In nursing homes, universal decolonization vs. routine care reduced transfers to hospital for infection.

SOURCE CITATION: Miller LG, McKinnell JA, Singh RD, et al. Decolonization in nursing homes to prevent infection and hospitalization. N Engl J Med. 2023;389:1766-1777. 37815935.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Secondary bacterial infections and the impact on antimicrobial resistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secondary bacterial infections and bacterial coinfections are an important complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to antibiotic overuse and increased rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this literature review, we summarize the reported rates of secondary bacterial infections and bacterial coinfections in patients with COVID-19, the impact on patient outcomes, the antibiotic treatment approaches employed, and the resistance patterns observed. The reported data suggest that although the incidence of secondary bacterial infections or bacterial coinfections is relatively low, they are associated with worse outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilator use, and increased mortality. Interestingly, antibiotic prescription rates are typically higher than secondary bacterial and bacterial coinfection rates, and reports of AMR are common. These findings highlight the need for an improved understanding of secondary bacterial and bacterial coinfection in patients with COVID-19, as well as improved treatment options, to mitigate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and AMR.

In monkeypox, risk for some symptoms was greater in MSM with vs. without receptive anal contact.

SOURCE CITATION: Tarín-Vicente EJ, Alemany A, Agud-Dios M, et al. Clinical presentation and virological assessment of confirmed human monkeypox virus cases in Spain: a prospective observational cohort study. Lancet. 2022;400:661-9. 35952705.

Predictors of chronic COVID-19 symptoms in a community-based cohort of adults.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 can cause some individuals to experience chronic symptoms. Rates and predictors of chronic COVID-19 symptoms are not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To examine occurrence and patterns of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV2 infection (PASC) symptomatology and their relationship with demographics, acute COVID-19 symptoms and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses. METHODS: A multi-stage observational study was performed of adults (≥18 years) from 5 US states. Participants completed two rounds of electronic surveys (May-July 2020; April-May 2021) and underwent testing to anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein IgG antibody testing. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify clusters of chronic COVID-19 symptoms. RESULTS: Overall, 390 adults (median [25%ile, 75%ile] age: 42 [31, 54] years) with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies completed the follow-up survey; 92 (24.7%) had ≥1 chronic COVID-19 symptom, with 11-month median duration of persistent symptoms (range: 1-12 months). The most common chronic COVID-19 symptoms were fatigue (11.3%), change in smell (9.5%) or taste (5.6%), muscle or joint aches (5.4%) and weakness (4.6%). There were significantly higher proportions of ≥1 persistent COVID-19 symptom (31.5% vs. 18.6%; Chi-square, P = 0.004), and particularly fatigue (15.8% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.008) and headaches (5.4% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.011) in females compared to males. Chronic COVID-19 symptoms were also increased in individuals with ≥6 acute COVID-19 symptoms, Latent class analysis revealed 4 classes of symptoms. Latent class-1 (change of smell and taste) was associated with lower anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels; class-2 and 3 (multiple chronic symptoms) were associated with higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and more severe acute COVID-19 infection. LIMITATIONS: Ambulatory cohort with less severe acute disease. CONCLUSION: Individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection commonly experience chronic symptoms, most commonly fatigue, changes in smell or taste and muscle/joint aches. Female sex, severity of acute COVID-19 infection, and higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were associated with the highest risk of having chronic COVID-19 symptoms.

Patients with COVID-19 had increased risk for acute MI and ischemic stroke at 14 d vs. matched controls.

SOURCE CITATION: Katsoularis I, Fonseca-Rodriguez O, Farrington P, et al. Risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke following COVID-19 in Sweden: a self-controlled case series and matched cohort study. Lancet. 2021;398:599-607. 34332652.

Association of Varying Clinical Manifestations and Positive Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The complex relationship between clinical manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and individual immune responses is not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To examine phenotypes of symptomatology and their relationship with positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses. METHODS: An observational study was performed of adults (≥18 years) from 5 US states. Participants completed an electronic survey and underwent testing to anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein IgG antibody between May and July 2020. Latent class analysis was used to identify characteristic symptom clusters. RESULTS: Overall, 9507 adults (mean age, 39.6 ± 15.0 years) completed the survey; 6665 (70.1%) underwent antibody testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were associated with self-reported positive SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab result (bivariable logistic regression; odds ratio [95% CI], 5.98 [4.83-7.41]), household with 6 or more members (1.27 [1.14-1.41]) and sick contact (3.65 [3.19-4.17]), and older age (50-69 years: 1.55 [1.37-1.76]; ≥70 years: 1.52 [1.16-1.99]), but inversely associated with female sex (0.61 [0.55-0.68]). Latent class analysis revealed 8 latent classes of symptoms. Latent classes 1 (all symptoms) and 4 (fever, cough, muscle ache, anosmia, dysgeusia, and headache) were associated with the highest proportion (62.0% and 57.4%) of positive antibodies, whereas classes 6 (fever, cough, muscle ache, headache) and 8 (anosmia, dysgeusia) had intermediate proportions (48.2% and 40.5%), and classes 3 (headache, diarrhea, stomach pain) and 7 (no symptoms) had the lowest proportion (7.8% and 8.5%) of positive antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 infections manifest with substantial diversity of symptoms, which are associated with variable anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody responses. Prolonged fever, anosmia, and receiving supplemental oxygen therapy had strongest associations with positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Symptom Onset in Culturally Linked Orthodox Jewish Communities Across Multiple Regions in the United States.

Importance: Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in the United States are still emerging. Objective: To elucidate SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and symptom onset in a culturally linked community across 5 states in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study included adults (aged ≥18 years) recruited from the orthodox Jewish community across 5 states (California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York) in 3 geographically distinct areas of the United States between May 13 and July 6, 2020. Participants completed an online survey and underwent SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. Main Outcomes and Measures: Seroprevalence and date of symptom onset of SARS-CoV-2. Results: Overall, 9507 adults (mean [SD] age, 39.6 [15.0] years; 3777 [39.7%] women) completed the SARS-CoV-2 survey, of whom 6665 (70.1%) had immunoglobin G anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels assessed. A high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was observed across all communities, with the highest proportion of positive testing observed in New Jersey (1080 of 3323 [32.5%]) and New York (671 of 2196 [30.6%]). Most individuals with a positive SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobin G antibody test reported a date of symptom-onset between March 9 and March 31, 2020 (California: 135 of 154 [87.7%]; Connecticut: 32 of 34 [94.1%]; Michigan: 44 of 50 [88.0%]; New Jersey: 964 of 1168 [82.5%]; New York: 571 of 677 [84.3%]). This start date was coincident with the Jewish festival of Purim, celebrated March 9 to 10, 2020, with extensive intracommunity spread in the weeks following (mean and mode of peak symptom onset, March 20, 2020), occurring in the absence of strong general and culture-specific public health directives. Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study of orthodox Jewish adults across the US found that socioculturally bound communities experienced early parallel outbreaks in discrete locations, notably prior to substantive medical and governmental directives. Further research should clarify optimal national, local, community-based, and government policies to prevent outbreaks in social and cultural communities that traditionally gather for holidays, assemblies, and festivals.

What Is the Predictive Value of a Single Nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR Swab Test in a Patient With COVID-Like Symptoms and/or Significant COVID-19 Exposure?

Utilizing results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and subsequent antibody titers, we report on the test characteristics of a PCR screening test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among hospital workers. The PCR test was found to be 87% sensitive and 97% specific, with a positive predictive value of 0.98 and a negative predictive value of 0.80.

Effectiveness and appropriateness of empiric metronidazole for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

OBJECTIVE: Although Clostridium difficile is the most common infectious etiology of nosocomial diarrhea, noninfectious causes are far more common. Empiric initiation of therapy for all patients is of unknown value. The aim of this study was to determine benefits of empiric metronidazole for Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). METHODS: We conducted a 4-month prospective surveillance of all patients in two community teaching hospitals receiving metronidazole for empiric treatment of presumptive CDAD. A database including antibiotic usage, fever, white blood cell count, feeding formula usage, comorbidity, and response to therapy was maintained. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients on the medical (50), surgical (18), obstetric (two), and trauma (one) service were identified. Sixty-two had nosocomial diarrhea; nine had diarrhea on admission. Seventy (97%) received antibiotics; one (3%) was on nelfinavir only. Eighteen (25%) were subsequently proven to have CDAD; two (3%) had laxative-induced diarrhea; two (3%) had diarrhea secondary to a medication (colchicine [one] and nelfinavir [one]); one (1%) had diarrhea caused by bowel preparation for colonoscopy. The remaining 49 (68%) did not have a clearly established diarrhea etiology. (Four did not undergo stool examination.) Statistical analysis (chi(2) test) demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms for metronidazole-treated patients with CDAD versus those with a different diagnosis (p = 0.05). Not surprisingly, multivariate regression analysis identified a strong correlation of diagnosing CDAD with age >60 yr, antibiotics exposure, fever, elevated white blood cell count, and resolution of symptoms with specific metronidazole treatment. CDAD was definitively diagnosed in 25% of our hospitalized patients with diarrhea, consistent with published data. Although some cases might have been missed, most patients did not have CDAD and received no benefit (and were potentially harmed) by empiric metronidazole. There was no way a priori to distinguish CDAD from non-CDAD. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of clear guidelines, empiric metronidazole should be reserved for strongly presumptive CDAD patients (older patients with comorbid conditions receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics associated with CDAD) who cannot hemodynamically or otherwise tolerate diarrhea. Used judiciously, empiric therapy may more rapidly resolve symptoms, and could conceivably prevent/abate severe complications and nosocomial spread.

Underlying characteristics of patients harboring highly resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

BACKGROUND: Highly resistant (HR) Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) are frequently hospital-acquired and may be important causes of severe nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVE: Determine risk factors associated with such colonization/infection. METHOD: Retrospective review in 2000 of all AB isolates from sterile (blood, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]) and nonsterile (respiratory, urine, and miscellaneous) sites. HR was defined as resistance to amikacin and/or imipenem and/or ampicillin-sulbactam. Isolates were analyzed as representing infection or colonization. A database including prior hospitalization, prior antibiotic use, nursing home residency, and procedures undergone was compiled. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two cases of AB were identified. Eighty-four met the definition of HR; 6 (4.9%) were completely resistant to all antibiotics. Four (4.7%) isolates were from sterile body sites (3 blood, 1 CSF); 43 (51.2%) were from respiratory sites; 20 (23.8%) were from urinary sites; and 17 (20.2%) were from "other" sites. Only 4 (20%) of the urinary, 6 (35.2%) of the miscellaneous, and 23 (53.4%) of the respiratory isolates were deemed true pathogens; all blood/CSF isolates were considered pathogens. Associated risk factors included prior antibiotic usage (71%); prior hospitalization (24%); prior nursing home residency (34%); ventilator use (77%); tracheostomy placement (56%); and Foley catheterization (85%). Twenty-seven (63%) of 43 respiratory, 8 (40%) of 20 urinary, and 6 (35%) of 17 "other" body isolates were treated. Outcome was not statistically significant in treated versus untreated patients. All patients with CSF/blood isolates underwent successful microbiologic eradication with 50% survival. The overall mortality rate was 10%. CONCLUSION: Antibiotics, Foley catheters, and tracheostomy/ventilator usage were strongly associated with AB isolation. Prior hospitalization and nursing home residency were less common risk factors. Outcome was not different in treated versus untreated patients, indicating colonization is a marker of severe illness but is not necessarily causal.

Completely resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains.

Nosocomially acquired completely resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains are a major clinical concern. We identified completely resistant A. baumannii in 6 (4.9%) of 122 A. baumannii isolates in a retrospective chart review at two teaching hospitals. All of these patients had received broad-spectrum antibiotics and had severe underlying comorbid illnesses, long hospitalizations, or recent surgical procedures; 3 had been in the intensive care unit. Five (83%) of the 6 patients were older than 70 years. Only one death occurred. Strict infection control measures may limit further spread.