[Colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a pediatric hospital from Corrientes, Argentina]. / Resistencia a colistina en aislados de Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a carbapenémicos en un hospital pediátrico de Corrientes.

BACKGROUND: There is an increase of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in the pediatric population and epidemiological data are limited. AIM: To calculate the frequency of CRKP in pediatric patients, to determine the in vitro activity of colistin and to detect the presence of mcr-1 gene in said isolates. METHODS: 220 isolates of K. pneumoniae were studied in a pediatric hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by microdilution in broth according to guidelines of CLSI and EUCAST. The genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-48 and mcr-1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: 9.5% (n: 21) of the isolates were characterized as CRKP, where was observed a resistance to colistin of 47.6% (10/21) with values of MIC50 of 2 µg/mL and MIC90 of ≥ 4 µg/mL. In 100% of CRKP strains the blaKPC gene was detected and the mcr-1 gene was not found. The resistance profile to other antimicrobials was as follow: gentamicin 100% (n: 21), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 100% (n: 21), ciprofloxacin 100% (n: 21), amikacin 19% (n: 4). All of the isolates were sensitive to ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant value of resistance to colistin in pediatric patients compared to other last line antimicrobial such as ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline.

Resistencia a colistina en aislados de Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a carbapenémicos en un hospital pediátrico de Corrientes / Colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a pediatric hospital from Corrientes, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe un incremento de las infecciones por Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a carbapenémicos (KPRC) en la población pediátrica y los datos epidemiológicos son limitados. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia de KPRC en pacientes pediátricos, determinar la actividad in vitro de colistina y detectar el gen mcr-1 en dichos aislados. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 220 aislados de K. pneumoniae en un hospital pediátrico durante los años 2018 y 2019. La susceptibilidad antimicrobiana se determinó por microdilución en caldo según CLSI y EUCAST. Los genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-48 y mcr-1 se analizaron mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC). RESULTADOS: El 9,5% (n: 21) de los aislados fueron caracterizados como KPRC, donde se observó una resistencia a colistina de 47,6% (10/21) con valores de CIM50 de 2 μg/mL y CIM90 de > 4 μg/mL. En todos los aislados de KPRC se caracterizó el gen blaKPC y no se detectó el gen mcr-1. El perfil de resistencia observado en otros antimicrobianos fue el siguiente: gentamicina 100% (n: 21), ciprofloxacina 100% (n: 21), cotrimoxazol 100% (n: 21) y amikacina 19% (n: 4). Se observó 100% de sensibilidad a tigeciclina y ceftazidima/avibactam. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio demuestra un valor significativo de la resistencia a colistina en comparación a ceftazidima/avibactam y tigeciclina.

BACKGROUND: There is an increase of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections in the pediatric population and epidemiological data are limited. Aim: To calculate the frequency of CRKP in pediatric patients, to determine the in vitro activity of colistin and to detect the presence of mcr-1 gene in said isolates. METHODS: 220 isolates of K. pneumoniae were studied in a pediatric hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by microdilution in broth according to guidelines of CLSI and EUCAST. The genes blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-48 and mcr-1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: 9.5% (n: 21) of the isolates were characterized as CRKP, where was observed a resistance to colistin of 47.6% (10/21) with values of MIC50 of 2 μg/mL and MIC90 of ≥ 4 μg/mL. In 100% of CRKP strains the blaKPC gene was detected and the mcr-1 gene was not found. The resistance profile to other antimicrobials was as follow: gentamicin 100% (n: 21), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 100% (n: 21), ciprofloxacin 100% (n: 21), amikacin 19% (n: 4). All of the isolates were sensitive to ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant value of resistance to colistin in pediatric patients compared to other last line antimicrobial such as ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline.

E6/E7 from Beta-2-HPVs 122, 38b, and 107 possess transforming properties in a fibroblast model in vitro.

Beta-2 Human papillomaviruses 38b, 107, and 122 have been frequently found in cervical cancer samples in western Mexico. Because their E6/E7 genes functions are not fully elucidated, we deepen into their transformation capabilities. To achieve this goal, primary human fibroblasts (FB) were transduced with E6/E7 genotype-specific viral particles. Additionally, E6/E7 from HPVs 16 and 18 were included as controls. All E6/E7-cell models increased their lifespan; however, it is important to highlight that FB-E6/E7-122 showed growth as accelerated as FB-E6/E7-16 and 18. Furthermore, both FB-E6/E7-38b and 122 exhibited abilities to migrate, and FB-E6/E7-122 presented high invasive capacity. On the other hand, ΔNp73 expression was found in all cell models, except for FB-pLVX (empty-vector). Finally, RNAseq found differentially expressed genes enriched in signaling pathways related to cell cycle, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer, among others. This study shows for the first time, the great transformative potential that genotypes of the Beta-2 also possess, especially HPV122. These Beta-2 HPVs can modulate some of the genes that are well known to be regulated by Alpha-HPVs, however, they also possess alternative strategies to modulate diverse signaling pathways. These data support the idea that Beta-2 HPVs should play an important role in co-infections with Alpha-HPV during carcinogenesis.

Emergence of acute/subacute infant-juvenile paracoccidioidomycosis in Northeast Argentina: Effect of climatic and anthropogenic changes?

Argentina has two endemic areas of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). Bordering Paraguay and Brazil, Northeast Argentina (NEA) comprises the area with the highest incidence where the chronic adult clinical form has historically been reported. Juvenile form in children and adolescents is rare in this area since only one case was reported in the last 10 years. Despite this, between 2010 and 2012, several cases of acute/subacute clinical forms in children aged 10 to 16 (median 12) were detected. In the last decade, the NEA region has been exposed to ecological variations as consequences of certain climatic and anthropogenic changes, including El Niño-Southern Oscillation phenomenon during 2009, and deforestation. The region has also suffered from the significant ecological effects of the construction of one of the biggest hydroelectric dams of South America. This study aims to describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of acute/subacute PCM cases detected in children from NEA and to discuss climatic and anthropogenic changes as possible contributing factors in the emergence of this disease in children. This acute/subacute PCM cluster was characterized by severe disseminated and aggressive presentations to localized form, with a high spectrum of clinical manifestations uncommonly observed. Due to the lack of experience in acute/subacute PCM in children in the studied area and the atypical clinical manifestations observed, the diagnosis was delayed. In order to avoid misdiagnosis, a higher level of suspicion is now required in NEA and countries bordering the southern part of the endemic area, which are affected by the changes discussed in this article.

Impacto de un programa de reducción de infección asociada a catéter en 9 unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico en Argentina / Impact of a program aimed at reducing catheter-related infections implemented in nine pediatric intensive care units in Argentina

Las infecciones asociadas a catéteres (IAC) conllevan elevada morbimortalidad, con el aumento del uso de recursos hospitalarios. Objetivo. Describir los resultados de un programa para disminuir la tasa de IAC en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina. Población y métodos. Estudio colaborativo multicéntrico, clínico-epidemiológico, cuasi experimental, de intervención antes y después. Se incluyen niños con catéter venoso central internados en 9 unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, conurbano y otras provincias desde junio de 2011 a abril de 2012. Se implementó un paquete de medidas basado en la educación del personal de salud para inserción de catéteres e higiene de manos y uso de listas de verificación con monitoreo de las medidas implementadas. Se compararon el número y la tasa anual de IAC y la tasa de uso de catéter venoso central previa y posterior a la implementación del programa (Stata 8.0). Resultados. El total de IAC preintervención fue de 117 vs. 74 en el pos. La tasa previa fue 8,6/1000 días de uso y la posintervención, de 5,8/1000 días, RR 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,98), p= 0,015. La tasa de uso de catéter venoso central se redujo de 54% a 49%, diferencia no significativa. Conclusiones. El programa logró un descenso significativo de las tasas de IAC. A partir de él, se implementó la vigilancia de las IAC en todas las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos participantes. La educación y la vigilancia continua son necesarias para mantener y mejorar los resultados alcanzados.

Catheter-related infections (CRIs) cause a high level of morbidity and mortality with the increasing use of hospital resources. Objective. To describe the outcomes of a program implemented to reduce the rate of CRIs in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. Population and methods. Collaborative, multi center, clinical-epidemiological, quasiexperimental, before-and-after intervention study. Children who had a central venous catheter during hospitalization in 9 pediatric intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Greater Buenos Aires, and other provinces between June 2011 and April 2012 were included. A bundle of measures based on health care staff training on catheter insertion, hand hygiene, and checklists was put into practice and implemented measures were monitored. The number and annual rate of CRIs and the rate of central venous catheter use before and after the program implementation were compared (Stata 8.0). Results. The total number of CRIs was 117 and 74 before and after the intervention, respectively. The rate of CRIs was 8.6/1000 days of central venous catheter use and 5.8/1000 days before and after the intervention, respectively; RR: 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.98), p= 0.015. The rate of central venous catheter use decreased from 54% to 49%, a non-significant difference. Conclusions. The program achieved a significant reduction in CRI rates. Based on the program, CRI surveillance was implemented in all participating pediatric intensive care units. Training and continuous surveillance are necessary to maintain and improve the outcomes accomplished with the program.

Impact of a program aimed at reducing catheter-related infections implemented in nine pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. / Impacto de un programa de reducción de infección asociada a catéter en 9 unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico en Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-related infections (CRIs) cause a high level of morbidity and mortality with the increasing use of hospital resources. OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of a program implemented to reduce the rate of CRIs in pediatric intensive care units in Argentina. POPULATION AND METHODS: Collaborative, multi center, clinical-epidemiological, quasiexperimental, before-and-after intervention study. Children who had a central venous catheter during hospitalization in 9 pediatric intensive care units in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Greater Buenos Aires, and other provinces between June 2011 and April 2012 were included. A bundle of measures based on health care staff training on catheter insertion, hand hygiene, and checklists was put into practice and implemented measures were monitored. The number and annual rate of CRIs and the rate of central venous catheter use before and after the program implementation were compared (Stata 8.0). RESULTS: The total number of CRIs was 117 and 74 before and after the intervention, respectively. The rate of CRIs was 8.6/1000 days of central venous catheter use and 5.8/1000 days before and after the intervention, respectively; RR: 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.98), p= 0.015. The rate of central venous catheter use decreased from 54% to 49%, a non-significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The program achieved a significant reduction in CRI rates. Based on the program, CRI surveillance was implemented in all participating pediatric intensive care units. Training and continuous surveillance are necessary to maintain and improve the outcomes accomplished with the program.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones asociadas a catéteres (IAC) conllevan elevada morbimortalidad, con el aumento del uso de recursos hospitalarios. OBJETIVO: Describir los resultados de un programa para disminuir la tasa de IAC en las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de Argentina. POBLACIÓN Y MÉTODOS: Estudio colaborativo multicéntrico, clínico-epidemiológico, cuasi experimental, de intervención antes y después. Se incluyen niños con catéter venoso central internados en 9 unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, conurbano y otras provincias desde junio de 2011 a abril de 2012. Se implementó un paquete de medidas basado en la educación del personal de salud para inserción de catéteres e higiene de manos y uso de listas de verificación con monitoreo de las medidas implementadas. Se compararon el número y la tasa anual de IAC y la tasa de uso de catéter venoso central previa y posterior a la implementación del programa (Stata 8.0). RESULTADOS: El total de IAC preintervención fue de 117 vs. 74 en el pos. La tasa previa fue 8,6/1000 días de uso y la posintervención, de 5,8/1000 días, RR 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,68-0,98), p= 0,015. La tasa de uso de catéter venoso central se redujo de 54% a 49%, diferencia no significativa. CONCLUSIONES: El programa logró un descenso significativo de las tasas de IAC. A partir de él, se implementó la vigilancia de las IAC en todas las unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos participantes. La educación y la vigilancia continua son necesarias para mantener y mejorar los resultados alcanzados.

Premio Salud Investiga 2016 / 2016 Investiga Health Award

La dirección de investigación para la salud (ex comisión nacional salud investiga) tiene dentro de sus objetivos el fomento a investigaciones éticas y de calidad, así como la promoción de la gestión del conocimiento en función de estos fines y en ocasión de cumplir el décimo aniversario de su creación, en 2012 se instituyeron los Premios salud investiga; destinados a distinguir a aquellos profesionales e instituciones que hayan obtenido becas de investigación ôcarrillo û oñativiaö, cuyos resultados hayan constituido un aporte para la toma de decisiones clínicas o sanitarias del nivel local, regional o nacional. En esta edición del total de postulaciones recibidas se preseleccionaron doce postulaciones por cumplir íntegramente con los requisitos solicitados para el concurso, de los cuales seis correspondieron a la categoría de estudio individual y el resto a la categoría multicentrico

Fungemia and interstitial lung compromise caused by Malassezia sympodialis in a pediatric patient / Fungemia con compromiso intersticial causada por Malassezia sympodialis en un paciente pediátrico

A case of fungemia with interstitial lung compromise caused by Malassezia sympodialis is reported in an obese pediatric patient on long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. The patient was hospitalized due to a post-surgical complication of appendicitis. The patient was treated with amphotericin B for 3 weeks, with good clinical evolution and subsequent negative cultures (AU)

Presentamos un caso de fungemia con compromiso intersticial causado por Malassezia sympodialis en un paciente pediátrico obeso, asmático y con tratamiento prolongado con corticosteroides inhalados, que fue hospitalizado debido a una complicación posquirúrgica de una apendicectomía. El paciente fue tratado con anfotericina B durante 3 semanas con buena evolución clínica y negativización de los cultivos subsecuentes (AU)

Fungemia and interstitial lung compromise caused by Malassezia sympodialis in a pediatric patient.

A case of fungemia with interstitial lung compromise caused by Malassezia sympodialis is reported in an obese pediatric patient on long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. The patient was hospitalized due to a post-surgical complication of appendicitis. The patient was treated with amphotericin B for 3 weeks, with good clinical evolution and subsequent negative cultures.

Especies de Aspergillus en ambientes hospitalarios con pacientes pediátricos en estado crítico / Aspergillus species in hospital environments with pediatric patients in critical condition

Antecedentes. Aspergillus es un hongo oportunista que provoca infecciones con alta morbimortalidad en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Aspergillus fumigatus causa frecuentemente infecciones nosocomiales, pero la incidencia de otras especies ha aumentado en los últimos años. Objetivos. Evaluar la carga fúngica aérea y la diversidad de especies de Aspergillus en ambientes hospitalarios con pacientes pediátricos en estado crítico. Métodos. Durante otoño y primavera, cada 15 días, se muestrearon aire y superficies de la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva y la Unidad de Quemados de un hospital pediátrico. Las muestras de aire se tomaron con el SAS Super 100®, y las de superficies, con el método del hisopo. Resultados. Los recuentos de UFC/m3 superaron los niveles admisibles. En la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva se encontró mayor cantidad de UFC/m3 y mayor diversidad de especies de Aspergillus que en la Unidad de Quemados. La carga fúngica y la diversidad de especies dentro de las salas fueron mayores que en los ambientes control. La aplicación conjunta del método del hisopo y del SAS permitió encontrar mayor diversidad de especies. Se aislaron 96 cepas de Aspergillus, de las cuales se identificaron 12 especies. Destacaron por su alta frecuencia Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus y Aspergillus parasiticus. Se aisló Aspergillus fumigatus de ambas salas, especie considerada inaceptable en ambientes internos. Conclusiones. Aspergillus se aisló con una alta frecuencia en estas salas. Muchas de estas especies son de interés en salud pública por ser potenciales patógenos. El control y muestreo del aire es el eje en la prevención de estas infecciones (AU)

Background. Aspergillus is a group of opportunistic fungi that cause infections, with high morbimortality in immunosuppressed patients. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent species in these infections, although the incidence of other species has increased in the last few years. Aims. To evaluate the air fungal load and the diversity of Aspergillus species in hospitals with pediatric patients in critical condition. Methods. The Intensive Care Unit and Burns Unit of a pediatric hospital were sampled every 15 days during the autumn and spring seasons. The air samples were collected with SAS Super 100® and the surface samples were collected by swab method. Results. The UFC/m3 counts found exceeded the acceptable levels. The UFC/m3 and the diversity of Aspergillus species found in the Intensive Care Unit were higher than those found in the Burns Unit. The fungal load and the diversity of species within the units were higher than those in control environments. The use of both methods -SAS and swab- allowed the detection of a higher diversity of species, with 96 strains of Aspergillus being isolated and 12 species identified. The outstanding findings were Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus parasiticus, due to their high frequency. Aspergillus fumigatus, considered unacceptable in indoor environments, was isolated in both units. Conclusions. Aspergillus was present with high frequency in these units. Several species are of interest in public health for being potential pathogenic agents. Air control and monitoring are essential in the prevention of these infections (AU)

[Aspergillus species in hospital environments with pediatric patients in critical condition]. / Especies de Aspergillus en ambientes hospitalarios con pacientes pediátricos en estado crítico.

BACKGROUND: Aspergillus is a group of opportunistic fungi that cause infections, with high morbimortality in immunosuppressed patients. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent species in these infections, although the incidence of other species has increased in the last few years. AIMS: To evaluate the air fungal load and the diversity of Aspergillus species in hospitals with pediatric patients in critical condition. METHODS: The Intensive Care Unit and Burns Unit of a pediatric hospital were sampled every 15 days during the autumn and spring seasons. The air samples were collected with SAS Super 100(®) and the surface samples were collected by swab method. RESULTS: The UFC/m(3) counts found exceeded the acceptable levels. The UFC/m(3) and the diversity of Aspergillus species found in the Intensive Care Unit were higher than those found in the Burns Unit. The fungal load and the diversity of species within the units were higher than those in control environments. The use of both methods -SAS and swab- allowed the detection of a higher diversity of species, with 96 strains of Aspergillus being isolated and 12 species identified. The outstanding findings were Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus parasiticus, due to their high frequency. Aspergillus fumigatus, considered unacceptable in indoor environments, was isolated in both units. CONCLUSIONS: Aspergillus was present with high frequency in these units. Several species are of interest in public health for being potential pathogenic agents. Air control and monitoring are essential in the prevention of these infections.

A scoring system to predict superinfections in high-risk febrile neutropenic children with cancer

Background. No scoring system has been published to date to assess the risk of superinfections (SI) for high-risk children with febrile neutropenia (HRFN). Methods. SI diagnoses during or 1 week after initiating antibiotic therapy in HRFN children were evaluated. Eight hundred and forty-nine episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN) were included in a prospective study to evaluate a scoring system designed to identify SI. Results. In the derivation set (566 episodes), 17% had SI. A multivariate analysis identified the following significant SI-related risk factors: acute lymphoblastic leukemia-acute myeloid leukemia (ALL-AML, OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13-3.10), central venous catheter (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.23-3.62), and febrile episode occurring within 10 days after chemotherapy (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.09-3.15). A SI scoring system could be built: 1 point for ALL-AML, 1 point for the presence of a central venous catheter, and 1 point for the febrile episode occurring within 10 days after chemotherapy. If patients collected 3 points, then their risk of SI was 25.8%. With 2 points the risk was 16.7%, and with one minimum score of 1 point, their risk was 10.9%. The sensitivity to predict SS was 100% and its negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. In the validation set (283 episodes), 49 (17%) children had SI. For children with scores > 0, the scoring system yielded a sensitivity of 100%, and a NPV of 100% for predicting SI. Conclusions. The use of a SI score for HRFN patients was statistically validated by these results. A better initial predictive approach may allow improved therapeutic decisions for these children.

[Community onset of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in previously healthy or health care-associated children in Argentina]. / Infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina adquiridas en la comunidad en niños antes sanos y en niños relacionados al hospital en la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (CA-MRSA) are prevalent in several countries of the world. These infections seem to differ clinically from those occurring within the health care system (HCS-MRSA). OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics of infections by CA-MRSA and HCA-MRSA in the same community. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective, multicentric and comparative study. Children with clinically and microbiologically documented CA-MRSA were included. RESULTS: Between 11/2006 and 11/2007, 840 infections caused by S. aureus were diagnosed. Of them 582 (68%) were community-acquired. Among these 356 (61%) were CA-MRSA. In this group, 75 (21%) were HCA-MRSA and 281 (79%) CA-MRSA. The median age was 36 months (range: 1-201). Chronic skin disease (13) and chronic disease of CNS (9) were the underlying disease predominant. Children with CA-MRSA had more frequency of previous antibiotic treatment (63 vs 34%) and previous medical consult (76 vs 52%), invasive procedures (31 vs 8%), surgery (15 vs 0.3%) and fever (94 vs 74%) (p = < 05). Children with CA-MRSA had subcutaneous abscesses (34 vs 15%) (p = < .05) more frequently. Bacteremia and sepsis rate was similar in both groups (21 vs 18%) and 17 vs 11%) respectively) (p = NS). Antibiotic resistance was more frequent in children with HCA-MRSA: Rifampin (7 vs 1%), trimethoprim-sulphametoxazole (7 vs 1%) and clindamycin (25 vs 9%) (p = < .05). Four children (5%) with HCA-MRSA infections died and 3 (1%) mCA-MRSA group (p = .05). CONCLUSION: Children with HCA-MRSA infections more frequent antibiotic resistance than CA-MRSA should be reconsider the empiric antibiotic treatment of community-acquired infections in children in our area.

Infecciones por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina adquiridas en la comunidad en niños antes sanos y en niños relacionados al hospital en la Argentina / Community onset of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in previously healthy or health care-associated children en Argentina

Introduction: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections (CA-MRSA) are prevalent in several countries of the world. These infections seem to differ clinically from those occurring within the health care system (HCS-MRSA). Objective: To compare clinical characteristics of infections by CA-MRSA and HCA-MRSA in the same communitty. Material and Methods: Prospective, multicentric and comparative study. Children with clinically and microbiologicaly documented CA-MRSA were included. Results: Between 11/2006 and 11/2007, 840 infections caused by S. aureus were diagnosed. Of them 582 (68 percent) were community-acquired. Among these 356 (61 percent) were CA-MRSA. In this group, 75 (21 percent) were HCA-MRSA and 281 (79 percent) CA-MRSA. The median age was 36months (range: 1-201). Chronic skindisease (13) and chronic disease of CNS (9) were the underlying disease predominant. Children with CA-MRSAhad more frequency of previous antibiotic treatment (63 vs 34 percent) and previous medical consult (76 vs 52 percent), invasive procedures (31 vs 8 percent), surgery (15 vs 0,3 percent) and fever (94 vs 74 percent) (p = <05). Children with CA-MRSAhad subcutaneous abscesses (34 vs 15 percent) (p = <.05) more frequently. Bacteremia and sepsis rate was similar in both groups (21 vs 18 percent) and 17 vs 11 percent) respectively) (p = NS). Antibiotic resistance was more frequent in children with HCA-MRSA: Rifampin (7 vs 1 percent), trimethoprim-sulphametoxazole (7 vs 1 percent) and clindamycin (25 vs 9 percent) (p = <.05). Four children (5 percent) with HCA-MRSA infections died and 3 (1 percent) mCA-MRSAgroup (p = .05). Conclusión: Children with HCA-MRSA infections more frequent antibiotic resistance than CA-MRSA should be reconsider the empiric antibiotic treatment of community-acquired infections in children in our área.

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus meticilina-resistente proveniente de la comunidad (SAMRC) es altamente prevalente en diversos países del planeta. Objetivos: Realizar un análisis clínico comparativo entre las infecciones por SAMRC en niños antes sanos (SAMR-CO) y aquellos con S. aureus MR en pacientes con patologías previas (SAMR-RH). Material y Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo y comparativo. Fueron incluidos los niños que tenían infección clínica y microbiológicamente documentada por SAMRC. Resultados: Entre 11/2006 y 11/2007 fueron diagnosticadas 840 infecciones porS. aureus. De ellas 582 (69 por ciento) fueron detectadas en la comunidad. Entre estas 356 (61 por ciento) fueron SAMRC. Entre estas últimas 75 (21 por ciento) fueron SAMR-RH y 281 (79 por ciento) SAMR-CO. La mediana de edad fue de 36 meses (rango: 1-201). Las enfermedades de base más frecuentes fueron: dermatopatías crónicas (13) y enfermedad crónica del SNC (9). Los niños con infección por SAMR-RH presentaron con mayor frecuencia tratamiento antimicrobiano previo (63 vs 34 por ciento), consultas médicas previas (76 vs 52 por ciento), procedimiento invasor previo (31 vs 8 por cientoo), cirugía (15 vs 0,3 por ciento) y fiebre al momento de la consulta (94 vs 74 por ciento) (p < 0,05). Los niños con infección por SAMR-CO tuvieron con mayor frecuencia abscesos subcutáneos (34 vs 15 por ciento) (p < 0,05). La tasa de bacteriemia y se sepsis fue semejante en ambos grupos (21 vs 18 por ciento y 17 vs 11 por ciento)) (p =NS). La resistencia a antimicrobianos fue mayor en niños con SAMR-RH: rifampicina (7 vs l por cientoo), cotrimoxazol (7 vs 1 por ciento) y clindamicina (25 vs 9 por ciento) (p < 0,05). Fallecieron 4 niños con SAMR-RH (5 por ciento) y 3 niños con SAMR-CO (1 por ciento) (p = 0,05). Conclusión: Los niños con SAMR-RH presentan mayor tasa de resistencia a antimicrobianos que SAMR-CO. Debe replantearse el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico en niños con ...

[Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children: multicenter trial]. / Estudio multicéntrico sobre las infecciones pediátricas por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino-resistente provenientes de la comunidad en la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates are increasingly frequent causes of skin and soft-tissue infections or invasive infections in many communities. Local data are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, clinical features and outcome of infections caused by MRSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective and multicentric study of surveillance for community-acquired S. aureus infections in children from Argentina. Infections meeting the definition of community-acquired were identified. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined in the clinical microbiology laboratory with the methodology of the NCCLS. RESULTS: From November 2006 to November 2007, 840 S. aureus infections were diagnosed, 447 of them were community-acquired. One hundred and thirty-five children with underlying disease or previous hospital admission were excluded. Two hundred and eighty one (62%) infections were community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA). The median age of children was 36 months (r:1-201), 60% were male. Among the CA-MRSA isolates, 62% were obtained from children with skin and soft-tissue infections, and 38% from children with invasive infections. Of them, osteomyelitis, arthritis, empyema and pneumonia were prevalent. Eigthteen percent of children had bacteremia and 11% sepsis. The rate of clindamycin resistance of CA-MRSA isolates was 10% and 1% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Only 31% of children had appropriate treatment at admission. The median time of treatment delayed was 72 h. The median time of parenteral treatment was 6 days (r:1-70). In 72% of patients surgical treatment was required. Three children died (1%). CONCLUSIONS: CA-MRSA isolates account for a high percentage and number of infections in children of Argentina. Community surveillance of CA-MRSA infections is critical to determine the appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment for either local or invasive infections. Clindamycin resistance was under 15% in the strains tested. Clindamycin should be use when CA-MRSA infection is suspected in children.

Estudio multicéntrico sobre las infecciones pediátricas por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente provenientes de la comunidad en la Argentina / Community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in children: multicenter trial

En los últimos años se ha informacion diversas partes del mundo la aparición deinfecciones extrahospitalarias causadas por S.aureus resistentes a la meticilina (SAMRC). Losdatos de nuestro país son muy escasos y de informesindividuales.Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia, las característicasclínicas y la evolución final de las infeccionescausadas por SAMRC.Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo y multicéntricode vigilancia de las infecciones extrahospitalariaspor S. aureus en niños de la Argentina. Seincluyeron niños con alguna infección clínica y microbiológicamentedocumentada por S. aureus. Lasensibilidad a los antibióticos de las cepas aisladasse investigó según normas NCCLS.Resultados. Entre 11/2006 y 11/2007 se diagnosticaron840 infecciones por S. aureus. De ellas, 582(69 por ciento) fueron comunitarias. Se excluyeron 135 niñoscon enfermedad de base o internación previa enhospitales. Para el análisis se incluyeron 447 infecciones,de las cuales 281 (62 por ciento) fueron causadas porSAMRC. La mediana de edad fue de 36 meses (r: 1-201). Un 60 por ciento fueron varones. Prevalecieron lasinfecciones de piel y partes blandas (62 por ciento). Las infeccionesosteoarticulares, el empiema pleural y laneumonía fueron las formas invasivas más frecuentes.El 18 por ciento presentó bacteriemia y el 11 por ciento sepsis. El10 por ciento de las cepas fue resistente a clindamicina y el1 por ciento a trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol. Sólo el 31 por ciento tuvoun tratamiento concordante al ingreso. La medianade retraso en el tratamiento adecuado fue de 72 h. Lamediana del tratamiento parenteral fue de 6 días (r:1-70). El 72 por ciento requirió tratamiento quirúrgico, principalmentedrenaje de colecciones purulentas (87 por ciento).Fallecieron 3 niños (1 por ciento).Conclusiones. La tasa de infecciones causadas porSAMRC es alta en niños de nuestro país. Esto constituyeun alerta epidemiológico, particularmentepara los pediatras.

A prospective, multicentric scoring system to predict mortality in febrile neutropenic children with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have succeeded in identifying a subset of children with febrile neutropenia (FN) who are at lower risk of infectious complications and eventual death. Conversely, to the authors' knowledge, no scoring system has been published to date with which to assess the risk of mortality for the whole group of children with neutropenia and fever. METHODS: Between March 2000 and July 2004, 1520 episodes of FN in 981 children were included in a multicentric prospective study to evaluate a scoring system that was designed to identify high mortality risk at the onset of an FN episode in children with cancer. RESULTS: In the derivation set (714 episodes), 18 patients died (2.5%). A multivariate analysis yielded the following significant mortality-related risk factors: advanced stage of underlying malignant disease (odds ratio [OR], 3122.1; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.0001-5.2), associated comorbidity (OR, 25.3; 95% CI, 7.7-83.2), and bacteremia (OR, 7.2; 95% CI, 2.4-22.0). A mortality score could be built with 3 points scored for the presence of advanced-stage underlying malignant disease, 2 points scored for the presence of associated comorbidity, and 1 point scored for bacteremia. If patients collected 4 points of the risk score at onset, then their risk of mortality was 5.8%; if patients had a score of 5 points, then their risk of mortality was 15.4%; and, if they reached the maximum score of 6 points, then their risk of mortality was raised to 40%. The sensitivity of the scoring system was 100%, and it had a specificity of 84.2%. In the validation set (806 episodes), 19 children died (2.3%). For children with scores >3, the scoring system had a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 83.2%, and a negative predictive value of 99.54% for predicting mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a mortality score for high-risk patients was validated statistically by the current results. This is a major prognostic approach to categorize patients with high-risk FN at onset. A better initial predictive approach may allow better therapeutic decisions for these children, with an eventual impact on reducing mortality.