Respiratory syncytial virus infection in adults: Differences with influenza.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes an acute respiratory illness similar to influenza, although there are few data comparing both of them in adults. The existence of clinical differences between these two infections could have implications for their management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational cohort study including 63 adults with positive PCR for RSV and 221 for influenza during winter 2018-2019. Epidemiological, clinical characteristics and outcomes were contrasted between both groups. RESULTS: Compared to influenza, RSV-positive patients presented a higher association with active neoplasia (OR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-6.9), dependence for basic activities of daily living (OR=3.4; 95% CI: 1.4-8.2) and immunosuppression due to chronic glucocorticoid administration (OR=7.6; 95% CI: 1.6-36.1). At diagnosis, fever was less common (OR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.7), and C-reactive protein level ≥100mg/l was more frequent (OR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-4.5). They developed bacterial co-infection by Staphylococcus aureus in a higher proportion (OR=8.3; 95% CI: 1.5-46.9) and presented a greater need for admission to the intensive care unit (OR=5.4; 95% CI: 1.4-19.2). CONCLUSION: RSV is an important cause of respiratory illness in adults during the influenza season. It especially affects vulnerable patients with chronic underlying diseases, and has a higher morbidity than influenza. For all these reasons, specific detection, prevention and treatment of RSV is necessary in order to reduce the consumption of health care resources due to RSV disease in adults.

Executive summary of the consensus document on the shared care of patients with HIV infection between primary and hospital care.

The current reality of the diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection justifies a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach between Primary Care and Hospital Care, contemplating bidirectionality and communication between the two care settings. The consensus document, coordinated by the AIDS Study Group of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC-GeSIDA) and the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), was born out of this need. Here, the recommendations of the four sections that comprise it are summarized: the first deals with aspects of prevention and diagnosis of HIV infection; the second contemplates the clinical care of people living with HIV; the third deals with social factors, including legal and confidentiality issues, quality of life, and the role of NGOs; finally, the fourth block addresses bidirectional and shared training/teaching and research.

Long-term follow-up of HCV-infected patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease after sustained virological response with direct-acting antiviral therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hepatitis C infection can be safely and effectively treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, there is scarce data on the long-term impact of hepatitis C cure on CKD. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term mortality, morbidity and hepatic/renal function outcomes in a cohort of HCV-infected individuals with CKD treated with DAAs. METHODS: 135 HCV patients with CKD stage 3b-5 who received ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir in a multicenter study were evaluated for long-term hepatic and renal outcomes and their associated mortality. RESULTS: 125 patients achieved SVR and 66 were included. Prior to SVR, 53 were under renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 25 (37.8%) had liver cirrhosis. After a follow-up of 4.5 years, 25 (38%) required kidney transplantation but none combined liver-kidney. No changes in renal function were observed among the 51 patients who did not receive renal transplant although eGFR values improved in those with baseline CKD stage 3b-4. Three (5.6%) subjects were weaned from RRT. Eighteen (27.3%) patients died, mostly from cardiovascular events; 2 developed liver decompensation and 1 hepatocellular carcinoma. No HCV reinfection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term mortality remained high among end-stage CKD patients despite HCV cure. Overall, no improvement in renal function was observed and a high proportion of patients required kidney transplantation. However, in CKD stage 3b-4 HCV cure may play a positive role in renal function.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Analysis of the costs associated with the follow-up of HIV patients discontinuing antiretroviral treatment due to lack of effectiveness or unacceptable toxicity in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of resources and the costs associated with  following up patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus after  discontinuation of an antiretroviral treatment and initiation of a new one due to  a lack of effectiveness or unacceptable toxicity, as compared to the costs  involved in the routine follow-up of patients on antiretroviral treatment, from  the Spanish National Health System perspective. Method: The use of resources (clinical tests, medical visits, and hospital pharmacy visits) associated with following three profiles of patients  infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (stable ones, those  discontinuing an existing antiretroviral treatment and being switched to a new  one due to a lack of effectiveness, and those discontinuing an existing antiretroviral treatment and being switched to a new one due to  unacceptable toxicity) was identified, based on clinical practice guidelines and  the findings of a multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 5). The experts agreed on  the main adverse events leading to discontinuation, classifying them into  gastrointestinal, renal, osseous, musculoskeletal, dermatological, hepatic, lipid  profile-related, neuropsychiatric and sexual alterations. Unit costs were  identified from official healthcare costs databases. The cost  (€, 2020) of  following up each patient profile was estimated, excluding the cost of the  antiretroviral treatment itself, with a time horizon of two years. RESULTS: The per-patient cost of following up stable patients over two years  was estimated at €4,148 (tests: €2,293; visits: €1,855). Patient follow-up after  discontinuation of an existing antiretroviral treatment and initiation of a  different one due to a lack of effectiveness was estimated at €5,434 (tests:  €2,777; visits: €2,657). The cost of follow-up after discontinuation of an  existing regimen and initiation of a new one due to unacceptable toxicity varied  according to the adverse event prompting the switch, ranging from  €4,690 for lipid profile dysregulation, to €5,304, for musculoskeletal  alterations. In this patient profile, the cost of tests ranged from €2,403 to  €3,017, and that of visits from €2,287 to €2,842. CONCLUSIONS: The cost associated with following up of patients infected with  the human immunodeficiency virus after discontinuation of an existing  antiretroviral regimen and initiation of a new one is higher than that of routine  follow-up, without taking the cost of drugs into account. The treatment  discontinuation rate is a relevant factor when selecting the most appropriate  therapy for each patient.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el uso de recursos y costes asociados al seguimiento de  pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tras  discontinuación del tratamiento antirretroviral actual debido a falta de  efectividad o toxicidad inaceptable y cambio a un nuevo tratamiento antirretroviral, comparado con el seguimiento habitual de los  pacientes con tratamiento antirretroviral, desde la perspectiva del Sistema  Nacional de Salud español.Método: Se identificó el uso de recursos (pruebas clínicas, visitas médicas,  visitas a la farmacia hospitalaria) asociado al seguimiento de pacientes con  infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en tres perfiles de  pacientes (estable, discontinuación y cambio por falta de efectividad,  discontinuación y cambio por toxicidad inaceptable), a partir de las guías de  práctica clínica y un panel de expertos multidisciplinar (n = 5). Los expertos  consensuaron los principales eventos adversos que conducían a la  discontinuación, agrupándolos en: alteraciones gastrointestinales, renales,  óseas, musculoesqueléticas, dermatológicas, hepáticas y del perfil lipídico,  trastornos neuropsiquiátricos y sexuales. Los costes unitarios se identificaron a  partir de bases de datos oficiales  assode costes sanitarios y de la literatura.  Se estimó el coste (€, 2020) del seguimiento en cada perfil de paciente, sin  incluir el coste derivado del tratamiento antirretroviral, en un horizonte  temporal de dos años. RESULTADOS: El coste por paciente a dos años se estimó en 4.148 € (pruebas:  2.293 €; visitas: 1.855 €) para el seguimiento del paciente estable. El  seguimiento del paciente tras discontinuación por falta de efectividad y cambio  de tratamiento antirretroviral se estimó en 5.434 € (pruebas: 2.777 €; visitas:  2.657 €). El coste del seguimiento tras la discontinuación por toxicidad  inaceptable y cambio de tratamiento antirretroviral varió en función del evento  adverso que motivó el cambio, oscilando entre 4.690 € para las alteraciones  del perfil lipídico, y 5.304 € para las alteraciones musculoesqueléticas. En este  perfil de pacientes, las pruebas variaron entre 2.403 € y 3.017 € y las visitas  entre 2.287 € y 2.842 €. CONCLUSIONES: El coste asociado al seguimiento del paciente con infección por  el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tras discontinuación y cambio a un  nuevo tratamiento antirretroviral es mayor comparado con el seguimiento  habitual, sin tener en cuenta el coste farmacológico. La tasa de discontinuación  del tratamiento antirretroviral es un factor relevante a la hora  de seleccionar la terapia más adecuada para cada paciente.

Hospital-Wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers in a Spanish teaching hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital-wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is rarely explored and can identify areas of unexpected risk. We determined the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in all health care workers (HCW) at a hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (14-27/04/2020). We determined SARS-CoV-2 IgG by ELISA in all HCW including external workers of a teaching hospital in Madrid. They were classified by professional category, working area, and risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. RESULTS: Among 2919 HCW, 2590 (88,7%) were evaluated. The mean age was 43.8 years (SD 11.1), and 73.9% were females. Globally, 818 (31.6%) workers were IgG positive with no differences for age, sex or previous diseases. Of these, 48.5% did not report previous symptoms. Seropositivity was more frequent in high- (33.1%) and medium- (33.8%) than in low-risk areas (25.8%, p=0.007), but not for hospitalization areas attending COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (35.5 vs 38.3% p>0.05). HWC with a previous SARS-CoV2 PCR-positive test were IgG seropositive in 90.8%. By multivariate logistic regression analysis seropositivity was significantly associated with being physicians (OR 2.37, CI95% 1.61-3.49), nurses (OR 1.67, CI95% 1.14-2.46), nurse assistants (OR 1.84, CI95% 1.24-2.73), HCW working at COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.22-2.40), non-COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.88, CI95% 1.30-2.73), and at the Emergency Room (OR 1.51, CI95% 1.01-2.27). CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence uncovered a high rate of infection previously unnoticed among HCW. Patients not suspected of having COVID-19 as well as asymptomatic HCW may be a relevant source for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Social and health factors associated with adverse treatment outcomes among people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sierra Leone: a national, retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a global health emergency. We aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes among people with MDR-TB in Sierra Leone and investigate social and health factors associated with adverse treatment outcomes. METHODS: This national, retrospective cohort study recruited all people notified with MDR-TB to the Sierra Leone National TB Programme, admitted to Lakka hospital (Lakka, Western Area Rural District, Freetown, Sierra Leone) between April, 2017, and September, 2019. Participants were followed up to May, 2021. People who were eligible but had no social or health data available, or were subsequently found to have been misdiagnosed, were excluded from participation. MDR-TB treatment was with the 2017 WHO-recommended short (9-11 month) or long (18-24 month) aminoglycoside-containing regimens. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations of programmatic social and health data with WHO-defined adverse treatment outcomes (death, treatment failure, loss to follow-up). FINDINGS: Of 370 notified MDR-TB cases, 365 (99%) were eligible for study participation (five participants were excluded due to lack of social or health data or misdiagnosis). Treatment was started by 341 (93%) of 365 participants (317 received the short regimen, 24 received the long regimen, and 24 received no treatment). Median age was 35 years (IQR 26-45), 263 (72%) of 365 were male and 102 (28%) were female, 71 (19%) were HIV-positive, and 127 (35%) were severely underweight (body-mass index <16·5 kg/m2). Overall, 267 (73%) of 365 participants had treatment success, 95 (26%) had an adverse outcome, and three (1%) were still on treatment in May, 2021. Age 45-64 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2·4, 95% CI 1·2-5·0), severe underweight (aOR 4·2, 1·9-9·3), untreated HIV (aOR 10, 2·6-40·0), chronic lung disease (aOR 2·0, 1·0-4·2), previously unsuccessful drug-sensitive tuberculosis retreatment (aOR 4·3, 1·0-19), and a long regimen (aOR 6·5, 2·3-18·0) were associated with adverse outcomes. A sensitivity analysis showed that prothionamide resistance (aOR 3·1, 95% CI 1·5-10·0) and aminoglycoside-related complete deafness (aOR 6·6, 1·3-35) were independently associated with adverse outcomes. INTERPRETATION: MDR-TB treatment success in Sierra Leone approached WHO targets and the short regimen was associated with higher success. The social and health factors associated with adverse outcomes in this study suggest a role for integrated tuberculosis, HIV, and non-communicable disease services alongside nutritional and socioeconomic support for people with MDR-TB and emphasise the urgent need to scale up coverage of all-oral aminoglycoside-sparing regimens. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, Joint Global Health Trials.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Hospital-Wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in health care workers in a Spanish teaching hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital-wide SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is rarely explored and can identify areas of unexpected risk. We determined the seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in all health care workers (HCW) at a hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (14-27/04/2020). We determined SARS-CoV-2 IgG by ELISA in all HCW including external workers of a teaching hospital in Madrid. They were classified by professional category, working area, and risk for SARS-CoV-2 exposure. RESULTS: Among 2919 HCW, 2590 (88,7%) were evaluated. The mean age was 43.8 years (SD 11.1), and 73.9% were females. Globally, 818 (31.6%) workers were IgG positive with no differences for age, sex or previous diseases. Of these, 48.5% did not report previous symptoms. Seropositivity was more frequent in high- (33.1%) and medium- (33.8%) than in low-risk areas (25.8%, p=0.007), but not for hospitalization areas attending COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (35.5 vs 38.3% p>0.05). HWC with a previous SARS-CoV2 PCR-positive test were IgG seropositive in 90.8%. By multivariate logistic regression analysis seropositivity was significantly associated with being physicians (OR 2.37, CI95% 1.61-3.49), nurses (OR 1.67, CI95% 1.14-2.46), nurse assistants (OR 1.84, CI95% 1.24-2.73), HCW working at COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.22-2.40), non-COVID-19 hospitalization areas (OR 1.88, CI95% 1.30-2.73), and at the Emergency Room (OR 1.51, CI95% 1.01-2.27). CONCLUSIONS: Seroprevalence uncovered a high rate of infection previously unnoticed among HCW. Patients not suspected of having COVID-19 as well as asymptomatic HCW may be a relevant source for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

[Promoting routine human immunodeficiency virus testing in primary care]. / Promoción de la detección del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the primary care setting and to describe patients' attitudes toward this practice. METHODS: A non-randomized intervention was conducted on five physicians of an urban primary care center attending patients aged 18-65 years old, who were scheduled to undergo blood tests for other reasons. The patients were systematically offered HIV blood testing if they reported having had sex without a condom with a person of unknown HIV status. Not being tested required active refusal. The intervention period was from October to December 2008 and the control period was from October to December 2007. The main variable was the difference in the number of HIV tests requested. The proportion of patients accepting the test was also analyzed. RESULTS: Demographic factors were similar in patients in the two periods. The number of HIV tests increased from 3.7% (22/599) to 27.2% (212/780), p <0.001. A total of 209 patients were offered the HIV test. Their mean age was 45.6 years (SD 11.7), 141 were women (68%) and 11 were born outside Spain (5%). One hundred and ninety-five patients (93%) admitted the possibility of having been or being at risk. Of these patients, only three (1.5%), refused the HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: Routine HIV testing in the primary care setting is feasible and few patients refuse to be tested.

[Risk factors for extended espectrum beta-lactamase producer E.coli bacteremia from urinary origin]. / Factores predictores de infección urinaria bacteriémica por Escherichia coli productor de betalactamasas de espectro extendido.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although risk factors for extended spectrum beta lactamase E. coli (EBLE) infection have been explored, specific risk factors for bacteremic urinary tract infection by EBLE have been hardly analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data from all patients with bacteremic urinary tract infection by E. coli attended in our hospital during 2006. Logistic regression was performed to explore predictors for EBLE bloodstream infection in this group of patients. RESULTS: EBLE was present in 19 cases (17,9%) out of 106 bacteraemia from urinary origin. Patients with bloodstream infection by EBLE were male, older, demented, living in a nursing home, with previous urologic diseases and urologic manipulation, with a higher percentage of previous urinary tract infection, previous antibiotic use, more frequent nosocomial infection, and hospital admission in the previous month. In the logistic regression analysis, only previous urologic diseases (OR 13,9; IC95% 2,5-78,2) and living in a nursing home (OR 6,5; IC95% 1,4-0,9) were associated with EBLE bacteremic urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Previous urologic disease and living in a nursing home are independent risk factors for EBLE bacteremic urinary tract infection.