Conjunctival conveyance of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic and non-severe symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of ocular conveyance of SARS-CoV-2 has been well described for severe/hospitalized cases, but scarcely reported in asymptomatic and non-severe patients, who are unaware that they are carriers. MATERIAL & METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study quantitatively evaluated SARS-CoV-2 shedding on the ocular surface (OS). Conjunctival testing was suggested to all hospital personnel being screened by nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Disease symptoms were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire and telephone follow-up 6±3 months later for disease evolution (recovery with/without severe disease). RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty seven patients were included. From 46 NP SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects (cycle threshold [CT]=24.2±7.1), 13% tested positive at the OS (CT=36.4±2.8). Most SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects were symptomatic (n=40, 87%), while 6 were asymptomatic (being tested as contact cases). Systemic symptoms were not significantly different in OS-positive vs OS-negative subjects, although headache tended to be more frequent in OS-positives (83% vs 54%, P=0.06). None of the OS-positive subjects reported ocular symptoms and none developed severe disease requiring hospitalization or oxygen therapy. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 shedding at the OS may occur in asymptomatic and non-severe COVID-19 individuals (including those absent of ocular symptoms). However, the high RT-PCR CT values attained may indicate a low risk of transmissibility via this route.

First evaluation of the automated-multiplex-PCR Unyvero ITI G2 cartridge for rapid diagnosis of osteo-articular infections.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional microbiological methods (CMM), including long-term culture, for the diagnosis of osteo-articular infections (OAI) fail in at least 5% of all cases. Only one IOA dedicated molecular method has been commercialized, and only the first version of this kit has been studied. The aim of this work was to evaluate the concordance between test results obtained with the second version of the Unyvero ITI G2 cartridge (Curetis) and CMM. The cartridge, combining one-step automated lysis/DNA extraction with multiplex PCR and amplicon detection by array hybridization, allows for the detection of 102 prevalent pathogens and their antibiotic resistance markers directly in clinical specimens (liquid [n=8] or solid [n=32]). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Frozen samples from 40 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery at Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital were tested retrospectively with the cartridge: 5 were culture-negative, 25 revealed monomicrobial and 10 polymicrobial OAI. The 2 main surgical sites were hip (22.5%) and knee (17.5%). RESULTS: Extraction, amplification and hybridization reactions were completed in 28 of the 40 cases, failed in all cartridge chambers in 6 cases, and in 1 or 2 chambers in an additional 6 cases. Overall sensitivity and specificity for microorganism identification were estimated at 67.6% and 98.2%, when complete and partial failures were excluded. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the performances of the second version of the Unyvero ITI G2 cartridge should be further enhanced before considering avoiding conventional microbiological methods.

Management of severe imported malaria in adults.

Severe malaria accounts for approximately 10% of all cases of imported malaria in France; cases are mainly due to Plasmodium falciparum, while other Plasmodium species are possible but uncommon (P. vivax, P. knowlesi, P. malariae, and P. ovale). On the basis of WHO criteria for endemic areas, the French criteria defining severe imported malaria in adults have been progressively adapted to the European healthcare level. Management of severe imported malaria is a diagnostic and treatment emergency and must be initially conducted in the intensive care unit. Anti-infective treatment is now based on intravenous artesunate, which must be available in every hospital of the country likely to receive severe imported malaria patients. Intravenous quinine is thus used as a second-line treatment and is restricted to limited indications. Critical care management of organ failure is essential, particularly in patients presenting with very severe malaria. To date, no adjunctive therapy (including exchange transfusion) has demonstrated clear beneficial effects.

Clinical management of respiratory syndrome in patients hospitalized for suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in the Paris area from 2013 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Patients with suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection should be hospitalized in isolation wards to avoid transmission. This suspicion can also lead to medical confusion and inappropriate management of acute respiratory syndrome due to causes other than MERS-CoV. METHODS: We studied the characteristics and outcome of patients hospitalized for suspected MERS-CoV infection in the isolation wards of two referral infectious disease departments in the Paris area between January 2013 and December 2016. RESULTS: Of 93 adult patients (49 male (52.6%), median age 63.4 years) hospitalized, 82 out of 93 adult patients had returned from Saudi Arabia, and 74 of them were pilgrims (Hajj). Chest X-ray findings were abnormal in 72 (77%) patients. The 93 patients were negative for MERS-CoV RT-PCR, and 70 (75.2%) patients had documented infection, 47 (50.5%) viral, 22 (23.6%) bacterial and one Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Microbiological analysis identified Rhinovirus (27.9%), Influenza virus (26.8%), Legionella pneumophila (7.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.5%), and non-MERS-coronavirus (6.4%). Antibiotics were initiated in 81 (87%) cases, with two antibiotics in 63 patients (67.7%). The median duration of hospitalization and isolation was 3 days (1-33) and 24 h (8-92), respectively. Time of isolation decreased over time (P < 0.01). Two patients (2%) died. CONCLUSION: The management of patients with possible MERS-CoV infection requires medical facilities with trained personnel, and rapid access to virological results. Empirical treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors and an association of antibiotics effective against S. pneumoniae and L. pneumophila are the cornerstones of the management of patients hospitalized for suspected MERS-CoV infection.

Use of artesunate in non-malarial indications.

INTRODUCTION: Artesunate and other artemisinin derivatives are used in various infectious and non-infectious diseases. We aimed to analyze available data on artesunate and artemisinin derivatives activity in humans and their potential clinical benefits in non-malarial indications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature review performed on PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases using the PRISMA method. We analyzed studies published in English from January 2008 to August 2017 using the same indicators of drug efficacy. RESULTS: We included 19 studies performed in humans (1 meta-analysis, 1 literature review, 4 randomized controlled trials, 3 prospective controlled trials, 3 prospective uncontrolled trials, 2 exploratory phase 1 or 2 trials, 1 case series, and 4 case reports). Artesunate and artemisinin derivatives demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of schistosomiasis in combination with praziquantel (P=0.003). Artesunate monotherapy was less effective than praziquantel alone (P<0.001) probably because its activity only affects the early stages of Schistosoma parasites. Artesunate monotherapy could be interesting as a chemoprophylactic drug against schistosomiasis (P<0.001). Findings seem promising but are still controversial in the treatment of multidrug-resistant CMV infections. Studies do not conclude on artesunate and artemisinin derivatives efficacy in the treatment of cervix, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. CONCLUSION: Artesunate and artemisinin derivatives in combination with praziquantel were effective against schistosomiasis, and could be used as a chemoprophylactic drug alone. They could be interesting as anti-CMV and anti-tumor treatment. Additional trials in humans are required to assess the efficacy of artesunate and artemisinin derivatives in diseases other than malaria.

Post-treatment haemolysis in African children with hyperparasitaemic falciparum malaria; a randomized comparison of artesunate and quinine.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral artesunate is the treatment of choice for severe malaria. Recently, haemolytic anaemia occurring 1 to 3 weeks after artesunate treatment of falciparum malaria has been reported in returning travellers in temperate countries. METHODS: To assess these potential safety concerns in African children, in whom most deaths from malaria occur, an open-labelled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. 217 children aged between 6 months and 14 years with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria and parasite densities over 100,000/µL were randomly allocated to intravenous artesunate or quinine, hospitalized for 3 days and then followed for 42 days. RESULTS: The immediate reduction in haemoglobin was less with artesunate than with quinine: median (IQR) fall at 72 h 1.4 g/dL (0.90-1.95) vs. 1.7 g/dL (1.10-2.40) (p = 0.009). This was explained by greater pitting then recirculation of once infected erythrocytes. Only 5% of patients (in both groups) had a ≥ 10% reduction in haemoglobin after day 7 (p = 0.1). One artesunate treated patient with suspected concomitant sepsis had a protracted clinical course and required a blood transfusion on day 14. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant delayed haemolysis following parenteral artesunate is uncommon in African children hospitalised with acute falciparum malaria and high parasitaemias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ; Identifier: NCT02092766 (18/03/2014).

[Measles in adults: an emerging disease not sparing medical staff]. / Rougeole de l'adulte : une maladie émergente n'épargnant pas le personnel médical.

BACKGROUND: A large outbreak of measles is taking place in Europe and is related to a low vaccination coverage. Measles is observed in adults. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all the consecutive cases of measles seen in adults between the 1/1/2007 and the 30/4/2009 in four Parisian hospitals. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included. Six patients (29%) were health care workers (HCW) including five (83%) who were vaccinated. Twenty (95%) patients were hospitalized. All patients presented with febrile exanthema, cough and rhinitis in association with hepatic involvement in 71%. Neither death nor sequelae were reported. CONCLUSION: Measles may occur in HCW, most of them being insufficiently covered by the vaccination. Therefore, since 2010, one injection of measles vaccine is now recommended in France, for HCW without history of measles or vaccination with two doses. Furthermore, adequate respiratory precautions should be taken when seeing patients with febrile exanthema and cough.

[Abdominal actinomycosis mimicking an abdominal tumor. Case report in Senegal]. / Actinomycose abdominale tumorale. Une observation au Sénégal.

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of abdominal actinomycosis (Actinomyces israelii) with a pseudo-tumoral appearance in a 57-year-old Senegalese woman.

Acute schistosomiasis, a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

In non-endemic countries, acute (invasive) schistosomiasis (AS) is typically seen in non-immune travellers, whereas chronic schistosomiasis is more frequently diagnosed in immigrants. Travellers with AS initially present with non-specific signs such as fever, cough, headache, and urticaria. Life-threatening cardiac and neurological complications may occur. The positive diagnosis of AS relies on seroconversion, which appears together with hypereosinophilia approximately 3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. When prescribed during AS, praziquantel usually does not prevent the chronic phase of the disease and is associated with exacerbation of signs and symptoms in approximately 50% of cases. According to the published literature, corticosteroids may be recommended alone or in association with praziquantel. When associated with corticosteroids, pharmacokinetic interactions may impair the efficacy of praziquantel. We suggest that corticosteroids should be restricted to use in patients with systemic complications of AS, whereas praziquantel should be initiated only when ova are detected in either stools or urine, depending on the culprit species.

[Emergence of Chagas' disease in Europe: description of the first cases observed in Latin American immigrants in mainland France]. / Emergence de la maladie de Chagas en Europe: à propos des premiers cas observés chez des migrants latino-américains en France métropolitaine.

This article describes the first cases of imported Chagas' disease detected in Paris, France. A total of 18 cases were recorded in two teaching hospitals between 2004 and 2007. There were 12 women and six men with a mean age of 38 years. All patients were Latin American immigrants who had recently arrived in France from Bolivia (Cochabamba and Santa-Cruz departments) 17 cases and from Salvador in 1. Eleven patients presented an asymptomatic indeterminate form of the chronic disease. Seven presented chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy including two with severe symptoms requiring placement of a pacemaker. Obtaining serological tests to confirm the diagnosis was difficult. All except one patient who was older than 50 years were treated with benznidazole. Based on these findings, the main priorities for management imported Chagas' disease in France are improvement of serological diagnosis and prevention of vertical transmission.

[Invasive schistosomiases]. / Bilharzioses invasives.

Schistosomiasis is a tropical helminthic infection, observed in travelers as well as local populations. It is most often due to Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium and can be diagnosed at the invasive phase. Migration of the schistosomulae (larvae) in the body leads to acute parasitic toxemia, which includes a hypersensitivity reaction and circulating immune complexes. The invasive stage occurs generally 2 to 6 weeks after the exposure and combines fever, asthenia, faintness and headaches. Other signs include diarrhea, dry cough, dyspnea, urticarial rash, arthralgia, myalgia, and enlargement of liver and spleen. Although rare, neurological and cardiac complications may be fatal. This diagnosis should be considered in travelers returning from the tropics with compatible clinical signs and delayed hypereosinophilia, if they report exposure in an endemic area. It is later confirmed by seroconversion for schistosomiasis and then by observation of schistosome eggs in stool or urine (according to species). The standard treatment of acute schistosomiasis with praziquantel is ineffective and can aggravate clinical outcome during this phase. Corticosteroid treatment is recommended for serious forms with neurological or cardiac manifestations.

Respiratory manifestations of leptospirosis: a retrospective study.

We retrospectively reviewed 34 consecutive patients with serologically confirmed leptospirosis admitted during years 1992-2002. Nine patients (26.5%) had respiratory symptoms on admission including cough (n = 4), shortness of breath (n = 4), cyanosis (n = 2), and hemoptysis (n = 1). Six patients had pulmonary radiographic findings including (1) diffuse, ill-defined, ground-glass density (n = 3); (2) diffuse alveolar opacities (n = 2); and (3) small nodular density (n = 1). Male/female ratio was 8/1 and mean age was 47 years. Seven patients reported their exposure source including hunting (n = 2), fishing (n = 2), fresh water swimming (n = 2), and canoeing (n = 1). All patients had fever (mean = 40.1 degrees C). Other common symptoms were headache (n = 4), vomiting (n = 3), and myalgia (n = 3). Biological abnormalities included elevated liver enzymes (n = 8), proteinuria (n = 7), lymphopenia (n = 6), hematuria (n = 5), renal failure (n = 4), anemia (n = 4), and elevated neutrophil count (n = 4). PaO(2 )was measured for 3 patients while they were breathing room air (32, 55, and 66 mmHg). Suspected diagnosis on admission included leptospirosis (n = 2), bacterial pneumonia (n = 2), intoxication, influenza, viral hepatitis, biliary tract lithiasis, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (one patient each). The first serologic testing for leptospirosis was positive for 5 patients (55%). Serovar was presumptively identified for 7 patients: Australis (n = 3), Grippotyphosa (n = 2), and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 2). Seven patients were treated with penicillin; two patients received no antibiotics. All patients were cured. In conclusion, patients with leptospirosis may present predominantly with nonspecific pulmonary symptoms. In these patients, leptospirosis must be suspected when there is a potential exposure to rats, especially in case of high-grade fever, myalgia, hepatitis, and renal abnormalities.

Clinical presentation of leptospirosis: a retrospective study of 34 patients admitted to a single institution in metropolitan France.

Leptospirosis has a highly variable clinical presentation, which may be related to different infecting serovars, host factors, or a combination of these. This study investigated retrospectively 34 consecutive patients with serologically confirmed leptospirosis admitted during the period 1992-2002. On admission, the most frequent symptoms were fever (100%), headache (75%), myalgia (55%), arthralgia (45%) and vomiting (39%). Pertinent laboratory findings included lymphopenia (85%), thrombocytopenia (75%), elevated liver enzymes (87%) and renal abnormalities (proteinuria, 77%; haematuria, 58%; elevated serum creatinine, 53%). The study confirmed the variable clinical and biological symptoms of leptospirosis, and indicated that lymphopenia is a common feature of leptospirosis cases.

[Cerebral aspergillosis]. / Les aspergilloses cérébrales.

INTRODUCTION: The brain is almost always a localization of invasive aspergillosis, after hematogenous spread from pulmonary aspergillosis. Brain aspergilosis is not rare and is one of the worst prognosis factors of invasive aspergillosis. STATE OF ART: The incidence of this severe mycosis is currently on the rise due to the development of major immunosuppressive treatments. Brain aspergillosis is noteworthy for its vascular tropism, leading to infectious cerebral vasculitis, mainly involving thalamoperforating and lenticulostriate arteries, with a high frequency of thalamic or basal nuclei lesions. Extra-neurologic features that suggest this diagnosis are: i) risk factors for invasive aspergillosis (major or prolonged neutropenia, hematologic malignancies, prolonged corticosteroid treatment, bone marrow or solid organ transplant, AIDS); ii) persistent fever not responding to presumptive antibacterial treatment; iii) respiratory signs (brain aspergillosis is associated with pulmonary aspergillosis in 80 to 95 p. 100 of cases). Perspectives. Two recent major improvements in brain aspergillosis management must be outlined: i) for diagnostic purposes, the development of testing for Aspergillus antigenemia (a non-invasive procedure with good diagnostic value for invasive aspergillosis); ii) for therapeutic purposes, the demonstration that voriconazole is better than amphotericin B in terms of clinical response, tolerance and survival, for all types of invasive aspergillosis, the benefit being probably even greater in case of brain aspergillosis because of the good diffusion of voriconazole into the central nervous system. CONCLUSIONS: Brain aspergillosis is a severe emerging opportunistic infection for which diagnostic and therapeutic tools have recently improved. Thus, this diagnostic must be suspected early, especially in the immunocompromised patient, in the event of respiratory symptoms and when the brain lesions are localized in the central nuclei and the thalamus.