Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of Candida parapsilosis bloodstream isolates: Health Care Associated Infections in a teaching Hospital in Italy.

BACKGROUND: Candidemia is the most common healthcare associated invasive fungal infection. Over the last few decades, candidemia caused by Candida species other than Candida albicans, particularly the Candida parapsilosis complex, has emerged worldwide. The aims of this study were: to analyze the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of C. parapsilosis strains isolated from blood cultures and the environment in a hospital in southern Italy, to study the possible source of infection and to correlate the isolated strains. METHODS: From April to October 2022, cases of candidemia due to C. parapsilosis in patients admitted to a hospital in the Apulia region were investigated. However, 119 environmental samples from the intensive care unit were collected for identification of the likely environmental reservoir of infection. Routine antifungal (amphotericin B, anidulafungin, fluconazole) susceptibility was performed on all isolates. Whole genome sequencing was performed to study the genotypic correlation of the isolates. Biofilm biomass and metabolic activity were also quantified for all isolates. RESULTS: A total of 43 C. parapsilosis isolates were cultured from the bloodstream of each patient in different departments, and seven surface samples were positive for C. parapsilosis. Most of the isolated yeasts (41/50; 85 %) were resistant to fluconazole and were genetically related to each other, suggesting an ongoing clonal outbreak of this pathogen. The fluconazole-susceptible isolates produced significantly more biofilm than did the resistant isolates. Metabolic activity was also higher for fluconazole-susceptible than resistant isolates. CONCLUSION: Cross-transmission of the microorganisms is suggested by the phenotypic similarity and genetic correlation between clinical and environmental strains observed in our study.

Pannonibacter anstelovis sp. nov. Isolated from Two Cases of Bloodstream Infections in Paediatric Patients.

This study describes two cases of bacteraemia sustained by a new putative Pannonibacter species isolated at the U.O.C. of Microbiology and Virology of the Policlinico of Bari (Bari, Italy) from the blood cultures of two patients admitted to the Paediatric Oncohaematology Unit. Pannonibacter spp. is an environmental Gram-negative bacterium not commonly associated with nosocomial infections. Species identification was performed using Sanger sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) for both strains. Genomic analyses for the two isolates, BLAST similarity search, and phylogeny for the 16S rDNA sequences lead to an assignment to the species Pannonibacter phragmitetus. However, by performing ANIb, ANIm, tetranucleotide correlation, and DNA-DNA digital hybridization, analyses of the two draft genomes showed that they were very different from those of the species P. phragmitetus. MALDI-TOF analysis, assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility by E-test method, and Analytical Profile Index (API) tests were also performed. This result highlights how environmental bacterial species can easily adapt to the human host and, especially in nosocomial environments, also gain pathogenic potential through antimicrobial resistance.

Human Campylobacter spp. infections in Italy.

PURPOSE: Campylobacter is a frequent cause of enteric infections with common antimicrobial resistance issues. The most recent reports of campylobacteriosis in Italy include data from 2013 to 2016. We aimed to provide national epidemiological and microbiological data on human Campylobacter infections in Italy during the period 2017-2021. METHODS: Data was collected from 19 Hospitals in 13 Italian Regions. Bacterial identification was performed by mass spectrometry. Antibiograms were determined with Etest or Kirby-Bauer (EUCAST criteria). RESULTS: In total, 5419 isolations of Campylobacter spp. were performed. The most common species were C. jejuni (n = 4535, 83.7%), followed by C. coli (n = 732, 13.5%) and C. fetus (n = 34, 0.6%). The mean age of patients was 34.61 years and 57.1% were males. Outpatients accounted for 54% of the cases detected. Campylobacter were isolated from faeces in 97.3% of cases and in 2.7% from blood. C. fetus was mostly isolated from blood (88.2% of cases). We tested for antimicrobial susceptibility 4627 isolates (85.4%). Resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines was 75.5% and 54.8%, respectively; resistance to erythromycin was 4.8%; clarithromycin 2% and azithromycin 2%. 50% of C. jejuni and C. coli were resistant to ≥ 2 antibiotics. Over the study period, resistance to ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines significantly decreased (p < 0.005), while resistance to macrolides remained stable. CONCLUSION: Campylobacter resistance to fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines in Italy is decreasing but is still high, while macrolides retain good activity.

Case series study of nosocomial Legionnaires' disease in Apulia region (southern Italy): The role of different molecular methods in identifying the infection source

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation or aspiration of water droplets contaminated with Legionella pneumophila and other Legionella species. These bacteria are commonly found in natural habitats and man-made water systems. Legionnaires' disease is a significant public health problem, especially in healthcare settings where patients may be exposed to contaminated environmental sources. Nosocomial outbreaks have been reported worldwide, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates, and increased healthcare costs. This study aimed to compare, the clonal relationship of clinical L. pneumophila strains from two different hospitals with L. pneumophila strains isolated from the water supply. METHODS: In the period from 2019 to 2021, clinical and environmental strains involved in three cases of legionellosis were compared by means of pulsed field gel electrophoresis and sequence based typing techniques. RESULTS: Our findings highlight the persistence of clonally distinct strains within each hospital examined. Furthermore, the L. pneumophila strains detected from hospital environmental sources were related to the clinical strains isolated, demonstrating the nosocomial origin of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is important to implement more accurate surveillance systems both for epidemiological studies and to check the effectiveness of remediation procedures. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Looking for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia treatment: in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam alone and in combination with aztreonam.

During the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S.maltophilia) secondary pulmonary infections have increased, especially in critically ill patients, highlighting the need for new therapeutic options. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) is the treatment of choice but the increase of resistant strains or adverse drug reactions limited its clinical use. Recently ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) has been approved for the treatment of multi drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria infections, including hospital acquired pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam (CZA) alone and in combination with aztreonam (ATM) against S. maltophilia clinical isolates by E-test method. Susceptibility of SXT and levofloxacin (LEV) was also investigated. Our results showed 22% of resistance to CZA, 2% to SXT and 26% to LEV. CZA in combination with ATM demonstrated synergistic activity against 86% of the strains, including all those resistant to CZA. The combination of CZA with ATM provides a new therapeutic option for the treatment of severe respiratory infections in critically ill patients.

Cefiderocol Versus Colistin for the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Complex Bloodstream Infections: A Retrospective, Propensity-Score Adjusted, Monocentric Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are associated with high mortality with limited treatment. The aim of this study is to compare effectiveness and safety of colistin-based versus cefiderocol-based therapies for CRAB-BSI. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study enrolling patients with monomicrobial CRAB-BSIs treated with colistin or cefiderocol from 1 January 2020, to 31 December 2022. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was the primary outcome. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with mortality. A propensity score analysis using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was also performed. RESULTS: Overall 118 patients were enrolled, 75 (63%) and 43 (37%) treated with colistin- and cefiderocol-based regimens. The median (q1-q3) age was 70 (62-79) years; 70 (59%) patients were men. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 52%, significantly lower in the cefiderocol group (40% vs 59%, p = 0.045). By performing a Cox regression model, age (aHR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), septic shock (aHR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.05-3.53), and delayed targeted therapy (aHR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-5.25) were independent predictors of mortality, while cefiderocol-based therapy was protective (aHR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.93). The IPTW-adjusted Cox analysis confirmed the protective effect of cefiderocol (aHR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.27-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Cefiderocol may be a valuable treatment option for CRAB-BSI, especially in the current context of limited treatment options.

Loading dose plus continuous/extended infusion versus intermittent bolus of ß-lactams for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections: a propensity score-adjusted retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal ß-lactam dosing for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections (GNB-BSIs) remains a debated issue. Herein, the efficacy and safety of a loading dose (LD) followed by extended/continuous infusion (EI/CI) versus intermittent bolus (IB) of these drugs for the treatment of GNB-BSIs was evaluated. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study enrolling patients with GNB-BSIs treated with ß-lactams from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2022. The 30 day infection-related mortality rate was assessed with Cox regression, while mortality risk reduction was evaluated by an inverse probability of treatment weighting regression adjustment (IPTW-RA) model. RESULTS: Overall, 224 patients were enrolled: 140 and 84 in the IB and EI/CI groups, respectively. ß-Lactam regimens were chosen according to pathogen antibiogram, clinical judgement and current guidelines. Interestingly, the LD + EI/CI regimen was associated with a significant lower mortality rate (17% versus 32%, P = 0.011). Similarly, ß-lactam LD + EI/CI was significantly associated with a reduced risk of mortality at multivariable Cox regression [adjusted HR (aHR) = 0.46; 95%CI = 0.22-0.98; P = 0.046]. Finally, the IPTW-RA (adjusted for multiple covariates) was performed, showing a significant risk reduction in the overall population [-14% (95% CI = -23% to -5%)]; at the subgroup restricted analysis, a significant risk reduction (>15%) was observed in the case of GNB-BSI in severely immunocompromised patients (P = 0.003), for SOFA score > 6 (P = 0.014) and in septic shock (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The use of LD + EI/CI of ß-lactams in patients with a GNB-BSI may be associated with reduced mortality; also in patients with severe presentation of infection or with additional risk factors, such as immunodepression.

Effectiveness of First-Line Therapy with Old and Novel Antibiotics in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: A Real Life, Prospective, Observational, Single-Center Study.

Evidence-based, standard antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a relevant unmet clinical need in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of first-line therapy with old and novel CRAB active antibiotics in monomicrobial VAP caused by CRAB. A prospective, observational study was performed in a mixed non-COVID-19 ICU. The primary outcome measure was clinical failure upon first-line targeted therapy. Features independently influencing failure occurrence were also investigated via Cox proportional multivariable analysis. To account for the imbalance in antibiotic treatment allocation, a propensity score analysis with an inverse probability treatment weighting approach was adopted. Of the 90 enrolled patients, 34 (38%) experienced clinical failure. Compared to patients who experienced a clinical resolution of VAP, those who had clinical failure were of an older age (median age 71 (IQR 64-78) vs. 62 (IQR 52-69) years), and showed greater burden of comorbidities (median Charlson comorbidity index 8 (IQR 6-8) vs. 4 (IQR 2-6)), higher frequency of immunodepression (44% vs. 21%), and greater clinical severity at VAP onset (median SOFA score 10 (IQR 9-11) vs. 9 (IQR 7-11)). Lower rates of use of fast molecular diagnostics for nosocomial pneumonia (8.8% vs. 30.3%) and of timely CRAB active therapy administration (65% vs. 89%), and higher rates of colistin-based targeted therapy (71% vs. 46%) were also observed in patients who failed first-line therapy. Overall, CRAB active iv regimens were colistin-based in 50 patients and cefiderocol-based in 40 patients, both always combined with inhaled colistin. According to the backbone agent of first-line regimens, clinical failure was lower in the cefiderocol group, compared to that in the colistin group (25% vs. 48%, respectively). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the burden of comorbid conditions independently predicted clinical failure occurrence (Charlson index aHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04-1.42, p = 0.01), while timely targeted antibiotic treatment (aHR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.19-0.84, p = 0.01) and cefiderocol-based first-line regimens (aHR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.17-0.85, p = 0.02) strongly reduced failure risk. In patients with VAP caused by CRAB, timely active therapy improves infection outcomes and cefiderocol holds promise as a first-line therapeutic option.

Coinfections in intensive care units. Has anything changed with Covid-19 pandemia?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Since December 2019, the Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-CoV-2), has spread from China, becoming a pandemic. Bacterial and fungal co-infections may lead to increase in COVID-19 severity with a decrease in patients survive. The aim of this work was to evaluate bacterial and fungal co-infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU in comparison with patients recovered in ICU in pre-COVID-19 era in order to understand whether the pandemic had changed the incidence of overinfections in patients admitted to ICU. In fact, the epidemiological data should guide the choice of empirical therapy. METHODS: During pandemic, AOUC Policlinico of Bari organized dedicated ICUs for patient with SARS-CoV-2. Blood cultures, urine, and tracheobronchial aspirate were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Specimens of 1905 patients were analysed in this work. Comparing clinical isolates prevalence by material and COVID-19 vs. non-COVID-19 patients statistically significant differences were detected for A. baumannii complex, Aspergillus fumigatus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae and Serratia marcescens isolated from tracheobronchial aspirates; C. albicans from urine samples, A. baumannii complex, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolated from blood culture. CONCLUSIONS: Although the organisms isolated in COVID-19 patients are consistent with those frequently associated with healthcare associated infection, our data suggest a particular prevalence in COVID-19 patients of A. baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Aspergillus spp. in the respiratory tract, C. albicans in urine and  A. baumannii, E. faecalis and E. faecium in blood cultures.

Alterations of Vaginal Microbiota and Chlamydia trachomatis as Crucial Co-Causative Factors in Cervical Cancer Genesis Procured by HPV.

Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus (HPV) are the most common pathogens found in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and both are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer (CC) and infertility. HPV is extremely common worldwide, and scientists use it to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk genotypes. In addition, HPV transmission can occur via simple contact in the genital area. From 50 to 80% of sexually active individuals become infected with both C. trachomatis and HPV viruses during their lifetime, and up to 50% become infected with an HPV oncogenic genotype. The natural history of this coinfection is strongly conditioned by the balance between the host microbiome and immune condition and the infecting agent. Though the infection often regresses, it tends to persist throughout adult life asymptomatically and silently. The partnership between HPV and C. trachomatis is basically due to their similarities: common transmission routes, reciprocal advantages, and the same risk factors. C. trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacteria, similar to HPV, and an intracellular bacterium, which shows a unique biphasic development that helps the latter continue its steady progression into the host throughout the entire life. Indeed, depending on the individual's immune condition, the C. trachomatis infection tends to migrate toward the upper genital tract and spread to the uterus, and the fallopian tubes open up a pathway to HPV invasion. In addition, most HPV and C. trachomatis infections related to the female genital tract are facilitated by the decay of the first line of defense in the vaginal environment, which is constituted by a healthy vaginal microbiome that is characterized by a net equilibrium of all its components. Thus, the aim of this paper was to highlight the complexity and fragility of the vaginal microenvironment and accentuate the fundamental role of all elements and systems involved, including the Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus) and the immune-endocrine system, in preserving it from oncogenic mutation. Therefore, age, diet, and genetic predisposition together with an unspecific, persistent low-grade inflammatory state were found to be implicated in a high frequency and severity grade of disease, potentially resulting in pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions.

From Pathogens to Cancer: Are Cancer Cells Evolved Mitochondrial Super Cells?

Life is based on a highly specific combination of atoms, metabolism, and genetics which eventually reflects the chemistry of the Universe which is composed of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and carbon. The interaction of atomic, metabolic, and genetic cycles results in the organization and de-organization of chemical information of that which we consider as living entities, including cancer cells. In order to approach the problem of the origin of cancer it is therefore reasonable to start from the assumption that the sub-molecular level, the atomic structure, should be the considered starting point on which metabolism, genetics, and external insults eventually emanate. Second, it is crucial to characterize which of the entities and parts composing human cells may live a separate life; certainly, this theoretical standpoint would consider mitochondria, an organelle of "bacteria" origin embedded in conditions favorable for the onset of both. This organelle has not only been tolerated by immunity but has also been placed as a central regulator of cell defense. Virus, bacteria, and mitochondria are also similar in the light of genetic and metabolic elements; they share not only equivalent DNA and RNA features but also many basic biological activities. Thus, it is important to finalize that once the cellular integrity has been constantly broken down, the mitochondria like any other virus or bacteria return to their original autonomy to simply survive. The Warburg's law that states the ability of cancers to ferment glucose in the presence of oxygen, indicates mitochondria respiration abnormalities may be the underlying cause of this transformation towards super cancer cells. Though genetic events play a key part in altering biochemical metabolism, inducing aerobic glycolysis, this is not enough to impair mitochondrial function since mitochondrial biogenesis and quality control are constantly upregulated in cancers. While some cancers have mutations in the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, enzymes that produce oncogenic metabolites, there is also a bio-physic pathway for pathogenic mitochondrial genome mutations. The atomic level of all biological activities can be considered the very beginning, marked by the electron abnormal behavior that consequently affects DNA of both cells and mitochondria. Whilst the cell's nucleus DNA after a certain number of errors and defection tends to gradually switch off, the mitochondria DNA starts adopting several escape strategies, switching-on a few important genes that belong back at their original roots as independent beings. The ability to adopt this survival trick, by becoming completely immune to current life-threatening events, is probably the beginning of a differentiation process towards a "super-power cell", the cancer cells that remind many pathogens, including virus, bacteria, and fungi. Thus, here, we present a hypothesis regarding those changes that first begin at the mitochondria atomic level to steadily involve molecular, tissue and organ levels in response to the virus or bacteria constant insults that drive a mitochondria itself to become an "immortal cancer cell". Improved insights into this interplay between these pathogens and mitochondria progression may disclose newly epistemological paradigms as well as innovative procedures in targeting cancer cell progressive invasion.

In vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam against carbapenem-nonsusceptible Klebsiella penumoniae isolates collected during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a Southern Italy, multicenter, surveillance study.

OBJECTIVES: Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) represent a serious threat for human health being frequently resistant to most of available antibiotics classes. Recently, ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) has been approved for treatment of infections by Gram-negative bacteria, including class A CPE (including KPC-producing K. pneumoniae). Following CAZ/AVI commercialization, resistance to this combination has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of CAZ/AVI resistance among carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae(CR-Kp) isolates recovered from bloodstream infections (BSI) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), representative of the contemporary southern Italy epidemiology, during the first pandemic wave of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: From Jan...20-Jun...20, 4 Laboratories, collected all consecutive, non-replicated CR-Kp from BSIs and HAPs. All isolates were subjected to i) MALDI-ToF identification; ii) antimicrobial susceptibility testing by microdilution method. CAZ/AVI resistant (CAZ/AVI-R) isolates were screened for presence of most common carbapenemase genes and subjected to whole genome sequencing for characterization. RESULTS: A total of 89 isolates were collected. The majority of strains retained susceptibility to colistin, gentamicin and amikacin. Three strains (3/89, 3,4%) were CAZ/AVI-R (MIC range 16/4-64/4 mg/L). Among CAZ/AVI-R, one was KPC-type producer (an ST101) while the remaining where NDM-type and VIM-type producers and belonged to ST147, and ST45, respectively. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic period, in southern Italy, CAZ/AVI resistance remained infrequent but high-risk Klebsiella pneumoniae epidemic clones, producing the KPC-31 variant and class B carbapenamases were reported from some of the included centers.

Impact of a Multistep Bundles Intervention in the Management and Outcome of Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections: A Single-Center "Proof-of-Concept" Study.

Background: This is a "proof-of-concept" study aiming to evaluate the impact of a multistep bundles intervention in the management and outcomes of patients with gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSIs). Methods: This was a single-center, quasi-experimental design study. In the pre-phase (January 2019 to May 2020), patients were retrospectively enrolled. During the post-phase (June 2020 to September 2021), all patients were prospectively enrolled in a nonmandatory 3-step bundles intervention arm including (i) step 1: imaging to detect deep foci of infection, follow-up blood cultures and procalcitonin monitoring; (ii) step 2: early targeted antibiotic treatment and surgical source control; (iii) step 3: discontinuation of antibiotics within 7-10 days in case of uncomplicated BSI. Patients were followed up to 28 days from BSI onset. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Results: A total of 271 patients were enrolled: 127 and 144 in the pre- vs post-phase, respectively. Full application of step 1 (67% vs 42%; P < .001), step 2 (83% vs 72%; P = .031), and step 3 (54% vs 2%; P < .001) increased in the post-phase. Overall, the intervention reduced 28-day mortality (22% vs 35%, respectively; P = .016) and the median duration of total (11 vs 15 days; P < .001) and targeted (8 vs 12 days; P = .001) antibiotic therapy. Finally, the multivariate Cox regression confirmed the independent protective effect of adherence to step 1 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.63) and step 2 (aHR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29-0.81) on risk of 28-day mortality. Conclusions: Clinical management and outcomes of patients with GN-BSIs may be improved by providing a pre-established multistep bundles intervention.

Thoracic aorta graft infection by avibactam-resistant KPC-producing K. pneumoniae treated with meropenem/vaborbactam: a case report and literature review.

Meropenem/vaborbactam (M/V) is a new carbapenem-carbapenemase inhibitor combination drug active against extensively drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Studies about its efficacy and place in therapy are limited in "real-life" and no data are available for deep site infections, like vascular graft infections. We present a case of a patient successfully treated with M/V for a thoracic aorta graft infection, placed for a traumatic penetrating aortic ulcer, due to an extensively KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to ceftazidime/ avibactam. Furthermore, we conducted a systematic literature review concerning vascular graft infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and the papers published until now about the use of M/V for the treatment of ceftazidime/avibactam-resistant K. pneumoniae. Meropenem/vaborbactam is a promising antibiotic for difficult-to-treat Gram-negative bacteria with limited therapeutic options. Only few reports have been published and more studies are needed to assess which is the best place in therapy of M/V.

Tendency in Pulmonary Aspergillosis Investigation during the COVID-19 Era: What Is Changing?

Aspergillosis is a disease caused by Aspergillus, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is the most common invasive fungal infection leading to death in severely immuno-compromised patients. The literature reports Aspergillus co-infections in patients with COVID-19 (CAPA). Diagnosing CAPA clinically is complex since the symptoms are non-specific, and performing a bronchoscopy is difficult. Generally, the microbiological diagnosis of aspergillosis is based on cultural methods and on searching for the circulating antigens galactomannan and 1,3-ß-D-glucan in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (bGM) or serum (sGM). In this study, to verify whether the COVID-19 period has stimulated clinicians to pay greater attention to IPA in patients with respiratory tract infections, we evaluated the number of requests for GM-Ag research and the number of positive tests found during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. Our data show a significant upward trend in GM-Ag requests and positivity from the pre-COVID to COVID period, which is attributable in particular to the increase in IPA risk factors as a complication of COVID-19. In the COVID period, parallel to the increase in requests, the number of positive tests for GM-Ag also increased, going from 2.5% in the first period of 2020 to 12.3% in the first period of 2021.

Anaerobic bloodstream infections in Italy (ITANAEROBY): A 5-year retrospective nationwide survey.

INTRODUCTION: A lack of updated data on the burden and profile of anaerobic bloodstream infections (ABIs) exists. We assessed the incidence of ABIs and trends in antimicrobial resistance in anaerobes isolated from blood in Italy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on 17 Italian hospitals (2016-2020). Anaerobes isolated from blood culture and their in vitro susceptibility profiles (EUCAST-interpreted) were registered and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1960 ABIs were identified. The mean age of ABIs patients was 68.6 ± 18.5 years, 57.6% were males. The overall incidence rate of ABIs was 1.01 per 10.000 patient-days. Forty-seven% of ABIs occurred in medical wards, 17% in ICUs, 14% in surgical wards, 7% in hemato-oncology, 14% in outpatients. The three most common anti-anaerobic tested drugs were metronidazole (92%), clindamycin (89%) and amoxicillin/clavulanate (83%). The three most common isolated anaerobes were Bacteroides fragilis (n = 529), Cutibacterium acnes (n = 262) and Clostridium perfringens (n = 134). The lowest resistance rate (1.5%) was to carbapenems, whereas the highest rate (51%) was to penicillin. Clindamycin resistance was >20% for Bacteroides spp., Prevotella spp. and Clostridium spp. Metronidazole resistance was 9.2% after excluding C. acnes and Actinomyces spp. Bacteroides spp. showed an increased prevalence of clindamycin resistance through the study period: 19% in 2016, 33% in 2020 (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology of ABIs in Italy, filling a gap that has existed since 1995. Caution is needed when clindamycin is used as empirical anti-anaerobic drug.

Role of lizards as reservoirs of pathogenic yeasts of zoonotic concern.

Reptiles have become popular exotic pets and in some parts of the world, they are used as important source of food, medicines, and materials. Synanthropic lizards are recognized as reservoirs of viruses, bacteria, and parasites but their role in dissemination of zoonotic pathogenic yeasts in the environment was never investigated. Therefore, fecal samples (n=177) from Podarcis siculus (Italian wall lizard), Chalcides ocellatus (Ocellated skink) and Tarentola mauritanica (Moorish gecko) were collected and yeasts were isolated and identified biochemically and molecularly by sequencing the rDNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS). The phylogenetical relationship of isolated yeast species and their antifungal susceptibility profiles to ten antifungal agents were also assessed. Sixty samples (n=60/177; 33.9%) scored positive for yeasts, with the highest occurrence in C. ocellatus (n=11/17; 64.7%) and the highest variety of species in P. siculus (n=11/12; 91.6%). A total of 364 isolates belonging to Candida, Trichosporon, Saccharomyces and Geotrichum genera were molecularly identified. In particular, Candida albicans (n=160; 44%) followed by Trichosporon coremiiforme (n=44; 12.1%), Pichia kudriavzevii (n=32; 8.8%) and Trichosporon asahii (n=28; 7.7%) were the most frequently isolated species. The phylogenetic tree grouped all representative sequence types within the clade including Candida spp. strains from different geographical areas and from animal species, including human. All tested strains showed high susceptibility to the assayed antifungal drugs. This study suggests the role of lizards as reservoirs and spreaders of zoonotic pathogenic yeasts in the environment. The absence of resistance phenomena in the isolated yeasts might reflect an environment free of azole antifungal pollution or chemicals, suggesting the usefulness of these animals as bio indicators of environment quality.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) as Reservoir of Zoonotic Yeasts: Bioindicator of Environmental Quality.

Wildlife animals are recognized as reservoirs for zoonotic fungi and their faeces might play an important role in introducing pathogens into the environment. Thought wild boar (Sus scrofa) population has dramatically increased across Europe, information about their possible role in dissemination of zoonotic pathogenic yeasts in the environment is scant. Therefore, fecal samples (n = 124) from wild boars from Campania region (Southern Italy) were collected and yeasts identified biochemically and molecularly by sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region and their phylogenetical relationship assessed. The antifungal susceptibility profiles of yeasts were also investigated using AFST-EUCAST method. Yeasts were isolated from 50.1% of the samples with the highest occurrence in samples from the province of Salerno (61.1%). A total of 368 Candida strains belonging to nine species were identified, with Candida albicans (45.7%), followed by Candida krusei (15.2%), Kazachstania slooffiae (9.8%) and Candida parapsilosis (7.6%) as the most prevalent identified species. Among C. albicans four sequence types (i.e., ST1-ST4) were identified with an intraspecific nucleotide difference up to 0.21%. The ML tree grouped all representative sequence types as paraphyletic clades with those of the references yeast species, respectively and supported by high bootstrap values. Fluconazole was the less active drug whereas, posaconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazole the most active one. No resistance phenomena were observed for C. albicans and high MICs values for 5FC, azoles and echinocandines were registered in non-albicans Candida spp. This study showed, for the first time, the important role of wild boars in dissemination of pathogenic fungi in the environment. The absence of resistance phenomena in the Candida spp. might reflect environmental free from residues of azoles antifungals pollution or chemicals and suggests the role of wild boar as bio indicators of environment quality.

Emerging issue of fluconazole-resistant candidemia in a tertiary care hospital of southern italy: time for antifungal stewardship program.

An increased number of patients is at risk of Candida spp. bloodstream infection (CBSI) in modern medicine. Moreover, the rising of antifungal resistance (AR) was recently reported. All consecutive CBSI occurred in our Hospital (consisting of 1,370 beds) between 2015 and 2018, were reviewed. For each case, Candida species, AR pattern, ward involved and demographic data of patients were recorded. Overall, 304 episodes of CBSI occurred, with a median (q1:first-,q3:third quartile) of 77 (71-82) CBSI/year. Over the years, a significant increase of CBSI due to C. albicans compared to non-albicans strains was recorded in medical wards (from 65% to 71%, p=0.030), while this ratio remained stable in others. An increase of resistant strains to multiple antifungals such as C. guillermondii was noticed in recent years (from 0% to 9.8%, p=0.008). Additionally, from 2015 to 2018 an increase in fluconazole-resistance was recorded in our Hospital (from 7.4% to 17.4%, p=0.025) and a slight increase in voriconazole-resistance (from 0% to 7% in 2018, p=0.161) was observed, while resistance to echinocandin and amphotericin B remained firmly below 2%. This study suggests a rapid spread of antifungal resistance in our Hospital; therefore, an appropriate antifungal stewardship programs is urgently warranted.

Meropenem/vaborbactam activity in vitro: a new option for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae treatment.

Aim: Infections by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae represent a major challenge because of limited treatment strategies. New ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitor associations may help to deal with this challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro susceptibility of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae for meropenem/vaborbactam in comparison with ceftazidime/avibactam against. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight strains isolated from blood cultures were evaluated. Testing for susceptibility to meropenem/vaborbactam and ceftazidime/avibactam was performed by E-test gradient strip. Results: All the clinical isolates were susceptible to meropenem/vaborbactam, while one strain was resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam with a MIC of 32 µg/ml. The median MIC of ceftazidime/avibactam evaluated after standardization was higher compared with that of meropenem/vaborbactam. Conclusion: Meropenem/vaborbactam could be an important turning point in the treatment of KPC-producing K. pneumoniae infections, especially considering the emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance.

Lay abstract Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is responsible, in critically ill patients, for nosocomial infections that are difficult to treat due to limited therapeutic options. Today, new antibiotics are available for treating these infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of meropenem/vaborbactam versus ceftazidime/avibactam. The results demonstrate that meropenem/vaborbactam could be an important turning point in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae infections, considering the emergence of ceftazidime/avibactam resistance.