Antibiotic treatment for 6 days versus 12 days in patients with severe cellulitis: a multicentre randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether antibiotic treatment of 6 days' duration is non-inferior to treatment for 12 days in patients hospitalized for cellulitis. METHODS: This multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial enrolled adult patients hospitalized for severe cellulitis who were treated with intravenous flucloxacillin. At day 6 participants with symptom improvement who were afebrile were randomized between an additional 6 days of oral flucloxacillin or placebo in a 1:1 ratio, stratified for diabetes and hospital. The primary outcome was cure by day 14, without relapse by day 28. Secondary outcomes included a modified cure assessment and relapse rate by day 90. RESULTS: Between August 2014 and June 2017, 151 of 248 included participants were randomized. The intention-to-treat population consisted of 76 and 73 participants allocated to 12 and 6 days of antibiotic therapy, respectively (mean age 62 years, 67% males, 24% diabetics); 38/76 (50.0%) and 36/73 (49.3%) were cured in the 12- and 6-day groups respectively (ARR 0.7 percentage points, 95%CI: -15.0 to 16.3). Cure rates were 56/76 (73.7%) and 49/73 (67.1%) with the modified cure assessment (ARR 6.6, 95%CI: -8.0 to 20.8). After initial cure without relapse, day 90 relapse rates were higher in the 6-day group (6% versus 24%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Given the wide confidence intervals, we can neither confirm nor refute our hypothesis that 6 days of therapy is non-inferior to 12 days of therapy. However, a 6-day course resulted in significantly more frequent relapses by day 90. These findings require confirmation in future studies.

Introduction of routine hepatitis B screening for all patients receiving cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or patients who have recovered from an HBV infection are at risk for HBV reactivation (HBVr), especially if they need treatment with chemotherapy. International guidelines recommend routine HBV screening for all patients starting with chemotherapy. This study evaluates the implementation of a routine HBV screening protocol. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed between January 2015 and October 2016 at the Medical Centre Slotervaart Amsterdam. All patients with a solid or hematological malignancy starting intravenous chemotherapy were included. In September 2015, a protocol for routine HBV screening was introduced. HBV screening results were evaluated before and after implementation of the screening protocol. RESULTS: In total, 184 patients were included, of which 129 patients were actually screened; 37 of the 70 (53%) patients were screened in the group before implementation of the protocol and 92 of the 114 (81%) after implementation. Before routine HBV screening, 8/37 (21.6%) patients tested anti-HBc positive; after introduction of routine screening, 13/92 (14.1%) patients tested anti-HBc positive. After implementation of the screening protocol, no HBVr occurred. CONCLUSION: Implementation of routine HBV screening in patients starting chemotherapy increases identification of the number of patients identified as at risk for HBVr and contributes to prevention of HBVr. A high prevalence of anti-HBc positive patients was found during routine HBV screening, indicating the importance of screening. Awareness and implementation of routine HBV screening, together with knowledge of existing guidelines is necessary to increase the HBV screening rate in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Acute hepatitis C in the Netherlands: characteristics of the epidemic in 2014.

Within the Dutch Acute HCV in HIV Study, a surveillance system was initiated to estimate the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in 2014. Following the Dutch HIV treatment guidelines, HIV-positive men having sex with men (MSM) in 19 participating centers were screened. Ninety-nine acute HCV infections were reported, which resulted in a mean incidence of 11 per 1000 patient-years of follow-up. Unfortunately, the HCV epidemic among Dutch HIV-positive MSM is not coming to a halt.

Risk Factors for Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Case-Control Study.

Background. Since 2000, incidence of sexually acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infection has increased among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). To date, few case-control and cohort studies evaluating HCV transmission risk factors were conducted in this population, and most of these studies were initially designed to study HIV-related risk behavior and characteristics. Methods. From 2009 onwards, HIV-infected MSM with acute HCV infection and controls (HIV-monoinfected MSM) were prospectively included in the MOSAIC (MSM Observational Study of Acute Infection with hepatitis C) study at 5 large HIV outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. Written questionnaires were administered, covering sociodemographics, bloodborne risk factors for HCV infection, sexual behavior, and drug use. Clinical data were acquired through linkage with databases from the Dutch HIV Monitoring Foundation. For this study, determinants of HCV acquisition collected at the inclusion visit were analyzed using logistic regression. Results. Two hundred thirteen HIV-infected MSM (82 MSM with acute HCV infection and 131 MSM without) were included with a median age of 45.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 41.0-52.2). Receptive unprotected anal intercourse (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-15.4), sharing sex toys (aOR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.04-12.5), unprotected fisting (aOR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.02-6.44), injecting drugs (aOR, 15.62; 95% CI, 1.27-192.6), sharing straws when snorting drugs (aOR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.39-8.32), lower CD4 cell count (aOR, 1.75 per cubic root; 95% CI, 1.19-2.58), and recent diagnosis of ulcerative sexually transmitted infection (aOR, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.60-14.53) had significant effects on HCV acquisition. Conclusions. In this study, both sexual behavior and biological factors appear to independently increase the risk of HCV acquisition among HIV-infected MSM.

Complications of an implantable venous access device (Port-a-Cath) during intermittent continuous infusion of chemotherapy.

In 149 patients, treated with intermittent continuous infusion of different chemotherapeutic agents, 169 Port-a-Caths were implanted by qualified surgeons and residents in training. The peri- and postoperative complications of implantation of the Port-a-Cath system and the complications during treatment were retrospectively analysed. The Port-a-Cath was in situ for a total of 36247 days (median 181, range 1-1332). Of the 169 catheters, major complications occurred during treatment, with infection in 4 patients (2.4%), occlusion in 3 (1.8%), thrombosis in 8 (4.7%), extravasation in 8 (4.7%) and migration in 3 (1.8%). The peri- and postoperative complication rate was low, although pneumothorax occurred in 6 patients (3.6%). In 25 patients (14.8%) the Port-a-Cath had to be explanted due to complications. It can be concluded that continuous infusion of chemotherapy via a Port-a-Cath system is a relatively safe procedure, although major complications do occur. The experience of the surgeon could not be related to the complications.

Proinflammatory effects of IL-10 during human endotoxemia.

IL-10 is considered a potent antiinflammatory cytokine that strongly inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have suggested that IL-10 also has immunostimulatory properties on CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and/or NK cells, resulting in increased IFN-gamma production. To determine the effect of IL-10 on IFN-gamma production and related inflammatory responses in humans, 16 healthy subjects received a bolus i.v. injection of LPS (4 ng/kg) in combination with either placebo or recombinant human IL-10 (25 microg/kg), administered just before or 1 h after LPS. IL-10 treatment, particularly when administered after LPS, enhanced LPS-induced IFN-gamma release, as well as the release of the IFN-gamma-dependent chemokines IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 and monokine induced by IFN-gamma, while inhibiting or not influencing the production of IFN-gamma-inducing cytokines. In addition, IL-10 treatment enhanced activation of CTLs and NK cells after LPS injection, as reflected by increased levels of soluble granzymes. These data indicate that high-dose IL-10 treatment in patients with inflammatory disorders can be associated with undesired proinflammatory effects.

Interleukin 10 inhibits the release of CC chemokines during human endotoxemia.

Sixteen healthy subjects were intravenously injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), once with placebo and once with recombinant human interleukin (IL)-10 (25 microgram/kg), to determine the effect of IL-10 on LPS-induced production of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1. LPS induced transient increases in serum MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and MCP-1. Pretreatment with IL-10 inhibited LPS-induced release of MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and MCP-1. In whole blood in vitro, the IL-10-induced inhibition of MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta release was equally potent in the presence or absence of an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody. Although isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells produced more MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta than neutrophils, the latter cells were more sensitive to the inhibiting effect of IL-10. IL-10 attenuates LPS-induced production of CC chemokines in human endotoxemia, whereby in vitro experiments suggest that, in the case of MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta release, this effect is independent from an inhibitory effect on TNF production.

No beneficial effect of interferon-gamma treatment in 2 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with Mycobacterium avium complex infection.

Two human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with refractory disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection were treated with recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) given subcutaneously for 3 and 4 months, respectively. Although both patients demonstrated some clinical improvement initially, IFN-gamma therapy did not produce sustained benefit.

Role of endogenous interleukin-12 in immune response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B in mice.

In the present study, the roles of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-18 and their possible interaction during superantigen-induced responses were studied by injection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) into mice. These data suggest that the role of IL-12 in SEB-induced responses is limited to sustaining gamma interferon release by an IL-18-independent mechanism.

The CXC chemokines gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein 10 and monokine induced by IFN-gamma are released during severe melioidosis.

Gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by IFN-gamma (Mig) are related CXC chemokines which bind to the CXCR3 receptor and specifically target activated T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. The production of IP-10 and Mig by various cell types in vitro is strongly dependent on IFN-gamma. To determine whether IP-10 and Mig are released during bacterial infection in humans, we measured plasma levels of IP-10 and Mig in patients with melioidosis, a severe gram-negative infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. IP-10 and Mig were markedly elevated in patients with melioidosis on admission, particularly in blood culture-positive patients, and remained elevated during the 72-h study period. Levels of IP-10 and Mig showed a positive correlation with IFN-gamma concentrations and also correlated with clinical outcome. In whole blood stimulated with heat-killed B. pseudomallei, neutralization of IFN-gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) partly attenuated IP-10 and Mig release, while anti-interleukin-12 (IL-12) and anti-IL-18 had a synergistic effect. Stimulation with other bacteria or endotoxin also induced strong secretion of IP-10 and Mig. These data suggest that IP-10 and Mig are part of the innate immune response to bacterial infection. IP-10 and Mig may contribute to host defense in Th1-mediated host defense during infections by attracting CXCR3(+) Th1 cells to the site of inflammation.

The metalloproteinase inhibitor GI5402 inhibits endotoxin-induced soluble CD27 and CD16 release in healthy humans.

Metalloproteinases have been implicated in the cleavage of a number of cell surface immune receptors. Oral administration of the metalloproteinase inhibitor GI5402 attenuated the release of soluble CD27 and CD16 into the circulation after intravenous endotoxin injection in healthy humans.

Reduced Th1, but not Th2, cytokine production by lymphocytes after in vivo exposure of healthy subjects to endotoxin.

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) tolerance is characterized by a reduced capacity of monocytes to produce proinflammatory cytokines upon restimulation in vitro. To determine whether LPS exposure induces a change in lymphocyte cytokine production and whether this results in a shift in the T-helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 balance, whole blood obtained from seven healthy subjects before and after an intravenous injection of LPS (4 ng/kg) was stimulated in vitro with the T-cell stimulus anti-CD3/CD28 or staphylococcal enterotoxin B. Whole-blood production of the Th1 cytokines gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) was markedly reduced at 3 and 6 h, while the production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5 was not influenced or was slightly increased. The IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio was strongly decreased at 6 h. Serum obtained after LPS exposure could slightly inhibit the release of IFN-gamma but increased IL-4 production during stimulation of blood drawn from subjects not previously exposed to LPS. Normal serum also inhibited IFN-gamma production, albeit to a lesser extent. LPS exposure influences lymphocyte cytokine production, resulting in a shift toward a Th2 cytokine response, an effect that may be mediated in part by soluble factors present in serum after LPS administration in vivo.

The effect of a metalloproteinase inhibitor (GI5402) on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and TNF-alpha receptors during human endotoxemia.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is released from the cell surface by cleavage of pro-TNF-alpha by metalloproteinases (MPs). In cell cultures, inhibition of MPs has been found not only to reduce the release of TNF-alpha, but also to enhance the surface expression of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptors, which might lead to a proinflammatory effect. To determine the effect of MP inhibition during inflammation in humans, 7 healthy subjects were studied after intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 4 ng/kg) preceded (-20 minutes) by an oral dose of the MP inhibitor GI5402 (100 mg) or matching placebo. GI5402 strongly reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha release (P <.001), but did not influence the increase in monocyte-bound TNF-alpha. In addition, GI5402 attenuated the rise in plasma-soluble TNF-alpha receptors types I and II after LPS injection (both P <.001), but did not change the LPS-induced decreases in granulocyte and monocyte TNF-alpha receptor expression. These data suggest that MP inhibitors may be useful as a treatment modality in diseases in which excessive production of TNF-alpha is considered to play an important role. Furthermore, unlike in vitro, no evidence has been found in vivo with MP inhibition for a potential proinflammatory effect due to increases in membrane-bound TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor number.

Endotoxin release and cytokine production in acute and chronic meningococcaemia.

Chronic meningococcaemia is a relatively benign manifestation of meningococcal disease. Whether bacterial virulence factors are responsible for this benign course has not been studied. We compared the in vitro endotoxin-liberating ability and cytokine-inducing potential of 31 Neisseria meninigitidis isolates obtained from children with acute septic shock with that of nine isolates obtained from patients with chronic meningococcaemia and 12 isolates obtained from carriers with respiratory symptoms. The median endotoxin level released in vitro after 3 h of incubation was significantly higher for isolates causing septic shock compared with isolates from the other two groups (P=0.01 and 0.02, Mann-Whitney test). This was not explained by differences in bacterial growth rate in vitro. The median IL-6 levels in whole blood ex vivo after 4 h of incubation were also significantly lower for isolates causing chronic meningococcaemia (P=0.04, Mann-Whitney test). The endotoxin and cytokine levels measured on admission in the 31 children with acute meningococcal septic shock showed a 1000-fold variation. No relationship was established between the amount of endotoxin released by the causative microorganisms in vitro and the endotoxin or cytokine levels in the corresponding 31 children. These results suggest a diminished bacterial virulence for isolates causing chronic meningococcaemia. However, other factors than the endotoxin-releasing potential of the microorganism involved are responsible for the wide variation in endotoxin and therefore cytokine levels in patients with acute meningococcal septic shock.

Soluble granzymes are released during human endotoxemia and in patients with severe infection due to gram-negative bacteria.

Extracellular release of granzymes is considered to reflect the involvement of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells in various disease states. To obtain insight into granzyme release during bacterial infection, granzyme levels were measured during experimental human endotoxemia and in patients with melioidosis, a severe infection due to gram-negative bacteria. Plasma concentrations of granzyme A (GrA) and GrB increased transiently after endotoxin administration, peaking after 2-6 h. In patients with bacteremic melioidosis, GrA and GrB levels were elevated on admission and remained high during the 72-h study period. In whole blood stimulated with heat-killed Burkholderia pseudomallei, neutralization of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-12, or interleukin-18 inhibited granzyme secretion, which was independent of interferon-gamma. Stimulation with endotoxin and other gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria also strongly induced the secretion of granzymes, suggesting that granzyme release is a general immune response during bacterial infection. The interaction between the cytokine network and granzymes may play an important immunoregulatory role during bacterial infections.

Activation of mononuclear cells by interleukin-12: an in vivo study in chimpanzees.

Interleukin (IL)-12 is considered a central regulator of host resistance against a variety of pathogens. Therefore, IL-12 has been advocated as a potential therapeutic agent in infections. To determine the in vivo effects of IL-12 on mononuclear cells involved in the host immune response, four chimpanzees received an intravenous injection of recombinant IL-12 (1 microgram/kg). IL-12 induced a sustained decrease in lymphocyte counts, with decreases in CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ cells, while monocyte counts showed a transient increase. IL-12 injection resulted in a shift toward a Th1-mediated immune response as indicated by increased interferon-gamma production during whole-blood stimulation, while not influencing IL-4 production. IL-12-induced activation of NK cells and phagocytes, as indicated by increased NK cell cytotoxicity and increased plasma levels of granzymes A and B and of chitotriosidase activity. These data support the hypothesis that IL-12 may serve as a useful therapeutic agent in infections where a cell-mediated response is protective.

Interleukin-12 induces sustained activation of multiple host inflammatory mediator systems in chimpanzees.

To determine in vivo effects of interleukin (IL)-12 on host inflammatory mediator systems, 4 healthy chimpanzees received recombinant human IL-12 (1 microg/kg) by intravenous injection. IL-12 induced increases in plasma concentrations of IL-15, IL-18, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), plus a marked antiinflammatory cytokine response (IL-10, soluble tumor necrosis factor [TNF] receptors, IL-1 receptor antagonist) and secretion of alpha-chemokines (IL-8, IFN-gamma-inducible protein 10) and beta-chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta). In addition, IL-12 elicited neutrophilic leukocytosis, neutrophil degranulation (elastase-alpha1-antitrypsin complexes), coagulation activation (F1 + 2 prothrombin fragment, thrombin-antithrombin III complexes), and fibrinolytic activation (tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasmin-alpha2-antiplasmin complexes). IL-12-induced activation of multiple host mediator systems was found only after 8-24 h, remained detectable until the end of the 48-h observation period, and occurred in the absence of detectable TNF and IL-1beta. These data may contribute to understanding the role of IL-12 in the pathogenesis of sepsis syndrome and the toxicity found after repeated injections of IL-12.

Elevated plasma concentrations of interferon (IFN)-gamma and the IFN-gamma-inducing cytokines interleukin (IL)-18, IL-12, and IL-15 in severe melioidosis.

Interferon (IFN)-gamma plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Production of IFN-gamma is stimulated by synergistic effects of interleukin (IL)-18, IL-12, and IL-15. To investigate the regulation of IFN-gamma production during severe gram-negative infection, the plasma concentrations of IFN-gamma, IL-18, IL-12, and IL-15 were measured in 83 patients with suspected melioidosis. The diagnosis was confirmed in 62 patients, 31 of whom had blood cultures positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei, of whom 12 died. Compared with healthy controls, patients had elevated levels of IFN-gamma, IL-18, IL-12p40, and IL-15 on admission, with significantly higher levels in blood culture-positive patients, and these levels remained elevated during the 72-h study period. In whole blood stimulated with heat-killed B. pseudomallei, anti-IL-12 had a stronger inhibitory effect than anti-IL-18 and anti-IL-15 on IFN-gamma production. This effect of anti-IL-12 was further enhanced by anti-IL-18. These data suggest that during gram-negative sepsis, IFN-gamma production is controlled at least in part by endogenous IL-18, IL-12, and IL-15.