No seroconversion among healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with morbidity, hospitalizations, absenteeism, and mortality among healthcare workers (HCW). AIM: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HCW exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the early pandemic phase in 2020 at a regional reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine HCW working at a regional hospital were invited to a longitudinal study performed between April-July 2020. A serological analysis by ELISA IgG for viral nucleoprotein and protein S with a secondary analysis by ELISA IgG protein S1/S2 for samples with positive or doubtful result was carried out together with a complementary online survey to inquire about occupational or community exposures to SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Two cases with baseline infection were detected (1.1%, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic) and no cases of seroconversion were detected. During the study period, there were 136 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and regional weekly COVID-19 incidence ranged from 2.7 to 24.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. No SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected by PCR among 27 HCW who consulted for respiratory symptoms in the period. Online surveys confirmed direct care of COVID-19 patients and also detected a high degree of unprotected social interaction at work. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of seroconversion in this group of HCW exposed to the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment and other measures used by the HCW were extremely useful for their protection in the initial phase of the pandemic.

Performance estimation of two in-house ELISA assays for COVID-19 surveillance through the combined detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgM, and IgG immunoglobulin isotypes.

The main objective of this study was to estimate the performance, under local epidemiological conditions, of two in-house ELISA assays for the combined detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA, IgM, and IgG immunoglobulins. A total of 94 serum samples were used for the assessment, where 44 corresponded to sera collected before the pandemic (free of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies), and 50 sera were collected from confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the main public hospital in the city of Valdivia, southern Chile. The Nucleocapsid (Np) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins were separately used as antigens (Np and RBD ELISA, respectively) to assess their diagnostic performance. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate the optical density (OD) cut-off that maximized the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the ELISA assays. Np ELISA had a mean Se of 94% (95% CI = 83.5-98.8%) and a mean Sp of 100% (95% CI = 92.0-100%), with an OD 450 nm positive cut-off value of 0.88. On the other hand, RBD ELISA presented a mean Se of 96% (95% CI = 86.3-99.5%) and a mean Sp of 90% (95% CI = 78.3-97.5%), with an OD 450 nm positive cut off value of 0.996. Non-significant differences were observed between the Se distributions of Np and RBD ELISAs, but the latter presented a significant lower Sp than Np ELISA. In parallel, collected sera were also analyzed using a commercial lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay (LFCI), to compare the performance of the in-house ELISA assays against a commercial test. The LFCI had a mean sensitivity of 94% (95% CI = 87.4-100%) and a mean specificity of 100% (95% CI = 100-100%). When compared to Np ELISA, non-significant differences were observed on the performance distributions. Conversely, RBD ELISA had a significant lower Sp than the LFCI. Although, Np ELISA presented a similar performance to the commercial test, this was 2.5 times cheaper than the LFCI assay (labor cost not considered). Thus, the in-house Np ELISA could be a suitable alternative tool, in resource limited environments, for the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection, supporting further epidemiological studies.

No seroconversion among healthcare workers exposed to SARS-CoV-2 during the early phase of the pandemic / Ausencia de seroconversión en trabajadores de la salud expuestos a SARS-CoV-2 durante la primera fase de la pandemia

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is associated with morbidity, hospitalizations, absenteeism, and mortality among healthcare workers (HCW). AIM: To evaluate the seroconversion rate in HCW exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the early pandemic phase in 2020 at a regional reference hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine HCW working at a regional hospital were invited to a longitudinal study performed between April-July 2020. A serological analysis by ELISA IgG for viral nucleoprotein and protein S with a secondary analysis by ELISA IgG protein S1/S2 for samples with positive or doubtful result was carried out together with a complementary online survey to inquire about occupational or community exposures to SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Two cases with baseline infection were detected (1.1%, one symptomatic and one asymptomatic) and no cases of seroconversion were detected. During the study period, there were 136 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and regional weekly COVID-19 incidence ranged from 2.7 to 24.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. No SARS-CoV-2 cases were detected by PCR among 27 HCW who consulted for respiratory symptoms in the period. Online surveys confirmed direct care of COVID-19 patients and also detected a high degree of unprotected social interaction at work. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of seroconversion in this group of HCW exposed to the risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment and other measures used by the HCW were extremely useful for their protection in the initial phase of the pandemic.

ANTECEDENTES: La pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 está asociada a morbilidad, hospitalizaciones, ausentismo y mortalidad entre el personal de salud (PS). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la tasa de seroconversión en el PS expuesto al SARS-CoV-2 en la fase pandémica inicial el 2020 en un hospital regional de referencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ciento setenta y nueve trabajadores de la salud fueron invitados a un estudio longitudinal realizado entre abril-julio de 2020. Se efectuó un análisis serológico por ELISA IgG para nucleoproteína viral y proteína S con un análisis secundario por ELISA IgG proteína S1 / S2 para muestras con resultado positivo o dudoso junto a encuestas complementarias en línea para preguntar sobre exposiciones ocupacionales o comunitarias al SARS-CoV-2. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron dos casos con infección basal (1,1%, uno sintomático y uno asintomático) sin casos de seroconversión. Durante el período de estudio, hubo 136 pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19, y la incidencia semanal regional de COVID-19 osciló entre 2,7 y 24,4 por 100.000 habitantes. No se detectaron casos de SARS-CoV-2 por PCR entre los 27 funcionarios que consultaron por síntomas respiratorios en este período. Las encuestas en línea confirmaron la atención directa de los pacientes con COVID-19 y también detectaron un alto grado de interacción social desprotegida en el trabajo. CONCLUSIONES: No hubo evidencia de seroconversión en un grupo de funcionarios expuestos al riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante el inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19. Los equipos de protección personal y otras medidas utilizadas por el PS fueron de suma utilidad para su protección en la fase inicial de la pandemia.

Correction: Clinical profile and mortality in patients with T. cruzi/HIV co-infection from the multicenter data base of the "Network for healthcare and study of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV co-infection and other immunosuppression conditions".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009809.].

Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case

ABSTRACT Neurotoxocariasis is uncommon. Its manifestations include events of meningitis, encephalitis and less frequently vasculitis, which manifest as headache, seizures, focalization, confusion, cognitive alterations and /or fever. Peripheral eosinophilia with clinical and neurological imaging elements, allow its early suspicion. We report a 48-year-old agricultural worker, admitted in our hospital for one week of gastrointestinal complaints, headache, progressive left hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. He had leukocytosis (13,530/μL) with peripheral eosinophilia (25%, absolute count 3,400 /μL). CSF analysis revealed no abnormalities and brain CT showed poorly defined hypodense lesions on subcortical areas and semioval centers. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple foci with increased signals predominantly in the white matter in both hemispheres, especially at frontal and occipital regions and at semioval centers. Lesions reinforced after paramagnetic contrast. Serological studies found specific IgG antibodies by ELISA against antigens of the genus Toxocara, which were confirmed by a positive IgG Western Blot. The patient was treated with albendazole (800 mg/d) for 14 days associated with parenteral and then oral corticosteroids with a favorable response and gradual complete recovery.

La neurotoxocariasis es infrecuente. Sus manifestaciones incluyen eventos de meningitis, encefalitis y con menor frecuencia vasculitis, que se manifiestan como cefalea, convulsiones, focalización, confusión, alteraciones cognitivas o fiebre. La eosinofilia periférica, junto a elementos clínicos e imágenes compatibles, permiten su sospecha. Informamos el caso de un trabajador agrícola de 48 años que ingresó por una semana de molestias gastrointestinales, cefalea, hemiparesia izquierda progresiva y deterioro de conciencia. Los exámenes revelaron leucocitosis (13.530/μL) con eosinofilia periférica (25%, recuento absoluto 3.400/μL). El análisis del LCR sin anomalías y la tomografía computada cerebral mostró lesiones hipodensas mal definidas en áreas subcorticales y centros semiovales. La resonancia magnética mostró múltiples focos con aumento de la señal predominantemente en la sustancia blanca en ambos hemisferios. Las lesiones presentaron refuerzo tras contraste paramagnético. Los estudios serológicos indicaron anticuerpos IgG específicos por ELISA contra antígenos del género Toxocara. El paciente fue tratado con albendazol (800 mg /día) durante 14 días asociado a corticoides con respuesta favorable y una recuperación gradual completa.

[Invasive ocular fungal infection by Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunocompromised patient]. / Infección ocular invasora por Scedosporium apioespermum en un paciente inmunocomprometido.

We report a case of invasive fungal infection with necrotizing conjunctivitis, scleritis and unilateral panuveitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum in a 78-year-old woman that developed neutropenia by drugs indicated for rheumatoid arthritis. The etiological diagnosis was confirmed by mycological culture of an ocular secretion with the support of MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis and histopathological findings. The treatment involved surgical debridements together with topical solution and systemic therapy with voriconazole and steroids with a favorable evolution after 2 months of treatment. A relapse required a second therapeutic course for an additional 12 months with improvement and eradication of the agent. Fungal conjunctivitis due to S. apiospermum is a rare event associated with immunosuppressed patients. Its treatment involves surgical debridements and prolonged antifungal therapy.

[Acute retinal necrosis by varicella zoster virus in an immunocompetent patient with therapeutic follow up by PCR]. / Necrosis retiniana aguda por virus varicela zoster en un paciente inmunocompetente con seguimiento de la respuesta terapéutica mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena.

We present the case of a 63-year-old immunocompetent man with unilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN). He consulted for blurred vision, eye pain, photophobia, and headache. Papillitis and peripheal chorioretinitis associated with vasculitis and peripheral retinal ischemia was confirmed. PCR from aqueous humor sample detected varicella zoster virus. The patient was treated with a combined therapy of oral corticosteroids, oral / intravenous acyclovir along with weekly intravitreous ganciclovir doses followed by oral valaciclovir for three months. A progressive decrease in viral load in aqueous humor was demonstrated during treatment. Follow-up showed improvement in the inflammatory condition and a slight recovery of visual acuity, however, finally he presented a retinal detachment with total loss of one-sided vision. ARN is an uncommon complication caused by some herpesviruses with a poor visual prognosis, an outcome that can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment using appropriate antivirals. Prolonged treatment reduces relapse frequency and fellow eye compromise.

The resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women in southern Chile.

BACKGROUND: National rates of HIV, gonorrhoeae and syphilis have increased in Chile in recent years, but it is not known if syphilis among pregnant women (PW) is also escalating. AIM: To explore syphilis rates among PW in a southern Chilean region and to describe clinical features of mothers and offspring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We selected PW with positive VDRL or T. pallidum micro-he-magglutination (MHA-TP) reactive tests, referred to a high-risk obstetrical pathology center between 2011 and 2019. Clinical information of mothers and their offspring was obtained from their medical records. RESULTS: Syphilis rates among PW increased from 0.4 to 7.2 per 1,000 live births in the reference center from 2013 to 2019, along with a national and regional increase in both sexes. Twenty-nine cases of PW with syphilis were identified with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 23-32). Seventeen percent had a history of drug abuse, and 14% had previous sexually transmitted diseases. In seven cases (24%), the diagnosis occurred at delivery. Three percent of patients had a primary syphilis, 14% a secondary syphilis, 24% an early latent syphilis, and 59% a latent syphilis. All cases except one case were treated with benzathine penicillin G and the remaining with erythromycin due to allergy suspicion. Penicillin desensitization was required in two cases (7%). Treatment timing was inadequate in 10 cases (34.5%). Of 19 patients with available serological follow-up, 10 (53%) showed a significant decrease in VDRL titers (≥ 2 dilutions) and two cases had re-infection. Two patients (7%) had an abortion, two had congenital syphilis (7%), and six had premature births (21%), totaling 35% of adverse-pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women is happening in southern Chile and is associated to adverse-pregnancy outcomes.

Clinical profile and mortality in patients with T. cruzi/HIV co-infection from the multicenter data base of the "Network for healthcare and study of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV co-infection and other immunosuppression conditions".

OBJECTIVE: Chagas disease (CD) globalization facilitated the co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in endemic and non-endemic areas. Considering the underestimation of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi)-HIV co-infection and the risk of life-threatening Chagas Disease Reactivation (CDR), this study aimed to analyze the major co-infection clinical characteristics and its mortality rates. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study of patients with CD confirmed by two serological or one parasitological tests, and HIV infection confirmed by immunoblot. CDR was diagnosed by direct microscopy with detection of trypomastigote forms in the blood or other biological fluids and/or amastigote forms in inflammatory lesions. RESULTS: Out of 241 patients with co-infection, 86.7% were from Brazil, 47.5% had <200 CD4+ T cells/µL and median viral load was 17,000 copies/µL. Sixty CDR cases were observed. Death was more frequent in patients with reactivation and was mainly caused by CDR. Other causes of death unrelated to CDR were the manifestation of opportunistic infections in those with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The time between the co-infection diagnosis to death was shorter in patients with CDR. Lower CD4+ cells count at co-infection diagnosis was independently associated with reactivation. Similarly, lower CD4+ cells numbers at co-infection diagnosis and male sex were associated with higher lethality in CDR. Additionally, CD4+ cells were lower in meningoencephalitis than in myocarditis and milder forms. CONCLUSION: This study showed major features on T. cruzi-HIV co-infection and highlighted the prognostic role of CD4+ cells for reactivation and mortality. Since lethality was high in meningoencephalitis and all untreated patients died shortly after the diagnosis, early diagnosis, immediate antiparasitic treatment, patient follow-up and epidemiological surveillance are essentials in T. cruzi/HIV co-infection and CDR managements.

Infección ocular invasora por Scedosporium apioespermum en un paciente inmunocomprometido / Invasive ocular fungal infection by Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunocompromised patient

Resumen Presentamos el caso clínico de una infección fúngica invasora con una conjuntivitis necrosante, escleritis y panuveitis unilateral por Scedosporium apiospermum en una mujer de 78 años con artritis reumatoidea con neutropenia secundaria a fármacos. El diagnóstico etiológico fue confirmado por cultivo micológico de secreción ocular con apoyo de MALDI-TOF-TOF e histopatología. El tratamiento incluyó aseos quirúrgicos asociado a terapia tópica y sistémica con voriconazol y corticoesteroides, con una evolución favorable a los dos meses de tratamiento. Una recaída obligó a un segundo curso terapéutico por 12 meses adicionales con mejoría y erradicación del agente. La conjuntivitis fúngica por S. apiospermum es un evento infrecuente asociado a pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Su tratamiento involucra desbridamientos quirúrgicos y terapia antifúngica prolongada.

Abstract We report a case of invasive fungal infection with necrotizing conjunctivitis, scleritis and unilateral panuveitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum in a 78-year-old woman that developed neutropenia by drugs indicated for rheumatoid arthritis. The etiological diagnosis was confirmed by mycological culture of an ocular secretion with the support of MALDI-TOF-TOF analysis and histopathological findings. The treatment involved surgical debridements together with topical solution and systemic therapy with voriconazole and steroids with a favorable evolution after 2 months of treatment. A relapse required a second therapeutic course for an additional 12 months with improvement and eradication of the agent. Fungal conjunctivitis due to S. apiospermum is a rare event associated with immunosuppressed patients. Its treatment involves surgical debridements and prolonged antifungal therapy.

Adverse events associated with antimicrobial compounds in a general hospital in Chile / Efectos adversos asociados al uso de antibióticos en un hospital general

ABSTRACT Background: Antimicrobial compounds are associated with a wide range of adverse events (AE) and some of them can be potentially preventable. Aim: To characterize AE associated with antimicrobial compounds. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of AEs reported to the National Pharmacological Surveillance System from 2014 to 2017 in a regional hospital. Severity, causality and preventability were analyzed. Results: Sixty events were observed in 56 patients aged 2 months to 96 years. Cases were registered mostly in hospitalized patients. The most frequent AEs were skin disorders (56.7%), followed by hepatobiliary (13.3%), and CNS events (10%). Blood, kidney, respiratory gastrointestinal and immunological disorders were less frequently registered, including cases with anaphylactic shock and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Causal analysis indicated a definitive association in 8.3%, probable in 70% and possible in 22%. Skin lesions were mostly associated with beta-lactams, hepatobiliary disorders with antituberculosis drugs and CNS manifestations with carbapenems. Cutaneous, neurological, and hepatobiliary events appeared at a median of 4, 2.5 and 10.5 days after starting the medication, respectively. AEs were managed with withdrawal of the suspected drug (83.3%) and other auxiliary therapies. AEs were categorized as severe in 22% and one case with SJS had a fatal outcome (1.7%). Preventability analysis revealed 25% of potentially avoidable events. Conclusions: Antimicrobial AE involved a wide diversity of compounds, occurred in different hospitalization units, affected patients of a wide age range and attacked different systems or organs. An important fraction was potentially avoidable.

Antecedentes: Los compuestos antimicrobianos están asociados a una amplia gama de eventos adversos (EA) y algunos de ellos pueden ser potencialmente prevenibles. Objetivos: Caracterizar los EA asociados a compuestos antimicrobianos. Pacientes y Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de EA reportados al Sistema Nacional de Farmacovigilancia desde 2014 la 2017 en un hospital regional. Se incluyó un análisis de gravedad, causalidad y de posible prevención. Resultados: Se observaron 60 eventos en 56 pacientes de 2 meses a 96 años. Los casos se registraron principalmente en pacientes hospitalizados. Los EA más frecuentes fueron los trastornos de la piel (56,7%), seguidos de los hepatobiliares (13,3%) y del sistema nervioso central (10%). Los hematológicos, renales, respiratorios, gastrointestinales e inmunológicos se registraron con menos frecuencia, incluidos casos con shock anafiláctico y síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ). El análisis de causalidad indicó una asociación definitiva en 8.3%, probable en 70% y posible en 21.7%. Las lesiones cutáneas se asociaron principalmente a betalactámicos, los trastornos hepatobiliares a fármacos antituberculosos y las manifestaciones del SNC a carbapenémicos. Los eventos cutáneos, neurológicos y hepatobiliares se presentaron en una mediana de 4, 2,5 y 10,5 días después de iniciar el medicamento, respectivamente. Los EA se manejaron con el retiro del fármaco sospechoso (83,3%) y otras terapias auxiliares. Los EA se clasificaron como graves (21,7%) y un caso con SSJ tuvo un desenlace fatal (1,7%). Un 25% de los eventos fue potencialmente evitable. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este trabajo revelan que los AE por antimicrobianos involucran una amplia diversidad de compuestos, ocurren en diferentes unidades de hospitalización, afectan a pacientes de un amplio rango de edad y atacan diferentes sistemas u órganos.

Necrosis retiniana aguda por virus varicela zoster en un paciente inmunocompetente con seguimiento de la respuesta terapéutica mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena / Acute retinal necrosis by varicella zoster virus in an immunocompetent patient with therapeutic follow up by PCR

Resumen Presentamos el caso de un varón de 63 años, inmunocompetente, con una necrosis retinal aguda (NRA) unilateral. Consultó por visión borrosa, dolor ocular, fotofobia y cefalea. Se confirmó una papilitis y coriorretinitis periférica asociada a vasculitis e isquemia retinal periférica. El estudio molecular por RPC de humor acuoso detectó la presencia de virus varicela zoster. El paciente fue tratado con terapia combinada con corticoesteroides orales, aciclovir oral/intravenoso, ganciclovir intravítreo semanal y luego valaciclovir oral por tres meses. Se demostró una disminución progresiva de la carga viral en el humor acuoso durante el tratamiento. El seguimiento mostró una mejoría del cuadro inflamatorio y una leve recuperación de la agudeza visual, sin embargo, finalmente presentó un desprendimiento de retina con pérdida casi total de la visión unilateral. La NRA es una complicación infrecuente provocada por algunos virus herpes con mal pronóstico visual, desenlace que puede ser mejorado con un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz con antivirales. El tratamiento prolongado permite evitar la recaída y el compromiso contralateral.

Abstract We present the case of a 63-year-old immunocompetent man with unilateral acute retinal necrosis (ARN). He consulted for blurred vision, eye pain, photophobia, and headache. Papillitis and peripheal chorioretinitis associated with vasculitis and peripheral retinal ischemia was confirmed. PCR from aqueous humor sample detected varicella zoster virus. The patient was treated with a combined therapy of oral corticosteroids, oral / intravenous acyclovir along with weekly intravitreous ganciclovir doses followed by oral valaciclovir for three months. A progressive decrease in viral load in aqueous humor was demonstrated during treatment. Follow-up showed improvement in the inflammatory condition and a slight recovery of visual acuity, however, finally he presented a retinal detachment with total loss of one-sided vision. ARN is an uncommon complication caused by some herpesviruses with a poor visual prognosis, an outcome that can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment using appropriate antivirals. Prolonged treatment reduces relapse frequency and fellow eye compromise.

The resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women in southern Chile / Resurgencia de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas en una región del sur de Chile

ABSTRACT Background: National rates of HIV, gonorrhoeae and syphilis have increased in Chile in recent years, but it is not known if syphilis among pregnant women (PW) is also escalating. Aim: To explore syphilis rates among PW in a southern Chilean region and to describe clinical features of mothers and offspring. Patients and Methods: We selected PW with positive VDRL or T. pallidum micro-he-magglutination (MHA-TP) reactive tests, referred to a high-risk obstetrical pathology center between 2011 and 2019. Clinical information of mothers and their offspring was obtained from their medical records. Results: Syphilis rates among PW increased from 0.4 to 7.2 per 1,000 live births in the reference center from 2013 to 2019, along with a national and regional increase in both sexes. Twenty-nine cases of PW with syphilis were identified with a median age of 28 years (interquartile range 23-32). Seventeen percent had a history of drug abuse, and 14% had previous sexually transmitted diseases. In seven cases (24%), the diagnosis occurred at delivery. Three percent of patients had a primary syphilis, 14% a secondary syphilis, 24% an early latent syphilis, and 59% a latent syphilis. All cases except one case were treated with benzathine penicillin G and the remaining with erythromycin due to allergy suspicion. Penicillin desensitization was required in two cases (7%). Treatment timing was inadequate in 10 cases (34.5%). Of 19 patients with available serological follow-up, 10 (53%) showed a significant decrease in VDRL titers (≥ 2 dilutions) and two cases had re-infection. Two patients (7%) had an abortion, two had congenital syphilis (7%), and six had premature births (21%), totaling 35% of adverse-pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Resurgence of syphilis among pregnant women is happening in southern Chile and is associated to adverse-pregnancy outcomes.

Antecedentes: Las tasas nacionales de VIH, gonorrea y sífilis han aumentado en Chile en los últimos años, pero no se sabe si la sífilis en mujeres embarazadas (ME) también está aumentando. Objetivo: Explorar las tasas de sífilis en ME en una región del sur de Chile y describir las características clínicas de las madres y los hijos. Pacientes y Métodos: Se seleccionaron ME con un VDRL o test de microhemaglutinación para T. pallidum positivos, referidas aun centro de alto riesgo obstétrico entre 2011 y 2019. La información clínica de las madres y sus hijos fue obtenida de fichas clínicas. Resultados: Las tasas de sífilis en ME aumentaron de 0,4 a 7,2 por 1000 nacidos vivos en el hospital de referencia entre 2013 y 2019, en paralelo a un aumento nacional y regional en ambos sexos. Se identificaron 29 casos de mujeres embarazadas con sífilis con mediana de edad 28 años, rango intercuartílico 23-32. Diecisiete por ciento tenía historia de abuso de drogas y 14% tenía una enfermedad de transmisión sexual previa. En siete casos, el diagnóstico ocurrió en el momento del parto (24,1%). Los estadios abarcaron sífilis primaria (3%), sífilis secundaria (14%), sífilis latente temprana (24%) y sífilis latente (59%). Todos, menos un caso, fueron tratados con penicilina G benzatina y el caso restante con eritromicina por sospecha de alergia a la penicilina. Se requirieron protocolos de desensibilización a penicilina en dos casos (7%). El momento del tratamiento fue inadecuado en 10 casos (35%). De 19 pacientes con seguimiento serológico disponible, 10 (53%) mostraron una disminución significativa en los títulos de VDRL (≥ 2 diluciones) y dos casos tuvieron reinfección. Dos pacientes (7%) evolucionaron con aborto, dos con sífilis congénita (7%, una asociada a terapia con macrólidos) y seis con parto prematuro o bajo peso al nacer (21%), totalizando 35% de resultados adversos durante el embarazo. Conclusiones: El resurgimiento de la sífilis entre las mujeres embarazadas está ocurriendo en el sur de Chile y está asociado a resultados adversos del embarazo.

Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case.

Neurotoxocariasis is uncommon. Its manifestations include events of meningitis, encephalitis and less frequently vasculitis, which manifest as headache, seizures, focalization, confusion, cognitive alterations and /or fever. Peripheral eosinophilia with clinical and neurological imaging elements, allow its early suspicion. We report a 48-year-old agricultural worker, admitted in our hospital for one week of gastrointestinal complaints, headache, progressive left hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. He had leukocytosis (13,530/µL) with peripheral eosinophilia (25%, absolute count 3,400 /µL). CSF analysis revealed no abnormalities and brain CT showed poorly defined hypodense lesions on subcortical areas and semioval centers. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple foci with increased signals predominantly in the white matter in both hemispheres, especially at frontal and occipital regions and at semioval centers. Lesions reinforced after paramagnetic contrast. Serological studies found specific IgG antibodies by ELISA against antigens of the genus Toxocara, which were confirmed by a positive IgG Western Blot. The patient was treated with albendazole (800 mg/d) for 14 days associated with parenteral and then oral corticosteroids with a favorable response and gradual complete recovery.

Adverse events associated with antimicrobial compounds in a general hospital in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial compounds are associated with a wide range of adverse events (AE) and some of them can be potentially preventable. AIM: To characterize AE associated with antimicrobial compounds. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of AEs reported to the National Pharmacological Surveillance System from 2014 to 2017 in a regional hospital. Severity, causality and preventability were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty events were observed in 56 patients aged 2 months to 96 years. Cases were registered mostly in hospitalized patients. The most frequent AEs were skin disorders (56.7%), followed by hepatobiliary (13.3%), and CNS events (10%). Blood, kidney, respiratory gastrointestinal and immunological disorders were less frequently registered, including cases with anaphylactic shock and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). Causal analysis indicated a definitive association in 8.3%, probable in 70% and possible in 22%. Skin lesions were mostly associated with beta-lactams, hepatobiliary disorders with antituberculosis drugs and CNS manifestations with carbapenems. Cutaneous, neurological, and hepatobiliary events appeared at a median of 4, 2.5 and 10.5 days after starting the medication, respectively. AEs were managed with withdrawal of the suspected drug (83.3%) and other auxiliary therapies. AEs were categorized as severe in 22% and one case with SJS had a fatal outcome (1.7%). Preventability analysis revealed 25% of potentially avoidable events. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial AE involved a wide diversity of compounds, occurred in different hospitalization units, affected patients of a wide age range and attacked different systems or organs. An important fraction was potentially avoidable.

Absceso frío en una mano por un hongo dematiáceo. Primera comunicación en Chile de Pleurostomophora richardsiae / Hand cold abscess by a dematiaceous fungus. First report in Chile of Pleurostomophora richardsiae

Resumen Los hongos dematiáceos son un grupo heterogéneo de microorganismos capaces de sintetizar melanina. Las infecciones de este grupo que producen hifas en tejidos se denominan feohifomicosis y generalmente afectan la piel y tejidos vecinos. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 86 años con un tumor quístico blando progresivo en su mano y muñeca derecha, no asociado a dolor o signos inflamatorios. Se demostró una tenosinovitis de los flexores con pseudocapsula y sinovitis adherida a los tendones. El cultivo demostró un hongo dematiáceo compatible con Pleurostomophora richardsiae que se confirmó por secuenciación de la región ITS. La biopsia mostró una inflamación crónica granulomatosa e hifas. Después del drenaje quirúrgico, el paciente fue dado de alta sin terapia antifúngica, pero falleció por causas no relacionadas, tres meses después. Esta es la primera descripción de P. richardsiae como causa de feohifomicosis en Chile. Esta patología se puede sospechar cuando una lesión quística cutánea crónica involucra extremidades sin signos inflamatorios. Puede afectar a pacientes inmunocompetentes o inmunocomprometidos. El tratamiento contempla la escisión quirúrgica con o sin terapia antifúngica.

Abstract Dematiaceous fungi are a heterogeneous group of microorganisms able to synthesize melanin. Infections by this group that provoke tissular hyphae are called phaeohyphomycosis and usually involve skin and neighbor tissues. We present the case of a 86 years old men with a progressive soft cystic tumor in his right hand and wrist not associated to pain or inflammatory signs. A surgical intervention demonstrated flexor tenosynovitis with serous secretion, pseudocapsule and synovitis. Fungal culture demonstrated a dematiaceous fungi compatible with Pleurostomophora richardsiae that was confirmed by sequencing of the ITS region. Biopsy showed chronic inflammation with granuloma and hyphae. After surgical drainage, the patient was discharged without antifungal therapy but died of unrelated causes three month later. This is the first description of P. richardsiae as a cause of phaeohyphomycosis in Chile, a country with a template climate. Phaeohyphomycosis can be suspected when a chronic skin cystic lesion involves extremities without inflammatory signs, sometimes with an associated fistula. It may affect immunocompetent or immunosuppressed patients. Treatment involves surgical excision with or without antifungal therapy and prognosis is favorable.

Clinical features of 47 patients infected with COVID-19 admitted to a Regional Reference Center

ABSTRACT Background: During the first pandemic wave, Covid-19 reached Latin America cities. Aim: To report clinical features and outcomes of a group of patients with Covid-19 admitted to a Chilean regional reference Center. Material and Methods: Cases were identified by a compatible clinical picture and a positive PCR or serological test. Clinical features of patients were retrieved from medical records. Results: Forty-seven adult patients (45 diagnosed by PCR, 2 by serology) were admitted between epidemiological weeks 13 to 33, corresponding to 4.4% of total regional cases. Hospitalization occurred at a median of 10 days after onset of symptoms. Fifty one percent of patients had 60 years or more. Hypertension, obesity and diabetes mellitus were present in 57, 45 and 32 % of cases, respectively. Nineteen percent of patients had no comorbid condition nor were elderly. Two cases were women in their second trimester of pregnancy. Positive IgM or IgM/IgG results obtained by rapid serological testing, had limited sensitivity during the first week (67%). Seventeen patients (36.2%) were transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) due to respiratory failure. Chest imaging demonstrated a classical COVID-19 pattern in 87%. By univariate analysis, admission to ICU was significantly associated with tachypnea and higher CALL (comorbidity, age, lymphocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase) score. Four patients died (rendering a hospital mortality of 8.5%) and length of stay was ≥ 14 days in 46.8% of patients. By univariate analysis, mortality was associated with immunosuppression and ICU admission. Conclusions: In our regional Center, patients admitted with COVID-19 had usual risk factors and had a prolonged stay. Hospital mortality was associated with immunosuppression and ICU admission.

Antecedentes: Durante la primera ola pandémica, COVID-19 llegó a las ciudades de América Latina. Objetivos: Informar las características clínicas y los resultados asociados a COVID-19 en un grupo de pacientes ingresados en un Centro de referencia regional en el sur de Chile. Material y Métodos: Los casos fueron identificados por un cuadro clínico compatible asociado a RT-PCR positiva o prueba serológica. La información clínica de los pacientes se obtuvo de sus fichas. Resultados: Entre las semanas epidemiológicas 13 y 33 ingresaron 47 pacientes adultos (45 diagnosticados por PCR, 2 por serología), lo que representa el 4,4% del total de casos regionales. La hospitalización se produjo con una mediana de 10 días después del inicio de los síntomas. El 51% de los pacientes tenía 60 años o más. La hipertensión arterial (57,4%), la obesidad (44,7%) y la diabetes mellitus 2 (31,9%) fueron prevalentes, pero el 19% no presentaba comorbilidades ni era un adulto mayor. Dos casos ocurrieron en mujeres embarazadas en el segundo trimestre. Los resultados positivos de IgM o IgM / IgG obtenidos mediante pruebas serológicas rápidas tuvieron una sensibilidad limitada durante la primera semana (66,7%). Diecisiete pacientes (36,2%, grupo crítico) fueron trasladados a UCI por insuficiencia respiratoria. Las imágenes de tórax demostraron un patrón COVID-19 clásico en el 87% de los casos. Por análisis univariado, el ingreso en UCI se asoció significativamente con taquipnea y puntuaciones CALL (comorbidity, age, lymphocyte count and lactate dehydrogenase) elevadas. Cuatro pacientes fallecieron (mortalidad hospitalaria 8,5%) y la estadía hospitalaria fue ≥ 14 días en el 47% de los pacientes. Por análisis univariado la mortalidad se asoció a inmunodepresión y al ingreso a UCI. Conclusiones: En nuestro Centro regional, COVID-19 se asoció a factores de riesgo conocidos y tuvo una estadía prolongada. La mortalidad hospitalaria se asoció con inmunosupresión o ingreso a UCI.

Patrón electrocardiográfico Brugada tipo I asociado a un cuadro febril por Influenza B. A propósito de la pandemia de COVID-19. Caso clínico

We report a 44-year-old male who was admitted for Influenza B and fever, presenting a type I Brugada pattern on the electrocardiogram. He evolved without cardiovascular symptoms. The pharmacological test with intravenous Procainamide reproduced type I Brugada pattern and the programmed electrical stimulation was negative for ventricular arrhythmias. He was discharged without incidents. Clinical aspects of Brugada syndrome and the importance of fever are discussed in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penicillin desensitization in allergic pregnant women with syphilis. Report of two cases.

Syphilis during pregnancy has a high risk of congenital transmission with disastrous fetal consequences. Penicillin (PNC) is the only effective antimicrobial for the treatment of pregnant women with syphilis. Chilean guidelines do not consider desensitization to PNC in these women. We report two cases of pregnant women aged 32 and 23 years, with immediate allergy to PNC and syphilis who were safely and successfully desensitized using a four-hour intravenous protocol in the critical care unit and who subsequently received benzathine G PNC. An electronic survey was conducted among approximately 100 Clinical Pharmacists (CP) in the country. Of these, 16 answered and 13 reported having experience in drug desensitization, in at least five cases with PNC and none reported deaths or cardiorespiratory arrest. Desensitization to PNC can be carried out safely and in Chile, this alternative should be incorporated to the management of pregnant women with syphilis and immediate allergy to PNC, instead of using erythromycin.

Cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS patients. An illustrative case series / Infección por citomegalovirus en pacientes con SIDA. Una serie ilustrativa

ABSTRACT Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is an opportunistic infection (OI) in immunosuppressed patients. However, there are no clear cut-off values available for quantitative plasmatic CMV measures (viral load [VL]) to discriminate those with CMV illness from those infected suffering a transient viral reactivation. Aim: To estimate a CMV VL cut-off point that discriminates infected patients and those with CMV related diseases, and to clinically characterize AIDS patients with this OI. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of AIDS patients admitted by any reason between years 2017 and 2019 and who had a positive plasma CMV VL at any titer. Cases were categorized with illness or infected using accepted criteria and the cut-off value was obtained by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: Twelve patients were identified as having a CMV-associated illness and seven with CMV infection. A CMV VL of 3,800 copies/mL had a sensitivity of 91.6% and 100% specificity to discriminate both states. Of the 12 patients with CMV illness, all were in AIDS stage and only five were receiving HIV therapy. Predominant clinical presentations were gastrointestinal (50%), followed by liver involvement (25%) and CMV disease (25%). All patients were treated with ganciclovir or valganciclovir. Ten patients had a favorable response (83.3%), one patient only had a laboratory improvement (8.3%) and one died during treatment (8.3%). Drug toxicity was recorded in nine patients but in only three cases, a dose adjustment was necessary. Conclusions: The predominant clinical manifestation in our series was gastrointestinal. A CMV VL cutoff level of CMV VL of 3,800 copies / mL is useful to discriminate infected patients from those with CMV related disease.

Antecedentes: Citomegalovirus (CMV) es una infección oportunista (IO) en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Sin embargo, se requieren puntos de corte de carga viral (CV) para discriminar a aquellos con enfermedad por CMV de aquellos infectados que sufren una reactivación viral transitoria. Objetivos: Estimar un punto de corte de la CV de CMV que discrimine a los enfermos de los infectados y, además, caracterizar clínicamente a los pacientes con sida que presentan esta IO. Pacientes y Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con sida hospitalizados por cualquier motivo entre los años 2017 y 2019, y que presentaron un CV de CMV plasmática positiva a cualquier título. Los casos se clasificaron como enfermos utilizando criterios aceptados y el valor de corte se obtuvo mediante análisis de una curva ROC. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio, 12 pacientes fueron identificados con enfermedad asociada al CMV y siete con infección. Una CV de 3.800 copias/ml logró una sensibilidad de 91,6% y una especificidad de 100% para discriminar ambos estados. De los 12 pacientes enfermos, todos estaban en etapa de sida y solo 5 recibían terapia contra el VIH. La presentación clínica predominante fue gastrointestinal (50%) seguida del compromiso hepático (25%) y de la enfermedad por CMV (25%). Todos los pacientes fueron tratados con ganciclovir o valganciclovir. Diez pacientes tuvieron una respuesta favorable (83,3%), uno solo tuvo mejoría de laboratorio (8,3%) y otro paciente falleció durante el tratamiento (8,3%). Nueve pacientes evolucionaron con toxicidad farmacológica, pero en solo 3 casos fue necesario ajustar las dosis. Conclusiones: La forma predominante de presentación de la enfermedad fue gastrointestinal. Un punto de corte de 3.800 copias/ml discrimina pacientes infectados de aquellos con la enfermedad.