Is it in their eyes? Correlation between microorganisms isolated from bronchial aspirates and conjunctival swabs in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: Our observational, retrospective study aimed to determine the correlation between bacteria isolated from bronchial aspirates of pediatric ICU patients (PICU) with respiratory infections and those obtained from conjunctival swabs of the same patients exhibiting clinical conjunctivitis. METHODS: Throughout the period from 2015 to 2022, we reviewed all clinically significant bronchial aspirates (≥105 CFU/mL) and positive conjunctival swabs obtained from PICU patients. These records were retrieved from the microbiology database, cross-referencing the data to identify patients who tested positive for both during the same clinical episode. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 5 months (interquartile range: 1-7). Among the cohort, twenty-one patients exhibited positivity in both bronchial aspirate and conjunctival swab samples, showcasing a microbial match in 85.71% of cases (18 out of 21). The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Haemophilus influenzae (55.6%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%), Klebsiella aerogenes (9.5%), and Escherichia coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterobacter cloacae, each accounting for 4.8% of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a strong concordance between the isolated microorganisms from both samples in patients presenting clear symptoms of clinical conjunctivitis. These findings provide a basis for future prospective studies that may leverage conjunctival swabs as a predictive tool for identifying microorganisms involved in respiratory infections.

Simulating the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions limiting transmission in COVID-19 epidemics using a membrane computing model.

Epidemics caused by microbial organisms are part of the natural phenomena of increasing biological complexity. The heterogeneity and constant variability of hosts, in terms of age, immunological status, family structure, lifestyle, work activities, social and leisure habits, daily division of time and other demographic characteristics make it extremely difficult to predict the evolution of epidemics. Such prediction is, however, critical for implementing intervention measures in due time and with appropriate intensity. General conclusions should be precluded, given that local parameters dominate the flow of local epidemics. Membrane computing models allows us to reproduce the objects (viruses and hosts) and their interactions (stochastic but also with defined probabilities) with an unprecedented level of detail. Our LOIMOS model helps reproduce the demographics and social aspects of a hypothetical town of 10 320 inhabitants in an average European country where COVID-19 is imported from the outside. The above-mentioned characteristics of hosts and their lifestyle are minutely considered. For the data in the Hospital and the ICU we took advantage of the observations at the Nursery Intensive Care Unit of the Consortium University General Hospital, Valencia, Spain (included as author). The dynamics of the epidemics are reproduced and include the effects on viral transmission of innate and acquired immunity at various ages. The model predicts the consequences of delaying the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (between 15 and 45 days after the first reported cases) and the effect of those interventions on infection and mortality rates (reducing transmission by 20, 50 and 80%) in immunological response groups. The lockdown for the elderly population as a single intervention appears to be effective. This modeling exercise exemplifies the application of membrane computing for designing appropriate multilateral interventions in epidemic situations.

Fosfomycin in the pediatric setting: Evidence and potential indications.

To date, there has been little experience in using fosfomycin in children. However, its broad spectrum of action and excellent safety profile have renewed interest in this antibiotic, especially for treating infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The main indication for fosfomycin in pediatrics is currently community-acquired lower urinary tract infection. Given its good activity against bacteria, fosfomycin can also be useful in urinary infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria. Fosfomycin presents very good dissemination to tissues including bone and is therefore an option in the combined therapy of osteomyelitis, especially in cases produced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or in cases with beta-lactam allergies. Fosfomycin can also be employed in combination for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteremia (especially carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria), S. aureus (if there is a high suspicion of MRSA or complicated infections) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. Other infections in which fosfomycin could be part of a combined therapy include staphylococcal endocarditis (in case of beta-lactam allergy or MRSA), central nervous system infections (mainly by MRSA, S. epidermidis, Listeria and resistant pneumococcus), nosocomial pneumonia and infections associated with mechanical ventilation.

[Update on congenital and neonatal herpes infections: infection due to cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex]. / Actualizacion en infecciones herpeticas congenitas y neonatales: infeccion por citomegalovirus y herpes simple.

Newborn infants are a population which is especially susceptible to viral infections that frequently affect the central nervous system. Herpes infections can be transmitted to the foetus and to the newborn infant, and give rise to severe clinical conditions with long-term sensory and cognitive deficits. Two thirds of newborn infants with encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus and half of the children with symptomatic congenital infection by cytomegalovirus develop sequelae, which results in high community health costs in the long term. Fortunately, the better knowledge about these infections gained in recent years together with the development of effective antiviral treatments have improved the patients' prognosis. Valganciclovir (32 mg/kg/day in two doses for six months) prevents the development of hypoacusis and improves the neurological prognosis in symptomatic congenital infection due to cytomegalovirus. Acyclovir (60 mg/kg/day in three doses for 2-3 weeks) prevents the development of severe forms in skin-eyes-mouth herpes disease, and lowers the rate of mortality and sequelae when the disease has disseminated and is located in the central nervous system.

TITLE: Actualizacion en infecciones herpeticas congenitas y neonatales: infeccion por citomegalovirus y herpes simple.Los neonatos son una poblacion especialmente susceptible a las infecciones viricas que frecuentemente afectan al sistema nervioso central. Las infecciones herpeticas pueden transmitirse al feto y al recien nacido, y ocasionar cuadros clinicos graves con deficits sensoriales y cognitivos a largo plazo. Dos terceras partes de los neonatos con encefalitis por virus herpes simple y la mitad de los niños con infeccion congenita sintomatica por citomegalovirus desarrollan secuelas, lo cual supone un alto coste sociosanitario a largo plazo. Afortunadamente, el mejor conocimiento de estas infecciones en los ultimos años y el desarrollo de tratamientos antivirales efectivos han mejorado el pronostico de los pacientes. El valganciclovir (32 mg/kg/dia en dos dosis durante seis meses) previene el desarrollo de hipoacusia y mejora el pronostico neurologico en la infeccion congenita sintomatica por citomegalovirus. El aciclovir (60 mg/kg/dia en tres dosis durante 2-3 semanas) previene el desarrollo de formas graves en la enfermedad herpetica cutanea-ocular-oral, y disminuye la mortalidad y las secuelas en la enfermedad diseminada y localizada en el sistema nervioso central.

Septic pulmonary emboli detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT in children with S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia.

PURPOSE: The role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the diagnosis of metastatic infectious foci in children with catheter-related blood stream infection has been hardly studied, although some authors have reported it benefit in the screening of metastatic foci in adult population. Septic pulmonary emboli are among the most difficult to identify, because many cases do not present pulmonary complaints or abnormal chest radiography. However, diagnosis of these foci has important therapeutic consequences. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of septic pulmonary embolism in children with S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia. METHODS: We report 3 children with S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia and normal chest X-ray at admission, in whom 18F-FDG PET/CT led to the diagnosis of unsuspected septic pulmonary emboli, with an impact on clinical management. RESULTS: All patients had hemophilia and implantable venous access ports and presented with fever and normal lung auscultation. Only 1 reported non-specific symptoms (undifferentiated left chest pain). All patients had normal chest X-ray on admission. Catheters were removed within 48 h after admission in 2 cases, and 5 days after admission in the last case, subsiding fever. In 2 children, paired blood cultures were not able to identify bacteremia. However, in all cases catheter tip and subcutaneous port cultures yielded S. aureus and PET/CT detected unsuspected pulmonary metastatic emboli. CONCLUSIONS: 18F-FDG PET/CT should be considered as a useful tool to diagnose septic pulmonary embolism in S. aureus catheter-related bacteremia, especially if conventional diagnostic imaging techniques have failed to reveal possible metastatic foci. Further studies are needed to clarify the usefulness of PET/CT performance in children with CRBSI.

Documento de consenso SEIP-AEPap-SEPEAP sobre la etiología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las infecciones cutáneas micóticas de manejo ambulatorio / SEIP-AEPap-SEPEAP consensus document on the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and ambulatory management of fungal skin infections

Entre las infecciones por hongos, las micosis superficiales, adquiridas por contacto directo o indirecto con un animal o con una persona infectados, son las más habituales en la infancia. Los patógenos más frecuentes en el niño inmunocompetente son las levaduras (Candida y Malasezzia) y los dermatofitos. La morbilidad de las micosis superficiales es tan importante como poco considerada, pues existe la falsa impresión de que constituyen un problema menor pese a su gran incidencia en la práctica habitual. En el presente documento de consenso, elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones de Manejo Ambulatorio de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), la Asociación Española de Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AEPap) y la Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria (SEPEAP), se abordan los aspectos esenciales de la infección micótica superficial en el niño inmunocompetente (AU)

Superficial mycoses, acquired by direct or indirect contact with an infected animal or person, are frequent in childhood. The most common pathogens in immunocompetent children are yeasts (Candida and Malasezzia) and dermatophytes. The morbidity of the superficial mycoses is as important as trivialized, which gives the false impression that it constitutes a minor problem despite its high incidence in routine practice. In this consensus document of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (SEIP), the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (AEPap) and the Spanish Society of Pediatric Outpatient and Primary Care (SEPEAP), the essential aspects of superficial fungal infection in the immunocompetent child are addressed (AU)

Anomalía del uraco sobreinfectada como causa de irritabilidad en un lactante / Infected urachal abnormality as the cause of an infant irritability

Presentamos el caso de una lactante de cinco meses que presenta irritabilidad y distensión abdominal en la presentación de una anomalía congénita del uraco. El texto repasa la sintomatología, las pruebas complementarias y el tratamiento, así como los principales diagnósticos diferenciales (AU)

We report the case of a 5-month old infant who presents irritability and abdominal distention in the context of a congenital anomaly of the urachus. Symptomatology, additional tests and treatment, as well as the main differential diagnoses, are reviewed in the text (AU)

Piomiositis de localización inusual / Pyomyositis of unusual location

Presentamos el caso de una niña de nueve años que presenta una tumoración del músculo esternocleidomastoideo en el contexto de un traumatismo con diagnóstico definitivo de piomiositis. El texto repasa la sintomatología, las pruebas complementarias y el tratamiento, así como los principales diagnósticos diferenciales (AU)

We report the case of a nine-year-old girl who presents a post-traumatic sternocleidomastoid tumoration with final diagnosis of pyomyositis. Symptomatology, diagnostic tests, treatment and main differential diagnosis are reviewed (AU)

Documento de consenso SEIP-AEPAP-SEPEAP sobre la etiología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las infecciones cutáneas bacterianas de manejo ambulatorio / SEIP-AEPAP-SEPEAP consensus document on the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial skin infections in out-patients

Las infecciones cutáneas constituyen un motivo de consulta frecuente en dermatología pediátrica. Se revisan las manifestaciones clínicas, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los principales cuadros infecciosos bacterianos de la piel, así como de la sobreinfección de las heridas punzantes y por mordedura. Las bacterias más prevalentes en las infecciones cutáneas son Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) y Streptococcus pyogenes. El tratamiento es generalmente empírico y solo ante determinadas circunstancias o mala evolución clínica se recomienda el estudio microbiológico. Las infecciones cutáneas superficiales pueden tratarse con antisépticos y antibióticos tópicos (mupirocina o ácido fusídico). El tratamiento sistémico se reserva para formas extensas, graves o con otros factores de riesgo del huésped. En estos casos, el antibiótico de elección dependerá, entre otros factores, de los patógenos sospechados; los más utilizados son penicilina, amoxicilina, amoxicilina-ácido clavulánico y cefalosporinas de primera o segunda generación. Considerando la baja incidencia de S. aureus resistente a la meticilina de adquisición comunitaria en nuestro país, no se recomienda modificar el tratamiento empírico salvo en circunstancias de especial gravedad, recurrencia o antecedente epidemiológico, en cuyo caso el tratamiento recomendado es clindamicina o trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol

Skin infections are a common cause for dermatological consultations in the paediatric setting. A review is presented of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of the main bacterial skin infections, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of super-infected puncture and bite wounds. The most prevalent bacteria in skin infections are Staphylococcus aureusand Streptococcus pyogenes. Treatment is usually empirical, since microbiological studies are only recommended under certain circumstances or lack of improvement with common therapies. Superficial skin infections can be treated with local antiseptics or antibiotics (mupirocin or fusidic acid). Systemic treatment is usually reserved for patients with extensive or severe disease or with other risk factors. Systemic treatment depends on the suspected infecting bacteria, with penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and first or second generation cephalosporin being the most frequently used drugs. Due to the low incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant infection by S. aureus in Spain, the use of clindamycin or co-trimoxazole is only recommended after severe disease, relapses or a clear epidemiological background

[SEIP-AEPAP-SEPEAP consensus document on the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial skin infections in out-patients]. / Documento de consenso SEIP-AEPAP-SEPEAP sobre la etiología, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de las infecciones cutáneas bacterianas de manejo ambulatorio.

Skin infections are a common cause for dermatological consultations in the paediatric setting. A review is presented of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of the main bacterial skin infections, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of super-infected puncture and bite wounds. The most prevalent bacteria in skin infections are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Treatment is usually empirical, since microbiological studies are only recommended under certain circumstances or lack of improvement with common therapies. Superficial skin infections can be treated with local antiseptics or antibiotics (mupirocin or fusidic acid). Systemic treatment is usually reserved for patients with extensive or severe disease or with other risk factors. Systemic treatment depends on the suspected infecting bacteria, with penicillin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and first or second generation cephalosporin being the most frequently used drugs. Due to the low incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant infection by S. aureus in Spain, the use of clindamycin or co-trimoxazole is only recommended after severe disease, relapses or a clear epidemiological background.

¿Es posible tener dengue autóctono en España? / Is it possible to have autochthonous dengue fever in Spain?

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Guía de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica sobre tuberculosis en la embarazada y el recién nacido (I): epidemiología y diagnóstico. Tuberculosis congénita / Spanish Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases guidelines on tuberculosis in pregnant women and neonates (i): Epidemiology and diagnosis. Congenital tuberculosis

El cribado de tuberculosis (TB) gestacional mediante la realización de la prueba de tuberculina (PT) se recomienda a las embarazadas con síntomas compatibles, contacto íntimo con TB bacilífera o riesgo de progresión a formas activas. Las nuevas técnicas de diagnóstico interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) están indicadas en gestantes sin factores de riesgo, con PT positiva y antecedente de vacunación BCG, y en inmunodeprimidas con sospecha clínica y PT negativa. El diagnóstico de enfermedad es difícil, ya que los síntomas pueden ser inespecíficos y hay más formas extrapulmonares, por el retraso en las exploraciones radiológicas y por la mayor tasa de anergia a la tuberculina. La TB neonatal puede adquirirse de forma intrauterina (TB congénita) o por vía respiratoria tras el parto (TB posnatal). La TB congénita es excepcional, no produce malformaciones fetales y, aunque puede estar presente en el nacimiento, suele iniciarse a partir de la segunda semana de vida. En ausencia de antecedentes familiares, la TB neonatal debe sospecharse en caso de neumonía con patrón miliar, hepatoesplenomegalia con lesiones focales o meningitis linfocitaria con hipoglucorraquia, especialmente si la madre procede de áreas de alta endemia de TB. La PT es habitualmente negativa y la sensibilidad de los IGRA es inferior a la de niños de más edad. Sin embargo, la baciloscopia y el cultivo de jugo gástrico tienen una rentabilidad superior, especialmente en la TB congénita. Las técnicas de diagnóstico molecular permiten un diagnóstico precoz y la detección de mutaciones de resistencia farmacológica. El riesgo de formas diseminadas y la mortalidad son elevados

Tuberculosis (TB) screening in pregnancy using tuberculin skin test (TST) is recommended in case of symptoms of TB disease, close contact with a patient with infectious TB, or high risk of developing active disease. The new interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) tests are recommended in BCG-vaccinated pregnant women with positive TST and no known risk factors for TB, and in those immunocompromised, with clinical suspicion of TB but negative TST. TB diagnosis is difficult due to the non-specific symptoms, the increased frequency of extrapulmonary disease, the delay in radiological examinations, and the high rate of tuberculin anergy. Neonatal TB can be acquired in utero (congenital TB), or through airborne transmission after delivery (postnatal TB). Congenital TB is extremely rare and does not cause fetal malformations. It may be evident at birth, although it usually presents after the second week of life. In newborns with no family history of TB, the disease should be considered in cases of miliary pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly with focal lesions, or lymphocytic meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia, especially in those born to immigrants from high TB-burden countries. TST is usually negative, and IGRAs have lower sensitivity than in older children. However, the yield of acid-fast smear and culture is higher, mostly in congenital TB. Molecular diagnosis techniques enable early diagnosis and detection of drug resistance mutations. There is a substantial risk of disseminated disease and death

Guía de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica sobre tuberculosis en la embarazada y el recién nacido (II): profilaxis y tratamiento / Spanish Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases guidelines on tuberculosis in pregnant women and neonates (II): Prophylaxis and treatment

En la embarazada expuesta a tuberculosis (TB) no se recomienda profilaxis primaria con isoniazida salvo en gestantes inmunodeprimidas, con enfermedades crónicas o factores de riesgo obstétrico y antecedente de contacto íntimo mantenido con un enfermo bacilífero. En la infección tuberculosa latente (ITBL) se iniciará profilaxis con isoniazida si existe contacto reciente con TB o factores de riesgo de progresión a TB activa. En caso contrario, se retrasará hasta al menos 3 semanas después del parto. El tratamiento de la enfermedad tuberculosa es el mismo que fuera de la gestación. Los recién nacidos de madres con historia gestacional de TB diseminada o extrapulmonar, con TB activa en el parto o con contacto TB posnatal conocido, asintomáticos y con pruebas diagnósticas negativas, deben recibir profilaxis primaria con isoniazida durante al menos 12 semanas. Transcurrido ese tiempo se repiten los test diagnósticos, y si son negativos, se interrumpe la profilaxis. En la ITBL, se administrará isoniazida durante 9 meses. En la enfermedad tuberculosa, el tratamiento es el mismo que en el niño mayor pero mantenido al menos 9 meses. Se recomienda aislamiento respiratorio en la TB congénita y en la TB posnatal con baciloscopia positiva en jugo gástrico o aspirado bronquial. La separación madre-hijo solo está indicada en madres que han recibido tratamiento durante menos de 2 semanas, presentan baciloscopia positiva o tienen TB resistente. La lactancia materna no está contraindicada y en las situaciones de separación la madre puede extraerse la leche para que sea administrada en biberón al recién nacido

In pregnant women who have been exposed to tuberculosis (TB), primary isoniazid prophylaxis is only recommended in cases of immunosuppression, chronic medical conditions or obstetric risk factors, and close and sustained contact with a patient with infectious TB. Isoniazid prophylaxis for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is recommended in women who have close contact with an infectious TB patient or have risk factors for progression to active disease. Otherwise, it should be delayed until at least three weeks after delivery. Treatment of TB disease during pregnancy is the same as for the general adult population. Infants born to mothers with disseminated or extrapulmonary TB in pregnancy, with active TB at delivery, or with postnatal exposure to TB, should undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Primary isoniazid prophylaxis for at least 12 weeks is recommended for those with negative diagnostic tests and no evidence of disease. Repeated negative diagnostic tests are mandatory before interrupting prophylaxis. Isoniazid for 9 months is recommended in LTBI. Treatment of neonatal TB disease is similar to that of older children, but should be maintained for at least 9 months. Respiratory isolation is recommended in congenital TB, and in postnatal TB with positive gastric or bronchial aspirate acid-fast smears. Separation of mother and infant is only necessary when the mother has received treatment for less than 2 weeks, is sputum smear-positive, or has drug-resistant TB. Breastfeeding is not contraindicated, and in case of mother-infant separation expressed breast milk feeding is recommended

Réplica a: Recomendaciones de vacunación con BCG en niños con infección tuberculosa latente / Reply to: BCG vaccination recommendation in children with latent tuberculosis infection

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Cribado de citomegalovirus en prematuros menores de 1.500 g. Comité Científico del Registro Estatal de Infección Congénita por Citomegalovirus / Cytomegalovirus screening in less than 1500 g premature newborns. National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Disease Registry Scientific committee

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[Spanish Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases guidelines on tuberculosis in pregnant women and neonates (i): Epidemiology and diagnosis. Congenital tuberculosis]. / Guía de la Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica sobre tuberculosis en la embarazada y el recién nacido (I): epidemiología y diagnóstico. Tuberculosis congénita.

Tuberculosis (TB) screening in pregnancy using tuberculin skin test (TST) is recommended in case of symptoms of TB disease, close contact with a patient with infectious TB, or high risk of developing active disease. The new interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) tests are recommended in BCG-vaccinated pregnant women with positive TST and no known risk factors for TB, and in those immunocompromised, with clinical suspicion of TB but negative TST. TB diagnosis is difficult due to the non-specific symptoms, the increased frequency of extrapulmonary disease, the delay in radiological examinations, and the high rate of tuberculin anergy. Neonatal TB can be acquired in utero (congenital TB), or through airborne transmission after delivery (postnatal TB). Congenital TB is extremely rare and does not cause fetal malformations. It may be evident at birth, although it usually presents after the second week of life. In newborns with no family history of TB, the disease should be considered in cases of miliary pneumonia, hepatosplenomegaly with focal lesions, or lymphocytic meningitis with hypoglycorrhachia, especially in those born to immigrants from high TB-burden countries. TST is usually negative, and IGRAs have lower sensitivity than in older children. However, the yield of acid-fast smear and culture is higher, mostly in congenital TB. Molecular diagnosis techniques enable early diagnosis and detection of drug resistance mutations. There is a substantial risk of disseminated disease and death.