Increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella associated with MSM transmission in Barcelona, 2020-21: outbreak of XRD Shigella sonnei and dissemination of ESBL-producing Shigella flexneri.

BACKGROUND: Several countries have recently reported the detection of ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei associated with transmission among MSM. In a previous study by our group, 2.8% of Shigella spp. obtained from MSM in Barcelona between 2015 and 2019 were ESBL producers. OBJECTIVES: To describe and characterize the emerging ESBL-producing Shigella spp. associated with sexual transmission among MSM detected from 2020 to 2021 in Barcelona, elucidating their connectivity with contemporaneous ESBL-producing Shigella spp. from other countries. RESULTS: From 2020 to 2021, we identified that among MSM, 68% of S. sonnei were XDR harbouring blaCTX-M-27 and 14% of Shigella flexneri were MDR harbouring blaCTX-M-27. WGS analysis showed that the ESBL-producing S. sonnei were part of a monophyletic cluster, which included isolates responsible for the prolonged outbreak occurring in the UK. Our data also reveal the first emergence and clonal dissemination of ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant S. flexneri 2a among MSM. CONCLUSIONS: We report an increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella spp. among MSM in Barcelona since 2021, mainly as a consequence of the dissemination of XDR ESBL-producing S. sonnei, previously reported in the UK. These results highlight the importance of international collaborative surveillance of MDR/XDR S. sonnei and S. flexneri for rapid identification of their emergence and the prevention of the transmission of these pathogens.

Time to decision in sepsis / Tiempo para la toma de decisiones en sepsis

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the common barriers leading to delayed initial management, microbiological diagnosis, and appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment in sepsis. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed by the application of a population-based survey. Four different surveys were designed, targeting the healthcare personnel located in main hospital areas [emergency department (SEMES); infectious diseases and clinical microbiology-microbiological diagnosis (SEIMC-M); intensive care and infectious diseases, (SEMICYUC-GTEIS); and infectious diseases and clinical microbiology-clinical diagnosis, (SEIMC-C)]. Results: A total of 700 valid surveys were collected from June to November 2019: 380 (54.3%) of SEMES, 127 (18.1%) of SEIMC-M, 97 (13.9%) de SEMICYUC-GTEIS and 96 (13.7%) of SEIMC-C, in 270 hospitals of all levels of care. The qSOFA score was used as a screening tool. The most used biomarker was procalcitonin (n=92, 39.8%). The sepsis code was implemented in 157 of 235 participating centers (66.2%), particularly in tertiary level hospitals. The mean frequency of contaminated blood cultures was 8.9% (8.7). In 85 (78.7%) centers, positive results of blood cultures were available within the first 72 hours and were communicated to the treating physician effectively by phone or e-mail in 76 (81.7%) cases. The main reason for escalating treatment was clinical deterioration, and the reason for de-escalating antimicrobials was significantly different between the specialties. Quality indicators were not frequently monitored among the different participating centers. Conclusion: There are significant barriers that hinder adequate management processes in sepsis in Spanish hospitals. (AU)

Introducción: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las barreras comunes que conducen al retraso en el manejo inicial, el diagnóstico microbiológico y el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico adecuado en la sepsis. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal mediante la aplicación de una encuesta de base poblacional. Se diseñaron cuatro encuestas diferentes, dirigidas al personal de salud ubicado en las principales áreas hospitalarias [urgencias (SEMES); enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica-diagnóstico microbiológico (SEIMC-M); cuidados intensivos y enfermedades infecciosas (SEMICYUC-GTEIS); y enfermedades infecciosas y microbiología clínica-diagnóstico clínico, (SEIMC-C)]. Resultados: Se recogieron un total de 700 encuestas válidas de junio a noviembre de 2019: 380 (54,3%) de SEMES, 127 (18,1%) de SEIMC-M, 97 (13,9%) de SEMICYUC-GTEIS y 96 (13,7%) de la SEIMC-C, en 270 hospitales de todos los niveles de atención. El qSOFA se utilizó principalmente como herramienta de detección. El biomarcador más utilizado fue la procalcitonina (n=92, 39,8%). El código sepsis estaba implementado en 157 de 235 centros participantes (66,2%), particularmente en hospitales de tercer nivel. La frecuencia media de hemocultivos contaminados fue del 8,9% (8,7). En 85 (78,7%) de los centros, los resultados de los hemocultivos positivos estuvieron disponibles en las primeras 72 horas y se comunicaron al médico responsable del paciente por teléfono o correo electrónico en 76 casos (81,7%). El motivo principal de la escalada del tratamiento fue el deterioro clínico y el motivo de la desescalada de los antimicrobianos fue significativamente diferente entre las especialidades. Los indicadores de calidad no se monitorizaban con frecuencia en los diferentes centros. Conclusión: Existen importantes barreras que dificultan los procesos de manejo adecuado de la sepsis en los hospitales españoles. (AU)

Time to decision in sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the common barriers leading to delayed initial management, microbiological diagnosis, and appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment in sepsis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed by the application of a population-based survey. Four different surveys were designed, targeting the healthcare personnel located in main hospital areas [emergency department (SEMES); infectious diseases and clinical microbiology-microbiological diagnosis (SEIMC-M); intensive care and infectious diseases, (SEMICYUC-GTEIS); and infectious diseases and clinical microbiology-clinical diagnosis, (SEIMC-C)]. RESULTS: A total of 700 valid surveys were collected from June to November 2019: 380 (54.3%) of SEMES, 127 (18.1%) of SEIMC-M, 97 (13.9%) de SEMICYUC-GTEIS and 96 (13.7%) of SEIMC-C, in 270 hospitals of all levels of care. The qSOFA score was used as a screening tool. The most used biomarker was procalcitonin (n=92, 39.8%). The sepsis code was implemented in 157 of 235 participating centers (66.2%), particularly in tertiary level hospitals. The mean frequency of contaminated blood cultures was 8.9% (8.7). In 85 (78.7%) centers, positive results of blood cultures were available within the first 72 hours and were communicated to the treating physician effectively by phone or e-mail in 76 (81.7%) cases. The main reason for escalating treatment was clinical deterioration, and the reason for de-escalating antimicrobials was significantly different between the specialties. Quality indicators were not frequently monitored among the different participating centers. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant barriers that hinder adequate management processes in sepsis in Spanish hospitals.

A side-by-side comparison of the performance and time-and-motion data of VITEK MS.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry systems are designed for rapid and reliable microbial identification. VITEK MS PRIME is the bioMérieux's new generation instrument equipped with a continuous load-and-go sample loading system, urgent slide prioritization for critical patient samples and new internal components for faster identification. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of VITEK MS PRIME and to compare it to that of the VITEK MS system. In addition, at two sites, we performed a time-and-motion study to evaluate the efficiency of sample analysis from colony picking to slide removal from the instrument. We analyzed by VITEK MS and VITEK MS PRIME a total of 1413 isolates (1320 bacterial and 76 yeast) deriving from routine diagnostic samples that came into four laboratories in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. VITEK MS PRIME and VITEK MS were concordant to the species and genus level for 1354/1413 (95.8%) and to the species level for 1341/1413 (94.9%). The identification and concordance rates in individual centers were largely homogenous. Overall, VITEK MS PRIME identified 1370/1413 (97.0%) of isolates compared to 1367/1413 (96.7%) identified by VITEK MS. Identification rates were consistently high for all microorganism categories. A time-and-motion study showed that the use of VITEK MS PRIME was associated with significant time saving. VITEK MS PRIME performs as well as VITEK MS and reduces the time necessary for pathogen identification. To fully optimize the laboratory process and obtain maximum efficiency, VITEK MS PRIME must be integrated into the laboratory workflow.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture growth rates from asymptomatic individuals with a positive nucleic acid amplification test.

Gonorrhoea infections are frequently diagnosed at extragenital locations in asymptomatic individuals and are historically related to poor recovery in culture, which hinders antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The aim of this study was to evaluate recovery rates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by culture among asymptomatic individuals who tested positive by nucleic acid amplification tests between 2018 and 2019 in Barcelona (Spain). In total, 10 396 individuals were tested for N. gonorrhoeae on first-void urine, rectal, pharyngeal and/or vaginal swabs depending on sexual behaviour. Overall infection prevalence was 5·5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5·0-5·9). Seven hundred and ten samples were positive corresponding to 567 individuals. The most common site of infection was the pharynx (71·3%), followed by rectum (23·1%) and genitals (4·7%) (P < 0·0001). The N. gonorrhoeae recovery rate in culture, time from positive screening to culture specimen and inoculation delay were calculated. Recovery rate was 21·7% in pharynx, 66·9% in rectum and 37·0% in genitals (25·0% vagina, 71·4% urethra) (P < 0·0001). Median culture collection time was 1 [0; 3] days, and median inoculation delay was 5·01 [4·99-7·99] h, with no impact on N. gonorrhoeae recovery, P = 0·8367 and P = 0·7670, respectively. Despite efforts towards optimizing pre-analytical conditions, the N. gonorrhoeae recovery rate in asymptomatic individuals is unacceptably low (especially for pharynx), representing a problem for monitoring antimicrobial-resistant infections.

Pertactin-Deficient Bordetella pertussis with Unusual Mechanism of Pertactin Disruption, Spain, 1986-2018.

Bordetella pertussis not expressing pertactin has increased in countries using acellular pertussis vaccines (ACV). The deficiency is mostly caused by pertactin gene disruption by IS481. To assess the effect of the transition from whole-cell vaccine to ACV on the emergence of B. pertussis not expressing pertactin in Spain, we studied 342 isolates collected during 1986-2018. We identified 93 pertactin-deficient isolates. All were detected after introduction of ACV and represented 38% of isolates collected during the ACV period; 58.1% belonged to a genetic cluster of isolates carrying the unusual prn::del(-292, 1340) mutation. Pertactin inactivation by IS481 insertion was identified in 23.7% of pertactin-deficient isolates, arising independently multiple times and in different phylogenetic branches. Our findings support the emergence and dissemination of a cluster of B. pertussis with an infrequent mechanism of pertactin disruption in Spain, probably resulting from introduction of ACV.

Circulation of multi-drug-resistant Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Spain, 2015-2019.

BACKGROUND: In high-income countries, shigellosis is mainly found in travellers to high-risk regions or in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated the genomic characteristics and the features of antimicrobial resistance of MSM-associated Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei circulating in Barcelona, Spain, elucidating their connectivity with contemporaneous Shigella spp. from other countries. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility, whole-genome sequencing, genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis were performed in MSM-associated Shigella spp. recovered from 2015 to 2019. Reference genomes of MSM-associated Shigella spp. were included for contextualization and to determine their connection with international outbreaks. RESULTS: In total, 44 S. flexneri and 26 S. sonnei were identified among MSM. Overall, 80% showed resistance to azithromycin, 65.7% showed resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and 32.8% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin; 27.1% were resistant to all three antimicrobials. mphA and/or ermB, and qnrS and mutations in the quinolone resistance determining regions were found in the azithromycin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, respectively. Additionally, two isolates carried blaCTX-M-27. Single-nucleotide-polymorphism-based analysis revealed that the isolates were organized into different lineages, most of which were closely related to dominant MSM-associated lineages described previously in the UK and Australia. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the circulation of lineages of S. flexneri and S. sonnei among MSM in Spain that were mainly resistant to first-/second-line oral treatments, and closely related to dominant MSM-associated lineages described previously in the UK and Australia. These data reinforce the urgent need for the implementation of public health measures focusing on the early detection and prevention of transmission of this emerging pathogen, which is contributing to the antimicrobial resistance crisis in sexually transmitted infections.

Pesticide exposure and gender discrepancy in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE: It is biologically plausible that occupational and environmental pesticide exposure may contribute to breast cancer risk. Persistent chemical compounds, such as pesticides, tend to be lipophilic and are detected in human breast milk and adipose tissue. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to clarify the gender difference in breast cancer concerning pesticide exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 70 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. RESULTS: From the studies analyzed, it was observed that exposure to pesticides could be a risk factor for breast cancer in women, in particular in young women and in women who experienced menarche at a young age. In contrast, no association was found for breast cancer in men. Female breast cancer is correlated with estrogen receptor-negative tumor characteristics. Breast cancer in men was no correlated with pesticide exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer in women has been linked to estrogen receptor positivity, but this positivity appears to be inversely related to fertility. The estrogen-like effects of organochlorine pesticides could be the cause of the observed gender differences.

Evaluation of the impact of the European Code against Cancer on awareness and attitudes towards cancer prevention at the population and health promoters' levels.

INTRODUCTION: The European Code against Cancer (ECAC) informs the public on steps to take to reduce their cancer risk. Despite over three decades of promotion, no systematic evaluation of its impact has yet been carried out. This study aimed to address the gap in knowledge regarding the impact of the ECAC. METHODS: An online survey targeting adults in the general population was conducted and analysed by age, gender, and country, both descriptive and mutually adjusted in logistic regression analyses. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with health promotion professionals from not-for-profit organisations in Europe were conducted and a qualitative thematic analysis was carried out for each interview. RESULTS: 8171 people from eight European countries responded to the survey. Although 70 % of respondents were aware of cancer prevention guidance, a low percentage of participants had previously heard about the ECAC (2% in UK to 21 % in Hungary and Poland). Females were more likely to make lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of cancer (odds ratio = 1.17; 95 % confidence interval: 1.05-1.29). Twenty-eight online semi-structured interviews with professionals were conducted covering 25 countries. Regional variation in the methods and target groups of the promotion and dissemination of the ECAC was reported. CONCLUSION: Whilst familiarity with the ECAC in the general public is low, professionals frequently use it as a basis for informing population-level actions. Future editions should be accompanied by a systematic evaluation of the ECAC investigating the impact upon society.

Effects of the neuromuscular bandage as rehabilitative treatment of patients with drooling and intellectual disability: an interventional study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to assess the effect of neurological bandages (Kinesio Taping) for managing saliva flow in patients with drooling and intellectual disability. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study included 30 patients (20 male and 10 female participants) mean age of 15 years with intellectual disability and drooling [Public Special Education Centre in Cartagena (Murcia, Spain)]. Treatment consisted of the application of a strip of neuromuscular bandage applied in the suprahyoid area for a 3-month period. Efficacy was assessed by means of three clinical scales: the Sialorrhea clinical scale, the drooling rating scale and the drooling impact scale. These evaluations were performed at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of intervention. RESULTS: Clinical improvements were obtained, showing statistically significant reductions in drooling after 1 month (P < 0.001) and 3 months (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of neuromuscular bandages in the suprahyoid muscle area can be a useful option for managing drooling in patients with intellectual disability.

Association of orthogeriatric services with long-term mortality in patients with hip fracture.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the comprehensive orthogeriatric care model (OGM) on 2-year survival, length of stay (LOS), discharges to nursing homes, and antiosteoporotic treatment (AOT) in patients with hip fracture. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. Hospitals were classified as OGM if the patient was cared for in a comprehensive orthogeriatric unit. We included data from patients ≥ 65 years old discharged between 2012 and 2013. The main outcome was 12- and 24-month mortality. The variables collected were sex, type of fracture, comorbidities, AOT, LOS, and discharge to nursing homes. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier method and comparison with Mantel-Haenszel test. Factors associated with death were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS: First admissions in the 12 (out of 32) hospitals with OGM were 3580 of 9215 (38.8%). Patients in OGM had more comorbidities and discharges to nursing homes, shorter LOS, and less prescription of AOT. Two years after the admission the deceased patients were 3000 (32.6%). The survival was lower in males (p < 0.001), in the older age groups (p < 0.001), and in patients with Charlson > 1 (p < 0.001). Factors associated with increased risk of death at 12 and 24 months (logistic regression) were male gender, age and Charlson > 1, while care in the OGM decreased the risk. OGM benefited more patients > 80 years and those with Charlson < 1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted in OGM have shorter stays, more discharges to nursing homes, lower prescription of AOT, and better 12- and 24-month survival adjusted by sex, age, and comorbidities compared to non-OGM care.

Differential involvement of synovial adipokines in pain and physical function in female patients with knee osteoarthritis. A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Adipokines have been reported to play a role in the development, progression and severity of knee osteoarthritis but the influence of the different adipokines are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between different synovial fluid adipokines with pain and disability knee osteoarthritis patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with systematic inclusion of 115 symptomatic primary knee osteoarthritis female patients with ultrasound-confirmed joint effusion. Age, physical exercise, symptoms duration and different anthropometric measurements were collected. Radiographic severity was evaluated according to Kellgren-Lawrence scale. Pain and disability were assessed by WOMAC-total, -pain, -function subscales and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain and function scales. Seven adipokines and three inflammatory markers were measured by ELISA in synovial fluid. Partial Correlation Coefficient (PCC) and corresponding 95% confidence interval were used as a measure of association. RESULTS: Leptin, osteopontin and inflammatory factors, especially TNF-alpha, were associated to pain and function. After adjustment for potential confounders including inflammatory factors and all adipokines, an association was found for adiponectin with pain (PCC 0.240 [0.012, 0.444]) and for resistin and visfatin with function (PCC 0.336 [0.117, 0.524] and -0.262 [-0.463, -0.036]). No other adipokines or inflammatory markers were statistically and independently associated. An association between physical exercise and pain and disability remained after adjustment, whereas an attenuation of the influence of anthropometric measurements was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Different patterns of association between synovial fluid adipokines were observed regarding pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis patients. Specifically, adiponectin was associated to pain while resistin and visfatin were mainly related to function.

Impact of Staphylococcus aureus phenotype and genotype on the clinical characteristics and outcome of infective endocarditis. A multicentre, longitudinal, prospective, observational study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the impact of Staphylococcus aureus phenotype (vancomycin MIC) and genotype (agr group, clonal complex CC) on the prognosis and clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS: We performed a multicentre, longitudinal, prospective, observational study (June 2013 to March 2016) in 15 Spanish hospitals. Two hundred and thirteen consecutive adults (≥18 years) with a definite diagnosis of S. aureus IE were included. Primary outcome was death during hospital stay. Main secondary end points were persistent bacteraemia, sepsis/septic shock, peripheral embolism and osteoarticular involvement. RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality was 37% (n = 72). Independent risk factors for death were age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.08-1.34), congestive heart failure (OR 3.60; 95% CI 1.72-7.50), symptomatic central nervous system complication (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.41-7.11) and severe sepsis/septic shock (OR 4.41; 95% CI 2.18-8.96). In the subgroup of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus IE (n = 173), independent risk factors for death were the age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.03-1.31), congestive heart failure (OR 3.39; 95% CI 1.51-7.64), new conduction abnormality (OR 4.42; 95% CI 1.27-15.34), severe sepsis/septic shock (OR 5.76; 95% CI 2.57-12.89) and agr group III (OR 0.27; 0.10-0.75). Vancomycin MIC ≥1.5 mg/L was not independently associated with death during hospital nor was it related to secondary end points. No other genotype variables were independently associated with in-hospital death. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study to assess the impact of S. aureus phenotype and genotype. Phenotype and genotype provided no additional predictive value beyond conventional clinical characteristics. No evidence was found to justify therapeutic decisions based on vancomycin MIC for either methicillin-resistant or methicillin-susceptible S. aureus.

The clinical significance of pneumonia in patients with respiratory specimens harbouring multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a 5-year retrospective study following 5667 patients in four general ICUs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of pneumonia in intensive care units (ICUs), with multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains posing a serious threat. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical relevance of MDR Pseudomonas isolates in respiratory clinical specimens. A 5-year retrospective observational study in four medical-surgical ICUs from a referral hospital was carried out. Of 5667 adults admitted to the ICU, 69 had MDR-PA in respiratory samples: 31 were identified as having pneumonia (HAP/VAP): 21 ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ten hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Twenty-one (67.7%) adults with MDR-PA HAP/VAP died after a median of 4 days (18 of the 21 deaths within 8 days), compared with one (2.6%) without pneumonia at day 8. In a Cox proportional regression model, MDR-PA pneumonia was an independent variable [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 5.92] associated with 30-day ICU mortality. Most strains (85.1%) were susceptible to amikacin and colistin. Resistance to beta-lactams (third-generation cephalosporins and piperacillin-tazobactam) ranged from 44.1% to 45.3%. Meropenem showed poor overall activity (MIC[50/90] 16/32 mg/dL), with 47.0% having a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoint >8 mg/L. Twenty-four (77.4%) HAP/VAP episodes received inappropriate empirical therapy. Although empirical combination therapy was associated with less inappropriate therapy than monotherapy (16.7% vs. 88.3%, p < 0.01), there was no difference in survival (30% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.8). Pneumonia was identified in one-third of adult ICU patients harbouring MDR-PA in respiratory clinical specimens. These patients have a 6-fold risk of (early) death compared to ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) and respiratory colonisation. New antibiotics and adjuvant therapies are urgently needed to prevent and treat MDR-PA HAP/VAP.

Infections in intensive care unit adult patients harboring multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: implications for prevention and therapy.

The purpose of this paper was to report the burden and characteristics of infection by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) in clinical samples from intensive care unit (ICU) adults, and to identify predictors. This was a retrospective observational study at four medical-surgical ICUs. The case cohort comprised adults with documented isolation of an MDR-PA strain from a clinical specimen during ICU stay. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors for MDR-PA infection. During the study period, 5667 patients were admitted to the ICU and P. aeruginosa was isolated in 504 (8.8%). MDR-PA was identified in 142 clinical samples from 104 patients (20.6%); 62 (43.6%) of these samples appeared to be true infections. One hundred and eighteen (83.1%) isolates were susceptible only to amikacin and colistin, and 13 (9.2%) were susceptible only to colistin. Overall, the MIC50 to meropenem was 16 µg/mL and the MIC90 was >32 µg/mL, with 60.4% of respiratory samples being MIC >32 µg/mL to meropenem. Independent predictors for MDR-PA infection were fever/hypothermia [odds ratio (OR) 9.09], recent antipseudomonal cephalosporin therapy (OR 6.31), vasopressors at infection onset (OR 4.40), and PIRO (predisposition, infection, response, and organ dysfunction) score >2 (OR 2.06). This study provides novel information that may be of use for the clinical management of patients harboring MDR-PA and for the control of the spread of this organism.

High prevalence of cardiovascular co-morbidities in patients with symptomatic knee or hand osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency of cardiovascular events (CVEs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with symptomatic knee or hand osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: A cross-sectional study conducted by rheumatologists in a primary care setting. Consecutive symptomatic patients with primary knee or hand OA were included and patients with soft tissue conditions served as the control group. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and CVEs consisting of myocardial infarction, angina, or cerebrovascular disease were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 254 OA patients (184 with knee OA and 70 with hand OA) and 254 control patients were included. The frequency of obesity was higher in all OA groups and hypertension was more frequent in knee OA. MetS was significantly more frequent in patients with OA as a whole group and in knee or hand OA groups separately (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.007, respectively, vs. control group), with odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-4.55 in the OA group, OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.15-4.54 in the knee OA group, and OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.15-6.19 in the hand OA group. A higher prevalence of CVEs in the three OA groups was observed compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A high frequency of MetS and CVEs was observed in OA patients in a primary care setting.

Comprehensive clinical and epidemiological assessment of colonisation and infection due to carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Most available information on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is usually associated with specific types of infection or patient or with descriptions of outbreaks. The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyse the clinical epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes of colonisation and infections due to CPE in Spain. METHODS: A multicentre prospective cohort study was carried out in 34 Spanish hospitals from February to May 2013. All new patients testing positive for CPE in clinical samples were included. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 245 cases were included. The most frequent organism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (74%) and the carbapenemases belonged to the OXA-48 (74%), metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL) (24%) and KPC (2%) groups. Acquisition was nosocomial in 145 cases (60%) and healthcare-associated (HCA) in 91 (37%); 42% of the latter were nursing home residents, in whom OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae ST405 predominated. MBLs and OXA-48 predominated in ICU and medical patients, respectively. Overall, 67% of patients had infections. The most frequent infections identified in this study were urinary tract (43%) and skin structure (21%) infections, and 10% of infections were bacteraemic. Crude mortality was 20%. Inappropriate antibiotic therapy was independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR = 3.30; 95% CI: 1.34-8.11). CONCLUSIONS: We found some differences in the epidemiology of CPE depending on the type of carbapenemase produced. Although a low proportion of CPE infections were bacteraemic, active antibiotic therapy was a protective factor for reducing mortality.

Impact of influenza season and environmental factors on the clinical presentation and outcome of invasive pneumococcal disease.

Influenza and meteorological factors have been associated with increases in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). However, scant data regarding the impact of influenza and the environment on the clinical presentation of IPD are available. An observational study of all adults hospitalized with IPD was performed between 1996 and 2012 in our hospital. The incidence of IPD correlated with the incidence rates of influenza and with environmental data. A negative binominal regression was used to assess the relationship between these factors. Clinical presentation of IPD during the influenza and non-influenza periods was compared. During the study, 1,150 episodes of IPD were diagnosed. After adjusting for confounding variables, factors correlating with the rates of IPD were the incidence of influenza infection (IRR 1.229, 95% CI 1.025-1.472) and the average ambient temperature (IRR 0.921, 95% CI 0.88-0.964). Patients with IPD during the influenza period had a worse respiratory status. A greater proportion of patients had respiratory failure (45.6% vs 52%, p = 0.032) and higher requirements for ICU admission (19.3% vs 24.7%, p = 0.018) and mechanical ventilation (11% vs 15.1%, p = 0.038). When we stratified by invasiveness of pneumococcal serotypes and the presence of comorbid conditions, the increase in the severity of clinical presentation was focused on healthy adults with IPD caused by nonhighly invasive serotypes. Beyond the increase in the burden of IPD associated with influenza, a more severe clinical pattern of pneumococcal disease was observed in the influenza period. This effect varied according to pneumococcal serotype, host comorbidities, and age.

[Empirical antimicrobial therapy in ICU admitted patients. Influence of microbiological confirmation on the length of treatment]. / Influencia de la confirmación microbiológica en la duración y adaptación del tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico de los pacientes ingresados en UCI.

Introduction. Most patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units (ICU) receive antimicrobial treatment. A proper therapeutic strategy may be useful in decreasing inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatments. When the infection is not microbiologically confirmed, the antimicrobial streamlining may be difficult. Nevertheless, there is scant information about the influence of the microbiological confirmation of the infections on empirical antimicrobial treatment duration. Method. Post-hoc analysis of prospective data (ENVIN-UCI register) and observational study of patients admitted (> 24 hours) in a medico-surgical ICU, through the three-months annual surveillance interval for a period of ten years, receiving antimicrobial treatment for treating an infection. Demographic, infection and microbiological data were collected as well as empirical antimicrobial treatment and causes of adaptation. The main goal was to establish the influence of microbiological confirmation on empirical antimicrobial treatment duration. Results. During the study period 1,526 patients were included, 1,260 infections were diagnosed and an empirical antibiotic treatment was started in 1,754 cases. Infections were microbiologically confirmed in 1,073 (62.2%) of the empirical antibiotic treatment. In 593 (55.3%) cases, the antimicrobial treatment was considered appropriate. The main cause of treatment adaptation in the microbiologically confirmed infections was streamlining (39%). The microbiological confirmation of the infection was not associated with significantly shorter empirical antibiotic treatments (6.6 ± 5.2 VS. 6.8 ± 4.5 days). Conclusion. The microbiological confirmation of infections in patients admitted to UCI was associated with a higher reduction of antimicrobial spectrum, although had no effect on the length of empirical antimicrobial therapy.