High-risk clones of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from pediatric patients in Southern Brazil.

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) exhibit high mortality rates in pediatric patients and usually belong to international high-risk clones. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and carbapenem resistance mechanisms of K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from pediatric patients, and correlate them with phenotypical data. Twenty-five CRKP isolates were identified, and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using broth microdilution. Carbapenemase production and ß-lactamase genes were detected by phenotypic and genotypic tests. Multilocus sequence typing was performed to differentiate the strains and whole-genome sequencing was assessed to characterize a new sequence type. Admission to the intensive care unit and the use of catheters were significantly positive correlates of CRKP infection, and the mortality rate was 36%. Almost all isolates showed multidrug-resistant phenotype, and most frequent resistant gene was blaKPC. We observed the dissemination of ST307 and clones belonging to CG258, which are considered high risk. In pediatric patients, these clones present with high genomic plasticity, favoring adaptation of the KPC and NDM enzymes to healthcare environments.

Outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST1133 in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in paediatric patients from Hospital Pequeno Príncipe. The susceptibility profile was determined, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyse the genetic context of the strains. METHODS: Five VREfm isolates were recovered from sterile sites and surveillance cultures of two paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Species identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed according to the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). WGS was performed to analyse the genetic context of virulence and resistance genes, and in silico multilocus sequence typing was performed to identify the sequence typing of the strains. RESULTS: High-level vancomycin resistance was observed in all isolates (≥256 mg/L). WGS revealed the presence of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids (rep2, rep11a, repUS15, rep17, and rep18a), insertion sequences, and phages. Multiple resistance genes (aac(6')-aph(2"), dfrG, ermB, and vanA) and virulence genes (acm and efaAfm) were identified. All the isolates were assigned to ST117 (ST1133 - via a novel MLST), an important epidemic lineage associated with nosocomial infections and outbreaks. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the ST117 (ST1133) VREfm isolates are circulating in paediatric patients, which raises a great concern. The development of new drugs as well as the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program are necessary for their correct management, limiting the spread of resistance in oncohematological patients.

Lower airway microbiota and decreasing lung function in young Brazilian cystic fibrosis patients with pulmonary Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas infection.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene that leads to respiratory complications and mortality. Studies have shown shifts in the respiratory microbiota during disease progression in individuals with CF. In addition, CF patients experience short cycles of acute intermittent aggravations of symptoms called pulmonary exacerbations, which may be characterized by a decrease in lung function and weight loss. The resident microbiota become imbalanced, promoting biofilm formation, and reducing the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of this study was to monitor patients aged 8-23 years with CF to evaluate their lower respiratory microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing. The most predominant pathogens observed in microbiota, Staphylococcus (Staph) and Pseudomonas (Pseud) were correlated with clinical variables, and the in vitro capacity of biofilm formation for these pathogens was tested. A group of 34 patients was followed up for 84 days, and 306 sputum samples were collected and sequenced. Clustering of microbiota by predominant pathogen showed that children with more Staph had reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) compared to children with Pseud. Furthermore, the patients' clinical condition was consistent with the results of pulmonary function. More patients with pulmonary exacerbation were observed in the Staph group than in the Pseud group, as confirmed by lower body mass index and pulmonary function. Additionally, prediction of bacterial functional profiles identified genes encoding key enzymes involved in virulence pathways in the Pseud group. Importantly, this study is the first Brazilian study to assess the lower respiratory microbiota in a significant group of young CF patients. In this sense, the data collected for this study on the microbiota of children in Brazil with CF provide a valuable contribution to the knowledge in the field.

Novel Insights into blaGES Mobilome Reveal Extensive Genetic Variation in Hospital Effluents.

Mobile genetic elements contribute to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria by enabling the horizontal transfer of acquired antibiotic resistance among different bacterial species and genera. This study characterizes the genetic backbone of blaGES in Aeromonas spp. and Klebsiella spp. isolated from untreated hospital effluents. Plasmids ranging in size from 9 to 244 kb, sequenced using Illumina and Nanopore platforms, revealed representatives of plasmid incompatibility groups IncP6, IncQ1, IncL/M1, IncFII, and IncFII-FIA. Different GES enzymes (GES-1, GES-7, and GES-16) were located in novel class 1 integrons in Aeromonas spp. and GES-5 in previously reported class 1 integrons in Klebsiella spp. Furthermore, in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, blaGES-5 was found in tandem as a coding sequence that disrupted the 3' conserved segment (CS). In Klebsiella grimontii, blaGES-5 was observed in two different plasmids, and one of them carried multiple IncF replicons. Three Aeromonas caviae isolates presented blaGES-1, one Aeromonas veronii isolate presented blaGES-7, and another A. veronii isolate presented blaGES-16. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis revealed novel sequence types for Aeromonas and Klebsiella species. The current findings highlight the large genetic diversity of these species, emphasizing their great adaptability to the environment. The results also indicate a public health risk because these antimicrobial-resistant genes have the potential to reach wastewater treatment plants and larger water bodies. Considering that they are major interfaces between humans and the environment, they could spread throughout the community to clinical settings. IMPORTANCE In the "One Health" approach, which encompasses human, animal, and environmental health, emerging issues of antimicrobial resistance are associated with hospital effluents that contain clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria along with a wide range of antibiotic concentrations, and lack regulatory status for mandatory prior and effective treatment. blaGES genes have been reported in aquatic environments despite the low detection of these genes among clinical isolates within the studied hospitals. Carbapenemase enzymes, which are relatively unusual globally, such as GES type inserted into new integrons on plasmids, are worrisome. Notably, K. grimontii, a newly identified species, carried two plasmids with blaGES-5, and K. quasipneumoniae carried two copies of blaGES-5 at the same plasmid. These kinds of plasmids are primarily responsible for multidrug resistance among bacteria in both clinical and natural environments, and they harbor resistant genes against antibiotics of key importance in clinical therapy, possibly leading to a public health problem of large proportion.

Emergence of Thymidine-Dependent Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants in Cystic Fibrosis Patients in Southern Brazil.

We characterized Staphylococcus aureus small-colony variant (SCV) strains isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in southern Brazil. Smaller colonies of S. aureus were isolated from respiratory samples collected consecutively from 225 CF patients from July 2013 to November 2016. Two phenotypic methods-the auxotrophic classification and a modified method of antimicrobial susceptibility testing-were employed. PCR was conducted to detect the mecA, ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, and msrB resistance genes. Furthermore, DNA sequencing was performed to determine the mutations in the thyA gene, and multilocus sequence typing was used to identify the genetic relatedness. S. aureus strains were isolated from 186 patients (82%); suggestive colonies of SCVs were obtained in 16 patients (8.6%). The clones CC1 (ST1, ST188, and ST2383), CC5 (ST5 and ST221), and ST398 were identified. Among SCVs, antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 77.7% of the isolates were resistant to multiple drugs, and all of them were susceptible to vancomycin. mecA (2), ermA (1), ermB (1), ermC (3), and msrB (18) were distributed among the isolates. Phenotypically thymidine-dependent isolates had different mutations in the thyA gene, and frameshift mutations were frequently observed. Of note, revertants showed nonconservative or conservative missense mutations. SCVs are rarely identified in routine laboratory tests. IMPORTANCE Similar findings have not yet been reported in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of monitoring small-colony variants (SCVs). Altogether, our results highlight the need to improve detection methods and review antimicrobial therapy protocols in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

First Genome Sequences of Two Multidrug-Resistant Candida haemulonii var. vulnera Isolates From Pediatric Patients With Candidemia.

Candida haemulonii is a complex formed by C. haemulonii sensu stricto, C. haemulonii var. vulnera, and C. duobushaemulonii. Members of this complex are opportunistic pathogens closely related to C. pseudohaemulonii, C. lusitaniae, and C. auris, all members of a multidrug-resistant clade. Complete genome sequences for all members of this group are available in the GenBank database, except for C. haemulonii var. vulnera. Here, we report the first draft genomes of two C. haemulonii var. vulnera (isolates K1 and K2) and comparative genome analysis of closely related fungal species. The isolates were biofilm producers and non-susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole. The draft genomes comprised 350 and 387 contigs and total genome sizes of 13.21 and 13.26 Mb, with 5,479 and 5,507 protein-coding genes, respectively, allowing the identification of virulence and resistance genes. Comparative analyses of orthologous genes within the multidrug-resistant clade showed a total of 4,015 core clusters, supporting the conservation of 24,654 proteins and 3,849 single-copy gene clusters. Candida haemulonii var. vulnera shared a larger number of clusters with C. haemulonii and C. auris; however, more singletons were identified in C. lusitaniae and C. auris. Additionally, a multiple sequence alignment of Erg11p proteins revealed variants likely involved in reduced susceptibility to azole and polyene antifungal agents. The data presented in this work will, therefore, be of utmost importance for researchers studying the biology of the C. haemulonii complex and related species.

Molecular Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in a Brazilian Tertiary Hospital.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide, mainly via the spread of high-risk clones and epidemic resistance plasmids. In this study, we evaluated the molecular epidemiology and ß-lactam resistance mechanisms of MDR-Kp strains isolated in a Brazilian academic care hospital. We used whole-genome sequencing to study drug resistance mechanisms and their relationships with a K. pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing (KPC) Kp outbreak. Forty-three Kp strains were collected between 2003 and 2012. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 15 antimicrobial agents, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect 32 resistance genes. Mutations in ompk35, ompk36, and ompk37 were evaluated by PCR and DNA sequencing. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were carried out to differentiate the strains. Based on distinct epidemiological periods, six Kp strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. ß-lactamase coding genes were widely distributed among isolates. Almost all isolates had mutations in porin genes, particularly ompk35. The presence of bla KPC promoted a very high increase in carbapenem minimum inhibitory concentration only when ompk35 and ompk36 were interrupted by insertion sequences. A major cluster was identified by PFGE analysis and all isolates from this cluster belonged to clonal group (CG) 258. We have also identified a large repertoire of resistance genes in the sequenced isolates. A bla KPC-2-bearing plasmid (pUFPRA2) was also identified, which was very similar to a plasmid previously described in the first Brazilian KPC-Kp (2005). We found high-risk clones (CG258) and an epidemic resistance plasmid throughout the duration of the study (2003 to 2012), emphasizing a persistent presence of MDR-Kp strains in the hospital setting. Finally, we found that horizontal transfer of resistance genes between clones may have played a key role in the evolution of the outbreak.

Invasive candidiasis: Risk factor for mortality in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in south of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a major cause of morbimortality in children. Previous studies described the clinical characteristics and risk factors for this infection; however, limited data are available on the predictors of mortality in these patients. In this context, we evaluated the risk factors associated with death due to IC in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in South of Brazil. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study of a series of pediatric patients with clinical and laboratory diagnosis of IC from March 2014 to September 2017. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to estimate the association between the characteristics of the patients and death. RESULTS: A total of 94 cases of IC were included. The incidence was 1.13 cases per 1000 patients/d, with a mortality rate of 14%. There was a predominance of non-albicans Candida (71.3%) in IC cases and, although there is no species difference in mortality rates, biofilm formation was associated with increased mortality. Clinical characteristics such as male sex, stay in the intensive care unit, and thrombocytopenia; comorbidities such as cardiological disease and renal insufficiency; and risks such as mechanical ventilation and dialysis were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest that biofilm formation by Candida sp. is associated with increased mortality, and this is the first study to correlate the male sex and cardiological disease as risk factors for death in pediatric IC patients.

Validation of multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis in culture negative cerebrospinal fluid.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the operational characteristics of the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis and positive or negative CSF cultures. METHODS: Multiplex PCR was performed for 36 CSF samples: culture-proven acute bacterial meningitis (n = 7), culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis (n = 17), lymphocytic meningitis (n = 8), and normal CSF (n = 4). The operational characteristics of multiplex PCR were evaluated with definite and probable bacterial meningitis, using culture positive, cytological and biochemical CSF characteristics as the gold standard. RESULTS: Multiplex PCR for CSF was efficient in the group with CSF cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis but with a negative CSF culture. This group demonstrated high specificity, positive predictive value, and efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplex PCR for CSF can improve the speed and accuracy of acute bacterial meningitis diagnosis in a clinical setting as a complement to classical immunological and bacteriological assays in CSF. It is also useful for CSF culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis.

Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with and without sepsis in intensive care units of a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with and without sepsis at critical care units of a public hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2012 to April 2013. Clinical and laboratory data of patients with and without sepsis in the intensive care units were reviewed of medical records. RESULTS: We evaluated 466 patients, 58% were men, median age was 40 years, and 146 (31%) of them were diagnosed with sepsis. The overall mortality was 20% being significantly higher for patients with sepsis (39%). The factors associated with intensive care unit mortality were the presence of sepsis (OR: 6.1, 95%CI: 3.7-10.5), age (OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.4-7.2), and length of hospital stay (OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.98). Pulmonary (49%) and intra-abdominal (20%) infections were most commonly identified sites, and coagulase-negative staphylococci and enteric Gram negative bacilli the most frequent (66%) pathogens isolated. CONCLUSION: Although the impact of sepsis on mortality is related to patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics, a critical evaluation of these data is important since they will allow the direct implementation of local policies for managing this serious public health problem.

Validation of multiplex PCR for the diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis in culture negative cerebrospinal fluid / Validação do PCR multiplex para o diagnóstico de meningite bacteriana aguda com cultura de liquido cefalorraquidiano negativa

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the operational characteristics of the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis and positive or negative CSF cultures. Methods: Multiplex PCR was performed for 36 CSF samples: culture-proven acute bacterial meningitis (n = 7), culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis (n = 17), lymphocytic meningitis (n = 8), and normal CSF (n = 4). The operational characteristics of multiplex PCR were evaluated with definite and probable bacterial meningitis, using culture positive, cytological and biochemical CSF characteristics as the gold standard. Results: Multiplex PCR for CSF was efficient in the group with CSF cellular and biochemical characteristics of acute bacterial meningitis but with a negative CSF culture. This group demonstrated high specificity, positive predictive value, and efficiency. Conclusions: Multiplex PCR for CSF can improve the speed and accuracy of acute bacterial meningitis diagnosis in a clinical setting as a complement to classical immunological and bacteriological assays in CSF. It is also useful for CSF culture-negative acute bacterial meningitis.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou as características funcionais da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) multiplex para amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) de pacientes com características celulares e bioquímicas de meningite bacteriana aguda e culturas de LCR positivas ou negativas. Métodos: O PCR multiplex foi realizado em 36 amostras de LCR: meningite bacteriana aguda comprovada por cultura (n = 7), meningite bacteriana aguda com cultura negativa (n = 17), meningite linfocítica (n = 8) e LCR normal (n = 4). As características funcionais do PCR multiplex foram avaliadas para meningite bacteriana definitiva e provável, utilizando cultura positiva, características citológicas e bioquímicas do LCR como padrão-ouro. Resultados: O PCR multiplex do LCR foi eficiente no grupo com características celulares e bioquímicas do LCR de meningite bacteriana, mas com cultura do LCR negativa. Este grupo demonstrou especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e eficiência altos. Conclusões: Os autores concluíram que o PCR multiplex do LCR pode melhorar a velocidade e a precisão do diagnóstico de meningite bacteriana em um ambiente clínico como complemento aos ensaios imunológicos e bacteriológicos clássicos no LCR. Também é útil para meningite bacteriana aguda com cultura de LCR negativa.

Assessment of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with and without sepsis in intensive care units of a tertiary hospital / Avaliação das características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com e sem sepse nas unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital terciário

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with and without sepsis at critical care units of a public hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2012 to April 2013. Clinical and laboratory data of patients with and without sepsis in the intensive care units were reviewed of medical records. Results We evaluated 466 patients, 58% were men, median age was 40 years, and 146 (31%) of them were diagnosed with sepsis. The overall mortality was 20% being significantly higher for patients with sepsis (39%). The factors associated with intensive care unit mortality were the presence of sepsis (OR: 6.1, 95%CI: 3.7-10.5), age (OR: 3.6, 95%CI: 1.4-7.2), and length of hospital stay (OR: 0.96, 95%CI: 0.94-0.98). Pulmonary (49%) and intra-abdominal (20%) infections were most commonly identified sites, and coagulase-negative staphylococci and enteric Gram negative bacilli the most frequent (66%) pathogens isolated. Conclusion Although the impact of sepsis on mortality is related to patients' clinical and epidemiological characteristics, a critical evaluation of these data is important since they will allow the direct implementation of local policies for managing this serious public health problem.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com sepse e sem sepse em unidades de cuidados intensivos de um hospital público. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado de maio de 2012 a abril de 2013. Os dados clínicos e laboratoriais de pacientes com sepse e sem sepse das unidades de terapia intensiva foram revisados a partir dos prontuários médicos. Resultados Avaliamos 466 pacientes, 58% homens, mediana de idade 40 anos; sendo 146 (31%) diagnosticados com sepse. A mortalidade global foi 20%, e significativamente maior para pacientes com sepse (39%). Os fatores associados à mortalidade em unidade de terapia intensiva foram a presença de sepse (OR: 6,1, IC95%: 3,7-10,5), idade (OR: 3,6, IC95%: 1,4-7,2) e tempo de internação (OR: 0,96, IC95%: 0,94-0,98). As infecções pulmonares (49%) e intra-abdominais (20%) foram os focos mais comumente identificados, e os estafilococos coagulase-negativa e bacilos entéricos Gram-negativos foram os patógenos isolados mais frequentes (66%). Conclusão Embora o impacto da sepse sobre a mortalidade esteja relacionado às características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes, uma avaliação crítica desses dados é importante, pois permitirá a implementação direta de políticas locais para gerenciar este grave problema de saúde pública.

Bacteremia and meningitis caused by OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter baumannii - molecular characterization and susceptibility testing for alternative antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection is a concern in developing countries due to high incidence, few therapeutic options, and increasing costs. OBJECTIVE: Characterize and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates and evaluate clinical data of meningitis and bacteremia caused by this microorganism. METHODS: Twenty-six A. baumannii isolates from 23 patients were identified by MALDI-TOF and automated methods and genotyped using pulsed field genotyping electrophoresis. Clinical data and outcomes were evaluated. Susceptibility of isolates to colistin, tigecycline, meropenem, imipenem, and doxycycline was determined. RESULTS: Mortality due to A. baumannii infections was 73.91%; all patients with meningitis and 7/8 patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia died. All isolates were susceptibility to polymyxin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 1µg/mL, 1µg/mL) and colistin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 2µg/mL, 2µg/mL), and 92% were susceptible to tigecycline (MIC50, MIC90: 1µg/mL, 1µg/mL) and doxycycline (MIC50, MIC90: 2µg/mL, 2µg/mL). blaOXA-23 was identified in 24 isolates. Molecular typing showed 8 different patterns: 13 isolates belonged to pattern A (50%). CONCLUSION: Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections mortality is high. Alternative antimicrobial therapy (doxycycline) for selected patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infection should be considered.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight: a promising alternative method of identifying the major coagulase-negative Staphylococci species.

INTRODUCTION.: This study aimed to evaluate different methods for differentiation of species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) that caused infections in hospitalized immunocompromised patients. METHODS.: A total of 134 CoNS strains were characterized using four different methods. RESULTS.: The results of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis were in complete agreement with those of tuf gene sequencing (kappa index = 1.00). The kappa index of Vitek 2® Compact analysis was 0.85 (very good) and that of the conventional method was 0.63 (moderate). CONCLUSIONS: . MALDI-TOF MS provided rapid and accurate results for the identification of CoNS (134; 100%).

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight: a promising alternative method of identifying the major coagulase-negative Staphylococci species

Abstract INTRODUCTION. This study aimed to evaluate different methods for differentiation of species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) that caused infections in hospitalized immunocompromised patients. METHODS. A total of 134 CoNS strains were characterized using four different methods. RESULTS. The results of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis were in complete agreement with those of tuf gene sequencing (kappa index = 1.00). The kappa index of Vitek 2® Compact analysis was 0.85 (very good) and that of the conventional method was 0.63 (moderate). CONCLUSIONS . MALDI-TOF MS provided rapid and accurate results for the identification of CoNS (134; 100%).

Bacteremia and meningitis caused by OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter baumannii - molecular characterization and susceptibility testing for alternative antibiotics

Abstract Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection is a concern in developing countries due to high incidence, few therapeutic options, and increasing costs. Objective: Characterize and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates and evaluate clinical data of meningitis and bacteremia caused by this microorganism. Methods: Twenty-six A. baumannii isolates from 23 patients were identified by MALDI-TOF and automated methods and genotyped using pulsed field genotyping electrophoresis. Clinical data and outcomes were evaluated. Susceptibility of isolates to colistin, tigecycline, meropenem, imipenem, and doxycycline was determined. Results: Mortality due to A. baumannii infections was 73.91%; all patients with meningitis and 7/8 patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia died. All isolates were susceptibility to polymyxin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 1 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) and colistin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 2 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL), and 92% were susceptible to tigecycline (MIC50, MIC90: 1 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) and doxycycline (MIC50, MIC90: 2 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL). bla OXA-23 was identified in 24 isolates. Molecular typing showed 8 different patterns: 13 isolates belonged to pattern A (50%). Conclusion: Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections mortality is high. Alternative antimicrobial therapy (doxycycline) for selected patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infection should be considered.

Bacteremia and meningitis caused by OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter baumannii molecular characterization and susceptibility testing for alternative antibiotics

Abstract Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection is a concern in developing countries due to high incidence, few therapeutic options, and increasing costs. Objective: Characterize and analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates and evaluate clinical data of meningitis and bacteremia caused by this microorganism. Methods: Twenty-six A. baumannii isolates from 23 patients were identified by MALDI-TOF and automated methods and genotyped using pulsed field genotyping electrophoresis. Clinical data and outcomes were evaluated. Susceptibility of isolates to colistin, tigecycline, meropenem, imipenem, and doxycycline was determined. Results: Mortality due to A. baumannii infections was 73.91%; all patients with meningitis and 7/8 patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia died. All isolates were susceptibility to polymyxin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 1 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) and colistin (100%; MIC50, MIC90: 2 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL), and 92% were susceptible to tigecycline (MIC50, MIC90: 1 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) and doxycycline (MIC50, MIC90: 2 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL). bla OXA-23 was identified in 24 isolates. Molecular typing showed 8 different patterns: 13 isolates belonged to pattern A (50%). Conclusion: Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections mortality is high. Alternative antimicrobial therapy (doxycycline) for selected patients with carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infection should be considered.

Risk factors for candidemia mortality in hospitalized children / Fatores de risco de mortalidade por candidemia em crianças internadas

Abstract Objective: To evaluate risk factors associated with death due to bloodstream infection caused by Candida spp. in pediatric patients and evaluate the resistance to the main anti-fungal used in clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical study with retrospective collection that included 65 hospitalized pediatric patients with bloodstream infection by Candida spp. A univariate analysis was performed to estimate the association between the characteristics of the candidemia patients and death. Results: The incidence of candidemia was 0.23 cases per 1000 patients/day, with a mortality rate of 32% (n = 21). Clinical outcomes such as sepsis and septic shock (p = 0.001), comorbidities such as acute renal insufficiency (p = 0.01), and risks such as mechanical ventilation (p = 0.02) and dialysis (p = 0.03) are associated with increased mortality in pediatric patients. The resistance and dose-dependent susceptibility rates against fluconazole were 4.2% and 2.1%, respectively. No resistance to amphotericin B and echinocandin was identified. Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that sepsis and septic shock, acute renal insufficiency, and risks like mechanical ventilation and dialysis are associated with increased mortality in pediatric patients. The mortality among patients with candidemia is high, and there is no species difference in mortality rates. Regarding the resistance rates, it is important to emphasize the presence of low resistance in this series.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores de risco associados ao óbito por infecção da corrente sanguínea causada pela Candida spp em pacientes pediátricos e avaliar a resistência ao principal antifúngico usado na prática clínica. Métodos: Este é um estudo transversal, observacional e analítico com coleta retrospectiva que incluiu 65 pacientes pediátricos internados com infecção da corrente sanguínea por Candida spp. Foi feita uma análise univariada para estimar a associação entre as características dos pacientes com candidemia e o óbito. Resultados: A incidência de candidemia foi de 0,23 casos em cada 1.000 pacientes/dia, com taxa de mortalidade de 32% (n = 21). O resultado clínico como sepse e choque séptico (p = 0,001), comorbidades como insuficiência renal aguda (p = 0,01) e riscos como ventilação mecânica (p = 0,02) e diálise (p = 0,03) estão associados ao aumento da mortalidade em pacientes pediátricos. As taxas de resistência e susceptibilidade dose-dependente contra o fluconazol foram de 4,2% e 2,1%, respectivamente. Não foi identificada resistência à anfotericina B e equinocandina. Conclusão: Os dados de nosso estudo sugerem que a sepse e o choque séptico, a insuficiência renal aguda e riscos como ventilação mecânica e diálise estão associados ao aumento da mortalidade em pacientes pediátricos. A mortalidade entre pacientes com candidemia é alta e não há diferença nas taxas de mortalidade entre as espécies. Sobre a resistência, é importante enfatizar a presença de baixa resistência nesta série.

Characterization of CTX-M enzymes, quinolone resistance determinants, and antimicrobial residues from hospital sewage, wastewater treatment plant, and river water.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are widespread in hospitals and have been increasingly isolated from aquatic environments. The aim of the present study was to characterize extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and quinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from a hospital effluent, sanitary effluent, inflow sewage, aeration tank, and outflow sewage within a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), as well as river water upstream and downstream (URW and DRW, respectively), of the point where the WWTP treated effluent was discharged. ß-lactamase (bla) genes, plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), and quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) were assessed by amplification and sequencing in 55 ESBL-positive and/or quinolone-resistant isolates. Ciprofloxacin residue was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography. ESBL-producing isolates were identified in both raw (n=29) and treated (n=26) water; they included Escherichia coli (32), Klebsiella pneumoniae (22) and Klebsiella oxytoca (1). Resistance to both cephalosporins and quinolone was observed in 34.4% of E. coli and 27.3% of K. pneumoniae. Resistance to carbapenems was found in 5.4% of K. pneumoniae and in K. oxytoca. Results indicate the presence of blaCTX-M (51/55, 92.7%) and blaSHV (8/55, 14.5%) ESBLs, and blaGES (2/55, 3.6%) carbapenemase-encoding resistance determinants. Genes conferring quinolone resistance were detected at all sites, except in the inflow sewage and aeration tanks. Quinolone resistance was primarily attributed to amino acid substitutions in the QRDR of GyrA (47%) or to the presence of PMQR (aac-(6')-Ib-cr, oqxAB, qnrS, and/or qnrB; 52.9%) determinants. Ciprofloxacin residue was absent only from URW. Our results have shown strains carrying ESBL genes, PMQR determinants, and mutations in the gyrA QRDR genes mainly in hospital effluent, URW, and DRW samples. Antimicrobial use, and the inefficient removal of MDR bacteria and antibiotic residue during sewage treatment, may contribute to the emergence and spreading of resistance in the environment, making this a natural reservoir.

Risk factors for candidemia mortality in hospitalized children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors associated with death due to bloodstream infection caused by Candida spp. in pediatric patients and evaluate the resistance to the main anti-fungal used in clinical practice. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical study with retrospective collection that included 65 hospitalized pediatric patients with bloodstream infection by Candida spp. A univariate analysis was performed to estimate the association between the characteristics of the candidemia patients and death. RESULTS: The incidence of candidemia was 0.23 cases per 1000patients/day, with a mortality rate of 32% (n=21). Clinical outcomes such as sepsis and septic shock (p=0.001), comorbidities such as acute renal insufficiency (p=0.01), and risks such as mechanical ventilation (p=0.02) and dialysis (p=0.03) are associated with increased mortality in pediatric patients. The resistance and dose-dependent susceptibility rates against fluconazole were 4.2% and 2.1%, respectively. No resistance to amphotericin B and echinocandin was identified. CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest that sepsis and septic shock, acute renal insufficiency, and risks like mechanical ventilation and dialysis are associated with increased mortality in pediatric patients. The mortality among patients with candidemia is high, and there is no species difference in mortality rates. Regarding the resistance rates, it is important to emphasize the presence of low resistance in this series.