A 14-Year Cohort of Candidemia in the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Center in Jerusalem: Clinical Characteristics, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Risk Factors for Mortality.

Candida spp. can cause bloodstream infection and is associated with significant mortality. The proportion of fluconazole-resistant Candida non-albicans has increased over the years, and empirical fluconazole maybe inappropriate. In this retrospective study, we analyzed clinical characteristics, antifungal resistance patterns, and mortality in children with candidemia treated at a tertiary medical center in Jerusalem between 2009 and 2022. A total of 122 children developed 127 candidemia episodes with 132 Candida isolates. Half the episodes occurred in immunocompromised children. Septic shock was present in 27 (21.3%). Candida non-albicans was responsible for 71/132 (56.5%) episodes; 16/132 (12.1%) of isolates were fluconazole-resistant. The rate of Candida non-albicans was significantly higher in fluconazole-resistant episodes (90 vs. 50.5%, p = 0.02). Prolonged severe neutropenia and previous fluconazole exposure were more frequent in fluconazole-resistant episodes. Thirty-day mortality was 25 (19.7%). Greater mortality, as shown by multivariate analysis, was associated with candidemia contracted in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), previous use of azoles or carbapenems, and in the presence of shock. In conclusion, mortality rates in our study were higher than those previously reported. In suspected infection associated with factors which we found to increase the probability of mortality-PICU admission, shock, and earlier azole or carbapenems exposure-empirical antifungals should be considered.

Two pandemics intertwined around one patient: Interstitial pneumonia as the first presentation of HIV/AIDS, be it Pneumocystis jirovecii, cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV2 or all?-A case report.

Concerns have been mounting regarding the underdiagnosis of HIV among respiratory co-infections associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The delay in recognizing HIV/AIDS may be attributed to the similarities in clinical, laboratory (lymphopenia) and imaging presentations, which are typical for advanced AIDS but could also be indicative of a COVID-19 infection. Herein, we present a case of a 38-year-old ultraorthodox Jew with a late diagnosis of AIDS in the context of COVID-19 infection. This occurred after several months of recurrent respiratory infections compounded by SARS-COV 2 infection, during which no HIV testing was conducted. As a result, a cascade of various opportunistic infections ensued, leading to an extended hospitalization period, ultimately culminating in the patient's demise despite receiving optimal treatment.

Incidence of Invasive Infections Among Hemato-Oncology Patients with Significant Burden of Candida in Stool.

Candidemia is a serious infection associated with increased mortality. It is unclear whether a high concentration of Candida in stool in patients with hematologic malignancies is associated with a higher risk for developing candidemia. In this observational historical study in patients hospitalized in hemato-oncology departments, we describe the association between gastrointestinal Candida colonization and the risk for candidemia and other severe outcomes. Data from 166 patients with heavy burden of Candida in stool were collected and compared to a control group of 309 patients with minimal or no Candida in stool, from 2005 to 2020. Severe immunosuppression and recent use of antibiotics were more common in heavily colonized patients. Outcomes of heavily colonized patients were worse as compared to the control group with statistical significance in 1-year mortality (53% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.001) and borderline statistical significance in candidemia rate (12.6% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.07). Risk factors for 1-year mortality were significant colonization of Candida in stool, older age and recent use of antibiotics. In conclusion, significant stool burden of Candida among hospitalized hemato-oncology patients may pose a risk for 1-year mortality and increased candidemia rate.

Using chronobiology-based second-generation artificial intelligence digital system for overcoming antimicrobial drug resistance in chronic infections.

Antimicrobial resistance results from the widespread use of antimicrobial agents and is a significant obstacle to the effectiveness of these agents. Numerous methods are used to overcome this problem with moderate success. Besides efforts of antimicrobial stewards, several artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies are being explored for preventing resistance development. These first-generation systems mainly focus on improving patients' adherence. Chronobiology is inherent in all biological systems. Host response to infections and pathogens activity are assumed to be affected by the circadian clock. This paper describes the problem of antimicrobial resistance and reviews some of the current AI technologies. We present the establishment of a second-generation AI chronobiology-based approach to help in preventing further resistance and possibly overcome existing resistance. An algorithm-controlled regimen that improves the long-term effectiveness of antimicrobial agents is being developed based on the implementation of variability in dosing and drug administration times. The method provides a means for ensuring a sustainable response and improved outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials determine the effectiveness of this second-generation system in chronic infections. Data from these studies are expected to shed light on a new aspect of resistance mechanisms and suggest methods for overcoming them.IMPORTANCE SECTIONThe paper presents the establishment of a second-generation AI chronobiology-based approach to help in preventing further resistance and possibly overcome existing resistance.Key messagesAntimicrobial resistance results from the widespread use of antimicrobial agents and is a significant obstacle to the effectiveness of these agents.We present the establishment of a second-generation AI chronobiology-based approach to help in preventing further resistance and possibly overcome existing resistance.

[TO BE A RESIDENT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE].

INTRODUCTION: Sir William Osler is considered to be one of the fathers of modern medicine who pioneered the practice of bedside teaching of clinical medicine for medical students and residents. Osler was well known as a diagnostician and outstanding therapist with a humanized approach and rare didactic capabilities. Medical training at Hadassah is built on the central tenets of Osler's approach, incorporating the tremendous advances in science and medicine. Training for residents in Internal Medicine is designed to develop a broad base of medical and, if possible, scientific knowledge, as well as skills and competencies to deliver a high standard of patient care. In the past 7 years, 28 residents have undergone specialist training in Internal Medicine B. Among them, 71% were Israeli medical school graduates; 36% were women;18% were recent immigrants to Israel; 78% were Jewish. Among Jewish residents, 32% were religiously observant. Besides the usual assignments of the internal medicine ward, the medical staff of Internal Medicine B excelled in diagnosis of hard to diagnose diseases as described in eleven cases. The diagnosis in some of those cases was a result of listening to the patient, education on clinical reasoning and the use advanced diagnostic tools. The basic unit of the residency is the clinical mission with an emphasis on exposure to novel modalities such as the use of bedside ultra sound along with dealing with end-of-life dilemmas, the management of complex situations and development of communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with close relatives and families facing critical times. The medical training in the internal ward is not just the sum of arbitrary care of the hospitalized patients, but a well-structured plan with gradually increasing demands. Over the past 7 years, residents in Internal Medicine B have achieved successful passing grades of 38/38 on the first attempt oral and written board examinations, a record that attests to the quality of the trainees and the training process. Hadassah has a long history of providing state-of-the-art patient care, and training young physicians to maintain this high standard - but the education process necessitates longstanding efforts and continuous striving for excellence.