Interesting case from Argentina: Kidney transplant recipient with skin lesions-A Latin American perspective.

This is a case of a kidney transplant recipient who presented with skin lesions, low-grade fevers, and pancytopenia 2 months after his transplant.

Factors associated with accidents involving biological material among health professionals.

Introduction: Accidents with biological material and cuting/piercing instruments among health professionals have led to increased rates of hospital infection and subsequent patient contamination. Objectives: To compare factors associated with accidents involving biological material among health workers. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted in 2019-2020, included 229 physicians and non-physicians. Results: The sample was 60.7% physicians and 39.3% non-physicians; 51.5% were women; 48.5% were aged ≥40 years; 55% lived with a partner; 57.6% had a specialist or graduate degree; and 51.5% had ≥ 1 child). he physician group had a higher education level, worked > 1 job, and had a high rate of accidents, in addition to lower rates of pre-employment examinations, specific accident training, and supervisor contact in case of accidents. There was also a positive association in the physician group between accidents, employment length, and operating room experience, while age was inversely correlated with accident risk. Conclusions: Different worker categories had specific risk profiles that involved education level, employment length, a low notification level, and risk underestimation. The results showed that education level and employment length do not guarantee accidents prevention. Both the physician and non-physician groups had significant accident rates and a similar behavior profile when events occurred, including low notification rates and underestimating the risk involved in the accident.

Introdução: Acidentes envolvendo material biológico com instrumentos cortantes e perfurantes entre profissionais de saúde têm sido causa de aumento de infecção hospitalar e, portanto, de contaminação do paciente. Objetivos: Comparar fatores associados ao acidente com material biológico em trabalhadores da saúde. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico transversal envolvendo 229 profissionais, médicos e não médicos (2019-2020). Resultados: A amostra total foi composta por 229 profissionais (48,1% médicos, 51,9% não médicos, 51,5% mulheres, 48,5% ≥ 40 anos, 55% viviam com companheiro, 57,6% tinham nível educacional de especialização/pós-graduação, 51,5% ≥ um filho). Os profissionais médicos apresentaram maior escolaridade, mais de um emprego e maior proporção de ocorrência de acidentes, bem como menor proporção de exames admissionais, treinamentos específicos e contato com supervisor em casos de acidentes. Ainda, os profissionais médicos apresentaram associação positiva dos acidentes com o tempo de trabalho e o tempo de experiência no bloco cirúrgico, enquanto a idade apresentou relação inversa com as chances de acidentes. Conclusões: Diferentes categorias de trabalho apresentaram perfil específico de riscos envolvendo estudo e tempo de serviço, baixa notificação e risco subestimado. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que o nível de estudo e o tempo de serviço não foram capazes de garantir a prevenção de acidentes envolvendo material biológico. Além disso, profissionais médicos e não médicos apresentaram não apenas uma incidência significativa de acidentes, mas também um perfil de comportamento semelhante diante do evento, com baixa notificação e risco subestimado do acidente.

Latent tuberculosis: Risk factors, screening and treatment in liver transplantation recipients from an endemic area.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing solid organ transplantation, particularly those who live or have lived in tuberculosis (TB) endemic areas, are at a high risk of developing TB. The majority of post-transplantation TB cases are associated with reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI). Brazil is in a single position with overlapping areas of high TB endemicity and high transplant activity. In liver transplant (LT), one should be aware of the potential hepatotoxicity associated with the treatment regimens for LTBI. AIM: To evaluate the frequency of LTBI in LT patients and treatment-related issues. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of cirrhotic patients aged ≥ 18 years, who underwent LT at a high-complexity teaching hospital from January 2005 to December 2012. RESULTS: Overall, 429 patients underwent LT during the study period. Of these, 213 (49.7%) underwent the tuberculin skin test (TST) during the pre-transplant period, and 35 (16.4%) of them had a positive result. The treatment for LTBI was initiated after LT in 12 (34.3%) of the TST-positive patients; in 3 (25.0%), treatment was maintained for at least 6 mo. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LTBI was lower than expected. Initiation and completion of LTBI treatment was limited by difficulties in the management of these special patients.

Antimicrobial use for treatment of healthcare-associated infections and bacterial resistance in a reference neonatal unit.

OBJECTIVE: The use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, such as third and fourth-generation, are responsible for emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms in neonatal units. Furthermore, antimicrobial daily doses are not standardized in neonatology. This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of antimicrobial broad spectrum to bacterial sensitivity profile in a referral unit of neonatal progressive care. METHODS: This is a cohort study conducted in a referral neonatal progressive care unit from January 2008 to December 2016. The data of all hospitalized neonates was collected daily. The infection criteria used were the standardized national criteria, based on definitions of Center for Diseases Control and Prevention. In this study, the use of antimicrobials was evaluated as antimicrobial-day (ATM-day) and the ratio of multidrug-resistant microorganisms per 1000 ATM-day of broad spectrum was also calculated. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (ETIC 312/08 e CAAE 58973616.2.0000.5149). RESULTS: From 2008 to 2016, 2751 neonates were hospitalized, corresponding to 60,656 patient-days. The ratio of multidrug-resistant microorganisms per 1000 ATM-day of broad spectrum was 1,3 in the first period and 4,3 in the second period (p=0,005). CONCLUSION: It was observed that use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, especially those with coverage for Gram-negative bacteria, was associated with an increase of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Hepatitis Relapse after Yellow Fever Infection: Is There Another Wave?

During the yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Brazil, many cases of fulminant hepatitis were seen, although mild to moderate hepatitis was mostly observed with complete recovery. This report presents a case of late-onset hepatitis due to YF relapse. The patient sought medical attention after jaundice recurrence 40 days after the first YF hepatitis episode. This case highlights the importance of patient follow-up after the complete resolution of YF symptoms and discharge.

Hepatitis Relapse after Yellow Fever Infection: Is There Another Wave?

Abstract During the yellow fever (YF) outbreak in Brazil, many cases of fulminant hepatitis were seen, although mild to moderate hepatitis was mostly observed with complete recovery. This report presents a case of late-onset hepatitis due to YF relapse. The patient sought medical attention after jaundice recurrence 40 days after the first YF hepatitis episode. This case highlights the importance of patient follow-up after the complete resolution of YF symptoms and discharge.

Current approaches to visceral leishmaniasis treatment in solid organ transplant recipients.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of transplants performed worldwide and the growing global mobility with migration and travel to and from developing countries and tropical areas are bringing new challenges for the management of transplant infectious diseases, previously less commonly seen, such as Leishmaniasis. However, in this scenario there is a lack of information and the current knowledge is based on a few studies. The selection of the most appropriate treatment depends on various factors, such as patient profile, Leishmania species, disease extent, drug availability, concomitant infections and previous treatments. Therapeutic options may include different formulations of amphotericin B, pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine and paromomycin, among others. These drugs can be used alone or in combination. Areas covered: This review is a practical guide for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) specific treatment in solid organ transplant recipients (SOT), including therapeutic options and assessment of therapy response. Expert commentary: The main challenges for treatment of leishmaniasis in SOT recipients are related to the duration of therapy, curative criteria and secondary prophylaxis. Immunosuppression dose reduction is often recommended, but such decisions must be made on an individual basis. At present, Liposomal Amphotericin B is the best choice for treatment and prophylaxis.

Recommendations for Management of Endemic Diseases and Travel Medicine in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients and Donors: Latin America.

The Recommendations for Management of Endemic Diseases and Travel Medicine in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients and Donors: Latin America clinical practice guideline is intended to guide clinicians caring for solid-organ transplant (SOT) donors, candidates and recipients regarding infectious diseases (ID) issues related to this geographical region, mostly located in the tropics. These recommendations are based on both systematic reviews of relevant literature and expert opinion from both transplant ID and travel medicine specialists. The guidelines provide recommendations for risk evaluation and laboratory investigation, as well as management and prevention of infection of the most relevant endemic diseases of Latin America. This summary includes a brief description of the guideline recommendations but does not include the complete rationale and references for each recommendation, which is available in the online version of the article, published in this journal as a supplement. The supplement contains 10 reviews referring to endemic or travel diseases (eg, tuberculosis, Chagas disease [ChD], leishmaniasis, malaria, strongyloidiasis and schistosomiasis, travelers diarrhea, arboviruses, endemic fungal infections, viral hepatitis, and vaccines) and an illustrative section with maps (http://www.pmourao.com/map/). Contributors included experts from 13 countries (Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, France, Italy, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay) representing four continents (Asia, the Americas and Europe), along with scientific and medical societies.

Serum levels of vancomycin: is there a prediction using doses in mg/kg/day or m2/day for neonates?

Abstract Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus has been identified as the main nosocomial agent of neonatal late-onset sepsis. However, based on the pharmacokinetics and erratic distribution of vancomycin, recommended empirical dose is not ideal, due to the inappropriate serum levels that have been measured in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of vancomycin used in newborns and compare the prediction of adequate serum levels based on doses calculated according to mg/kg/day and m2/day. This is an observational reprospective cohort at a referral neonatal unit, from 2011 to 2013. Newborns treated with vancomycin for the first episode of late-onset sepsis were included. Total dose in mg/kg/day, dose/m2/day, age, weight, body surface and gestational age were identified as independent variables. For predictive analysis of adequate serum levels, multiple linear regressions were performed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for proper serum vancomycin levels was also obtained. A total of 98 patients received 169 serum dosages of the drug, 41 (24.3%) of the doses had serum levels that were defined as appropriate. Doses prescribed in mg/kg/day and dose/m2/day predicted serum levels in only 9% and 4% of cases, respectively. Statistical significance was observed with higher doses when the serum levels were considered as appropriate (p < 0.001). A dose of 27 mg/kg/day had a sensitivity of 82.9% to achieve correct serum levels of vancomycin. Although vancomycin has erratic serum levels and empirical doses cannot properly predict the target levels, highest doses in mg/kg/day were associated with adequate serum levels.

Empirical antimicrobial therapy for late-onset sepsis in a neonatal unit with high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus / Terapia antimicrobiana empírica para sepse tardia na unidade neonatal com alta prevalência de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two different empiric treatments for late-onset neonatal sepsis, vancomycin and oxacillin, in a neonatal intensive care unit with a high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an neonatal intensive care unit from 2011 to 2014. Data from the medical records of at-risk newborns were collected daily. Infections were defined according to the National Health Surveillance Agency criteria. Data analysis was performed using an internal program. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p = 0.008), without endocarditis, meningitis, or lower respiratory tract infection, as well as a reduction in the frequency of deaths related to S. aureus infection. There were no significant changes in the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial or fungal infections. An increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections was observed (p = 0.022). However, there was no measured increase in related morbidity and mortality. There was a reduction in the median number of days of treatment with oxacillin from 11.5 to 6 days (p < 0.001) and an increase of one day in the median number of days of treatment with vancomycin (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Modification of the empiric treatment regimen for neonatal late-onset sepsis with use of oxacillin showed a significant reduction in S. aureus infections, as well as a reduction in the frequency of infections with major organ system involvement and mortality due to infection with this microorganism. As a result, oxacillin can be considered as an effective treatment for late-onset sepsis, making it possible to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar dois períodos com diferentes esquemas empíricos para tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia, incluindo vancomicina ou oxacilina respectivamente, em unidade neonatal de referência com alta prevalência de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo. Métodos Estudo transversal, feito em unidade neonatal de referência, de 2011 a 2014. Os dados foram coletados diariamente por vigilância ativa em prontuário de recém-nascidos de risco. As infecções foram notificadas conforme critérios definidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. O banco de dados e a análise foram feitos em programa interno. Resultados Ocorreu redução significativa da notificação de infecções por Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0,008), sem notificações de endocardite, meningite e infecções de vias aéreas inferiores, além de redução na frequência de óbitos pelo microrganismo e sem alteração significativa nas incidências de infecções por bactérias Gram negativas e fungos. Houve aumento de infecções S. aureus coagulase negativo (p = 0,022), mas sem aumento de morbidade e mortalidade. Ocorreu redução na mediana do tempo de uso de oxacilina, de 11,5 para 6 dias (p < 0,001), com aumento de mediana de um dia de uso de vancomicina (p = 0,046). Conclusões A modificação do esquema empírico com uso de oxacilina revelou redução significativa das infecções por S. aureus, além da redução na frequência de infecção de foco profundo e mortalidade pelo microrganismo. Considera-se que oxacilina pode ser usada como esquema de tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia para se evitar o uso de antibióticos de largo espectro.

Serum levels of vancomycin: is there a prediction using doses in mg/kg/day or m(2)/day for neonates?

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus has been identified as the main nosocomial agent of neonatal late-onset sepsis. However, based on the pharmacokinetics and erratic distribution of vancomycin, recommended empirical dose is not ideal, due to the inappropriate serum levels that have been measured in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of vancomycin used in newborns and compare the prediction of adequate serum levels based on doses calculated according to mg/kg/day and m(2)/day. This is an observational reprospective cohort at a referral neonatal unit, from 2011 to 2013. Newborns treated with vancomycin for the first episode of late-onset sepsis were included. Total dose in mg/kg/day, dose/m(2)/day, age, weight, body surface and gestational age were identified as independent variables. For predictive analysis of adequate serum levels, multiple linear regressions were performed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for proper serum vancomycin levels was also obtained. A total of 98 patients received 169 serum dosages of the drug, 41 (24.3%) of the doses had serum levels that were defined as appropriate. Doses prescribed in mg/kg/day and dose/m(2)/day predicted serum levels in only 9% and 4% of cases, respectively. Statistical significance was observed with higher doses when the serum levels were considered as appropriate (p<0.001). A dose of 27mg/kg/day had a sensitivity of 82.9% to achieve correct serum levels of vancomycin. Although vancomycin has erratic serum levels and empirical doses cannot properly predict the target levels, highest doses in mg/kg/day were associated with adequate serum levels.

Empirical antimicrobial therapy for late-onset sepsis in a neonatal unit with high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare two different empiric treatments for late-onset neonatal sepsis, vancomycin and oxacillin, in a neonatal intensive care unit with a high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an neonatal intensive care unit from 2011 to 2014. Data from the medical records of at-risk newborns were collected daily. Infections were defined according to the National Health Surveillance Agency criteria. Data analysis was performed using an internal program. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p=0.008), without endocarditis, meningitis, or lower respiratory tract infection, as well as a reduction in the frequency of deaths related to S. aureus infection. There were no significant changes in the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial or fungal infections. An increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections was observed (p=0.022). However, there was no measured increase in related morbidity and mortality. There was a reduction in the median number of days of treatment with oxacillin from 11.5 to 6 days (p<0.001) and an increase of one day in the median number of days of treatment with vancomycin (p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Modification of the empiric treatment regimen for neonatal late-onset sepsis with use of oxacillin showed a significant reduction in S. aureus infections, as well as a reduction in the frequency of infections with major organ system involvement and mortality due to infection with this microorganism. As a result, oxacillin can be considered as an effective treatment for late-onset sepsis, making it possible to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Surveillance of surgical site infection after cesarean section and time of notification.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section is a surgical procedure the main complication of which is surgical site infection (SSI), which is related to maternal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate active monitoring by telephone to identify infection and time of SSI report in postpartum women and associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study from 2013-2014, at a referral service for high-risk pregnancies. Surveillance was conducted via telephone at least 30 days after cesarean delivery. Incidence ratio and time of infection occurrence (days) was analyzed. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the temporal distribution of the development of infection. RESULTS: Of a total of 353 patients, 14 (4%) cases of SSI were reported, and 10 (7.4%) of the reported cases occurred within 15 days after cesarean and average time of infection was12.21 days. American Society of Anesthesiologists score was the only risk factor associated with SSI after cesarean section. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SSI after cesarean section via telephone is similar to several services with different methods of surveillance, considering it could be used by services with limited resources. Superficial incisional SSI was the most common type of infection, time of infection report was mainly before the 15th day postprocedure, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2 or less was protective against SSI. Telephone calls can be a viable method to identify women with infection briefly after discharge, particularly at-risk patients.

Evolução de pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático por hepatites virais / Evolution of patients undergoing liver transplantation due to viral hepatitis

Objetivos: descrever a evolução dos pacientes com diagnóstico de hepatite viral B ou C submetidos a transplante de fígado em serviço de referência. Métodos: trata-se de estudo transversal realizado no Serviço de Transplante de Órgãos do Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologiado Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, de 2005 a 2007. Os dados foram coletados em prontuários médicos e bancos de dados do serviço.Resultados: de 173 pacientes submetidos a transplante de fígado, 61 apresentavam hepatite C, nove tinham hepatite B e um evoluiu com hepatite A fulminante. Entre os pacientes com hepatite C, 31 receberam tratamento antes do transplante (sete com respostavirológica sustentada). Apenas dois pacientes com hepatite B foram tratados previamente.Após transplante hepático, a recidiva da hepatite ocorreu em 21 pacientes com hepatite C e nenhum com hepatite B. O tratamento medicamentoso após transplante hepático foirealizado em 13 de 21 dos pacientes com recidiva de hepatite C. Discussão: após transplante hepático em casos de cirrose pelo vírus da hepatite C, a recorrência da infecção é comum e indica necessidade de tratamento efetivo. A sobrevida pós-transplante em pacientes infectados pelo vírus da hepatite B depende da prevenção com uso da profilaxiacombinada. Conclusão: as hepatites virais respondem por importante proporção das indicações de transplante de fígado. A recidiva da hepatite C persiste como o principal problema nos pacientes transplantados por hepatites virais. A profilaxia da recidiva da hepatite B pós-transplante é mandatória com imunoglobulina e análogos de nucleosídeos.

Objectives: to describe the evolution of patients with a diagnosis of viral hepatitis B or C undergoing liver transplantation at a reference hospital. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Organ Transplantation Service of the Alfa Institute of Gastroenterology,General Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais, from 2005 to 2007. Data were collected from medical records and service databases. Results: out of 173 patients undergoing liver transplantation, 61 had hepatitis C, nine had hepatitis B, and one developed fulminant hepatitis A. Among patients with hepatitis C, 31 were treated before the transplantation(seven with sustained virological response). Only two patients with hepatitis B were pretreated. After liver transplantation, the recurrence of hepatitis occurred in 21 patients with hepatitis C, and in none with hepatitis B. The drug treatment after liver transplant was performedin 13 out of 21 patients with recurrent hepatitis C. Discussion: in cases of cirrhosis caused by the hepatitis C virus, recurrence of infection is common after liver transplantation and indicates the need for an effective treatment. Post-transplant survival in patients infectedwith hepatitis B virus depends on prevention using combined prophylaxis. Conclusion: viral hepatitis accounts for a significant proportion of indications for a liver transplant.Recurrence of hepatitis C persists as a major problem in transplanted patients due to viral hepatitis. Prophylaxis ofhepatitis B post-transplant recurrence is mandatory withimmunoglobulin and nucleoside analogs.

High positivity of mimivirus in inanimate surfaces of a hospital respiratory-isolation facility, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Mimiviruses have been considered putative emerging pneumonia agents. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death related to infection throughout the world, with approximately 40% of cases presenting unknown etiology. Therefore, identifying new causative agents of community and nosocomial pneumonia is of major public health concern. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the distribution of these viruses in samples collected from different environments of one of the largest hospitals in Brazilian Southeast. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed, by molecular and virological approaches, the distribution of mimivirus in 242 samples collected from inanimate surfaces in different hospital facilities. RESULTS: A significant positivity of mimivirus in respiratory-isolation-facilities was observed (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the role of mimivirus as etiological agents of pneumonia is still under investigation, our results demonstrates interesting correlations that strengthens the need for control over the occurrence of these viruses in hospital facilities.

Risk factors for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in neonates undergoing surgical procedures

BACKGROUND: Healthcare Associated Infections constitute an important problem in Neonatal Units and invasive devices are frequently involved. However, studies on risk factors of newborns who undergo surgical procedures are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in neonates undergoing surgical procedures. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from January 2008 to May 2011, in a referral center. Cases were of 21 newborns who underwent surgery and presented the first episode of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection. Control was 42 newborns who underwent surgical procedures without notification of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in the study period. Information was obtained from the database of the Hospital Infection Control Committee Notification of infections and related clinical data of patients that routinely collected by trained professionals and follow the recommendations of Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: During the study period, 1141 patients were admitted to Neonatal Unit and 582 Healthcare Associated Infections were reported (incidence-density of 25.75 Healthcare Associated Infections/patient-days). In the comparative analysis, a higher proportion of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection was observed in preterm infants undergoing surgery (p = 0.03) and use of non-invasive ventilation was a protective factor (p = 0.048). Statistically significant difference was also observed for mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.004), duration of non-invasive ventilation (p = 0.04), and parenteral nutrition duration (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis duration of parenteral nutrition remained significantly associated with laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Shortening time on parenteral nutrition whenever possible and preference ...