Serotype distribution, clinical characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance of pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in Colombia during PCV10 mass vaccination (2017-2022).

Introduction: Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) causes significant morbidity and mortality in children under 5 y. Colombia introduced PCV10 vaccination in 2012, and the Neumocolombia network has been monitoring IPD in pediatric patients since 2008. Materials and methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort involving pediatric patients with IPD admitted to 17 hospitals in Colombia, from January 1st, 2017, to December 31st, 2022. We present data on serotypes (Spn), clinical characteristics, and resistance patterns. Results: We report 530 patients, 215 (40.5%) were younger than 24 months. Among these, 344 cases (64.7%) presented with pneumonia, 95 (17.9%) with primary bacteremia, 53 (10%) with meningitis, 6 (1.1%) had pneumonia and meningitis, and 32 (6%) had other IPD diagnosis. The median hospital stay was 12 days (RIQ 8-14 days), and 268 (50.6%) were admitted to the ICU, of whom 60 (11.3%) died. Serotyping was performed in 298 (56.1%). The most frequent serotypes were Spn19A (51.3%), Spn6C (7.7%), Spn3 (6.7%), Spn6A (3.6%), and Spn14 (3.6%). Of 495 (93%) isolates with known susceptibility, 46 (9.2%) were meningeal (M) and 449 (90.7%) non-meningeal (NM). Among M isolates, 41.3% showed resistance to penicillin, and 21.7% decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone. For NM isolates, 28.2% had decreased susceptibility to penicilin, and 24.2% decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone. Spn19A showed the highest resistant to penicillin at 47% and was linked to multiresistance. Conclusion: The prevalence of PCV10-included serotypes decreased, while serotypes 19A and 6C increased, with Spn19A being associated with multiresistance. These findings had played a crucial role in the decision made by Colombia to modify its immunization schedule by switching to PCV13 in July 2022.

Oral Chagas Disease in Colombia-Confirmed and Suspected Routes of Transmission.

Chagas disease (CD) remains endemic throughout many regions of Colombia despite implementing decades of vector control strategies in several departments. Some regions have had a significant decrease in vectorial transmission, but the oral ingestion of Trypanosoma cruzi through consumption of contaminated food and drink products is increasingly described. This form of transmission has important public health relevance in Colombia due to an increase in reported acute CD cases and clinical manifestations that often lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Oral CD in Colombia has been associated with the consumption of contaminated fruit juices, such as palm wine, sugar cane, or tangerine juice and water for consumption, or contaminated surfaces where food has been prepared. Another interesting route of oral transmission includes ingestion of unbeknownst infected armadillos' blood, which is related to a traditional medicine practice in Colombia. Some earlier reports have also implemented consumption of infected bush meat as a source, but this is still being debated. Within the Amazon Basin, oral transmission is now considered the principal cause of acute CD in these regions. Furthermore, new cases of acute CD are now being seen in departments where CD has not been documented, and triatomine vectors are not naturally found, thus raising suspicion for oral transmission. The oral CD could also be considered a food-borne zoonosis, and odoriferous didelphid secretions have been implemented in contaminating the human dwelling environment, increasing the risk of consumption of infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes. In this article, we will discuss the complex transmission dynamics of oral CD in Colombia and further examine the unique clinical manifestations of this route of infection. New insights into the oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi are being discovered in Colombia, which can help bring increased awareness and a better understanding of this neglected tropical disease to reduce the burden of CD throughout Latin America.

Changes in the incidence of acute bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and the implications of serotype replacement in children in Colombia after mass vaccination with PCV10.

Introduction: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a public health problem. The disease has reemerged after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) due to an increase in serotypes that are not covered. The objective was to determine the changes in the disease incidence before and after the introduction of the 10-valent vaccine (PCV10) in Colombia. Methods: This multicenter study was conducted in 17 hospitals in Colombia. Data were collected from January 2008 to December 2019 in 10 hospitals in Bogotá and from January 2017 to December 2019 in seven hospitals in Cali, Medellín and Cartagena. The data were grouped into three periods: 2008-2011, 2012-2015, and 2016-2019. Results: Of the 706 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, 81 (11.4%) corresponded to meningitis. The relative incidence in Bogotá in the first period was 0.6 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years, decreased to 0.4 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years in the second period and increased in the third period to 0.7 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years. Serotypes covered by PCV10 decreased from 75 to 9.1%, with Spn19A (31.8%) and Spn34 (13.6%) emerging in the third period. Increased resistance to penicillin (13 to 37%) and to ceftriaxone (5.9 to 16%) was due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Spn19A. The total mortality rate was 23.5% and increased from 12 to 33%. Conclusions: ABM due to pneumococcus has high morbidity and mortality rates. Reemergence of the disease has been observed due to the inclusion of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis and replacement of circulating serotypes after the introduction of PCV10, with an increase in Spn19A, which causes death and exhibits antimicrobial resistance. Continued surveillance is needed.

Biofire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel for the aetiological diagnosis of central nervous system infections: A systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis(FA/ME) panel brings benefits in clinical practice, but its diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the DTA of FA/ME for the aetiological diagnostic in patients with suspected central nervous system(CNS) infection. METHODS: We performed a systematic review with DTA meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42020139285). We searched Embase, Medline (Ovid), and Web of Science from inception until September 1st, 2021. We assessed the study-level risk of bias with the QUADAS-2 tool and applied the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the synthesised evidence. We included studies that simultaneously measured the reference test (CSF/blood culture for bacteria, and specific polymerase chain reaction for viruses) and the FA/ME in patients with suspected CNS infection. We performed random-effects bivariate meta-analysis models of combined sensitivity and specificity using CSF/blood cultures(reference test 1) and a final diagnosis adjudication based on clinical/laboratory criteria (reference test 2). FINDINGS: We included 19 studies (11,351 participants). For all bacteria with reference test 1 (16 studies/6183 patients) sensitivity was estimated at 89·5% (95%CI 81·1-94·4), and specificity at 97·4% (95%CI 94-98·9). With reference test 2 (15 studies/5,524 patients), sensitivity was estimated at 92·1%(95%CI 86·8-95·3) and specificity at 99.2(95%CI 98·3-99·6) For herpes simplex virus-2(HSV-2), enteroviruses, and Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), we obtained sensitivities between 75·5 and 93·8%, and specificities above 99% (reference test 1). Certainty of the evidence was low. INTERPRETATION: FA/ME may have acceptable-to-high sensitivities and high specificities for identifying bacteria, especially for S.pneumoniae, and viruses, especially for HSV-2, and enteroviruses. Sensitivities for L.monocytogenes, H.influenzae, E.coli, and HSV-1 were suboptimal. FUNDING: None.

Acute Pediatric Chagas Disease in Antioquia, Colombia: A Geographic Location of Suspected Oral Transmission.

Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is an insidious cause of heart failure in Latin America. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent irreversible myocardial damage that progressively accumulates over decades. Several structural barriers account for the less than 1% of cases in Colombia being treated, including poor physician knowledge, especially considering that some regions are considered non-endemic. The two cases reported here represent an emerging epidemiologic scenario associated with pediatric Chagas disease. Both cases are suspected oral transmitted parasitic infection in a geographic region of Colombia (Andean region of Antioquia) where no previous oral transmission of Chagas disease had been reported. Their clinical histories and course of disease are presented here to increase physician awareness of the epidemiologic risk factors and clinical manifestations associated with pediatric oral Chagas disease in Antioquia department, Colombia.

Follow up of HIV perinatal exposure and accomplishment of strategies to reduce the risk of viral transmission, experience in a reference hospital in Medellín / Calidad del seguimiento a la exposición perinatal al HIV y observancia de las estrategias reconocidas para disminuir su transmisión en un centro de referencia de Medellín

Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential to limit the spread of the disease. Colombian data about HIV infection in pregnancy are scarce, as well as on the results of the strategies used worldwide to reduce perinatal transmission. Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV and their children in a reference center in Medellín. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study for the 2012-2015 period by studying the clinical records of newborns exposed to HIV and their mothers. We evaluated the characteristics of prenatal care, deliveries, and infant postnatal care, as well as the follow-up data to confirm or exclude HIV transmission. Results: We included 106 infants and their mothers. We found that 39,6% of mothers knew about the HIV diagnosis before pregnancy and 58,5% were diagnosed during pregnancy; 95.3% of them attended prenatal controls, but only 46.5% as of the first trimester; 95% of them received antiretrovirals, but 23.9% started therapy just during the third trimester. Only 63% of women had a viral load for HIV after 34 weeks of gestation. None of the 103 children with follow up had confirmed presence for HIV and in 88% of them, it was discarded. Conclusions: No cases of perinatal HIV transmission were found in the study. However, difficulties and delays persist in prenatal care, in timely maternal follow-up to confirm or discard HIV, and for early detection of maternal co-infections and their effects on newborns.

Introducción. La prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV) es una estrategia fundamental para evitar la infección en niños. A nivel local, se desconoce la situación de las mujeres gestantes infectadas por HIV y el grado de observancia de las estrategias reconocidas mundialmente para disminuir la transmisión perinatal. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus hijos en un centro de referencia de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2012 y 2015 mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus neonatos habidos en partos atendidos en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación. Se describieron las variables de atención prenatal, parto, recién nacido y seguimiento de los neonatos. Resultados. Se analizaron 106 madres y sus hijos expuestos al HIV. El 39,6 % de las mujeres gestantes conocía el diagnóstico antes del embarazo y al 58,5 % se le diagnosticó durante este. El 95,3 % de las mujeres gestantes asistió a control prenatal, 46,5 % de ellas a partir del primer trimestre. Si bien el 95 % recibió antirretrovirales, el 23,9 % comenzó a tomarlos tardíamente en el tercer trimestre. Solo el 63 % de las mujeres registró carga viral para el HIV después de la semana 34 de gestación. El 90,6 % de los partos fueron por cesárea, y el virus del papiloma humano y la sífilis fueron las principales infecciones concomitantes. Se hizo seguimiento de 103 niños (no fue posible localizar a tres de ellos para el seguimiento), a ninguno se le confirmó la presencia del HIV y, en el 88 %, se descartó. Conclusiones. En este estudio, no se registraron casos de transmisión perinatal. Sin embargo, siguen presentándose fallas y retrasos en la atención prenatal y en la oportunidad del seguimiento materno para confirmar oportunamente el HIV y para detectar tempranamente infecciones maternas concomitantes que eviten la morbilidad y las secuelas en los neonatos.

Calidad del seguimiento a la exposición perinatal al HIV y observancia de las estrategias reconocidas para disminuir su transmisión en un centro de referencia de Medellín / Follow up of HIV perinatal exposure and accomplishment of strategies to reduce the risk of viral transmission, experience in a reference hospital in Medellín

Resumen Introducción. La prevención de la transmisión materno-infantil del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV) es una estrategia fundamental para evitar la infección en niños. A nivel local, se desconoce la situación de las mujeres gestantes infectadas por HIV y el grado de observancia de las estrategias reconocidas mundialmente para disminuir la transmisión perinatal. Objetivo. Describir las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus hijos en un centro de referencia de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2012 y 2015 mediante la revisión de las historias clínicas de las mujeres gestantes con HIV y de sus neonatos habidos en partos atendidos en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación. Se describieron las variables de atención prenatal, parto, recién nacido y seguimiento de los neonatos. Resultados. Se analizaron 106 madres y sus hijos expuestos al HIV. El 39,6 % de las mujeres gestantes conocía el diagnóstico antes del embarazo y al 58,5 % se le diagnosticó durante este. El 95,3 % de las mujeres gestantes asistió a control prenatal, 46,5 % de ellas a partir del primer trimestre. Si bien el 95 % recibió antirretrovirales, el 23,9 % comenzó a tomarlos tardíamente en el tercer trimestre. Solo el 63 % de las mujeres registró carga viral para el HIV después de la semana 34 de gestación. El 90,6 % de los partos fueron por cesárea, y el virus del papiloma humano y la sífilis fueron las principales infecciones concomitantes. Se hizo seguimiento de 103 niños (no fue posible localizar a tres de ellos para el seguimiento), a ninguno se le confirmó la presencia del HIV y, en el 88 %, se descartó. Conclusiones. En este estudio, no se registraron casos de transmisión perinatal. Sin embargo, siguen presentándose fallas y retrasos en la atención prenatal y en la oportunidad del seguimiento materno para confirmar oportunamente el HIV y para detectar tempranamente infecciones maternas concomitantes que eviten la morbilidad y las secuelas en los neonatos.

Abstract Introduction: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential to limit the spread of the disease. Colombian data about HIV infection in pregnancy are scarce, as well as on the results of the strategies used worldwide to reduce perinatal transmission. Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant women infected with HIV and their children in a reference center in Medellín. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study for the 2012- 2015 period by studying the clinical records of newborns exposed to HIV and their mothers. We evaluated the characteristics of prenatal care, deliveries, and infant postnatal care, as well as the follow-up data to confirm or exclude HIV transmission. Results: We included 106 infants and their mothers. We found that 39,6% of mothers knew about the HIV diagnosis before pregnancy and 58,5% were diagnosed during pregnancy; 95.3% of them attended prenatal controls, but only 46.5% as of the first trimester; 95% of them received antiretrovirals, but 23.9% started therapy just during the third trimester. Only 63% of women had a viral load for HIV after 34 weeks of gestation. None of the 103 children with follow up had confirmed presence for HIV and in 88% of them, it was discarded. Conclusions: No cases of perinatal HIV transmission were found in the study. However, difficulties and delays persist in prenatal care, in timely maternal follow-up to confirm or discard HIV, and for early detection of maternal co-infections and their effects on newborns.

A Cluster of Cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in an Area Of Colombia Not Known to be Endemic for This Disease.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been reported in Colombia since 1937. Most recent outbreaks were in 2006-2008, followed by the absence of recognized cases. This report describes new clinical cases of RMSF and epidemiologic investigations. Medical records were reviewed, and fieldwork, serological and molecular diagnostic testing, and bacterial isolation were performed. Fever, hypotension, abdominal discomfort, and rash accompanied by thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were the most characteristic manifestations. Two convalescent sera from the index case and sera from two dogs revealed high anti-spotted fever group Rickettsia antibody titers. Rickettsia rickettsii was isolated from case 4. Cases 2 and 3 were identified by epidemiological connection with the index case. Thus, a new cluster of cases of RMSF was identified in Antioquia, Colombia, with the occurrence of fatal cases, which indicates the active circulation of the bacteria and a potential risk for the population.

Severe Enteropathy and Hypogammaglobulinemia Complicating Refractory Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Disseminated Disease in a Child with IL-12Rß1 Deficiency.

PURPOSE: Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease is a rare clinical condition characterized by a predisposition to infectious diseases caused by poorly virulent mycobacteria. Other infections such as salmonellosis and candidiasis are also reported. The purpose of this article is to describe a young boy affected with various infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Salmonella sp, Klebsiella pneumonie, Citrobacter sp., and Candida sp, complicated with severe enteropathy and transient hypogammaglobulinemia. METHODS: We reviewed medical records and performed flow cytometry staining for lymphocyte populations, lymphocyte proliferation in response to PHA, and intracellular IFN-γ production in T cell PHA blasts in the patient and a healthy control. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the genetic variants in the patient and relatives. RESULTS: Genetic analysis revealed a bi-allelic mutation in IL12RB1 (C291Y) resulting in complete IL-12Rß1 deficiency. Functional analysis demonstrated the lack of intracellular production of IFN-γ in CD3+ T lymphocytes from the patient in response to rhIL-12p70. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the third patient with MSMD due to IL-12Rß1 deficiency complicated with enteropathy and hypogammaglobulinemia and the first case of this disease to be described in Colombia.

Desafio diagnóstico

Paciente masculino , de 6 meses de vida, procedente de Namayales, quien ingresó por 1 semana de fiebre subjetiva, tos húmeda, deposiciones líquidas, sin moco ni sangre y hace el mismo intolerancia a la vía oral. Niegan familiares dificultad respiratoria o vómito.