Exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus: A case report and discussion regarding treatment of intraocular infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Endophthalmitis caused by enterococci is rare, and cases involving vancomycin-resistant enterococci are even more so. Due to the poor bioavailability of many antibiotics in the vitreous chamber, special considerations are required when choosing antibiotics to treat these infections. The authors report the first case of exogenous endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus casseliflavus via the unique mechanism of high-velocity water stream trauma from a toy water gun. A previously healthy four-year old boy presented with endophthalmitis of the left eye after injury from a water gun. Empirical treatment for endophthalmitis was started on presentation to the ophthalmologist. After the identification of the pathogen and a review of the literature, the antibiotic regimen was changed to include intravitreal ampicillin and amikacin with systemic linezolid. Endophthalmitis caused by E casseliflavus and other vancomycin-resistant enterococci are challenging to treat. Rapid identification of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal endophthalmitis is important to guide appropriate antibiotic therapy. Systemic linezolid achieves excellent intravitreal concentrations, and should be used in combination with intravitreal and topical antibiotics.

L'endophtalmie est rarement attribuable aux entérocoques, et les cas découlant d'entérocoques résistant à la vancomycine le sont encore plus. Étant donné la piètre biodisponibilité de nombreux antibiotiques dans la cavité vitréenne, il faut tenir compte de facteurs particuliers lors de la sélection du traitement de ces infections. Les auteurs présentent le premier cas d'endophtalmie exogène causée par une Enterococcus casseliflavus contractée après un traumatisme imputable au mécanisme unique de jet d'eau à grande vitesse propulsé par un pistolet à eau.Un garçon de quatre ans auparavant en santé a consulté à cause d'une endophtalmie de l'oeil gauche après une blessure contractée par un pistolet à eau. L'ophtalmologiste a prescrit un traitement empirique dès la consultation. Après avoir confirmé l'agent pathogène et analysé les publications, il a modifié la posologie antibiotique pour inclure de l'ampicilline intravitréenne et de l'amikacine combinée à de la linézolide systémique.L'endophtalmie causée par l'E casseliflavus et d'autres entérocoques résistant à la vancomycine est difficile à traiter. Il est important de déceler rapidement l'endophtalmie par entérocoque résistant à la vancomycine pour orienter l'antibiothérapie. La linézolide systémique, qui assure d'excellentes concentrations intravitréennes, devrait être combinée à des antibiotiques intravitréens et topiques.

Exploring Virtual Teaching Approaches Among Pediatricians During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Virtual Ethnographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Canadian postsecondary institutions were forced to rely on online teaching to comply with physical distancing recommendations. This sole reliance on virtual methods to deliver synchronous teaching sessions in medical education was novel. We found little empirical research examining pediatric educators' experiences. Hence, the objective of our study was to describe and gain a deeper understanding of pediatric educators' perspectives, focusing on the research question, "How is synchronous virtual teaching impacting and transforming teaching experiences of pediatricians during a pandemic?" METHODS: A virtual ethnography was conducted guided by an online collaborative learning theory. This approach used both interviews and online field observations to obtain objective descriptions and subjective understandings of the participants' experiences while teaching virtually. Pediatric educators (clinical and academic faculty) from our institution were recruited using purposeful sampling and invited to participate in individual phone interviews and online teaching observations. Data were recorded and transcribed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Fifteen frontline pediatric teachers from our large Canadian research-intensive university were recruited. Four main themes, with subthemes, emerged: (1) the love/hate relationship with the virtual shift; (2) self-imposed pressure to increase virtual engagement; (3) looking back, moving forward; (4) accelerated adaptation and enhanced collaboration. CONCLUSION: Pediatricians adopted new delivery methods quickly and found many efficiencies and opportunities in this shift. Continued use of virtual teaching will lead to increased collaboration, enhanced student engagement strategies, and blending the advantages of virtual and face-to-face learning.

International Medical Graduates' perceptions about residency training experience: a qualitative study.

Objectives: To explore International Medical Graduates residents' experiences and perspectives of their residency training program. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted at a large research-intensive University. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 14 International medical graduates. The residents recruited for this study were at different levels in their training ranging from Postgraduate year one to five. Residents interviewed represented seven unique specialties. Each trainee was interviewed, and the data were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis framework was used to conduct the data analysis, resulting in the development of study themes. Results: Our analysis generated six main themes. These themes were related to costly decisions, unspoken expectations, the stigma associated with being an IMG, fears of being an IMG, the strength and resilience of IMGs, and recommen-dations proposed by IMGs for program improvement. Conclusions: In this study, we wanted to explore international residents' experiences with their programs. The experience of each individual international resident is unique. However, in this study, we were able to provide firsthand perceptions of IMGs from a research-intensive university and identified common themes experienced and perceived by our resi-dents. This study's findings may help educate, reduce stigma, and guide the implementation of effective individu-al and systemic support for these trainees. Which in turn will enhance the overall educational experiences for IMGs trainees. Our study found that themes seem to be recur-ring, hence, an urgency to bring about appropriate chang-es, equitable opportunities, and support for IMGs.

A Scoping Review of Indigenous Health Curricular Content in Graduate Medical Education.

Background: Graduate medical education is refocusing on the reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples and integrating Indigenous healing practices, cultural humility training, and courses on Indigenous health issues in their curricula. Physicians and all health care workers must be able to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of all Indigenous peoples. Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to explore and describe what exists in the current literature on the impact and challenges associated with Indigenous curricula developed for resident physicians. Methods: The search was conducted using 9 bibliographic databases from inception until April 19, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened for inclusion using Covidence. Three reviewers extracted data and all 3 checked for completeness and accuracy. Results: Eleven reports were included. Our included reports consisted of qualitative research (n=2), commentaries (n=1), special articles (n=3), systematic reviews (n=1), innovation reports (n=1), published abstracts (n=1), and program evaluation papers (n=2). Findings are presented by 3 themes: (1) Misunderstandings and cultural bias toward Indigenous people; (2) Increasing community-driven Indigenous partnerships to create a safe environment; and (3) Challenges in implementing Indigenous health curricula. Conclusions: Themes identified related to Indigenous involvement, culturally competent care, common misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, as well as challenges and barriers to implementing Indigenous curricula for residency programs. A collaborative approach involving stakeholders with training in the community is a viable path forward. But comprehensive program evaluation, a source of stable funding, and further research focusing on effective Indigenous curricula for residents are needed.

Pseudohyperphosphatemia associated with high-dose liposomal and lipid complex amphotericin B when tested with Synchron LX 20 (Beckman/Coulter) phosphorous assay.

Although case reports of hyperphosphatemia have been previously described in patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B, this has not been reported in patients receiving the lipid complex formulation. We report a case of hyperphosphatemia that persisted despite switching from liposomal to lipid complex amphotericin B in a child with invasive zygomycosis. This case suggests that in the context of acute renal dysfunction, hyperphosphatemia may also be observed with lipid complex amphotericin B. This case highlights the importance of differentiating between pseudohyperphosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia to prevent complications.

Swine outbreak of pandemic influenza A virus on a Canadian research farm supports human-to-swine transmission.

BACKGROUND: Swine outbreaks of pandemic influenza A (pH1N1) suggest human introduction of the virus into herds. This study investigates a pH1N1 outbreak occurring on a swine research farm with 37 humans and 1300 swine in Alberta, Canada, from 12 June through 4 July 2009. METHODS: The staff was surveyed about symptoms, vaccinations, and livestock exposures. Clinical findings were recorded, and viral testing and molecular characterization of isolates from humans and swine were performed. Human serological testing and performance of the human influenza-like illness (ILI) case definition were also studied. RESULTS: Humans were infected before swine. Seven of 37 humans developed ILI, and 2 (including the index case) were positive for pH1N1 by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Swine were positive for pH1N1 by RT-PCR 6 days after contact with the human index case and developed symptoms within 24 h of their positive viral test results. Molecular characterization of the entire viral genomes from both species showed minor nucleotide heterogeneity, with 1 amino acid change each in the hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein genes. Sixty-seven percent of humans with positive serological test results and 94% of swine with positive swab specimens had few or no symptoms. Compared with serological testing, the human ILI case definition had a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 33.3%. The only factor associated with seropositivity was working in the swine nursery. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiologic data support human-to-swine transmission, and molecular characterization confirms that virtually identical viruses infected humans and swine in this outbreak. Both species had mild illness and recovered without sequelae.

A survey of Alberta physicians' use of and attitudes toward face masks and face shields in the operating room setting.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence that surgical mask use by physicians in the operating room (OR) reduces surgical site infections (SSIs), but masks do protect the wearer from potentially infectious splashes. Face shields offer even more protection because they cover the eyes, but they may be perceived as offering less protection to the patient than do masks. The objectives of this study were to ascertain if there were predictors to determine which OR physicians are continuing to use masks and what their reasons are for doing so, and which OR physicians would accept face shields and their reasons for doing so. METHODS: We surveyed the province of Alberta's surgeons, general practice (GP) surgeons, anesthesiologists, and GP anesthetists to determine how many physicians in the OR wear surgical masks, their reasons for wearing surgical masks (ethical, legal, protection of the patient, protection of the wearer), and if they believe that face shields offer more protection to the patient or to the wearer. We also sought to examine which demographic factors affected their responses. The data were examined with chi(2) analysis to assess the relationships of age and practitioner type, and for various outcome variables. A significance level of P < .05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: The sex of the physician did not affect his/her responses. Older physicians believe that the OR team has an ethical and legal responsibility to wear surgical masks; masks are worn to prevent the spread of disease, not because it is tradition to do so; masks protect the wearer more than do face shields; and wearing face shields alone will subject the patient to higher rates of SSIs. Surgeons are more likely than are anesthesiologists to wear surgical masks in the OR and wear a surgical mask and a face shield if the patient has risk factors for a blood borne infection. CONCLUSIONS: According to our survey, age and profession were the most important variables that affected the potential use of surgical masks and face shields. Younger OR physicians likely would be amenable to using face shields in addition to masks in the OR to protect themselves from exposure to blood or bodily fluids.

Pediatric malignancies presenting as a possible infectious disease.

BACKGROUND: The clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of malignancy can overlap with those of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine the findings in children who were initially thought to have an infectious disease but ultimately proved to have a malignancy. METHODS: The database of patients diagnosed with a malignancy in the Northern Alberta Children's Cancer Program (NACCP) January 1, 1993 to December 31, 2003 was merged with the database of inpatients referred to the infectious diseases service at the Stollery Children's Hospital and charts were reviewed on all patients referred to the infectious diseases consult service prior to the diagnosis of malignancy. RESULTS: An infectious diseases consultation for diagnosis was requested in 21 of 561 patients prior to the confirmation of malignancy, and 3 of these 21 patients had both infection and malignancy (leukemia (N = 13), lymphoma (N = 3), rhabdomyosarcoma (N = 1), Langerhan's cell histiocytosis (N = 1), fibrous histicocytosis (N = 1), ependymoma (N = 1), and neuroblastoma (N = 1). The most common reason for infectious diseases consultation was suspected muskuloskeletal infection (N = 9). A palpable or radiographically enlarged spleen was noted in 11 patients (52%). All but 2 patients had abnormal hematologic parameters while an elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) occurred in 10 patients (48%). Delay of diagnosis because of investigation or therapy for an infectious disease occurred in only 2 patients. CONCLUSION: It is not common for treatment of pediatric malignancies to be delayed because infection is thought to be the primary diagnosis. However, pediatric infectious diseases physicians should consider malignancy in the differential diagnosis when they see patients with fever and bone pain, unexplained splenomegaly or abnormal complete blood cell counts. Other clues may include hepatomegaly or elevated LDH.

The assessment and management of tinea capitis in children.

Tinea capitis is an infection of the scalp and hair shaft caused by dermatophyte fungi. It is seen in all age groups, and the incidence seems to be on the rise in North America. Clinical diagnosis of tinea capitis can be challenging, as symptoms can vary from minimal pruritus with no hair loss, to severe tenderness, purulence, and permanent scarring in inflammatory kerion lesions. The diagnosis of tinea capitis must be confirmed in the laboratory by using fungal stains or obtaining cultures, since treatment may be prolonged with potential side effects. Systemic therapy is needed because topical antifungals cannot effectively penetrate the hair shaft to eradicate the infection. Oral griseofulvin remains the standard treatment agent, but terbinafine and itraconazole are also effective alternatives (although currently without Food and Drug Administration approval).

Delayed Recurrence of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in the Central Nervous System After Neonatal Infection and Completion of Six Months of Suppressive Therapy.

A 10-day-old child was treated for neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) central nervous system (CNS) disease with 21 days of intravenous acyclovir and 6 months of oral acyclovir. She presented 7 years later with HSV CNS disease and new lesions in her brain, illustrating the non-benign nature of delayed recurrent HSV CNS disease.

Paediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) study of aseptic meningitis.

BACKGROUND: The seasonality, clinical and radiographic features and outcome of aseptic meningitis have been described for regional outbreaks but data from a wider geographic area is necessary to delineate the epidemiology of this condition. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was completed of children presenting with aseptic meningitis to eight Canadian pediatric hospitals over a two-year period. RESULTS: There were 233 cases of proven enteroviral (EV) meningitis, 495 cases of clinical aseptic meningitis and 74 cases of possible aseptic meningitis with most cases occurring July to October. Headache, vomiting, meningismus and photophobia were more common in children > or = 5 years of age, while rash, diarrhea and cough were more common in children < 5 years of age. Pleocytosis was absent in 22.3% of children < 30 days of age with proven EV meningitis. Enterovirus was isolated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 154 of 389 patients (39.6%) who had viral culture performed, and a nucleic acid amplification test for enterovirus was positive in CSF from 81 of 149 patients (54.3%). Imaging of the head by computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging was completed in 96 cases (19.7%) and 24 had abnormal findings that were possibly related to meningitis while none had changes that were definitely related to meningitis. There was minimal morbidity and there were no deaths. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of aseptic meningitis varies with the age of the child. Absence of CSF pleocytosis is common in infants < 30 days of age. Enterovirus is the predominant isolate, but no etiologic agent is identified in the majority of cases of aseptic meningitis in Canadian children.

The History and Current Relevance of the Eponymous Signs of Meningitis.

During the past several decades, researchers have shown that the eponymous signs of meningitis have reduced sensitivity and specificity compared with when they were originally described. This may be because of the changing epidemiology of meningitis and its treatment or it may be because of variations in performance of the maneuvers. For example, in the original descriptions, the Kernig sign (resistance of leg extension) is best elicited with the patient sitting and the Brudzinski nape of the neck sign involves holding down the patient's chest as the neck is flexed. These and other lesser-known signs of meningitis by Amoss, Bikeles and Edelmann all relate to the mechanics of stretching inflamed meninges, and this review will allow the clinician to understand how the history related to these maneuvers is still germane to clinical practice today.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after delayed sternal closure.

We examined the rates and risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) following delayed sternal closure after pediatric cardiac surgery by way of retrospective review of prospectively collected infection control data. Of 130 patients, 13.7% developed an SSI, and 6.9% developed mediastinitis following delayed sternal closure. There was a trend toward increased SSIs in patients undergoing delayed sternal closure in beds in the open bay of a pediatric intensive care unit.

Prevention, recognition and management of neonatal HSV infections.

Neonatal HSV is most commonly transmitted at the time of delivery with the risk being dramatically higher if the mother has first-episode genital HSV and does not have an elective Cesarean section. Maternal HSV type-specific serology can be used to differentiate first-episode from recurrent infection in this setting, allowing for use of empiric acyclovir for the highest risk infants. There is a need for new strategies as current methods of prevention of transmission of HSV to neonates have limited effectiveness, as they do not account for the fact that the majority of transmission occurs from asymptomatic women. After transmission has occurred, early recognition of neonatal HSV improves the prognosis. Diagnosis needs to be considered in all infants who develop vesicles, unexplained seizures, or possible sepsis in the first 5 weeks of life.

Three swipes and you're out: how many swipes are needed to decontaminate plastic with disposable wipes?

At our hospital, health care workers use commercially available wipes to reduce bacterial counts on plastic surfaces. The workers use the wipes in a cursory fashion--swiping objects once for one to two seconds. We sought to measure the ability of wipes to reduce bacterial counts when swiped across plastic surfaces using various routines.