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.

Antibiotic resistance in bloodstream isolates from high-complexity paediatric units in Madrid, Spain: 2013-2021.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a significant challenge in high-complexity healthcare settings. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of AMR in bloodstream isolates from high-complexity paediatric units in Spain over a nine-year period. METHODS: A retrospective observational multicentre study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals, analysing bloodstream isolates from patients aged <18 years admitted to the paediatric intensive care, neonatology, and oncology-haematology units between 2013 and 2021. Demographics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and resistance mechanisms were analysed in two periods (2013-2017 and 2017-2021). FINDINGS: In all, 1255 isolates were included. AMR was more prevalent in older patients and those admitted to the oncology-haematology unit. Multidrug resistance was observed in 9.9% of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB); 20.0% of P. aeruginosa vs 8.6% of Entero-bacterales (P < 0.001), with an increase in Enterobacterales from 6.2% to 11.0% between the first and the second period (P = 0.021). Difficult-to-treat resistance was observed in 2.7% of GNB; 7.4% of P. aeruginosa vs 1.6% of Enterobacterales (P < 0.001), with an increasing trend in Enterobacterales from 0.8% to 2.5% (P = 0.076). Carbapenem resistance among Enterobacterales increased from 3.5% to 7.2% (P = 0.029), with 3.3% producing carbapenemases (67.9% VIM). Meticillin resistance was observed in 11.0% of S. aureus and vancomycin resistance in 1.4% of Enterococcus spp., with both rates remaining stable throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: This study reveals a high prevalence of AMR in high-complexity paediatric units. Enterobacterales showed a concerning increasing trend in resistant strains, with higher rates among older patients and those admitted to oncology-haematology units.

Increased risk of group B streptococcal sepsis and meningitis in HIV-exposed uninfected infants in a high-income country.

The purpose of this study is to compare group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection incidence in HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV-unexposed (HU) infants in a Spanish cohort. We conducted a retrospective study in 5 hospitals in Madrid (Spain). Infants ≤ 90 days of life with a GBS infection were included from January 2008 to December 2017. Incidence of GBS infection in HEU and HU children was compared. HEU infants presented a sevenfold greater risk of GBS infection and a 29-fold greater risk of GBS meningitis compared to HU, with statistical significance. Early-onset infection was tenfold more frequent in HEU children, with statistical significance, and late-onset infection was almost fivefold more frequent in the HUE infants' group, without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: HEU infants presented an increased risk of GBS sepsis and meningitis. One in each 500 HEU infants of our cohort had a central nervous system infection and 1 in each 200, a GBS infection. Although etiological causes are not well understood, this should be taken into account by physicians when attending this population. WHAT IS KNOWN: • HIV-exposed uninfected infants are at higher risk of severe infections. • An increased susceptibility of these infants to group B Streptococcus infections has been described in low- and high-income countries, including a higher risk of meningitis in a South African cohort. WHAT IS NEW: • Group B Streptococcal meningitis is more frequent in HIV-exposed uninfected infants also in high-income countries. • Physicians should be aware of this increased risk when attending these infants.

[Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, is more prevalent in our country in newborns exposed to HIV?] / La infección congénita por citomegalovirus, ¿es más prevalente en nuestro medio en neonatos expuestos al VIH?

OBJECTIVE: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) has been considered more prevalent among HIV-exposed children during pregnancy. Spanish national guidelines recommend the cCMV screening in these newborns. Nowadays, pregnant women have a better control of HIV infection compared to previous decades. We aim to analyze the prevalence and associated risk factors to cCMV in these children. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectorial study was performed. All newborns exposed to HIV were assisted in a third-level hospital (2014-2020). Epidemiological and clinical data of the mother and newborn were recorded. Shell vial urine culture and/or CRP were performed along the two first weeks of life for the neonatal screening of cCMV. RESULTS: Overall 69 newborns were enrolled. A high proportion (82.4%) of the mothers had been diagnosed with HIV before getting pregnant. All women received ART during the pregnancy. Median T-CD4 lymphocytes before delivery was 641/mm3 (IQR: 480-865) and the viral load was undetectable in 83.6%. Serological test for CMV along the first trimester of pregnancy was performed in 73.5% (positive IgG in 96%). There were no congenital cases of HIV neither cCMV (CI 95%:0-5.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The cCMV prevalence in newborns exposed to HIV was 0%, lower than reported before, probably related to a better and earlier ART during pregnancy, leading to a better immunological status.

Complicaciones obstétricas relacionadas con la terapia antirretroviral en gestantes infectadas por el VIH / Obstetric complications related to antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women with HIV infection

IntroducciónEl porcentaje de gestantes infectadas por VIH que demandan embarazo ha aumentado en los países desarrollados debido a la estabilidad de la infección y la disminución de la transmisión vertical por los tratamientos antirretrovirales (TAR) y las medidas preventivas. Sin embargo, existe poca información respecto al efecto del TAR sobre el embarazo.MétodosEstudio retrospectivo de las gestantes infectadas por VIH con TAR controladas en el Hospital La Paz entre los años 2000-2017. Se estudiaron las complicaciones maternofetales.ResultadosSe recogieron 141 gestaciones en 112 mujeres infectadas por VIH. El TAR más utilizado fue la combinación de 2 inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa análogos nucleosídicos+1 inhibidor de la proteasa (58,1%), con diferencias significativas entre los distintos tratamientos en cuanto a la carga viral plasmática, siendo indetectable en mayor medida con 2 inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa análogos nucleosídicos +1 inhibidor de la transcriptasa inversa no nucleosídico, segunda pauta más utilizada. Las tasas de neonatos a término de bajo peso (<2.500g) (11,3%), partos pretérmino (11,1%) y rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino (5,6%) fueron mayores que en la población general. Aunque no hubo asociación, estas complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en gestantes con un inhibidor de la proteasa/ritonavir. No se relacionaron con la carga viral plasmática. No se encontró aumento en la tasa de interrupciones gestacionales, malformaciones ni diabetes gestacional.ConclusiónEn las gestantes infectadas por VIH con TAR está aumentada la tasa de neonatos a término de bajo peso, prematuridad y rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino en comparación con la población general, relacionándose especialmente con el tratamiento con un inhibidor de la proteasa, aunque sin asociación significativa.

IntroductionThe percentage of HIV-infected pregnant women seeking pregnancy has increased in developed countries due to the stability of the infection and the decrease in vertical transmission due to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and preventive measures. However, there is little information regarding the effect of ART on pregnancy.MethodsRetrospective study of HIV-infected pregnant women on ART monitored at Hospital La Paz between 2000-2017. Maternal-foetal complications were studied.ResultsOne hundred and forty-one gestations were collected in 112 HIV-infected women. The most commonly used ART was the combination of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor analogues+1 protease inhibitor (58.1%), with significant differences between the different treatments in terms of plasma viral load being undetectable to a greater extent with 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor analogues+1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, the second most used regimen. The rates of low birth weight (<2,500g) term neonates (11.3%), preterm delivery (11.1%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (5.6%) were higher than in the general population. Although there was no association, these complications were more frequent in pregnant women with a protease inhibitor/ritonavir. They were not related to plasma viral load. No increase in the rate of gestational terminations, malformations or gestational diabetes was found.ConclusionHIV-infected pregnant women on ART have an increased rate of low birth weight, prematurity, and preterm premature rupture of membranes at term compared to the general population, especially related to treatment with protease inhibitor, although without significant association.

Predictors of mortality and clinical characteristics among carbapenem-resistant or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infections in Spanish children.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are an emerging problem in the paediatric population worldwide with high mortality rates in bloodstream infection (BSI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate predictors of 30 day mortality in CRE BSI in a paediatric cohort. METHODS: A retrospective observational single-centre study (December 2005-August 2018) was conducted. Cases of CRE BSI in children 0 to 16 years were included. Microbiological identification (MALDI Biotyper) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Vitek2® and MicroScan panel NBC44) according to EUCAST breakpoints were performed. PCR OXVIKP® was used to confirm carbapenemase genes (OXA-48, VIM, KPC, NDM). Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, source of bacteraemia, antimicrobial therapy and outcomes were collected from medical records. Survival analysis to establish predictors of 30 day mortality was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight cases were included; 76.3% were hospital-acquired infections and 23.7% related to healthcare. All patients had at least one underlying comorbidity and 52.6% were recipients of an organ transplant. VIM carbapenemase was the predominant mechanism (92.1%). Previous CRE colonization or infection rate was 52.6%. Intestinal tract (26.3%) and vascular catheter (21.1%) were the most common sources of infection. Crude mortality within 30 days was 18.4% (7/38); directly related 30 day mortality was 10.5%. Conditions associated with an increment in 30 day mortality were intensive care admission and inadequate empirical therapy (P < 0.05). Combination-antibiotic targeted treatment and a low meropenem MIC were not related to improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: CRE BSI mortality rate is high. The most important factor related to 30 day survival in our CRE BSI cohort in children was empirical treatment that included at least one active antibiotic.

Significant differences between verbal and non-verbal intellectual scales on a perinatally HIV-infected cohort: from pediatrics to young adults.

Delayed neurodevelopment is a common outcome in perinatally HIV-infected children. Our aim was to assess the intellectual profile of our cohort, considering both the infection and socio-environmental related variables. A cross-sectional cohort study was undertaken at seven major hospitals in Spain belonging to the CoRISpeS cohort (n = 97). Patients were followed up according to a standard protocol. Intellectual measures, psychosocial profile and HIV infection-related data have been analysed. The average patient age was 15 years. The median CD4 cell percentage was 35% (1,59). Viral load was undetectable in 80% of the patients and 27% were on AIDS category; 38% of whom had encephalopathy. The average composite score of both crystallized intelligence (CI) and intelligence quotient (IQ) for the cohort was lower than that of the general population (p < 0.001). Results revealed a significant difference of 38% between crystallized and fluid intelligence. There was a clear association between IQ and age of diagnosis (p = 0.022); CI and CDC classification (p = 0.035), CD4 count (p = 0.011) and CD4 nadir (p = 0.001). Higher parental education was associated with better performance across all intelligence scales (p < 0.002). A regression model showed that CI was influenced by the academic level of caregivers (p = 0.002), age at start of cART (p = 0.050) and primary language (p = 0.058). Findings revealed significant differences in verbal and non-verbal intellectual scales resulting in a misleading IQ Composite score. Crystallized intelligence demonstrated the highest level of impairment despite adequate treatment and good immunovirological status, while fluid intelligence results were average. Caregiver level of education was the strongest factor across all intelligence measures.

[Evolution of the incidence of colonized and infected patients by VIM carbapenemase-producing bacteria in a pediatric hospital in Spain]. / Evolución de la incidencia de pacientes con colonización e infección por bacterias productoras de carbapenemasas VIM en un hospital pediátrico en España.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the evolution of the incidence of infected and colonized patients with carbapenemase VIM-producing bacteria (CPB-VIM) at a national referral pediatric center in Madrid, Spain, between 2012 and 2015. METHODS: Descriptive epidemiological surveillance study. The surveillance system included case detection (screening for BPC colonization in all admitted patients, with periodicity according to the ward) and control measures (contact precautions, identification of previously colonized patients at admission, environmental cleaning, education, supervision of contact precautions, and patient cohort). All hospitalized patients with first positive microbiological sample for CPB-VIM in 2012-2015 were included. Colonized patients were followed through clinical history to evaluate later infection. RESULTS: We found 239 colonized and 51 infected patients with CPB-VIM (49.3% women, 47.6% were 5 months old or younger, 52.1% admitted at Intensive Care Unit). Infection and colonization incidence were, respectively, 2.6 and 6.7 cases per one thousand hospitalized patients in 2012, 1.8 and 10.0 in 2014 and 0.3 and 5.0 in 2015. Within these patients, 84.4% shared ward with other patient with previous positive sample. 13.0% (31/239) of colonized patients had a subsequent infection. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown data of pediatric patients affected by BPC-VIM, collected from an epidemiological surveillance system that included systematic screening at a national referral center. After an epidemic period, the incidence of cases went down. The surveillance and infection control measures intensification, as well as coordination with involved departments, were key in the handling of the situation.

Utilidad de la punción lumbar y el urocultivo en el estudio de la fiebre sin foco en niños menores de 1 mes en el servicio de urgencias pediátricas: estudio descriptivo / Utility of lumbar puncture and urine culture for the study of fever without source in neonates in pediatric emergency departments: A descriptive study

Introducción: La fiebre sin foco en el recién nacido constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente en los servicios de urgencias pediátricas. En los últimos años han surgido diferentes enfoques sobre su manejo, y se tiende a un abordaje conservador en cuanto a la realización de exploraciones complementarias. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de las historias clínicas de los menores de 1 mes atendidos en nuestro servicio de urgencias pediátricas por fiebre sin foco durante los años 2011-2013. Resultados: Se analizaron 146 casos. Se realizó urocultivo en el 98,6% de los casos y un cultivo del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) en el 91,1%. En el 13,6%, el urocultivo resultó positivo, y el microorganismo más frecuente fue Escherichia coli (75%). El 28,8% presentó un LCR positivo, lo que supone el 95,2% de los casos de infecciones por enterovirus, sin aislarse ningún agente bacteriano. Hemos encontrado una relación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,002) entre los pacientes que presentaron valores más elevados de temperatura y los cultivos de LCR positivos para enterovirus, así como entre los que presentaron mayores recuentos de leucocitos en sangre con cultivo de orina y LCR patológicos (p < 0,001 y p = 0,019, respectivamente). Conclusión: Los neonatos febriles suponen un grupo de riesgo para el desarrollo de una infección bacteriana grave, por lo que es importante realizar una búsqueda etiológica exhaustiva, con estudio de sangre, orina y LCR, independientemente de su rango de edad. La indicación de las exploraciones complementarias no puede basarse exclusivamente en los hallazgos obtenidos en la anamnesis y la exploración física (AU)

Introduction: Unexplained fever in newborn infants represents a common visit to the pediatric emergency departament (ED). In the last few years different views about its management had arosen, with a tendency towards being conservative about complementary exams. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective study based on clinical data of newborn infants (less than 1 month old) in our ED department with unexplained fever between 2011-2013. Results: Data for 146 patients were analyzed. Urine culture was done in 98.6% of the patients and cerebrospinal fluid culture in the 91.1%. Urine culture turned out positive in the 13.6%, being Escherichia coli the most common microorganism (75%). In the 28.8% of the cases, the sample of cerebrospinal fluid turned up positive, assuming in the 95.2% of the cases, enterovirus infections without a bacterial agent being isolated. We have found a statistical significative relation (p < 0.002) between patients with higher temperature levels and cerebrospinal fluid positive cultures for enterovirus as well as between the ones with higher white blood cell count with positive cerebrospinal fluid and urine cultures (p < 0.001 y p = 0.019, respectively). Conclusion: Febrile newborn infants are a risk group for developing serious bacterial infections, highlighting the importance of an exhaustive etiological study, with blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid studies, regardless their age group. The indication of complementary exams must not be based only on anamnesis or physical examination (AU)

Opportunities to improve antimicrobial use in paediatric intensive care units: a nationwide survey in Spain.

Improving antimicrobial use is a complex process that requires an accurate assessment of ongoing problems and barriers. Paediatric intensive care units (PICU) have seldom been assessed from this perspective. Two Internet-based, self-administered surveys were conducted nationwide in Spain between January and February 2014. The first survey aimed to assess those characteristics of Spanish PICUs that could influence antimicrobial prescribing or antimicrobial stewardship. The second survey targeted Spanish PICU physicians and pursued to assess their attitudes and perceptions regarding antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial use. Information about 29/39 contacted PICUs was obtained. A total of 114/206 (55.3%) paediatric intensivists responded. PICUs were heterogeneous regarding years since foundation, number of beds, type of patients admitted and staffing. Only 11 (37.9%) PICUs had available e-prescribing systems. Procalcitonin was available in 24 (89.1%) PICUs, but there were no procalcitonin-based protocols in 14 (60.9%) of them. Half of surveyed PICUs had implemented antimicrobial stewardship activities. Ninety-eight of the 114 PICU physicians (86%) who participated considered that antimicrobial resistance was a significantly relevant problem for their daily and that improving antimicrobial use in their PICU should be a priority (103; 90.4%). The main perceived problems regarding antimicrobial use were the excessive use of antimicrobials in patients with nonconfirmed infections and excessive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The most valued antimicrobial stewardship interventions were the implementation of protocols to guide antimicrobial therapy. Spanish PICU doctors are aware of the relevance of the problem of antimicrobial resistance and the need to improve antimicrobial use. Targeted interventions should take into account their difficulties and preferences when feasible.

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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Los riesgos del empleo de reptiles como animales de compañía / Risk of use of reptiles as pets

En los últimos años se ha incrementado el número de familias que tienen animales exóticos como mascotas, que en ocasiones actúan como reservorio de subespecies poco habituales de patógenos gastrointestinales. Se presenta el caso de un niño con gastroenteritis aguda por Salmonella arizonae, una subespecie de la Salmonella enterica cuyo reservorio es principalmente los reptiles (AU)

In the last years the number of families who have exotic animals as pets has been increased, sometimes acting as a reservoir of rare subspecies of gastrointestinal pathogens. We present the case of a child with acute gastroenteritis caused by S. arizonae (Salmonella enterica subspecies), whose main reservoir are reptiles (AU)

Cefalosporinas en el tratamiento hospitalario de la neumonía: reflexiones para su optimización / Cephalosporin use in hospitalized patients with pneumonia

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Meningitis bacteriana por Streptococcus pyogenes: revisión de la literatura / Bacterial meningitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes: literature review

Introducción: el Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) es una etiología poco habitual de meningitis bacteriana a pesar de ser un germen que frecuentemente produce infecciones en otras localizaciones en la edad pediátrica. Material y métodos: se revisaron los casos de bacteriemia por S. pyogenes y los factores de riesgo asociados en la base de datos del Servicio de Microbiología del Hospital Universitario La Paz desde junio de 2002 a junio de 2012. Resultados: únicamente se encontró un caso de bacteremia por S. pyogenes asociado a meningitis, que se describe en este artículo. Conclusiones: a pesar de su baja incidencia, se debe tener en cuenta el S. pyogenes en el diagnóstico diferencial de meningitis bacterianas, especialmente en pacientes con factores de riesgo asociados (AU)

Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a rare cause of meningitis despite being a common source of pediatric infections in other sites. Material and methods: A search was performed of the pediatric patients with S. pyogenes bacteremia in the microbiology database of the Hospital Infantil La Paz from June 2002 until June 2012. Results: A single case of S. pyogenes meningitis was found and is reported in this article. Conclusions: Despite its low incidence, S. pyogenes should be considered in the differential diagnosis of meningitis, particularly in patients with associated risk factors (AU)

Daptomicina a dosis altas en infección diseminada por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina / High-dose daptomycin use in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus disseminated infection

La infección por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina asociado a la comunidad (SARM-AC) es un problema creciente en nuestro país. La daptomicina es un antibiótico bactericida con actividad frente al SARM-AC. Presentamos a 3 pacientes pediátricos con SARM-AC diseminado que recibieron daptomicina a dosis altas, con buena respuesta microbiológica y clínica(AU)

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are an increasing problem in our country. Daptomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic with activity against CA-MRSA. Experience using high-dose daptomycin is reviewed in three paediatric patients with severe-disseminated CA-MRSA infection with a favourable microbiological and clinical response(AU)

[High-dose daptomycin use in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus disseminated infection]. / Daptomicina a dosis altas en infección diseminada por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are an increasing problem in our country. Daptomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic with activity against CA-MRSA. Experience using high-dose daptomycin is reviewed in three paediatric patients with severe-disseminated CA-MRSA infection with a favourable microbiological and clinical response.