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OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentration and skin microbial colonization. DESIGN: Serial cross-sectional study. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs) from 7 hospitals; from 1 hospital, additional patients colonized with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) from both ICU and non-ICU settings. All hospitals performed routine CHG bathing in the ICU. METHODS: Skin swab samples were collected from adjacent areas of the neck, axilla, and inguinal region for microbial culture and CHG skin concentration measurement using a semiquantitative colorimetric assay. We used linear mixed effects multilevel models to analyze the relationship between CHG concentration and microbial detection. We explored threshold effects using additional models. RESULTS: We collected samples from 736 of 759 (97%) eligible ICU patients and 68 patients colonized with CPE. On skin, gram-positive bacteria were cultured most frequently (93% of patients), followed by Candida species (26%) and gram-negative bacteria (20%). The adjusted odds of microbial recovery for every twofold increase in CHG skin concentration were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.80-0.87; P < .001) for gram-positive bacteria, 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.98; P = .008) for Candida species, 0.96 (95% CI, 0.91-1.02; P = .17) for gram-negative bacteria, and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.84-1.06; P = .33) for CPE. A threshold CHG skin concentration for reduced microbial detection was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: On a cross-sectional basis, higher CHG skin concentrations were associated with less detection of gram-positive bacteria and Candida species on the skin, but not gram-negative bacteria, including CPE. For infection prevention, targeting higher CHG skin concentrations may improve control of certain pathogens.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess whether measurement and feedback of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) skin concentrations can improve CHG bathing practice across multiple intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: A before-and-after quality improvement study measuring patient CHG skin concentrations during 6 point-prevalence surveys (3 surveys each during baseline and intervention periods). SETTING: The study was conducted across 7 geographically diverse ICUs with routine CHG bathing. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients in the medical ICU. METHODS: CHG skin concentrations were measured at the neck, axilla, and inguinal region using a semiquantitative colorimetric assay. Aggregate unit-level CHG skin concentration measurements from the baseline period and each intervention period survey were reported back to ICU leadership, which then used routine education and quality improvement activities to improve CHG bathing practice. We used multilevel linear models to assess the impact of intervention on CHG skin concentrations. RESULTS: We enrolled 681 (93%) of 736 eligible patients; 92% received a CHG bath prior to survey. At baseline, CHG skin concentrations were lowest on the neck, compared to axillary or inguinal regions (P < .001). CHG was not detected on 33% of necks, 19% of axillae, and 18% of inguinal regions (P < .001 for differences in body sites). During the intervention period, ICUs that used CHG-impregnated cloths had a 3-fold increase in patient CHG skin concentrations as compared to baseline (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Routine CHG bathing performance in the ICU varied across multiple hospitals. Measurement and feedback of CHG skin concentrations can be an important tool to improve CHG bathing practice.
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Cuidados Críticos , Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos , Adulto , Humanos , Retroalimentación , ClorhexidinaRESUMEN
The Penn Medicine COVID-19 Therapeutics Committee-an interspecialty, clinician-pharmacist, and specialist-front line primary care collaboration-has served as a forum for rapid evidence review and the production of dynamic practice recommendations during the 3-year coronavirus disease 2019 public health emergency. We describe the process by which the committee went about its work and how it navigated specific challenging scenarios. Our target audiences are clinicians, hospital leaders, public health officials, and researchers invested in preparedness for inevitable future threats. Our objectives are to discuss the logistics and challenges of forming an effective committee, undertaking a rapid evidence review process, aligning evidence-based guidelines with operational realities, and iteratively revising recommendations in response to changing pandemic data. We specifically discuss the arc of evidence for corticosteroids; the noble beginnings and dangerous misinformation end of hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin; monoclonal antibodies and emerging viral variants; and patient screening and safety processes for tocilizumab, baricitinib, and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir.
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A cross-sectional survey study of inpatient prescribers in a university health system was performed to assess the importance they place on different clinical risk factors when making empiric antibiotic decisions. Our findings show that these clinical risk factors were weighted differently based on the clinical scenario and the type of prescriber.
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Antibacterianos , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Estudios Transversales , Humanos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE An improved understanding of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) is needed. The objective of this study was to assess risk factors for colonization or infection with CRKP in LTACH residents. METHODS A case-control study was performed at a university-affiliated LTACH from 2008 to 2013. Cases were defined as all patients with clinical cultures positive for CRKP and controls were those with clinical cultures positive for carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae (CSKP). A multivariate model was developed to identify risk factors for CRKP infection or colonization. RESULTS A total of 222 patients were identified with K. pneumoniae clinical cultures during the study period; 99 (45%) were case patients and 123 (55%) were control patients. Our multivariate analysis identified factors associated with a significant risk for CRKP colonization or infection: solid organ or stem cell transplantation (OR, 5.05; 95% CI, 1.23-20.8; P=.03), mechanical ventilation (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.24-5.28; P=.01), fecal incontinence (OR, 5.78; 95% CI, 1.52-22.0; P=.01), and exposure in the prior 30 days to meropenem (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.04-12.1; P=.04), vancomycin (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.18-7.32; P=.02), and metronidazole (OR, 4.22; 95% CI, 1.28-14.0; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS Rates of colonization and infection with CRKP were high in the LTACH setting, with nearly half of K. pneumoniae cultures demonstrating carbapenem resistance. Further studies are needed on interventions to limit the emergence of CRKP in LTACHs, including targeted surveillance screening of high-risk patients and effective antibiotic stewardship measures. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):55-60.
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Antibacterianos/farmacología , Carbapenémicos/farmacología , Portador Sano/epidemiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Hospitales/estadística & datos numéricos , Infecciones por Klebsiella/epidemiología , Klebsiella pneumoniae/efectos de los fármacos , Anciano , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Portador Sano/microbiología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Incontinencia Fecal/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Infecciones por Klebsiella/microbiología , Masculino , Meropenem , Metronidazol/uso terapéutico , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trasplante de Órganos , Respiración Artificial , Factores de Riesgo , Trasplante de Células Madre , Tienamicinas/uso terapéutico , Factores de Tiempo , Vancomicina/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
We present a case of a patient with Lemierre's syndrome caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum who developed a right frontal lobe brain abscess. We summarise the epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, complications, therapy, and outcomes of Lemierre's syndrome. F necrophorum is most commonly associated with Lemierre's syndrome: a septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. Patients usually present with an exudative tonsillitis, sore throat, dysphagia, and unilateral neck pain. Diagnosis of septic thrombophlebitis is best confirmed by obtaining a CT scan of the neck with contrast. Complications of the disease include bacteraemia with septic abscesses to the lungs, joints, liver, peritoneum, kidneys, and brain. Treatment should include a prolonged course of intravenous beta-lactam antibiotic plus metronidazole.
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Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Absceso Encefálico/tratamiento farmacológico , Fusobacterium necrophorum , Síndrome de Lemierre/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Absceso Encefálico/diagnóstico , Absceso Encefálico/microbiología , Humanos , Síndrome de Lemierre/complicaciones , Síndrome de Lemierre/microbiología , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Derrame Pleural/complicacionesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the effect of HIV status and CD4 counts on performance of Interferon-g Release assays (IGRAs) for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for a positive diagnostic test for LTBI, using tuberculin skin test (TST) and IGRAs among HIV-discordant couples in Zambia. RESULTS: A total of 596 subjects (298 couples) were enrolled. Median CD4 count among HIV positive persons was 388 cells/µl, (range 51-1330). HIV negative persons were more likely than their HIV positive partner, to have a positive diagnostic test for LTBI with TST (203 vs 128), QFT (171 vs 109) and TSPOT (156 vs. 109). On multivariate analysis, HIV negative status was an independent predictor for a positive QFT (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.42- 3.46) and TSPOT (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.16-2.77). Among HIV positive subjects a CD4 count ≥ 388 cells/µl was associated with a positive TST (OR = 1.76 95% CI 1.10-2.82) and QFT (OR = 1.71 95% CI 1.06-2.77) but not TSPOT (OR = 1.20 95% CI 0.74-1.94). CONCLUSIONS: Persons with HIV had significantly fewer positive diagnostic tests for LTBI with TST, QFT and TSPOT. Persons with a CD4 count < 388 cells/µl were less likely to have a positive TST or QFT, but not less likely to have a positive TSPOT. TSPOT may perform better than TST or QFT in HIV positive individuals.
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Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Ensayos de Liberación de Interferón gamma/métodos , Tuberculosis Latente/diagnóstico , Tuberculosis Latente/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Parejas Sexuales , Prueba de Tuberculina/métodos , Adulto Joven , Zambia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A new generation of diagnostic tests, the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), have been developed for the detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Limited data are available on their use in HIV-infected persons. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at 2 HIV clinics in Atlanta to assess the utility of two IGRA tests (T-SPOT.TB [TSPOT] and QuantiFERON-TB Gold in Tube [QFT-3G]) compared to the tuberculin skin test (TST). RESULTS: 336 HIV-infected persons were enrolled. Median CD4 count was 335 cells/microl and median HIV viral load was 400 copies/ml. Overall, 27 patients (8.0%) had at least 1 positive diagnostic test for LTBI: 7 (2.1%) had a positive TST; 9 (2.7%) a positive QFT-3G; and 14 (4.2%) a positive TSPOT. Agreement between the 3 diagnostic tests was poor: TST and TSPOT, [kappa = 0.16, 95% CI (-0.06, 0.39)], TST and QFT-3G [kappa = 0.23, 95% CI (-0.05, 0.51)], QFT-3G and TSPOT [kappa = 0.06, 95% CI (-0.1, 0.2)]. An indeterminate test result occurred among 6 (1.8%) of QFT-3G and 47 (14%) of TSPOT tests. In multivariate analysis, patients with a CD4 < or = 200 cells/microl were significantly more likely to have an indeterminate result [OR = 3.6, 95% CI (1.9, 6.8)]. CONCLUSION: We found a low prevalence of LTBI and poor concordance between all 3 diagnostic tests. Indeterminate test results were more likely at CD4 counts < or = 200 cells/microl. Additional studies among HIV-infected populations with a high prevalence of TB are needed to further assess the utility of IGRAs in this patient population.
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Pruebas Diagnósticas de Rutina/normas , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Interferón gamma/análisis , Tuberculosis/complicaciones , Tuberculosis/diagnóstico , Adulto , Anciano , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Georgia , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Prueba de Tuberculina/normas , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
We present a case of a patient with chronic meningoencephalitis caused by Mycobacterium abscessus. We also summarise the clinical features and outcomes of cases of CNS infection caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria that have been described in the literature. Rapidly growing mycobacteria are notorious for causing skin and soft-tissue infections after trauma or surgery, pulmonary disease in patients with cystic fibrosis, and disseminated disease in immunocompromised patients. CNS infection with this organism is extremely rare. Patients usually present with subacute to chronic meningitis, neutrophilic pleocytosis, and have a history of trauma or neurosurgery. The smears are often negative for acid-fast organisms, but may show Gram-positive rods. Treatment requires a long course of two or more antibiotics that have the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, and possibly of steroids as immunomodulatory agents, such as those used in tuberculous meningitis.
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Infecciones Bacterianas del Sistema Nervioso Central/microbiología , Meningoencefalitis/microbiología , Infecciones por Mycobacterium/microbiología , Mycobacterium/clasificación , Mycobacterium/aislamiento & purificación , Adulto , Antituberculosos/uso terapéutico , Infecciones Bacterianas del Sistema Nervioso Central/terapia , Femenino , Humanos , Meningoencefalitis/terapia , Infecciones por Mycobacterium/terapiaRESUMEN
Haemophagocytic syndrome or haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare disease that is often fatal despite treatment. Haemophagocytic syndrome is caused by a dysregulation in natural killer T-cell function, resulting in activation and proliferation of lymphocytes or histiocytes with uncontrolled haemophagocytosis and cytokine overproduction. The syndrome is characterised by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, liver dysfunction, and hyperferritinaemia. Haemophagocytic syndrome can be either primary, with a genetic aetiology, or secondary, associated with malignancies, autoimmune diseases, or infections. Infections associated with haemophagocytic syndrome are most frequently caused by viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We present a case of EBV-associated haemophagocytic syndrome in a young adult with no known immunosuppression. We briefly review haemophagocytic syndrome and then discuss its associated infections, particularly EBV and other herpes viruses, HIV, influenza, parvovirus, and hepatitis viruses, as well as bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms.
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Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/diagnóstico , Dedos/anomalías , Defectos de los Tabiques Cardíacos , Herpesvirus Humano 4/aislamiento & purificación , Linfohistiocitosis Hemofagocítica/diagnóstico , Adulto , ADN Viral/análisis , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Infecciones por Virus de Epstein-Barr/sangre , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Herpesvirus Humano 4/genética , Humanos , Linfohistiocitosis Hemofagocítica/sangre , Reacción en Cadena de la PolimerasaRESUMEN
Madura foot or mycetoma is endemic in many developing countries. It is occasionally seen within the United States due to increasing international travel but it may sometimes be acquired within US soil. Herein, we present a case of a patient with a diagnosis of mycetoma acquired through trauma to the foot. In addition, we discuss the epidemiology, etiological agents, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of mycetomas. Clinicians need to recognize mycetoma early and institute treatment promptly to reduce the substantial morbidity associated with this devastating infection.
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Dermatosis del Pie/diagnóstico , Micetoma/diagnóstico , Adulto , Dermatosis del Pie/microbiología , Dermatosis del Pie/terapia , Traumatismos de los Pies/microbiología , Humanos , Masculino , Micetoma/microbiología , Micetoma/terapiaRESUMEN
Hepatitis B (HBV) reverse seroconversion is rare in HIV disease but can be fatal. We present a case series of 6 patients with reverse seroconversion and review 18 additional cases described in the literature. Elevated transaminases were seen in 13/21 (62%). Reverse seroconversion occurred more frequently in the setting of HIV virologic failure. Only 3 patients demonstrated reverse seroconversion in the setting of lamivudine or tenofovir withdrawal. 2/24 (8%) patients died from their HBV flare.