCLUSION: ISA prophylaxis was associated with a significant cumulative incidence of bIFIs. Despite the appealing side-effect and drug-interaction profile of ISA, clinicians must be vigilant about the potential risk for bIFIs.

A tale of caution: prolonged Bacillus clausii bacteraemia after probiotic use in an immunocompetent child.

INTRODUCTION: Bacillus clausii as a probiotic supplement is increasingly used in both adult and paediatric patient populations. There is limited awareness about potential adverse effects. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of prolonged (111 days) B. clausii bacteraemia after brief probiotic use in a 17-month-old immunocompetent child, without a definite focus of infection and in the absence of predisposing risk factors or underlying co-morbidities. We identified seven probiotic use-associated cases of prolonged B. clausii bacteraemia (mean duration [range] 64 days [14-93 days] where data were available) in the literature, all with underlying co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: B. clausii probiotic preparations may cause prolonged bacteraemia, rendering patients with underlying co-morbidities as well as those with unrecognized risk factors vulnerable for significant infectious complications.

Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Renal Transplant Recipients After Influenza Vaccination.

Vaccination with the inactivated influenza vaccine is routinely recommended for all patients before and after transplant, with reduction in complications noted in transplant recipients. The vaccine is relatively well tolerated with few mild side effects. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can reactivate in both solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, with some patients progressing to disease. There are multiple factors known to contribute to reactivation and subsequent CMV disease, however vaccination has not been reported as a specific risk factor. We report on two renal transplant recipients who were seen to develop CMV viremia and CMV disease after receiving the Influenza vaccine. We review the literature regarding viremia occurring after vaccination in HIV patients (a similar group of immunocompromised patients).

Morphea (Localized Scleroderma) Presenting With Recurrent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Morphea or localized scleroderma is reported to be triggered through diverse stimuli. We present a case of morphea that presented as a non-healing wound with superimposed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection. In our case, morphea was thought to have been potentially triggered by a post-surgical infection. We discuss the potential infectious triggers and common infections that may confound the diagnosis.