The Concealing Effect of COVID-19: Unveiling the Surge in Community-Acquired Infections and Its Association With Diabetic Ketosis During the Pandemic.

Background Some studies suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has contributed to diverting attention from other community-acquired infections (CAIs), leading to an increase in their incidence and severity. Our study aimed to describe and compare clinical features of CAI before and during the pandemic as a factor precipitating diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA). Methodology We included 250 patients who presented with DKA due to CAIs, other than SARS-CoV-2, divided into two distinct groups: 100 patients (G1) who consulted two years before the pandemic, and 150 patients (G2) who consulted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Cases in both groups were matched for age and type and duration of diabetes. Primary outcomes were a longer diagnosis delay and more severe DKA in G2 during the pandemic. Secondary outcomes included blood test results, duration of ketosis, duration of antibiotic therapy, and diabetes treatment. Results The diagnosis and treatment delays were longer for patients seeking medical care during the pandemic (p < 0.001). The duration of DKA was also significantly longer in the G2 group (p = 0.007). During the pandemic, patients' blood tests showed more anomalies with higher glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.02), C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), and lymphocytosis (p = 0.016). The duration of antibiotic therapy was also significantly longer in G2 (p = 0.01). Conclusions This study showed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of diseases other than SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, several factors played a part in the increased incidence of CAIs, which were more severe than in the pre-pandemic period. These included fear of contagion, confinement, and physicians' preoccupation with the pandemic.

Unmasking the escalation: a comparative analysis of diabetic ketoacidosis severity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Tunisian pioneer study.

BACKGROUND: The severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis increased during the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the pandemic on the clinical and biological severity of DKA in patients with new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in Tunisia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study included patients hospitalized for new-onset DKA 2 years prior and 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected retrospectively, and DKA severity was classified based on biological parameters like potential of hydrogen (pH) and HCO3-. RESULTS: The results showed that DKA was more severe during COVID-19, as evidenced by lower potential of hydrogen (pH) (p = 0.006), and serum bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels (p = 0,005). Despite the higher severity of DKA was higher during COVID-19, intensive care unit hospitalizations remained equivalent (p = 0.359). The prevalence of hyponatremia was also higher during COVID-19 (p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that delayed diagnosis and COVID-19 May contribute to the increased severity of DKA and electrolyte imbalance during the pandemic. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate strategies to address this issue.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Phleboviruses and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus among Blood Donors in Central Tunisia.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of six viruses, from two families of the order Bunyavirales, in the general population of central Tunisia. Sera collected from 377 asymptomatic blood donors were serologically assayed for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), and four sandfly-borne phleboviruses: Toscana virus (TOSV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), and sandfly fever Cyprus virus (SFCV). Of the 377 subjects enrolled in this study, 17.3% were IgG positive for at least one of the viruses tested. The most frequently detected antibodies were against TOSV (13.3%), followed by SFCV (2.9%), RVFV (1.9%), SFSV (1.3%), and SFNV (1.1%). Only one sample was IgG positive for CCHFV. Dual reactivity was observed in nine cases: SFSV + SFCV in three cases (0.8%) and TOSV + SFNV, TOSV + SFCV, and TOSV + RVFV in two cases (0.5%) each. 15.9% of donors were IgG positive against sandfly-borne phleboviruses. Among the 65 donors IgG positive for phleboviruses, 50.8% were from rural areas compared to 12.3% from urban areas (p < 0.001); 92.3% had animals in their living quarters (p = 0.009); and 70.8% lived in the vicinity of stagnant water (p = 0.062). Seroprevalence was significantly higher among donors living with chronic diseases (p = 0.039). Furthermore, the seroprevalence of phleboviruses was higher in Kairouan, the central governorate, than in the two coastal governorates: Monastir and Sousse, with 33.4%, 24.2%, and 14.9%, respectively. The presence of antibodies in the general population needs further investigation to better assess the extent of these viruses. Only TOSV was known to have an extensive circulation in Tunisia and in North Africa. Continued surveillance and interventions are necessary to detect the emergence of all arboviruses and to prevent further transmission.

Explaining Long COVID: A Pioneer Cross-Sectional Study Supporting the Endocrine Hypothesis.

Context: In some patients, symptoms may persist after COVID-19, defined as long COVID. Its pathogenesis is still debated and many hypotheses have been raised. Objective: Our primary objective was to evaluate the corticotroph and somatotroph functions of patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and experiencing post-COVID-19 syndrome to detect any deficiencies that may explain long COVID. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including patients who had previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 with a postinfection period of 3 months or less to 15 months, divided into 2 groups. The first group (G1) comprised fully recovered patients, while the second group (G2) included patients experiencing long COVID. The primary outcome was the comparison of corticotroph and somatotroph functions. Results: A total of 64 patients were divided into 2 groups, each consisting of 32 patients. G2 exhibited more frequently anterior pituitary deficits compared to G1 (P = .045): for the corticotroph axis (G1: 6.3% vs G2: 28.1%) and for the somatotroph axis (G1: 31.3% vs G2: 59.4%). Baseline cortisol level was significantly lower in G2 (G1: 13.37 µg/dL vs G2: 11.59 µg/dL) (P = .045). The peak cortisol level was also lower in G2 (G1: 23.60 µg/dL vs G2: 19.14 µg/dL) (P = .01). For the somatotroph axis, the insulin growth factor-1 level was lower in G2 (G1: 146.03 ng/mL vs G2: 132.25 ng/mL) (P = .369). The peak growth hormone level was also lower in G2 (G1: 4.82 ng/mL vs G2: 2.89 ng/mL) (P = .041). Conclusion: The results showed that long COVID patients in our cohort were more likely to have anterior pituitary deficiencies. The endocrine hypothesis involving anterior pituitary insufficiency can be considered to explain long COVID.

IgA is the predominant isotype of anti-ß2 glycoprotein I in patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to determine the frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The frequency and titers of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and anti-ß2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aß2GPI) were determined in sera of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, IgM aCL, and aß2GPI were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 62 ± 13.9 years, ranging from 23 to 86 years. Stratification according to severity of infection divided patients in 2 groups: 45 patients with moderate infection and 38 patients with critical or severe infection. Out of the 83 patients suffering from COVID-19, aPL (aCL or aß2GPI) were detected in 24 patients (28.9%). IgG, IgA and IgM aß2GPI were positive in 2.4%, 16.9% and 8.4%, respectively. IgG, IgA and IgM aCL showed positivity in 7.2%, 0%, and 4.8%, respectively. The frequency of aPL was 36.8% in patients with critical/severe infection and 22.2% in patients with moderate infection. In critical/severe patients, the frequency of aß2GPI was significantly higher than aCL (34.2% vs 13.2%, P = .03) and aß2GPI-IgA were significantly more frequent than aß2GPI-IgG (21.1% vs 2.6%, P = .028). CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, aPL and particularly aß2GPI-IgA were common in patients with COVID-19.

Uncovering the alarming rise of diabetic ketoacidosis during COVID-19 pandemic: a pioneer African study and review of literature.

Introduction: Reports around the world indicate that COVID-19 pandemic may be contributing to an increase in the incidence of new onset diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This has yet to be studied in Africa. We aimed to compare the incidence trend of new onset DKA before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the type of diabetes mellitus (DM).Materials and methodsThis was a cross sectional analytical study, over a 4-year period, between March 2018 until February 2022 conducted in the referral center: diabetology department of university hospital Farhat Hached Sousse, Tunisia. The study population included patients hospitalized for new onset DKA divided in two groups: G1: before COVID-19 pandemic and G2: during COVID-19 pandemic. Patients younger than 14, new onset DM not presenting with DKA, other types of diabetes (monogenic, secondary or pancreatic diabetes) were not included. A statistical analysis of the monthly incidence trend was conducted using the Jointpoint software providing the average monthly percentage of change (AMPC). Results: a total of 340 patients were included:137 registered before the pandemic and 203 during the pandemic, representing a 48.17% increase. The mean monthly incidence of new onset DKA during COVID-19 pandemic was statistically higher than that before COVID-19 pandemic (8.42 ± 4.87 vs 5.75 ± 4.29 DKA per month) (p=0.049). The temporal trend of DKA during the 4-year study showed a significant upward trend with a change in AMPC of +0.2% (p=0.037). The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) increased by 50% and 44% respectively during COVID-19 pandemic. Anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies' titers significantly increased in G2 compared with G1 (median of 330[Q1-Q3]=[58.5-1795]vs 92.5[Q1-Q3]=[22.5-1074] respectively)(p=0.021). Discussion: The incidence trend of DKA showed an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic along with an increase of T1D and T2D implying that the pandemic may have been the underlying factor of this upward trend.

Antibiotic stewardship team in a Tunisian university hospital: A four-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Association between antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance has been demonstrated in several studies; hence the importance of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) to reduce the burden of this resistance. AIM: To describe the antibiotic stewardship team (AST) interventions in a Tunisian university hospital. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the infectious diseases department in Sousse-Tunisia between 2016 and 2020. Hospital and private practice doctors have been informed of the existence of an antibiotic stewardship team. Interventions consisted of some helps to antibiotic therapy (i.e.; prescription, change or discontinuation) and/or diagnosis (i.e.; further investigations). RESULTS: Two thousand five hundred and fourteen interventions were made including 2288 (91%) in hospitalized patients, 2152 (86%) in university hospitals and 1684 (67%) in medical wards. The most common intervention consisted of help to antibiotic therapy (80%). The main sites of infections were skin and soft tissues (28%) and urinary tract (14%). Infections were microbiologically documented in 36% of cases. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Enterobactriaceae (41%). Antibiotic use restriction was made in 44% of cases including further investigations (16%), antibiotic de-escalation (11%), no antibiotic prescription (9%) and antibiotic discontinuation (8%). In cases where antibiotics have been changed (N=475), the intervention was associated with an overall decrease in the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics from 61% to 50% with a decrease in the prescription of third generation cephalosporins from 22% to 15%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of antibiotic stewardship team's interventions were made in hospitalized patients, university hospitals and medical wards. These interventions resulted in an overall and broad-spectrum antibiotic use reduction.

Neurological manifestations following cured malaria: don't forget post-malaria neurological syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral malaria which occurs during the active infection is the most common neurological complication of malaria. Other complications including post-malaria neurological syndrome (PMNS) can rarely occur following complete recovery from the disease. We report a case of post-malaria neurological syndrome in a Tunisian patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Tunisian man with no past medical history was admitted in 2016 for a muscle weakness of the 4 limbs, seizures, tetraparesis and myoclonus which appeared after he returned from Côte d'Ivoire where he had been treated three weeks ago for Plasmodium falciparum malaria with favorable outcome. Blood smears for malaria were negative. Brain MRI showed multiple hypersignal cerebral lesions. Investigations didn't show any infectious, metabolic, toxic, vascular or tumoral etiology. Thus, the diagnosis of PMNS was considered. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone with favorable outcome. Two years later, he was completely asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: PMNS should be considered in patients with neurological symptoms occurring within two months of cured acute disease in which blood smears for malaria are negative and other etiologies have been ruled out. In most cases, the disease is self-limited while in severe cases corticosteroid therapy should be prescribed with favorable outcome.

Diagnostic value of dipstick test in adult symptomatic urinary tract infections: results of a cross-sectional Tunisian study.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common. The diagnosis is confirmed by urine culture which is costly and takes at least 24 hours before results are known. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of dipstick test for the diagnosis of UTI in symptomatic adult patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the department of Infectious Diseases, Sousse-Tunisia during a two-year period. We included all patients with clinical signs of UTI. Urine samples were tested for the presence of leukocyte esterase (LE) and nitrites. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of LE and nitrites were calculated against urine culture as gold standard. Four hundred thirty one patients, 139 men (32%) and 292 women (68%) were included. One hundred sixty six patients (39%) had UTI. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli (75%). LE had a high sensitivity (87%) but a low specificity (64%), while nitrites had a high specificity (95%) but a low sensitivity (48%). Combined positive LE and nitrites had a high PPV (85%) and combined negative LE and nitrites had a high NPV (92%), while positive LE combined with negative nitrites had a low PPV (47%) and a low NPV (53%). In conclusion, in adult patients with UTI symptoms, an alternate diagnosis should be considered if the LE is negative, while an early empirical antibiotic therapy against Enterobacteriaceae should be started if the nitrites are positive.

Correlation between superficial and intra-operative specimens in diabetic foot infections: results of a cross-sectional Tunisian study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between superficial, and intra-operative specimens in diabetic foot infections (DFIs). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with DFIs hospitalized in a Tunisian teaching hospital. Superficial specimens were collected for all patients, and intra-operative specimens were collected in operated patients. The specimens were processed using standard microbiology techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out according to the protocol established by the European Committee on Anti-microbial Susceptibility Testing. Intra-operative and superficial specimens were considered correlated if they isolated the same microorganism(s), or if they were both negative. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients, 81 males and 31 females, mean age 56 years, were included. Superficial samples were positive in 77% of cases, and isolated 126 microorganisms. Among the positive samples, 71% were monomicrobial. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Enterobacteriaceae (53%), followed by streptococci (21%) and Staphylococcus aureus (17%). Nine microorganisms (7%) were multi-drug resistant. Intra-operative samples were positive in 93% of cases. Superficial specimens were correlated to intra-operative specimens in 67% of cases. Initial antibiotic therapy was appropriate in 70% of cases. The lower-extremity amputation and the mortality rates were 41% and 1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, DFIs were most frequently caused by Enterobacteriaceae and superficial specimens were correlated to intra-operative specimens in only two thirds of cases. Clinicians should emphasize on the systematic practice of intraoperative specimens in all patients with DFIs treated surgically, while well-performed superficial specimens could be useful for prescribing appropriate antibiotic therapy in other patients.

Cerebral Vasculitis Complicating Pneumococcal Meningitis.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral vasculitis is an uncommon life-threatening complication of community-acquired bacterial meningitis. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with pneumococcal meningitis who developed parainfectious vasculitis causing ischaemic brain damage. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis. Clinical and radiological recovery after delayed addition of corticosteroid was achieved. DISCUSSION: This report shows that the onset of neurological deficits following pneumococcal meningitis can be caused by cerebral vasculitis. Underdosing with antibiotics and delayed adjunctive dexamethasone seem to favour this complication. There are no guidelines for treatment but high doses of steroids led to resolution in this case. LEARNING POINTS: Pneumococcal meningitis complicated by cerebral vasculitis can be treated with high-dose steroids.A repeat lumbar puncture is recommended to rule out relapsing or persistent infection in patients who deteriorate after 48 h of adequate antibiotic therapy.The cerebral vasculitis in our patient may have been caused by antibiotic underdosing and by delayed dexamethasone administration.

[Infectious sacroiliitis in tunisian centre: retrospective study of 25 cases]. / Sacroiliites infectieuses dans le centre tunisien: étude rétrospective de 25 cas.

Infectious sacroiliitis are rare but they can be complicated by disabling functional sequelae. To describe the clinical and bacteriological characteristics of infectious sacroiliitis among patients treated in Sousse Medical Center, Tunisia. A retrospective, descriptive study, of infectious sacroiliitis among patients hositalized in Sousse between 2000 and 2015. The diagnosis was made on the basis of medical signs, imaging, microbiological indicators. In the study were enrolled twenty five patients, 10 men and 15 women; the average age was 41 years (19-78). Sacroiliitis were due to pyogenic bacteria in 14 cases (56%), brucella bacteria in 6 cases (24%) and tuberculosis bacteria in 5 cases (20%). The mean duration of symptoms was 61, 45 and 402 days respectively. The most common clinical signs were buttock pain (92%) and fever (88%). Standard radiographic evaluation was abnormal in 75% of cases. CT scan and MRI of the sacroiliac joints was performed in all cases. The diagnosis was bacteriologically confirmed in 24 cases (96%). The average duration of antibiotic treatment was 83 days in the pyogenic sacroiliitis, and 102 days in brucellar sacroiliitis. The evolution was favorable in 12 patients (48%), 9 patients (36%) had sequelae of sacroiliac joint pain and 4 patients (16%) died. In our study, time frame of infectious sacroiliitis evolution did not predict the causative bacterium, hence the need for bacteriological documentation in order to prescribe appropriate antibiotic therapy.

[Causes of death in patients with HIV infection in two Tunisian medical centers]. / Causes de décès des patients infectés par le VIH dans le Centre tunisien.

Antiretroviral tritherapy has contributed to a considerable reduction in HIV-related mortality. The causes of death are dominated by opportunistic infections in developing countries and by cardiovascular diseases and cancer in developed countries. To determine the causes and risk factors associated with death in HIV-infected patients in two Tunisian medical centers. cross-sectional study of HIV-infected patients over 15 years treated at Sousse and Monastir medical centers between 2000 and 2014. Death was considered related to HIV if its primary cause was AIDS-defining illness or if it was due to an opportunistic infection of unknown etiology with CD4 < 50 cells/mm3; it was considered unrelated to HIV if its primary cause wasn't an AIDS defining illness or if it was due to an unknown cause if no information was available. Two hundred thirteen patients, 130 men (61%) and 83 women (39%), average age 40 ± 11 years were enrolled in the study. Fifty four patients died, the mortality rate was 5.4/100 patients/year. Annual mortality rate decreased from 5.8% in 2000-2003 to 2.3% in 2012-2014. Survival was 72% at 5 years and 67% at 10 years. Death events were associated with HIV in 70.4% of cases. The leading causes of death were pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and cryptococcal meningitis in 6 cases (11%) each. Mortality risk factors were a personal history of opportunistic infections, duration of antiretroviral therapy < 12 months and smoking. Strengthening screening, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy and fight against tobacco are needed to reduce mortality in patients infected with HIV in Tunisia.