Antibiotic point prevalence survey and antimicrobial resistance in hospitalized patients across Peruvian reference hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Peru reports higher levels than other countries in Latin America of resistance to antimicrobials among Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, however data on antibiotic use in Peru are scarce. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and quality of antibiotic prescription in hospitalized patients and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility rates of bacteria causing key bacterial infections. METHODS: We carried out a point prevalence survey of antibiotic prescription at ten public hospitals in nine regions of Peru. Data was collected from patients hospitalized during a 3-week period, with details about antibiotic use, patient information, and antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: 1620 patient charts were reviewed; in 924 cases antibiotics were prescribed (57.0 %, range 45.9-78.9 %). Most of the antibiotics (74.2 %) were prescribed as empirical treatment, only 4.4 % as targeted treatment. For 9.5 % of cases the reason for antibiotic use was unknown. Cephalosporins were the most prescribed (30.0 %), followed by carbapenems (11.3 %). Ninety-four blood cultures were positive for bacterial growth, 48.8 % of the Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant, among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, 51.7 % and 72.7 % were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), 3.4 % and 18.2 % were resistant to carbapenems, respectively. Among bacteria isolated from urine cultures (n = 639), 43.9 % of E. coli and 49.2 % of K. pneumoniae were resistant to 3GC, and 0.9 % of E. coli and 3.2 % of K. pneumoniae were resistant to meropenem. CONCLUSIONS: The overall proportion of hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics in hospitals from different regions in Peru was high, with only a small proportion receiving targeted treatment. Cephalosporins and carbapenems were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics, reflecting high resistance rates against 3GC and carbapenems in Enterobacterales isolated from blood and urine.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections in Hospitalized Patients in Peru.

There is a knowledge gap in the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Peru. Through a surveillance study in 13 hospitals of 10 Peruvian regions (2017-2019), we assessed the proportion of MRSA among S. aureus BSIs as well as the molecular typing of the isolates. A total of 166 S. aureus isolates were collected, and 36.1% of them were MRSA. Of note, MRSA isolates with phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the hospital-associated Chilean-Cordobes clone (multidrug-resistant SCCmec I, non-Panton-Valentine leukocidin [PVL] producers) were most commonly found (70%), five isolates with genetic characteristics of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)-SCCmec IV, PVL-producer-(8.3%) were seen in three separate regions. These results demonstrate that hospital-associated MRSA is the most frequent MRSA found in patients with BSIs in Peru. They also show the emergence of S. aureus with genetic characteristics of CA-MRSA. Further studies are needed to evaluate the extension of CA-MRSA dissemination in Peru.

Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria Bloodstream Infections in Peru and Associated Outcomes: VIRAPERU Study.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is of critical importance, but data for Peru are not available. To fill this gap, a non-interventional hospital-based surveillance study was conducted in 15 hospitals across Peru from July 2017 to October 2019. Consecutive unique blood culture isolates of key GNB (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp.) recovered from hospitalized patients were collected for centralized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, along with linked epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 449 isolates were included in the analysis. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) was present in 266 (59.2%) GNB isolates. Among E. coli (n = 199), 68.3% showed 3GC resistance (i.e., above the median ratio for low- and middle-income countries in 2020 for this sustainable development goal indicator). Carbapenem resistance was present in 74 (16.5%) GNB isolates, with wide variation among species (0% in E. coli, 11.0% in K. pneumoniae, 37.0% in P. aeruginosa, and 60.8% in Acinetobacter spp. isolates). Co-resistance to carbapenems and colistin was found in seven (1.6%) GNB isolates. Empiric treatment covered the causative GNB in 63.3% of 215 cases. The in-hospital case fatality ratio was 33.3% (92/276). Pseudomonas aeruginosa species and carbapenem resistance were associated with higher risk of in-hospital death. In conclusion, an important proportion of bloodstream infections in Peru are caused by highly resistant GNB and are associated with high in-hospital mortality.

Pneumocystis primary infection in non-immunosuppressed infants in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To provide original data on Pneumocystis primary infection in non-immunosuppressed infants from Peru. METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed. Infants less than seven months old, without any underlying medical conditions attending the "well baby" outpatient clinic at one hospital in Lima, Peru were prospectively enrolled during a 15-month period from November 2016 to February 2018. All had a nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) for detection of P. jirovecii DNA using a PCR assay, regardless of respiratory symptoms. P. jirovecii DNA detection was considered to represent pulmonary colonization contemporaneous with Pneumocystis primary infection. Associations between infants' clinical and demographic characteristics and results of P. jirovecii DNA detection were analyzed. RESULTS: P. jirovecii DNA was detected in 45 of 146 infants (30.8%) and detection was not associated with concurrent respiratory symptoms in 40 of 45 infants. Infants with P. jirovecii had a lower mean age when compared to infants not colonized (p <0.05). The highest frequency of P. jirovecii was observed in 2-3-month-old infants (p < 0.01) and in the cooler winter and spring seasons (p <0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that infants living in a home with ≤ 1 bedroom were more likely to be colonized; Odds Ratio =3.03 (95%CI 1.31-7.00; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Pneumocystis primary infection in this single site in Lima, Peru, was most frequently observed in 2-3-month-old infants, in winter and spring seasons, and with higher detection rates being associated with household conditions favoring close inter-individual contacts and potential transmission of P. jirovecii.

Underutilization and Quality Gaps in Blood Culture Processing in Public Hospitals of Peru.

Correct processing of blood cultures may impact individual patient management, antibiotic stewardship, and scaling up of antimicrobial resistance surveillance. To assess the quality of blood culture processing, we conducted four assessments at 16 public hospitals across different regions of Peru. We assessed the following standardized quality indicators: 1) positivity and contamination rates, 2) compliance with recommended number of bottles/sets and volume of blood sampled, 3) blood culture utilization, and 4) possible barriers for compliance with recommendations. Suboptimal performance was found, with a median contamination rate of 4.2% (range 0-15.1%), with only one third of the participating hospitals meeting the target value of < 3%; and a median positivity rate of 4.9% (range 1-8.1%), with only 6 out of the 15 surveilled hospitals meeting the target of 6-12%. None of the assessed hospitals met both targets. The median frequency of solitary blood cultures was 71.9% and only 8.9% (N = 59) of the surveyed adult bottles met the target blood volume of 8 - 12 mL, whereas 90.5% (N = 602) were underfilled. A high frequency of missed opportunities for ordering blood cultures was found (69.9%, 221/316) among patients with clinical indications for blood culture sampling. This multicenter study demonstrates important shortcomings in the quality of blood culture processing in public hospitals of Peru. It provides a national benchmark of blood culture utilization and quality indicators that can be used to monitor future quality improvement studies and diagnostic stewardship policies.

Frequency of community-acquired methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a tertiary care hospital in Peru. / Frecuencia de Staphylococcus aureus meticilinorresistente adquirido en la comunidad en un hospital de tercer nivel en Perú.

In order to determine the frequency of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates and to describe the antimicrobial resistance pattern and genotype, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 at the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. We found a MRSA prevalence of 46.1% in the 115 analyzed S. aureus isolates; most were reported from different secretions (26.4%) and blood (18.9%). We found high co-resistance (>75%) to clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Regarding SSCmec typification, most of the isolates were identified as hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and a minority of them as CA-MRSA (2.6%). Despite its low prevalence when compared to other Latin American countries (27%), epidemiological surveillance is recommended to control local CA-MRSA dissemination.

Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus meticilinorresistente adquirido en la comunidad (MRSA-AC) y describir el patrón de resistencia antimicrobiana y de genotipo, se realizó un estudio transversal en el 2017 en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. De los 115 aislamientos de S. aureus analizados, se determinó una frecuencia de MRSA del 46,1%, la mayoría provenientes de secreciones de diferentes tipos (26,4%) y sangre (18,9%). Se encontró alta corresistencia (>75%) a clindamicina, eritromicina, gentamicina y ciprofloxacina entre los aislamientos de MRSA. Según la tipificación de SCCmec, la mayoría correspondían a cepas de MRSA adquirido en un hospital (MRSA-AH) y, solo un pequeño grupo (2,6%) correspondían a MRSA-AC. A pesar de la baja frecuencia descrita con relación a países vecinos (27%), es necesario mantener una adecuada vigilancia epidemiológica local para evitar la propagación local de MRSA-AC.

Standardization and validation of an in house RT-LAMP molecular test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. / Estandarización y validación de una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para el diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVES: To standardize and validate an in-house RT-LAMP test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, based on laboratory and field assays using samples from COVID-19 suspected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP molecular test was standardized, establishing the detection limit with Vero cells of isolated Peruvian strains of SARS-CoV-2, and the robustness to various concentrations of primers. The laboratory validation was performed with 384 nasal and pharyngeal swab samples (UFH) obtained between March and July 2020. The field validation was performed with 383 UFH obtained from COVID-19 suspected symptomatic cases. All samples were tested by RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR was considered as the reference standard test. The concordance measures and diagnostic performance were calculated. RESULTS: The detection limit was consistent in cases with Ct <30 in both tests, showing efficiency to detect up to 1000 copies/µL of the target gene. Robustness was evidenced with half of the primer concentrations and 20 µL of final volume. Absence of amplification was identified for other HCoVs. Concordance showed a kappa index of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84 - 0.94) in laboratory and field settings, respectively. The sensitivity value in the laboratory was 87.4% (95% CI: 80.8 - 92.4) and 88.1% in the field (95% CI: 81.6 - 92.9). The specificity value in both settings was 98.8% (95% CI: 96.4-99.7). CONCLUSIONS: The in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP test was successfully validated based on its adequate robustness, no cross-reactions, good concordance, and diagnostic performance compared to RT-qPCR.

OBJETIVOS: Estandarizar una prueba RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 y validarla con muestras de laboratorio y de campo en pacientes con sospecha clínica de COVID-19. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se estandarizó una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 estableciéndose el límite de detección con células Vero de cepas peruanas aisladas de SARS-CoV-2. Se validó la prueba en laboratorio con 384 muestras de hisopado nasal y faríngeo (HNF) obtenidas entre marzo y julio de 2020. Para la validación de campo se obtuvieron muestras de HNF de 383 casos sintomáticos sospechosos de COVID-19. Todas las muestras fueron evaluadas por RT-LAMP y RT-qPCR. Para la validación de laboratorio y de campo se consideró como estándar de referencia al RT-qPCR, se calcularon medidas de concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: El límite de detección fue consistente en los casos con umbral de ciclo (Ct) Ct < 30 en ambas pruebas, mostrando eficiencia para detectar hasta 1000 copias/µL del gen diana. Se evidenció robustez con la mitad de las concentraciones de cebadores y 20 µL de volumen final. Se identificó ausencia de amplificación para otros coronavirus humanos. La concordancia en laboratorio obtuvo un Kappa de 0,88 (IC 95%: 0,83-0,93) y en campo fue de 0,89 (IC 95%: 0,84−0,94); la sensibilidad en laboratorio fue de 87,4% (IC 95%: 80,8−92,4) y en campo fue de 88,1% (IC 95%: 81,6−92,9), la especificidad en ambos escenarios fue de 98,8% (IC 95%: 96,4−99,7). CONCLUSIONES: La prueba RT-LAMP in house fue validada por presentar una adecuada robustez, sin reacciones cruzadas, buena concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico comparado con el RT-qPCR.

Estandarización y validación de una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para el diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 / Standardization and validation of an in house RT-LAMP molecular test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2

RESUMEN Objetivos: Estandarizar una prueba RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 y validarla con muestras de laboratorio y de campo en pacientes con sospecha clínica de COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Se estandarizó una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 estableciéndose el límite de detección con células Vero de cepas peruanas aisladas de SARS-CoV-2. Se validó la prueba en laboratorio con 384 muestras de hisopado nasal y faríngeo (HNF) obtenidas entre marzo y julio de 2020. Para la validación de campo se obtuvieron muestras de HNF de 383 casos sintomáticos sospechosos de COVID-19. Todas las muestras fueron evaluadas por RT-LAMP y RT-qPCR. Para la validación de laboratorio y de campo se consideró como estándar de referencia al RT-qPCR, se calcularon medidas de concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico. Resultados: El límite de detección fue consistente en los casos con umbral de ciclo (Ct) Ct < 30 en ambas pruebas, mostrando eficiencia para detectar hasta 1000 copias/µL del gen diana. Se evidenció robustez con la mitad de las concentraciones de cebadores y 20 µL de volumen final. Se identificó ausencia de amplificación para otros coronavirus humanos. La concordancia en laboratorio obtuvo un Kappa de 0,88 (IC 95%: 0,83-0,93) y en campo fue de 0,89 (IC 95%: 0,84−0,94); la sensibilidad en laboratorio fue de 87,4% (IC 95%: 80,8−92,4) y en campo fue de 88,1% (IC 95%: 81,6−92,9), la especificidad en ambos escenarios fue de 98,8% (IC 95%: 96,4−99,7). Conclusiones: La prueba RT-LAMP in house fue validada por presentar una adecuada robustez, sin reacciones cruzadas, buena concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico comparado con el RT-qPCR.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To standardize and validate an in-house RT-LAMP test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, based on laboratory and field assays using samples from COVID-19 suspected patients. Materials and methods: An in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP molecular test was standardized, establishing the detection limit with Vero cells of isolated Peruvian strains of SARS-CoV-2, and the robustness to various concentrations of primers. The laboratory validation was performed with 384 nasal and pharyngeal swab samples (UFH) obtained between March and July 2020. The field validation was performed with 383 UFH obtained from COVID-19 suspected symptomatic cases. All samples were tested by RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR was considered as the reference standard test. The concordance measures and diagnostic performance were calculated. Results: The detection limit was consistent in cases with Ct <30 in both tests, showing efficiency to detect up to 1000 copies/μL of the target gene. Robustness was evidenced with half of the primer concentrations and 20 μL of final volume. Absence of amplification was identified for other HCoVs. Concordance showed a kappa index of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84 - 0.94) in laboratory and field settings, respectively. The sensitivity value in the laboratory was 87.4% (95% CI: 80.8 - 92.4) and 88.1% in the field (95% CI: 81.6 - 92.9). The specificity value in both settings was 98.8% (95% CI: 96.4-99.7). Conclusions: The in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP test was successfully validated based on its adequate robustness, no cross-reactions, good concordance, and diagnostic performance compared to RT-qPCR.

Estandarización y validación de una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para el diagnóstico de SARS-CoV-2 / Standardization and validation of an in house RT-LAMP molecular test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2

RESUMEN Objetivos: Estandarizar una prueba RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 y validarla con muestras de laboratorio y de campo en pacientes con sospecha clínica de COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Se estandarizó una prueba molecular RT-LAMP in house para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 estableciéndose el límite de detección con células Vero de cepas peruanas aisladas de SARS-CoV-2. Se validó la prueba en laboratorio con 384 muestras de hisopado nasal y faríngeo (HNF) obtenidas entre marzo y julio de 2020. Para la validación de campo se obtuvieron muestras de HNF de 383 casos sintomáticos sospechosos de COVID-19. Todas las muestras fueron evaluadas por RT-LAMP y RT-qPCR. Para la validación de laboratorio y de campo se consideró como estándar de referencia al RT-qPCR, se calcularon medidas de concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico. Resultados: El límite de detección fue consistente en los casos con umbral de ciclo (Ct) Ct < 30 en ambas pruebas, mostrando eficiencia para detectar hasta 1000 copias/µL del gen diana. Se evidenció robustez con la mitad de las concentraciones de cebadores y 20 µL de volumen final. Se identificó ausencia de amplificación para otros coronavirus humanos. La concordancia en laboratorio obtuvo un Kappa de 0,88 (IC 95%: 0,83-0,93) y en campo fue de 0,89 (IC 95%: 0,84−0,94); la sensibilidad en laboratorio fue de 87,4% (IC 95%: 80,8−92,4) y en campo fue de 88,1% (IC 95%: 81,6−92,9), la especificidad en ambos escenarios fue de 98,8% (IC 95%: 96,4−99,7). Conclusiones: La prueba RT-LAMP in house fue validada por presentar una adecuada robustez, sin reacciones cruzadas, buena concordancia y rendimiento diagnóstico comparado con el RT-qPCR.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To standardize and validate an in-house RT-LAMP test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, based on laboratory and field assays using samples from COVID-19 suspected patients. Materials and methods: An in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP molecular test was standardized, establishing the detection limit with Vero cells of isolated Peruvian strains of SARS-CoV-2, and the robustness to various concentrations of primers. The laboratory validation was performed with 384 nasal and pharyngeal swab samples (UFH) obtained between March and July 2020. The field validation was performed with 383 UFH obtained from COVID-19 suspected symptomatic cases. All samples were tested by RT-LAMP and RT-qPCR. The RT-qPCR was considered as the reference standard test. The concordance measures and diagnostic performance were calculated. Results: The detection limit was consistent in cases with Ct <30 in both tests, showing efficiency to detect up to 1000 copies/μL of the target gene. Robustness was evidenced with half of the primer concentrations and 20 μL of final volume. Absence of amplification was identified for other HCoVs. Concordance showed a kappa index of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84 - 0.94) in laboratory and field settings, respectively. The sensitivity value in the laboratory was 87.4% (95% CI: 80.8 - 92.4) and 88.1% in the field (95% CI: 81.6 - 92.9). The specificity value in both settings was 98.8% (95% CI: 96.4-99.7). Conclusions: The in-house SARS-CoV-2 RT-LAMP test was successfully validated based on its adequate robustness, no cross-reactions, good concordance, and diagnostic performance compared to RT-qPCR.

Frecuencia de Staphylococcus aureus meticilinorresistente adquirido en la comunidad en un hospital de tercer nivel en Perú

Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus meticilinorresistente adquirido en la comunidad (MRSA-AC) y describir el patrón de resistencia antimicrobiana y de genotipo, se realizó un estudio transversal en el 2017 en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. De los 115 aislamientos de S. aureus analizados, se determinó una frecuencia de MRSA del 46,1%, la mayoría provenientes de secreciones de diferentes tipos (26,4%) y sangre (18,9%). Se encontró alta corresistencia (>75%) a clindamicina, eritromicina, gentamicina y ciprofloxacina entre los aislamientos de MRSA. Según la tipificación de SCCmec, la mayoría correspondían a cepas de MRSA adquirido en un hospital (MRSA-AH) y, solo un pequeño grupo (2,6%) correspondían a MRSA-AC. A pesar de la baja frecuencia descrita con relación a países vecinos (27%), es necesario mantener una adecuada vigilancia epidemiológica local para evitar la propagación local de MRSA-AC.

In order to determine the frequency of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates and to describe the antimicrobial resistance pattern and genotype, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 at the Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. We found a MRSA prevalence of 46.1% in the 115 analyzed S. aureus isolates; most were reported from different secretions (26.4%) and blood (18.9%). We found high co-resistance (>75%) to clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Regarding SSCmec typification, most of the isolates were identified as hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) and a minority of them as CA-MRSA (2.6%). Despite its low prevalence when compared to other Latin American countries (27%), epidemiological surveillance is recommended to control local CA-MRSA dissemination.

Adherence to standards of care and mortality in the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Peru: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Despite high mortality rates, physicians can alter the course of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) by following recommended standards of care. We aim to assess the adherence of these guidelines and their impact on mortality. METHODS: Substudy from a prospective cohort of hospitalized patients with SAB from three hospitals from Peru. Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional regression to evaluate the association between 30-day mortality and the performance of standards of care: removal of central venous catheters (CVC), follow-up blood cultures, echocardiography, correct duration, and appropriate definitive antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: 150 cases of SAB were evaluated; 61.33% were MRSA. 30-day attributable mortality was 22.39%. CVC removal was done in 42.86% of patients. Follow-up blood cultures and echocardiograms were performed in 8% and 29.33% of cases, respectively. 81.33% of cases had appropriate empirical treatment, however, only 22.41% of MSSA cases were given appropriate definitive treatment, compared to 93.47% of MRSA. The adjusted regression for all-cause mortality found a substantial decrease in hazards when removing CVC (aHR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10 - 0.74) and instituting appropriate definitive treatment (aHR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.86), while adjusting for standards of care, qPitt bacteraemia score, comorbidities, and methicillin susceptibility; similar results were found in the attributable mortality model (aHR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.70 and aHR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.71, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Deficient adherence to standards of care was observed, especially definitive treatment for MSSA. CVC removal and the use of appropriate definitive antibiotic therapy reduced the hazard mortality of SAB.

[Pneumocystis jirovecii colonisation in pregnant women and newborns in Lima, Peru]. / Colonización por Pneumocystis jirovecii en mujeres gestantes y recién nacidos en Lima, Perú.

BACKGROUND: Pneumocystisjirovecii primary infection occurs asymptomatically before 6 months of age, suggesting that the infection is acquired very early in life. Furthermore, Pneumocystis pneumonia has been described in newborns, which emphasizes the importance of studying Pneumocystis colonization in mother-infant pairs. AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of Pneumocystis colonization among pregnant women and to determine the potential transplacental transmission. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on HIV-negative women over 18 years-old, and 37 or more weeks of pregnancy attending Hospital Cayetano Heredia Maternity unit during 2016-2017. Clinical and demographical information was collected on them and their newborns. Oropharyngeal washes, nasal swabs, and placenta samples were collected from women, as well as a nasopharyngeal aspirate and nasal swab from newborns. All respiratory samples were analysed by nested-PCR for the detection of Pneumocystis. Placenta samples from women with a positive PCR result in their respiratory samples were also analysed by nested-PCR. RESULTS: Of the 92 pregnant women included, five of them (5.43%) were colonized by Pneumocystis. Pneumocystis DNA was not found in any of the 87 available newborn samples or in the placentas of the five women who had a positive result by PCR in their upper respiratory samples. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that 5.43% of the pregnant women were colonized by Pneumocystis, there was no evidence of any role of this colonization in the transmission to their newborns, since none of them tested positive for Pneumocystis.

[Invasive salmonellosis in a hospital in Lima, Peru]. / Salmonelosis invasiva en un hospital de Lima, Perú.

The study's objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cases of invasive salmonellosis and the antibiotic susceptibility profile of salmonella isolates (2013-2017), in a series of cases of patients with Salmonella spp. isolated from secretions and/or body fluids with or without positive stool culture (n=70). For the evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility, the first isolate was considered in all cases of salmonellosis (n=168). The highest frequency of cases occurred between 0 to 4 years (14.3%) and over 65 years (24.3%). The most frequent symptoms were fever (66.1%), diarrhea (40.7%), and sensory issues (40.7%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was the most common co-morbidity (42.4%). The frequency of susceptibility was 83.3% to ceftriaxone, 78.8% to cotrimoxazole, and 75.0% to chloramphenicol. Only 50.8% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. We concluded that invasive salmonellosis was more common in young children and the elderly and that HIV infection was the most common comorbidity.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y laboratoriales de los casos de salmonelosis invasiva y el perfil de susceptibilidad antibiótica de aislamientos de salmonela (2013-2017), en una serie de casos de pacientes con Salmonella spp. aislada de secreciones y/o líquidos corporales con o sin coprocultivo positivo (n=70). Para la evaluación de la susceptibilidad antibiótica se consideró el primer aislamiento en todos los casos de salmonelosis (n=168). La mayor frecuencia de casos ocurrió entre 0 a 4 años (14,3%) y mayores de 65 años (24,3%). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron fiebre (66,1%), diarrea (40,7%) y trastorno del sensorio (40,7%). La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) fue la comorbilidad más frecuente (42,4%). La frecuencia de susceptibilidad fue de 83,3% a ceftriaxona, 78,8% a cotrimoxazol y 75,0% a cloranfenicol. Sólo 50,8% fueron susceptibles a ciprofloxacino. Concluimos que, la salmonelosis invasiva fue más frecuente en niños pequeños y ancianos, y que la comorbilidad más frecuente fue la infección por VIH.

Salmonelosis invasiva en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Invasive salmonellosis in a hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y laboratoriales de los casos de salmonelosis invasiva y el perfil de susceptibilidad antibiótica de aislamientos de salmonela (2013-2017), en una serie de casos de pacientes con Salmonella spp. aislada de secreciones y/o líquidos corporales con o sin coprocultivo positivo (n=70). Para la evaluación de la susceptibilidad antibiótica se consideró el primer aislamiento en todos los casos de salmonelosis (n=168). La mayor frecuencia de casos ocurrió entre 0 a 4 años (14,3%) y mayores de 65 años (24,3%). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron fiebre (66,1%), diarrea (40,7%) y trastorno del sensorio (40,7%). La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) fue la comorbilidad más frecuente (42,4%). La frecuencia de susceptibilidad fue de 83,3% a ceftriaxona, 78,8% a cotrimoxazol y 75,0% a cloranfenicol. Sólo 50,8% fueron susceptibles a ciprofloxacino. Concluimos que, la salmonelosis invasiva fue más frecuente en niños pequeños y ancianos, y que la comorbilidad más frecuente fue la infección por VIH.

ABSTRACT The study's objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cases of invasive salmonellosis and the antibiotic susceptibility profile of salmonella isolates (2013-2017), in a series of cases of patients with Salmonella spp. isolated from secretions and/or body fluids with or without positive stool culture (n=70). For the evaluation of antibiotic susceptibility, the first isolate was considered in all cases of salmonellosis (n=168). The highest frequency of cases occurred between 0 to 4 years (14.3%) and over 65 years (24.3%). The most frequent symptoms were fever (66.1%), diarrhea (40.7%), and sensory issues (40.7%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was the most common co-morbidity (42.4%). The frequency of susceptibility was 83.3% to ceftriaxone, 78.8% to cotrimoxazole, and 75.0% to chloramphenicol. Only 50.8% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. We concluded that invasive salmonellosis was more common in young children and the elderly and that HIV infection was the most common comorbidity.

Characterization of ESBL-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis Infection in Humans, Lima, Peru.

Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis is causing an increasing number of infections worldwide. Our aim was to describe the characteristics of S. enterica serovar Infantis among patients attended in a hospital of Lima, Peru. Fifty cases of salmonellosis were seen during October 2015-May 2017; Salmonella Infantis was detected in 36% (n = 18) of them, displacing Enteritidis and Typhimurium (n = 13, 26%, each). Seventeen cases caused by Salmonella Infantis were presented as diarrheal illnesses; only one extraintestinal case (bacteremia) was seen in a 1-year-old infant. This serovar is resistant to multiple groups of antimicrobials, showing only fully susceptibility to carbapenems. Compared with Infantis, other serovars analyzed (mainly Enteritidis and Typhimurium) showed a lower frequency of resistance to antimicrobials such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol. The antibiotic with the highest frequency of resistance was ciprofloxacin. Further studies are needed to evaluate the routes of transmission and measures of control of this multidrug-resistant Salmonella.