A Case of Bacteremia Caused by Raoultella planticola Direct Identification from Blood Culture by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Background: Raoultella planticola is an uncommon gram-negative organism found in the environment. Patients and Methods: The patient, an 81-year-old female who had undergone total cystectomy and bilateral ureteral stoma surgery, presented to the hospital with a fever. It was determined that Raoultella planticola was responsible for the bacteremia. Results: Rapid identification of bacteria using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in blood culture samples and appropriate antibacterial treatment was begun and the patient was discharged three days later. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the presence of a rare pathogen as the cause of bacteremia and underscores the importance of utilizing rapid methods for bacterial identification to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Candida auris inpatient screening in collaboration with the public health department.

Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that is associated with nosocomial outbreaks in patients with extensive health care exposure and treatment outside the United States. The Ohio Department of Health recommends C auris screening in high-risk patients. However, this can be operationally difficult for many health care facilities. This report describes a C auris and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales inpatient screening program done in collaboration with state public health.

A practical approach to screening for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales- views of a group of multidisciplinary experts from English hospitals.

INTRODUCTION: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are an important public health threat, with costly operational and economic consequences for NHS Integrated Care Systems and NHS Trusts. UK Health Security Agency guidelines recommend that Trusts use locally developed risk assessments to accurately identify high-risk individuals for screening, and implement the most appropriate method of testing, but this presents many challenges. METHODS: A convenience sample of cross-specialty experts from across England met to discuss the barriers and practical solutions to implementing UK Health Security Agency framework into operational and clinical workflows. The group derived responses to six key questions that are frequently asked about screening for CPE. KEY FINDINGS: Four patient groups were identified for CPE screening: high-risk unplanned admissions, high-risk elective admissions, patients in high-risk units, and known positive contacts. Rapid molecular testing is a preferred screening method for some of these settings, offering faster turnaround times and more accurate results than culture-based testing. It is important to stimulate action now, as several lessons can be learnt from screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as from CPE outbreaks. CONCLUSION: Further decisive and instructive information is needed to establish CPE screening protocols based on local epidemiology and risk factors. Local management should continually evaluate local epidemiology, analysing data and undertaking frequent prevalence studies to understand risks, and prepare resources- such as upscaled screening- to prevent increasing prevalence, clusters or outbreaks. Rapid molecular-based methods will be a crucial part of these considerations, as they can reduce unnecessary isolation and opportunity costs.

The EC-COMPASS: Long-term, multi-centre surveillance of Enterobacter cloacae complex - a clinical perspective.

BACKGROUND: Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECCO) comprises closely related Enterobacterales, causing a variety of infections ranging from mild urinary tract infections to severe bloodstream infections. ECCO has emerged as a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in neonatal and adult intensive care. AIM: The Enterobacter Cloacae COMplex PASsive Surveillance (EC-COMPASS) aims to provide a detailed multi-centre overview of ECCO epidemiology and resistance patterns detected in routine microbiological diagnostics in four German tertiary-care hospitals. METHODS: In a sentinel cluster of four German tertiary-care hospitals, all culture-positive ECCO results between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2022, were analysed based on Hybase® laboratory data. FINDINGS: Analysis of 31,193 ECCO datasets from 14,311 patients revealed a higher incidence in male patients (P<0.05), although no significant differences were observed in ECCO infection phenotypes. The most common sources of ECCO were swabs (42.7%), urine (17.5%), respiratory secretions (16.1%), blood cultures (8.9%) and tissue samples (5.6%). The annual bacteraemia rate remained steady at approximately 33 cases per hospital. Invasive ECCO infections were predominantly found in oncology and intensive care units. Incidences of nosocomial outbreaks were infrequent and limited in scope. Notably, resistance to carbapenems was consistently low. CONCLUSION: EC-COMPASS offers a profound clinical perspective on ECCO infections in German tertiary-healthcare settings, highlighting elderly men in oncology and intensive care units as especially vulnerable to ECCO infections. Early detection strategies targeting at-risk patients could improve ECCO infection management.

Kluyvera georgiana Bacteremia Due to Acute Cholangitis: A Report of the First Known Case and a Literature Review.

We herein present the first known case of bacteremia caused by Kluyvera georgiana in a 67-year-old female undergoing chemotherapy for recurrent pancreatic cancer. The patient underwent choledochojejunotomy and thereafter developed ascending cholangitis. The diagnosis of K. georgiana was confirmed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A literature review of Kluyvera spp. infections indicated potential risk factors including an underlying malignancy and immunosuppression. Although Kluyvera spp. infections are typically sensitive to antibiotics, multidrug resistance is possible. This case highlights the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of K. georgiana and its associated risk factors.

Hospitalizaciones por diarrea con sangre en un centro pediátrico de referencia en Uruguay / Hospitalizations due to bloody diarrhea in a pediatric reference center in Uruguay / Internações por diarreia sanguinolenta em um centro de referência pediátrica no Uruguai

Introducción: La diarrea con sangre es un motivo frecuente de admisión hospitalaria en niños, con gastroenteritis aguda; en la mayoría de los casos se tratan de infecciones leves y autolimitadas, pero pueden producirse complicaciones graves. Objetivos: Describir la etiología y características clínico- evolutivas de los niños menores de 15 años hospitalizados por diarrea con sangre en el Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre los años 2012- 2023. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo mediante revisión de historias y registros de laboratorio. Variables: demográficas, estado nutricional, hidratación, motivos de hospitalización, ingreso unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI), enteropatógenos, tratamientos, evolución. Resultados: Se incluyeron 229 niños, mediana de edad de 8 meses; sexo masculino 61%; eutróficos 88%, bien hidratados 55%, con comorbilidades 11%, prematurez 6,5%. El motivo de hospitalización fue diarrea con sangre/disentería sin otro síntoma 45%. Se solicitó coprovirológico/coprocultivo en 98% y detección por técnicas de ácidos nucleicos en materia fecal 5,2%. Se identificó al menos un agente patógeno en 34,3%: Shigella sp. 38%; Salmonella sp. 19,5%; coinfecciones en 12%. Se indicaron antibióticos a 86%; ceftriaxona 62%, azitromicina 35%. Ingresaron a UCI 6,5% (15), presentaron complicaciones 10/14, fallo renal agudo 5 y alteraciones del medio interno 3. La mayoría presentó buena evolución. Conclusiones: La diarrea con sangre/disentería continúa siendo una causa importante de hospitalización afectando en su mayoría a niños sanos menores de 5 años. Los patógenos detectados con mayor frecuencia fueron bacterias principalmente Shigella sp., Salmonella sp. y E coli diarreogénicas. Se reportó alta prescripción de antibióticos, cumpliendo en la mayoría de los casos con las recomendaciones.

Introduction: Bloody diarrhea is a common reason for hospital admission in children with acute gastroenteritis; In most cases these are mild and self-limiting infections, but serious complications can occur. Goals: To describe the etiology and clinical-evolutionary characteristics of children under 15 years of age hospitalized for bloody diarrhea at the Pediatric Hospital, Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell between the years 2012-2023. Materials and methods: Retrospective study through review of histories and laboratory records. Variables: demographics, nutritional status, hydration, reason for hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, enteropathogens, treatments, evolution. Results: 229 children were included, median age 8 months; male sex 61%; eutrophic 88%, well hydrated 55%, with comorbidities 11%, prematurity 6.5%. The reason for hospitalization was bloody diarrhea/dysentery without other symptoms 45%. Coprovirological/coproculture was requested in 98% and detection by nucleic acid techniques in fecal matter was requested in 5,2%. At least one pathogenic agent was identified in 34,3%: Shigella sp. 38%; Salmonella sp 19,5%; coinfections in 12%. Antibiotics were indicated for 86%; ceftriaxone 62%, azithromycin 35%. Were admitted to the ICU 6,5% (15), 10/14 had complications, 5 had acute kidney failure and 3 had alterations in the internal environment. The majority had a good evolution. Conclusions: Bloody diarrhea/dysentery continues to be an important cause of hospitalization, affecting mostly healthy children under 5 years of age. The most frequently detected pathogens were bacteria, mainly Shigella sp., Salmonella sp. and diarrheagenic E coli. High prescription of antibiotics was reported, complying in most cases with the recommendations.

Introdução: A diarreia com sangue é um motivo comum de internação hospitalar em crianças com gastroenterite aguda; Na maioria dos casos, estas são infecções leves e autolimitadas, mas podem ocorrer complicações graves. Metas: Descrever a etiologia e as características clínico-evolutivas de crianças menores de 15 anos internadas por diarreia sanguinolenta no Hospital Pediátrico Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre os anos de 2012-2023. Materiais e métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por meio de revisão de histórias e registros laboratoriais. Variáveis: dados demográficos, estado nutricional, hidratação, motivo da internação, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), enteropatógenos, tratamentos, evolução. Resultados: foram incluídas 229 crianças, mediana de idade 8 meses; sexo masculino 61%; eutrófico 88%, bem hidratado 55%, com comorbidades 11%, prematuridade 6,5%. O motivo da internação foi diarreia sanguinolenta/disenteria sem outros sintomas 45%. O estudo coprovirologico/coprocultivo foi solicitado em 98% e a detecção por técnicas de ácidos nucleicos em matéria fecal foi solicitada em 5,2%. Pelo menos um agente patogênico foi identificado em 34,3%: Shigella sp. 38%; Salmonella sp. 19,5%; coinfecções em 12%. Os antibióticos foram indicados para 86%; ceftriaxona 62%, azitromicina 35%. Foram internados em UTI 6,5% (15), 10/14 apresentaram complicações, 5 tiveram insuficiência renal aguda e 3 apresentaram alterações no meio interno, a maioria teve boa evolução. Conclusões: A diarreia/disenteria com sangue continua a ser uma causa importante de hospitalização, afetando sobretudo crianças saudáveis ​​com menos de 5 anos de idade. Os patógenos mais frequentemente detectados foram bactérias, principalmente Shigella sp., Salmonella sp. e E. coli diarreiogênica. Foi relatada elevada prescrição de antibióticos, cumprindo na maioria dos casos as recomendações.

Prevalence of carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales colonization and risk factor of clinical infection.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are global concerns in infection control, and the number of CPE outbreaks in hospitals is increasing despite the strengthening of contact precautions. This study aimed to confirm the prevalence and transition rate of CPE infection from stool surveillance culture and to identify the acquisition pathway of CPE. METHODS: This is a longitudinal review of patients with stool surveillance cultures at a tertiary center in Seoul, South Korea, from July 2018 to June 2020. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multi-locus sequence typing, and whole genome sequencing were performed for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains. RESULTS: Among 1620 patients who had undergone stool CPE surveillance cultures, only 7.1% of active surveillance at the Emergency Room (ER) and 4.4% of universal surveillance in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were stool CPE positive. The transition rates from stool carriers to clinical CPE infections were 29.4% in the ER and 31.3% in the ICU. However, it was significantly high (55.0%) in the initial stool CPE-negative ICU patients. Among the initial stool CPE-positive patients, hypertension (61% vs. 92.3%, P = 0.004), malignancy (28.8% vs. 53.8%, P = 0.027), and mechanical ventilation (25.4% vs. 53.8%, P = 0.011) were significant risk factors for clinical CPE infection. Molecular typing revealed that sequence type (ST) 307 and ST 395 were dominant in K. pneumoniae, and ST 410 was dominant in E. coli isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance showed a higher detection rate than universal stool CPE screening, and one-third of positive stool CPE specimens ultimately developed subsquent clinical CPE infection. According to the molecular typing of the identified CPE strains, in-hospital spread prevailed over external inflow, and the transition rate to clinical CPE was particularly high in the ICU. Therefore, in order to control CPE propagation, not only active surveillance to block inflow from outside, but also continuous ICU monitoring within the hospital is necessary.

Morganella sp. infection in scent gland of corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) - case report / Infecção por Morganella sp. em glândula de cheiro de corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) - relato de caso

The corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a non-venomous snake from the Colubridae family. The pair of scent glands is indispensable in the physiology of reproduction and defense of the species. This structure is located caudal to the cloaca. It is responsible for releasing a thick material based on lipids containing pheromones that perform functions associated with animal behavior and survival. This work aims to report infection by Morganella sp. in a scent gland in a female corn snake, evidencing the diagnosis and treatment. An increase in volume was seen in the final third, proximal to the cloaca, firm consistency, immobile, and approximately 4 cm long and painful to touch. Samples of the material were collected for bacterial culture and antibiogram examination, being positive for bacteria of the genus Morganella. Based on the result of the antibiogram, it was possible to determine the most appropriate therapeutic protocol, with the referral to perform the surgical procedure to remove the tissue compromised by the infection, remaining stable until the removal of the stitches 40 days after the procedure, with total surgical wound healing.(AU)

A corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) é uma serpente não peçonhenta, da família Colubridae. Na fisiologia da reprodução e defesa da espécie, o par de glândulas de cheiro é indispensável. Essa estrutura está localizada caudal à cloaca e é responsável pela liberação de um material espesso à base de lipídeos, contendo feromônios que exercem funções associadas ao comportamento animal e à sua sobrevivência. O objetivo desse trabalho é relatar uma infecção por Morganella sp. em glândula de cheiro em uma fêmea de corn snake, evidenciando o diagnóstico e tratamento. Observou-se um aumento de volume no terço final, proximal a cloaca, de consistência firme, imóvel e com aproximadamente 4 cm de comprimento e sensibilidade dolorosa ao toque. Foram coletadas amostras do material para cultura bacteriana e exame de antibiograma, sendo positivo para bactérias do gênero Morganella. Com base no resultado do antibiograma, foi possível determinar o protocolo terapêutico mais adequado, como o encaminhamento para realização do procedimento cirúrgico para remoção do tecido comprometido pela infecção, se mantendo estável até a remoção dos pontos, 40 dias após o procedimento, com total cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica.(AU)

Chronic Diarrhea Associated with Edwardsiella Tarda Gastroenteritis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Edwardsiella tarda , a Gram-negative bacterium classified into the genus Enterobacteriaceae, causes self-limited gastroenteritis. Here, we report a case of E. tarda gastroenteritis in a previously healthy 12-year-old boy in whom inflammatory bowel disease was precluded by endoscopy and tissue biopsy due to 3-month history of diarrhea, abdominal pain and weight loss.

Primeros aislados de Enterobacter cloacae complex co-productores de KPC y NDM en un hospital de segundo nivel en la Cuidad de Panamá / First isolates of Enterobacter cloacae complex co-producing KPC and NDM in a second level hospital in City of Panama

Resumen La aparición de Enterobacterales co-productores de dos o más carbapenemasas han despertado las alertas sanitarias en Latinoamérica. Las enterobacterias co-productoras de carbapenemasas KPC y NDM-1 son resistentes a casi todos los antibacterianos existentes. Panamá ha reportado la presencia de carbapenemasas KPC desde 2010 y NDM desde 2011; sin embargo, Enterobacterales con doble producción de carbapenemasas es un fenómeno reciente en nuestros hospitales. Presentamos los dos primeros aislados de Enterobacter cloacae complex co-productores de KPC y NDM, en un hospital de segundo nivel de la Ciudad de Panamá. El reforzamiento de los sistemas de vigilancia epidemiológica en los hospitales permite realizar una detección oportuna de estas nuevas combinaciones de mecanismos de resistencia; para así, implementar medidas de prevención y control de brotes.

Abstract Enterobacterales co-producing carbapenemases have awakened health alerts in Latin America. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales harboring KPC and NDM-1 are resistant to almost all existing antibiotics. Panama reports KPC since 2010, and NDM since 2011, however, Enterobacterales with double carbapenemase production is new to our hospitals. We present the first two isolates of Enterobacter cloacae complex co-producing KPC and NDM, in a second level hospital in Panama City. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance systems in hospitals allows to carry out timely detection of these new combinations of resistance; to implement outbreak prevention and control measures.

Detection of beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a veterinary hospital environment / Detecção de Enterobactérias produtoras de beta-lactamases em ambiente hospitalar veterinário

Due to the strong selective pressure resulting from the misuse of antibiotics, the natural process of bacterial resistance has been accelerated, leading to the increasingly constant appearance of multiresistant isolates. The high number of multi-resistant bacteria is a one health problem. Enterobacteriaceae are usually commensal bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. However, they can cause infections, and the most important resistance characteristic among them is the production of ß-lactamases. This study aimed to identify ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae of types of TEM, SHV, and the CTX-Mgroups. To isolate the enterobacteria, swabs were collected by swiping objects that had contact with the patients and professionals, and the water of the hospital environment. Ten collections were carried out, yielding 306 samples, from which 118 enterobacteria were identified: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Serratiaspp., and Citrobacter spp. Isolates. The genes TEM and CTX-M, for the production of ß-lactamases, were detected in 12.7% of the 118 enterobacterial isolates. It is very important to know the bacterial population circulating in the veterinary hospital environment and its resistance to antimicrobials so that professionals can take appropriate measures to minimize the risks of transmission, especially from cages and consultation tables. In addition, the correct control of the microbiological quality of the supply water, as well as environmental cleaning procedures, are essential to prevent the transmission of these microorganisms.(AU)

Devido à grande pressão seletiva decorrente do uso indevido de antibióticos, tem se acelerado o processo natural de resistência das bactérias, levando ao aparecimento cada vez mais constante de isolados multirresistentes. O elevado número de bactérias multirresistentes identificadas é um problema da saúde única. As enterobactérias são bactérias geralmente comensais do trato gastrointestinal, entretanto podem causar infecções, e a característica de resistência mais importante entre elas é a produção de ß-lactamases. Buscando caracterizar melhor os microrganismos circulantes e potencialmente causadores de infecções em ambiente hospitalar veterinário, este estudo objetivou identificar as enterobactérias produtoras de ESBL do tipo TEM, SHV e os cinco grupos de CTX-M presentes em isolados circulantes em hospital veterinário. Foi realizada coleta de suabes de arrasto de objetos que entram em contato com os pacientes e com os profissionais que ali trabalham, bem como de água, para a identificação das enterobactérias. Foram realizadas 10 coletas, obtendo-se 306 amostras, dessas, 118 enterobactérias foram identificadas: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia e Citrobacter. Dentre as enterobactérias identificadas, alguns isolados possuíam genes para a produção de ß-lactamases, do tipo TEM e CTX-M. É de grande importância conhecer a população bacteriana circulante no ambiente hospitalar veterinário, e a sua resistência aos antimicrobianos, para que os profissionais possam tomar medidas apropriadas para minimizar os riscos de transmissão, principalmente a partir de gaiolas e mesas de atendimento. Além disso, o correto controle da qualidade microbiológica da água de abastecimento, bem como dos procedimentos de higienização do ambiente, são fundamentais para evitar a transmissão destes microrganismos.(AU)

Native bone and joint infections caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales: experience of a reference centre in the Greater Paris area.

Antibiotic treatment of native osteomyelitis caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) is a challenge. Limited epidemiological and outcome data are available. This retrospective cohort study included osteomyelitis patients with ESBL-PE infections treated in a reference centre for bone and joint infections (BJIs) between 2011-2019. Twenty-nine patients with native BJI (mean age, 44.4 ± 15.7 years) were analysed. Fifteen cases were paraplegic patients with ischial pressure sores breaching the hip capsule. Other cases included eight other hip infections, four tibial infections and two foot infections. Infections were mostly polymicrobial (n = 23; 79.3%), including Staphylococcus aureus (n = 13; 8 methicillin-resistant). Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 13) was the most frequent ESBL-producing species identified, followed by Escherichia coli (n = 10), including 3 E. coli/K. pneumoniae co-infections, and Enterobacter spp. (n = 9). ESBL-PE were rarely susceptible to fluoroquinolones (n = 4; 13.8%). Most therapies were based on carbapenems (n = 22) and combination therapies (n = 19). The median duration of treatment was 41 (5-60) days. Primary control of the infection was achieved in 62.1% (18/29) of cases and up to 86.2% after second look surgeries, after a median follow-up of 6 (1-36) months. Infection with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae was associated with failure (P = 0.001), whereas age, infection location, prior colonisation and antimicrobial therapy were not found to be predictors of outcome. ESBL-PE native BJIs are often polymicrobial and fluoroquinolone-resistant infections caused by K. pneumoniae, highlighting the need for expert centres with pluridisciplinary meetings with experienced surgeons.

Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae From Blood Culture Bottles of Known CPE Carriers: Real-world Experience.

We used a rapid antigen test for the detection of carbapenemases directly from positive blood culture bottles of pediatric hemato-oncologic patients, known carriers of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae. Resistance mechanism was detected within 15 minutes of observing Gram-negative bacilli from a positive bottle, leading to treatment modification. This simple-to-use, inexpensive assay shortens the interval between empiric to tailored antimicrobial therapy.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with Raoultella spp. isolation in Bogotá, Colombia. / Características clínicas y microbiológicas de pacientes con aislamiento por Raoultella spp. en Bogotá, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Raoultella spp. is a gram-negative bacillus with increasing clinical importance due to the development of multi-drug resistance and because it has been reported as a cause of invasive infection. The risk of infection increases if comorbidities present such as diabetes mellitus and malignancies. METHODS: Descriptive study of clinical and microbiological characteristics in adult patients with Raoultella spp. isolation, treated at a fourth-level hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, between 2015 and 2020. RESULTS: 61 patients with isolation of Raoultella spp., 51 were considered infection and 10, colonization. The associated comorbidities were hypertension (n=26, 42.6%), heart failure (n=19, 31.1%) and diabetes mellitus (n=18, 29.5%). AmpC resistance patterns were found in 10 samples (16.4%) and KPC in 3 (4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Raoultella spp. is of clinical importance due to its isolation in immunocompromised patients with multiple comorbidities and due to the increase in multi-resistant strains.

Edwardsiella tarda: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Fatal Infection, with Possible New Background Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND Edwardsiella tarda is a facultative anaerobic bacterium that is rarely pathogenic to humans, but, in patients with certain risk factors, it can lead to severe, disseminated infections. Humans are inoculated through the gastrointestinal tract while consuming undercooked or raw seafood or through skin penetration. E. tarda has been isolated from marine environments, including lakes, rivers, wells, and sewage water. Although the bacterium has not been directly isolated from seawater, it has been cultured from animals inhabiting seawater environments. In the United States, E. tarda is predominantly localized along the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. Complications from this bacterium usually arise in patients with liver disease, iron overload, or cirrhosis or in those who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive therapy. CASE REPORT Our patient was a 59-year-old woman with a history of advanced lung cancer, pulmonary hypertension, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis C, and alcoholism. She initially presented to the Emergency Department in the Florida Panhandle on June 16 with colitis, which then progressed to fulminant sepsis with septic shock. Despite aggressive interventions, including intravenous hydration, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and vasopressor support, our patient succumbed to her illness approximately 34 h after initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS Although severe cases of E. tarda have been reported in patients with liver dysfunction, we believe this is the first reported case potentially complicated by concomitant lung cancer. The rise in sea water temperature, increased human consumption of raw seafood, and increased prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may increase the incidence and mortality of E. tarda in the near future.

Marcadores hematológicos y bioquímicos para el diagnóstico precoz de bacteriemiascausadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a los carbapenémicos / Haematological and biochemical markers for the early diagnosis of bacteremias caused bycarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae

INTRODUCCIÓN. Las bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos se asocian con altas tasas de mortalidad a diferencia de las bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae sensibles a carbapenémicos. Los hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio son importantes para determinar los esquemas terapéuticos y su pronóstico; su diagnóstico precoz resulta esencial para un manejo adecuado. OBJETIVO. Relacionar valores de marcadores sanguíneos y bioquímicos en bacteriemias causadas por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico transversal. Población de 427 y muestra de 224 datos de hemocultivos positivos para Enterobacteriaceae de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el periodo mayo 2016 a julio 2018. Criterios de inclusión: i) al menos un hemocultivo positivo; ii) recuperación del aislado de CRE o CSE y iii) recolección simultanea de muestras de sangre y pruebas de laboratorio. Criterios de exclusión: i) bacteriemias polimicrobianas; ii) valores fuera de rango y iii) reportes sin valores numéricos. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante el programa estadístico International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences versión 24.0. RESULTADOS. Se demostró que el recuento de leucocitos [OR 1,21 (95% IC: 1,03-1,43)], el recuento de plaquetas [OR 1,65 (95% IC: 1,37-1,98)] y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina [OR 1,29 (95% IC: 1,04-1,60)] fueron buenas variables predictoras independientes, mediante análisis de regresión logística multivariante. CONCLUSIÓN. La trombocitopenia y el tiempo parcial de tromboplastina prolongado se asociaron con bacteremia causada por Enterobacteriaceae resistentes a carbapenémicos.

INTRODUCTION. Bacteremias caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are associated with high mortality rates in contrast to bacteremias caused by carbapenem-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae. Clinical and laboratory findings are important in determining therapeutic regimens and prognosis; early diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. OBJECTIVE. To relate blood and biochemical marker values in bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional analytical study. Population of 427 and sample of 224 blood culture data positive for Enterobacteriaceae from patients attended at the Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital in the period May 2016 to July 2018. Inclusion criteria: i) at least one positive blood culture; ii) recovery of CRE or CSE isolate and iii) simultaneous collection of blood samples and laboratory tests. Exclusion criteria: i) polymicrobial bacteremia; ii) out-of-range values and iii) reports without numerical values. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0. RESULTS. Leukocyte count [OR 1.21 (95% CI: 1.03-1.43)], platelet count [OR 1.65 (95% CI: 1.37- 1.98)] and partial thromboplastin time [OR 1.29 (95% CI: 1.04-1.60)] were shown to be good independent predictor variables, by multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION. Thrombocytopenia and prolonged partial thromboplastin time were associated with bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

A case report of community-acquired Raoultella ornithinolytica infection in a healthy, young individual.

BACKGROUND: Raoultella ornithinolytica is a Gram-negative bacillus that resembles Klebsiella. This bacterium is present in many soil and aquatic environments and is a major causative agent of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in medical staff. Clinically, it has been reported to contribute to nosocomial infections in patients that include but are not limited to gastrointestinal, skin, and genitourinary tract infections. These complications are most common in hospitalized patients with underlying immunodeficiency, multiple comorbidities, or those receiving invasive surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 25-year-old patient with a R. ornithinolytica infection. The patient had no history of any disease. Her main complaints were high fever, a scattered maculopapular rash, and superficial lymph node enlargement (SLNE). Peripheral blood samples were collected for high-throughput sequencing analysis to identify pathogenic microorganisms. The results confirmed a R. ornithinolytica infection, which was treated successfully using meropenem. Loratadine was also administered to treat the patient's compromised skin condition caused by an allergic reaction. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case of a systemic maculopapular rash and superficial lymphadenopathy caused by a R. ornithinolytica infection acquired at the community level. Based on this case, we recommend a combination of antibiotic and antiallergic drugs to treat a R. ornithinolytica infection and associated allergic reaction to the bacteria.

Preliminary exploration on the serum biomarkers of bloodstream infection with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae based on mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) bloodstream infections (BSI) must be rapidly identified to improve patient survival rates. This study investigated a new mass spectrometry-based method for improving the identification of CRKP BSI and explored potential biomarkers that could differentiate CRKP BSI from sensitive. METHODS: Mouse models of BSI were first established. MALDI-TOF MS was then used to profile serum peptides in CRKP BSI versus normal samples before applying BioExplorer software to establish a diagnostic model to distinguish CRKP from normal. The diagnostic value of the model was then tested against 32 clinical CRKP BSI and 27 healthy serum samples. Finally, the identities of the polypeptides used to establish the diagnostic model were determined by secondary mass spectrometry. RESULTS: 107 peptide peaks were shared between the CRKP and normal groups, with 18 peaks found to be differentially expressed. Five highly expressed peptides in the CRKP group (m/z 1349.8, 2091.3, 2908.2, 4102.1, and 8129.5) were chosen to establish a diagnostic model. The accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the model were determined as 79.66%, 81.48%, and 78.12%, respectively. Secondary mass spectrometry identified the Fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA), Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4) and Serum amyloid A-2 protein (SAA2) as the source of the 5 serum peptides. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully established a serum peptide-based diagnostic model that distinguished clinical CRKP BSI samples from normal healthy controls. The application of MALDI-TOF MS to measure serum peptides, therefore, represents a promising approach for early BSI diagnosis of BSI, especially for multidrug-resistant bacteria where identification is urgent.

Raoultella ornithinolytica urinary tract infection in a pediatric patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Currently, Raoultella ornithinolytica is considered an emerging pathogen of community- and hospital-acquired infection, particularly in patients with immunodeficiencies, malignancies, anatomical abnormalities, or after invasive procedures. Pediatric infections with R. ornithinolytica are exceedingly rare, with only six previously reported cases, of which only two were reported as a urinary tract infection. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a polymicrobial urinary tract infection (R. ornithinolytica and Enterococcus faecalis) in a pediatric patient with T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which was successfully treated with ampicillin-sulbactam. CONCLUSIONS: To the extent of our knowledge, we report the seventh case in a pediatric patient and only the third case of a urinary tract infection in this age group caused by R. ornithinolytica.

First case report of acute cholangitis secondary to Cronobacter sakazakii.

INTRODUCTION: Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium which may be a causative agent of meningitis in premature infants and enterocolitis and bacteremia in neonates and adults. While there have been multiple cases of C. sakazakii infections, there have been no acute cholangitis cases reported in humans. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old male with a past medical history of basal cell carcinoma, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure, complicated by staphylococcus bacteremia, pituitary tumor, glaucoma, and hypothyroidism presented to the emergency room with the complaint of diffuse and generalized 10/10 abdominal pain of 1 day's duration. There was a concern for pancreatitis, acute cholangitis, and possible cholecystitis, and the patient underwent a percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement. Blood cultures from admission and biliary fluid cultures both grew C. sakazakii. The patient was treated with a carbapenem and clinically improved. CONCLUSIONS: The case study described a patient with multiple medical comorbidities that presented with C. sakazakii bacteremia and cholangitis. While this bacterium has been implicated in other infections, we believe this is the first time the bacteria is being documented to have caused acute cholangitis.