Increased Peripheral Venous Catheter Bloodstream Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic, Switzerland.

Studies suggest that central venous catheter bloodstream infections (BSIs) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated catheter-related BSIs in Switzerland and found peripheral venous catheter (PVC) BSI incidence increased during 2021-2022 compared with 2020. These findings should raise awareness of PVC-associated BSIs and prompt inclusion of PVC BSIs in surveillance systems.

The present and future of blood virome in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allogeneic HCT) is a highly effective therapy for a broad range of hematological diseases and its use is increasing worldwide. Despite advances in antiviral prophylaxis and treatment, viral infections are still one of the leading causes of post-HCT morbidity and mortality. In this patient population, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) revealed a much larger diversity of viruses than previously suspected via the targeted screening approach. In the context of profound immunosuppression, these viral infections may cause transient viremia or protracted replication and potentially be associated with yet unrecognized or unspecific clinical manifestations. On the contrary, by constantly interacting with the immune system, viral infections may have a significant impact on posttransplant outcomes. Here, we review the latest advances in research assessing the role of the blood virome in the development of post-HCT complications. RECENT FINDINGS: Research efforts are under way to uncover the potential role of several previously undetected viruses in the development of allogeneic HCT complications and their impact on transplant outcomes. SUMMARY: The identification of viral actors impacting post-HCT morbidity and survival is key to optimize monitoring and infection prevention/treatment strategies.

Beyond Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus: a Review of Viruses Composing the Blood Virome of Solid Organ Transplant and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Viral primary infections and reactivations are common complications in patients after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Among these patients, viral infections are frequently associated with viremia. Beyond the usual well-known viruses that are part of the routine clinical management of transplant recipients, numerous other viral signatures or genomes can be identified in the blood of these patients. The identification of novel viral species and variants by metagenomic next-generation sequencing has opened up a new field of investigation and new paradigms. Thus, there is a need to thoroughly describe the state of knowledge in this field with a review of all viral infections that should be scrutinized in high-risk populations. Here, we review the eukaryotic DNA and RNA viruses identified in blood, plasma, or serum samples of pediatric and adult SOT/HSCT recipients and the prevalence of their detection, with a particular focus on recently identified viruses and those for which their potential association with disease remains to be investigated, such as members of the Polyomaviridae, Anelloviridae, Flaviviridae, and Astroviridae families. Current knowledge of the clinical significance of these viral infections with associated viremia among transplant recipients is also discussed. To ensure a comprehensive description in these two populations, individuals described as healthy (mostly blood donors) are considered for comparative purposes. The list of viruses that should be on the clinicians' radar is certainly incomplete and will expand, but the challenge is to identify those of possible clinical significance.

Clinical and Pharmacological Considerations for Concomitant Administration of Posaconazole and Isavuconazole with Letermovir.

We sought in this case-control retrospective study to compare posaconazole and isavuconazole (PCZ and IVC, respectively) plasma trough concentration (Ctrough) levels in high-risk allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients who received letermovir (LET) or not. PCZ/IVC Ctrough levels were not found to be significantly different between cases and controls, as they were 1.31 mg/liter (median) (interquartile range [IQR], 0.90) versus 1.36 mg/liter (IQR, 1.16) (P = 0.31) and 3.20 mg/liter (IQR, 2.40) versus 2.35 mg/liter (IQR, 1.50) (P = 0.17), respectively. In conclusion, we observed PCZ/IVC Ctrough levels within the expected range and no significant effect of LET coadministration.

Maladies infectieuses.

What's new in infectious diseases in 2020 ? This year has been marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a review of the current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 and its management in this article. The results of the Swiss project «â€…PIRATE ¼ indicate non-inferiority between CRP-guided antibiotic durations or fixed 7-day durations and 14-day durations for Gram-negative bacteremia. A Mongolian study did not show any benefit of vitamin D substitution in protecting children from tuberculosis. Baloxavir, a new antiviral against the flu, has been approved by Swissmedic. Finally, new American recommendations for therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin and universal screening for hepatitis C virus have been published.

Que dire des nouveautés en maladies infectieuses en 2020 ? L'année a été marquée évidemment par la pandémie du Covid-19, motivant une revue dans cet article, des connaissances actuelles sur le SARS-CoV-2 et de sa prise en charge. Les résultats du projet suisse PIRATE ont montré une non-infériorité pour les bactériémies Gram négatif entre une antibiothérapie de 7 jours ou guidée par la CRP face à une durée de 14 jours. Une étude mongolienne n'a pas permis de montrer le bénéfice d'une substitution en vitamine D chez les enfants sur l'incidence de la tuberculose. Le baloxavir, un nouvel antiviral contre la grippe, a été approuvé par Swissmedic. Et enfin, des nouvelles recommandations américaines sur le monitoring thérapeutique de la vancomycine et sur le dépistage universel de l'hépatite C ont été publiées.

[Microbiota specificities among the elderly Summary of the 5th symposium «â€ Feeding the Microbiota†¼]. / Caractéristiques du microbiote chez le sujet âgé - Synthèse du 5e symposium «â€ Feeding the Microbiota†¼.

The microbiota is a subject of particular interest and research. It is defined as all microorganisms present in tissues and on body surfaces. It sits at the interface with many systems, including the immune system, plays a role in the metabolism, immunity, or inflammation and is thought to be associated with some pathological mechanisms. Its composition and metabolic activity are influenced by diverse factors such as aging. This article summarizes the 5th symposium «â€…Feeding the Microbiota ¼ (Geneva University Hospitals, February 6, 2020), focused on microbiota and aging.

Le microbiote est le sujet de nombreuses recherches. Il est défini comme l'ensemble des microorganismes présents dans les tissus et sur les surfaces corporelles. Il est à l'interface avec de nombreux systèmes dont le système immunitaire, joue un rôle dans le métabolisme, l'immunité ou l'inflammation, et serait associé à certains mécanismes pathologiques. Sa composition et son activité métabolique sont influencées par différents facteurs comme l'âge. Cet article résume les thématiques abordées lors du 5e symposium «â€…Feeding the Microbiota ¼ (HUG, 6 février 2020), focalisé sur le microbiote et le vieillissement.

[Side effects of selected antibiotics, not to be missed†!] / Effets indésirables à ne pas manquer de certains antibiotiques.

Antibiotics are among the most frequently used drugs in outpatients. Their side effects can lead to emergency room visits, hospital admissions and considerable economic costs. In this article, we will discuss some often-overlooked side effects of selected antibiotics used in outpatients. Adverse events such as hematological toxicity of linezolid, neurotoxicity of metronidazole, nitrofurantoin pulmonary toxicity or even risk of aortic aneurysm from fluoroquinolones require cautious use and an individualized assessment of the risk-benefit.

Les antibiotiques sont parmi les médicaments les plus fréquemment utilisés en ambulatoire. Leurs effets indésirables (EI) peuvent conduire à des consultations aux urgences, à des admissions à l'hôpital et à des coûts économiques considérables. Dans cet article, nous allons discuter des EI souvent méconnus de certains antibiotiques utilisés en ambulatoire, tels que l'hématotoxicité du linézolide, la neurotoxicité du métronidazole, la toxicité pulmonaire de la nitrofurantoïne ou le risque d'anévrisme de l'aorte des fluoroquinolones. Les antibiotiques nécessitent une utilisation précautionneuse et une évaluation individualisée du rapport bénéfice-risque.

[Animal and human bites†: what to do and what to know†?] / Morsures animales et humaines†: que faire et à quoi penser†?

Animal and human bites are a common cause of admission to the emergency room and the infections are common, although they are often trivialized. Complications can range from simple cellulitis to septic shock especially in asplenic patients with Capnoyctophaga canimorsus infection. Other less common infections are possible such as rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, tularemia, and evaluation of post-exposure prophylaxis (anti-tetanus, anti-rabies, HIV, HBV) is essential. Antibiotic prophylaxis remains controversial but is recommended for certain groups of patients and must cover common bite pathogens.

Les morsures animales et humaines sont un motif fréquent d'admission aux urgences et leur infection est fréquente, alors qu'elles sont souvent banalisées. Les complications peuvent aller d'une simple dermohypodermite au choc septique, notamment chez les patients aspléniques lors d'infection à Capnocytophaga canimorsus. D'autres infections moins communes sont possibles comme la «â€…rat-bite fever ¼, la leptospirose, la tularémie, et l'évaluation des prophylaxies postexpositionnelles (antitétanique, antirabique ; VIH, VHB en cas de morsures humaines) est primordiale. L'antibioprophylaxie reste controversée, mais est recommandée pour certains groupes de patients, et se doit de couvrir les germes retrouvés fréquemment lors de morsures.

Novel human astroviruses in pediatric respiratory samples: A one-year survey in a Swiss tertiary care hospital.

Although classical human astroviruses (HAstV) are known to be a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of novel HAstV remain largely unknown. There is mounting evidence that, in contrast to classical astroviruses, novel HAstV exhibit tropism for the upper respiratory tract. This one-year period prevalence screened all available clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples collected from pediatric patients aged ≤5 years for novel and classical HAstV using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A total of 205 samples were tested; two novel HAstV cases were detected for a prevalence of 1.3%, with viral loads suggesting active upper respiratory tract replication. No classical HAstV was detected.

[Lower urinary tract infections in men. Urethritis, cystitis and prostatitis]. / Infections urinaires basses non associées aux sondes urinaires chez l'homme. Urétrite, cystite et prostatite.

Recommendations for the treatment of lower non-catheter-related urinary tract infection (UTI) in men are rarely evidence-based. Their management requires the localization of the site of infection, whether it be the urethra, bladder or prostate, and includes antibiotic therapy and in most cases urological assessment. They are often associated with urinary tract procedures or anatomical or functional abnormalities. Nearly 80 % of male UTIs are caused by Enterobacteriaceae. The prevalence of broad-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strains (ESBL) and quinolone-resistant strains is increasing. The aim of this article is to define three types of lower, non-catheter-related UTI in men - urethritis, cystitis and prostatitis - their microbiology and management in Switzerland.

Les recommandations de traitement des infections des voies urinaires (IVU) basses masculines non associées aux sondes souffrent d'un manque d'évidence. Leur prise en charge implique la distinction entre urétrite, cystite et prostatite, et comprend une antibiothérapie associée dans certains cas à un bilan urologique anatomique et fonctionnel. Elles sont souvent associées aux instrumentations du tractus urinaire ou à des anomalies anatomiques ou fonctionnelles. Les Entérobactéries en sont la cause dans près de 80 % des cas ; la prévalence de souches productrices de bêtalactamases à spectre élargi (BLSE) et résistant aux quinolones augmente. Cet article a pour but de clarifier les définitions, la microbiologie et la prise en charge en Suisse de trois types d'IVU basses masculines non associées aux sondes ­ urétrite, cystite et prostatite.

[Microbiology and antibiotic treatment of diabetic foot infection]. / Microbiologie et traitement antibiotique du pied diabétique infecté.

In diabetic patients, foot ulcer is a common problem which prevalence during life is about 25%. Infection occurs as a complication in almost 50% of cases, is associated with significant morbidity and a reduced quality of life and is sometimes the trigger leading to amputation. Ulcers and infections occur among patients with predisposing factors such as peripheral neuropathy and arterial insufficiency, and require a multi-disciplinary care system. The knowledge of the microbiology of diabetic foot infection is necessary for a wise use of empirical and targeted antibiotic therapy. This article will focus on the definition and diagnosis of diabetic foot infection, on the main aspects of its microbiology and antibiotic treatment.

Comparison of clinical outcomes over time of inpatients with healthcare-associated or community-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A multicenter, prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes over time of inpatients with healthcare-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (HA-COVID-19) versus community-acquired COVID-19 (CA-COVID-19). DESIGN: We conducted a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of inpatients with COVID-19. SETTING: The study was conducted across 16 acute-care hospitals in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We compared HA-COVID-19 cases, defined as patients with a positive severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test > 5 days after hospital admission, with hospitalized CA-COVID-19 cases, defined as those who tested positive within 5 days of admission. The composite primary outcome was patient transfer to an intensive care unit (ICU) or an intermediate care unit (IMCU) and/or all-cause in-hospital mortality. We used cause-specific Cox regression and Fine-Gray regression to model the time to the composite clinical outcome, adjusting for confounders and accounting for the competing event of discharge from hospital. We compared our results to those from a conventional approach using an adjusted logistic regression model where time-varying effects and competitive risk were ignored. RESULTS: Between February 19, 2020, and December 31, 2020, we included 1,337 HA-COVID-19 cases and 9,068 CA-COVID-19 cases. HA-COVID-19 patients were significantly older: median, 80 (interquartile range [IQR], 71-87) versus median 70 (IQR, 57-80) (P < .001). A greater proportion of HA-COVID-19 patients had a Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 5 (79% vs 55%; P < .001) than did CA-COVID-19 patients. In time-varying analyses, between day 0 and 8, HA-COVID-19 cases had a decreased risk of death or ICU or IMCU transfer compared to CA-COVID-19 cases (cause-specific hazard ratio [csHR], 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.56). In contrast, from day 8 to 30, HA-COVID-19 cases had an increased risk of death or ICU or IMCU transfer (csHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.20-1.85), with no significant effect on the rate of discharge (csHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61-1.14). In the conventional logistic regression model, HA-COVID-19 was protective against transfer to an ICU or IMCU and/or all-cause in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.79, 95% CI, 0.67-0.93). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of adverse clinical outcomes for HA-COVID-19 cases increased substantially over time in hospital and exceeded that for CA-COVID-19. Using approaches that do not account for time-varying effects or competing events may not fully capture the true risk of HA-COVID-19 compared to CA-COVID-19.

Catheter size and risk of short-term peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Short-term peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (PVC-associated BSI) are disregarded in the literature because of their relatively low incidence. No data are available on the association between PVC diameter size and the risk of PVC-associated BSI. METHODS: Using a prospective database, we performed an observational study at the University of Geneva Hospitals from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021, including all patients with a PVC. We used univariable and multivariable marginal Cox regression models for clustered data to investigate the association between catheter size and PVC-associated BSI. The main variable of interest 'catheter size' was forced into our multivariable models. Confounders, which are thought to influence the risk of PVC-associated BSI, were used as adjustment factors. RESULTS: A total of 206 804 PVCs were included. In all, 10 806 of 201 413 (5.4%), 80 274 of 201 413 (39.9%), 93 047 of 201 413 (46.2%) and 17 286 of 201 413 (8.6%) PVCs measured ≤16G, 18G, 20G and ≥22G, respectively. The univariable analysis showed that diameters of ≤16G were significantly associated with a higher risk of PVC-associated BSI (hazard ratio [HR] 4.52, 95% CI, 1.14-18.00). Multivariable models confirmed these results (HR 4.65, 95% CI, 1.19-18.20). Sensitivity analyses including PVC inserted only in 2021 (HR 4.80, 95% CI, 1.21-19.10), for dwell time >2 days (HR 3.67, 95% CI, 0.92-14.65) and only in adults (HR 3.97, 95% CI, 0.97-15.39) showed similar results. DISCUSSION: Larger PVC size may increase the risk of PVC-associated BSI. Diameter size should be considered when selecting PVCs to reduce the burden of PVC-associated BSI.

Impact of intermittent versus continuous infusions on central line-associated bloodstream infection risk in haemato-oncology patients: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Continuous fluid infusions delivered between therapies by piggy-back systems avoid disconnection and reconnection of central venous catheters (CVC), thereby reducing opportunities for line contamination. However, the impact of continuous versus intermittent infusions on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is unknown. AIM: To investigate the effect of temporary infusion interruption and line disconnection, with or without use of a 70% isopropyl alcohol cap (IPA-C) use on CLABSI rates in haematology patients. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study in two haemato-oncology units. At baseline (P1, September 2020 - August 2021), continuous intravenous piggy-back infusions were mandatory. In a first intervention phase (P2, September 2021 - August 2022), infusion disconnections were implemented with use of a 70% isopropyl alcohol cap (IPA-C) for passive decontamination. In a second intervention phase (P3, September 2022 - August 2023), infusion disconnections continued without the use of IPA-C. Rates of CLABSI were compared across the three intervention periods using segmented Poisson regression. FINDINGS: A total of 11,039 catheter-days across 764 CVC and 16,226 patient-days were included. 21 CLABSI were recorded across all intervention periods. Compared with P1, incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for CLABSI did not significantly change in P2 (IRR 0.76 [95% CI 0.27-2.15]) and P3 (IRR 0.79 [CI 95% 0.28-2.22]). No CVCs were removed due to occlusion during the study period. Five of 21 CLABSI were polymicrobial, and coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated in 19/21 cases (90%). CONCLUSION: Interruption of continuous infusions in haemato-oncology patients with a CVC was not associated with a substantial change in CLABSI rates, whether or not an IPA-C was used.

Association of institutional masking policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Swiss acute care hospitals during the BA.4/5 wave (CH-SUR study): a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: In the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, masking has been widely accepted in healthcare institutions to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infection. Evidence, however, is still scant and the role of masks in preventing healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 acquisition remains unclear.We investigated the association of variation in institutional mask policies with healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in acute care hospitals in Switzerland during the BA.4/5 2022 wave. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 infections in hospitalized patients between June 1 and September 5, 2022, were obtained from the "Hospital-based surveillance of COVID-19 in Switzerland"-database and classified as healthcare- or community-associated based on time of disease onset. Institutions provided information regarding institutional masking policies for healthcare workers and other prevention policies. The percentage of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections was calculated per institution and per type of mask policy. The association of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections with mask policies was tested using a negative binominal mixed-effect model. RESULTS: We included 2'980 SARS-CoV-2 infections from 13 institutions, 444 (15%) were classified as healthcare-associated. Between June 20 and June 30, 2022, six (46%) institutions switched to a more stringent mask policy. The percentage of healthcare-associated infections subsequently declined in institutions with policy switch but not in the others. In particular, the switch from situative masking (standard precautions) to general masking of HCW in contact with patients was followed by a strong reduction of healthcare-associated infections (rate ratio 0.39, 95% CI 0.30-0.49). In contrast, when compared across hospitals, the percentage of health-care associated infections was not related to mask policies. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest switching to a more stringent mask policy may be beneficial during increases of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infections at an institutional level.

Longitudinal Detection of Twenty DNA and RNA Viruses in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Plasma.

Metagenomics revealed novel and routinely overlooked viruses, representing sources of unrecognized infections after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We aim to describe DNA and RNA virus prevalence and kinetics in allo-HSCT recipients' plasma for one year post HSCT. We included 109 adult patients with first allo-HSCT from 1 March 2017 to 31 January 2019 in this observational cohort study. Seventeen DNA and three RNA viral species were screened with qualitative and/or quantitative r(RT)-PCR assays using plasma samples collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post HSCT. TTV infected 97% of patients, followed by HPgV-1 (prevalence: 26-36%). TTV (median 3.29 × 105 copies/mL) and HPgV-1 (median 1.18 × 106 copies/mL) viral loads peaked at month 3. At least one Polyomaviridae virus (BKPyV, JCPyV, MCPyV, HPyV6/7) was detected in >10% of patients. HPyV6 and HPyV7 prevalence reached 27% and 12% at month 3; CMV prevalence reached 27%. HSV, VZV, EBV, HHV-7, HAdV and B19V prevalence remained <5%. HPyV9, TSPyV, HBoV, EV and HPg-V2 were never detected. At month 3, 72% of patients had co-infections. TTV and HPgV-1 infections were highly prevalent. BKPyV, MCPyV and HPyV6/7 were frequently detected relative to classical culprits. Further investigation is needed into associations between these viral infections and immune reconstitution or clinical outcomes.

Human pegivirus-1 replication influences NK cell reconstitution after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Introduction: Human pegivirus-1 (HPgV-1) is a so-called commensal virus for which no known associated organ disease has been found to date. Yet, it affects immune-reconstitution as previously studied in the HIV population, in whom active co-infection with HPgV-1 can modulate T and NK cell activation and differentiation leading to a protective effect against the evolution of the disease. Little is known on the effect of HPgV-1 on immune-reconstitution in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients, a patient population in which we and others have previously reported high prevalence of HPgV-1 replication. The aim of this study was to compare the immune reconstitution after allo-HSCT among HPgV-1-viremic and HPgV-1-non-viremic patients. Methods: Within a cohort study of 40 allo-HSCT patients, 20 allo-HSCT recipients positive in plasma sample for HPgV-1 by rRT-PCR during the first year (1, 3, 6, 12 months) after transplantation were matched with 20 allo-HSCT recipients negative for HPgV-1. T and NK cell reconstitution was monitored by flow cytometry in peripheral blood samples from allo-HSCT recipients at the same time points. Results: We observed no significant difference in the absolute number and subsets proportions of CD4 and CD8 T cells between patient groups at any analysed timepoint. We observed a significantly higher absolute number of NK cells at 3 months among HPgV-1-viremic patients. Immunophenotypic analysis showed a significantly higher proportion of CD56bright NK cells mirrored by a reduced percentage of CD56dim NK cells in HPgV-1-positive patients during the first 6 months after allo-HSCT. At 6 months post-allo-HSCT, NK cell phenotype significantly differed depending on HPgV-1, HPgV-1-viremic patients displaying NK cells with lower CD16 and CD57 expression compared with HPgV-1-negative patients. In accordance with their less differentiated phenotype, we detected a significantly reduced expression of granzyme B in NK cells in HPgV-1-viremic patients at 6 months. Discussion: Our study shows that HPgV-1-viremic allo-HSCT recipients displayed an impaired NK cell, but not T cell, immune-reconstitution compared with HPgV-1-non-viremic patients, revealing for the first time a potential association between replication of the non-pathogenic HPgV-1 virus and immunomodulation after allo-HSCT.

[A rare etiology of massive haemoptysis: a case description]. / Une cause rare mais sévère d'hémoptysie massive: a propos d'un cas.

We present here a case of severe haemoptysis occurring 2 times in a man having some anomaly of lung development, i.e. a right pulmonary artery agenesis. We ought to keep in mind these anomalies of lung development which are quite rare. Moreover in absence of pulmonary artery, the ipsilateral lung parenchyma is vascularized by systemic circulation and exposed to very high systemic pressure responsible for very severe haemoptysis requiring sometimes a pneumonectomy to be controlled. Finally we make a short review on etiology of lung haemoptysis.

Unexpectedly High False-Positive Rates for Haemophilus influenzae Using a Meningoencephalitis Syndromic PCR Panel in Two Tertiary Centers.

False-positive results in the diagnostic of meningitis and encephalitis pose important challenges. This study aimed to determine false-positive rates for Haemophilus influenzae in cerebrospinal fluids evaluated by the BioFire FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel. We conducted a retrospective study of all H. influenzae-positive FilmArray®. Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel results from June 2016 to October 2019 in two Swiss university hospitals. Cases were classified as true positive, likely true-positive, and likely false-positive results according to cerebrospinal fluid culture, H. influenzae-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and Gram staining, as well as culture of other materials. We performed 3,082 panels corresponding to 2,895 patients: 0.6% of the samples (18/3,082) were positive for H. influenzae. Culture and H. influenzae-specific qPCR were performed on 17/18 (94.4%) and 3/18 (16.7%) cerebrospinal fluid samples, respectively; qPCR was negative in all cases. Among 17 samples sent for culture, 10 concerned patients were not treated with antibiotics prior to lumbar puncture. Only 1/17 revealed growth of H. influenzae and was classified as a true positive. We further classified 3/18 (16.7%) cases with the identification of Gram-negative rods in the cerebrospinal fluid or positive blood cultures for H. influenzae as likely true-positive and 14/18 (77.8%) cases as likely false-positive. Diagnostic results should always be interpreted together with the clinical presentation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and other available microbiological results. All H. influenzae-positive results should be viewed with special caution and a H. influenzae-specific qPCR should be systematically considered.

Sustained Trichodysplasia Spinulosa Polyomavirus Viremia Illustrating a Primary Disseminated Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient.

Novel human polyomaviruses (HPyV) have been recently identified in solid organ transplant recipients. Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a rare disease associated with immunosuppression and induced by a polyomavirus (TSPyV). We report here a case of primary and disseminated TSPyV infection after kidney transplantation with extensive skin lesions, sustained viremia, and high viral loads in urine specimens, anal, nasal and throat swabs, assessed via specific real-time PCR for TSPyV during a follow-up period of 32 months after transplantation. The detection of TSPyV with a high viral load in respiratory and anal swab samples is compatible with viral replication and thus may suggest potential respiratory and oro-fecal routes of transmission.