Multilocus Sequence Typing Reveals a New Cluster of Closely Related Candida tropicalis Genotypes in Italian Patients With Neurological Disorders.

Candida tropicalis is a pathogenic yeast that has emerged as an important cause of candidemia especially in elderly patients with hematological malignancies. Infections caused by this species are mainly reported from Latin America and Asian-Pacific countries although recent epidemiological data revealed that C. tropicalis accounts for 6-16.4% of the Candida bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Italy by representing a relevant issue especially for patients receiving long-term hospital care. The aim of this study was to describe the genetic diversity of C. tropicalis isolates contaminating the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) and hospital environments and/or associated with BSIs occurring in patients with different neurological disorders and without hematological disease. A total of 28 C. tropicalis isolates were genotyped using multilocus sequence typing analysis of six housekeeping (ICL1, MDR1, SAPT2, SAPT4, XYR1, and ZWF1) genes and data revealed the presence of only eight diploid sequence types (DSTs) of which 6 (75%) were completely new. Four eBURST clonal complexes (CC2, CC10, CC11, and CC33) contained all DSTs found in this study and the CC33 resulted in an exclusive, well-defined, clonal cluster from Italy. In conclusion, C. tropicalis could represent an important cause of BSIs in long-term hospitalized patients with no underlying hematological disease. The findings of this study also suggest a potential horizontal transmission of a specific C. tropicalis clone through hands of HCWs and expand our understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this pathogen whose population structure is still far from being fully elucidated as its complexity increases as different categories of patients and geographic areas are examined.

Antimicrobial consumption and antimicrobial resistance: a snapshot of an Italian neuromuscular rehabilitation center.

The paper presents a snapshot of the incidence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and antimicrobial consumption in an Italian rehabilitation center over a two-year period (2014-2015). Data on microorganism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were obtained from the diagnostic laboratory of the hospital. A set of indicators was assessed, including the incidence density of resistant isolates per 1000 patient-days (IDRI). Data on antimicrobial consumption, semi-annually, obtained from the hospital pharmacy, were expressed as Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1000 patient-days. The most frequently isolated microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.3%), and a significant increase in piperacillin/tazobactam- resistant K. pneumoniae (p=0.04) was observed. Among all antimicrobials used, carbapenems were the most prescribed antibiotic class (31%).

Urticaria and bacterial infections.

The association between urticaria and infectious diseases has been discussed for >100 years. However, a causal relationship with underlying or precipitating infection is difficult to establish. The purpose of this work was to perform a systematic analysis of the published cases of urticaria associated with bacterial infections. We give an umbrella breakdown of up-to-date systematic reviews and other important publications on the complex association of urticaria and bacterial infections. We did a Medline search, for English language articles published until January 2014, using the key words "urticaria" and "bacteria/bacterial disease"; a second analysis was performed in groups of bacteria and using each germ name as a key word. Many bacterial infections have been associated with urticaria manifestation, such as Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Salmonella, Brucella, Mycobacterium leprae, Borrelia, Chlamydia pneumonia, and Yersinia enterocolitica. In some cases the skin manifestations, described as urticaria, could be caused by the presence of the microorganism in the skin, or for the action of their toxins, or to the complement activation mediated by circulating immune complexes. Although only a weak association with urticaria of unclear pathogenesis exists, clinicians should consider these bacterial agents in the workup of the patients with urticaria. The eradication of the infection could, in fact, lead to the resolution of urticaria. Prospective studies and well-structured research are obviously needed to better clarify the real role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of urticaria and their relative prevalence.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae ventriculitis successfully treated with intraventricular colistin.

We present a case of post-neurosurgical ventriculitis caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae successfully treated with intraventricular colistin. Enterobacter spp are intrinsically resistant to aminopenicillins, cefazolin, and cefoxitin due to the production of constitutive chromosomal AmpC beta-lactamases. Moreover, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacter spp have been identified in the USA and Europe, and carbapenems are considered the drug of choice in these cases. Our isolate was sensitive only to fosfomycin, tigecycline, and colistin, and 6 days of intravenous colistin had failed to eradicate the infection. This case provides clinical evidence to support the administration of intraventricular colistin in such patients.

Direct synthesis of C3-mono-functionalized oxindoles from N-unprotected 2-oxindole and their antileishmanial activity.

A novel approach for the synthesis of unprecedented C3-mono-functionalized indolin-2-ones is reported, starting from 2-oxindole and chalcones. The reactions proceed regioselectively under mild conditions, without di- and tri-alkylated side products. The new compounds have been evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative effects against the protozoan Leishmania infantum. Interestingly, they appear able to kill L. infantum promastigotes and amastigotes, without significant cytotoxic effects.

Neonatal liver abscesses associated with candidemia: three cases and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to identify risk factors for the development of neonatal Candida liver abscess and to find useful information to better manage this potentially fatal complication. METHODS: A computerized search was conducted using PubMed. Overall, three articles describing the history of seven infants were finally considered. The characteristics of these seven cases were analyzed together with those of three new cases that we treated in the recent past. RESULTS: All the neonates were premature. Previous antibiotic use was reported in all the cases, umbilical venous catheterization in 9/10 and total parenteral nutrition in 8/10. Candida albicans was isolated in 9/10. All the patients presented with aspecific signs of sepsis. Liver abscesses were described as "microabscesses" or "miliary abscesses" in three cases, as solitary lesion in two cases. In one case two lesions and in one four lesions were reported. Three infants died. CONCLUSIONS: Liver ultrasonography should be performed in all the neonates with signs of sepsis, especially in the presence of candidemia and/or hepatomegaly and/or significant change in liver enzymes. Umbilical venous catheter should be removed, and peripheral IV access should be used until there is documented clearance from the blood with three or more negative blood cultures.