The integration of Coxiella burnetii PCR testing in serum into the diagnostic algorithm of suspected acute Q fever in an endemic setting.

Serum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Coxiella burnetii DNA has been suggested for rapid Q fever diagnosis. We evaluated the role of PCR testing in serum in the diagnosis of acute Q fever in an endemic setting. We examined patients suspected of acute Q fever tested for C. burnetii-specific serum real-time PCR in a tertiary hospital between January 2019 toand December 2022. In the first half, PCR orders were consultation-based by infectious diseases specialists, while in the second half, they were guided by serology, positive IgM2, and negative IgG1 and IgG2, indicating early acute infection. Logistic regression analyzed independent predictors for positive PCR. PCR positivity rates were calculated using various clinical criteria in the diagnostic algorithm. Out of 272 patients, 13 (4.8%) tested positive and 130 exhibited serologically suspected early infection. Presentation during April-July and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 3× upper normal limit (UNL) were independently associated with positive PCR with an odds ratio (OR) = 15.03 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58-142.46], P = 0.018 and OR = 55.44 [95% CI, 6.16-498.69], P < 0.001, respectively. PCR positivity rate was 8.5% in serologically suspected early infection vs 1.4% in other serology, yielding OR = 6.4 [95% CI, 1.4-29.7], P = 0.009. Adding AST > 3× UNL increased OR to 49.5 [95% CI, 5.9-408.7], P ≤ 0.001 reducing required PCR tests for a single acute Q fever case from 11.8 to 3. Elevated AST in serologically suspected early Q fever is proposed to be used in a diagnostic stewardship algorithm integrating PCR in serum in an endemic setting. IMPORTANCE: Our study suggests in a diagnostic stewardship approach the integration of molecular testing (Coxiella burnetii targeted PCR) for the diagnosis of acute Q fever in a reliable time in the endemic setting. Integrating PCR detecting Coxiella burnetii in serum in routine testing of suspected early acute Q fever based on serology result increased the PCR positivity rate significantly. Adding increased transaminases optimizes PCR utility which is highly requested particularly in endemic areas.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated Acute Appendicitis in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) is an infectious pathogen associated with acute appendicitis; however, it is not consistently addressed by empirical antibiotic therapy, despite potential complications. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of PSA-associated acute appendicitis in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis involving pediatric patients who underwent acute appendicitis surgery and had positive peritoneal cultures. Clinical, microbiological, and intraoperative data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: Among 2523 children with acute appendicitis, 798 (31.6%) underwent peritoneal cultures, revealing 338 positive cases (42.3%), with PSA detected in 77 cases (22.8%). Children with PSA were three times more likely to exhibit high intraoperative grading ≥ 3 (93.4% vs. 76.8%, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.2-8.3, P = 0.023) and nearly four times more likely to have polymicrobial cultures (88.3% vs. 62.1%, 95%CI 1.8-8.0, P < 0.001) than those without PSA in peritoneal cultures. Duration of symptoms did not predict PSA isolation (P = 0.827). Patients with PSA had longer median hospital stays (8 days, interquartile range [IQR] 7-10) than those with other pathogens (7 days, IQR 5-9) (P = 0.004). Antibiotic treatment duration, intensive care unit admission rates, readmission, and mortality were similar between the two groups (P = 0.893, 0.197, 0.760, and 0.761, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PSA is a common pathogen in children diagnosed with acute appendicitis and positive peritoneal cultures. The likelihood of isolating PSA increases with high-grade intraoperative assessment and in the presence of multiple pathogens in peritoneal cultures, suggests antipseudomonal treatment.

Infant Botulism, Israel, 2007-2021.

Infant botulism (IB) is an intestinal toxemia that manifests as descending paralysis, constipation, and, in some cases, respiratory failure. Laboratory-confirmed IB cases are rare, and recent data in Israel are lacking. We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study of laboratory-confirmed IB cases reported in Israel during 2007-2021. A total of 8 cases were reported during the study period. During 2019-2021, incidence may have increased because of a cluster of 5 cases. Infant median age for diagnosis was 6.5 months, older than previously reported (3 months). Most cases occurred during March-July. Honey consumption was reported in 1 case, and possible environmental risk factors (living nearby rural or construction areas, dust exposure, and having a father who works as a farmer) were reported in 6 cases. Although IB is rare, its incidence in Israel may have increased over recent years, and its epidemiology and risk factors differ from cases reported previously in Israel.

Predictive factors for focal disease in human brucellosis, an observational cohort study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify predictors for focal disease in human brucellosis. The study included patients with brucellosis diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2021. Overall, 247 patients were identified. Focal disease was diagnosed in 64 (25.9%) patients. The most common focal infection was bone and joint in 56 patients (23.4%). Disease duration > 14 days was significantly associated with focal illness [OR = 2.2 (1.08-4.47), p = 0.030], although febrile illness was inversely associated with focal illness this did not reach statistical significance [OR = 0.46 (0.21-1.00), p = 0.050]. Focal brucellosis should be suspected in patients with prolonged illness.

SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza: similarities and disparities.

This report describes the differences in disease severity and clinical presentation between hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and others with seasonal influenza. A total of 136 influenza and 152 COVID-19 patients were included. Patients with influenza more frequently had dyspnea (p = 0.004), hypoxemia (p < 0.001), underlying diseases (p = 0.046), and elevated liver enzymes (p = 0.028). In contrast, patients with COVID-19 were overweight (p < 0.001), lymphopenic (p < 0.001), had elevated CRP (p = 0.011), and radiological abnormalities (p < 0.001). Patients with influenza were more severely ill on admission (NEWS > 5) (p < 0.001). However, length of hospital stay, ventilatory support, and 30-day-mortality were similar. Despite differences in clinical presentation and disease severity between influenza and COVID-19 patients, both groups had similar clinical outcomes.

A high percentage of hospital-acquired neonatal bacteraemia but rare resistance to standard antibiotic regimens.

AIM: We examined community and hospital-acquired bacteraemia, namely bloodstream infections or meningitis, and looked at the clinical features and outcomes of cases. METHODS: The study comprised infants under 3 months of age, who were admitted to a tertiary referral centre in northern Israel with bacteraemia from 2010-2019. Causative pathogens, antibiotic susceptibility and mortality were retrospectively recorded. RESULTS: We identified 314 infants, 325 episodes of bacteraemia and 344 pathogens. Meningitis was identified in 22 (7.0%) infants. Hospital-acquired bacteraemia accounted for 84.8% of the 325 episodes. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (33.9%) was the most prevalent pathogen in the hospital-acquired cases, while Escherichia coli (37.2%) dominated the community-acquired cases. The susceptibility of Gram-negative early-onset sepsis cases to ampicillin-gentamicin or ampicillin-cefotaxime was 96% and 94.7% for hospital-acquired cases and 91.7% and 88% for community-acquired cases, respectively. Susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam or amikacin in late-onset sepsis were 92.8% and 98%, respectively, in hospital-acquired cases. The 30-day mortality was 5.7% in infants with hospital-acquired cases. Risk factors were Arab ethnicity (p < 0.028), haemodynamic instability (<0.001) and Gram-negative sepsis (0.043). CONCLUSION: Most cases of bacteraemia were acquired during hospitalisation and these accounted for the majority of the deaths. Resistance to standard antibiotic regimens was rare.

Evaluation of Pediatric Screening for Resistant Pathogens in an Israeli Tertiary Center.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem associated with increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria carriage in selected populations. METHODS: Data were collected from all patients under 18 years who met our internal guidelines from 2015-2016. They were screened for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), extended spectrum beta-actamase (ESBL), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Indications for screening were non-resident non-Israeli patients (from the Palestinian Authority, Syria, and foreign patients), internal transfers from intensive care units, admission to high-risk departments, recent carriage of MDR bacteria, transfer from other hospitals, and recent hospitalization. Data were analyzed for MDR bacteria from at least one screening site (rectal, nasal, axillary, groin, throat). All data were analyzed per patient and per sample. RESULTS: During the study period 185/2632 positive screening sets (7%) were obtained from 725 patients. Of these, 165 patients (22.7%) were positive for at least one pathogen. Significantly fewer Israeli residents (120/615, 19.5%) tested positive compared to non-Israeli residents (45/110, 40.9%; P < 0.001). Past MDR bacteria carriage was the only significant screening indication (25/61, 41%; P < 0.001). CRE, VRE, MRSA, and ESBL prevalence rates were 0.6% (5/771), 0.5% (3/560) 0.5%, 4.2% (37/888), and 33.7% (139/413), respectively. Among non-ESBL carriers, MRSA was predominant with 38 positive cultures (n=34). CONCLUSIONS: Non-Israeli non-residents and patients with previous positive MDR screening are at higher risk for MDR bacteria. Indications used to identify high-risk patients for drug resistant pathogens were efficacious. More effort is needed to reduce excessive sampling.

The impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-13 on the incidence of pediatric community-acquired bacteremia.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the impact of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-13 (PCV-13) introduction into the national immunization program in Israel on pneumococcal and non-pneumococcal pediatric community-acquired bacteremia (CAB). This is a retrospective cohort study, including children ≤ 18 years old with CAB, who were hospitalized in Rambam Health Care Campus, a tertiary medical center serving northern Israel, between the years 2004 and 2016. The proportional admission rate of pneumococcal bacteremia among all CAB events and the incidence of CAB and pneumococcal bacteremia per 1000 hospital admissions were compared between the pre- and post-pneumococcal vaccine eras. A total of 275 CAB events were identified. Common isolates were Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn) (26.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.4%), Brucella spp. (11.6%), E. coli (10.9%), and Streptococcus pyogenes (5.8%). The pneumococcal bacteremia rate per 1000 hospital admissions decreased significantly from 1.59 to 0.6 (p < 0.001). The proportional pneumococcal bacteremia rate decreased from 55 (34.4%) to 19 (16.5%) (p 0.001). Penicillin resistance among pneumococcal isolates decreased dramatically from 50.9 to 5.3% (p < 0.001). The rate of bacteremia caused by other pathogens has not been changed significantly at the post-vaccination era (p 0.053). However, an increase in the incidence of S. pyogenes bacteremia from 1.9 to 11.3% (p < 0.001) was noticed. In addition, an outbreak of Brucella bacteremia occurred during the years 2015-2016. This study demonstrates the double positive effect of PVC-13 introduction: a sharp decrease in the proportional rate of pneumococcal bacteremia and in the resistance of SPn to penicillin. Also, there was a moderate decline in the incidence of CAB in exception to bacteremia caused by S. pyogenes. This trend was reversed due to a Brucella outbreak.

The intraperitoneal bacteriology and antimicrobial resistance in acute appendicitis among children: a retrospective cohort study between the years 2007-2017.

This study aims to describe the microbiology and susceptibility profile of the intraperitoneal flora in complicated appendicitis. It is a retrospective cohort study including children < 18-year-old with pathologically confirmed appendicitis, from 2007 to 2017. It included 1466 children. Intraperitoneal samples were obtained from 655 (44.7%) patients, and 201 (30.7%) had positive culture with 395 pathogens. Gram-negative rods comprised 67.6%, Gram-positive cocci 21.5%, and anaerobes 10.9% of the isolates. Gram-positive cocci were detected in 67 (37.8%) patients. Milleri group Streptococci was the most frequently isolated Gram-positive (44.7%). The proportional rate of Milleri group Streptococci from Gram-positive cocci increased from 9.5 to 56.3% (P < 0.001, OR 12.214). Patients with Gram-positive cocci had longer hospital stay (mean 9.36 + 6.385 vs 7.72 + 4.582, P = 0.036, (CI -3.165, -0.105)) and more complicated disease (89.5% vs 78.4%, P = 0.045, OR 2.342). Patients with Milleri group Streptococci isolates readmitted more frequently (26.5% vs 13.2%, P = 0.05, OR 2.37). Resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate, gentamicin, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and amikacin were detected in 29.1%, 6.5%, 2.3%, 1.2%, and 0.7% of the Gram-negative rods, respectively.Conclusion: The rates of Gram-positive cocci and particularly Milleri group Streptococci in peritoneal fluid are increasing. More complicated disease and longer hospital stay in Gram-positive cocci and higher readmission rate in Milleri group Streptococci. These emphasize the role of anti-Gram-positive antimicrobials. What is known: • Gram-negative rods are the main isolates in complicated appendicitis. • The choice of antibiotic regimen is an unsettled issue due to resistance. What is new: • Increased rate of Gram-positive cocci and Milleri group Streptococci. • More complicated disease, longer hospital stay, and higher readmission rate.

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Israeli children: Community- vs hospital-acquired or healthcare related infections.

AIM: Incidences of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) in Israeli children are unknown. The characteristics of SAB in children have not been evaluated. METHODS: SAB from children aged ≤18 years old, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Israel during 2002-2015, were included. The proportional rate of SAB was calculated per 1000 admissions. SAB were classified as community acquired (CA), hospital acquired (HA) and healthcare related (HCR). Patients' characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility and outcomes were assessed in each group. RESULTS: The rate of SAB was stable, 1.48 per 1000 admissions. HA, CA and HCR-SAB comprised 53%, 25% and 22%, respectively. Only 27/185 (14.6%) were caused by methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA): 22%, 6% and 5% of HA, CA and HCR-SAB, respectively. Central venous catheter, recent surgery, immunodeficiency and age <6 years were the main risk factors for HA and HCR-SAB (adjusted OR: 68.9, 7.5, 5.8 and 5.5, respectively). Treatment duration for CA was >21 days: and for HA and HCR, 14-20 days. All-cause in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were documented in 10 (5%) and 3 (2%) episodes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The rate of SAB; the proportions of CA, HA and HCR-SAB; and the proportion of MRSA was stable over the years. MRSA was mainly in HA-SAB. Thirty-day mortality was rare.

Benign course and clinical features of COVID-19 in hospitalised febrile infants up to 60 days old.

AIM: Minimal data exist regarding the severity of COVID-19 in febrile infants under 60 days old. This multicentre prospective study explored the clinical course and outcomes of this hospitalised patient population, as, to date, the best approach has not been specifically addressed. METHODS: This study focused on the clinical features, laboratory parameters and outcomes of febrile infants up to 60 days old who tested positive for the virus and were hospitalised in Israel from March 2020 to January 2021. The data were extracted from a real-time prospective surveillance network for COVID-19 that includes 20 of the country's 26 hospitals. RESULTS: We identified 75 febrile young infants (60% female) with COVID-19 at a median age of 28 days (range 8-56 days). Of these, 84% had an unremarkable medical history, 29% had respiratory symptoms, and 96% had a mild illness. The Rochester criteria showed that 44% were considered at high-risk for serious bacterial infections, and we found that eight infants actually had concomitant bacterial infections. Outcomes were excellent, and no complications or fatalities were reported. CONCLUSION: The excellent outcomes of young febrile infants with COVID-19 closely resembled other respiratory viral aetiologies of fever in this age group, and there were no fatalities.

Q Fever Osteoarticular Infection in Children.

Q fever osteoarticular infection in children is an underestimated disease. We report 3 cases of Q fever osteomyelitis in children and review all cases reported in the literature through March 2018. A high index of suspicion is encouraged in cases of an unusual manifestation, prolonged course, relapsing symptoms, nonresolving or slowly resolving osteomyelitis, culture-negative osteomyelitis, or bone histopathology demonstrating granulomatous changes. Urban residence or lack of direct exposure to animals does not rule out infection. Diagnosis usually requires use of newer diagnostic modalities. Optimal antimicrobial therapy has not been well established; some case-patients may improve spontaneously or during treatment with a ß-lactam. The etiology of treatment failure and relapse is not well understood, and tools for follow-up are lacking. Clinicians should be aware of these infections in children to guide optimal treatment, including choice of antimicrobial drugs, duration of therapy, and methods of monitoring response to treatment..

[THE APPROACH TO INFECTIOUS UVEITIS IN CHILDREN].

INTRODUCTION: Uveitis is an inflammatory disease of the intraocular structures involving various parts of the eye. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to severe and irreversible vision loss. There are many causes leading to the development of uveitis, including: infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune and idiopathic sources. Uveitis is rarer in children than in other age groups and its diagnosis is challenging and treatment is complex. This disease might present at later stages after vision damage is already present. Uveitis and decreased vision may be the presenting symptom and/or sign of various inflammatory diseases, which would become fully expressed many years later. This review is limited to uveitis of infectious origin in the pediatric population, with a focus on the most common pathogens, based on the main anatomical sections involved in this disease. Moreover, we will clarify existing diagnostic tools and treatment options relevant for each underlying cause.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Cross-Resistance of Community-Acquired Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections in Israel.

This retrospective study evaluates the incidence and risk factors of community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) linked to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBLPE). The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in northern Israel and included children younger than 18 years with CA-UTIs due to Enterobacterales who were admitted to the emergency department, during the years 2017 to 2019. Among the 570 children, 9.8% had ESBLPE-associated CA-UTIs. This prevalence remained steady over the study period. ESBLPE exhibited substantial resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5% vs 20.4%, P < .001, odds ratio [OR] = 6.5), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (58.9% vs 18%, P < .001, OR = 6.6), ciprofloxacin (33.9% vs 3.1%, P < .001, OR = 15.9), piperacillin/tazobactam (26.8% vs 7%, P < .001, OR = 4.9), and gentamicin (21.4% vs 4.3%, P < .001, OR = 6.1), compared with non-ESBLPE. Risk factors for ESBLPE-associated UTIs included recent antibiotic treatment within the past 3 months (P = .003, OR = 3.5) and colonization with ESBLPE (P < .001, OR = 12.8). Given the variable incidence of ESBLPE, relying on local epidemiology for antibiotic selection pending culture results is crucial. The study finding of a low ESBLPE incidence, coupled with global concerns regarding carbapenem resistance, supports cautious use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in nonsevere cases.

The Impact of Respiratory Symptoms on the Risk of Serious Bacterial Infection in Febrile Infants < 60 Days Old.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the impact of respiratory symptoms and positive viral testing on the risk of serious bacterial infections (SBIs). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted that included infants (0-60 days) presenting with a fever between 2001 and 2022 at a tertiary hospital in northern Israel. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were collected, and risk factors for SBIs were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from a total of 3106 infants, including data from blood, urine, and CSF cultures, were obtained in 96.6%, 89%, and 29% of cases, respectively. A fever without respiratory symptoms (fever only) was present in 1312 infants, while 1794 had a fever and respiratory symptoms-427 were positive for a respiratory virus (virus+), 759 tested negative (virus-), and 608 were not tested. The SBI rate was 5.1% vs. 7.5% in the fever-and-respiratory group vs. the fever-only group (p = 0.004, OR = 0.65 (95% CI = 0.49-0.88)) and 2.8% vs. 7% in the virus+ vs. virus- group (p = 0.002, OR = 0.385, (95% CI = 0.203-0.728)). The male gender, an age < 1 month, leukocytosis > 15 × 109/L, or a CRP > 2 mg/dL increased the risk of SBIs. Respiratory symptoms or a confirmed viral infection reduced the risk of SBIs in the presence of the above risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory symptoms and a positive viral test decreased the risk of SBIs. Combining rapid viral testing with clinical variables may identify low-risk infants. Despite the relatively low risk of SBIs in individuals with viral infections, conducting prospective studies remains essential for accurately predicting the occurrence of these potentially life-threatening infections.

The Role of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Management of Brucellosis: An Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Diagnosis of focal infection in brucellosis is important to direct optimal treatment. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) may be helpful in this aspect. Methods: The clinical and imaging data of all patients with brucellosis, who underwent FDG PET/CT as part of the investigation in Rambam Health Care Campus, where FDG PET/CT became the recommended imaging modality for suspected focal infection in brucellosis since 2016, were analyzed retrospectively. The detection of focal infection as well as management modification before and after FDG PET/CT were recorded. Results: FDG PET/CT was performed in 30 episodes of brucellosis occurring in 27 patients: 20 primary episodes and 10 suspected relapse episodes. The mean age of the patients was 50 ± 15.07 years. Focal disease was diagnosed in 18 of 30 (60%) episodes, of which 8 (26.6%) were diagnosed for the first time by FDG PET/CT, all of whom had spinal infection, with a concomitant additional focus in 5. Overall, multifocal disease was diagnosed in 10 of 18 (55.5%) of patients with focal disease. Management modification following FDG PET/CT was recorded in 17 of 30 (56.6%) episodes, mainly by treatment extension in spinal infection and withholding treatment in patients with suspected relapse but no evidence of active disease by FDG PET/CT. Conclusions: FDG PET/CT was found to be helpful in the diagnosis of focal infection in brucellosis. Multifocal disease seems more prevalent than previously described. The clinical impact of adding FDG PET/CT to the diagnostic workup of brucellosis should be evaluated in future studies.

Six-Year Surveillance of Acquired Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Israel.

OBJECTIVES: We studied profile of the bloodstream infections (BSI) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identified predictors of mortality. METHODS: The study collected data from hospital records for children younger than 18-years who developed BSI during their PICU stay between 2014 and 2019. RESULTS: In 114 patients, 136 PICU-acquired BSIs with 152 pathogens were documented. The incidence of BSI was 47.12/1,000 PICU admissions and 7.95/1000 PICU hospital days. Gram-negative rods accounted for 75% of isolates, Gram-positive cocci accounted for 21.7% of isolates, and fungi accounted for 3.3% of isolated pathogens. ICU mortality was observed in 25 (21.9%) patients with a BSI compared to 94 (3.1%) patients without a BSI (P<0.001). Hemodynamic instability (P=0.014, OR 4.10, CI 1.33-12.66), higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P=0.044), and lower albumin levels (P=0.029) were associated with increased risk of ICU mortality. CONCLUSION: BSI in the PICU is associated with increased mortality. Early identification and management of risk factors independently associated with poor clinical outcomes in these patients should be aimed to ensure improved survival.

Non-polio enterovirus aseptic meningitis in infants up to three months of age, the bacterial mask of viral disease: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Non-polio enterovirus aseptic meningitis (NPE-AM) is a self-limiting illness that can mimic serious bacterial infection (SBI) in infants during their first months of life. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical features of febrile infants diagnosed with NPE-AM with those of infants who had SBI or non-bacterial infection (NBI). STUDY DESIGN: A systematic series of febrile infants < 3-months-old hospitalized between 2010 and 2019 with febrile illness in a tertiary hospital. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: Overall 1278 infants were included; 207 (16.2%) had NPE-AM, 210 (16.4%) SBI and 861 (67.4%) NBI. The median age was 34 (IQR: 21.5-51.7) days. NPE-AM was documented in 25% of infants < 29 days and 9.9% of infants aged 29-90 days. Infants with NPE-AM or SBI had fever >39°C more frequently, 24.2% and 17.1% compared with 10% in infants with NBI (p < 0.001). Fever duration ≥ 2 days was reported in 3.4% of infants with NPE-AM vs 18.6% in SBI and 26.3% in NBI (p < 0001); rash occurred in 37.7% in NPE-AM compared to 4.6% in NBI and 5.7% in SBI (p < 0.001). The mean white blood count, C-reactive protein and absolute neutrophil count were significantly lower in infants with NPE-AM compared to infants with the SBI (p < 0.001) and similar to the means in infants with NBI (p = 0.848, 0.098 and 0.764 respectively). A high proportion of bloody tap 346/784 (53.1%) was detected. Infants with NPE-AM were more likely to be treated with antibiotics than infants with NBIs (88.9% vs 50.7%, p < 0.001), similarly to infants with SBIs (p = 0.571). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of infants with NPE-AM that could mimic bacterial infection and the high rate of bloody taps may lead to more hospital admissions and antibiotic prescriptions. Rapid molecular testing for detection of NPE may be of additional value in the evaluation of febrile infants.

Pseudomonas Bacteremia in Children: Clinical and Microbiologic Features and Risk Factors of Mortality: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas bacteremia is most commonly acquired in hospital. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and antibiotic susceptibility, mortality rate and risk factors of mortality in children with Pseudomonas bacteremia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study that included children 18 years of age or younger admitted to a tertiary hospital with Pseudomonas bacteremia between 2005 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 196 patients with Pseudomonas bacteremia were identified. The proportional rate of Pseudomonas bacteremia was 33.9/100,000 hospital days. Underlying disease was documented in 81.1% of patients, 61% had hemato-oncological disease. Pseudomonas bacteremia was healthcare related in 180 (91.8%) episodes. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas accounted for 16 (8.2%) and difficult-to-treat organism to 3 (1.5%) of all isolates. Thirty-day mortality was reported in 27 (13.8%) patients, all had Pseudomonas aeruginosa . In multivariate regression analysis, the first model showed that younger age [ P = 0.038, odds ratio (OR) = 1.095, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.005-1.192] and inappropriate empiric antibiotic treatment ( P = 0.004, OR = 3.584, 95% CI: 1.490-8.621) were significantly associated with higher mortality. The second model also showed higher morality in younger age ( P = 0.021, OR = 1.114, 95% CI: 1.016-1.221) and MDR isolates ( P = 0.001, OR = 9.725, 95% CI: 2.486-38.039). CONCLUSIONS: Significant morbidity and mortality due to Pseudomonas bacteremia, but relatively lower mortality than previously published. Although young age, MDR isolates and inappropriate antibiotic treatment have been associated with increased mortality, these factors, especially with low prevalence of MDR isolates, may reflect the baseline mortality rate in vulnerable hosts with continuous contact with healthcare facilities facing such severe infection, and more efforts should be made to emphasize infection control practices to prevent such severe infection.

Immunogenicity and SARS-CoV-2 Infection following the Fourth BNT162b2 Booster Dose among Health Care Workers.

INTRODUCTION: The fourth SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose was found to protect against infection and more importantly against severe disease and death. It was also shown that the risk of symptomatic or severe disease was related to the antibody levels after vaccination or infection, with lower protection against the BA.4 BA.5 Omicron variants. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the fourth dose on infection and perception of illness seriousness among healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary health care campus in Haifa, Israel, and to investigate the possible protective effect of antibody levels against infection. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study among fully vaccinated HCWs and retired employees at Rambam Healthcare Campus (RHCC), a tertiary hospital in northern Israel. Participants underwent serial serological tests at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months following the second BNT162b2 vaccine dose. Only a part of the participants chose to receive the fourth vaccine. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to test the adjusted association between vaccination, and the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. Kaplan-Meier SARS-CoV-2 free "survival" analysis was conducted to compare the waning effect of the first and second, third and fourth vaccines. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for different values of the sixth serology to identify workers at risk for disease. RESULTS: Disease occurrence was more frequent among females, people age 40-50 years old and those with background chronic lung disease. The fourth vaccine was found to have better protection against infection, compared to the third vaccine; however, it also had a faster waning immunity compared to the third vaccine dose. Antibody titer of 955 AU/mL was found as a cutoff protecting from infection. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the fourth vaccine dose had a protective effect, but shorter than the third vaccine dose. Cutoff point of 955 AU/mL was recognized for protection from illness. The decision to vaccinate the population with a booster dose should consider other factors, including the spread of disease at the point, chronic comorbidities and age, especially during shortage of vaccine supply.