Impact of age on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers : Influence of nonoccupational risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV­2) infection was highest among older adults early in the COVID-19 pandemic; however, this pattern was later reversed with young adults showing the highest incidence. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors in healthcare workers (HCWs) associated with this evolution. METHODS: We conducted a survey nested within a prospective cohort study of 680 HCWs from a tertiary referral public hospital who received 2 doses of SARS-CoV­2 vaccine in January and February 2021 (VACCICO-VAO cohort). In October 2022 all participants were invited to participate in a survey. Risk factors were tested for association with COVID-19 ever, the number of COVID-19 episodes, and the time to the first episode. RESULTS: Among 350 respondents (51% response rate, 90% female, mean age 48.1 years), 323 COVID-19 episodes were diagnosed during the study period. Multivariable analysis revealed that age < 35 years vs. > 50 years (odds ratio, OR 2.12, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.27-3.51; P = 0.004) and not maintaining social distance at social events (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.16-3.19; P = 0.011) were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19. Age < 35 years (hazard ratio, HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.14-2.54; P = 0.010), and not maintaining social distance (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72; P = 0.020) were also associated with the time to the first episode. CONCLUSIONS: The youngest HCWs had the highest incidence rate of COVID-19, which was not explained by occupational risk factors or health conditions. The increase in nonoccupational exposure since the end of the lockdowns in summer 2020 could by a key factor.

The imperative for quality control programs in Monkeypox virus DNA testing by PCR: CIBERINFEC quality control.

To evaluate molecular assays for Mpox diagnosis available in various clinical microbiology services in Spain through a quality control (QC) approach. A total of 14 centers from across Spain participated in the study. The Reference Laboratory dispatched eight serum samples and eight nucleic acid extracts to each participating center. Some samples were spiked with Mpox or Vaccinia virus to mimic positive samples for Mpox or other orthopox viruses. Participating centers provided information on the results obtained, as well as the laboratory methods used. Among the 14 participating centers seven different commercial assays were employed, with the most commonly used kit being LightMix Modular Orthopox/Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus (Roche®). Of the 12 centers conducting Mpox determinations, concordance ranged from 62.5% (n = 1) to 100% (n = 11) for eluates and from 75.0% (n = 1) to 100% (n = 10) for serum. Among the 10 centers performing Orthopoxvirus determinations, a 100% concordance was observed for eluates, while for serum, concordance ranged from 87.5% (n = 6) to 100% (n = 4). Repeatedly, 6 different centers reported a false negative in serum samples for Orthopoxvirus diagnosis, particularly in a sample with borderline Ct = 39. Conversely, one center, using the TaqMan™ Mpox Virus Microbe Detection Assay (Thermo Fisher), reported false positives in Mpox diagnosis for samples spiked with vaccinia virus due to cross-reactions. We observed a positive correlation of various diagnostic assays for Mpox used by the participating centers with the reference values. Our results highlight the significance of standardization, validation, and ongoing QC in the microbiological diagnosis of infectious diseases, which might be particularly relevant for emerging viruses.

Programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en un Servicio de Medicina Intensiva: análisis retrospectivo observacional de los resultados 15 meses después de su implementación / Antimicrobial stewardship program in an Intensive Care Unit: A retrospective observational analysis of the results 15 months after its implementation

Objetivo. Determinar el grado de aceptación de un Pro grama de Optimización del Uso de Antimicrobianos (PROA) en un Servicio de Medicina Intensiva (SMI), y evaluar su efecto sobre el consumo de antibióticos, indicadores de calidad y re sultados clínicos. Pacientes y métodos. Descripción retrospectiva de las intervenciones propuestas por un PROA. Comparación de uso de antimicrobianos, indicadores de calidad y seguridad frente a un periodo sin PROA. Se realizó en un SMI polivalente de un Hospital Universitario mediano (600 camas). Se estudió a pacientes ingresados por cualquier causa en el SMI durante el periodo PROA en los que se hubiera obtenido una muestra di rigida al diagnóstico de una potencial infección, o se hubieran iniciado antimicrobianos. Se elaboraron recomendaciones no impositivas para mejorar la prescripción antimicrobiana (es tructura audit and feedback) y se procedió a su registro du rante periodo PROA (15 meses, octubre 2018–diciembre 2019). Comparación de indicadores en un periodo con PROA (abril– junio 2019) y sin PROA (abril–junio 2018). Resultados. Se emitieron 241 recomendaciones sobre 117 pacientes, el 67% de ellas de tipo desescalada terapéutica. La aceptación de las recomendaciones fue elevada (96.3%). En el periodo PROA se redujo el número medio de antibióticos por paciente (3.3±4.1 vs 2.4±1.7, p=0.04) y los días de tratamiento (155 DOT/100 PD vs 94 DOT/100 PD, p <0.01) (AU)

Objective. We aim to evaluate the adherence rate to an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to assess its effect on the use of antibiotics, quality indicators and clinical outcomes. Patients and methods. Retrospective description of the interventions proposed by the ASP. We compared antimi crobial use, quality and safety indicators in an ASP versus a non-ASP period. The study was performed in a polyvalent ICU of a medium-size University Hospital (600 beds). We studied patients admitted to the ICU for any cause during the ASP pe riod, provided that a microbiological sample aiming to diag nose a potential infection has been drawn, or antibiotics have been started. We elaborated and registered of non-mandatory recommendations to improve antimicrobial prescription (audit and feedback structure) and its registry during the ASP peri od (15 months, October 2018-December 2019). We compared indicators in a period with ASP (April-June 2019) and without ASP (April-June 2018). Results. We issued 241 recommendations on 117 pa tients, 67% of them classified as de-escalation type. The rate of adherence to the recommendations was high (96.3%). In the ASP period, the mean number of antibiotics per patient (3.3±4.1 vs 2.4±1.7, p=0.04) and the days of treatment (155 DOT/100 PD vs 94 DOT/100 PD, p <0.01) (AU)

Comparative study of the prevalence of the human papilloma virus in Spanish and foreign women participating in a population screening programme in Castilla y León. / Estudio comparativo de la prevalencia de virus de papiloma humano en las mujeres españolas y extranjeras, participantes en un programa de cribado poblacional en Castilla y León.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in Spanish and foreign women in a cervical cancer screening programme of Castilla y León and foreign women living in the community who participated in the programme. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, cross - sectional, retrospective study of period prevalence. The sample consisted of all the women included in the cervical cancer prevention programme of the Regional Ministry of Health of the Junta de Castilla y León who were screened for cervical cancer during the period from 2012 to 2014, aged between 25 and 64 years of age. RESULTS: Of the 190,203 cervical smear samples collected, 10.2% were foreign (n=19,329). The prevalence of HPV in the foreign women was 23.51%, significantly higher than in the Spanish women (P<.001). The presence of morphological and microbiological changes in the foreign women was also greater. CONCLUSIONS: This study makes an important contribution, since it comprised a voluminous population screening sample. The prevalence of HPV in the foreign women was significantly higher than in the women born in Spain. It is important to continue studying this type of population, who are difficult to recruit for cultural reasons.

Estudio comparativo de la prevalencia de virus de papiloma humano en las mujeres españolas y extranjeras, participantes en un programa de cribado poblacional en Castilla y León / Comparative study of the prevalence of the human papilloma virus in Spanish and foreign women participating in a population screening programme in Castilla y León

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo propuesto ha sido comparar la prevalencia de virus de papiloma Humano (VPH) en las mujeres españolas y extranjeras pertenecientes al programa de cribado de cáncer de cérvix de Castilla y León, y las mujeres extranjeras residentes en la comunidad que han participado en el programa. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, retrospectivo, de prevalencia de periodo. La muestra consta de todas las mujeres incluidas en el programa de prevención de cáncer de cérvix de la Consejería de Sanidad de la Junta de Castilla y León a quienes se realizó una prueba de cribado de cáncer de cérvix, durante el periodo de 2012 a 2014, con edades comprendidas entre los 25 y los 64 años de edad. RESULTADOS: De las 190.203 muestras de frotis de cérvix recopiladas el 10,2% fueron extranjeras (n = 19.329). La prevalencia de VPH en mujeres extranjeras fue del 23,51%, significativamente mayor que en las mujeres españolas (p < 0,001). También resultó ser mayor la presencia de alteraciones morfológicas y microbiológicas en las mujeres extranjeras. CONCLUSIONES: El presente estudio realiza una importante aportación, al tratarse de una voluminosa muestra proveniente de un screening de tipo poblacional. Evidenciando, significativamente, la mayor prevalencia de VPH en mujeres extranjeras que en las mujeres nacidas en España. Siendo importante continuar estudiando este tipo de población que por motivos culturales no es fácil su captación

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in Spanish and foreign women in a cervical cancer screening programme of Castilla y León and foreign women living in the community who participated in the programme. METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, cross - sectional, retrospective study of period prevalence. The sample consisted of all the women included in the cervical cancer prevention programme of the Regional Ministry of Health of the Junta de Castilla y León who were screened for cervical cancer during the period from 2012 to 2014, aged between 25 and 64 years of age. RESULTS: Of the 190,203 cervical smear samples collected, 10.2% were foreign (n = 19,329). The prevalence of HPV in the foreign women was 23.51%, significantly higher than in the Spanish women (P < .001). The presence of morphological and microbiological changes in the foreign women was also greater. CONCLUSIONS: This study makes an important contribution, since it comprised a voluminous population screening sample. The prevalence of HPV in the foreign women was significantly higher than in the women born in Spain. It is important to continue studying this type of population, who are difficult to recruit for cultural reasons

Protagonismo de genotipos del VPH en una población sometida a cribado organizado / Protagonism of HPV genotypes in a population subject to organized screening

No disponible

First case of imported Zika virus infection in Spain / Primer caso importado de infección por virus Zika en España

We report a case of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a patient with diarrhea, fever, synovitis, non-purulent conjunctivitis, and with discreet retro-orbital pain, after returning from Colombia in January 2016. The patient referred several mosquito bites. Presence of ZIKV was detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in plasma. Rapid microbiological diagnosis of ZIKV infection is needed in European countries with circulation of its vector, in order to avoid autochthonous circulation. The recent association of ZIKV infection with abortion and microcephaly, and a Guillain-Barré syndrome highlights the need for laboratory differentiation of ZIKV from other virus infection. Women with potential risk for Zika virus infection who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant must mention that fact during prenatal visits in order to be evaluated and properly monitored

Presentamos un caso de infección por virus Zika (ZIKV) en un paciente con diarrea, fiebre, sinovitis, conjuntivitis no purulenta, con discreto dolor retroorbital, después de regresar de Colombia en enero de 2016. El paciente refería múltiples picaduras de mosquito. La presencia de ZIKV fue detectada en plasma por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). En los países europeos en los que exista circulación de su vector es necesario un diagnóstico microbiológico rápido de la infección por ZIKV para evitar transmisión autóctona. La asociación reciente de la infección por ZIKV con abortos y microcefalia y síndrome de Guillén-Barré pone de relieve la necesidad de la diferenciación de ZIKV de otras infecciones por virus. Las mujeres con riesgo potencial de infección por el virus Zika que están embarazadas o que planeen quedar embarazadas deben mencionar esa circunstancia durante las visitas prenatales con el fin de ser evaluadas y monitorizadas adecuadamente

First case of imported Zika virus infection in Spain.

We report a case of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a patient with diarrhea, fever, synovitis, non-purulent conjunctivitis, and with discreet retro-orbital pain, after returning from Colombia in January 2016. The patient referred several mosquito bites. Presence of ZIKV was detected by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in plasma. Rapid microbiological diagnosis of ZIKV infection is needed in European countries with circulation of its vector, in order to avoid autochthonous circulation. The recent association of ZIKV infection with abortion and microcephaly, and a Guillain-Barré syndrome highlights the need for laboratory differentiation of ZIKV from other virus infection. Women with potential risk for Zika virus infection who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant must mention that fact during prenatal visits in order to be evaluated and properly monitored.

Infección nosocomial por Trichosporon asahii en un paciente quemado crítico / Nosocomial infection due to Trichosporon asahii in a critical burned patient

Antecedentes. La infección fúngica invasiva es una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los pacientes con quemaduras graves. Los avances en el tratamiento del paciente quemado crítico han llevado a una supervivencia mayor, pero, a su vez, a un aumento de las complicaciones sépticas, en especial de las infecciones fúngicas, con un incremento de las infecciones por diferentes especies de Candida. Sin embargo, algunos hongos oportunistas, como Trichosporon asahii, están emergiendo como causa importante de infección nosocomial. Caso clínico. Presentamos un caso de infección nosocomial por T. asahii en un paciente quemado crítico tratado de forma exitosa con voriconazol. El tratamiento de las infecciones fúngicas invasivas en el paciente quemado, desde su diagnóstico hasta la elección de la mejor opción terapéutica, continúa siendo un desafío. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos de estas se asocia a un mejor pronóstico. En la discusión del caso hacemos referencia a la experiencia publicada y a las pautas de tratamiento actual. Conclusiones. Debido a la dificultad para el diagnóstico de las micosis invasivas y su asociación con una alta mortalidad, en aquellos pacientes susceptibles de padecer una trichosporonosis se debe mantener un alto grado de sospecha y vigilancia clínica para el diagnóstico de esta infección, incluidos los pacientes quemados. Su presencia en las muestras clínicas de este tipo de pacientes debe ser tenida en cuenta porque puede preceder a una infección invasiva (AU)

Background. Invasive fungal infection is an important cause of morbimortality in patients with severe burns. The advances in burn care therapy have considerably extended the survival of seriously burned patients, exposing them to infectious complications, notably fungal infections, with increased recognition of invasive infections caused by Candida species. However, some opportunistic fungi, like Trichosporon asahii, have emerged as important causes of nosocomial infection. Case report. A case of nosocomial infection due to T. asahii in a severely ill burned patient successfully treated with voriconazole is presented. The management of invasive fungal infections in burned patients, from diagnosis to selection of the therapeutic protocol, is often a challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with a better prognosis. In this case report, current treatment options are discussed, and a review of previously published cases is presented. Conclusions. Due to the difficulty in the diagnosis of invasive mycoses and their high associated mortality rates, it is advisable to keep a high degree of clinical suspicion of trichosporonosis in susceptible patients, including burned patients. The isolation of T. asahii in clinical specimens of this type of host must raise clinical alert, since it may precede an invasive infection (AU)

[Nosocomial infection due to Trichosporon asahii in a critical burned patient]. / Infección nosocomial por Trichosporon asahii en un paciente quemado crítico.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infection is an important cause of morbimortality in patients with severe burns. The advances in burn care therapy have considerably extended the survival of seriously burned patients, exposing them to infectious complications, notably fungal infections, with increased recognition of invasive infections caused by Candida species. However, some opportunistic fungi, like Trichosporon asahii, have emerged as important causes of nosocomial infection. CASE REPORT: A case of nosocomial infection due to T. asahii in a severely ill burned patient successfully treated with voriconazole is presented. The management of invasive fungal infections in burned patients, from diagnosis to selection of the therapeutic protocol, is often a challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with a better prognosis. In this case report, current treatment options are discussed, and a review of previously published cases is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the difficulty in the diagnosis of invasive mycoses and their high associated mortality rates, it is advisable to keep a high degree of clinical suspicion of trichosporonosis in susceptible patients, including burned patients. The isolation of T. asahii in clinical specimens of this type of host must raise clinical alert, since it may precede an invasive infection.

Variabilidad en la sensibilidad de tigeciclina frente a Acinetobacter baumannii en diferentes medios de cultivo / Variability in the sensitivity to tigecycline against Acinetobacter baumannii in different culture medium

Introducción. Tigeciclina puede suponer una alternativaterapéutica para el control de A. baumannii multirresistentes, sibien no existe consenso en cuanto a los puntos de corte desensibilidad ni a la variabilidad de su CMI en función del mediode cultivo utilizado para realizar el antibiograma frente a estemicroorganismo. Por ello, nuestro objetivo ha sido verificardicha variabilidad, así como proponer el medio de cultivo quemás se aproxime al método estándar.Métodos. Se seleccionaron 41 cepas de A. baumanniicarbapenem-resistentes. Se analizó la sensibilidad frente atigeciclina en diferentes medios de cultivo: Mueller Hinton agarcomercial de Oxoid (MH-C); Mueller Hinton agar fresco de BDand Co, USA (MH-F) e ISO-sensitest agar en fresco de Oxoid,utilizando la técnica de E-test y disco. Las CMIs se compararonfrente a las obtenidas mediante la técnica estándar demacrodilución.Resultados. La CMI y halos de inhibición medios obtenidosen los diferentes medios de cultivos correspondieron a 9,26mg/L y 15,1 mm de diámetro para MH-C; 1,71 mg/L y 22,7 mmpara MH-F; 2,68 mg/L y 20,8 mm para ISO-sensitest. La CMImedia obtenida mediante el método estándar de dilución fuede 0,47 mg/L (SD=0,21), con rango entre 0,25 a 1 mg/L.Conclusión. En los tres medios de cultivo estudiados, seobservan CMIs superiores al estándar, lo que supone interpretarfalsas resistencias en muchos casos. No obstante, el medio quese aproxima más al de referencia es el MH-F(AU)

Introduction. The tigecycline may represent a therapeuticalternative for the control of multiresistant A.baumannii, although there is no consensus regarding thecutoff points for sensitivity or variability of MIC as afunction of culture medium used for the antibiogramagainst this microorganism. Therefore, our objective wasto verify this variability, and propose the culture mediumthat comes closest to the standard method.Methods. We selected 41 strains of carbapenem-resistantA. baumannii. We analyzed the sensitivity to tigecyclinein different culture medium: Mueller Hintonagar Oxoid commercial (C-MH), Mueller Hinton freshagar BD and Co., USA (F-MH) and ISO-sensitest freshagar Oxoid, using the E-test and disk. The MICs werecompared against those obtained using the techniquestandard of macrodilution.Results. The mean MIC and inhibition diameters obtainedin the different culture medium corresponded to9.26 mg/L and 15.1 mm in diameter for MH-C, 1.71mg/L and 22.7 mm for MH-F; 2.68 mg/L and 20.8 mmfor ISO-sensitest. Half the MIC obtained by the standardmethod of dilution was 0.47 mg/L (SD = 0.21), with valuesbetween 0.25 and 1 mg/L.Conclusion. In the three growth media studied, MICssuperior to the standard are observed, which is false tointerpret resistance in many cases. However, the mediumthat comes closer more that of reference is the MH-F(AU)

[Trend and seasonal variations of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in Valladolid, Spain. A five-year series, 2000-2004]. / Tendencia y variaciones estacionales de las gastroenteritis por Campylobacter en Valladolid. Serie de cinco años: 2000-2004.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter is one of the main enteric pathogens, nevertheless many aspects of its epidemiology still are not well known. This study aims to analyze the trend and seasonal pattern in Valladolid. METHODS: A time series analysis was developed using an additive model. The information sources were the reports to the Microbiological Information System from the main hospitals in Valladolid. Patients who showed a positive coproculture to Campylobacter spp. in the period 2000-2004 were considered cases. Trend, seasonal coefficients, incidence rates by age, sex and year of notification and incidence rate ratios were calculated. RESULTS: A decreasing trend in reported cases was observed. A significant seasonal coefficient was obtained in the 6th four-week period (c=12,854, p = 0.023). The incidence rate was higher among those under five years of age and among males, rising up to 1841.9 cases (95% CI: 1797.2-1889.6) and 99.7 cases (95% CI: 96.9-102.4) per 100,000 inhabitants-year respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter infections occurs to a greater extent in late springtime, affecting mainly children. It is necessary to delve deeper into the knowledge of the epidemiology of this microorganism at the local level with a multidisciplinary approach, taking both microbiological and epidemiological aspects into account.

Tendencia y variaciones estacionales de las gastroenteritis por Campylobacter en Valladolid: serie de cinco años: 2000-2004 / Trend and seasonal variations of Campylobacter gastroenteritis in Valladolid, Spain. A five-year series, 2000-2004

Fundamento: El Campylobacter es uno de los principales patógenos entéricos, sin embargo algunos aspectos de su epidemiología no se conocen con precisión. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar en la provincia de Valladolid la tendencia y variación estacional de las gastroenteritis que provoca. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de series temporales mediante un modelo aditivo a partir de las declaraciones realizadas al Sistema de Información Microbiológico por los dos principales hospitales de la provincia de Valladolid. Se consideró como caso a los pacientes que presentaron un coprocultivo con un aislamiento de Campylobacter spp. en el período 2000- 2004. Se determinaron la tendencia, los coeficientes estacionales de la serie de casos, las tasas de incidencia en función de la edad, el sexo y el año de declaración y las razones de tasas. Resultados: Se observó una tendencia descendente en la declaración de casos durante el periodo de estudio y se detectó un coeficiente estacional significativo en la cuatrisemana seis (c=12,854, p=0,023). La tasa de incidencia fue mayor en los menores de cinco años y en los hombres, ascendiendo a 1841,9 casos (IC 95: 1797,2-1889,6) y 99,7 casos (IC 95% 96,9-102,4) por 100.000 habitantes-año respectivamente. Conclusiones: La infección por Campylobacter tiene lugar en mayor medida en la época del final de la primavera, afectando principalmente a los niños. Es necesario profundizar en el conocimiento de la epidemiología de este microorganismo a nivel local con un abordaje multidisciplinar que considere tanto aspectos microbiológicos como epidemiológicos

Background: Campylobacter is one of the main enteric pathogens, nevertheless many aspects of its epidemiology still are not well known. This study aims to analyze the trend and seasonal pattern in Valladolid. Methods: A time series analysis was developed using an additive model. The information sources were the reports to the Microbiological Information System from the main hospitals in Valladolid. Patients who showed a positive coproculture to Campylobacter spp. in the period 2000-2004 were considered cases. Trend, seasonal coefficients, incidence rates by age, sex and year of notification and incidence rate ratios were calculated. Results: A decreasing trend in reported cases was observed. A significant seasonal coefficient was obtained in the 6th four-week period (c=12,854, p=0,023). The incidence rate was higher among those under five years of age and among males, rising up to 1841.9 cases (95% CI: 1797.2- 1889.6) and 99.7 cases (95% CI: 96.9-102.4) per 100,000 inhabitants-year respectively. Conclusions: Campylobacter infections occurs to a greater extent in late springtime, affecting mainly children. It is necessary to delve deeper into the knowledge of the epidemiology of this microorganism at the local level with a multidisciplinary approach, taking both microbiological and epidemiological aspects into account