Comparative analysis of the antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits in ESBL-producing-Klebsiella pneumoniae ST307 strains colonizing the gastrointestinal tract and causing a fatal bloodstream infection in a leukemia patient.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen that can colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of humans. The mechanisms underlying the successful translocation of this pathogen to cause extra-intestinal infections remain unknown, although virulence and antimicrobial resistance traits likely play significant roles in the establishment of infections. We investigated K. pneumoniae strains isolated from GIT colonization (strains Kp_FZcol-1, Kp_FZcol-2 and Kp_FZcro-1) and from a fatal bloodstream infection (strain Kp_HM-1) in a leukemia patient. All strains belonged to ST307, carried a transferable IncF plasmid containing the blaCTX-M-15 gene (pKPN3-307 TypeA-like plasmid) and showed a multidrug-resistance phenotype. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Kp_HM-1 was more closely related to Kp_FZcro-1 than to the other colonizing strains. The Kp_FZcol-2 genome showed 81 % coverage with the Kp_HM-1 246,730 bp plasmid (pKp_HM-1), lacking most of its putative virulence genes. Searching public genomes with similar coverage, we observed the occurrence of this deletion in K. pneumoniae ST307 strains recovered from human colonization and infection in different countries. Our findings suggest that strains lacking the putative virulence genes found in the pKPN3-307 TypeA plasmid are still able to colonize and infect humans, highlighting the need to further investigate the role of these genes for the adaptation of K. pneumoniae ST307 in distinct human body sites.

Serotypes, antimicrobial resistance and genotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae associated with infections in cancer patients in Brazil.

We sought to characterize pneumococcal isolates associated with bacteremia, pneumonia and meningitis in cancer patients and to estimate the coverage of the available pneumococcal vaccines. Fifty isolates recovered from 49 patients attending a cancer reference center over a 1-year period were analyzed. The prevalent serotypes were: 23F (12%), 6A (8%), 3, 4, 20, and 23A (6% each). All isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol, levofloxacin, rifampicin, and vancomycin. Resistance or reduced susceptibility to penicillin made up 14%, and one isolate was also intermediately resistant to ceftriaxone. The three (6%) erythromycin-resistant isolates presented the M or cMLSB phenotypes and harbored the mef(A/E) gene exclusively or along with the erm(B) gene. Twenty-two (44%) isolates were closely related to 11 international clones, being strongly associated with penicillin non-susceptibility. Combined immunization with the 13-valent conjugate and the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccines might contribute to reduce (76%) the burden of the pneumococcal infections in the population investigated.

Risk factors for and mortality of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli nosocomial bloodstream infections.

A case-control study, involving patients with positive blood cultures for Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) or Escherichia coli (EC) EC and controls with positive blood cultures for non-ESBL-KP or EC, was performed to assess risk factors for extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL) production from nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs). Mortality among patients with BSIs was also assessed. The study included 145 patients (81, 59.5% with K. pneumoniae and 64, 44.1% with E. coli BSI); 51 (35.2%) isolates were ESBL producers and 94 (64.8%) nonproducers. Forty-five (55.6%) K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers, while only six (9.4%) E. coli isolates produced the enzyme. Multivariate analysis showed that recent exposure to piperacillin-tazobactam (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 6.2; 95%CI 1.1-34.7) was a risk factor for ESBL BSI. K. pneumoniae was significantly more likely to be an ESBL-producing isolate than E. coli (aOR 6.7; 95%CI 2.3-20.2). No cephalosporin class was independently associated with ESBLs BSI; however, in a secondary model considering all oxymino-cephalosporins as a single variable, a significant association was demonstrated (aOR 3.7; 95%CI 1.3-10.8). Overall 60-day mortality was significantly higher among ESBL-producing organisms. The finding that piperacillin-tazobactam use is a risk factor for ESBL-production in KP or EC BSIs requires attention, since this drug can be recommended to limit the use of third-generation cephalosporins.

Indications of carbapenem resistance evolution through heteroresistance as an intermediate stage in Acinetobacter baumannii after carbapenem administration.

We describe an in vivo evolution of an antimicrobial profile from susceptibility to full-resistance to carbapenems, with heteroresistance as an intermediate stage, in an Acinetobacter baumannii strain. Heteroresistance was characterized by the growth of sub-populations within the susceptibility halo in both disk-diffusion and Etest. PCRs for the main A. baumannii carbapenemases were negative. The exact resistance mechanism, diagnostic methods and clinical relevance of heteroresistance in A. baumannii warrant further investigations. This is the first description of such phenomenon in vivo and the second report of heteroresistance to carbapenems in A. baumannii.

Corynebacterium striatum infecting a malignant cutaneous lesion: the emergence of an opportunistic pathogen.

We described a case of a 27-year old male patient with skin and soft tissue infection of a neoplastic lesion caused by Corynebacterium striatum, an organism which has been rarely described as a human pathogen. Identification was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Successful treatment with penicillin was achieved. The role of the C. striatum as an emerging opportunistic pathogen is discussed.

[Strongyloides Stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome: case report]. / Hiper-infecção por Strongyloides Stercoralis: relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Strongyloides Stercoralis is a common cause of gastrointestinal infection. This nematode can produce an overwhelming hyperinfection syndrome, especially in the immunocompromised patient. Typically, patients present with pulmonary symptoms, but subsequently they can acquire Gram-negative sepsis. The objective of this report is to describe a lethal case and call attention to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 60 year-old with diagnosis of timoma, treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the past. He presented to the emergency room complaining of diarrhea and dyspnea, and then transferred to the ICU after development of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure and refractory septic shock, and despite treatment the patient died. A bronchial sample of sputum showed Strongyloides stercoralis worms. CONCLUSIONS: Strongyloides stercoralis infection symptoms are usually mild, but in the setting of impaired host immunity, a disseminated and severe illness may occur. Clinicians must be aware for patients from endemic areas. Diagnosis may be established through sputum and stool examination for Strongyloides stercoralis worms.

Risk factors for and mortality of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli nosocomial bloodstream infections / Fatores de risco e mortalidade de infecções da corrente sanguínea por Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli produtores de beta-lactamase de espectro estendido

A case-control study, involving patients with positive blood cultures for Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) or Escherichia coli (EC) EC and controls with positive blood cultures for non-ESBL-KP or EC, was performed to assess risk factors for extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) production from nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs). Mortality among patients with BSIs was also assessed. The study included 145 patients (81, 59.5 percent with K. pneumoniae and 64, 44.1 percent with E. coli BSI); 51 (35.2 percent) isolates were ESBL producers and 94 (64.8 percent) nonproducers. Forty-five (55.6 percent) K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers, while only six (9.4 percent) E. coli isolates produced the enzyme. Multivariate analysis showed that recent exposure to piperacillin-tazobactam (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 6.2; 95 percentCI 1.1-34.7) was a risk factor for ESBL BSI. K. pneumoniae was significantly more likely to be an ESBL-producing isolate than E. coli (aOR 6.7; 95 percentCI 2.3-20.2). No cephalosporin class was independently associated with ESBLs BSI; however, in a secondary model considering all oxymino-cephalosporins as a single variable, a significant association was demonstrated (aOR 3.7; 95 percentCI 1.3-10.8). Overall 60-day mortality was significantly higher among ESBL-producing organisms. The finding that piperacillin-tazobactam use is a risk factor for ESBL-production in KP or EC BSIs requires attention, since this drug can be recommended to limit the use of third-generation cephalosporins.

Estudo de caso-controle, onde os casos foram pacientes com hemocultura positiva para Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) ou Escherichia coli (EC) produtores de beta lactamase de espectro estendido (ESBL) e os controles foram pacientes com hemoculturas positivas para EC ou KP não produtores de ESBL foi realizado para avaliar os fatores de risco para produção destas enzimas em infecções da corrente sanguínea (ICS). Mortalidade dos pacientes com ICS também foi avaliada. Foram incluídos 145 pacientes (81, 59,5 por cento tinham Klebsiella pneumoniae e 64, 44,1 por cento tinham Escherichia coli); 51 (35,2 por cento) isolados eram produtores de ESBL e 94 (64,8 por cento) eram não produtores. Quarenta e cinco (55,6 por cento) isolados de K. pneumoniae e somente seis (9,4 por cento) isolados de E. coli eram produtores de ESBL. Análise multivariada mostrou que exposição recente a piperacilina-tazobactam (OR ajustado [aOddsRatio] 6,2; 95 por cento Intervalo de Confiança [IC] 1,1-34,7) foi fator de risco para infecção da corrente sanguínea por ESBL. Foi significativamente maior a chance de K. pneumoniae ser um isolado produtor de ESBL do que E. coli o ser (aOR 6,7; 95 por cento CI 2,3-20,2). Nenhuma classe de cefalosporina foi independentemente associada com ESBL-ICS. No entanto, em um modelo secundário considerando todas as oximino-cefalosporinas como variável única, foi demonstrada associação significativa (aOR 3,7; 95 por cento IC 1,3-10,8). Mortalidade total em 60 dias foi significativamente maior entre isolados produtores de ESBL. O achado de piperacilina-tazobactam como fator de risco para produção de ESBL em ICS por KP ou EC requer atenção, uma vez que esta droga tem sido eventualmente recomendada para poupar o uso de cefalosporinas de terceira geração.

Indications of carbapenem resistance evolution through heteroresistance as an intermediate stage in Acinetobacter baumannii after carbapenem administration / Indicações da evolução da resistência ao carbapenem através da heteroresistência como estágio intermediário no Acinetobacter baumannii após administração de carbapenem

We describe an in vivo evolution of an antimicrobial profile from susceptibility to full-resistance to carbapenems, with heteroresistance as an intermediate stage, in an Acinetobacter baumannii strain. Heteroresistance was characterized by the growth of sub-populations within the susceptibility halo in both disk-diffusion and Etest. PCRs for the main A. baumannii carbapenemases were negative. The exact resistance mechanism, diagnostic methods and clinical relevance of heteroresistance in A. baumannii warrant further investigations. This is the first description of such phenomenon in vivo and the second report of heteroresistance to carbapenems in A. baumannii.

Descrevemos a evolução in vivo, de um perfil de sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos, passando de sensibilidade a resistência total aos antibióticos carbapenêmicos, com um estágio intermediário de heteroresistência em isolado de Acinetobacter baumannii. A heteroresistência foi caracterizada pelo crescimento de sub-população na zona de inibição pelo método de disco-difusão e pelo Etest. PCRs para as principais carbapenemases envolvidas com resistência neste microrganismo foram negativas. O exato mecanismo de resistência envolvido, método diagnóstico e relevância clínica justificam investigação adicional. Esta é a primeira descrição deste fenômeno in vivo e o segundo relato de heteroresistência em A. baumannii.

Corynebacterium striatum infecting a malignant cutaneous lesion: the emergence of an opportunistic pathogen / Corynebacterium striatum infectando lesão cutânea maligna: a emergência de um patógeno oportunista

We described a case of a 27-year old male patient with skin and soft tissue infection of a neoplastic lesion caused by Corynebacterium striatum, an organism which has been rarely described as a human pathogen. Identification was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Successful treatment with penicillin was achieved. The role of the C. striatum as an emerging opportunistic pathogen is discussed.

Descrevemos infecção de lesão neoplásica em paciente masculino de 27 anos, envolvendo pele e partes moles, causada por Corynebacterium striatum, um microrganismo raramente descrito como patógeno humano. A identificação foi confirmada por seqüenciamento de DNA. O paciente foi tratado com penicilina, com sucesso. O papel do C. striatum como patógeno oportunista é discutido.

Hiper-infecção por Strongyloides Stercoralis: relato de caso / Strongyloides Stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O Strongyloides stercoralis é um agente comum de infecção do trato gastrintestinal. Em pacientes imunodeprimidos este nematódeo pode causar hiper-infecção, com manifestações pulmonares e sepse por germes gram-negativos. O objetivo deste relato foi apresentar um caso com evolução letal e ressaltar a importância do diagnóstico e do tratamento precoce. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 60 anos, com diagnóstico de tumor de timo, submetido a tratamento cirúrgico, radioterapia e quimioterapia. Foi consultado na emergência relatando queixa de diarréia e dispnéia, sendo admitido na UTI após apresentar quadro de insuficiência respiratória aguda hipoxêmica e choque refratário, evoluindo para óbito. No aspirado traqueal, foi identificado larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis. CONCLUSÕES: A estrongiloidíase, apesar de tratar-se de infecção parasitária freqüentemente leve, em pacientes imunodeprimidos pode apresentar-se de forma grave e disseminada. Deve-se suspeitar deste agente em pacientes que vivem em áreas endêmicas, sendo o diagnóstico estabelecido através da pesquisa da larva do Strongyloides stercoralis na secreção traqueal e nas fezes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Strongyloides Stercoralis is a common cause of gastrointestinal infection. This nematode can produce an overwhelming hyperinfection syndrome, especially in the immunocompromised patient. Typically, patients present with pulmonary symptoms, but subsequently they can acquire Gram-negative sepsis. The objective of this report is to describe a lethal case and call attention to the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. CASE REPORT: Male patient, 60 year-old with diagnosis of timoma, treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the past. He presented to the emergency room complaining of diarrhea and dyspnea, and then transferred to the ICU after development of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure and refractory septic shock, and despite treatment the patient died. A bronchial sample of sputum showed Strongyloides stercoralis worms. CONCLUSIONS: Strongyloides stercoralis infection symptoms are usually mild, but in the setting of impaired host immunity, a disseminated and severe illness may occur. Clinicians must be aware for patients from endemic areas. Diagnosis may be established through sputum and stool examination for Strongyloides stercoralis worms.