Comparison of caspofungin and amphotericin B for invasive candidiasis.

BACKGROUND: Caspofungin is an echinocandin agent with fungicidal activity against candida species. We performed a double-blind trial to compare caspofungin with amphotericin B deoxycholate for the primary treatment of invasive candidiasis. METHODS: We enrolled patients who had clinical evidence of infection and a positive culture for candida species from blood or another site. Patients were stratified according to the severity of disease, as indicated by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score, and the presence or absence of neutropenia and were randomly assigned to receive either caspofungin or amphotericin B. The study was designed to compare the efficacy of caspofungin with that of amphotericin B in patients with invasive candidiasis and in a subgroup with candidemia. RESULTS: Of the 239 patients enrolled, 224 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Base-line characteristics, including the percentage of patients with neutropenia and the mean APACHE II score, were similar in the two treatment groups. A modified intention-to-treat analysis showed that the efficacy of caspofungin was similar to that of amphotericin B, with successful outcomes in 73.4 percent of the patients treated with caspofungin and in 61.7 percent of those treated with amphotericin B (difference after adjustment for APACHE II score and neutropenic status, 12.7 percentage points; 95.6 percent confidence interval, -0.7 to 26.0). An analysis of patients who met prespecified criteria for evaluation showed that caspofungin was superior, with a favorable response in 80.7 percent of patients, as compared with 64.9 percent of those who received amphotericin B (difference, 15.4 percentage points; 95.6 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 29.7). Caspofungin was as effective as amphotericin B in patients who had candidemia, with a favorable response in 71.7 percent and 62.8 percent of patients, respectively (difference, 10.0 percentage points; 95.0 percent confidence interval, -4.5 to 24.5). There were significantly fewer drug-related adverse events in the caspofungin group than in the amphotericin B group. CONCLUSIONS: Caspofungin is at least as effective as amphotericin B for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and, more specifically, candidemia.

Surveillance of Candida spp bloodstream infections: epidemiological trends and risk factors of death in two Mexican tertiary care hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Larger populations at risk, broader use of antibiotics and longer hospital stays have impacted on the incidence of Candida sp. bloodstream infections (CBSI). OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with CBSI in two tertiary care reference medical institutions in Mexico City. DESIGN: Prospective and observational laboratory-based surveillance study conducted from 07/2008 to 06/2010. METHODS: All patients with CBSI were included. Identification and antifungal susceptibility were performed using CLSI M27-A3 standard procedures. Frequencies, Mann-Whitney U test or T test were used as needed. Risk factors were determined with multivariable analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: CBSI represented 3.8% of nosocomial bloodstream infections. Cumulative incidence was 2.8 per 1000 discharges (incidence rate: 0.38 per 1000 patient-days). C. albicans was the predominant species (46%), followed by C. tropicalis (26%). C. glabrata was isolated from patients with diabetes (50%), and elderly patients. Sixty-four patients (86%) received antifungals. Amphotericin-B deoxycholate (AmBD) was the most commonly used agent (66%). Overall mortality rate reached 46%, and risk factors for death were APACHE II score ≥ 16 (OR = 6.94, CI95% = 2.34-20.58, p<0.0001), and liver disease (OR = 186.11, CI95% = 7.61-4550.20, p = 0.001). Full susceptibility to fluconazole, AmBD and echinocandins among C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence rate in these centers was higher than other reports from tertiary care hospitals from Latin America. Knowledge of local epidemiologic patterns permits the design of more specific strategies for prevention and preemptive therapy of CBSI.

Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America. Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of adults who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, duration of candidemia treatment, and central venous catheter management in patients with candidemia. This manuscript is the second of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

[Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America. Grupo Proyecto Épico]. / Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico de la candidemia en América Latina.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the diagnosis of candidemia, as well as on the usefulness and application of susceptibility testing in patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America' includes diagnostic methods used to detect candidemia, Candida species identification, and susceptibility testing. The availability of methods, their costs and treatment settings are considered. This manuscript is the first of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America. Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of children who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, duration of candidemia treatment, and central venous catheter management in children with candidemia. This manuscript is the third of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

[Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America. Grupo Proyecto Épico]. / Recomendaciones para el manejo de la candidemia en adultos en América Latina.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of adults who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, duration of candidemia treatment, and central venous catheter management in patients with candidemia. This manuscript is the second of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America. Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the diagnosis of candidemia, as well as on the usefulness and application of susceptibility testing in patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America' includes diagnostic methods used to detect candidemia, Candida species identification, and susceptibility testing. The availability of methods, their costs and treatment settings are considered. This manuscript is the first of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

[Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America. Grupo Proyecto Épico]. / Recomendaciones para el manejo de la candidemia en neonatos en América Latina.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of neonates who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, central venous catheter management, and management of complications. This manuscript is the fourth of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America'.

[Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America. Grupo Proyecto Épico]. / Recomendaciones para el manejo de la candidemia en niños en América Latina.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of children who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, duration of candidemia treatment, and central venous catheter management in children with candidemia. This manuscript is the third of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America'.

Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America. Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network.

Candidemia is one of the most frequent opportunistic mycoses worldwide. Limited epidemiological studies in Latin America indicate that incidence rates are higher in this region than in the Northern Hemisphere. Diagnosis is often made late in the infection, affecting the initiation of antifungal therapy. A more scientific approach, based on specific parameters, for diagnosis and management of candidemia in Latin America is warranted. 'Recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia' are a series of manuscripts that have been developed by members of the Latin America Invasive Mycosis Network. They aim to provide a set of best-evidence recommendations for the diagnosis and management of candidemia. This publication, 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America', was written to provide guidance to healthcare professionals on the management of neonates who have, or who are at risk of, candidemia. Computerized searches of existing literature were performed by PubMed. The data were extensively reviewed and analyzed by members of the group. The group also met on two occasions to pose questions, discuss conflicting views, and deliberate on a series of management recommendations. 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in neonates in Latin America' includes prophylaxis, empirical therapy, therapy for proven candidemia, patient work-up following diagnosis of candidemia, central venous catheter management, and management of complications. This manuscript is the fourth of this series that deals with diagnosis and treatment of invasive candidiasis. Other publications in this series include: 'Recommendations for the diagnosis of candidemia in Latin America', 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in adults in Latin America', and 'Recommendations for the management of candidemia in children in Latin America'.

Tratamiento de la gonorrea en adolescentes y adultos / Gonorrhea treatment in adolescents and adults

La gonorrea continúa siendo una enfermedad frecuente. En Chile 70 porciento de las cepas de neisseria gonorrhoeae son resistentes a penicilina y mantienen 100 porciento de sensibilidad a cefalosporinas de tercera generación y ciprofloxacina. Se revisan los esquemas terapéuticos propuestos para las infecciones gonocóccicas uretrales, cervicales, rectales, faríngeas, conjuntivales, forma diseminada, endocarditis y meningitis. Además se comentan las exigencias del tratamiento en la mujer embarazada, en pacientes infectados por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, en casos de coexistencia con chlamydia trachomatis y en pacientes alérgicos a b lactámicos

Fluctuación estacional de hongos anemófilos en Santiago Norte-Chile / Fungal seasonal fluctuation of anemophilus fungi in Northern Santiago-Chile

Por el método de cultivo de esporas viables, se monitoreó la concentración fúngica y variabilidad genérica presente en la atmósfera de Santiago entre 1991 y 1992. Durante 52 semanas se recolectaron 1.040 muestras en 10 lugares mediante la impactación de 20 litros de aire en la superficie de un medio de cultivo, utilizándo un equipo colector portátil RCS. La atmósfera se presentó homogénea cualitativa y cuantitativamente, con una concentración media de 1945 ufc/m3. El contenido fúngico aumentó en forma significativa en verano y presentó correlación positiva con la temperatura y luz solar y negativa con humedad relativa y presión barométrica. Se identificaron 39 taxa: 86,7 porciento correspondió a hongos filamentosos y 13,2 porciento a levaduras. Los géneros predominates en orden decreciente fueron cladosporium, ulocladium, alternaria, penicillium, aspergillus, aureobasidium, botrytis y epicoccum, los que en conjunto representaron el 75,6 porciento del total de las colonias. Cladosporium, ulocladium y epicoccum aumentan su concentración en verano y se correlacionan en forma positiva con la temperatura y luz solar; botrytis y penicillium aumentan en invierno y otoño y aspergillus solo en otoño

Tuberculosis genital y CA-125 elevado / Genital tuberculosis and high CA-125 titles

Se presenta caso de tuberculosis genital en mujer joven con títulos altos de CA-125 y diagnóstico inicial de carcinomatosis peritoneal de probable origen ovárico. Se compara hallazgos con lo reportado en la literatura a tráves de los 20 años en Medline y se discute su tratamiento

Estudio multicéntrico con roxitromicina en dosis única / Multicentric study of single dose administration of roxithromycin

Roxitromicina es un nuevo macrólido semisintético derivado de la eritromicina. A, que presenta mayor estabilidad frente al medio ácido, mayor biodisponibilidad, con niveles de concentración sanguíneos y tisulares más elevados y una vida media prolongada que permite administrarlo cada 24 h. Se efectuó un estudio multicéntrico, abierto y no comparativo con médicos de 6 ciudades de Chile, en que el objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia y la tolerancia clínica de la roxitromicina en una sola dosis diaria de 300 mg en el tratamiento de infecciones respiratorias altas (10 días) y bajas (10-14 días). Se estudiaron 151 episodios de 144 pacientes, 60 varones y 91 mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 38 años y seis meses (9-98 años). 60,9 por ciento de las infecciones fueron altas y 29,1 por ciento bajas. La eficacia fue considerada excelente en el 52,6 por ciento de los casos, buena en el 36,3 por ciento, moderada en el 7,8 por ciento y mala en el 3,4 por ciento. Se presentaron reacciones adversas en 9 episodios (6 por ciento), siendo éstas fundamentalmente manifestaciones gastrointestinales. Solo en dos pacientes fue necesaria la suspensión de la terapia (1,3 por ciento). Los resultados son considerados ampliamente satisfactorios y comparables a otras experiencias

Hongos filamentosos contaminantes de superficie de diferentes frutas deshidratadas de venta libre en Santiago de Chile / Surface contaminant filamentous fungi of different dehydrated fruits sold in markets in Santiago, Chile

Sesenta y una muestra de frutas deshidratadas de diferentes marcas de venta libre en Santiago de Chile, fueron analizadas para determinar los hongos filamentosos contaminantes de superficie, con el objeto de tener una primera aproximación sobre el riesgo derivado de su consumo. De éstas 36 corresponden a muestras envasadas y 25 a granel. Las técnicas de estudio se desarrollaron bajo procedimientos estándar. 45 (73,8 porciento) muestras presentaron desarrollo fúngico. Se identificó en total 11 géneros, siendo los más encontrados: Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium y Mucor. Géneros como Aureobasidium, Chrysosporium, Paecilomyces, Epicoccum, Ulocladium, Scopulariopsis y Alternaria también fueron descritos. Se discute el potencial riesgo de infección de pacientes inmunodeprimidos que consumen frutas deshidratadas

Aspectos sobre el diagnóstico inmunológico de algunas micosis oportunistas (III) / About immunologic diagnostic aspects of some opportunistic mycoses (III)

Se revisan algunos conceptos sobre antígenos micóticos y su preparación, técnicas para la detección de anticuerpos antimicóticos, técnicas para la detección de antígenos micóticos en fluidos corporales, y acerca de la utilidad del inmunodiagnóstico en las cuatro micosis oportunistas más frecuentes, a saber: candidiasis, criptococcosis, aspergilosis y zigomicosis

Alta resistencia a ceftazidima en bacilos gram negativos intrahospitalarios: estudio prospectivo entre 1985 y 1991 / High resistence to ceftazidime in intrahospital gram negative baciles: prospective study in 1985 to 1991

Se efectuó un estudio prospectivo de determinación de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) de ceftazidima (CZD) en cepas de E. coli, K. pneumoniae y P. aeruginosa obtenidas en un hospital docente en Chile, en los años 1985, 1988 y 1991. Se observó un aumento estadísticamente significativo de la resistencia de CZD en los tres tipos de bacilos gram negativos (BGN) estudiados. La CIM 90 de E. coli aumentó de 0,25 µg/ml en 1988 a 1 µg/ml en 1991, con un 100 por ciento de cepas sensibles en 1988 contra un 94,1 por ciento en 1991 (p=0,019). En 1991 se aislaron 4 cepas resistentes a concentraciones de CZD de 128 µg/ml. La CIM 90 de K. pneumoniae aumentó de 4 µg/ml en 1985 a más de 128 µg/ml en 1991, con un 95,3 por ciento de cepas sensibles en 1985 contra un 55,6 por ciento en 1991 (p<0,001). Se encontraron 23 cepas resistentes a concentraciones de CZD de 128 g/ml. La CIM 90 de P. aeruginosa aumentó de 4 g/ml en 1985 a 128 g/ml en 1991, con un 93 por ciento de cepas sensibles en 1985 contra un 46,2 por ciento en 1991 (p<0,001). La distribución de la resistencia es diferente en los tres tipos de BGN estudiados, siendo K. pneumoniae quien demuestra la adquisión más rápida y de niveles más altos de resistencia a CZD. La tasa de resistencia a CZD encontrada en nuestro estudio es concordante con tasas reportadas en otros hospitales sudamericanos y más alta que la habitualmente reportada en hospitales de EEUU

Aislamiento de diversas especies del género aspergillus de la tierra de plantas ornamentales intrahospitalarias / Isolation of different aspergillus strains fron the soil of ornamental plants located at hospital

The earth of ornamental plants is one of the main reservoirs of Aspergillus type of fungi in hospital areas. We studied 174 ornamental interior plants from a hospital at Santiago. Samples were obtained from the soil surface and sowed in Sabouraud-glucose agar, adding streptomycin and G-penicillin. After 72 h of culture, at least one strain of Aspergillus was isolated from 140 samples (80.5 percent). The most frequently isolated strain was A fumigatus (129 samples), followed by A miger (75 samples). A fumigatus and A niger were the only isolated strains in 65 and 11 samples respectively. These findings confirm that ornamental plants can be important reservoirs of Aspergillus strains, a potential infectious agent for immunocompromised patients in hospital areas