Alarming incidence of reinfections after treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis and gonorrhoea: Can we predict and prevent them?

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are a public health problem, worsened by frequent reinfections, whose incidence rate is not known in Spain. The objective of this study is to estimate in patients diagnosed with NG, CT or mixed infection (NG and CT): (1) the incidence of reinfections by the same microorganism, (2) the total incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), both by the same microorganism and by infections other than the initial one, and (3) to identify predictors of reinfection. METHODS: Observational prospective case series involving 986 patients with CT and/or NG at specialized STI clinics in Biscay (Spain) between 2016 and 2019. RESULTS: The six month cumulative incidence of reinfection by the same microorganism was 17.24% (CI95%: 14.9-19.7) and 24.65% (CI95%: 21.9-27.4) for any STI (reinfection or other). Being an immigrant (OR=1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.6), men who have sex with men (OR=1.8; CI95%: 1.3-2.6), number of sexual partners (OR=4.3; CI95%: 2.7-6.8 for more than 5 partners), having a new partner (OR=1.7; CI95%: 1.08-2.6), not always using a condom (OR=1.4; CI95%: 1.02-1.9) and consumption of alcohol prior to sex (OR=3.8; CI95%: 1.5-9.5) were associated with reinfection by any STI. CONCLUSION: These characteristics allow doctors to identify patients in whom to prioritize short-term rescreening for repeated infections with any STIs after initial treatment for NG or CT.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among sexually transmitted infection clinics patients.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are a public health problem because of its high incidence and consequences on reproductive health. Our aim is to describe the socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics of patients with CT infection in order to adapt preventive interventions for the highest risk groups. METHODS: Prospective case series of all patients diagnosed with CT between September 2016 and January 2019 in the reference STI clinics of Osakidetza (Basque Health Service) in Bizkaia (Spain). RESULTS: 847 patients (88.2%) agreed to participate: 41% women, 33.8% heterosexual men and 25% men who has sex with men (MSM); 33% were immigrants and 26% were under the age of 25 (33% of the women). Only 20% systematically used condoms. 36% had previously had STI and 28% had simultaneously another STI. 55% of the infections were asymptomatic (70% among women). In MSM, the rectum was affected in 69.5% of cases, the urethra in 31.4%, and the pharynx in 14.5%. The cervix was affected in 86.5% of the women, the rectum in 17.6%, and the pharynx in 13.8%. A contact study was only carried out in 58% of cases. The reinfection rate at 4 weeks was 17% among those with criteria to perform a test of cure. CONCLUSION: Our results justify implement opportunistic screening in women under the age of 25 and young immigrants of both sexes, by taking genital and extragenital samples, as well as developing appropriate guidelines for the notification and follow-up of contacts.

Brief Report: Patients' Experiences and Opinions After Desimplification of Their Single-Tablet Regimens for the Treatment of HIV Infection: A Survey in a Multicentre Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe patients' experiences after single-tablet regimen (STR) desimplification and its impact on self-reported treatment adherence and quality of life. METHODS: We performed a survey among all patients from the multicenter cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Network who had desimplified the STRs dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (DGT/ABC/3TC) or rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine to their separate components (DTG + generic ABC/3TC or RPV + generic TDF/FTC) between December 2016 and November 2018. RESULTS: Among 216 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria, 138 (63.9%) completed the questionnaire. Most of the patients (78.3%) knew what generic drugs are, only 8.7% believed that treatment with 2 pills is less effective than treatment with an STR, and 67.4% agreed that it is reasonable to take 2 pills instead of 1 for HIV treatment to decrease costs for the health care system. After desimplification, 13.0% of the patients stated they had more secondary effects, 8.0% had forgotten one or more doses more frequently than before, and 10.9% had sometimes forgotten to take 1 pill, but not the other. A proportion of 30.4% reported not being happy to take more pills a day, and 10.1% experienced a worse quality of life after the treatment desimplification. CONCLUSIONS: After STR desimplification, most of the patients had a fair knowledge about generic antiretrovirals, and they agreed to desimplify their STR to decrease costs. Although almost a third of the respondents were not happy to take 2 pills a day, only a minority reported worse adherence or quality of life.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among sexually transmitted infection clinics patients. / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en pacientes de consultas de infecciones de transmisión sexual.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are a public health problem because of its high incidence and consequences on reproductive health. Our aim is to describe the socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics of patients with CT infection in order to adapt preventive interventions for the highest risk groups. METHODS: Prospective case series of all patients diagnosed with CT between September 2016 and January 2019 in the reference STI clinics of Osakidetza (Basque Health Service) in Bizkaia (Spain) RESULTS: 847 patients (88.2%) agreed to participate: 41% women, 33.8% heterosexual men and 25% men who has sex with men (MSM); 33% were immigrants and 26% were under the age of 25 (33% of the women). Only 20% systematically used condoms. 36% had previously had STI and 28% had simultaneously another STI. 55% of the infections were asymptomatic (70% among women). In MSM, the rectum was affected in 69.5% of cases, the urethra in 31.4%, and the pharynx in 14.5%. The cervix was affected in 86.5% of the women, the rectum in 17.6%, and the pharynx in 13.8%. A contact study was only carried out in 58% of cases. The reinfection rate at 4 weeks was 17% among those with criteria to perform a test of cure. CONCLUSION: Our results justify implement opportunistic screening in women under the age of 25 and young immigrants of both sexes, by taking genital and extragenital samples, as well as developing appropriate guidelines for the notification and follow-up of contacts.

Characteristics of genital herpes in Bilbao (Northern Spain): 12-year retrospective study / Características del herpes genital en Bilbao (Norte de España): estudio retrospectivo de 12 años

Introducción: El virus herpes simple tipo 2 (VHS-2) es la causa más frecuente de herpes genital (HG), pero la infección genital por el virus herpes simple tipo 1 (VHS-1) está en aumento. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las características epidemiológicas de pacientes con HG. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo desde enero del 2004 hasta diciembre del 2015 de pacientes con HG atendidos en 2 consultas de enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) en la Organización Sanitaria Integrada Bilbao-Basurto, en el norte de España. Se revisaron y analizaron los datos de interés de los pacientes. Resultados: Mil tres pacientes (524 hombres y 479 mujeres) fueron incluidos. El 74% tenía infección por VHS-2. El VHS-1 aumentó durante el periodo estudiado, significativamente en hombres (28% en 2004-2007 vs. 50% en 2012-2015). El VHS-1 fue mayor en mujeres en comparación con hombres (56% vs. 44%). La infección primaria fue más frecuente en los infectados con VHS-1 comparado con VHS-2 (79% vs. 21%). En pacientes con VHS-1, la infección primaria fue superior en hombres (86%) y en menores de 30 años. El 63% de las infecciones por VHS-2 fueron recurrencias. En el análisis multivariante, la edad, el origen extranjero, la recurrencia, el contacto previo con HG de la pareja sexual, la infección previa por Neisseria gonorrhoeae y la prostitución se asociaron con mayor riesgo de infección por VHS-2. Conclusiones:El VHS-2 fue la causa principal del HG, pero la proporción de VHS-1 aumentó. El antecedente de ETS y las conductas sexuales de riesgo fueron predominantes en los pacientes con HG por VHS-2.(AU)

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes (GH), but genital infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasing. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare epidemiological characteristics of patients with GH. Methods:Retrospective study conducted from January 2004 to December 2015 in patients with GH attended at two Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) medical consultation of Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation in Northern Spain. Patient's medical history was reviewed and data of interest was analyzed. Results: One thousand three patients (524 male and 479 female) were reviewed. HSV-2 was detected in 74%. The proportion of HSV-1 increased during the study period, significantly in men (28% in 2004–2007 vs. 50% in 2012–2015). More female than male had HSV-1 infection (56% vs. 44%). The proportion of primary infection was higher among HSV-1 compared to HSV-2 (79% vs. 21%). Among the patients with HSV-1, primary infection was higher among men (86%) and in younger than 30 years. Recurrent GH was higher among HSV-2 infections (63%). In a multivariate model older age, geographic origin outside Spain, recurrent infection, prior contact with a partner's genital herpetic lesions, previous N. gonorrhoeae infection and prostitution were significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. Conclusions: HSV-2 was the most common causative agent of GH, but the proportion of HSV-1 increased. Overall, antecedent of STD and sexual risk behaviors were more frequent in patients with genital HSV-2 infection.(AU)

Characteristics of genital herpes in Bilbao (Northern Spain): 12-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital herpes (GH), but genital infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is increasing. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare epidemiological characteristics of patients with GH. METHODS: Retrospective study conducted from January 2004 to December 2015 in patients with GH attended at two Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) medical consultation of Bilbao-Basurto Integrated Health Organisation in Northern Spain. Patient's medical history was reviewed and data of interest was analyzed. RESULTS: One thousand three patients (524 male and 479 female) were reviewed. HSV-2 was detected in 74%. The proportion of HSV-1 increased during the study period, significantly in men (28% in 2004-2007 vs. 50% in 2012-2015). More female than male had HSV-1 infection (56% vs. 44%). The proportion of primary infection was higher among HSV-1 compared to HSV-2 (79% vs. 21%). Among the patients with HSV-1, primary infection was higher among men (86%) and in younger than 30 years. Recurrent GH was higher among HSV-2 infections (63%). In a multivariate model older age, geographic origin outside Spain, recurrent infection, prior contact with a partner's genital herpetic lesions, previous N. gonorrhoeae infection and prostitution were significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: HSV-2 was the most common causative agent of GH, but the proportion of HSV-1 increased. Overall, antecedent of STD and sexual risk behaviors were more frequent in patients with genital HSV-2 infection.

Epidemiological surveillance study of gonococcal infection in Northern Spain / Estudio de vigilancia epidemiológica de la infección gonocócica en el Norte de España

BACKGROUND: Treatment of gonorrhoea is threatened by antimicrobial resistance, and decreased susceptibility to recommended therapies is emerging. Thus, gonococcal infection (GI) is becoming a public health problem. The objectives of the present study were to monitor the antimicrobial sensitivity in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) during 2011-2015 and to study their genogroups. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility was studied by disc diffusion, in addition to the agar dilution method for cefixime and ceftriaxone and the Etest(R) for azithromycin. Genotyping was performed by the NG multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) method. Genogroups of closely related sequence types (STs) were defined. RESULTS: All the strains were susceptible to cefixime, ceftriaxone and gentamicin and 1.8% of the strains were resistant to azithromycin. A total of 531 STs and 6 genotypes (Gs) were identified during 2012-2015 period. G2992 was the largest and was associated with resistance to azithromycin, and with men who have sex with men (MSM), alongside G2400. G1407 and G2400 strains were related to high minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) to cefixime and G1407 also to ceftriaxone. For the first time, G1861 and G2018 were described and associated with ciprofloxacin resistance and G2018 also with high MICs to ceftriaxone. CONCLUSION: Molecular typing is a useful tool to predict antimicrobial resistance. These results show the need to develop novel antimicrobials or to design new antimicrobial therapies based on drugs that show their efficacy against GI. This also highlights the importance of developing sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance in homosexual populations

INTRODUCCIÓN: el tratamiento de la gonorrea está amenazado por la resistencia antimicrobiana, y la disminución de la sensibilidad a las terapias recomendadas está emergiendo. Por ello la infección gonocócica (IG) se está convirtiendo en un problema de salud pública. MÉTODOS: la sensibilidad antimicrobiana se estudió por el método de difusión en disco, cefixima y ceftriaxona fueron testados por el método de dilución en agar y azitromicina por Etest. El genotipado se realizó por el método NG multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST). Se definieron genogrupos con secuenciotipos (STs) relacionados. RESULTADOS: todas las cepas fueron sensibles a cefixima, ceftriaxona y gentamicina y el 1,8% resistentes a azitromicina. Se identificaron 531 STs y 6 genotipos (Gs) durante el período 2012-2015. El G2992 fue el más grande y se relacionó con resistencia a azitromicina, y con hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) junto con el G2400. Las cepas pertenecientes a los G1407 y G2400 se relacionaron con altas concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias (CMIs) a cefixima y el G1407 también a ceftriaxona. Se describe por primera vez la presencia del G1861 y G2018 y su relación con la resistencia a ciprofloxacino y la relación del G2018 con alta CMI a ceftriaxona. CONCLUSIÓN: El tipado molecular es una herramienta útil para predecir la resistencia antimicrobiana. Estos resultados muestran la necesidad de desarrollar nuevos antimicrobianos o nuevas terapias basadas en fármacos que demuestren su eficacia contra la IG. También muestra la importancia del desarrollo de la vigilancia de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) en la población homosexual

Epidemiological surveillance study of gonococcal infection in Northern Spain.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of gonorrhoea is threatened by antimicrobial resistance, and decreased susceptibility to recommended therapies is emerging. Thus, gonococcal infection (GI) is becoming a public health problem. The objectives of the present study were to monitor the antimicrobial sensitivity in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) during 2011-2015 and to study their genogroups. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility was studied by disc diffusion, in addition to the agar dilution method for cefixime and ceftriaxone and the Etest® for azithromycin. Genotyping was performed by the NG multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) method. Genogroups of closely related sequence types (STs) were defined. RESULTS: All the strains were susceptible to cefixime, ceftriaxone and gentamicin and 1.8% of the strains were resistant to azithromycin. A total of 531 STs and 6 genotypes (Gs) were identified during 2012-2015 period. G2992 was the largest and was associated with resistance to azithromycin, and with men who have sex with men (MSM), alongside G2400. G1407 and G2400 strains were related to high minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) to cefixime and G1407 also to ceftriaxone. For the first time, G1861 and G2018 were described and associated with ciprofloxacin resistance and G2018 also with high MICs to ceftriaxone. CONCLUSION: Molecular typing is a useful tool to predict antimicrobial resistance. These results show the need to develop novel antimicrobials or to design new antimicrobial therapies based on drugs that show their efficacy against GI. This also highlights the importance of developing sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance in homosexual populations.

Physicians' opinions on generic antiretroviral drugs and single-tablet regimen de-simplification for the treatment of HIV infection: a multicentre survey in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the attitudes and opinions about generic antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and single-tablet regimen (STR) de-simplification among physicians prescribing HIV treatment in the cohort of the Spanish HIV/AIDS Research Network (CoRIS). METHODS: An online questionnaire with 27 structured questions was sent to all physicians (n=199) who prescribed ARVs among the 45 centres participating in the cohort. RESULTS: A total of 169 (84.9%) physicians answered the questionnaire. Only 4.1% of the physicians would never prescribe generic ARVs, but 53.3% would not prescribe them if the number of pills per day increased and 89.3% would not prescribe them if the number of doses per day increased. However, 84.0% of the physicians agreed to prescribe generic ARVs if doing so would decrease costs for the public healthcare system. The percentages of physicians stating that generic ARVs (compared with branded ones) would be associated with worse adherence, more adverse effects or more probability of virological failure, provided that the number of pills and doses per day would not change, were low: 0.6%, 7.7% and 3.6%, respectively. However, these percentages were much higher if the generic ARV entailed breaking an STR: 63.9%, 18.9% and 42.0%, respectively. Most physicians stated that they needed more information about the effectiveness and safety of generic ARVs and the price difference compared with their branded equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: Although most physicians were confident about prescribing generic ARVs, the majority had strong concerns about de-simplifying STR, and they also needed more information about generic drugs.

Chlamydia trachomatis re-infection in Spain: A STI clinic-based cohort study / Reinfección por Chlamydia trachomatis en España: un estudio de cohorte en una Unidad de ITS

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in developed countries, but there is a lack data on its incidence and population dynamics in Spain. The objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence of C. trachomatis in patients seeking medical attention in an STI clinic with a defined population catchment area, to identify factors associated with this infection, and to explore differences between factors associated with new infections and re-infections. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of patients from a STI clinic who underwent chlamydia testing at least twice between 2007 and 2015. RESULTS: Of the 2633 patients who met study selection criteria, 795 (30.2%) tested positive for C. trachomatis at baseline (baseline Chlamydia). The overall incidence was 7.97/100 person-years (95% CI: 7.2-8.8): 5.9/100 person-years (95% CI: 5.2-6.7) among patients testing negative for C. trachomatis at baseline, and 18.3 person-years (95% CI: 15.6-21.5) among those testing positive at baseline. In multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with overall incidence were a history of infection with C. trachomatis in the previous 6 months (hazard ratio=3.6; 95% CI: 2.3-5.4), younger age (HR <20 vs ≥35 years=5.5; 95% CI: 3.2-9.5), male sex, 2 or more sexual partners in the previous month and year, and inconsistent condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines should be established for C. trachomatis in Spain, including recommendations on the need for follow-up and re-testing, independently of age. Though data concerning the optimal timing of re-testing are inconclusive, our findings support the establishment of a 3-6 month interval

INTRODUCCIÓN: Chlamydia trachomatis es la infección de transmisión sexual (ITS) más frecuentemente notificada en los países desarrollados, pero en España carecemos de información sobre su incidencia y su dinámica poblacional. Nuestros objetivos han sido estimar la incidencia de C.trachomatis en los pacientes de una clínica de ITS con una población de referencia definida, identificar factores asociados con ella y evaluar diferencias entre los factores asociados con las nuevas infecciones y las reinfecciones. MÉTODOS: Cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes de una Unidad de ITS con pruebas diagnósticas para Chlamydia en más de una ocasión entre 2007 y 2015. RESULTADOS: De los 2.633 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión en el estudio, 795 (30,2%) tuvieron un resultado positivo de C.trachomatis en el episodio basal (Chlamydia basal). La incidencia global fue de 7,97/100 años-persona (IC 95%: 7,2-8,8): 5,9/100 años-persona (IC 95%: 5,2-6,7) entre los pacientes con chlamydia basal negativa y 18,3 años-persona (IC 95%: 15,6-21,5) entre aquellos con chlamydia basal positiva. En los análisis multivariantes, los factores asociados independientemente con la incidencia global fueron haber padecido otra infección por C.trachomatis en los últimos 6meses (hazard ratio [HR] = 3,6; IC95%: 2,3-5,4), menor edad (HR < 20 vs ≥ 35 = 5,5; IC95%: 3,2-9,5), ser hombre, 2 o más parejas en el último mes o en el último año y la utilización inconsistente del preservativo. CONCLUSIÓN: Son necesarias guías de práctica clínica para C.trachomatis en España que incluyan recomendaciones sobre la necesidad de seguimiento y re-cribado, independientemente de la edad. El periodo óptimo para repetir las pruebas no está establecido, nuestros resultados apoyan la implantación de un intervalo de 3-6 meses

Chlamydia trachomatis re-infection in Spain: A STI clinic-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in developed countries, but there is a lack data on its incidence and population dynamics in Spain. The objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence of C. trachomatis in patients seeking medical attention in an STI clinic with a defined population catchment area, to identify factors associated with this infection, and to explore differences between factors associated with new infections and re-infections. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on a cohort of patients from a STI clinic who underwent chlamydia testing at least twice between 2007 and 2015. RESULTS: Of the 2633 patients who met study selection criteria, 795 (30.2%) tested positive for C. trachomatis at baseline (baseline Chlamydia). The overall incidence was 7.97/100 person-years (95% CI: 7.2-8.8): 5.9/100 person-years (95% CI: 5.2-6.7) among patients testing negative for C. trachomatis at baseline, and 18.3 person-years (95% CI: 15.6-21.5) among those testing positive at baseline. In multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with overall incidence were a history of infection with C. trachomatis in the previous 6 months (hazard ratio=3.6; 95% CI: 2.3-5.4), younger age (HR <20 vs ≥35 years=5.5; 95% CI: 3.2-9.5), male sex, 2 or more sexual partners in the previous month and year, and inconsistent condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines should be established for C. trachomatis in Spain, including recommendations on the need for follow-up and re-testing, independently of age. Though data concerning the optimal timing of re-testing are inconclusive, our findings support the establishment of a 3-6 month interval.

Dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy. Analysis of 922 patients from the Spanish VACH cohort.

BACKGROUND: Information concerning lipid disturbances in HIV-infected women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is scarce. The objective of the study is to describe the lipid profile in a large cohort of HIV-infected women on contemporary ART and analyse differences between regimes and patient's characteristics. METHODS: Observational, multicentre, cross-sectional study from the Spanish VACH Cohort. 922 women on stable ART without lipid-lowering treatment were included. RESULTS: Median age was 42 years, median CD4 lymphocyte count was 544 cells/mm3, and 85.6% presented undetectable HIV-1 viral load. Median total cholesterol (TC) was 189 mg/dL (interquartile range, IQR, 165-221), HDL cholesterol 53 mg/dL (IQR, 44-64), LDL cholesterol 108 mg/dL (IQR, 86-134), and triglycerides 116 mg/dL (IQR, 85-163). Mean accumulated time on ART was 116 months; 47.4% were on NNRTI-based regimes, 44.7% on PI, and 6.7% on only-NRTI therapy. 43.8% were also hepatitis C (HCV) coinfected. Patients on PI treatment presented higher TC/HDL ratio than those on NNRTI (p < 0.001). Significantly higher HDL values were observed in NNRTI-treated patients. HCV-coinfected patients presented lower TC/HDL ratio than the non HCV-coinfected. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with TC/HDL ratio were age, triglyceride levels and HCV co-infection. PI treatment presented a non-significant association with higher TC/HDL ratio. CONCLUSIONS: In HIV-infected women, the NNRTI-based ART is associated with a better lipid profile than the PI-based. Factors unrelated to ART selection may also exert an independent, significant influence on lipids; in particular, age, and triglyceride levels are associated with an increased TC/HDL ratio while HCV co-infection is associated with a reduced TC/HDL ratio.

Trombosis intracardiaca asociada a enfermedad de Behçet / Intracardiac thrombosis associated with Behçet's disease

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[An analysis of 182 enterococcal bloodstream infections: epidemiology, microbiology, and outcome]. / Análisis de 182 episodios de bacteriemia por enterococo: estudio de la epidemiología, microbiología y evolución clínica.

INTRODUCTION: Enterococcal bloodstream infections have acquired considerable importance in recent years, mainly because of the increasing number of cases that occur during hospital admission. METHODS: Retrospective study of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with enterococcal bacteremia and hospitalized over a 12-year period (January 1994-April 2006), analyzing epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 182 episodes of bacteremia were recorded; 68% of them were nosocomial infections, accounting for 5% of the in-hospital bacteremia episodes in this period. The most frequent sources of infection were urinary tract (29%), cardiovascular (25%), intra-abdominal (21%) and primary bacteremia (12%). Associated comorbid conditions were present in 85% of patients, mainly neoplasms (33%). Enterococcus faecalis was responsible for 70% of cases, E. faecium 22%, and other species of enterococci 8%. Twenty percent were polymicrobial bacteremia. Antibiotic resistance was documented in 23% of the strains: 14% ampicillin, 8% gentamicin, 3% ampicillin and gentamicin, and 0.5% vancomycin. Overall mortality was 31%. Polymicrobial bacteremia and comorbidity were associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: In our hospital, Enterococcus is the fifth most frequent cause of nosocomial bacteremia. E. faecium is characterized by a high incidence (more than 50% of cases) of ampicillin resistance.

Análisis de 182 episodios de bacteriemia por enterococo: estudio de la epidemiología, microbiología y evolución clínica / An analysis of 182 enterococcal bloodstream infections: epidemiology, microbiology, and outcome

Introducción. La bacteriemia por Enterococcus ha adquirido un papel relevante en los últimos años, principalmente debido al aumento del número de casos intrahospitalarios. Métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de historias clínicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de bacteriemia por enterococo e ingresados en el hospital durante un período de 12 años (enero 1994-abril 2006), analizando sus características epidemiológicas, clínicas y microbiológicas, así como la evolución y los factores pronósticos de la enfermedad. Resultados. Se registraron 182 episodios de bacteriemia, el 68% de los cuales fueron de origen nosocomial, lo que representó el 5% de las bacteriemias intrahospitalarias durante ese período. Las localizaciones más frecuentes de la infección fueron la urinaria (29%), la cardiovascular (25%), la intraabdominal (21%) y la bacteriemia primaria (12%). El 85% de los pacientes presentaron comorbilidad asociada, especialmente enfermedades neoplásicas (33%). El Enterococcus faecalis fue el responsable del 70% de los casos; E. faecium, del 22%, y otras especies de enterococo, del 8%. El 20% de las bacteriemias eran polimicrobianas. Se encontraron un 23% de cepas con resistencia a antibióticos: 14% a ampicilina, 8% a gentamicina, 3% a ampicilina y gentamicina y 0,5% a vancomicina. La mortalidad global de la serie fue del 31%. La presencia de comorbilidad y la bacteriemia polimicrobiana fueron factores de mal pronóstico. Conclusión. En nuestro hospital, el enterococo constituye el quinto patógeno más frecuente de bacteriemia intrahospitalaria, y destaca la elevada incidencia de E. faecium, resistente a ampicilina en más de la mitad de los casos (AU)

Introduction. Enterococcal bloodstream infections have acquired considerable importance in recent years, mainly because of the increasing number of cases that occur during hospital admission. Methods. Retrospective study of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with enterococcal bacteremia and hospitalized over a 12-year period (January 1994-April 2006), analyzing epidemiological, clinical and microbiological characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors. Results. A total of 182 episodes of bacteremia were recorded; 68% of them were nosocomial infections, accounting for 5% of the in-hospital bacteremia episodes in this period. The most frequent sources of infection were urinary tract (29%), cardiovascular (25%), intra-abdominal (21%) and primary bacteremia (12%). Associated comorbid conditions were present in 85% of patients, mainly neoplasms (33%). Enterococcus faecalis was responsible for 70% of cases, E. faecium 22%, and other species of enterococci 8%. Twenty percent were polymicrobial bacteremia. Antibiotic resistance was documented in 23% of the strains: 14% ampicillin, 8% gentamicin, 3% ampicillin and gentamicin, and 0.5% vancomycin. Overall mortality was 31%. Polymicrobial bacteremia and comorbidity were associated with a poor prognosis. Conclusion. In our hospital, Enterococcus is the fifth most frequent cause of nosocomial bacteremia. E. faecium is characterized by a high incidence (more than 50% of cases) of ampicillin resistance (AU)