Pharmacotherapeutic Interventions in People Living With HIV Undergoing Solid Organ Transplantation: A Scoping Review.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) undergoing solid organ transplantation (SOT) is clinically challenging, mainly due to the frequent occurrence of complex drug-drug interactions. Although various strategies have been proposed to improve treatment outcomes in these patients, several uncertainties remain, and consensus practice guidelines are just beginning to emerge. The main objective of this scoping review was to map the extent of the literature on the pharmacotherapeutic interventions performed by healthcare professionals for PLWHIV undergoing SOT. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane databases as well as gray literature for articles published between January 2010 and February 2020. Study selection was performed by at least 2 independent reviewers. Articles describing pharmacotherapeutic interventions in PLWHIV considered for or undergoing SOT were included in the study. Results: Of the 12 599 references identified through our search strategy, 209 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that the vast majority of reported pharmacotherapeutic interventions concerned the management of immunosuppressive and antimicrobial therapy, including antiretrovirals. Analysis of the data demonstrated that for several aspects of the pharmacotherapeutic management of PLWHIV undergoing SOT, there were differing practices, such as the choice of immunosuppressive induction and maintenance therapy. Other important aspects of patient management, such as patient counseling, were rarely reported. Conclusions: Our results constitute an extensive overview of current practices in the pharmacotherapeutic management of SOT in PLWHIV and identify knowledge gaps that should be addressed to help improve patient care in this specific population.

Validation of saliva sampling as an alternative to oro-nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 using unextracted rRT-PCR with the Allplex 2019-nCoV assay.

Introduction. The current severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has stressed the global supply chain for specialized equipment, including flocked swabs.Hypothesis. Saliva could be a potential alternative specimen source for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR).Aim. To compare the detection efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva and oro-nasopharyngeal swab (ONPS) specimens.Methodology. Patients recruited from hospital provided paired saliva and ONPS specimens. We performed manual or automated RT-PCR with prior proteinase K treatment without RNA extraction using the Seegene Allplex 2019 nCoV assay.Results. Of the 773 specimen pairs, 165 (21.3 %) had at least one positive sample. Additionally, 138 specimens tested positive by both sampling methods. Fifteen and 12 cases were detected only by nasopharyngeal swab and saliva, respectively. The sensitivity of ONPS (153/165; 92.7 %; 95 % CI: 88.8-96.7) was similar to that of saliva (150/165; 90.9 %; 95 % CI: 86.5-95.3; P=0.5). In patients with symptoms for ≤ 10 days, the sensitivity of ONPS (118/126; 93.7 %; 95 % CI: 89.4-97.9) was similar to that of saliva (122/126; 96.8 %; 95 % CI: 93.8-99.9 %; P=0.9). However, the sensitivity of ONPS (20/22; 95.2 %; 95 % CI: 86.1-100) was higher than that of saliva (16/22; 71.4 %; 95 % CI: 52.1-90.8) in patients with symptoms for more than 10 days.Conclusions. Saliva sampling is an acceptable alternative to ONPS for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection in symptomatic individuals displaying symptoms for ≤ 10 days. These results reinforce the need to expand the use of saliva samples, which are self-collected and do not require swabs.

Raoultella ornithinolytica: Emergence and Resistance.

Raoultella ornithinolytica is an encapsulated Gram-negative, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive, aerobic, non-motile rod that belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae family. This bacterium was initially classified in the genus Klebsiella as Klebsiella ornithinolytica, until the creation of the genus Raoultella in 2001. R. ornithinolytica is usually found in water environments and soil, and due to its ability to convert histidine to histamine, it has been associated with histamine poisoning in humans. R. ornithinolytica is an emerging entity in human infections, with several reports of virulent infections in comorbid at-risk patients. Increasing reports are potentially due to better and more precise identification tools. The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of reported cases of R. ornithinolytica infections, the emergent virulence of described multiresistant strains, and an overview of currently used identification methods.

Identification of Candida auris by Use of the Updated Vitek 2 Yeast Identification System, Version 8.01: a Multilaboratory Evaluation Study.

Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that has been systematically incorrectly identified by phenotypic methods in clinical microbiology laboratories. The Vitek 2 automated identification system (bioMérieux) recently included C. auris in its database (version 8.01). We evaluated the performance of the Vitek 2 YST ID card to identify C. auris and related species. A panel of 44 isolates of Candida species (C. auris, n = 35; Candida haemulonii, n = 5; Candida duobushaemulonii, n = 4) were tested by three different hospital-based microbiology laboratories. Among 35 isolates of C. auris, Vitek 2 yielded correct identification in an average of 52% of tested samples. Low-discrimination (LD) results with an inability to distinguish between C. auris, C. duobushaemulonii, and Candida famata were obtained in an average of 27% of samples. Incorrect identification results were obtained in an average of 21% of samples, the majority (91%) of which were reported as C. duobushaemulonii and the remaining 9% of which were reported as Candida lusitaniae/C. duobushaemulonii. The proportion of correct identification was not statistically different across different centers (P = 0.78). Stratification by genetic clades demonstrated that 100% (n = 8) of the strains of the South American clade were correctly identified compared to 7% (n = 10) and 0% (n = 4) from the African and East Asian clades, respectively. None of the non-auris Candida strains (n = 9) were incorrectly identified as C. auris Our results show that the Vitek 2 (version 8.01) yeast identification system has a limited ability to correctly identify C. auris These data suggest that an identification result for C. duobushaemulonii should warrant further testing to rule out C. auris The overall performance of the Vitek 2 seems to differ according to C. auris genetic clade, with the South American isolates yielding the most accurate results.

Double lung transplantation in an HIV-positive patient with Mycobacterium kansasii infection.

Good outcomes with kidney and liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients have led clinicians to recommend lung transplantation in HIV-positive patients based on extrapolated data. Pre-transplant mycobacterial infection is associated with an increased risk of developing new infection or aggravating existing infection, though it does not contraindicate transplantation in non-HIV-infected patients. However, no data exists regarding the outcome of HIV-positive patients with pre-transplant mycobacterial infection. We report a case of double lung transplantation in a 50-year-old HIV-positive patient with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Prior to transplantation, Mycobacterium kansasii was isolated in one sputum culture and the patient was considered merely colonized as no clinical evidence of pulmonary or disseminated disease was present. The patient successfully underwent a double lung transplantation. Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection was diagnosed histologically on examination of native lungs. Surveillance and watchful waiting were chosen over treatment of the infection. HIV remained under control post-transplantation with no AIDS-defining illnesses throughout the follow-up. A minimal acute rejection that responded to increased corticosteroids was reported. At 12 months post-transplant, a bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was diagnosed after a drop in FEV1. No evidence of isolation nor recurrence of nontuberculous mycobacteria was reported post-transplantation. At 15 months post-transplant, the patient remained stable with an FEV1 of 30%. The presence of pre-transplant nontuberculous mycobacterial infection did not translate into recurrence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infection post-transplant. Whether it contributed to bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome remains unknown.

Relevance or performance: potential savings associated with verification of prior results before performing microbiology analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In an era of rising healthcare expenditures, it is critical to find ways to decrease cost. The objective of this study is to evaluate the number of repeated tests and the associated cost savings in a university-affiliated hospital. METHODS: The following 7 microbiology analysis were assessed for nonrepeat testing: HCV antibody, HBV core antibody, CMV IgG, rubella IgG, Treponema pallidum antibodies, Clostridioides difficile toxin detection, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci PCR. Presence of a prior positive result leads to the cancellation of subsequent orders. RESULTS: Percentages of not repeated test ranged from 0.1% to 21.4%. Rubella IgG had the highest proportion of unnecessary repeat testing. Total cost savings were estimated at $33,627 for 2016. CONCLUSION: Unnecessary repeated microbiologic test can account for a non-negligible part of total volume test. Use of an automated software to detect unnecessary repeated microbiologic test through laboratory information system can generate important savings.

First Canadian Case Report of Kidney Transplantation From an HIV-Positive Donor to an HIV-Positive Recipient.

RATIONALE: Kidney transplantation has become standard of care for carefully selected patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. American and European prospective cohort studies have reported similar patient and graft survival compared with HIV-negative kidney transplant recipients. Despite an increased rate of acute rejection, partially due to drug interactions, HIV immunovirologic parameter generally remains under control during immunosuppression. A few cases of kidney transplantation between HIV-infected patients were done in South Africa and showed favorable results. No cases of kidney transplantation from an HIV-positive donor in Canada have previously been reported. PRESENTING CONCERNS OF THE PATIENT: A 60-year-old Canadian man with HIV infection presented in 2007 with symptoms compatible with acute renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy. Chronic kidney disease resulted after the acute episode. DIAGNOSES: Hemodialysis was started in 2012. The patient was referred for a kidney transplantation evaluation. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent kidney transplantation from an HIV-positive donor in January 2016. The recipient's antiretroviral regimen consisted of abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir. No drug interactions have been reported between these antiretrovirals and the maintenance immunosuppressive regimen used. OUTCOMES: The outcome at 7 months post transplantation was excellent, with good graft function and adequate control of HIV replication, in the absence of opportunistic infections at a time when immunosuppression is at its highest intensity. No acute rejection was reported. An episode of bacteremic graft pyelonephritis due to Enterococcus faecalis was successfully treated after transplantation. NOVEL FINDING: With careful selection of patient, kidney transplantation between HIV-infected patients is a viable option. The use of antiretroviral drugs free of interactions simplified the dosing and management of the immunosuppressive drugs.

RAISONNEMENT: La transplantation rénale fait désormais partie des soins prodigués spécifiquement aux patients porteurs du VIH (virus de l'immunodéficience humaine) et présentant une insuffisance rénale terminale (IRT) à l'ère de la thérapie antirétrovirale. Des études de cohorte prospectives américaines et européennes ont rapporté une survie semblable du greffon et du receveur de la greffe chez ces patients, lorsque comparés aux receveurs d'une greffe non porteurs du VIH. En dépit d'un taux plus élevé de rejet aigu, attribuable en partie aux interactions médicamenteuses, les paramètres immunovirologiques du VIH sont demeurés stables sous traitement par les immunosuppresseurs. Quelques cas de transplantations rénales entre patients séropositifs ont été effectués en Afrique du Sud et ont montré des résultats favorables. À ce jour, on ne rapportait aucun cas de transplantation rénale provenant d'un donneur porteur du VIH au Canada. PRÉSENTATION DU CAS D'UN PATIENT: En 2007, un Canadien de 60 ans porteur du VIH s'est présenté avec des symptômes compatibles à l'insuffisance rénale aigüe secondaire à une néphropathie à IgA. Cet épisode aigu a par la suite évolué vers l'insuffisance rénale chronique. DIAGNOSTIC: L'insuffisance rénale terminale a été diagnostiquée en 2012. Dès lors, un traitement par hémodialyse a été initié et le patient a été recommandé pour une évaluation en vue d'une transplantation. INTERVENTIONS: Le patient a subi une greffe avec un rein provenant d'un donneur séropositif en janvier 2016. Le traitement antirétroviral du receveur était constitué d'abacavir, de lamivudine et de dolutégravir. Aucune interaction médicamenteuse n'a été rapportée entre ces antirétroviraux et le traitement immunosuppresseur de maintien administré. RÉSULTATS: En plus d'une bonne reprise de la fonction du greffon et du contrôle adéquat de la réplication du VIH, on a constaté la réussite de l'intervention lors du suivi du patient effectué 7 mois après la transplantation par l'absence d'infections opportunistes à un moment où l'immunosuppression est à son maximum. Aucun rejet aigu n'a été rapporté par contre, un épisode de pyélonéphrite bactérienne du greffon, attribuable à Enterococcus faecalis, est survenu à la suite de la transplantation, mais l'infection a été traitée avec succès. OBSERVATIONS NOUVELLES: On a constaté que la sélection rigoureuse des patients rendait possible la transplantation rénale entre patients porteurs du VIH. De plus, l'utilisation d'antirétroviraux qui ne causent aucune interaction médicamenteuse a simplifié l'ajustement de la posologie des immunosuppresseurs administrés. CAS DISCUTÉ: Nous rapportons le cas d'un Canadien de 60 ans porteur du VIH et ayant subi une greffe de rein provenant d'un donneur lui aussi séropositif. Le traitement antirétroviral du receveur était composé d'abacavir, de lamivudine et de dolutégravir. Aucune interaction médicamenteuse n'a été rapportée entre les antirétroviraux et le traitement immunosuppresseur de maintien. Sept mois après l'intervention, le patient se portait bien, comme en fait foi un taux de créatinine sérique de 155 µmol/L mesuré lors de la plus récente visite de suivi. La charge virale du patient (quantité d'ARN du VIH dans le sang) s'est avérée indétectable et le compte des lymphocytes T CD4 est demeuré au-dessus de 300 cellules/µl pendant toute la période de suivi. Le patient n'a présenté aucun signe indiquant la présence d'une maladie associée au SIDA, ni d'un rejet aigu du greffon. Enfin, un épisode de pyélonéphrite bactérienne du greffon, attribuable à Enterococcus faecalis, est survenu après la transplantation, mais l'infection a été traitée avec succès. CONCLUSIONS: Nous rapportons la première transplantation de rein réalisée au Canada entre un donneur séropositif et un receveur, lui aussi porteur du VIH. L'évolution du patient après l'intervention s'est avérée excellente, on a constaté une bonne reprise de la fonction du greffon et un contrôle adéquat de la réplication du VIH, une réussite confirmée par l'absence d'infections opportunistes à un moment où l'immunosuppression est à son maximum. De plus, l'utilisation d'antirétroviraux qui ne causent aucune interaction médicamenteuse a simplifié l'ajustement de la posologie des immunosuppresseurs administrés. DÉCOUVERTE: La sélection rigoureuse des patients rend possible la transplantation rénale entre patients séropositifs atteints d'IRT et donneurs eux aussi porteurs du VIH.