Significant increase of CTX-M-15-ST131 and emergence of CTX-M-27-ST131 Escherichia coli high-risk clones causing healthcare-associated bacteraemia of urinary origin in Spain (ITUBRAS-2 project).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the microbiological characteristics of Escherichia coli causing healthcare-associated bacteraemia of urinary origin (HCA-BUO) in Spain (ITUBRAS-2 project), with particular focus on ESBL producers and isolates belonging to ST131 high-risk clone (HiRC). Clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with ST131 infection were investigated. METHODS: A total of 222 E. coli blood isolates were prospectively collected from patients with HCA-BUO from 12 tertiary-care hospitals in Spain (2017-19). Antimicrobial susceptibility and ESBL/carbapenemase production were determined. ST131 subtyping was performed. A subset of 115 isolates were selected for WGS to determine population structure, resistome and virulome. Clinical charts were reviewed. RESULTS: ESBL-producing E. coli prevalence was 30.6% (68/222). ST131 represented 29.7% (66/222) of E. coli isolates and accounted for the majority of ESBL producers (46/68, 67.6%). The C2/H30-Rx subclone accounted for most ST131 isolates (44/66) and was associated with CTX-M-15 (37/44) and OXA-1 enzymes (27/44). Cluster C1-M27 was identified in 4/10 isolates belonging to subclade C1/H30-R1 and associated with CTX-M-27. Additionally, ST131 isolates showed a high content of other acquired resistance genes, and clade C/ST131 isolates carried characteristic QRDR mutations. They were categorized as uropathogenic E. coli and had higher aggregate virulence scores. ST131 infection was associated with more complex patients, prior use of cephalosporins and inadequate empirical treatment but was not associated with worse clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: ST131 HiRC is the main driver of ESBL-producing E. coli causing HCA-BUO in Spain, mainly associated with the expansion of subclade CTX-M-15-C2/H30-Rx and the emergence of CTX-M-27-C1/H30-R1 (Cluster C1-M27).

Combination versus monotherapy as definitive treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia: a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia is a common and serious infection. No consensus exists regarding whether definitive combination therapy is superior to monotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the impact of combination therapy on mortality. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective study (nine countries, 25 centres), including 1277 patients with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia during 2009-15. We evaluated the association between ß-lactam plus aminoglycoside or quinolone combination therapy versus ß-lactam monotherapy and mortality. The primary outcome was 30 day all-cause mortality. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted, introducing combination as a time-dependent variable. Propensity score was conducted to adjust for confounding for choosing combination therapy over monotherapy. RESULTS: Of 1119 patients included, 843 received definitive monotherapy and 276 received combination therapy (59% aminoglycoside and 41% quinolone). Mortality at 30 days was 16.9% (189/1119) and was similar between combination (45/276; 16.3%) and monotherapy (144/843; 17.1%) groups (P = 0.765). In multivariate Cox regression, combination therapy was not associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.64-1.53). No advantage in terms of clinical failure, microbiological failure or recurrent/persistent bacteraemia was demonstrated using combination therapy. Likewise, adverse events and resistance development were similar for the two regimens. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective cohort, no mortality advantage was demonstrated using combination therapy over monotherapy for P. aeruginosa bacteraemia. Combination therapy did not improve clinical or microbiological failure rates, nor affect adverse events or resistance development. Our finding of no benefit with combination therapy needs confirmation in well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Ceftazidime, Carbapenems, or Piperacillin-tazobactam as Single Definitive Therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Infection: A Multisite Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal antibiotic regimen for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is controversial. Although ß-lactam monotherapy is common, data to guide the choice between antibiotics are scarce. We aimed to compare ceftazidime, carbapenems, and piperacillin-tazobactam as definitive monotherapy. METHODS: A multinational retrospective study (9 countries, 25 centers) including 767 hospitalized patients with P. aeruginosa bacteremia treated with ß-lactam monotherapy during 2009-2015. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Univariate and multivariate, including propensity-adjusted, analyses were conducted introducing monotherapy type as an independent variable. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality was 37/213 (17.4%), 42/210 (20%), and 55/344 (16%) in the ceftazidime, carbapenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam groups, respectively. Type of monotherapy was not significantly associated with mortality in either univariate, multivariate, or propensity-adjusted analyses (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-2.46, for ceftazidime; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.67-2.51, for piperacillin-tazobactam, with carbapenems as reference in propensity adjusted multivariate analysis; 542 patients). No significant difference between antibiotics was demonstrated for clinical failure, microbiological failure, or adverse events. Isolation of P. aeruginosa with new resistance to antipseudomonal drugs was significantly more frequent with carbapenems (36/206 [17.5%]) versus ceftazidime (25/201 [12.4%]) and piperacillin-tazobactam (28/332 [8.4%] (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in mortality, clinical, and microbiological outcomes or adverse events was demonstrated between ceftazidime, carbapenems, and piperacillin-tazobactam as definitive treatment of P. aeruginosa bacteremia. Higher rates of resistant P. aeruginosa after patients were treated with carbapenems, along with the general preference for carbapenem-sparing regimens, suggests using ceftazidime or piperacillin-tazobactam for treating susceptible infection.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) catheter-related bacteraemia in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine clinical and microbiological differences between patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) undergoing or not undergoing haemodialysis, and to compare outcomes. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study conducted at 21 Spanish hospitals of patients with MRSA bacteraemia diagnosed between June 2008 and December 2009. Patients with MRSA-CRB were selected. Data of patients on haemodialysis (HD-CRB) and those not on haemodialysis (non-HD-CRB) were compared. RESULTS: Among 579 episodes of MRSA bacteraemia, 218 (37.7%) were CRB. Thirty-four (15.6%) were HD-CRB and 184 (84.4%) non-HD-CRB. All HD-CRB patients acquired the infection at dialysis centres, while in 85.3% of the non-HD-CRB group the infection was nosocomial (p < .001). There were no differences in age, gender or severity of bacteraemia (Pitt score); comorbidities (Charlson score ≥ 4) were higher in the HD-CRB group than in the non-HD-CRB group (73.5% vs. 46.2%, p = .003). Although there were no differences in VAN-MIC ≥ 1.5 mg/L according to microdilution, using the E-test a higher rate of VAN-MIC ≥ 1.5 mg/L was observed in HD-CRB than in non-HD-CRB patients (63.3% vs. 44.1%, p = .051). Vancomycin was more frequently administered in the HD-CRB group than in the non-HD-CRB group (82.3% vs. 42.4%, p = <.001) and therefore the appropriate empirical therapy was significantly higher in HD-CRB group (91.2% vs. 73.9%, p = .029). There were no differences with regard to catheter removal (79.4% vs. 84.2%, p = .555, respectively). No significant differences in mortality rate were observed between both groups (Overall mortality: 11.8% vs. 27.2%, p = .081, respectively), but there was a trend towards a higher recurrence rate in HD-CRB group (8.8% vs. 2.2%, p = .076). CONCLUSIONS: In our multicentre study, ambulatory patients in chronic haemodialysis represented a significant proportion of cases of MRSA catheter-related bacteraemia. Although haemodialysis patients with MRSA catheter-related bacteraemia had significantly more comorbidities and higher proportion of strains with reduced vancomycin susceptibility than non-haemodialysis patients, overall mortality between both groups was similar.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2013.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (25% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (D < 0.5 log10 copies/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 82% in the case of HCV and 78% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2012]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2012.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most relevant markers for the follow up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarized the results obtained from the 2012 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted in seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; two of these standards were identical aiming to determine repeatability. A significant proportion of the laboratories (22.3% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean±0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was excellent, with up to 98.9% of laboratories reporting results within the limits (Δ < 0.5 log10 copias/mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 84% in the case of HCV and 88% in the HBV, obtained all the results within the accepted range (mean±1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase on the overall quality. Due to the remarkable interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow up.

Clinical, microbiological, and molecular characterization of pediatric invasive infections by Streptococcus pyogenes in Spain in a context of global outbreak.

In December 2022, an alert was published in the UK and other European countries reporting an unusual increase in the incidence of Streptococcus pyogenes infections. Our aim was to describe the clinical, microbiological, and molecular characteristics of group A Streptococcus invasive infections (iGAS) in children prospectively recruited in Spain (September 2022-March 2023), and compare invasive strains with strains causing mild infections. One hundred thirty isolates of S. pyogenes causing infection (102 iGAS and 28 mild infections) were included in the microbiological study: emm typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and sequencing for core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), resistome, and virulome analysis. Clinical data were available from 93 cases and 21 controls. Pneumonia was the most frequent clinical syndrome (41/93; 44.1%), followed by deep tissue abscesses (23/93; 24.7%), and osteoarticular infections (11/93; 11.8%). Forty-six of 93 cases (49.5%) required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. iGAS isolates mainly belonged to emm1 and emm12; emm12 predominated in 2022 but was surpassed by emm1 in 2023. Spread of M1UK sublineage (28/64 M1 isolates) was communicated for the first time in Spain, but it did not replace the still predominant sublineage M1global (36/64). Furthermore, a difference in emm types compared with the mild cases was observed with predominance of emm1, but also important representativeness of emm12 and emm89 isolates. Pneumonia, the most frequent and severe iGAS diagnosed, was associated with the speA gene, while the ssa superantigen was associated with milder cases. iGAS isolates were mainly susceptible to antimicrobials. cgMLST showed five major clusters: ST28-ST1357/emm1, ST36-ST425/emm12, ST242/emm12.37, ST39/emm4, and ST101-ST1295/emm89 isolates. IMPORTANCE: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacterial pathogen in the pediatric population. In the last months of 2022, an unusual increase in GAS infections was detected in various countries. Certain strains were overrepresented, although the cause of this raise is not clear. In Spain, a significant increase in mild and severe cases was also observed; this study evaluates the clinical characteristics and the strains involved in both scenarios. Our study showed that the increase in incidence did not correlate with an increase in resistance or with an emm types shift. However, there seemed to be a rise in severity, partly related to a greater rate of pneumonia cases. These findings suggest a general increase in iGAS that highlights the need for surveillance. The introduction of whole genome sequencing in the diagnosis and surveillance of iGAS may improve the understanding of antibiotic resistance, virulence, and clones, facilitating its control and personalized treatment.

[Analysis of the results of the HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral load of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2011]. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2011.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most important markers in the follow-up of patients infected with these viruses. External quality control tools are crucial to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained by microbiology laboratories. This article summarizes the results of the 2011 SEIMC External Quality Control Program for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. In the HIV-1 program, a total of five standards were sent. One standard consisted of seronegative human plasma, while the remaining four contained plasma from three different viremic patients in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL; to determine repeatability, two of these standards were identical. A significant proportion of the laboratories (52.1% on average) obtained values outside the accepted range (mean ± 0,25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. Repeatability was very good, with up to 94.9% of laboratories reporting results within the accepted range (Δ<0,5 log10 copies/ mL). The HBV and HCV program consisted of two standards with different viral load contents. In most of the participating laboratories (90% in the case of HCV and 86% in that of HBV), all the results were within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10UI/mL). Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programs to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory, as well as the importance of the post-analytical phase in overall quality. Due to the marked interlaboratory variability found, use of the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow-up is advisable.

[Nosocomial spread of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus hominis in two hospitals in Majorca]. / Diseminación nosocomial de Staphylococcus hominis resistente al linezolid en dos hospitales de Mallorca.

OBJECTIVE: Since March 2008, several linezolid and teicoplanin-resistant Staphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) isolates have been recovered from patients admitted to the two major hospitals on the island of Majorca, Spain. For this reason, a study was conducted to determine the molecular epidemiology of these isolates and the mechanism of linezolid resistance. METHODS: The molecular epidemiology study was performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, after digestion with ApaI. Linezolid resistance mechanisms were evaluated by PCR amplification of a fragment of the domain V of the 23S rRNA gene (followed by sequencing) and cfr gene. RESULTS: From March 2008 to February 2009, 15 linezolid and teicoplanin-resistant S. hominis isolates were recovered from 14 patients. All of them, except one, were hospitalised in the intensive care units of either of the two institutions. Isolates were obtained mainly from blood cultures (9). The majority of infected patients (12 of 15 infectious episodes, 80.0%) had received courses of linezolid prior to detection of the resistant isolate. PFGE analysis revealed the presence of a unique clone among linezolid resistant S. hominis isolates. The G2576T mutation was detected in all the linezolid resistant strains. None of the resistant isolates showed a positive PCR for the cfr gene. All of the isolates were also resistant to penicillin, oxacillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and tobramicin; whereas all of them were susceptible to erythromycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, and daptomycin. The MIC of vancomycin was 4µg/ml for all the strains. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of linezolid resistant Staphylococci highlights the need to rationalise the use of linezolid, and maintain an active surveillance of its resistance to preserve the clinical usefulness of this antimicrobial.

A Large Multicenter Prospective Study of Community-Onset Healthcare Associated Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infections in the Era of Multidrug Resistance: Even Worse than Hospital Acquired Infections?

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare-associated (HCA) infections represent a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to compare community-onset healthcare associated (CO-HCA) bacteremic urinary tract infections (BUTI) and hospital-acquired (HA)-BUTI with special focus on multidrug resistances (MDR) and outcomes. METHODS: ITUBRAS-project is a prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with HCA-BUTI. All consecutive hospitalized adult patients with CO-HCA-BUTI or HA-BUTI episode were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were: patients < 18 years old, non-hospitalized patients, bacteremia from another source or primary bacteremia, non-healthcare-related infections and infections caused by unusual pathogens of the urinary tract. The main outcome variable was 30-day all-cause mortality with day 1 as the first day of positive blood culture. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with clinical cure at hospital discharge and with receiving inappropriate initial antibiotic treatment. Cox regression was used to evaluate 30-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-three episodes were included, 223 CO-HCA-BUTI. Patients with CO-HCA-BUTI were older (p < 0.001) and had more underlying diseases (p = 0.029) than those with HA-BUTI. The severity of the acute illness (Pitt score) was also higher in CO-HCA-BUTI (p = 0.026). Overall, a very high rate of MDR profiles (271/443, 61.2%) was observed, with no statistical differences between groups. In multivariable analysis, inadequate empirical treatment was associated with MDR profile (aOR 3.35; 95% CI 1.77-6.35), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (aOR 2.86; 95% CI 1.27-6.44) and Charlson index (aOR 1.11; 95% CI 1.01-1.23). Mortality was not associated with the site of acquisition of the infection or the presence of MDR profile. However, in the logistic regression analyses patients with CO-HCA-BUTI (aOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40-0.93) were less likely to present clinical cure. CONCLUSION: The rate of MDR infections was worryingly high in our study. No differences in MDR rates were found between CO-HCA-BUTI and HA-BUTI, in the probability of receiving inappropriate empirical treatment or in 30-day mortality. However, CO-HCA-BUTIs were associated with worse clinical cure.

Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing the nostrils of Spanish children.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the Staphylococcus aureus strains colonizing healthy Spanish children. METHODS: Between March and July 2018, 1876 Spanish children younger than 14 years attending primary healthcare centers were recruited from rural and urban areas. Staphylococcus aureus colonization of the anterior nostrils was analyzed. MecA and mecC genes, antibiotic susceptibility, and genotyping according to the spa were determined in all strains, and the following toxins were examined: Panton-Valentine leucocidin (pvl), toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst), and exfoliative toxins (eta, etb, etd). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCCmec) typing were performed on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, as well as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). RESULTS: 619 strains were isolated in 1876 children (33%), and 92% of them were sent for characterization to the Spanish National Centre of Microbiology (n = 572). Twenty (3.5%) of these strains were mecA-positive. Several spa types were detected among MRSA, being t002 the most frequently observed (30%), associating with SCCmec IVc. Among MSSA, 33% were positive for tst, while only 0.73% were positive for pvl. The 20 MRSA strains were negative for pvl, and 6 (30%) harbored the tst gene. CONCLUSIONS: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in Spanish children is rare, with t002 being the most observed spa type, associated with SCCmec IVc. None of the MRSA strains produced pvl, but up to 30% of S. aureus strains were positive for tst.

Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Spanish Children. The COSACO Nationwide Surveillance Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors for S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization in Spanish children. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients <14 years from primary care centers all over Spain. Clinical data and nasal aspirates were collected from March to July 2018. RESULTS: A total of 1876 patients were enrolled. Prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA colonization were 33% (95% CI 30.9-35.1) and 1.44% (95% CI 0.9-2), respectively. Thirty-three percent of the children (633/1876) presented chronic conditions, mainly atopic dermatitis, asthma and/or allergy (524/633). Factors associated with S. aureus colonization were age ≥5 years (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12), male sex (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.17-1.76), urban setting (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.97) and the presence of asthma, atopic dermatitis or allergies (OR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.093-1.43). Rural residence was the only factor associated with MRSA colonization (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.57-8.36). MRSA was more frequently resistant than methicillin-susceptible S. aureus to ciprofloxacin [41.2% vs 2.6%; p<0.0001], clindamycin [26% vs 16.9%; p=0.39], and mupirocin [14.3% vs 6.7%; p=0.18]. None of the MRSA strains was resistant to tetracycline, fosfomycin, vancomycin or daptomycin. CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for S. aureus colonization in Spanish children are being above five years of age, male gender, atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergy, and residence in urban areas. MRSA colonization is low, but higher than in other European countries and is associated with rural settings.

Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. Year 2016. / Análisis de resultados del Programa de Control de Calidad Externo SEIMC de carga viral del VIH-1, del VHC y del VHB. Año 2016.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) viral load determinations are among the most important markers for the follow-up of patients infected with these viruses. Microbiology laboratories have a variety of tools to ensure the accuracy of the results obtained, including external quality control programmes such as that of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC). This article summarises the results of the 2016 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme for HIV-1, HCV, and HBV viral loads. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the HIV-1 programme, a total of 5 standards were sent. One standard consisted of seronegative human plasma, while the remaining 4 contained plasma from 3 different viremic patients, in the range of 2-5 log10 copies/mL. A significant proportion of the laboratories (40% on average) obtained values out of the accepted range (mean ± 0.25 log10 copies/mL), depending on the standard and on the method used for quantification. The HBV and HCV programme consisted of 2 standards with different viral load contents. Most of the participants, 86.5% in the case of HCV and 85.6% in the case of HBV, obtained results that were all within the accepted range (mean ± 1.96 SD log10 UI/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Data from this analysis reinforce the utility of proficiency programmes to ensure the quality of the results obtained by a particular laboratory. Due to the marked interlaboratory variability, it is advisable to use the same method and the same laboratory for patient follow-up. Supplement information: This article is part of a supplement entitled «SEIMC External Quality Control Programme. Year 2016¼, which is sponsored by Roche, Vircell Microbiologists, Abbott Molecular and Francisco Soria Melguizo, S.A. © 2019 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Association of Molecular Factors With the Source of Infection.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, which varies depending on the source of infection. Nevertheless, the global molecular epidemiology of SAB and its possible association with specific virulence factors remains unclear. Using DNA microarrays, a total of 833 S. aureus strains (785 SAB and 48 colonizing strains) collected in Spain over a period of 15 years (2002-2017) were characterized to determine clonal complex (CC), agr type and repertoire of resistance and virulence genes in order to provide an epidemiological overview of CCs causing bloodstream infection, and to analyze possible associations between virulence genes and the most common sources of bacteremia. The results were also analyzed by acquisition (healthcare-associated [HA] and community-acquired [CA]), methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) strains, and patient age (adults vs. children). Our results revealed high clonal diversity among SAB strains with up to 28 different CCs. The most prevalent CCs were CC5 (30.8%), CC30 (20.3%), CC45 (8.3%), CC8 (8.4%), CC15 (7.5%), and CC22 (5.9%), which together accounted for 80% of all cases. A higher proportion of CC5 was found among HA strains than CA strains (35.6 vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001). CC5 was associated with methicillin resistance (14.7 vs. 79.4%, p < 0.001), whereas CC30, CC45, and CC15 were correlated with MSSA strains (p < 0.001). Pathogen-related molecular markers significantly associated with a specific source of bacteremia included the presence of sea, undisrupted hlb and isaB genes with catheter-related bacteremia; sed, splE, and fib genes with endocarditis; undisrupted hlb with skin and soft tissue infections; and finally, CC5, msrA resistance gene and hla gene with osteoarticular source. Our study suggests an association between S. aureus genotype and place of acquisition, methicillin resistance and sources of bloodstream infection, and provides a valuable starting point for further research insights into intrinsic pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of SAB.

Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of MRSA bacteraemia in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical and microbiological characteristics, treatment and outcomes of MRSA bacteraemia among elderly and younger patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted at 21 Spanish hospitals including patients with MRSA bacteraemia diagnosed between June/2008 and December/2009. Episodes diagnosed in patients aged 75 or more years old (≥75) were compared with the rest of them (<75). RESULTS: Out of 579 episodes of MRSA bacteraemia, 231 (39.9%) occurred in patients ≥75. Comorbidity was significantly higher in older patients (Charlson score ≥4: 52.8 vs. 44%; p = .037) as was the severity of the underlying disease (McCabe ≥1: 61.9 vs. 43.4%; p < .001). In this group the acquisition was more frequently health-care related (43.3 vs. 33.9%, p = .023), mostly from long-term care centers (12.1 vs. 3.7%, p < .001). An unknown focus was more frequent among ≥75 (19.9 vs. 13.8%; p = .050) while severity at presentation was similar between groups (Pitt score ≥3: 31.2 vs. 27.6%; p = .352). The prevalence of vancomycin resistant isolates was similar between groups, as was the appropriateness of empirical antibiotic therapy. Early (EM) and overall mortality (OM) were significantly more frequent in the ≥75 group (EM: 12.1 vs. 6%; p = .010 OM: 42.9 vs. 23%; p < .001). In multivariate analysis age ≥75 was an independent risk factor for overall mortality (aOR: 2.47, CI: 1.63-3.74; p < .001). CONCLUSION: MRSA bacteraemia was frequent in patients aged ≥75 of our cohort. This group had higher comorbidity rates and the source of infection was more likely to be unknown. Although no differences were seen in severity or adequacy of empiric therapy, elderly patients showed a higher overall mortality.

[Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]. / Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina de origen comunitario.

Recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a cause of community-acquired (CA) infections among patients without established risk factors for MRSA. CA-MRSA strains mainly cause mild skin and soft tissue infections in otherwise healthy children and young adults, but can also cause severe necrotizing fasciitis and pneumonia. In contrast to nosocomial MRSA, CA-MRSA are, in general, susceptible to multiple antimicrobials and present a different genotype. Most CA-MRSA strains share the staphylococcal chromosomal cassette (SCCmec) type IV and produce Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a cytotoxin that causes leukocyte destruction and tissue necrosis. At present, the predominant clone is the USA300 clone, which is widely disseminated in the United States, Europe and Australia. In Spain, the predominant clone is related to the USA300 clone. The main mechanism of transmission is close person-to-person contact, although household pets and farm animals have also been implicated. In patients with purulent skin and soft tissue infections, the mainstay of treatment is incision and drainage. Antimicrobials are indicated in patients not responding to appropriate drainage. Clindamycin, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole or tetracyclines can be administered, while the use of fluoroquinolones should be avoided due to the rapid emergence of resistance. For severe infections, vancomycin should be used. Other alternatives are linezolid or daptomycin (only if there is no pulmonary involvement). Adequate hygiene practices are the most efficient measure to prevent spread.

[Incidence of genital infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from 1995 to 2003]. / Incidencia de infecciones genitales causadas por el virus del herpes simple tipo 1 (VHS-1) durante el período 1995-2003.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years studies from various parts of the world have reported a significant increase in the number of genital infections caused by HSV-1, especially among women. METHODS: We report a study of genital infections caused by HSV-1 in our geographic area from 1995 to 2003. Genital samples were inoculated in the Vero cell line and cultures were stained by monoclonal antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2. RESULTS: During the study period, 263 samples were positive for herpesviruses: 146 for HSV-1 (55.5%) and 117 for HSV-2 (44.5%). The 20 HSV-1 isolated in the genital tract represented 7.6% of all the herpesviruses isolated in this study. Of the 146 HSV-1 isolated, 20 (13.7%) were obtained in genital samples, 15 (75%) in women and 5 (25%) in men (p < 0.005). Four men (80%) were homosexual. No patient, male or female, was infected with the HIV and none worked as prostitutes. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of HSV-1 genital infections increased in the last year of the study (33%), especially among women from the general population. The herpesvirus isolated in these samples should be characterized, since, in general, HSV-1 does not usually develop latency or recurrent infections in this anatomical area.