Neisseria gonorrhoeae infective endocarditis.

We present a case of endocarditis secondary to disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection affecting the native tricuspid valve. After a thorough workup, our patient was treated conservatively with appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks. A follow-up echocardiogram showed resolution of the vegetation without any residual valvular involvement. Literature review reveals 99 cases of infective endocarditis which occurred secondary to N. gonorrhoeae infection, of which, only 4 cases (6%) affected the tricuspid valve. Through this case report, we highlight the importance of thorough history taking including a sexual and social history, as well as careful recognition of the clinical signs, which helped us reach this uncommon diagnosis while always maintaining a high clinical suspicion of rare causes of endocarditis.

Correction: The first wave of COVID-19 in Malta; a national cross-sectional study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239389.].

The first wave of COVID-19 in Malta; a national cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed major challenges to all aspects of healthcare. Malta's population density, large proportion of elderly and high prevalence of diabetes and obesity put the country at risk of uncontrolled viral transmission and high mortality. Despite this, Malta achieved low mortality rates compared to figures overseas. The aim of this paper is to identify key factors that contributed to these favorable outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational, nationwide study which evaluates outcomes of patients during the first wave of the pandemic in Malta, from the 7th of March to the 24th of April 2020. Data was collected on demographics and mode of transmission. Hospitalization rates to Malta's main general hospital, Mater Dei Hospital, length of in-hospital stay, intensive care unit admissions and 30-day mortality were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 447 confirmed cases in total; 19.5% imported, 74.2% related to community transmission and 6.3% nosocomially transmitted. Ninety-three patients (20.8%) were hospitalized, of which 4 were children. Patients with moderate-severe disease received hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, in line with evidence available at the time. A total of 4 deaths were recorded, resulting in an all-cause mortality of 0.89%. Importantly, all admitted patients with moderate-severe disease survived to 30-day follow up. CONCLUSION: Effective public health interventions, widespread testing, remote surveillance of patients in the community and a low threshold for admission are likely to have contributed to these favorable outcomes. Hospital infection control measures were key in preventing significant nosocomial spread. These concepts can potentially be applied to stem future outbreaks of viral diseases. Patients with moderate-severe disease had excellent outcomes with no deaths reported at 30-day follow up.