Rapid differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures using the STAPH score: a prospective observational study.

Rapid and accurate identification of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in blood culture specimens is crucial for timely clinical intervention. Traditional Gram staining methods, although widely accessible and cost-effective, exhibit variable sensitivities and specificities in the BACTEC system. We aimed to develop and validate the "STAPH score," a novel semi-quantitative scoring system that integrates Gram stain morphology and time to positivity to differentiate SA from coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in blood cultures. We analyzed 148 blood culture specimens from septic patients. Each specimen was assessed independently by two examiners using Gram staining and the STAPH score, which assigns points based on five parameters: cluster size, time to positivity, aerobic enlargement, pint (three-dimensional appearance), and the presence of hemorrhage. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for various cutoff points. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess inter-examiner agreement. Of the 148 specimens, 49 (33.1%) were identified as SA and 99 (66.9%) as CoNS. At a STAPH score cutoff of 3 points, the sensitivity was 93.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83.1%-98.7%) and specificity was 91.9% (95% CI, 84.7%-96.4%). The kappa coefficient at this cutoff was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.55-0.79). A STAPH score <3 effectively ruled out SA with 100% sensitivity, whereas a score of 5 confirmed SA with 100% specificity. The STAPH score is a reliable and efficient tool for the rapid identification of SA in blood cultures within the BACTEC system. By combining Gram staining observations with time to positivity, this method enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces subjectivity, and supports timely clinical decision-making.IMPORTANCEThe rapid and accurate identification of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in blood cultures is vital for timely and appropriate clinical intervention. This study introduces the "STAPH score," a novel semi-quantitative scoring system that combines Gram stain morphology and time to positivity. By providing a reliable and efficient method to differentiate SA from coagulase-negative staphylococci, the STAPH score enhances diagnostic accuracy and reduces subjectivity in microscopic examinations. This score, applicable within the BACTEC system, addresses the limitations of traditional Gram staining methods and expensive molecular techniques. The implementation of the STAPH score in clinical practice can lead to faster diagnosis, improved patient outcomes, and optimized antimicrobial therapy. This method is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings where advanced diagnostic tools may not be available.

Disseminated Lomentospora prolificans infection that could have been predicted: A case report.

Lomentospora prolificans is a rare, filamentous fungus, that causes a disseminated infection in immunocompromised individuals. Disseminated infections caused by the fungus are difficult to diagnose early. It is resistant to multiple antifungal agents and has a high mortality rate. We encountered a case in which the involvement of this fungus was indicated by a history of antifungal prophylaxis and an elevated serum 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) level. A 76-year-old female with myelodysplastic syndrome that developed into overt leukemia was administered oral posaconazole as antifungal prophylaxis. She was admitted to the hospital to determine the cause of her fever, where no new abnormalities other than an elevated serum BDG level were observed. Unfortunately, the patient died due to acute respiratory failure on the same day of admission. The day after her death, L. prolificans was detected in a blood culture taken upon her admission. L. prolificans should be suspected based on the history of antifungal prophylaxis and an elevated serum BDG level, as these are risk factors for infection by this pathogen. Blood cultures are useful to provide a diagnosis. If treated early, before it is detected in culture, the mortality rate can be decreased.

Clinical Characteristics of Corynebacterium ulcerans Infection, Japan.

Corynebacterium ulcerans is a closely related bacterium to the diphtheria bacterium C. diphtheriae, and some C. ulcerans strains produce toxins that are similar to diphtheria toxin. C. ulcerans is widely distributed in the environment and is considered one of the most harmful pathogens to livestock and wildlife. Infection with C. ulcerans can cause respiratory or nonrespiratory symptoms in patients. Recently, the microorganism has been increasingly recognized as an emerging zoonotic agent of diphtheria-like illness in Japan. To clarify the overall clinical characteristics, treatment-related factors, and outcomes of C. ulcerans infection, we analyzed 34 cases of C. ulcerans that occurred in Japan during 2001-2020. During 2010-2020, the incidence rate of C. ulcerans infection increased markedly, and the overall mortality rate was 5.9%. It is recommended that adults be vaccinated with diphtheria toxoid vaccine to prevent the spread of this infection.

The Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Favipiravir for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Multicenter Non-randomized, Uncontrolled Single-arm Prospective Study.

Objective Among treatment options for coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), well-studied oral medications are limited. We conducted a multicenter non-randomized, uncontrolled single-arm prospective study to assess the efficacy and safety of favipiravir for patients with COVID-19. Methods One hundred participants were sequentially recruited to 2 cohorts: cohort 1 (Day 1: 1,600 mg/day, Day 2 to 14: 600 mg/day, n=50) and cohort 2 (Day 1: 1,800 mg/day, Day 2 to 14: 800 mg/day, n=50). The efficacy endpoint was the negative conversion rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the odds ratio (OR) of cohort 2 to cohort 1 for negative conversion on Day 10 was calculated. Characteristics of all participants and profiles of adverse events (AEs) were collected and analyzed. Results The mean age of participants was 62.8±17.6 years old. Thirty-four patients (34.0%) experienced worsening pneumonia, 7 (7.0%) were intubated, and 4 (4.0%) died during the observation period. Cohort 2 showed a higher negative conversion rate than cohort 1 [adjusted OR 3.32 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17 to 9.38), p=0.024], and this association was maintained after adjusting for the age, sex, body mass index, and baseline C-reactive protein level. Regarding adverse events, hyperuricemia was most frequently observed followed by an elevation of the liver enzyme levels (all-grade: 49.0%, Grade ≥3: 12.0%), and cohort 2 tended to have a higher incidence than cohort 1. However, no remarkable association of adverse events was observed between patients <65 and ≥65 years old. Conclusion The antiviral efficacy of favipiravir was difficult to interpret due to the limitation of the study design. However, no remarkable issues with safety or tolerability associated with favipiravir were observed, even in elderly patients with COVID-19.

Next-generation DNA sequencing analysis of two Streptococcus suis ST28 isolates associated with human infective endocarditis and meningitis in Gunma, Japan: a case report.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important emerging zoonotic agent. Here, we report two cases of S. suis infection in pig farmers in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. We conducted a high-resolution molecular epidemiologic analysis on the basis of whole-genome sequencing data of each isolate using next-generation sequencing (NGS). NGS analysis revealed that the two S. suis clinical isolates were belonged to serotype 2 ST28. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two isolates were closely related to S. suis strains isolated from pigs in Japan at least until 1995. Since 41 nucleotide substitutions were found between the two strains, these strains might be derived from the same genetic lineage but distinct sporadic cases. NGS analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool for analysing bacterial infections. The database is more fulfilling, and more detailed analysis will become possible in the near future. Attention should be paid to S. suis infections, especially if the patient works on a livestock farm.

Unusual manifestation of Helicobacter cinaedi infection: a case report of intracranial subdural empyema and bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: There have been various reports concerning Helicobacter cinaedi infections. However, few reports have examined central nervous system infections. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old man was transferred from the local hospital because of a persistent headache and suspected intracranial subdural empyema. Neurosurgical drainage was performed via burr holes. Gram staining and results from abscess cultures were negative. The blood culture yielded H. cinaedi. He was given an antibiotic regimen consisting of 2 g of ceftriaxone twice a day, but the size of the abscess was not reduced in size at all after 3 weeks of treatment. Neurosurgical drainage was performed again, and the antimicrobial regimen was switched to 2 g of meropenem 3 times a day. The size of the abscess was reduced after 2 weeks of the second drainage and antimicrobial drug change to meropenem. After 4 weeks treatment with meropenem, the patient was discharged, and his symptoms had completely resolved. CONCLUSIONS: H. cinaedi infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subdural empyema cases for which Gram staining and abscess culture results are negative. Meropenem can be a first-line drug of choice or an effective alternative treatment for H. cinaedi central nervous system infections.

[Relapsed primary intraocular lymphoma treated with intravitreal methotrexate and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell rescue].

A 58-year-old woman with primary intraocular lymphoma (PIOL) of her right eye was treated with combination chemotherapy (methotrexate, procarbazine and vincristine) followed by irradiation to her brain and right eye. However, the disease recurred in the right eye four months later. She was treated with intravitreal injection of methotrexate and high-dose chemotherapy in combination with autologous stem cell transplantation after salvage therapy consisting of cytarabine, etoposide and rituximab. With this treatment strategy, she has been in remission for more than one year with no deterioration of either leukoencephalopathy or cognitive function. Intravitreal injection of methotrexate and high-dose chemotherapy may now be regarded as one of the treatment choices for relapsed PIOL.

Recurrent Gemella haemolysans meningitis in a patient with osteomyelitis of the clivus.

Systemic infection caused by G. haemolysans has rarely been reported. We herein describe the case of a 69-year-old woman with recurrent G. haemolysans meningitis that led to abducens nerve palsy. Osteomyelitis of the clivus was likely present at the first admission, which led to reinfection of the meninges because the course of antibiotic treatment was too short. The patient has remained free of relapse for one year after undergoing a second round of treatment that lasted 63 days. In cases of G. haemolysans meningitis, coexisting infectious diseases, such as endocarditis and/or osteomyelitis, should therefore be investigated to prevent recurrence.

Report from the Japanese registry of CPR for in-hospital cardiac arrest (J-RCPR).

BACKGROUND: In-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is an important issue, but data in Japan are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: To investigate in-hospital CPA, we conducted a prospective multicenter observational registry of in-hospital CPA and resuscitation in Japan (J-RCPR). During January 2008 to December 2009, patients were registered from 12 participating hospitals. All patients, visitors and employees within the facility campus who experience a cardiopulmonary resuscitation event defined as either a pulseless or a pulse with inadequate perfusion requiring chest compressions and/or defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) were registered. Data were collected in 6 major categories of variables: facility data, patient demographic data, pre-event data, event data, outcome data, and quality improvement data. Data for 491 adults were analyzed. The prevalence of pulseless VT/VF as first documented rhythm was 28.1%, asystole was 29.5% and pulseless electrical activity was 41.1%. Immediate causes of event were arrhythmia 30.6%, acute respiratory insufficiency 26.7%, and hypotension 15.7%. Return of spontaneous circulation was 64.7%; the proportion of survival 24h after CPA was 49.8%, the proportion of survival to hospital discharge was 27.8% and proportion of favorable neurological outcome at 30 days was 21.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the registry for in-hospital CPA in Japan and shows that the registry provides important observational data.

Verification of airway management during cardiac arrest: a manikin-based observational study.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to clarify the difficulties concerning insertion of advanced airway devices during cardiac arrest. METHOD: In an observational study using manikins, we examined the airway management techniques of 19 teams at the Osaka Senri medical rally. For ex-post verification, we recorded chest compression and ventilation using the Resusci Anne Advanced Skill Trainer (Laerdal, Norway) and recorded actions of the teams using a video camera. RESULTS: Only a small proportion of teams did not adopt advanced airway management (4 teams, 21.1%). Thirteen teams selected tracheal intubation. None showed chest compression interruptions during intubation manipulation, and the median duration of chest compression interruption during confirmation of postintubation was 6.4 seconds. The median duration of ventilation interruption during intubation was 45.5 seconds. When teams were evaluated for the duration of direct laryngoscopy, that is, so-called duration of intubation, the median duration was 19 seconds, which constituted a large underestimate compared with the duration of ventilation interruption. This represents an underestimation of about 27 seconds. We considered the issues to be identified for shortening the duration of ventilation interruption. CONCLUSION: From this study, it is clear that the strategy of Guideline 2005 that was designed to minimize chest compression interruption has permeated deeply. The recommendation that the duration of intubation manipulation should not exceed 30 seconds has had various interpretations, but it is important to focus on the duration of ventilation interruption.

A manikin-based observational study on cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills at the Osaka Senri medical rally.

AIM: To examine the current status and problems of resuscitation management in Japan as demonstrated at the 2006 and 2007 Osaka Senri medical rallies. METHODS: Using manikins, the quality of resuscitation was evaluated in 33 teams that participated in the medical rallies. The challenge was to deliver defibrillation shocks for ventricular fibrillation; data were recorded using the Laerdal PC Skill Reporting System (Norway). The teams were first subjectively (visually) evaluated by a panel of judges and these evaluations were later reaffirmed using video records. RESULTS: An approximately 30s delay was observed between the time of contact and initiation of chest compression in the teams that adopted the American Heart Association (AHA) method compared with those that adopted the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) method. Although the overall quality of chest compressions was very good, in several instances, the hand positions were inappropriate and complete chest recoil was not achieved. The left paddle was incorrectly positioned by all teams. Only 15.8% of the teams were able to deliver shocks with less than 10s of interruption between the chest compressions. Regarding interruption of chest compressions at confirmation of correct tracheal tube placement, among the eight teams that adopted the AHA method, pauses of more than 10s were confirmed in five (62.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in performance between the AHA and ERC methods were observed. The ERC guidelines were more rational and suitable in terms of actual application than the AHA guidelines.