Reduction in the incidence of invasive infections caused by encapsulated bacteria after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interaction between severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and IIEB remains under investigation. Objective: to compare IIEB incidence before and during COVID-19 pandemic, and assess incidence of coinfection with COVID-19 and case fatality. A cross-sectional study was performed on data from a centralized microbiology laboratory serving a network of healthcare centers comprising 713 pediatric and adult inpatient beds, expanded by 20% during the pandemic. Three periods were evaluated: (1) pre-pandemic: March 1, 2019-February 29, 2020; (2) pandemic year 1: March 1, 2020-February 28, 2021; (3) pandemic year 2: March 1, 2021-July 31, 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. 56 502 samples (96% blood cultures) from 27224 patients were analyzed. Of these, 54 samples (from 54 patients) were positive for encapsulated bacteria. IIEB incidence was: 167.4, 32.6, and 50.4 per 100000 samples for periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Twelve IIEB episodes occurred during the pandemic period: 10 Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 2 Haemophilus influenzae, of which 7 were SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae coinfections, with an incidence of 5.68 per 10000 COVID-19-related hospitalizations (0.056%). IIEB case fatality was 31%, 29%, and 60% for each period, respectively, 3/7 patients with coinfection died (43%). Case fatality for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in patients without COVID-19, was 32.5%. Significant reduction in IIEB incidence was observed during the pandemic, coinciding with implementation of containment measures. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae coinfection was low, with higher case fatality than IPD patients without COVID-19.

[Epidemiology of pneumococcal pneumonia among middle-aged and older adults in Catalonia, 2017-2018]. / Epidemiología de la neumonía neumocócica en adultos mayores de 50 años: estudio de cohortes en Cataluña, 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse population-based incidence and lethality of pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) requiring hospitalisation among Catalonian adults after universal vaccination implementation in infants. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Primary care/hospital, Catalonia. PARTICIPANTS: 2,059,645 individuals ≥50 years old affiliated to the Institut Catala de la Salut retrospectively followed between 01/01/2017 and 31/12/2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Catalonian information system for the development of research in primary care (SIDIAP, Sistema de Información para el Desarrollo de la Investigación en Atención Primaria) was used to establish baseline characteristics and risk-strata of cohort members at study start: low-risk (immunocompetent persons without risk conditions), intermediate-risk (immunocompetent persons with at-risk condition) and high-risk (immunocompromising conditions). PP requiring hospitalisation among cohort members across study period were collected from CMBD (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos) discharge data of 64 reference Catalonian hospitals. RESULTS: An amount of 3592 episodes of HPP were observed, with an incidence density of 90.7 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 85.2-96.5), being 11.9 bacteremic (95% CI: 10.8-13.1) and 78.8 non-bacteremic (95% CI: 74.0-83.8). Incidence rates substantially increased by age (37.3 in 50-64 years vs. 98.3 in 65-79 years vs. 259.8 in ≥80 years) and baseline-risk stratum (42.1, 120.7 and 238.6 in low-, intermediate- and high-risk stratum, respectively). Overall case-fatality rate was 7.6% (10.8% in invasive cases vs. 7.1% in non-invasive cases; pP=.004). In multivariable analyses, high-risk stratum and oldest age were the strongest predictors for invasive and non-invasive cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Incidence and lethality of PP remained moderate among adults >50 years in Catalonia during 2017-2018 (earlier period after universal vaccination introduction for infants).

Indirect impact of COVID-19 on the incidence rates of vector-borne diseases in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2 infection spatial and temporal distribution overlaps with endemic areas of vector-borne diseases (VBD), whose surveillance in Mexico has substantially changed since the first COVID-19 confirmed case. OBJECTIVES: To estimate and compare the incidence rates of VBDs before and after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico. METHODS: Retrospective study of VBD cases from 2014 to 2021. The incidence rates of each VBD in the period before (2014-2019) and after (2020-2021) the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Before the introduction of SARS-CoV-2, the incidence rates of VBDs were high and after the introduction of coronavirus there was a decrease in epidemiological indices; however, there was only statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of malaria (p ≤ 0.05) and other rickettsiae (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Some measures to reduce COVID-19 cases, such as social distancing, home confinement, reductions in public transport and working at home (home office), probably temporarily decreased the number of VBD cases; however, there may be a resurgence of VBDs in the near future.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La distribución espacial y temporal de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 sobrepasa las áreas endémicas de enfermedades transmitidas por vector (ETV), cuya vigilancia en México ha cambiado sustancialmente a partir del primer caso confirmado de COVID-19. OBJETIVOS: Estimar y comparar las tasas de incidencia de las ETV antes y después de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de casos de ETV de 2014 a 2021. Las tasas de incidencia de cada ETV en el periodo previo (2014-2019) y posterior (2020-2021) a la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México fueron calculadas y comparadas. RESULTADOS: Antes de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2, las tasas de incidencia de las ETV fueron altas y posterior a la introducción del coronavirus hubo un descenso en los índices epidemiológicos; sin embargo, solo se identificó diferencia estadística significativa en la tasa de incidencia de la malaria (p ≤ 0.05) y otras rickettsias (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: Algunas medidas para reducir los casos de COVID-19, como el distanciamiento social, el confinamiento domiciliario, la reducción en el aforo en el transporte público y el trabajo en casa, probablemente contribuyeron a disminuir temporalmente el número de casos de las ETV; sin embargo, puede haber rebrote de las ETV en el futuro cercano.

COVID-19 epidemiology in a Mexican tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of COVID-19, many hospitals underwent a conversion for the care for this disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze COVID-19 hospital epidemiological behavior from March to August 2020. METHODS: Through a series of cases, COVID-19 epidemiological behavior at the hospital was analyzed, for which simple case rates, percentages and incidence of COVID-19 per 100 hospital discharges were estimated. RESULTS: Out of 491 subjects who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, 156 (31.7 %) were hospitalized for clinical data of moderate to severe disease. Average age was 59.1 years; 121 cases (75 %) were discharged due to improvement, and 32 (20.5 %), due to death. Average age of those who died was 69.7 years, and the most affected age group was 60 to 80 years (45.4 %). Calculated lethality was 20.5 per 100 hospital discharges, while that calculated taking into account positive patients (outpatients and hospitalized patients) was 6.5. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 epidemiological behavior was similar to that described in other studies; however, lethality and mortality are above national average. The analysis of this and of the factors that favored it in our population is pending.

INTRODUCCIÓN: A consecuencia de COVID-19, numerosos hospitales sufrieron una reconversión para la atención de esta enfermedad. OBJETIVO: Analizar el comportamiento epidemiológico hospitalario de COVID-19 entre marzo y agosto de 2020. MÉTODOS: En una serie de casos se analizó el comportamiento epidemiológico de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel, para lo cual se estimaron frecuencias simples de casos, porcentajes e incidencia por cada 100 egresos hospitalarios. RESULTADOS: De 491 sujetos con prueba positiva para SARS-CoV-2, 156 (31.7 %) fueron hospitalizados por datos clínicos de enfermedad moderada a grave. La edad promedio fue de 59.1 años; 121 casos (75 %) egresaron por mejoría y 32 (20.5 %), por defunción. El promedio de edad de quienes fallecieron fue de 69.7 años y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 60 a 80 años (45.4 %). La letalidad calculada fue de 20.5 por 100 egresos hospitalarios, mientras que la calculada tomando en cuenta los pacientes positivos (ambulatorios y hospitalizados) fue de 6.5. CONCLUSIONES: El comportamiento epidemiológico de COVID-19 fue similar al descrito en otros estudios; sin embargo, la letalidad y la mortalidad están por encima de la media nacional. Está pendiente el análisis de estas y de los factores que las favorecieron en nuestra población.

Towards a predictive model for prevention of the risk of COVID-19 infection.

INTRODUCTION: The scarcity of person-centered applications aimed at developing awareness on the risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulates the exploration and creation of preventive tools that are accessible to the population. OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model that allows evaluating the risk of mortality in the event of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. METHODS: Exploration of public data from 16,000 COVID-19-positive patients to generate an efficient discriminant model, evaluated with a score function and expressed by a self-rated preventive interest questionnaire. RESULTS: A useful linear function was obtained with a discriminant capacity of 0.845; internal validation with bootstrap and external validation, with 25 % of tested patients showing marginal differences. CONCLUSION: The predictive model with statistical support, based on 15 accessible questions, can become a structured prevention tool.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La escasez de aplicaciones centradas en la persona y con vistas al desarrollo de la conciencia del riesgo que representa la pandemia de COVID-19 estimula la exploración y creación de herramientas de carácter preventivo accesibles a la población. OBJETIVO: Elaboración de un modelo predictivo que permita evaluar el riesgo de letalidad ante infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS: Exploración de datos públicos de 16 000 pacientes positivos a COVID-19, para generar un modelo discriminante eficiente, valorado con una función score y que se expresa mediante un cuestionario autocalificado de interés preventivo. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una función lineal útil con capacidad discriminante de 0.845; la validación interna con bootstrap y la externa, con 25 % de los pacientes de prueba, mostraron diferencias marginales. CONCLUSIÓN: El modelo predictivo, basado en 15 preguntas accesibles puede convertirse en una herramienta de prevención estructurada.

Factors associated with death from dengue in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: historical cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the clinical and epidemiological profiles of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), dengue shock syndrome (DSS) and complicated dengue cases and deaths from 2008 to 2010 that occurred in the state of Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil, and to identify factors associated with death from dengue. METHODS: Historical cohort study using data from the Brazilian Information System for Notifiable Diseases. A descriptive analysis of the DHF, DSS and complicated dengue cases and deaths was performed; the incidence, mortality and case-fatality rates were estimated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with death from dengue. Comorbidities were not included in the analysis because the information system does not contain such data. RESULTS: During the study period, 2214 DHF, DSS and complicated dengue cases were reported, including 156 deaths. The annual case-fatality rates for DHF/DSS and complicated dengue cases in the period of 2008-2010 were 7.3%, 4.8% and 7.9%, respectively. The factors associated with death from dengue included residence in a municipality with a population of fewer than 100,000 inhabitants [odds ratio (OR) 2.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71-3.55], age over 65 years (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.99-4.68) and plasma leakage (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.16-2.46). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the importance of plasma leakage as a warning sign associated with death from dengue as well as the signs and symptoms that allow the diagnosis of DHF. Moreover, our findings suggest that increased attention is necessary for individuals over 65 years of age and in municipalities with populations under 100,000 inhabitants to ensure a better quality of care during the management of severe patients of dengue in these locations. Differences in the interpretation of the DHF definition have hindered the comparison of data from different countries; it can improve from the WHO 2009 dengue classification.

[Incidence and lethality of invasive pneumococcal disease in Tarragona, Spain, 2006-2009]. / Incidencia y letalidad de infecciones neumocócicas invasivas en la región de Tarragona, 2006-2009.

An epidemiological study was conducted on all cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) diagnosed in Tarragona, Spain, between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2009. A total of 286 IPD cases were observed, which was an overall incidence of 21.2 episodes per 100,000 persons-year (95% CI: 16.6-26.9). Incidence rates were 26.3/100,000 (95% CI: 14.4-44.3) among children, 12.2/100,000 (95% CI: 8.2-17.6) among patients between 15-64 years and 59.6/100,000 (95% CI: 40.0-85.8) in those ≥65 years. Overall lethality rate was 7.3% (none in children, 3.4% among patients 15-64 years, and 14.8% among patients ≥65 years; p<0.001).

Effectiveness of STEMI networks with out-of-hospital triage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is recommended for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Countries have designed various STEMI network models to optimize out-of-hospital triage, timely treatment, and patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of STEMI network implementation including out-of-hospital triage in improving STEMI case-fatality and long-term mortality, and its effect on the proportion of patients presenting with heart failure, their ischemia time, and time to pPCI. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering January 2000 to December 2023, study selection, and data extraction were completed by 3 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 32 articles were selected. STEMI network implementation with out-of-hospital triage was associated with reductions of 35% in case-fatality (95%CI, -23% to -45%), 27% in long-term mortality (95%CI, -22% to -32%), and in the proportion of patients with Killip III-IV at admission, ischemia, time and time to pPCI (-17%, 95%CI, -35% +6%; -19%, 95%CI, -6% to -31%; -33%, 95%CI, -16% to -47%, respectively). Networks based on emergency transport systems and those involving the entire health system, including primary care centers and hospitals without pPCI capabilities, showed similar effectiveness. Greater effectiveness was observed in urban vs rural areas and high-income vs middle- and low-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of out-of-hospital triage-based STEMI networks is effective in reducing STEMI case-fatality and long-term mortality, independently of the geographic and socioeconomic conditions of the region. Participation of the emergency transport system is the key element of successful networks.

[Effect of the Omicron variant on cumulative incidence of infection and lethality during the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Spain]. / Efecto de la variante Ómicron sobre la incidencia y la letalidad durante la 6.ª onda epidémica COVID-19 en España.

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained healthcare systems globally. The successive epidemic waves have shown different characteristics. The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 modified the epidemic behavior that previous variants had followed. The aim of this analysis was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 during the sixth epidemic wave and its differences according to the predominance of the Delta or Omicron variants. The epidemiological data corresponding to the sixth wave of the epidemic published by official organizations were analyzed, and the cumulative incidence of infection (CI-I) and case fatality rates (CFR) were calculated, both for Spain as a whole and for the different Autonomous Communities, in the population as a whole and by age groups. The results showed that the CI-I was higher with the Ómicron variant (10.89% vs 0.75% with Delta) while the CFR was higher with the Delta variant (4.2‰ vs 1.3‰ with Ómicron), as well as a higher rate of hospitalization and ICU admission with the Delta variant.

Application of GIS and spatiotemporal analyses in viral infection modelling using multiple datasets - A case study on the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Viral and infectious diseases such as COVID-19 continue to pose a significant public health threat. In order to create an early warning system for new pandemics or emerging versions of the virus, it is imperative to study its epidemiology. In this study, we created a geospatial model to predict the weekly contagion and lethality rates of COVID-19 in Ireland. METHODS: More than forty parameters including atmospheric pollutants, metrological variables, sociodemographic factors, and lockdown phases were introduced as input variables to the model. The significant parameters in predicting the number of new cases and the death toll were identified. QGIS software was employed to process input data, and a principal component regression (PCR) model was developed using the statistical add-on XLSTAT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The developed models were able to predict more than half of the variations in contagion and lethality rates. This indicates that the proposed model can serve to help prediction systems for the identification of future high-risk conditions. Nevertheless, there are additional parameters that could be included in future models, such as the number of deaths in care homes, the percentage of contagion and mortality among health workers, and the degree of compliance with social distancing.

Analysis of myocardial infarction incidence and case-fatality in the last three decades in the province of Girona.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Myocardial infarction (MI) incidence and case fatality trends are highly informative but relatively untested at the population level. The objective of this work was to estimate MI incidence and case fatality in the Girona population aged 35-74 years, and to determine their 30-year trends (1990-2019). METHODS: The REGICOR (Girona Heart Registry) monitored MI incidence and case fatality rates from 1990 to 2008. For the period 2008 to 2019, we linked discharges from Girona hospitals (n=4 974 977) and mortality registry (n=70 405) during this period. Our linkage algorithm selected key MI diagnostic codes and removed duplicates. Estimates from the linkage algorithm and the REGICOR registry were compared using chi-square tests for overlapping years (2008-2009). We estimated the annual percent change (APC) of standardized MI incidence and 28-day case fatality, and analyzed their trends using joinpoint regression. RESULTS: MI incidence and case fatality estimates were similar in the linkage algorithm and the REGICOR registry. We observed significant decreasing trends in the incidence of MI. The trend was APC, -0.96% (95% confidence interval (95%CI), -1.4 to -0.53) in women from 1990 to 2019 and -4.2% (95%CI, -5.5 to -3.0) in men from 1994 to 2019. The largest decrease in case fatality was -3.8% (95%CI, -5.1 to -2.5) from 1995 to 2003 in women and -2.4% (95%CI, -2.9 to -1.9) from 1995 to 2004 in men, mainly due to prehospital case fatality declines: -1.8% (95%CI, -2.6 to -1.1) in men and -3.2% (95%CI, -4.6 to -1.8) in women. CONCLUSIONS: In Girona, MI incidence and case fatality decreased between 1990 and 2019. The incidence showed a slow but continuous decrease while case fatality only stabilized in the last decade, particularly in women.

[Case-fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection according to Autonomous Communities during the second epidemic wave in Spain]. / Tasas de letalidad por SARS-CoV-2 según Comunidades Autónomas durante la segunda onda epidémica en España.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain, health systems are transferred to the Autonomous Communities (AC), constituting 19 health systems with differentiated management and resources. During the first epidemic wave of COVID-19, differences were observed in reporting systems and in case-fatality rates (FR) between the AC. The objective of this study was to analyze the FR according to AC. during the 2 nd epidemic wave (from July 20 to December 25, 2020), and its relationship with the prevalence of infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive observational study was carried out, extracting the information available on the number of deaths from COVID-19 registered in the Ministry of Health, the Health Councils and the Public Health Departments of the AC, and according to the excess mortality reported by the System Monitoring of Daily Mortality (MoMo). The prevalence of infection was estimated from the differences between the second and fourth rounds of the ENE-COVID study and their 95% confidence intervals. The global FR (deaths per thousand infected) were calculated according to sex, age groups (< 65 and ≥ 65 years) and AC. The age-Standardized Fatality Rates (SFR) of the AC were calculated using the FR of Spain for each age group. These estimates were made with officially declared deaths (FRo) and excess deaths estimated by MoMo (FRMo). The correlations between the prevalences of infection and the FRo and FRMo were estimated, weighting by population. RESULTS: For the whole of Spain, the FRo during the second epidemic wave was 7.6%, oscillating between 3.8% in the Balearic Islands and 16.4% in Asturias, and the TLMo was 10.1%, oscillating between 4.8% from Madrid and 21.7% in Asturias. Significant differences were observed between the FRo and the FRMo in the Canary Islands, Castilla la Mancha, Extremadura, the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The FRo was significantly higher in men (8.2%) than in women (7.1%). The FRo and FRMo were significantly higher in the age group ≥ 65 years (55.4% and 72.2% respectively) than in the group <65 years (0.5% and 1.4% respectively). The Basque Country, Aragon, Andalusia and Castilla la Mancha presented SFR significantly higher than the global FR of Spain. The correlations between the prevalence of infection and the FRo were inverse. CONCLUSIONS: The case-fatality from COVID-19 during the second epidemic wave in Spain improved compared to the first wave. The case-fatality rates were higher in men and the elderly people, and varied significantly between AC. It is necessary to delve into the analysis of the causes of these differences.

[Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in terms of incidence and lethality in nursing homes in Galicia (Spain)]. / Impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en términos de incidencia y letalidad en los centros residenciales de mayores de Galicia.

OBJECTIVES: To know the impact of COVID-19 in incidence and lethality in nursing homes in Galicia. METHODS: This is a descriptive study of nursing homes residents and workers with confirmed COVID-19. The analysis spanned from March 1, 2020 to March 27, 2022, stratified into 6 periods (one per wave). The impact on incidence (attack rate, number of outbreaks, reinfections, sex, age, and diagnostic technique) and lethality (by sex, age, place of death, and number of centers with deaths) was analyzed. RESULTS: There were 15,819 people affected, 51.9% of the jobs and 47.0% of the workers. The attack rate in residents was: 5.8% in the first wave, 10.4% in the second, 6.3% in the third, 0.1% in the fourth, 2.1% in the fifth and 27.3% in the sixth. In the sixth wave, there were 11.3% reinfections and the number of outbreaks in was 3 times higher than in the second. The case fatality in residents was higher during the first wave (21.8%) and lower during the sixth (2.4%). He only had one worker in relation to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Surveillance of COVID-19 in nursing homes was essential to understand the dynamics of the disease. The sixth wave was the one with the highest incidence and the lowest lethality. Lethality was higher in the first wave. The fourth and fifth waves had a lower incidence due to the effects of vaccination.

Time trends in the epidemiology of nonrheumatic aortic valve disease in Spain, 2003-2018.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of therapeutic improvements in nonrheumatic aortic valve disease (NRAVD) has been assessed at the patient level but not in the whole population with the disease. Our objective was to assess temporal trends in hospitalization rates, treatment and fatality rates in patients with a main or secondary NRAVD diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of administrative claims from patients hospitalized with a main or secondary NRAVD diagnosis between 2003 and 2018 in Spain. Time trends in age- and sex-standardized hospitalization and procedure rates, baseline characteristics and case fatality rates by diagnosis type were assessed by Poisson regression and joinpoint analysis. RESULTS: Hospital admissions in patients with NRAVD increased from 69 213 in 2003 to 136 185 in 2018. The crude in-hospital fatality rate increased from 6.7% to 8.7% (IRR, 1.015; 95%CI, 1.012-1.018; P <.001) without changes after adjustment. Adjusted fatality rates decreased in patients with a main NRAVD diagnosis (5.5% to 3.5%; IRR, 0.953; 95%CI, 0.942-0.964) but increased in those with a secondary diagnosis (8.0% to 8.8%; IRR, 1.005; 95%CI, 1.002-1.009). Aortic valve replacements increased from 10.5 to 17.1 procedures per 100 000 population (IRR, 1.033; 95%CI, 1.030-1.037), mainly driven by transcatheter procedures (IRR, 1.345; 95%CI, 1.302-1.389). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalizations in patients with NRAVD are increasing, with most being secondary diagnoses. The use of aortic valve replacement is increasing with a reduction in fatality rates but only in patients with a main diagnosis.

Case fatality of COVID-19 in patients with neurodegenerative dementia. / Análisis de letalidad por COVID-19 en pacientes con demencia neurodegenerativa.

INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is the group most threatened by COVID-19, with the highest mortality rates. This study aims to analyse the case fatality of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients with degenerative dementia. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive case-control study of a sample of patients diagnosed with primary neurodegenerative dementia. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 88 patients with COVID-19 included in the study died: 10/23 (43.4%) patients diagnosed with dementia and 14/65 (21.5%) controls; this difference was statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that case fatality of COVID-19 is significantly higher among patients with primary degenerative dementia than in other patients with similar mean ages and comorbidities.

Clinical efficacy of fosfomycin combinations against a variety of gram-positive cocci.

INTRODUCTION: Over recent years we have witnessed an increase in the resistance of microorganisms to the available antimicrobials and a decrease in the number of new antimicrobials. Fosfomycin is a safe and cheap broad-spectrum antibiotic which has shown very promising results in combination therapy, mainly against gram-negative microorganisms. Little is known, however, about its clinical efficacy against gram-positive microorganisms. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients with severe gram-positive infections who received fosfomycin as part of their treatment from 2011 to 2017. We also performed in vitro time-kill assays to study the behaviour of fosfomycin with different antimicrobials against two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two strains of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were treated with different fosfomycin combinations. Among them, 61 (81%) were successfully treated. Daptomycin plus fosfomycin was the most effective combination. Overall, the treatment with fosfomycin was safe, and side effects were minor. There was only one major side effect that resolved after discontinuation of therapy. Time-kill studies demonstrated increased activity of fosfomycin combinations, with daptomycin-fosfomycin being the most active combination against both MRSA and MSSA strains. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that antimicrobial combinations including fosfomycin are an alternative and effective approach for gram-positive infections.

Síntomas gastrointestinales, disfunción respiratoria, hepática y renal, principales factores asociados a letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California, México / Gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory, hepatic and renal dysfunction, main factors associated with lethality due to tickborne rickettsiosis in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La rickettsiosis, enfermedad potencialmente mortal, es trasmitida por vectores como Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis y D. andersonii, reservorios de Rickettsia rickettsii. En Baja California, México, es endémica, multifactorial, tiene alta letalidad, sus manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas y ataque multisistémico dificultan el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno. OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a la letalidad por rickettsiosis trasmitida por garrapatas en Mexicali, Baja California. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS : Estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, retrospectivo, de 40 registros de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de rickettsiosis, periodo 2014 a 2018. Variables analizadas: sociodemográficas, clínicas, laboratorio clínico, evolución y desenlace. Se reportan frecuencias y medidas de asociación. RESULTADOS: 24 defunciones y 16 vivos. Más de 90% tuvo contacto conocido con garrapatas. Afectó en su mayoría a < 45 años en ambos grupos. La evolución antes del ingreso fue similar y la estancia hospitalaria fue mayor en los pacientes vivos (3,2 ± 4.7 vs 10,62 ± 7,6 p = 0,0002). Fiebre, cefalea, mialgias fueron predominantes. Datos asociados con letalidad: disfunción respiratoria (OR 38,33 IC95% 4,06-361,3 p < 0,0001), creatinina elevada (OR 15,4 IC95% 3,08-76,77 p < 0,0003), retardo del llenado capilar (OR 13,0 IC95% 2,73-61,78 p = 0,0005), dolor abdominal (OR 8,33, IC95% 1,90-36,44 p = 0,0029), AST (OR 7,5, IC95% 1,69-33,27 p = 0,005). CONCLUSIÓN: Esta enfermedad requiere de identificación temprana de factores que se asocian con letalidad para un tratamiento oportuno y adecuado.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsiosis, a potentially fatal disease, is transmitted by vectors such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis and D. andersonii, reservoirs of Rickettsia rickettsii. In Baja California, Mexico, it is endemic, multifactorial, has high lethality, its nonspecific clinical manifestations and multisystem attack make diagnosis and timely treatment difficult. AIM: Identify the risk factors associated with lethality due to tick-transmitted rickettsiosis in Mexicali, Baja California. METHODS: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 40 records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rickettsiosis, period 2014 to 2018. Analyzed variables: sociodemographic, clinical, clinical laboratory, evolution and outcome. Frequencies and association measures are reported. RESULTS: 24 patients died and 16 survived. More than 90% had reported contact with ticks. It mostly affected ≤ 45 years in both groups. The evolution before admission was similar, and the hospital stay was longer in patients who lived (3.2 ± 4.7 vs 10.62 ± 7.6 p = 0.0002). Fever, headache, and myalgia are predominant. Data associated with lethality: respiratory dysfunction (OR 38.33 95% CI 4.06-361.3 p < 0.0001), elevated creatinine (OR 15.4 95% CI 3.08-76.77 p < 0.0003), delayed capillary refill (OR 13.0, 95% CI 2.73-61.78 p = 0.0005), abdominal pain (OR 8.33, 95% CI 1.90-36.44 p = 0.0029), AST (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.69-33.27 p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This disease requires early identification of factors that are associated with lethality for timely and adequate treatment.

Killing kinetics of anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin against Candida parapsilosis species complex: Evaluation of the fungicidal activity.

BACKGROUND: Candida parapsilosis, Candida metapsilosis and Candida orthopsilosis are emerging as relevant causes of candidemia. Moreover, they show differences in their antifungal susceptibility and virulence. The echinocandins are different in terms of in vitro antifungal activity against Candida. Time-kill (TK) curves represent an excellent approach to evaluate the fungicidal activity of antifungal drugs. AIMS: To compare the fungicidal activities of anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin against C. parapsilosis species complex by TK curves. METHODS: Antifungal activities of three echinocandins against C. parapsilosis, C. metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis were studied by TK curves. Drug concentrations assayed were 0.25, 2 and 8µg/ml. CFU/ml were determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48h. RESULTS: Killing activities of echinocandins were species-, isolates- and concentration-dependent. Anidulafungin reached the fungicidad endpoint for 6 out of 7 isolates (86%); it required between 13.34 and 29.67h to reach this endpoint for the three species studied, but more than 48h were needed against one isolate of C. orthopsilosis (8µg/ml). Caspofungin fungicidal endpoint was only achieved with 8µg/ml against one isolate of C. metapsilosis after 30.12h (1 out of 7 isolates; 14%). Micafungin fungicidal endpoint was reached in 12.74-28.38h (8µg/ml) against one isolate each of C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis, and against both C. metapsilosis isolates (4 out of 7 isolates; 57%). CONCLUSIONS: C. metapsilosis was the most susceptible species to echinocandins, followed by C. orthopsilosis and C. parapsilosis. Anidulafungin was the most active echinocandin against C. parapsilosis complex.

Reduction in the incidence of invasive infections caused by encapsulated bacteria after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic / Reducción de la incidencia de infecciones invasivas por bacterias capsuladas luego del inicio de la Pandemia por COVID-19

Abstract Interaction between severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and IIEB remains under investigation. Objective: to compare IIEB incidence before and during COVID-19 pandemic, and assess incidence of coinfection with COVID-19 and case fatality. A cross-sectional study was performed on data from a centralized microbiology laboratory serving a network of healthcare centers comprising 713 pediatric and adult inpatient beds, expanded by 20% during the pandemic. Three periods were evaluated: (1) pre-pandemic: March 1, 2019-February 29, 2020; (2) pandemic year 1: March 1, 2020-February 28, 2021; (3) pandemic year 2: March 1, 2021-July 31, 2021. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. 56502 samples (96% blood cultures) from 27224 patients were analyzed. Of these, 54 samples (from 54 patients) were positive for encapsulated bacteria. IIEB incidence was: 167.4, 32.6, and 50.4 per 100000 samples for periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Twelve IIEB episodes occurred during the pandemic period: 10 Streptococcus pneumoniae, and 2 Haemophilus influenzae, of which 7 were SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae coinfections, with an incidence of 5.68 per 10000 COVID-19-related hospitalizations (0.056%). IIEB case fatality was 31%, 29%, and 60% for each period, respectively, 3/7 patients with coinfection died (43%). Case fatality for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in patients without COVID-19, was 32.5%. Significant reduction in IIEB incidence was observed during the pandemic, coinciding with implementation of containment measures. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae coinfection was low, with higher case fatality than IPD patients without COVID-19.

Resumen La interacción entre SARS-CoV-2 e infecciones invasivas por bacterias capsuladas (IIBC) continúa bajo estudio. Objetivos: comparar la incidencia de IIBC antes y durante la pandemia por COVID-19, evaluar la incidencia de coinfección con COVID-19 y la letalidad. Estudio transversal de registros de un laboratorio centralizado de Microbiología, que asiste a una red de centros asistenciales con 713 camas de internación para adultos y pediátricos, expandida 20% durante la pandemia. Tres periodos evaluados: 1) Pre-pandemia: 1-Marzo-2019 al 29-Febrero-2020; 2) Primer año de Pandemia: 1-Marzo-2020 al 28-Febrero-2021; 3) Pandemia 2021: 1-Marzo-2021 al 31-Julio-2021. Análisis estadístico descriptivo: Se analizaron 56.502 muestras (96% hemocultivos) correspondientes a 27.224 pacientes. De estas, 54 muestras (de 54 pacientes) fueron positivas para bacterias capsuladas. La incidencia de IIBC fue 167,4, 32,6 y 50,4 por cada 100.000 muestras para los periodos 1, 2 y 3, respectivamente. Doce IIBC ocurrieron durante la pandemia: 10 Streptococcus pneumoniae y dos Haemophilus influenzae, siete de ellos corresponden a coinfección SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae, con una incidencia de 5,68 por cada 10.000 internaciones por COVID 19 (0,056%). La letalidad de las IIBC fue de 31, 29 y 60% para los tres periodos, respectivamente, 3/7 coinfectados fallecieron (43%). La letalidad por enfermedad neumocócica invasiva (ENI), sin COVID fue de 32,5%. Se evidenció una reducción significativa de la incidencia de IIBC luego del comienzo de la pandemia, coincidente con la implementación de las medidas sanitarias de contención de la pandemia. La incidencia de coinfección de SARS-CoV-2/S. pneumoniae fue baja y presentó mayor letalidad que las ENI sin COVID-19.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Population Incidence and Mortality Rates, and 28-day Case-fatality in Older Adults. The REGICOR Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to determine acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incidence and mortality rates, and population and in-hospital case-fatality in the population older than 74 years; variability in clinical characteristics and AMI management of hospitalized patients, and changes in the incidence and mortality rates, case-fatality, and management by age groups from 1996 to 1997 and 2007 to 2008. METHODS: A population-based AMI registry in Girona (Catalonia, Spain) including individuals with suspected AMI older than 34 years. RESULTS: The incidence rate increased with age from 169 and 28 cases/100 000 per year in the group aged 35 to 64 years to 2306 and 1384 cases/100 000 per year in the group aged 85 to 94 years, in men and women, respectively. Population case-fatality also increased with age, from 19% in the group aged 35 to 64 years to 84% in the group aged 85 to 94 years. A lower population case-fatality was observed in the second period, mainly explained by a lower in-hospital case-fatality. The use of invasive procedures and effective drugs decreased with age but increased in the second period in all ages up to 84 years. CONCLUSIONS: Acute myocardial infarction incidence, mortality, and case-fatality increased exponentially with age. There is still a gap in the use of invasive procedures and effective drugs between younger and older patients.