Hepatitis E seroprevalence in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several cases of chronic infection by hepatitis E virus (HEV) in immunocompromised patients have been described recently. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are frequently immunocompromised because of the disease itself or due to therapy. Our aims were to determine HEV seroprevalence in patients with IBD and to detect possible chronic forms. METHODS: We prospectively selected a random sample of 87 patients from our local IBD clinic database at the Gastroenterology Service, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, in Madrid, Spain. Patients completed an oral epidemiologic interview. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies and HEV-RNA were determined. Medical records were reviewed, focusing on drug exposure. RESULTS: We included 87 patients, with a mean age of 44.7 years (SD 16) and a mean of 10.4 years (SD 8.4) with IBD. Fifty-seven percent were diagnosed with Crohn's disease, 41.4% with ulcerative colitis and 1.1% with unclassified IBD. A total of 41.4% had received systemic glucocorticoids for more than 3 months, 32.2% had been treated with thiopurines, 16.1% with biological drugs, and 3.4% with methotrexate. Anti HEV-IgM was determined in 75 patients and IgG in 80, and were positive in 2.7% and 1.3%, respectively. HEV-RNA was analyzed in a random subset of 46 patients, and all determinations were negative. Therefore, no case of chronic HEV infection was detected. CONCLUSIONS: We found a low HEV seroprevalence of just 1.14% in patients with IBD, similar to that in the general population. This could be due to the lower degree of immunosuppression in this group, or to different dietary habits.

Update of the recommendations on the management of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in kidney transplant patients.

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) has had a significant impact on transplant activity in our country. Mortality and the risk of complications associated with COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KT) were expected to be higher due to their immunosuppressed condition and the frequent associated comorbidities. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 we have rapidly improved our knowledge about the epidemiology, clinical features and management of COVID-19 post-transplant, resulting in a better prognosis for our patients. KT units have been able to adapt their programs to this new reality, normalizing both donation and transplantation activity in our country. This manuscript presents a proposal to update the general recommendations for the prevention and treatment of infection in this highly vulnerable population such as KT.

Ectima gangrenoso en el paciente inmunocomprometido: debut leucemia aguda

El Ectima gangrenoso es un trastorno infeccioso infrecuente, clásicamente relacionado a bacteriemia, descrito principalmente en poblaciones inmunodeprimidas. Se asocia con la sepsis y bacteriemia por P. aeruginosa en pacientes inmunodeprimidos, incluidos aquellos con neutropenia o inmunodeficiencias, también se han descrito casos por hongos filamentosos y levaduras. Se ha observado en aproximadamente un 1,3-3 % de los casos de bacteriemia por P. Aeruginosa1. Se ha descrito ectima en pacientes con déficit en su inmunidad2, como en el caso que se describe a continuación. El Ectima puede presentarse como lesión única o múltiple, caracterizadas por máculas eritematosas que progresan a vesículas, bullas o pústula, evolucionando hasta la necrosis central con halo eritematoso. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con Ectima Gangrenoso, refractario inicialmente a tratamiento, que evolucionó con empeoramiento progresivo, presentándose en el hemograma hiperleucocitosis asociado a anemia y trombopenia, con diagnóstico ulterior de Leucemia Mieloide Aguda.

Ecthyma gangrenosum is an uncommon infectious disorder classically associated with bacteremia and found mainly in immunocompromised populations. It is associated with sepsis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in immunocompromised patients, including those with neutropenia or immune deficiencies. There have also been cases caused by filamentous fungi and yeasts. It has been seen in approximately 1.3 ­ 3% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremias. Ecthyma has been reported in immune-deficient patients, as in the case described below. Ecthyma can present with a single or multiple lesions with erythematous macules progressing to vesicles, bullas or pustules, which develop central necrosis with an erythematous halo. We present the case of a patient, later diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, with ecthyma gangrenosum, initially refractory to treatment, which worsened progressively, presenting hyperleukocytosis associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia in the whole blood count.

Tinea capitis in adults in southern Spain. A 17-year epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is an infection of the hair due to keratinophilic fungi, known as dermatophytes. Although the disease is common in children, several studies have also shown that it is far from unusual in adults, especially in post-menopausal women and immunocompromised persons. AIMS: To determine the incidence of tinea capitis in adults in our area, as well as the predisposing factors (gender, immunity), and causative species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted over a period of 17 years, from 1995 to 2011, collecting data on cases of tinea capitis diagnosed in our dermatology department. Information collected for all patients included age, gender, location of the lesions, results of direct examination and culture, immune status, cause of immunosuppression, and the prescribed treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-three cases (11.4%) out of 289 cases of tinea capitis occurred in adults. Most of these adults (72%) were immunocompetent, and the rest were immunocompromised for different reasons. Three of the patients were men and 30 women, with 70% of the latter being post-menopausal. Trichophyton species were isolated in 76% of these adult patients, with Trichophyton violaceum being the most common. Treatment with oral terbinafine was successful in all these cases. Microsporum species were responsible for the other cases, all treated successfully with oral griseofulvin. CONCLUSIONS: This series of tinea capitis in adults is one of the largest to date. It shows that tinea capitis is not uncommon among the immunocompetent adult population. In our geographical area, except for prepubescent patients, most cases affecting the adult population were caused by species of the genus Trichophyton. In these cases the treatment of choice was oral terbinafine, which considerably shortened the treatment time, and was associated with fewer side effects than the classical griseofulvin.

[Community acquired pneumonia in children: Treatment of complicated cases and risk patients. Consensus statement by the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP) and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Chest Diseases (SENP)]. / Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: tratamiento de los casos complicados y en situaciones especiales. Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP) y Sociedad Española de Neumología Pediátrica (SENP).

The incidence of community-acquired pneumonia complications has increased during the last decade. According to the records from several countries, empyema and necrotizing pneumonia became more frequent during the last few years. The optimal therapeutic approach for such conditions is still controversial. Both pharmacological management (antimicrobials and fibrinolysis), and surgical management (pleural drainage and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), are the subject of continuous assessment. In this paper, the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Chest Diseases have reviewed the available evidence. Consensus treatment guidelines are proposed for complications of community-acquired pneumonia in children, focusing on parapneumonic pleural effusion. Recommendations are also provided for the increasing population of patients with underlying diseases and immunosuppression.

[Interpretation of the tuberculin test in children with CD4 lymphocyte cell mediated immunity changes]. / Interpretación de la prueba de tuberculina en niños con alteración de la inmunidad celular mediada por linfocitos CD4.

Immunosuppression could be a cause of a false negative tuberculin skin test (TST) result. A cross-sectional study was performed on a population of immigrants and internationally adopted children to analyse whether CD4 cell counts could modify the TST results. A total of 1074 children were included between January 2003 and December 2008. CD4 cell counts were performed on 884 children, in whom 5.3% had CD4 values <25%. There were no differences in TST results among children with normal and pathological CD4 cell counts. Several studies, including this one, have shown that there is no direct association between the CD4 value and the TST results. These results should be confirmed with larger series and with a higher percentage of children with CD4 values <25%.

Coinfección pulmonar por Rhodococcus equi e Histoplasmosis en paciente con SIDA

RESUMEN Introducción Rhodococcus equi, patógeno intracelular, afecta a pacientes inmunodeprimidos, en ellos la infección pulmonar es la forma más frecuente de presentación. La Histoplasmosis, micosis profunda, habitualmente diseminada en pacientes con SIDA, relacionada al CD4 bajo. Caso Clínico Varón de 43 años, HIV+, con WB: 08/04/15, CD4: 13, CV: 92.076, TARV con Tenofovir + Lamivudina + Efavirenz, cuadro de 5 días de sensación febril, tos con expectoración amarillenta y dolor tipo puntada en hemitórax izquierdo. Examen físico MV disminuido en hemitórax izquierdo, crepitantes en campo medio. Hepatoesplenomegalia leve. Lesiones papulares violáceas indoloras en tórax y miembro superior derecho. Hemocultivo: Rhodococcus equi. TAC de tórax: imagen hiperdensa con cavitaciones en campo medio del parénquima pulmonar izquierdo. Biopsia de piel, anatomía patológica: SK en estadio de mácula. Fibrobroncoscopía + Bx transbronquial: BAL (-), anatomía patológica: proceso inflamatorio granulomatoso severo. Pancitopenia durante internación. PAMO: (-). BxMO: microgranuloma de etiología a determinar. Cultivo de MO: Histoplasma capsulatum. Recibió tratamiento con Levofloxacina 750mg/d + Azitromicina 500mg/d + Rifampicina 900 mg/d y Anfotercina B desoxicolato con buena evolución clínica. Discución La persistencia de picos febriles obligó a la realización de procedimientos invasivos para diagnosticar una coinfección oculta. Es bien conocida la afección de inmunodeprimidos por estos patógenos.

ABSTRACT Introduction Rhodococcus equi, an intracellular pathogen, affects immunecompromised patients, where lung infection is the most frequent form of presentation. Histoplasmosis, deep mycosis, usually disseminated in patients with AIDS, is related to low CD4. Clinical Case Male, 43 years, HIV +, with WB: 08/04/15, CD4: 13, CV: 92.076, ART with Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz, 5-day fever, cough with yellowish expectoration and type pain Stitch in left hemithorax. MV physical examination decreased in left hemithorax, crackling in midfield. Mild hepatosplenomegaly. Painless violaceous papular lesions in the thorax and right upper limb. Hemoculture: Rhodococcus equi. Chest CT: hyperdense image with cavitations in the middle field of the left lung parenchyma. Skin biopsy, pathological anatomy: SK at macula stage. Fibrobronchoscopy + transbronchial Bx: BAL (-), pathological anatomy: severe granulomatous inflammatory process. Pancytopenia during hospitalization. PAMO (-). BxMO: microgranuloma of aetiology to be determined. Culture of MO: Histoplasma capsulatum. Received treatment with Levofloxacin 750mg / d + Azithromycin 500mg / d + Rifampicin 900mg / d and amphotericin B deoxycholate with good clinical evolution. Discussion The persistence of febrile spikes forced invasive procedures to diagnose occult coinfection. It is well known the condition of immunosuppressed by these pathogens.

Tenencia y estado de salud de mascotas de niños inmunocomprometidos, con énfasis en enfermedades zoonóticas / Pet ownership and health status of pets from immunocompromised children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases

Objetive: To characterize pet ownership and pet health status in families of immunocompromised (IS) children, with emphasis in zoonotic diseases. Population and Methods: Families of IS children from two hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were interviewed and their pets were evaluated by veterinary examination, coproparasitologic and skin dermatophytes test. In specific cases, other laboratory tests were performed in IS children or their relatives. Results: 47 out of 70 contacted families had pets, 42 participated in the study. Several risk factors for IS children were observed, as having a turtle as a pet and to clean cat or turtle faeces. Lack of adequate veterinary control, immunizations and deparasitation of pets were observed. Some animals showed zoonotic diseases or agents, as Brucella canis, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis and scabies. 44 percent of dogs had ticks and 37 percent had fleas, both potential vectors of infections. Conclusions: Our results suggest that policies to provide safer pet contact in IS children are needed.

Objetivo: Caracterizar la tenencia y estado de salud de mascotas de niños inmunocomprometidos (IC), con énfasis en situaciones y agentes infecciosos de potencial riesgo para la salud del niño. Población y Métodos: Se entrevistó a familias de niños IC en tratamiento en dos hospitales de Santiago y se evaluó la salud de sus mascotas mediante examen clínico veterinario, copro-parasitológico y búsqueda de dermatofitos en el pelaje. En casos puntuales, se realizaron algunos exámenes de laboratorio específicos a los niños o sus familiares. Resultados: 47 de 70 familias contactadas tenían mascotas, 42 participaron del estudio. Se detectaron situaciones de alto riesgo para niños IC como poseer tortuga como mascota y limpiar excretas de gatos y tortugas. Se evidenció una mínima adherencia al control veterinario, inmunizaciones y desparasitación de mascotas. Se identificaron animales con enfermedades o agentes con potencial zoonótico, destacando Brucella canis, Cryptosporidium sp, Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis y sarna sarcóptica. Un 44 por ciento de los perros presentaban garrapatas y 37 por ciento pulgas, ambos potenciales vectores de infecciones. Conclusiones: Los resultados sugieren que en nuestro medio es necesario implementar medidas que permitan una tenencia más segura de las mascotas en contacto con niños IC.

Respuesta inmun--celular y humoral en ninos inmnodeprimidos vacunados con la vvacuna Cubana anti-hepatitis b / Cerlogical inmunne response in inmune compromised cildren treated with the anti hep-b Cuban vaccine

La infección por el virus de la Hepatitis B (VHB) constituye un problema de salud mundial. Se realizó un estudio de la inmunogenicidad específica de la vacuna cubana HEBERBIOVAC-HB en niños inmunodeprimidos. Se seleccionaron 50 niños atendidos en nuestro Servicio y un grupo de 50 niños sanos como control, sin antecedentes de estar infectados por el VHB. El estudio se realizó a pacientes y controles al año de la última dosis para determinar los títulos de anticuerpos alcanzados mediante el método UMELISA y conocer la respuesta de hipersensibilidad retardada in vivo mediante la prueba cutánea, evaluando así cualitativamente la respuesta inmune-celular. Se observó que los pacientes inmunodeprimidos respondieron adecuadamente a la vacuna contra la Hepatitis B y que después de un año de inmunizados la mayoría mantenía la protección, aunque siempre con niveles de respuesta por debajo del grupo control con diferencias estadísticamente significativas.

The infection for the virus of the Hepatitis B (VHB) it constitutes a problem of world health. Was carried out a study of the specific immunogenicity of the Cuban vaccine HEBERBIOVAC - HB in inmunedepressed children. Children were selected assisted in our service and a group of healthy children as control, without antecedents of being infected by the VHB. The study was carried out to patient and controls to the year of the last dose to determine the titles of antibodies reached by means of the method UMELISA and to know the hipersensibility answer slowed in alive by means of the cutaneous test, evaluating this way qualitatively the cellular immune answer. It was observed that the patient inmunedepressed responded appropriately to the vaccine against the hepatitis B and that after one year of having immunized most maintained the protection, although always with answer levels below the group control with differences statistically significant.

Detección de cryptosporidium spp y giardia lamblia en niños inmunodeprimidos del Hospital del Niño Manuel Ascencio Villarroel de Cochabamba en Agosto del 2007 / Detection of cryptosporidium spp and Giardia Lamblia in inmunodepressed children of the niñ@ Hospital Manuel Ascencio Villarroel of Cochabamba in august of 2007

Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivoque cuenta con la participación de Niños de 1 mes a 13 años que presen­ten las siguientes características: Desnutrición proteico energética grave (DNTPEG) con indicadores P/T y T/E < ­2 DE (según la tabla de Waterlow) asociados a signos de peligro (AIEPI) internados en el Hospital del niño Manuel Ascencio Villarroel. Niños portadores de VIH que acuden a consulta o están internados nacidos de madres con diagnóstico VIH positivo confirmados. Niños hemato­oncológicos que están internados. Se estudiaron 26 niños de los cuales 46,2% son niños con VIH/SIDA, 12 pacientes que presentan DNTPEG (46.2 %) y 7.7% con diagnostico hemato­oncológico que se encontraban internados o que asistían a consulta externa. Los resultados demuestran que no se encontró infección por Cryptosporidium spp en la población estudiada, se encontró un 15% de infección por Giardía lamblia, entre otros pará­sitos encontrados tenemos Strongyloides stercolaris y Entamoeba coli. Los pacientes con desnutrición están sometidos a mayor numero de factores de riesgo para contraer cualquier tipo de infecciones por microorganismos oportunistas y/o patógenos en relación a los pacientes con VIH/SIDA. Creemos que el hecho de no haber encontrado Cryptosporidium spp puede deberse a que los niños se encontraban en mejor competencia inmunológica debido a los protocolos de tratamiento antiviral que recibían y/o varios antimicrobianos que pudieron haber controlado el problema, por otro lado el conocer la situación de la enfermedad (VIH) determinó que las madres fueran mas cuidadosas con la medidas higiénico dietéticas de sus hijos. Conclusión: No se encontró infección por Cryptosporidium spp, pero se pudo evidenciar infección por Giardía lamblia en los pacientes inmunodeprimidos del hospital del niño Manuel Ascencio Villarroel de la ciudad de Cochabamba.

This is a descriptive cross­sectional study in which partipates Children of 1 month to 13 years old that present the fo­llowing characteristics: Serious energetic protein malnutrition (DNTPEG) with indicators P/T and T/E < ­2 DE (according to the table of Waterlow) associated to danger signs (AIEPI) hospitalized in the Hospital of niño Manuel Ascencio Villa­rroel. Children carriers of VIH that go to consultation or are committed, born of mothers with confirmed positive diag­nosis VIH. Children hemato­oncological that are hospitalized. We have studied 26 children, 46.2% of them are children with VIH/SIDA, 12 patients whom DNTPEG presents (46.2%) and 7.7% with diagnose hemato­oncological that was hos­pitalized or that they attended external consultation. The results showed that there was not infection by Criptosporidium spp in the studied population, 15% had infection by Giardia Liamblia, among other parasites founded we have Strongy­loides Stercolaris and Entamoeba coli. Te patients with malnutrion have a grater amount of risk factors to contract any tipe of infections by oportunistic and /or several antimicrobialthay have received that could have controlled the problem, on the other hand knowing the situationof the disease (HIV) it produced that mothers were more careful with the hygie­nic dietetic measures of their children. We found Gierdia Liamblia can cause infections in inmunosupressed children pa­tients.