A comprehensive, predictive mortality score for patients with bloodstream infections (PROBAC): a prospective, multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are an important cause of mortality, although they show heterogeneity depending on patients and aetiological factors. Comprehensive and specific mortality scores for BSI are scarce. The objective of this study was to develop a mortality predictive score in BSI based on a multicentre prospective cohort. METHODS: A prospective cohort including consecutive adults with bacteraemia recruited between October 2016 and March 2017 in 26 Spanish hospitals was randomly divided into a derivation cohort (DC) and a validation cohort (VC). The outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Predictors were assessed the day of blood culture growth. A logistic regression model and score were developed in the DC for mortality predictors; the model was applied to the VC. RESULTS: Overall, 4102 patients formed the DC and 2009 the VC. Mortality was 11.8% in the DC and 12.34% in the CV; the patients and aetiological features were similar for both cohorts. The mortality predictors selected in the final multivariate model in the DC were age, cancer, liver cirrhosis, fatal McCabe underlying condition, polymicrobial bacteraemia, high-risk aetiologies, high-risk source of infection, recent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, stupor or coma, mean blood pressure <70 mmHg and PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 or equivalent. Mortality in the DC was <2% for ≤2 points, 6%-14% for 3-7 points, 26%-45% for 8-12 points and ≥60% for ≥13 points. The predictive score had areas under the receiving operating curves of 0.81 (95% CI 0.79-0.83) in the DC and 0.80 (0.78-0.83) in the VC. CONCLUSIONS: A 30 day mortality predictive score in BSI with good discrimination ability was developed and internally validated.

Differences in clinical outcomes of bloodstream infections caused by Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae: a multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella aerogenes has been reclassified from Enterobacter to Klebsiella genus due to its phenotypic and genotypic similarities with Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is unclear if clinical outcomes are also more similar. This study aims to assess clinical outcomes of bloodstreams infections (BSI) caused by K. aerogenes, K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae, through secondary data analysis, nested in PRO-BAC cohort study. METHODS: Hospitalized patients between October 2016 and March 2017 with monomicrobial BSI due to K. aerogenes, K. pneumoniae or E. cloacae were included. Primary outcome was a composite clinical outcome including all-cause mortality or recurrence until 30 days follow-up. Secondary outcomes were fever ≥ 72 h, persistent bacteraemia, and secondary device infection. Multilevel mixed-effect Poisson regression was used to estimate the association between microorganisms and outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 29 K. aerogenes, 77 E. cloacae and 337 K. pneumoniae BSI episodes were included. Mortality or recurrence was less frequent in K. aerogenes (6.9%) than in E. cloacae (20.8%) or K. pneumoniae (19.0%), but statistical difference was not observed (rate ratio (RR) 0.35, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.55; RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.71, respectively). Fever ≥ 72 h and device infection were more common in K. aerogenes group. In the multivariate analysis, adjusted for confounders (age, sex, BSI source, hospital ward, Charlson score and active antibiotic therapy), the estimates and direction of effect were similar to crude results. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that BSI caused by K. aerogenes may have a better prognosis than E. cloacae or K. pneumoniae BSI.

Breast abscess due to Nannizziopsis obscura in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient after travel to Nigeria: case report and review.

BACKGROUND: Nannizziopsis is a genus of fungi with several known cases in reptiles of pyogranulomatous infections at cutaneous and musculoskeletal level, of rapid and fatal evolution. There are few cases of this genus described in humans, mainly skin affection but also with visceral abcesses, typically in immunosuppressed patients, with a recent visit to Africa. CASE PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old woman immunosuppressed after renal transplantation and with a recent visit to Nigeria presented with a painless breast abcess, ulceration to the skin and bleeding, and non hematic telorrhea. The mammogram, also completed with an ultrasound scan, showed a polylobulated nodule, BI-RADS 4C. Due to the suspicion of breast cancer, a core needle biopsy was performed and the pathology study showed abundant presence of fungal spores and hyphae. It was identified by genomic amplification of the internal transcription spacer region-2 and a percentage of similarity with sequences of Nannizziopsis obscura from GenBank of 98% was obtained. An empiric treatment with anidulafungin was initiated, and after the surgical resection, it was replaced by isavuconazole, with a total time of treatment of one month. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of a successful treatment of Nannizziopsis obscura with isavuconazole, with the shortest time of treatment published for this fungi. We highlighted the importance of referring difficult to diagnose species to reference centers, as well as achieving the most complete resection in order to shorten the antibiotic therapy.

Impact of high prebiotic and probiotic dietary education in the SARS-CoV-2 era: improved cardio-metabolic profile in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: The development of new aetiological premises, such as the microbiota-gut-brain axis theory, evidences the influence of dietary and nutritional patterns on mental health, affecting the patient's quality of life in terms of physical and cardiovascular health. The aim was to determine the impact of a nutritional programme focused on increasing the intake of prebiotic and probiotic food on cardio-metabolic status in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in the contextual setting of the SARS-CoV-2 era. METHODS: A randomised clinical trial (two-arm, double-blind, balanced-block, six-month intervention) was conducted in a group of 50 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder during the SARS-CoV-2 confinement period. The control group received conventional dietary counselling on an individual basis. In the intervention group, an individual nutritional education programme with a high content of prebiotics and probiotics (dairy and fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, high-fibre fruit, whole grains, etc.) was established. Data on cardiovascular status were collected at baseline, three and six months. In addition, anthropometric parameters were analysed monthly. RESULTS: Forty-four subjects completed follow-up and were analysed. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were found in all anthropometric variables at baseline and six months of intervention. A 27.4% reduction in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors in all its components was evidenced, leading to a clinically significant improvement (decrease in cardiovascular risk) in the intervention group at six months. CONCLUSIONS: The development of a nutritional programme focused on increasing the dietary content of prebiotics and probiotics effectively improves the cardio-metabolic profile in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Therefore, nursing assumes an essential role in the effectiveness of dietary interventions through nutritional education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Likewise, nursing acquires a relevant role in interdisciplinary coordination in confinement contexts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol complied with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical studies; the study received ethical approval from referral Research Ethics Committee in November 2019 (reg. no. 468) and retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04366401. First Submitted: 28th April 2020; First Registration: 25th June 2020).

Correcting On-the-Go Field Measurement-Coordinate Mismatch by Minimizing Nearest Neighbor Difference.

Many current precision agriculture applications involve on-the-go field measurements of soil and plant properties that require accurate georeferencing. Specific equipment configuration characteristics or data transmission, reception, or logging delays may cause a mismatch between the logged data and the GPS coordinates because of time and position lags that occur during data acquisition. We propose a simple coordinate translation along the measurement tracks to correct for such positional inaccuracies, based on the local travel speed and time lag, which is estimated by minimizing the average ln-transformed absolute difference with the nearest neighbors. The correction method is evaluated using electromagnetic induction soil-sensor data for different spatial measurement layouts and densities and by comparing variograms for raw and modified coordinates. Time lags of 1 s are shown to propagate into the spatial correlation structure up to lag distances of 10 m. The correction method performs best when repeated measurements in opposite driving directions are used and worst when measurements along parallel driving tracks are only repeated at the headland turns. In the latter case, the performance of the method is further improved by limiting the search neighborhood to adjacent measurement tracks. The proposed coordinate correction method is useful for improving the positional accuracy in a wide range of soil- and plant-sensing applications, without the need to grid the data first.

Shrinking lung syndrome in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical, radiological and treatment characteristics in pediatric patients with SLS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a descriptive and retrospective study in patients under 16 years old with the diagnosis of SLE complicated by SLS at the General Hospital. National Medical Center La Raza. Clinical, radiological and treatment variables were analyzed. Results are shown in frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Data from 11 patients, 9 females and 2 males were collected. Mean age at diagnosis of SLS was 12.2 years. Age at diagnosis of SLE was 11.1 years. SLEDAI 17.3. Renal desease 72%, hematological 91%, lymphopenia 63%, mucocutaneous 72%, neurological 9%, arthritis 54%, serositis 91%, fever 81%, secondary antiphospholipid syndrome, low C3 72%, low C4 81%, positive ANA 91%, positive anti-DNA 91%. Regarding clinical manifestations of SLE: cough 81%, dyspnea 91%, hipoxemia 81%, pleuritic pain 71%, average oxygen saturation 83%. Chest X-rays findings: right hemidiaphragm affection 18%, left 63%, bilateral 18%. Elevated hemidiaphragm 91%, atelectasis 18%, pleural effusion 91%, over one third of the cardiac silhouette under the diphragm 36%, bulging diaphragm 45%, 5th. anterior rib that crosses over the diaphragm 91%. M-mode ultrasound: diaphragmatic hypomotility 100%, pleural effusion 63%. Pulmonary function tests: restrictive pattern in 45% of the cases. Treatment was with supplementary oxygen 100%, intubation 18%, antibiotics 100%, steroids 100%, intravenous immunoglobulin 54%, plasmapheresis 18%, cyclophosphamide 54% and rituximab 18%. The clinical course was favorable in 81%. CONCLUSIONS: SLS should be suspected in patients with SLE and active disease who present hipoxemia, pleuritic pain, cough, dyspnea, pleural effusion and signs of restriction on chest X-rays. Therefore, a diaphragmatic M-mode ultrasound should be performed in order to establish the diagnosis.

High-intensity exercise to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in cancer patients and survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Improving cardiorespiratory fitness (CRFit) in cancer patients is crucial to increase survivorship, promote health, and improve quality of life. High-intensity training (HIT) has the potential to increase CRFit, perhaps better than other exercise modalities, but the extant evidence has yet to be fully explored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of HIT on CRFit in cancer patients and survivors and to identify the optimal characteristics of the interventions (eg, cancer type, intervention timing, exercise modality, intervention's duration, and the number of minutes of high-intensity exercise in each session). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 31 articles (2515 participants) were included in the systematic review and 25 in the meta-analyses. CRFit significantly improved with HIT in comparison with a control group (P < .00001, SMD = 0.44 and a 95% confidence interval from 0.25 to 0.64). The results obtained in the sub-analysis were statistically significant except the comparison with the active group CRFit (P = .13). The results showed that higher effects could be achieved in: patients starting to exercise before treatment, interventions longer than eight weeks, programs including exclusively cardiovascular training and with a high-intensity part of session duration of at least 20 minutes.

Evaluation of medical ethics competencies in rheumatology: local experience during national accreditation process.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatologists are the primary healthcare professionals responsible for patients with rheumatic diseases and should acquire medical ethical competencies, such as the informed consent process (ICP). The objective clinical structured examination is a valuable tool for assessing clinical competencies. We report the performance of 90 rheumatologist trainees participating in a station designed to evaluate the ICP during the 2018 and 2019 national accreditations. METHODS: The station was validated and represented a medical encounter in which the rheumatologist informed a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus with clinically active nephritis about renal biopsy. A trained patient-actor and an evaluator were instructed to assess ICP skills (with a focus on kidney biopsy benefits, how the biopsy is done and potential complications) in obtaining formal informed consent, delivering bad news and overall communication with patients. The evaluator used a tailored checklist and form. RESULTS: Candidate performance varied with ICP content and was superior for potential benefit information (achieved by 98.9% of the candidates) but significantly reduced for potential complications (37.8%) and biopsy description (42.2%). Only 17.8% of the candidates mentioned the legal perspective of ICP. Death (as a potential complication) was omitted by the majority of the candidates (93.3%); after the patient-actor challenged candidates, only 57.1% of them gave a clear and positive answer. Evaluators frequently rated candidate communications skills as superior (≥80%), but ≥1 negative aspect was identified in 69% of the candidates. CONCLUSIONS: Ethical competencies are mandatory for professional rheumatologists. It seems necessary to include an ethics competency framework in the curriculum throughout the rheumatology residency.

Microwave-Assisted Green Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Theobroma Cacao L. Bean Shell Extract.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are successfully synthesized through microwave heating by using Theobroma cacao L. bean shell extract as a stabilizing and capping agent. Response surface methodology is used to obtain optimal synthesis conditions. The effect of microwave power, irradiation time and amount of Na2SeO3 are evaluated on crystalline size by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Z-potential by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) using a central composite design (CCD). Optimal synthesis conditions are determined as 15.6 min, 788.6 W and 0.14 g of sodium selenite using 50 mL of Theobroma cacao L. bean shell extract. The successful biosynthesis of SeNPs is confirmed by UV-visible and Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses. The XRD pattern and Raman spectra show the presence of trigonal and amorphous synthesized SeNPs. Spherical SeNPs are observed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) with a particle size of 1-3 nm in diameter, at least one order of magnitude lower than those previously reported. The obtained SeNPs can be stable up to 55 days at 4 °C. Additionally, the SeNPs show an excellent antioxidant performance by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, with potential application in different sectors, such as food, medical and pharmaceutical.

Gelatin-Based Antimicrobial Films Incorporating Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Seed Juice by-Product.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) seed juice by-product (PSP) was added as reinforcing and antimicrobial agent to fish gelatin (FG) films as a promising eco-friendly active material for food packaging applications. A complete linkage analysis of polysaccharides in PSP showed xylan and cellulose as main components. This residue showed also high total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Three formulations were processed by adding PSP to FG (0, 10, 30 wt. %) by the casting technique, showing films with 10 wt. % of PSP the best performance. The addition of PSP decreased elongation at break and increased stiffness in the FG films, particularly for 30 wt. % loading. A good compatibility between FG and PSP was observed by SEM. No significant (p < 0.05) differences were obtained for barrier properties to oxygen and water vapour permeability compared to the control with the incorporation of PSP, whereas water resistance considerably increased and transparency values decreased (p < 0.05). High thermal stability of films and inhibition against S. aureus were observed. The addition of PSP at 10 wt. % into FG was shown as a potential strategy to maintain the integrity of the material and protect food against lipid oxidation, reducing huge amounts of pomegranate and fish wastes.

The effects of exercise referral schemes in the United Kingdom in those with cardiovascular, mental health, and musculoskeletal disorders: a preliminary systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Exercise referral schemes within clinical populations may offer benefits for inactive and sedentary individuals, and improve and aid treatment of specific health disorders. This systematic review aims to provide an overview, and examine the impact, of exercise referral schemes in patients with cardiovascular, mental health, and musculoskeletal disorders. This review focuses on populations within the United Kingdom (UK) only, with an aim to inform national exercise referral policies and guidelines. METHOD: Data was collected from specific sources using validated methodology through PRISMA. Systematic searches were performed using Locate, PubMed, Scopus and Pro Quest: Public Health databases. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria set for each sub group. This included that all studies aimed to prevent, observe, or decrease ill-health relating to the disorder, participants over the age of sixteen, and health disorders and outcomes were reviewed. All studies were conducted in the UK only. RESULTS: In the 13 articles, a variety of modes and types of exercise were utilised. One-to-one supervised exercise sessions based in a gym environment were most frequently employed. Results showed that longer length schemes (20+ weeks) produced better health outcomes, and had higher adherence to physical activity prescribed, than those of shorter length (8-12 weeks). In patients referred with cardiovascular disorders, cardiovascular-related measures showed significant decreases including blood pressure. Schemes increased physical activity levels over the length of scheme for all disorders. CONCLUSION: Longer length schemes (20+ weeks) improved adherence to physical activity prescribed over the course of the scheme, and could support longer term exercise adherence upon completion, however additional research on larger samples should examine this further. An implication is that schemes currently recommended in guidelines do not tailor programmes to support long term adherence to exercise, which must be addressed. There is currently a lack of research examining programmes tailored to suit the individual's health conditions thus further research might allow providers to tailor delivery and build upon policy recommendations in the UK.

Programming and supervision of resistance training leads to positive effects on strength and body composition: results from two randomised trials of community fitness programmes.

BACKGROUND: Many sedentary adults have high body fat along with low fitness, strength, and lean body mass (LBM) which are associated with poor health independently of body mass. Physical activity can aid in prevention, management, and treatment of numerous chronic conditions. The potential efficacy of resistance training (RT) in modifying risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic disease is clear. However, RT is under researched in public health. We report community-based studies of RT in sedentary (Study 1), and overweight and pre-diabetic (Study 2) populations. METHODS: Study 1 - A semi randomised trial design (48-weeks): Participants choosing either a fitness centre approach, and randomised to structured-exercise (STRUC, n = 107), or free/unstructured gym use (FREE, n = 110), or not, and randomised to physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 71) or a measurement only comparator (CONT, n = 76). Study 2 - A randomised wait list controlled trial (12-weeks): Patients were randomly assigned to; traditional-supervised-exercise (STRUC, n = 30), physical-activity-counselling (PAC, n = 23), either combined (COMB, n = 39), or a wait-list comparator (CONT, n = 54). Outcomes for both were BF mass (kg), LBM (kg), BF percentage (%), and strength. RESULTS: Study 1: One-way ANCOVA revealed significant between group effects for BF% and LBM, but not for BF mass or strength. Post hoc paired comparisons revealed significantly greater change in LBM for the STRUC group compared with the CONT group. Within group changes using 95%CIs revealed significant changes only in the STRUC group for both BF% (- 4.1 to - 0.9%) and LBM (0.1 to 4.5 kg), and in FREE (8.2 to 28.5 kg) and STRUC (5.9 to 26.0 kg) for strength. Study 2: One-way ANCOVA did not reveal significant between group effects for strength, BF%, BF mass, or LBM. For strength, 95%CIs revealed significant within group changes for the STRUC (2.4 to 14.1 kg) and COMB (3.7 to 15.0 kg) groups. CONCLUSION: Strength increased in both studies across all RT treatments compared to controls, yet significant improvements in both strength and body-composition occurred only in programmed and/or supervised RT. As general increases in physical activity have limited impact upon body-composition, public health practitioners should structure interventions to include progressive RT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Study 1: ISRCTN13024854 , retrospectively registered 20/02/2018. Study 2: ISRCTN13509468 , retrospectively registered 20/02/2018).

The perceptual responses to high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise in older adults.

The present study examined exercise affect during volume-load matched, high-velocity, low-load and low-velocity, high-load resistance exercise conditions in older adults. Ten older adults completed three sets of eight exercises on six separate occasions (three high-velocity, low-load and three low-velocity, high-load sessions) in a crossover study design. High-velocity, low-load was performed at 40% of predicted one repetition maximum, and low-velocity, high-load at 80%. The Physical Activity Affect Scale, Felt Arousal Scale, Feeling Scale, Rating of Perceived Exertion, Visual Analogue Scales, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale examined exercise intensity and affect. There were moderate effects of exercise condition on positive exercise affect (P = 0.067; [Formula: see text] = 0.33), and trivial effects on negative exercise affect (P = 0.904; [Formula: see text] = 0.002). Rating of perceived exertion (P < 0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.41) and fatigue (P = 0.012; [Formula: see text] = 0.52) were greater during low-velocity, high-load. Furthermore, high-velocity, low-load facilitated statistically insignificant, favourable changes (less exertion, more enjoyment etc.) for all other measures. These findings combined with emerging evidence that high-velocity, low-load is superior for improving muscle power and/or functional performance, indicates that high-velocity, low-load should be prescribed preferentially. However, both exercise conditions were enjoyed similarly, demonstrating that individual preference is an important consideration.

Exercise-induced biochemical changes and their potential influence on cancer: a scientific review.

AIM: To review and discuss the available international literature regarding the indirect and direct biochemical mechanisms that occur after exercise, which could positively, or negatively, influence oncogenic pathways. METHODS: The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane libraries were searched for papers up to July 2016 addressing biochemical changes after exercise with a particular reference to cancer. The three authors independently assessed their appropriateness for inclusion in this review based on their scientific quality and relevance. RESULTS: 168 papers were selected and categorised into indirect and direct biochemical pathways. The indirect effects included changes in vitamin D, weight reduction, sunlight exposure and improved mood. The direct effects included insulin-like growth factor, epigenetic effects on gene expression and DNA repair, vasoactive intestinal peptide, oxidative stress and antioxidant pathways, heat shock proteins, testosterone, irisin, immunity, chronic inflammation and prostaglandins, energy metabolism and insulin resistance. SUMMARY: Exercise is one of several lifestyle factors known to lower the risk of developing cancer and is associated with lower relapse rates and better survival. This review highlights the numerous biochemical processes, which explain these potential anticancer benefits.

Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Like Reactive Hemophagocytic Syndrome Associated with Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a HIV Patient.

We describe an unusual clinical association of disseminated histoplasmosis with reactive hemophagocytic syndrome. We report the case of a new HIV-positive patient with reconstitution inflammatory syndrome like reactive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with disseminated histoplasmosis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient's evolution. A figure of liver biopsy Grocott's silver methenamine stain that shows lots of uniform ovoid yeasts in portal spaces' macrophages that supports the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis in our case.

Colonic leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To describe an unusual clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis affecting the colon. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with visceral leishmaniasis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient's evolution. A comparative table of previously reported similar cases is shown. DISCUSSION: Visceral leishmaniasis with intestinal involvement is an uncommon process. Nevertheless, this possibility should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of immunosuppressed patients with symptoms of diarrhea, as a favorable prognosis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Community fitness center-based physical activity interventions: a brief review.

Sedentary lifestyle is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A compelling body of evidence demonstrates the amelioration and prevention of such conditions with increased levels of physical activity (PA). Despite this evidence, many public health initiatives aimed at increasing PA have failed to demonstrate clinically relevant effects on public health. It has been hypothesized that the highly controlled environments in which PA and health research is conducted limits its replicability in real-world community settings. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of community fitness center-based interventions on inactivity-related diseases in adults. Data from 11 investigations highlighted 3 factors: (1) a lack of community-based PA studies, (2) a lack of clinically relevant data, and 3) further reliance on self-report and rudimentary measurements. It is concluded that the current laboratory-based evidence for PA and health is to be replicated yet in real-world settings and that rigorous and clinically relevant naturalistic research is required.

Missed opportunities in the early detection of HIV infection in patients with sexually transmitted infections: A real-life study.

INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted diseases such as cervicitis, proctitis and urethritis are associated with high rates of HIV infection. When these pathologies are suspected, HIV serology should be requested. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed during 2018 at the Hospital Costa del Sol (Marbella, Málaga, Spain). HIV serologies requested in patients who were asked for PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 1818 patients were evaluated, in which HIV serology was performed in 44.7%, of which 14 (1.7%) were positive. The remaining 55.3% were missed diagnostic opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections are associated with a high rate of occult HIV infection. The degree of suspicion of HIV in this population remains low and it is essential that it be reinforced in the presence of the possibility of infection by these pathologies.