The Use of CHROMID® Colistin R for the Detection of Colistin-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Positive Blood Cultures.

The aim of this study was to assess the utility of CHROMID® Colistin R for direct detection of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from positive blood cultures. A total of 390 blood cultures from hospitalised patients containing Gram-negative bacteria were included in this study. These blood cultures were referred to clinical laboratories in the United Kingdom and Türkiye. A further 16 simulated positive blood culture bottles were included that contained a range of colistin-resistant strains as well as susceptible control strains. Fluid from each positive blood culture was diluted 1/200 in saline and 10 µL aliquots cultured onto cystine-lactose-electrolyte-deficient agar and CHROMID® Colistin R. All recovered bacteria were identified, and for Gram-negative bacteria, their minimum inhibitory concentration of colistin was measured using the broth microdilution method. From a total of 443 Gram-negative isolates, 57 colistin-resistant isolates were recovered, of which 53 (93%) grew on CHROMID® Colistin R within 18 h. Of the 377 isolates determined to be colistin-susceptible, only 9 isolates were able to grow, including 6 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. For positive blood cultures that are shown to contain Gram-negative bacteria, culture on CHROMID® Colistin R is a useful diagnostic tool to detect susceptibility or resistance to colistin within 18 h.

What if an articular bone fragment drops on the floor in the course of osteosynthesis? An experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 1-min 10% povidone-iodine immersion in the decontamination of dropped osteochondral fragments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight sets of sterile osteochondral bone fragments, each consisting of three samples, were prepared from removed femoral heads that would otherwise be discarded during different hip replacement surgeries. Immediately afterward, each set was dropped on the floor right behind the surgeon in another operating room in which fracture fixation operations were being performed. Samples were picked up with sterile gloves. A swab culture of the floor was taken. One of the three pieces was kept as the control group. The second one (saline group) was washed with saline and subsequently soaked in saline for 1 min. The last one (treatment group) was first immersed in a 10% povidone-iodine solution for 1 min, then rinsed with saline and soaked in saline for 1 min. The samples were cultured in nutrient media, and microorganisms were identified at the microbiology laboratory. The groups were compared in terms of positive culture rates. RESULTS: The positive culture (contamination) rates were 100%, 58.3%, 39.6%, and 10.4% for the swab samples, control group, saline group, and treatment group respectively. The decontamination ratio in the treatment group was significantly more than both the control group (p<0.001) and the saline group (p=0.001). Handling only with saline did not significantly decontaminate compared to the control group (p=0.066). CONCLUSION: Immersing the dropped osteochondral fragments in 10% povidone-iodine solution for 1 min and then rinsing with saline may provide statistically significant decontamination but cannot be accepted to be safe enough for clinical practice. Further studies are needed to find the optimal time needed for safe decontamination without compromising the viability of cartilage tissue.

Cessation of Rectal Screening for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital from Türkiye.

OBJECTIVE: Here, we compared the impact of different polices on the epidemiology of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infections (VRE-BSIs) in a tertiary care hospital including two hospital buildings (oncology and adult hospitals) in the same campus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who were hospitalized in high-risk units were screened weekly for VRE colonization via rectal swab between January 2006 and January 2013. After January 2013, VRE screening was only performed in cases of suspicion of VRE outbreak and during point prevalence studies to evaluate the epidemiology of VRE colonization. Contact precautions were in place for all VRE-positive patients. The incidence density rates of hospital-acquired (HA)-VRE-BSIs were compared between two periods. RESULTS: While the rate of VRE colonization was higher in the second period (5% vs. 9.5% (p < 0.01) for the adult hospital, and 6.4% vs. 12% (p = 0.02 for the oncology hospital), there was no increase in the incidence rate HA-VRE BSIs after the cessation of routine rectal screening in either of the hospitals. CONCLUSION: Screening policies should be dynamic and individualized according to the epidemiology of VRE as well as the workforce and cost. Periodical rectal screening of VRE can be discontinued if suspicion of an outbreak can be carefully monitored.

Necrotizing pneumonia due to Aspergillus and Salmonella after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment: An unusual case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a promising new treatment for different types of cancer. The infectious complications in patients taking ICIs are rare. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old male who received chemotherapy consisting of pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) for esophagus squamous cell carcinoma one month before was admitted to the emergency room with shortness of breath soon after fiberoptic bronchoscopy, which was done for the inspection of the lower airway. A computed tomography of the chest revealed a progressive consolidation on the right upper lobe. Salmonella group D was isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid culture. The fungal culture of the same clinical sample yielded Aspergillus niger; furthermore, a high titer (above the cut-off values) of Aspergillus antigen was found both in the BAL fluid and serum of the patient. Despite the effective spectrum and appropriate dose of antimicrobial treatment, the patient died due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of unusual pathogens in the etiology of pneumonia after ICI treatment may help to avoid underdiagnosis.

Does marking as sterile mean really sterile? Stenotrophomonas maltophilia outbreak caused by a blood-gas injector containing liquid heparin.

An outbreak investigation was initiated after detecting an increase in the number of patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infections (SM-BSIs) througout the hospital. S. maltophilia was isolated from the cultures of blood-gas injectors containing liquid heparin. The incidence density of SM-BSIs decreased significantly after prohibiting the use of those injectors.

A case-control study of the effects of Aspergillus clinical phenotypes on pulmonary functions in patients with cystic fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION: There are no precise data about the effect of Aspergillus infection on lung function other than allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in patients with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Here, we aimed to determine clinical phenotypes caused by Aspergillus spp. using laboratory and immunologic parameters and to compare Aspergillus phenotypes in terms of pulmonary function tests (PFT) prospectively. METHODS: Twenty-three pwCF who had Aspergillus isolation from respiratory cultures in the last year (case group) and 20 pwCF without Aspergillus isolation in sputum (control group) were included. Aspergillus immunoglobulin (Ig)-G, Aspergillus IgE, Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), galactomannan, total IgE from blood samples, and Aspergillus PCR and galactomannan from sputum, and skin prick test reactivity to Aspergillus antigen were used to distinguish different Aspergillus phenotypes. Pulmonary functions and frequency of pulmonary exacerbations were evaluated during a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of 23 pwCF, 11 (47.8%) had Aspergillus colonization, nine (39.1%) had Aspergillus bronchitis, and three (13%) had ABPA. Aspergillus infection was not associated with worse z-scores of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (p = 0.612), forced vital capacity  (p = 0.939), and the median FEV 1% decline (0.0%/year vs. -4.7%/year, p = 0.626). The frequency of pulmonary exacerbations in the Aspergillus infected and noninfected groups was similar. CONCLUSION: Although Aspergillus spp. Isolation in pwCF was not associated with decreased lung function, a further decline was seen in the ABPA subgroup, and frequent pulmonary exacerbations during the 1-year follow-up.

The effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradication regimens on chronic colonization and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization (Pa-CC) affects cystic fibrosis (CF) progression, including pulmonary exacerbations and pulmonary function tests. There are few studies of the effects of eradication protocols on colonization time. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of eradication regimens on chronic colonization and assess the impact of Pa-CC on body mass index, lung functions, and pulmonary exacerbations. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of medical records, over a period of 11 years, of children aged under 18 years with CF who had Pa-CC in our tertiary care pediatric hospital. RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 215 of our patients with CF during the study period. Forty-four patients with Pa-CC were recruited for the study. The eradication treatment for the initial acquisition of P. aeruginosa was inhaled antibiotics in 27 (61.4%) patients; the remainder were given intravenous antibiotics. It was observed that eradication treatment with either IV or inhaled antibiotics did not affect the time between the P. aeruginosa and the time of Pa-CC(P = 0.791). There was a non-significant decrease in the body mass index z-score from the Pa-IA to the last visit(P = 0.27), a significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) (P = 0.01) over time, and the annual number of exacerbations after colonization was significantly higher than before colonization (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between eradication regimens in delaying the age at Pa-CC. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization in patients with CF was also associated with poorer lung functions, lower body mass index, and more pulmonary exacerbation regardless of mucoid type. Consequently, to slow the progression of lung disease, we must prevent Pa-CC, which we can achieve with early eradication. Despite conventional eradication protocols, future studies need to evaluate those who fail to clear P. aeruginosa.

Clinical findings of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates have increased in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.This study aimed to determine the rate of MRSA, define risk factors, and clarify the effect of MRSA on pulmonary functions, annual pulmonary exacerbation (aPEx) in children with MRSA positive CF. METHODS: This was a retrospective case control study. CF patients who had ≥1 MRSA (+) respiratory culture between September 2016-2019 were included. MRSA growth rate, colonization status, clinical characteristics, hospitalization rates, FEV1 %predicted, and z-score one year prior to the MRSA isolation, at MRSA growth and one year after MRSA growth were recorded. The aPEx rate changes before-after MRSA growth were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-one subjects who had ≥1MRSA growth and 66 controls were enrolled. There was no statistically significant difference between the spirometry indices at first, and 12th month after MRSA acquisition. The mean aPEx was 0.6 one year prior to MRSA acquisition and this rate significantly increased to 1.2 one year after MRSA growth(p < 0.05). The mean hospitalization rate before and after one year of MRSA acquisition significantly increased from 0.17(±0.12) to 0.48 (±0.3)(p:0.008) admissions per year. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA growth was related to increased aPEx. Increased aPEx and hospitalization rates after MRSA acquisition suggest MRSA should be eradicated when detected.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nosocomial multidrug-resistant bacterial bloodstream infections and antibiotic consumption in a tertiary care hospital.

We investigated the change in the epidemiology of nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria during Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and antibiotic consumption rates at a pandemic hospital and at the Oncology Hospital which operated as COVID-19-free on the same university campus. Significant increases in the infection density rate (IDRs) of BSIs caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (ARE) were detected at the pandemic hospital, whereas carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae BSIs were increased at the non-pandemic Oncology Hospital. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed a polyclonal outbreak of CRAB in COVID-19 intensive care units. Antibiotic consumption rates were increased for almost all antibiotics, and was most significant for meropenem at both of the hospitals. Increased IDRs of CRAB and ARE BSIs as well as an increased consumption rate of broad-spectrum antibiotics emphasize the importance of a multimodal infection prevention strategy combined with an active antibiotic stewardship program.

Effectiveness of different eradication treatment protocols for new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: While eradicating new-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children with cystic fibrosis is an important issue, there is no clear evidence about the best treatment approach. This retrospective observational cohort study aims to compare the effectiveness of intravenous therapy versus inhalation with/without oral therapy in the eradication of new-onset P. aeruginosa, determine the factors affecting the treatment success and assess lung function at baseline and posttreatment. METHODS: Of 399 children, 110 (140 episodes) with either the first P. aeruginosa isolation or a new isolation after at least 1 year free of infection were included. Different eradication regimens (intravenous therapy or inhaled tobramycin or inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin) were compared. Eradication success was accepted as remaining free of infection with a negative culture for 12 months. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological characteristics of children, effectiveness of different eradication strategies, time to a new P. aeruginosa isolation, and the relationship between lung function and the type of eradication regimen were determined. RESULTS: Of 140 episodes, intravenous therapy was administered in 53 and inhalation therapy (in combination with or without oral ciprofloxacin) in 87. Total success rate of eradication was 60.7%. Eradication was achieved in 56.6% of children with intravenous therapy, 59.7% with inhaled tobramycin therapy, and 72% with inhaled tobramycin plus oral ciprofloxacin therapy. Success rates of different eradication regimens did not differ significantly (p = 0.419). Lung function by the end of the first year was worse in the intravenous group compared to the inhalation group (p = 0.017 for forced expiratory volume in 1 s, p = 0.015 for forced vital capacity). CONCLUSION: No advantage of intravenous therapy was demonstrated compared to inhalation therapy in terms of eradication success.

Impact of Achromobacter spp. isolation on clinical outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Achromobacter spp. in cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased while its significance remains controversial. Our aim was to investigate the impact of Achromobacter spp. isolation on clinical outcomes in children with CF. METHODS: Children with Achromobacter spp. isolation were retrospectively included from the CF database of our center. Control groups of children with CF, who had never been infected by Achromobacter spp., were individually case-matched by age, sex, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation status. Pulmonary function and exacerbation frequency were compared between groups during follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-seven children had at least one respiratory specimen positive for Achromobacter spp. Achromobacter spp. were chronically isolated from 15 (40.5%) and intermittently from 22 (59.5%) of these 37 children. Although the baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) z-score was similar between the Achromobacter spp.-infected and -uninfected groups (-0.65 ± 2.22 vs. -0.15 ± 1.30, respectively; p = 0.318), children infected by Achromobacter spp. had a lower FEV1 z-score compared to the control group by the end of the first year (-1.37 ± 2.17 vs. -0.14 ± 1.65, respectively; p = 0.025). In addition, the FEV1 decline in 1 year was significantly greater in the group infected by Achromobacter spp. compared to the uninfected group (-1.18%/year vs. -9.07%/year, respectively; p = 0.043). Furthermore, the cumulative numbers of exacerbations observed in the Achromobacter spp.-infected group were higher compared to the control group by the end of the second year (4 [0-17] versus 3 [0-9], respectively; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Achromobacter spp. isolation is associated with more accelerated decline in lung function parameters and frequent exacerbations in children with CF.

Do antimicrobial stewardship programs improve the quality of care in ICU patients diagnosed with infectious diseases following consultation? Experience in a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important public health concerns is the ever-growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Importantly, the rate of introduction of new molecules into clinical practice has slowed down considerably. Moreover, the rapid emergence of resistance shortens the effective 'lifespan' of these molecules. OBJECTIVE: The quality of care before and after active intervention and feedback was evaluated in patients diagnosed with sepsis/septic shock or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the ICUs of Hacettepe University Adult and Oncology Hospitals. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in total scores. Significant improvements were achieved in the management of these patients in terms of requests for necessary diagnostic tests, and the prolonged infusion of beta-lactam agents. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an ASP in centers where antimicrobial management of ICU patients is largely controlled by infectious diseases specialists remains a feasible strategy that leads to better patient care.

Factors Associated with Gram-Negative Bacteremia and Mortality in Neutropenic Patients with Hematologic Malignancies in a High-Resistance Setting.

Objective: Patients with hematological malignancies (HMs) have a substantial incidence of febrile neutropenic episodes. Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) is still the major cause of these episodes. We evaluated the factors associated with GNB and mortality of bacteremic patients with HMs in a high-resistance setting. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study from March 2018 to June 2019 with 66 bacteremic and 132 non-bacteremic patients. Regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with GNB and 30-day mortality. Results: The mean age was 53.83±15.21 years, and 129 (65.2%) of the patients were male. In multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with GNB were male gender, duration of hospitalization and neutropenia before the febrile neutropenic episode, leukemias and allogeneic transplant recipients, radiotherapy, receiving glucocorticosteroids, colonization with resistant microorganisms. All-cause mortality and 30-day mortality were 47.0% and 30.3% in cases of GNB, compared to non-bacteremic controls 25.0% and 10.6%, respectively. Sepsis, duration of hospitalization before the febrile neutropenic episode, carbapenem-resistant GNB, and inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment was found as factors associated with 30-day mortality. Prior antibiotic exposure particularly beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations and carbapenems during the past 30 days was more frequent in the bacteremic group. An increasing trend was observed in multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria (p=0.03) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (p=0.02) over the years. Conclusion: By considering the risk factors associated with GNB and 30-day mortality that we detected in our study among neutropenic patients, a personalized approach for the management of febrile neutropenic patients can be designed by means of an effective antimicrobial stewardship program including the appropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Pulmonary nocardiosis caused by Nocardia abscessus mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with atypical anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis.

Nocardia species are opportunistic bacteria that are frequently contagious by inhalation. Recently, Nocardia abscessus has been described as a different species. We report a 54-year-old male who presented with acute pleuritic chest pain, mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism on the 5th day of discharge from the hospital. The patient was receiving immunosuppressive therapy for newly diagnosed atypical anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Thorax computed tomography revealed a 17x19 mm soft tissue lesion in the lateral segment of the middle lobe of the right lung. After further examinations, a biopsy decision was made and Nocardia abscessus was isolated in the aerobic culture of the aspiration material.

Clinical characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis infected with unusual bacteria.

OBJECTIVES-AIM: Pulmonary infections are usually caused by bacterial microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Unusual bacteria (UB) have been described by new isolation techniques recently in the respiratory samples of CF patients. The aim is to investigate the effects of the presence of UB in the respiratory cultures of CF patients on clinical outcomes, necessity of treatment and prognosis. METHODS: The UB were identified by MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) mass spectrometry technology. RESULTS: Rhizobium radiobacter were detected in 2, Chyrseobacterium species (gleum and indolgenes) in 5, Aeromonas hydrophila in 1, Orchobacterium anthropy in 1,Wautersiella falsenii in 1, Leclercia adecarboxylata in 1, Delftia acidovorans in 1, Cupriavidus Gilardi in 1, R.radiobacter twith Elizabethkingia miricola in 1 and R.radiobacter with C.gleum in 1 patient. Median age of the first UB growth was 3 years. After the first UB growth, the median follow-up time was 15 months. Before the UB growth, 60.0% of the patients had respiratory colonization with methicillin-susceptible S.aureus (MSSA). UB growth were accompanied with MSSA in 66.6% of the patients. Median percentage of FEV1 before and during the UB growth for patients who could perform spirometry, were 80 and 102, respectively. Median body mass index before and during the UB growth were 16 and 16.2, respectively. These UB were not detected during the follow-ups except in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The UB growth did not cause any additional symptoms and decrease in BMI and FEV1 in patients with CF. MSSA may be a facilitating factor for UB growth as majority of the patients had MSSA colonization before and during the UB growth.

[An overview on Trichosporon asahii and its infections]. / Trichosporon asahii ve Enfeksiyonlarina Genel Bakis

Trichosporon species cause systemic, mucosa associated and superficial infections which include white piedra. Disseminated fungal infections due to Trichosporon species have increased in the recent years. Hematologic malignancy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and organ transplantation are the main risk factors for disseminated Trichosporon infections. Two most common species that cause the disseminated Trichosporon infections are Trichosporon asahii and Trichosporon mucoides. Diagnosis and treatment of Trichosporon infections are difficult. Invasive trichosporonosis caused by T.asahii has a high mortality rate and a very poor prognosis. Fungicidal activity of amphotericin B against T.asahii isolates is inadequate. For echinocandin group of drugs, high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, µg/ml) values are obtained. Currently, triazole antifungal agents are the preferred drugs for the treatment of Trichosporon infections. In this review article general characteristics of T.asahii and its infections were summarized.