Lyme borreliosis in pediatric population: Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features.

INTRODUCTION: Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the paediatric population is an understudied entity with certain peculiarities. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of paediatric patients with LB, and their diagnostic and therapeutic processes. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study in patients up to 14 years old with suspected or confirmed LB between 2015 and 2021. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were studied: 18 with confirmed LB (50% women; median age 6.4 years old) and 3 false positive of the serology. Clinical features in the 18 patients with LB were: neurological (3, neck stiffness; 6, facial nerve palsy), dermatological (6, erythema migratory), articular (1), and non-specific manifestations (5). Serological diagnosis was confirmatory in 83.3% of cases. A total of 94.4% patients received antimicrobial treatment (median duration, 21 days). All recovered with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: LB diagnosis is difficult in the paediatric population and presents clinical and therapeutic peculiarities, with favourable prognosis.

Assessing Predictive Value of SARS-CoV-2 Epitope-Specific CD8+ T-Cell Response in Patients with Severe Symptoms.

Specific T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 provided an overview of acquired immunity during the pandemic. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity determines the severity of acute illness, but also might be related to the possible persistence of symptoms (long COVID). We retrospectively analyzed ex vivo longitudinal CD8+ T cell responses in 26 COVID-19 patients diagnosed with severe disease, initially (1 month) and long-term (10 months), and in a cohort of 32 vaccinated healthcare workers without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. We used peptide-human leukocyte antigen (pHLA) dextramers recognizing 26 SARS-CoV-2-derived epitopes of viral and other non-structural proteins. Most patients responded to at least one of the peptides studied, mainly derived from non-structural ORF1ab proteins. After 10 months follow-up, CD8+ T cell responses were maintained at long term and reaction against certain epitopes (A*01:01-ORF1ab1637) was still detected and functional, showing a memory-like phenotype (CD127+ PD-1+). The total number of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells was significantly associated with protection against long COVID in these patients. Compared with vaccination, infected patients showed a less effective immune response to spike protein-derived peptides restricted by HLA. So, the A*01:01-S865 and A*24:02-S1208 dextramers were only recognized in vaccinated individuals. We conclude that initial SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cell response could be used as a marker to understand the evolution of severe disease and post-acute sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Long-term Immunity in Children: A Prospective Study in Northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: The role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and their immune response after infection have been profoundly discussed. Hereby, we analyze both aspects in a Spanish pediatric population. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal study performed from July 2020 to September 2021 in children up to 14 years old. Venous blood samples were collected every 6 months and serum was analyzed for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using a spike (S) and a nucleocapsid (N) protein assays. Household contacts of seropositive children were tested. Household transmission, antibody dynamics, and durability were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred children were recruited and 28 had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at the end of the study, resulting in an overall seroprevalence of 16.6% (95% CI: 9.5%-19.6%). Most of children (18/28) were secondary cases. The secondary attack rate (SAR) was lower in households with pediatric index cases than in those with adult index cases ( P = 0.023). The median antibody titers in the first positive serology, for the seropositive patients, were 137 BAU/mL (IQR 83.3-427.4) for the S-assay and 132.5 COI (IQR 14.5-170.5) for the N-assay without significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic children. The median time between the RT-PCR and the last serology was 7.5 months (IQR 5.2-8.8), and the duration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after infection was proven to be at least 18 months. There were no cases of seroreversion. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Children are not the main drivers of SARS-CoV-2 household transmission. (2) They maintain SARS-CoV-2 antibodies for up to 18 months after infection and the titers are similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic children.

Retrospective study of the epidemiological risk and serological diagnosis of human babesiosis in Asturias, Northwestern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis is a globally growing tick-borne disease in humans. Severe babesiosis caused by Babesia divergens has been reported in two patients from Asturias (Northwestern Spain), suggesting an undetected risk for the disease. To analyze this risk, we retrospectively evaluated the seroprevalence of babesiosis in the Asturian population from 2015 through 2017, a period covering the intermediate years in which these two severe cases occurred. METHODS: Indirect fluorescent assay (IFA) and Western blot (WB) were performed to detect B. divergens IgG antibodies in 120 serum samples from Asturian patients infected with the tick-transmitted spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, a condition that indicates exposure to tick bites. RESULTS: This retrospective study confirmed a B. divergens seroprevalence rate of 39.2% according to IFA results. B. divergens incidence was 7.14 cases/100,000 population, exceeding previously reported seroprevalence rates. No differences in epidemiology and risk factors were found between patients infected solely with B. burgdorferi s.l. and those infected with B. burgdorferi s.l. and with IgG antibodies against B. divergens. This last group of patients lived in Central Asturias, had a milder clinical course and, according to WB results, developed different humoral responses against B. divergens. CONCLUSIONS: Babesia divergens parasites have circulated for several years in Asturias. Epidemiological evidence of babesiosis makes Asturias an emerging risk area for this zoonosis. Human babesiosis could also be relevant in other Spanish and European regions affected by borreliosis. Hence, the potential risk of babesiosis on human health in Asturias and other European forest regions needs to be addressed by the health authorities.

Divergent SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in intensive care unit workers following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

The cellular immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in response to full mRNA COVID-19 vaccination could be variable among healthy individuals. Studies based only in specific antibody levels could show an erroneous immune protection at long times. For that, we analyze the antibody levels specific to the S protein and the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells by ELISpot and AIM assays in intensive care unit (ICU) workers with no antecedents of COVID-19 and vaccinated with two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. All individuals were seronegative for the SARS-CoV-2 protein S before vaccination (Pre-v), but 34.1% (14/41) of them showed pre-existing T lymphocytes specific for some viral proteins (S, M and N). One month after receiving two doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Post-v1), all cases showed seroconversion with high levels of total and neutralizing antibodies to the spike protein, but six of them (14.6%) had no T cells reactive to the S protein. Specifically, they lack of specific CD8+ T cells, but maintain the contribution of CD4+ T cells. Analysis of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 at 10 months after full vaccination (Post-v10), exhibited a significant reduction in the antibody levels (p<0.0001) and protein S-reactive T cells (p=0.0073) in all analyzed individuals, although none of the individuals become seronegative and 77% of them maintained a competent immune response. Thus, we can suggest that the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 elicited by the mRNA vaccines was highly variable among ICU workers. A non-negligible proportion of individuals did not develop a specific T cell response mediated by CD8+ T cells after vaccination, that may condition the susceptibility to further viral infections with SARS-CoV-2. By contrast, around 77% of individuals developed strong humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 that persisted even after 10 months. Analysis of the cellular immune response is highly recommended for providing exact information about immune protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children in the region of Asturias, Northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Updated seroprevalence estimates are important to describe the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) landscape and to guide public health decisions. The aims are to describe longitudinal changes in seroprevalence in children in a region in Northern Spain and to analyze factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity. METHODS: Prospective multicenter longitudinal study with subjects recruited from July to September 2020. Children (up to 14 years old) were included and followed up until September 2021. Venous blood samples were collected every six months during three testing rounds and were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The data regarding epidemiological features, contact tracing, symptoms, and virological tests were collected. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the study and the differences between children with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred children were recruited (50.5% girls, median age 9.7 years). The overall seroprevalence increased from round 1 [1.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3%-4.3%] to round 2 (9.1%, 95% CI 4.6%-12.7%) and round 3 (16.6%, 95% CI 9.5%-19.6%) (P < 0.001). Main changes occurred in children aged zero to four years (P = 0.001) who lived in urban areas (P < 0.001). None of the children who were previously positive became seronegative. Following multivariable analysis, three variables independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were identified: close contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed or suspected cases [odds ratio (OR) = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2-12.5], previous positive virological test (OR = 17.1, 95% CI 3.7-78.3) and fatigue (OR = 18.1, 95% CI 1.7-193.4). CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children has remarkably increased during the time of our study. Fatigue was the only COVID-19-compatible symptom that was more frequent in seropositive than in seronegative children.

Change on the Circulation of Respiratory Viruses and Pediatric Healthcare Utilization during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Asturias, Northern Spain.

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of restrictions and nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) changed the trends in respiratory viral circulation and the pattern in pediatric healthcare utilization; (2) Methods: A retrospective, multicenter observational study designed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on pediatric healthcare utilization and the viral circulation pattern in children in a region in Northern Spain was carried out. Viral diagnostics data from all nasal or pharyngeal swabs collected in children in Asturias during the periods of March 2018−September 2019 and March 2020−September 2021 were analyzed, as well as the number of pediatric hospitalizations and emergency visits; (3) Results: A total of 14,640 samples were collected during the pandemic period. Of these, at least one respiratory virus was detected in 2940 (20.1%) while 5568/10,298 samples were positive in the pre-pandemic period (54.1%); p < 0.001. The detection of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses decreased among periods (p < 0.001). After week 14, 2020, enveloped viruses were no longer detected until one year later, while non-enveloped viruses continued to be detected in children. Overall, a mean of 4946.8 (95% CI 4519.1−5374.4) pediatric emergency visits per month during the period 2018−2019 as compared to 2496.5 (95% CI 2086.4−2906.5) for 2020−2021 occurred (p < 0.001). The mean of pediatric hospitalizations also significantly decreased between periods, as follows: 346.6 (95% CI 313−380.2) in 2018−2019 vs. 161.1 (95% CI 138.4−183.8); p < 0.001; (4) Conclusions: Our study showed a remarkably reduction in pediatric hospitalizations and emergency visits and a change in the pattern of viral circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asturias. The usual seasonal respiratory viruses, namely influenza or RSV were nearly absent in the pediatric population during the pandemic.

Hepatosplenic Cat Scratch Disease and Prolonged Fever: When To Add Corticosteroids?

The indications for use of corticosteroids for persistent fever in cat scratch disease are controversial. We report the case of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with systemic cat scratch disease, who presented with fever for 28 days and focal hepatosplenic lesions. He did not show improvement despite antibiotic treatment for 4 weeks, however, he became afebrile 24 hours after the administration of corticosteroids.

One Health Approach: An Overview of Q Fever in Livestock, Wildlife and Humans in Asturias (Northwestern Spain).

This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in domestic ruminants, wild ungulates, as well as the current situation of Q fever in humans in a small region in northwestern Spain where a close contact at the wildlife-livestock-human interface exists, and information on C. burnetii infection is scarce. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 8.4% in sheep, 18.4% in cattle, and 24.4% in goats. Real-time PCR analysis of environmental samples collected in 25 livestock farms detected Coxiella DNA in dust and/or aerosols collected in 20 of them. Analysis of sera from 327 wild ungulates revealed lower seroprevalence than that found in domestic ruminants, with 8.4% of Iberian red deer, 7.3% chamois, 6.9% fallow deer, 5.5% European wild boar and 3.5% of roe deer harboring antibodies to C. burnetii. Exposure to the pathogen in humans was determined by IFAT analysis of 1312 blood samples collected from patients admitted at healthcare centers with Q fever compatible symptoms, such as fever and/or pneumonia. Results showed that 15.9% of the patients had IFAT titers ≥ 1/128 suggestive of probable acute infection. This study is an example of a One Health approach with medical and veterinary institutions involved in investigating zoonotic diseases.

Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in southwest Asturias. / Seroprevalencia de enfermedad de Lyme en el suroccidente de Asturias.

INTRODUCTION: To correctly interpret the serological markers of Lyme disease, it is very important to determine the region's infection rate. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in a rural district in northern Spain. METHODS: The presence of IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi was determined by qualitative enzyme immunoassay in the serum of 1,432 people divided into 3groups: 316 blood donors, 432 individuals who attended the hospital without infection and 684 for whom Lyme serology testing was specifically requested as part of a differential diagnosis. In the latter group, the presence or absence of an occupational risk factor was recorded. RESULTS: Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were detected in 189 individuals (13.2%): 16 (5.1%) in the blood donors group, 62 (14.4%) in subjects who attended hospital without infection and 111 (16.2%) in subjects in whom a differential diagnosis of Lyme disease was requested (p < 0.0001). In subjects with an occupational risk factor, the prevalence was 23.5%, peaking at 45.8% in men over 65 years. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi and higher than that seen in other areas with similar characteristics in Spain. However, our results are similar to those published from other European regions. The prevalence in the blood donors group was lower than that observed in the other groups. Older age, the male gender and occupational risks were associated with a higher prevalence of Lyme disease.

Screening Program for Imported Diseases in Immigrant Women: Analysis and Implications from a Gender-Oriented Perspective.

The female immigrant population is especially vulnerable to imported diseases. We describe the results of a prospective screening program for imported diseases performed in immigrant female patients. The protocol included tests for HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi, Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma spp., intestinal parasites, malaria, and the detection of microfilaremia, according to the patient's origin. Six hundred eleven patients were studied. The most frequent imported diseases were intestinal parasitosis (39.4%), followed by syphilis (14.6%), HIV infection (9%), chronic HCV (5%), and HBV (3.3%). Most of the cases of HIV (78%) and HBV (85%) were diagnosed in patients aged between 16 and 45 years. Hepatitis C virus appeared mostly in patients in the 46- to 65-year range (P = 0.001; odds ratio [OD]: 3.667 [1.741-7.724]) or older than 65 years (P = 0.0001; OR: 26.350 [7.509-92.463]). Syphilis was diagnosed more frequently in patients older than 46 years (P = 0.0001; OR: 4.273 [2.649-6.893]). Multivariate analysis confirmed a greater presence of HCV infection (P = 0.049) and syphilis (P = 0.0001) in patients aged between 46 and 65 years. In 15.4% of patients, screening did not find any pathology. These data show a high prevalence of imported diseases in the female immigrant population, which may have serious consequences in terms of morbimortality and vertical transmission. Our results encourage the establishment of policies of active screening both in women of childbearing age and within the specific pregnancy screening programs.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Dientamoeba fragilis infection.

INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of D. fragilis infection are described, with special focus on the clinical and epidemiological aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study was performed, including all the patients with Dientamoeba fragilis infection who attended a specialized unit between January 2012 and December 2017. PCR was used to diagnose D. fragilis. Patients were treated with metronidazole or paromomycin and reviewed at four and eight weeks post-treatment. Cure was defined as the negativization of all parasitological tests, in absence of symptoms. RESULTS: 163 patients were diagnosed. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (36.2%), chronic diarrhoea (12.3%), anal itching (10.4%), abdominal discomfort (9.2%), skin disease (8%), acute diarrhoea (4.3%) and vomiting (4.3%). Fifty patients were asymptomatic. Forty-two patients had eosinophilia in blood. Thirty-eight cases (23.3%) had a coinfection by Enterobius vermicularis. One hundred and seven patients received treatment, sixty-one of them with metronidazole and the rest with paromomycin. Ninety-nine patients (91%) were cured. The rate of cure was 100% in the paromomycin group versus 86.8% in the metronidazole group (p=0.005; OR: 1.173 [1.057-1.302]). The absence of cure was associated with E. vermicularis coinfection (p=0.014; OR: 6.167 [1.432-26.563] and with longer duration of the symptoms (175 [±159SD]) versus 84 [±88SD] days, p=0.014) but multivariable analysis did not confirm these associations. CONCLUSION: Dientamoeba fragilis is an important and underestimated cause of gastrointestinal disease in both the autochthonous and immigrant or traveller population. More studies are needed to clarify its optimal treatment and the role played by E. vermicularis in its transmission and maintenance.

Infant Facial Paralysis Associated with Epstein-Barr Virus Infection.

BACKGROUND Peripheral facial paralysis is a clinical presentation which, in most cases, is benign. It is relatively frequent, although less so in pediatric patients, where clinical diagnosis is more difficult. This clinical condition can be congenital, neurological, infectious, neoplastic, traumatic, or metabolic in origin. CASE REPORT This report describes the case of a male infant of 23 months of age with peripheral facial paralysis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) upper respiratory infection. A hemogram showed the presence of leukocytosis and lymphocytosis, and a peripheral blood smear indicated the presence of stimulated lymphocytes. Serological tests were compatible with recent EBV infection: IgM anti-VCA (capsid antigen) was positive, while IgG anti-VCA and anti-EBNA (nuclear antigen) were negative. EBV genome was detected in pharyngeal swab and in serum, where viral load was 5.08 log copies/1000 cells and 3.72 log copies/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the most common cause of facial paralysis is idiopathic paralysis, such problems of the facial nerve may have many origins, including an infectious nature such as infection with viral agents. Rapid determination of the etiology of the problem allows the most appropriate management of the condition and quick follow-up to be implemented, which is essential for the evaluation of treatment response and the avoidance of permanent consequences.

Prevalence of D. fragilis infection in the household contacts of a group of infected patients.

INTRODUCTION: The results of a study on the household contacts of patients with D. fragilis infection are presented. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study was carried out on all Dientamoeba fragilis-infected patients treated at the Tropical Medicine Unit of Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias between 2012- 2017 and their household contacts. Three stool samples per patient and three stool samples from each of their household contacts were concentrated and analysed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of D. fragilis in all stool samples. Co-infection with E. vermicularis was studied in both groups. Patients and contacts who failed to deliver one or more samples for diagnosis and patients without household contacts were excluded. RESULTS: 44 Patients infected with D. fragilis, as well as their 97 household contacts were enrolled. 50.5% of household contacts had a positive PCR for D. fragilis. 20 were also coinfected with E. vermicularis. The presence of infection was significantly more frequent in patients with children (34/15 versus 24/24; p= 0.064; OR: 2.267 [0.988-5.199]), E. vermicularis infection in the children being 20/29 versus 0/48 (p=0.0001), and in another family member being 29/20 versus 15/33 (p=0.008; OR: 3.190 [1.384-7.352]). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of D. fragilis infection in household contacts was high. It was associated with the presence of children in the family nucleus and coinfection with E. vermicularis irrespective of gender, age, rural area or contact with animals.

Seroprevalencia de enfermedad de Lyme en el suroccidente de Asturias / Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in southwest Asturias

INTRODUCCIÓN: Para la correcta interpretación de los marcadores serológicos de la enfermedad de Lyme es muy importante conocer la tasa de infección en el entorno. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de anticuerpos específicos frente a Borrelia burgdorferi en una comarca rural del norte de España. MÉTODOS: Se investigó la presencia de anticuerpos IgG frente a B. burgdorferi mediante un método inmunoenzimático cualitativo en el suero de 1.432 personas divididas en 3 grupos: 316 donantes de sangre, 432 individuos que acudieron al hospital sin causa infecciosa y 684 a los que se solicitó una serología de Lyme como parte del diagnóstico diferencial. En estos últimos se registró la presencia o ausencia de factor de riesgo ocupacional. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron anticuerpos frente a B. burgdorferi en 189 (13,2%) individuos: 16 (5,1%) donantes de sangre, 62 (14,4%) personas que acudían al hospital sin causa infecciosa y 111 (16,2%) personas con diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedad de Lyme (p < 0,0001). En las personas con factor de riesgo ocupacional, la prevalencia fue del 23,5%, cifra que llegó al 45,8% en hombres mayores de 65 años. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia en este estudio es alta y superior a zonas con características similares de nuestro país, pero está en la media de lo publicado en otras regiones europeas. La prevalencia en donantes de sangre es menor que en los otros grupos estudiados. La edad avanzada, el sexo masculino y las prácticas de riesgo ocupacional se relacionan con una mayor prevalencia de enfermedad de Lyme

INTRODUCTION: To correctly interpret the serological markers of Lyme disease, it is very important to determine the region's infection rate. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in a rural district in northern Spain. METHODS: The presence of IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi was determined by qualitative enzyme immunoassay in the serum of 1,432 people divided into 3 groups: 316 blood donors, 432 individuals who attended the hospital without infection and 684 for whom Lyme serology testing was specifically requested as part of a differential diagnosis. In the latter group, the presence or absence of an occupational risk factor was recorded. RESULTS: Antibodies against B. burgdorferi were detected in 189 individuals (13.2%): 16 (5.1%) in the blood donors group, 62 (14.4%) in subjects who attended hospital without infection and 111 (16.2%) in subjects in whom a differential diagnosis of Lyme disease was requested (p < 0.0001). In subjects with an occupational risk factor, the prevalence was 23.5%, peaking at 45.8% in men over 65 years. CONCLUSIÓN: Our study showed a high prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi and higher than that seen in other areas with similar characteristics in Spain. However, our results are similar to those published from other European regions. The prevalence in the blood donors group was lower than that observed in the other groups. Older age, the male gender and occupational risks were associated with a higher prevalence of Lyme disease

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Dientamoeba fragilis infection / Características clínicoepidemiológicas de las infecciones por Dientamoeba fragilis

INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of D. fragilis infection are described, with special focus on the clinical and epidemiological aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study was performed, including all the patients with Dientamoeba fragilis infection who attended a specialized unit between January 2012 and December 2017. PCR was used to diagnose D. fragilis. Patients were treated with metronidazole or paromomycin and reviewed at four and eight weeks post-treatment. Cure was defined as the negativization of all parasitological tests, in absence of symptoms. RESULTS: 163 patients were diagnosed. The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain (36.2%), chronic diarrhoea (12.3%), anal itching (10.4%), abdominal discomfort (9.2%), skin disease (8%), acute diarrhoea (4.3%) and vomiting (4.3%). Fifty patients were asymptomatic. Forty-two patients had eosinophilia in blood. Thirty-eight cases (23.3%) had a coinfection by Enterobius vermicularis. One hundred and seven patients received treatment, sixty-one of them with metronidazole and the rest with paromomycin. Ninety-nine patients (91%) were cured. The rate of cure was 100% in the paromomycin group versus 86.8% in the metronidazole group (p = 0.005; OR: 1.173 [1.057-1.302]). The absence of cure was associated with E. vermicularis coinfection (p = 0.014; OR: 6.167 [1.432-26.563] and with longer duration of the symptoms (175 [± 159SD]) versus 84 [± 88SD] days, p = 0.014) but multivariable analysis did not confirm these associations. CONCLUSION: Dientamoeba fragilis is an important and underestimated cause of gastrointestinal disease in both the autochthonous and immigrant or traveller population. More studies are needed to clarify its optimal treatment and the role played by E. vermicularis in its transmission and maintenance

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se describen las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la infección por Dientamoeba fragilis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo de los pacientes diagnosticados de infección por D. fragilis en una unidad especializada entre 2012-2017. El diagnóstico de D. fragilis se realizó mediante PCR. Los pacientes fueron tratados con metronidazol o paromomicina y revisados a las 4 y 8 semanas tras tratamiento. Se consideró a los pacientes curados tras negativización microbiológica en ausencia de síntomas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 163 pacientes. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: dolor abdominal (36,2%), diarrea crónica (12,3%), prurito anal (10,4%), malestar abdominal (9,2%), síntomas cutáneos (8%), diarrea aguda y vómitos (4,3%, respectivamente). Cincuenta pacientes estaban asintomáticos. Cuarenta y dos pacientes presentaron eosinofilia. En 38 pacientes se observó coinfección por Enterobius vermicularis. Ciento siete pacientes recibieron tratamiento, 61 con metronidazol y el resto con paromomicina, con una curación del 91%. La tasa de curación fue del 100% en los pacientes tratados con paromomicina y del 86,8% en el grupo del metronidazol (p = 0,005; OR: 1,173 [1,057-1,302]). La no curación se asoció a la coinfección por E. vermicularis (p = 0,014; OR: 6,167 [1,432-26,563]) y con la mayor duración de los síntomas (175 [± 159 DE] versus 84 [± 88 DE] días; p = 0,014), pero el análisis multivariable no confirmó dichas asociaciones. CONCLUSIÓN: D. fragilis es causa importante y subestimada de enfermedad gastrointestinal tanto en poblaciones autóctonas como inmigrantes o viajeros. Se necesitan más estudios para aclarar su tratamiento óptimo y el papel desempeñado por E. vermicularis en su tratamiento

Prevalence of D. fragilis infection in the household contacts of a group of infected patients / Prevalencia de infección por D. fragilis en contactos domiciliarios de un grupo de pacientes infectados

INTRODUCTION: The results of a study on the household contacts of patients with D. fragilis infection are presented. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive study was carried out on all Dientamoeba fragilis-infected patients treated at the Tropical Medicine Unit of Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias between 2012- 2017 and their household contacts. Three stool samples per patient and three stool samples from each of their household contacts were concentrated and analysed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of D. fragilis in all stool samples. Co-infection with E. vermicularis was studied in both groups. Patients and contacts who failed to deliver one or more samples for diagnosis and patients without household contacts were excluded. RESULTS: 44 Patients infected with D. fragilis, as well as their 97 household contacts were enrolled. 50.5% of household contacts had a positive PCR for D. fragilis. 20 were also coinfected with E. vermicularis. The presence of infection was significantly more frequent in patients with children (34/15 versus 24/24; p= 0.064; OR: 2.267 [0.988-5.199]), E. vermicularis infection in the children being 20/29 versus 0/48 (p = 0.0001), and in another family member being 29/20 versus 15/33 (p = 0.008; OR: 3.190 [1.384-7.352]). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of D. fragilis infection in household contacts was high. It was associated with the presence of children in the family nucleus and coinfection with E. vermicularis irrespective of gender, age, rural area or contact with animals

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los informes de sensibilidad acumulada son una herramienta valiosa para guiar el tratamiento empírico de infecciones urinarias, sobre todo en el contexto actual de crecientes tasas de resistencia. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de bacterias aisladas de urocultivos de pacientes pediátricos durante un período de 5 años. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de los urocultivos del período 2011-2015. La identificación y estudios de sensibilidad se realizaron con el sistema Vitek-2 (BioMérieux(R)) y se interpretaron según los criterios de EUCAST. Se analizaron los datos de sensibilidad antimicrobiana según sexo y tramos de edad (neonatos, 1 mes-5 años, 5-15 años) y se compararon con los datos de mayores de 15 años. RESULTADOS: En el período analizado se procesaron 17.164 urocultivos de 7.924 pacientes menores de 16 años. Los porcentajes de sensibilidad en estos pacientes fueron: ampicilina 36,3%; amoxicilina/clavulánico 75,3%; cefuroxima 83,2%; cotrimoxazol 68,9%; ciprofloxacino 85,3%; fosfomicina 85,5%; nitrofurantoína 84,4%, y cefalosporinas de tercera generación 89-91%. Aminoglucósidos (>92%) y carbapenemas (95%) mantienen las mayores tasas de sensibilidad. La prevalencia de aislamientos productores de BLEE fue significativamente menor en niños menores de 16 años (1,5% vs. 4,1%). En menores de 16 años, los aislamientos de Escherichia coli procedentes de mujeres fueron significativamente (p < 0,0001) más sensibles a ampicilina (41% vs. 30%) y amoxicilina-clavulánico (82% vs. 72%) que en varones. CONCLUSIONES: La elaboración de informes de sensibilidad acumulados desglosados por edad o sexo permite detectar importantes diferencias. En nuestra área, cefuroxima puede considerarse como primera opción de tratamiento empírico en pacientes pediátricos

Borreliosis de Lyme en población pediátrica: peculiaridades clínicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas / Lyme borreliosis in pediatric population: Clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features

Introducción: La borreliosis de Lyme (BL) es una entidad poco estudiada en pediatría, pero con ciertas peculiaridades. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las características de los pacientes pediátricos con sospecha y/o confirmación de BL. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en menores de 14 años con diagnóstico clínico y/o serológico, sospechoso o confirmado, de BL entre 2015 y 2021. Resultados: Se estudiaron 21 pacientes: 18 con diagnóstico final de BL (50% mujeres; mediana de edad 6,4 años) y 3 falsos positivos. En los casos de BL, las manifestaciones clínicas presentadas fueron: neurológicas (3, meningitis; 6, parálisis facial), dermatológicas (6, eritema migratorio), articulares (uno) e inespecíficas (2). El diagnóstico serológico fue confirmatorio en el 83,3% de los casos. El 94,4% recibió antibioterapia (mediana de duración 21 días) y la evolución fue satisfactoria en todos los casos. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de la BL es difícil en la población pediátrica y presenta peculiaridades clínicas y terapéuticas, pero el pronóstico es favorable.(AU)

Introduction: Lyme borreliosis (LB) in the paediatric population is an understudied entity with certain peculiarities. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of paediatric patients with LB, and their diagnostic and therapeutic processes. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective study in patients up to 14 years old with suspected or confirmed LB between 2015 and 2021. Results: A total of 21 patients were studied: 18 with confirmed LB (50% women; median age 6.4 years old) and 3 false positive of the serology. Clinical features in the 18 patients with LB were: neurological (3, meningitis; 6, facial nerve palsy), dermatological (6, erythema migrans), articular (one), and non-specific manifestations (2). Serological diagnosis was confirmatory in 83.3% of cases. A total of 94.4% patients received antimicrobial treatment (median duration 21 days). All recovered with resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: LB diagnosis is difficult in the paediatric population and presents clinical and therapeutic peculiarities, with favourable prognosis.(AU)

Detección de infecciones de transmisión sexual por técnicas de biología molecular / Detection of sexually transmitted infections using molecular biology techniques

Las infecciones de transmisión sexual precisan para su control de pruebas diagnósticas rápidas, fiables y que permitan su realización en situaciones de cribado. Las técnicas de biología molecular han supuesto una verdadera revolución diagnóstica. Debido a su elevada sensibilidad, no solo detectan más infecciones, sino que permiten la obtención de muestras poco invasivas que facilitan los programas de cribado y evitan el rechazo de los pacientes a la realización de toma de muestras. La mejora de su especificidad evita en muchos casos la realización de pruebas de confirmación, bajo la premisa del cumplimiento de normas de calidad. También permiten diagnosticar patógenos que las técnicas de cultivo son incapaces de recuperar, y cada vez tenemos plataformas diagnósticas más sencillas, versátiles y en formato múltiple que agilizan el trabajo en el laboratorio e incluso fuera de él (AU)

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) require rapid, reliable diagnostic tests that can be performed in screening situations. Molecular biology techniques have been a true diagnostic revolution. Due to their high sensitivity, they detect more infections and allow non-invasive sample collection, simplifying screening programs and minimising patient refusal to have samples taken. Improvements in specificity have reduced the need for confirmation tests in many cases, under the premise of compliance with quality standards. They also allow to identify pathogens that culture techniques are unable to recover. Moreover, diagnostic platforms are increasingly simple, versatile and available in multiplex format, facilitating work inside and outside the laboratory (AU)

[Outbreak of Coxiella burnetii pneumonia]. / Brote epidémico de neumonía por Coxiella burnetii.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe an outbreak of Q fever pneumonia in the North of Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report 60 cases of Coxiella burnetii pneumonia in a rural area with 16,000 inhabitants during January and February 2003. The diagnosis was serologically confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 46 years and the male/female ratio was 2.5. Overall, 52% of the patients lived in urbanized areas and contact with animals was declared in only 7% of patients. Sixty percent of patients were hospitalized. The most frequent clinical presentation was an acute febrile process (100%) and headache (80%); respiratory symptoms were infrequent. The most common liver function alteration was elevated transaminase levels (35%). Radiologic evidence of a single lobar or segmental alveolar opacity was found in 87% of patients, and most commonly affected the lower lobes. Chest radiographs returned to normal in 70% of patients within the two first months. Empirical treatment consisted of beta-lactams and macrolides in 38%, macrolides alone in 8%, and quinolones in 23%; 27% were treated with beta-lactams alone. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Coxiella burnetii infection is very prevalent in the north of Spain and should be suspected and investigated when outbreaks of a pneumonic illness occur.