Case report: a genomics-guided reclassification of a blood culture isolate misassigned by MALDI-TOF as Yersinia pestis.

In this report, we describe a case where Gram-negative rods were isolated from a blood culture which subsequently presented a discordant Yersinia species result by MALDI-TOF. Rapid sequencing provided high-resolution identification of the isolate as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , which was subsequently confirmed by biochemical tests.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in a low-prevalence, well resourced setting, Sydney, Australia.

BACKGROUND: The Northern Sydney Local Health District was one of the first health regions to be affected by COVID-19 in Australia. AIMS: To describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes in our low-prevalence Australian population. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 517 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases between January and June 2020. Patient information was collected as part of routine care within the COVID-19 Virtual Hospital system. Outcomes examined were death, recovery at 30 days and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: The case fatality rate was 1.8%. Multivariate analysis showed factors independently associated with death, composite outcome of death/ICU admission or incomplete recovery at 30 days were age >80 years and presence of two or more comorbidities. Most cases acquired COVID-19 through international (50.9%) or cruise ship travel (9.1%). Healthcare workers comprised 12.8% of the cohort and represented a disproportionately high percentage of the 'unknown' source group (27.6%). The median incubation period was 5 days (interquartile range 3-8); one patient had an incubation period of 15 days. Hospitalisation was required in 11.8%, ICU admission in 2.1% and ventilation in 1.4%. A Radiographic Assessment of Lung Oedema score on chest X-ray of >10 was independently associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: In this low prevalence, well resourced Australian setting, we report an overall low mortality. Factors associated with adverse patient outcomes on multivariate analysis were age greater than 80 and the presence of two or more comorbidities. These data can assist in early risk stratification of COVID-19 patients, and in surge capacity planning for hospitals.

Concurrent bloodstream infection with Lodderomyces elongisporus and Candida parapsilosis.

We report the case of a 54-year-old patient with central venous catheter related mixed candidaemia with Lodderomyces elongisporus and Candida parapsilosis, who responded to line removal and anidulafungin therapy. Mixed candidaemia was detected on Candida chromogenic agar. Identification of the two isolates was confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker). Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed different antifungal MICs. This is the first reported case of mixed Lodderomyces candidaemia and outlines laboratory methodology to aid diagnosis and management.