Real-world effectiveness of early anti-SARS therapy in severely immunocompromised COVID-19 outpatients during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant era: a propensity score-adjusted retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the early treatment for antiviral agents in SARS-CoV-2 infection is closely related to patient comorbidities. Data on effectiveness in immunocompromised patients are limited, with reports involving highly heterogeneous and not well-defined populations. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of treatment in reducing hospitalizations in a real-world cohort of severely immunocompromised COVID-19 outpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, observational cohort study of immunocompromised outpatients attended in infectious diseases departments from 1 January to 31 December 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio [(aOR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] for the association between antiviral prescription and outcome (COVID-19-related hospitalization up to Day 90). RESULTS: We identified 746 immunocompromised outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. After eligibility criteria and PSM, a total of 410 patients were analysed: 205 receiving treatment (remdesivir, sotrovimab or nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and 205 matched controls. Fifty-two patients required at least one COVID-19-related hospitalization 8 (3.9%) versus 44 (21.5%) in the antiviral and matched control cohorts, respectively. There were 13 deaths at 90 days, of which only 4 were COVID-19-related and none in the antiviral treatment group. After adjustment for residual confounders, the use of early therapy was associated with a protective effect on the risk of hospitalization [aOR 0.13 (0.05-0.29)], as was the use of biological immunomodulators [aOR 0.27 (0.10-0.74)], whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [aOR 4.65 (1.09-19.69)] and anti-CD20 use [aOR 2.76 (1.31-5.81)] increased the odds. CONCLUSIONS: Early antiviral treatment was associated with a reduced risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization in ambulatory severely immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.

Concomitant Serological and Molecular Methods for Strongyloides stercoralis Screening in an Endemic Area of Spain.

Strongyloidiasis is a widespread parasitic disease that can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed people. In the Mediterranean basin, autochthonous cases coexist with imported ones. We aimed to assess the utility of different screening methods, along with the frequency of strongyloidiasis and its associated risk factors in migrants and the native population. This cross-sectional study took place from 2019 to 2022 in the area of the Vega Baja Hospital in Alicante, Spain. Screening was performed in people who were immunosuppressed, at risk of immunosuppression, with blood asymptomatic eosinophilia, and in asymptomatic people from highly endemic countries. Screening methods were serological techniques (ELISA), stool parasitological tests (fecal concentration methods and agar plate culture), and a stool molecular test (PCR). Of the 168 participants (62.5% males, 53.0% migrants, 36.3% immunosuppressed, median age 57 years), 14 (8.3%) had confirmed strongyloidiasis, where 6 were confirmed by serology, 4 by PCR, and 4 by both methods. Overall, 9% of the migrants and 7.6% of the native-born patients were infected. Elevated IgE and hemoglobin and Latin American origin were associated with strongyloidiasis diagnosis. Screening with serology alone would have missed 28.6% of cases. We conclude that strongyloidiasis prevalence is high in our population, both in native and migrant groups, and stool PCR is a useful tool to increase case detection.

Executive Summary of the Spanish Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Imported Febrile Illnesses from the Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI), the Imported Pathology Group of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (GEPI-SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC), the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES).

The Spanish Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health (SEMTSI), the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) and the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (SEMFYC) have prepared a consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of patients with imported febrile illnesses. Twenty authors with different backgrounds and representing different healthcare perspectives (ambulatory primary care, travel and tropical medicine specialists, emergency medicine, hospital care, microbiology and parasitology and public health), identified 39 relevant questions, which were organised in 7 thematic blocks. After a systematic review of the literature and a thoughtful discussion, the authors prepared 125 recommendations, as well as several tables and figures to be used as a consulting tool. The present executive summary shows a selection of some of the most relevant questions and recommendations included in the guidelines.

[COVID-19 readmissions during the first three epidemic periods in Orihuela, Spain: incidence, risk factors and letality]. / Reingresos por la COVID-19 durante los tres primeros periodos epidémicos en Orihuela, España: incidencia, factores de riesgo y letalidad.

OBJECTIVE: Readmission for COVID-19 is associated with high mortality, saturation of health services, and high costs. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of readmissions in COVID-19 patients in a regional hospital of Spain from February 2020 to March 2021. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study describing the characteristics of adult patients readmitted within thirty days of discharge after being infected with SARS-CoV-2 was carried out. Readmission associated risk factors were analysed using a binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 967 patients who survived their first COVID-19 admission, 70 (7.2%) were readmitted within thirty days. Of these, 34.3% presented pneumonia progression, 15.7% functional deterioration, and 12.9% other infections. The mortality rate during readmission was 28.6%. There were no statistically significant differences in the cumulative incidence of readmissions between the epidemic periods (p=0.241). Factors independently associated with readmission were: diabetes mellitus (aOR 1.96, 95%CI 1.07-3.57, p=0.030); acute kidney failure (aOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.43-5.07, p=0.002); not being a candidate for intensive care (aOR 7.68, 95% CI 4.28-13.80, p<0.001); and not being prescribed corticosteroids at discharge (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.04-4.44; p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of patients admitted due to COVID-19 are readmitted, and they carry a high letality. Diabetes mellitus, acute kidney failure, not being a candidate for ICU admission, and not being prescribed corticosteroids on discharge are independently associated with an increased risk of readmission.

OBJECTIVE: Los reingresos por la COVID-19 se asocian a un incremento de la mortalidad, saturación de los servicios sanitarios y elevados costes. Este estudio pretendió evaluar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de reingreso en pacientes con COVID-19 en un hospital comarcal español entre febrero de 2020 y marzo de 2021. METHODS: Se realizó un estudio sobre una cohorte que describía las características de los pacientes adultos reingresados en los treinta días siguientes al alta tras un ingreso por la COVID-19. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a reingreso mediante un modelo de regresión de logística binaria. RESULTS: De los 967 pacientes dados de alta de un primer ingreso por la COVID-19, 70 (7,2%) reingresaron en los treinta días siguientes. De ellos, el 34,3% presentó progresión de la neumonía, el 15,7% deterioro funcional y el 12,9% otras infecciones. La letalidad en el reingreso fue del 28,6%. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la incidencia acumulada de reingreso entre los tres periodos (p=0,241). Los factores asociados de forma independiente con el reingreso fueron: diabetes mellitus (ORa: 1,96; IC 95%:1,07-3,57; p=0,030); insuficiencia renal aguda (ORa 2,69; IC del 95%: 1,43-5,07, p=0,002); no ser candidato a cuidados intensivos (ORa 7,68, IC 95% 4,28-13,80, p<0,001); y no tener prescritos corticosteroides al alta (ORa 2,15, IC 95% 1,04- 4,44; p=0,039). CONCLUSIONS: Una proporción sustancial de los pacientes ingresados por la COVID-19 reingresan, con una elevada letalidad. La diabetes mellitus, la insuficiencia renal aguda, no ser candidato a ingreso en UCI y no tener prescritos corticoides al alta se asocian con un mayor riesgo de reingreso.

Cytokine profile levels and their relationship with parasitemia and cardiomyopathy in people with Chagas disease in Spain. A prospective observational study.

Immunoregulatory networks may have a role in controlling parasitemia in the chronic phase of human Chagas disease. The aim was to describe the serum cytokine profile of Trypanosoma cruzi in chronically infected patients and to evaluate its relationship with parasitemia and Chagas cardiomyopathy.This prospective observational study included adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and peripheral blood samples were used to perform T. cruzi real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and determine the serum cytokine profile.Fifty-eight patients were included; 17 (29.3%) had positive RT-PCR results. This group had a higher median concentration of TNF-α (p = 0.003), IL-6 (p = 0.021), IL-4 (p = 0.031), IL-1ß (p = 0.036), and IL-17A (p = 0.043) than those with a negative RT-PCR. Patients with cardiac involvement had a higher median concentration of IL-5 (p = 0.016) than those without.These results reinforce the key role that cytokines play in Chagas disease patients with parasitemia and cardiac involvement.

A retrospective real-world study of early short-course remdesivir in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients at high risk for progression: low rate of hospitalization or death, regardless of immunocompetence status.

Introduction: The evidence for remdesivir therapy in immunocompromised patients is scarce. To evaluate remdesivir (RDV) effectiveness and safety in COVID-19 outpatients at high risk for progression in a real-world setting, we compare the outcome in immunocompromised (IC) patients with that in non-immunocompromised patients. Methods: Two hospitals conducted a retrospective study of all adult patients with mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection at high risk for disease progression who were treated as outpatients with a 3-day course of RDV (1st January-30th September 2022). The primary effectiveness endpoint was a composite of any cause of hospitalization or death by day 30. A multiple logistic regression model was built to explore the association between immune status and clinical outcome, estimating adjusted odds ratios [aORs (95% CI)]. Results: We have included 211 patients, of which 57% were males, with a median age of 65 years (IQR 53-77), 70.1% were vaccinated (three or four doses), and 61.1% were IC. The median duration of symptoms before RDV treatment was 3 days (IQR 2-5). During follow-up, 14 (6.6%) patients were hospitalized, of which 6 (2.8%) were hospitalized for COVID-19 progression. No patient required mechanical ventilation, and two patients died (non-COVID-19-related). After accounting for potential confounders, only anti-CD20 treatment was associated with the composed outcome [aOR 5.35 (1.02-27.5, 95% CI)], whereas the immunocompetence status was not [aOR 1.94 (0.49-7.81, 95% CI)]. Conclusion: Early COVID-19 outpatient treatment with a 3-day course of remdesivir in vaccinated patients at high risk for disease progression during the Omicron surge had a good safety profile. It was associated with a low rate of all-cause hospitalization or death, regardless of immunocompetence status.

Ivermectin Effect on In-Hospital Mortality and Need for Respiratory Support in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: There is negligible evidence on the efficacy of ivermectin for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ivermectin for pre-emptively treating Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome in order to reduce mortality and the need for respiratory support in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. METHODS: This single-center, observational, retrospective study included patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia at Hospital Vega Baja from 23 February 2020 to 14 March 2021. Because strongyloidiasis is endemic to our area, medical criteria support empiric administration of a single, 200 µg/kg dose of ivermectin to prevent Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome. The outcome was a composite of all-cause in-hospital mortality and the need for respiratory support. RESULTS: Of 1167 patients in the cohort, 96 received ivermectin. After propensity score matching, we included 192 patients. The composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or need for respiratory support occurred in 41.7% of the control group (40/96) and 34.4% (33/96) of the ivermectin group. Ivermectin was not associated with the outcome of interest (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35, 1.69; p = 0.52). The factors independently associated with this endpoint were oxygen saturation (aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.68, 0.89, p < 0.001) and C-reactive protein at admission (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.16, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, ivermectin at a single dose for pre-emptively treating Strongyloides stercoralis is not effective in reducing mortality or the need for respiratory support measures.

Rickettsioses imported by travellers and migrants to Spain attended in the +Redivi network, 2009-2020.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsioses are emerging zoonotic diseases with worldwide prevalence, recognized as a cause of imported fever in travellers and migrants. Our objective is to describe the microbiological, clinical and epidemiological characteristics of imported rickettsioses in travellers and migrants included in a Spanish collaborative network database. METHODS: This multicentre retrospective observational study was nested in +Redivi, the Cooperative Network for the Study of Infections Imported by Immigrants and Travellers. We asked collaborating centres for microbiological, clinical and epidemiological data on the rickettsiosis cases from the inception of the network in 2009 to December 2020. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases of imported rickettsioses were included; 35 (64.8%) patients were men, and the median age was 37 years (interquartile range 26, 51.2). Only 7.4% of patients were travellers visiting friends and relatives, and 5.6% were migrants. The most frequent travel destination (38.9%) was South Africa, and 90.7% engaged in a high-risk activity. Twenty-seven patients (50.0%) started presenting symptoms after their return to Spain. The most frequent symptoms were febrile syndrome (55.6%) and cutaneous manifestations (27.8%). Most diagnoses (63.0%) were confirmed by serology. Only a few cases (9.3%) required hospitalization. All participants had a full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should suspect rickettsial diseases in travellers coming from high-risk areas, especially Southern Africa, who have engaged in activities in rural areas and natural parks. Doxycycline should be considered in the empiric treatment of imported fever of travellers coming from those areas or who have engaged in high-risk activities. There is a need to improve access to molecular diagnosis of rickettsiosis in Spain.

Systematic screening of gender violence and domestic violence among HIV-positive patients: the VIHOLETA study.

We conducted a multicentre observational study in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy in Alicante (Spain) from 2019 to 2020 aiming to analyse the prevalence of abuse and assess treatment adherence according to this variable. We used the Abuse Assessment Screen tool, the simplified medication adherence questionnaire and the medication possession ratio to assess outcomes.. Of the 161 included PLHIV, 53 (32.9%) had suffered abuse (27 emotional abuse, 6 physical abuse, 3 sexual abuse, 13 emotional and physical abuse, 4 unknown type). Seven (4.3%) had suffered abuse in the last year (5 emotional, 2 physical). Abuse had lasted a median of 48 months (interquartile range 12-81). HIV status was considered as a cause of violence by 9.4% of victims. In the multivariable analysis, only abuse was independently associated with non-adherence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80-8.84; p = 0.0007]. Abuse (aOR 6.14; 95% CI 1.63-27.70; p = 0.001) and previous incarceration (aOR 15.08 95% CI 2.71-104.71; p = 0.003) were associated with detectable viral load. In conclusion, the prevalence of abuse is high in PLHIV, hampering adherence and virological success. Abuse screening tools should be incorporated into routine HIV care.

Imported fascioliasis in Spain: Report of 12 cases from the +REDIVI collaborative network (2009-2019).

BACKGROUND: There are few reports of imported fascioliasis in Spain. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of cases registered in +REDIVI network. METHODS: Observational, retrospective, descriptive study of imported fascioliasis cases registered in the +REDIVI, a multicenter collaborative network collecting information on imported infectious diseases in Spain, from October 2009 to May 2019. RESULTS: Of 25,203 cases of imported disease registered over the study period, 16 (0.063%) were fascioliasis, acquired mainly in Pakistan, Morocco, Bolivia, and Peru. Clinical, analytical, and therapeutic data were available for 12 cases (6 immigrants, 4 people visiting friends and relatives, 2 travelers). Eleven (91.6%) had eosinophilia. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 5) and cough (n = 5). Two cases (16.66%) were acute and 10 (83.33%) chronic. Two patients presented lung involvement, and four had other parasitic co-infections. Twelve cases (100%) were seropositive for Fasciola hepatica. Ten patients underwent a coproparasitological study, none of which detected Fasciola spp. eggs. The probable food origin (watercress) was confirmed in 3 cases (25%). Nine of the 10 patients treated with triclabendazole (90%) and one patient treated with praziquantel were considered to meet the criteria for cure. One patient was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Fascioliasis is a rare imported parasitosis in Spain. Eosinophilia, along with geographical origin, is the main clue for diagnosis.

Causes of fever in returning travelers: a European multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Etiological diagnosis of febrile illnesses in returning travelers is a great challenge, particularly when presenting with no focal symptoms [acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses (AUFI)], but is crucial to guide clinical decisions and public health policies. In this study, we describe the frequencies and predictors of the main causes of fever in travelers. METHODS: Prospective European multicenter cohort study of febrile international travelers (November 2017-November 2019). A predefined diagnostic algorithm was used ensuring a systematic evaluation of all participants. After ruling out malaria, PCRs and serologies for dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses were performed in all patients presenting with AUFI ≤ 14 days after return. Clinical suspicion guided further microbiological investigations. RESULTS: Among 765 enrolled participants, 310/765 (40.5%) had a clear source of infection (mainly traveler's diarrhea or respiratory infections), and 455/765 (59.5%) were categorized as AUFI. AUFI presented longer duration of fever (p < 0.001), higher hospitalization (p < 0.001) and ICU admission rates (p < 0.001). Among travelers with AUFI, 132/455 (29.0%) had viral infections, including 108 arboviruses, 96/455 (21.1%) malaria and 82/455 (18.0%) bacterial infections. The majority of arboviral cases (80/108, 74.1%) was diagnosed between May and November. Dengue was the most frequent arbovirosis (92/108, 85.2%). After 1 month of follow-up, 136/455 (29.9%) patients with AUFI remained undiagnosed using standard diagnostic methods. No relevant differences in laboratory presentation were observed between undiagnosed and bacterial AUFI. CONCLUSIONS: Over 40% of returning travelers with AUFI were diagnosed with malaria or dengue, infections that can be easily diagnosed by rapid diagnostic tests. Arboviruses were the most common cause of AUFI (above malaria) and most cases were diagnosed during Aedes spp. high season. This is particularly relevant for those areas at risk of introduction of these pathogens. Empirical antibiotic regimens including doxycycline or azithromycin should be considered in patients with AUFI, after ruling out malaria and arboviruses.

Chagas Disease-Related Mortality in Spain, 1997 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is associated with excess mortality in infected people in endemic countries, but little information is available in non-endemic countries. The aim of the study was to analyze mortality in patients admitted to the hospital with CD in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. We used the CD diagnostic codes of the 9th and 10th International Classification of Diseases to retrieve CD cases from the national public registry from 1997 to 2018. RESULTS: Of the 5022 hospital admissions in people with CD, there were 56 deaths (case fatality rate (CFR) 1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8%, 1.4%), 20 (35.7%) of which were considered directly related to CD. The median age was higher in those who died (54.5 vs. 38 years; p < 0.001). The CFR increased with age, peaking in the 70-79-year (7.9%, odds ratio (OR) 6.27, 95% CI 1.27, 30.90) and 80-89-year (16.7%, OR 14.7, 95% CI 2.70, 79.90) age groups. Men comprised a higher proportion of those who died compared to survivors (50% vs. 22.6%; p < 0.001). Non-survivors were more likely to have neoplasms (19.6% vs. 3.4%; p < 0.001), heart failure (17.9% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.002), diabetes (12.5% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.001), chronic kidney failure (8.9% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.001), and HIV (8.9% vs. 0.8%; p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, the variables associated with mortality were age (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.07), male sex (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03, 3.14), cancer (aOR: 4.84, 95% CI 2.13, 11.22), and HIV infection (aOR 14.10 95% CI 4.88, 40.73). CONCLUSIONS: The case fatality rate of CD hospitalization was about 1%. The mortality risk increased with age, male sex, cancer, and HIV infection.

A Review on Strongyloidiasis in Pregnant Women.

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection distributed worldwide, with an estimated 614 million people infected. Strongyloidiasis usually presents asymptomatically or with aspecific and mild clinical symptoms, mainly cutaneous, respiratory, or gastrointestinal. Disseminated disease and hyperinfection syndrome are the most serious complications, have a high mortality rate, usually occur in immunosuppressed patients, and are particularly associated with the use of corticosteroids. Strongyloidiasis is the most neglected of the neglected diseases, and its occurrence in pregnancy has been neglected and understudied. In this review, we focus on the effects of strongyloidiasis during pregnancy and highlight the knowledge shortage and the need for more research on the subject. There are few studies addressing strongyloidiasis prevalence during pregnancy and hyperinfection incidence during pregnancy is practically unknown, with only isolated case reports published. Although data are scarce, the infection has been associated with developmental disabilities and anemia during pregnancy, while hyperinfection may cause both maternal and neonatal death. Data on the best screening and diagnostic strategies during pregnancy are lacking. There is insufficient evidence on ivermectin safety in pregnancy, complicating treatment recommendations.

Community-based screening of Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in a non-endemic country: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a parasitic disease endemic to Latin America, but it has become a disease of global concern due to migration flows. Asymptomatic carriers may host the parasite for years, without knowing they are infected. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence of Chagas disease and evaluate the participants' level of knowledge between Latin American migrants attending a community-based screening campaign. METHODS: Three community-based campaigns were performed in Alicante (Spain) in 2016, 2017 and 2018, including educational chats and blood tests for Trypanosoma cruzi serology. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge about the mechanisms of transmission, disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. People seropositive for T. cruzi underwent diagnostic confirmation by two different tests. Results were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusting for age, sex, and time in Spain. RESULTS: A total of 596 participants were included in the study; 17% were aged under 18 years. Prevalence in adults was 11% [54/496; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-14.5%] versus 0% among children. All but one case were in Bolivians. Diagnosis was independently associated with having been born in Bolivia (aOR: 102, 95% CI: 13-781) and a primary school-level education (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.14-5.06). Of 54 people diagnosed with Chagas disease (most of whom were asymptomatic), 42 (77.7%) returned to the clinic at least once, and 24 (44.4%) received treatment. Multivariable analysis showed that coming from Argentina (aOR: 13, 95% CI: 1.61-1188) or Bolivia (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.19-3.39) and having received information about Chagas disease in Spain (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.54-8.97) were associated with a good level of knowledge on the disease. Having primary level studies (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.34-0.98) and coming from Ecuador (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.52-847) were independently associated with a lower level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Community-based interventions are a good strategy for diagnosing neglected diseases such as Chagas disease in non-endemic countries and for identifying and treating infected, asymptomatic individuals.