Surveillance of respiratory viruses by aerosol screening in indoor air as an early warning system for epidemics.

The development of effective methods for the surveillance of seasonal respiratory viruses is required for the timely management of outbreaks. We aimed to survey Influenza-A, Influenza-B, RSV-A, Rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in a tertiary hospital and a campus over 5 months. The effectiveness of air screening as an early warning system for respiratory viruses was evaluated in correlation with respiratory tract panel test results. The overall viral positivity was higher on the campus than in the hospital (55.0% vs. 38.0%). Influenza A was the most prevalent pathogen in both locations. There were two influenza peaks (42nd and 49th weeks) in the hospital air, and a delayed peak was detected on campus in the 1st-week of January. Panel tests indicated a high rate of Influenza A in late December. RSV-A-positivity was higher on the campus than the hospital (21.6% vs. 7.4%). Moreover, we detected two RSV-A peaks in the campus air (48th and 51st weeks) but only one peak in the hospital and panel tests (week 49). Although rhinovirus was the most common pathogen in panel tests, rhinovirus positivity was low in air samples. The air screening for Influenza-B and SARS-Cov-2 revealed comparable positivity rates with panel tests. Air screening can be integrated into surveillance programs to support infection control programs for potential epidemics of respiratory virus infections except for rhinoviruses.

COVID-19 associated bacterial infections in intensive care unit: a case control study.

We described the secondary bacterial infections (SBI) among COVID-19 patients in comparison with non-COVID-19 patients. We performed a retrospective case-control study between January 01, 2020 and April 01, 2022. Including the adult patients, who stayed ≥ 72 h in intensive care unit (ICU). In total 405 patients were included, 135 had (33.3%) COVID-19, with similar age and gender. The length of stay in ICU was not different (11.4 vs 8.2, p = 0.109), however mean intubation days were higher among COVID-19 cases (6.5 vs 3.8, p = 0.005), SBI were more common among COVID-19 cases (34% vs 10.7%, p < 0.001). Among the patients with pneumonia, the rate of gram-positive bacteria was higher in COVID-19 group than the control group (39% vs 5%, p = 0.006). The predictors for SBI were having COVID-19 (OR: 2.3, Cl 1.25-4.32, p = 0.008), days of intubation (OR: 1.05, Cl 1.01-1.10, p = 0.004), and being male (OR: 2, Cl 1.12-3.58, p = 0.018). The predictors of mortality were COVID-19 (OR: 2.38, Cl 1.28-4.42, p = 0.006), days of intubation (OR: 1.06, Cl 1.03-1.09, p < 0.001), active hematologic malignancy (OR: 3.1, Cl: 1.33-7.28, p = 0.09), active solid tumors (OR: 2.44, Cl 1.21-4.91, p = 0.012), and coronary artery diseases (OR: 1.8, Cl 1.01-3.52, p = 0.045). The most common SBI in COVID-19 patients were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. No carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales related infections were detected in COVID-19 patients.

Duration of infectious shedding of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its relation with symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: SARS-CoV-2 infections with Omicron variants have a high capability of human-to-human transmission. Nevertheless, the duration of isolation for mild cases was shortened to 5 to 7 days. We aimed to detect the duration of viral shedding among healthcare workers (HCWs) with Omicron by using viral culture. METHODS: We prospectively included newly diagnosed nonsevere, symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive HCWs. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained consecutively on days 5, 7,10, and 14 of onset of symptoms. The samples were examined by nucleic acid amplification test and viral culture. RESULTS: In total, 55 non-severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant were included. The mean age of the population was 34 years (range, 23 to 54) and 78% (43/55) were female. The PCR positivity rate on days 5, 7, 10, and 14 was 96.4% (53/55), 87.3% (48/55), 74.545% (41/55), and 41.8% (23/55) consecutively, whereas the viral culture positivity rates were 83% (44/53), 52% (26/50), 13.5% (7/52), and 8% (4/50). Among the patients who became symptom-free, the viral culture positivity rates were 100% (4/4), 58% (7/12), 11% (3/27), and 5% (2/41). DISCUSSION: We showed that among the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infected patients, viral shedding continues for ≥10 days in 13.5% of all cases and 11% in symptom-free cases. The decision for cessation of isolation according to the presence of symptoms could be reconsidered until further studies disapprove of our results. Meanwhile, the infected HCWs who give care to high-risk patients for severe COVID-19 might extend their isolations ≤10 days after the onset of symptoms, regardless of their symptoms.

Placental deficiency during maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies can cross the placenta during pregnancy, and neonates born to infected mothers have acquired antibodies at birth. Few studies reported data on the histopathological changes of the placenta during infection and placental infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause impaired development of the placenta, thus predisposing maternal and fetal unfavorable outcomes. The prospective study aims to evaluate the risk of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and placental passage of anti-Spike antibodies as well as the impact of clinical severity on placental structures. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study on 30 pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 with their neonates. The demographic features and pregnancy outcomes were collected. Gross and microscopic examinations of the placentas were done. Maternal and umbilical cord sera were obtained at the time of delivery. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from neonates immediately after birth. RESULTS: The concentrations of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibodies were higher in pregnant women with moderate to severe/critical disease. The maternal total anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike levels were correlated with those of neonatal levels. The rate of placental abnormalities is high in the mothers with severe disease, and those with positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM. All neonates had negative nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS- CoV-2 infections and all placentas were negative in immunohistochemical staining for Spike protein. DISCUSSION: The maternally derived anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibody can transmit to neonates born to infected mothers regardless of gestational age. Our results indicated that the disease severity is associated with ischemic placental pathology which may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Gardnerella vaginalis: Is it an Underestimated Cause of Urinary Symptoms in Males?

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the detection rate of Gardnerella vaginalis by multiplex PCR test in the genitourinary samples of male patients with suspected urethritis and related symptoms. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 male patients who presented to our department between February 2021 and October 2021, either with urinary symptoms or concerns following unprotected sex, were included in the study.A total of 128 (88.9%) first-void urine samples, 15 (10.4%) urethral swabs, and one (0.7%) semen sample were obtained. NeoPlex STI-14 Detection Multiplex PCR Kit (GeneMatrix Inc. Seongnam, South Korea) was used to investigate any of the following pathogens: Candida albicans, Chlamydia trachomatis, G. vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum,herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), Treponema pallidum , Streptococcus agalactiae, and Haemophilus ducreyi. The patients with positive results for G. vaginalis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The patients' median age was 37 (range: 21 to 71 years old). G. vaginalis was the most frequently detected microorganism (n=23; 15.9%). Other microorganisms found in order of frequency were U. urealyticum (n=19; 13.2%), U. parvum (n=15; 10.4%), C. trachomatis (n=11; 7.6%), M. genitalium (n=8; 5.6%), HSV-2 (n= 7; 4.9%), N. gonorrhoeae (n=6; 4.2), HSV-1 (n=2; 1.4%), M. hominis (n=1, 0.7%), and C. albicans (n=1, 0.7%). Fifteen patients (65%) were positive for one or two microbial agents together with G. vaginalis, while in eight patients (35%), G. vaginalis was the only isolated agent. Six of these eight patients and 14 of the remaining 15 were symptomatic. Conclusion: With the introduction of multiplex PCR tests, including those for G. vaginalis, we can expect a higher detection rate of these species of bacteria in male genitourinary samples, which could be the cause of unexplained urinary/urethral symptoms.

Appropriate use of tocilizumab in COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the effectiveness and optimum use of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment by the support of clinical, laboratory and radiologic observations. METHODS: All patients were followed up in the hospital with daily interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, d-dimer, full blood count, and procalcitonin. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) was performed on admission, when oxygen support was necessary, and seven days after TCZ started. Disease course of the patients was grouped as severe or critical, according to their clinical, laboratory and radiologic evaluations. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included: 70% were male; the median age was 64 years (minimum-maximum: 27-94); and six (14%) patients died. The median duration of oxygen support before the onset of TCZ was shorter among the severe patient group than the critical patient group (1 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001). Three cases of 21 (14%) who received TCZ in the ward were transferred to ICU, and none of them died. The levels of IL-6, CRP, ferritin, d-dimer, and procalcitonin were significantly lower in the severe cases group than the critical cases group (p = 0.025, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001, respectively). Radiological improvement was observed in severe cases on the seventh day of TCZ. Secondary bacterial infection was detected in 41% of critical cases, but none of the severe ones. CONCLUSION: Earlier use of TCZ in COVID-19 infection was beneficial for survival, length of hospitalization and duration of oxygen support. The recommendation for administration of TCZ was based on an increase in requirement of oxygen support, progression in thoracic CT, and elevation of inflammation markers, including IL-6, CRP, ferritin, and d-dimer, and decrease in % lymphocytes.

Endogenous c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity marks the boundary between normal and malignant granulosa cells.

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary (GCT) is a very rare tumor, accounting for only 2% of all ovarian tumors. It originates from sex cords in the ovary and can be divided into adult (95%) and juvenile (5%) types based on histologic findings. To date, no clear etiologic process has been identified other than a missense point mutation in the FOXL2 gene. Our previous works showed that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway plays critical role in cell cycle progression and mitosis of normal and immortalized granulosa cells and follicle growth in rodent ovaries. These findings led us to investigate the role of JNK pathway in the granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. We used two different GCT cell lines (COV434 and KGN) and fresh GCT samples of adult and juvenile types obtained from the patients during surgery. We have discovered that endogenous kinase activity of JNK is markedly enhanced in the GCT samples and cell lines, whereas it was almost undetectable in mitotic non-malignant human granulosa cells. The inhibition of JNK pathway in GCT cell lines with two different pharmacologic inhibitors (SP600125 and AS601245) or siRNA resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in in vitro cell growth, increased apoptosis and diminished estradiol and AMH productions. JNK inhibition was also associated with a decrease in the number of cells positive for mitosis marker phospho-histone H3Ser 10 in the asynchronous cells; and diminished EdU uptake during S phase and cell cycle arrest at G2/M-phase transition in the synchronized cells. Ex vivo treatment of patient-derived GCT samples with JNK inhibitors for 24 h significantly decreased their in vitro growth and estradiol and AMH productions. Furthermore, in human GCT xenograft model, in vivo tumor growth was significantly reduced and plasma AMH levels were significantly decreased in SCID mice after administration of JNK inhibitors and siRNA. These findings suggest that targeting JNK pathway may provide therapeutic benefit in the treatment of granulosa cell tumors for which currently no curative therapy exists beyond surgery.

Rapid Molecular Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens and Its Role in Antimicrobial Stewardship.

We aimed to detect the etiological agents of acute diarrhea by a molecular gastrointestinal pathogen test (MGPT) and to assess the impact of MGPT on antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP). This is a prospective observational study and was conducted between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2017. We included consequent patients who had acute diarrhea. At the end of 2015, we implemented ASP in acute diarrhea cases and compared the outcomes in the pre-ASP and post-ASP periods. An FDA-cleared multiplexed gastrointestinal PCR panel system, the BioFire FilmArray (Idaho Technology, Salt Lake City, UT), which detects 20 pathogens in stool, was used. In 499 out of 699 patients (71%), at least one pathogen was detected. Among 314 adults with positive MGPT, 101 (32%) enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), 71 (23%) enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), 68 (22%) enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), 55 (18%) Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (17%) Norovirus, 48 (15%) Campylobacter, 21 (7%) Salmonella, and 20 (6%) Clostridium difficile strains were detected. Among 185 children, 55 (30%) EPEC, 37 (20%) C. difficile, 32 (17%) Norovirus, 29 (16%) EAEC, 22 (12%) STEC, 21 (11%) ETEC, 21 (11%) Campylobacter, 20 (11%) Salmonella, and 16 (5%) Rotavirus strains were detected. Inappropriate antibiotic use decreased in the post-ASP period compared with the pre-ASP period among inpatients (42.9% and 25.8%, respectively; P = 0.023). Using MGPT in clinical practice significantly decreased the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Detection of high rates of C. difficile in children and Salmonella spp., as well as relatively high rates of Campylobacter spp., which were hard to isolate by routine stool culture, were remarkable.

The rapid diagnosis of viral respiratory tract infections and its impact on antimicrobial stewardship programs.

We aimed to describe the potential benefit of new rapid molecular respiratory tests (MRT) in decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use among the inpatients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI). We included patients from inpatient and outpatient departments who had ILI and performed MRT between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 in a 265-bed private hospital in Istanbul. At the end of 2015, we implemented antimicrobial stewardship including systematic use of MRT. Then, we compared our observations between the year 2015 and the year 2016. We designed the study according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) tool. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system (BioFire FilmArray, Idaho Technology, Salt Lake City, UT) which detects 17 viruses and three bacteria was used for diagnosis. In total, 1317 patients were included; 630 (48%) were inpatients and 569 (43%) were older than 16 years of age. At least one virus was detected in 747 (57%) patients. Rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus were the most commonly detected. Among hospitalized patients, in children, a significant decrease in antibiotic use (44.5% in 2015 and 28.8% in 2016, p = 0.009) was observed, but in adults, the decrease was not statistically significant (72% in 2015 and 63% in 2016, p = 0.36). The duration of antibiotic use after the detection of virus was significantly decreased in both children and adults (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). By using MRT, inappropriate antibiotic use and, also, duration of inappropriate antibiotic use after the detection of virus was significantly decreased. It is time to increase the awareness about the viral etiology in respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and implement MRT in clinical practice.

Vitrified human ovaries have fewer primordial follicles and produce less antimüllerian hormone than slow-frozen ovaries.

Slow-freezing and vitrification methods of human ovarian tissue cryopreservation were compared in terms of primordial follicle count and in vitro antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol production. Compared with fresh and slow-frozen ovaries, vitrified ovaries contained statistically significantly fewer primordial follicles and produced statistically significantly less AMH in vitro. Estradiol production from slow-frozen and vitrified ovaries was similar but statistically significantly lower than from fresh cultured strips.