Assessing healthcare workers' confidence level in diagnosing and managing emerging infectious virus of human mpox in hospitals in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: multicentre institution-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess healthcare workers' (HCWs) confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease and its associated factors in hospitals in the Amhara Region. DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 640 HCWs, with a response rate of 96.9%, participated from 1 October to 30 December 2022. A multistage stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected using the KoboCollect toolbox and exported to STATA V.17 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe data. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of confidence level to diagnose and manage mpox at p<0.05. PRIMARY OUTCOME: HCWs' confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease and its associated factors. RESULTS: The overall proportion of HCWs who had high confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox disease was found to be 31.5% (95% CI: 27.9%, 35.2%). Similarly, 26.8% (95% CI: 23.2%, 30.3%) and 41.8% (95% CI: 38.1%, 45.4%) of HCWs expressed medium and low confidence level to diagnose and manage the disease, respectively. The odds of higher confidence versus lower or medium confidence level in diagnosing and managing mpox were greater for HCWs who regularly visit amenable websites (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.59, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.2), were physicians (AOR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.73), were aged 30-35 years old (AOR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.39), had got public health emergency epidemic disease management training (AOR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.94, 4.04) and had positive attitudes (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.36) compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The overall confidence level of HCWs in diagnosing and managing mpox disease in the study area was low. Therefore, the HCWs should be regularly updated about mpox disease through morning sessions and training in the diagnosis and clinical management of mpox disease including infection prevention and control.

Current status of diagnostic assays for emerging zoonotic viruses: Nipah and Hendra.

INTRODUCTION: Nipah and Hendra viruses belong to the Paramyxoviridae family, which pose a significant threat to human health, with sporadic outbreaks causing severe morbidity and mortality. Early symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and headache, which offer little in terms of differential diagnosis. There are no specific therapeutics and vaccines for these viruses. AREAS COVERED: This review comprehensively covers a spectrum of diagnostic techniques for Nipah and Hendra virus infections, discussed in conjunction with appropriate type of samples during the progression of infection. Serological assays, reverse transcriptase Real-Time PCR assays, and isothermal amplification assays are discussed in detail, along with a listing of few commercially available detection kits. Patents protecting inventions in Nipah and Hendra virus detection are also covered. EXPERT OPINION: Despite several outbreaks of Nipah and Hendra infections in the past decade, in-depth research into their pathogenesis, Point-of-Care diagnostics, specific therapies, and human vaccines is lacking. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is pivotal for efficient outbreak management, patient treatment, and the adoption of preventative measures. The emergence of rapid point-of-care tests holds promise in enhancing diagnostic capabilities in real-world settings. The patent landscape emphasizes the importance of innovation and collaboration within the legal and business realms.

Candida auris screening practices at healthcare facilities in the United States: An Emerging Infections Network survey.

We surveyed members of the Emerging Infections Network about Candida auris screening practices at US healthcare facilities. Only 37% of respondents reported conducting screening; among these, 75% reported detection of at least 1 C. auris case in the last year. Increased screening could improve C. auris detection and prevent spread.

Approach towards surveillance-based diagnosis of acute respiratory illness in India: Expert recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Emerging infectious diseases, often zoonotic, demand a collaborative "One-Health" surveillance approach due to human activities. The need for standardized diagnostic and surveillance algorithms is emphasized to address the difficulty in clinical differentiation and curb antimicrobial resistance. OBJECTIVE: The present recommendations are comprehensive diagnostic and surveillance algorithm for ARIs, developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which aims to enhance early detection and treatment with improved surveillance. This algorithm shall be serving as a blueprint for respiratory infections landscape in the country and early detection of surge of respiratory infections in the country. CONTENT: The ICMR has risen up to the threat of emerging and re-emerging infections. Here, we seek to recommend a structured approach for diagnosing respiratory illnesses. The recommendations emphasize the significance of prioritizing respiratory pathogens based on factors such as the frequency of occurrence (seasonal or geographical), disease severity, ease of diagnosis and public health importance. The proposed surveillance-based diagnostic algorithm for ARI relies on a combination of gold-standard conventional methods, innovative serological and molecular techniques, as well as radiological approaches, which collectively contribute to the detection of various causative agents. The diagnostic part of the integrated algorithm can be dealt at the local microbiology laboratory of the healthcare facility with the few positive and negative specimens shipped to linked viral disease research laboratories (VRDLs) and other ICMR designated laboratories for genome characterisation, cluster identification and identification of novel agents.

Emerging infectious diseases: streptococcus suismeningitis / Enfermedades infecciosas emergentes: meningitis por streptococcus suis

No disponible

Un nuevo coronavirus emerge / A novel coronavirus emerges

No disponible

Infección urinaria por Aerococcus sanguinicola. Patógeno emergente oportunista / Urinary tract infection by aerococcus sanguinicola. An emerging opportunistic pathogen

Los pacientes ancianos con enfermedad urológica de base tienen mayor riesgo de infecciones del trato urinario por patógenos infrecuentes. Previamente se ha infraestimado la enfermedad causada por Aerococcus, pero la espectrometría de masas podría ser un método sencillo para su identificación. En este trabajo se describen 2 casos de infección urinaria por Aerococcus sanguinicola (A. sanguinicola). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo clínico-microbiológico de la presencia de A. sanguinicola produciendo infecciones urinarias. La presencia de A. sanguinicola ocurrió en pacientes ancianos con enfermedad urológica previa y con un recuento significativo en orinas obtenidas mediante sondaje vesical. La identificación fue correcta mediante espectrometría de masas. La evolución clínica fue satisfactoria mediante el uso de amoxicilina y cefuroxima. En este trabajo informamos de la capacidad patógena de A. sanguinicola. En el urocultivo, ante un recuento significativo de microorganismos alfa-hemolíticos, deberíamos descartar que se trate de A. sanguinicola antes de informar un resultado como microbiota urogenital

Elderly patients with underlying urological disease have a greater risk of urinary tract infections due to uncommon pathogens. The disease caused by Aerococcus has been underestimated, but mass spectrometry could be a simple method for identifying this pathogen. In this study, we report 2 cases of urinary tract infection by Aerococcus sanguinicola. A descriptive clinical-microbiological study was conducted on the presence of A. sanguinicola causing urinary tract infections. The presence of A. sanguinicola occurred in elderly patients with previous urological disease and a significant count in urine obtained through bladder catheterisation. Correct identification was achieved through mass spectrometry, and the clinical outcome of administering amoxicillin and cefuroxime was satisfactory. In this study, we also report the pathogenic capacity of A. sanguinicola. When there is a significant number of alpha-haemolytic microorganisms in the urine cultures, A. sanguinicola should be ruled out before reporting a result as urogenital microbiota

Enfermedades emergentes e importadas diagnosticadas en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital de Madrid / Emerging and imported diseases diagnosed in the emergency department of a hospital in Madrid

Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de malaria, dengue, zika y chikungunya en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH), así como el valor de diagnóstico de las técnicas de las que se disponen en el SUH. Método. Estudio descriptivo, observacional, en el que se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedades infecciosas tropicales a partir de pruebas solicitadas desde un SUH. Resultados. Se diagnosticaron cuatro casos de dengue, siete casos de zika, tres casos de malaria y dos casos de coinfección (malaria + dengue y malaria + chikungunya). Conclusiones. La mayoría de los pacientes valorados son varones, nativos de zonas endémicas. Aunque se realice un diagnóstico precoz de malaria, es necesario descartar coinfección por distintos arbovirus. Para estudio de virus zika, hay que solicitar una prueba de PCR en orina, además de serología y PCR en suero

Objectives. To describe the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with malaria, dengue fever, and Zika or chikungunya virus infections in a hospital emergency department. To describe the usefulness of the department's diagnostic resources. Methods. Descriptive observational study of patients diagnosed with infectious tropical diseases on the basis of samples collected in the emergency department. Results. The department diagnosed 4 cases of dengue fever, 7 cases of Zika virus infection, 7 of malaria, and 2 concomitant infections (malaria plus dengue fever and malaria plus chikungunya infection). Conclusions. Most patients with these infections were males and natives of areas where the diseases were endemic. Even when malaria is diagnosed early, the possibility of concomitant infection by other arboviruses must be ruled out. Serology is necessary to rule out Zika virus infection; polymerase chain reaction testing of urine and serum should be included

Dermatología en pieles oscuras / Dermatology in dark skins

La dermatología constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente en Pediatría y aún más en los servicios de Pediatría de Atención Primaria. En los últimos años, el aumento de niños inmigrantes de países en vías de desarrollo y niños procedentes de adopciones internacionales ha cambiado la patología habitual en nuestro medio. El pediatra y el dermatólogo deben aprender a explorar la piel de estos niños que tienen un color de piel diferente al nuestro y saber diferenciar la normalidad de la patología. Aunque los niños inmigrantes pueden tener otras enfermedades porque están predispuestos genéticamente, la mayoría serán enfermedades infecciosas. Es un reto saber diagnosticar y tratar las enfermedades procedentes de sus países de origen que antes solo veíamos en los libros

Dermatology is a frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics and even more in pediatric primary care services. In recent years, the increase in immigrant children from developing countries and children from international adoption has changed the usual pathology in our environment. The pediatrician and the dermatologist must learn to explore the skin of these children who have a different skin color from ours and know how to differentiate the normality of the pathology. Although immigrant children may have other diseases because they are genetically predisposed, most will be infectious diseases. It is a challenge to know how to diagnose and treat diseases from their countries of origin that we used to see only in books

Caracterización de la infección por Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. y coqueluche en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina / Features of Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella spp. infection and whopping cough in Córdoba province, Argentina

Introduction: Whooping cough is a re-emerging infection in the world and Latin America. Objective: It was considered relevant to investigate the clinical and epidemiological profile of Bordetella spp. and Bordetella pertussis infection in Córdoba province, Argentina; evaluating, at the same time, the co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections that may be confused with whooping cough. Material and Methods: All whooping cough suspected cases were studied by Polimerase Chain Reaction, amplifying the repeated insertion sequence (IS) 481 and the promoter gene encoding pertussis toxin, between 2011 and 2013. The data were obtained from the clinical and epidemiological records. Results: From 2,588 whooping cough suspected cases, 11.59% was infected by Bordetella spp. and 9.16% was confirmed as Bordetella pertussis infection. The rate of infection was 7.22 and 1.84 per 100,000 for 2011 and 2012, respectively. The infection presented a seasonal tendency and it was mainly found on the group of children between 13 and 24 months old. The co-infection with virus producing respiratory infections, were uncommon. Paroxysmal cough, cyanosis and/or vomiting were predictors of the infection for Bordetella pertussis. Discussion and Conclusions: To deal with the re-emergence of whooping cough is important the knowledge of the regional epidemiological situation. This paper shows the situation of these infections in the regional clinical and epidemiological context, and makes the information available for health decision-making.

Introducción: Coqueluche es una enfermedad reemergente en el mundo y en Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Resultó de interés caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de la infección por Bordetella spp. y Bordetella pertussis en Córdoba, Argentina; evaluando además, la frecuencia de infecciones de etiología viral que, por cursar con un síndrome coqueluchoide (SC), pueden ser confundidas con cuadros de coqueluche. Material y Métodos: Los casos sospechosos de coqueluche, se estudiaron por reacción de polimerasa en cadena; amplificando la secuencia repetida de inserción (IS) 481 y la región promotora del gen de la toxina pertussis; entre 2011 y 2013. Los datos de los pacientes se obtuvieron de las fichas clínicoepidemiológicas. Resultados: De 2.588 pacientes, 11,59% presentó una infección por Bordetella spp. y en 9,16% se confirmó una infección por Bordetella pertussis. La tasa de infección fue 7,22 y 1,84 por 100.000 habitantes en 2011 y 2012, respectivamente. La infección presentó una tendencia estacional y se concentró principalmente en niños entre 13 y 24 meses. La tos paroxística, cianosis y/o vómitos fueron predictores de la infección por B. pertussis. La coinfección con virus productores de infecciones respiratorias fue poco frecuente. Discusión y Conclusiones: Es fundamental el conocimiento de la situación epidemiológica regional. Este trabajo presenta la situación de Córdoba y pone a disposición de la comunidad sanitaria la información para la toma de decisiones en el contexto clínico-epidemiológico regional.

Leptospirosis humana: un abordaje epidemiológico desde los factores ambientales / Human leptospirosis: an epidemiologic approach from environmental factors

Introducción: la leptospirosis es una enfermedad infecciosa zoonótica. La vía por la que el hombre puede enfermar está relacionada con el medio natural y su calidad. Objetivo: describir aspectos epidemiológicos de la leptospirosis y la influencia de los factores ambientales en la incidencia de la enfermedad. Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica relacionada con las formas clínicas de la enfermedad, diagnóstico y tratamiento preventivo, así como la influencia de los factores ambientales en la incidencia de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: la leptospirosis es una enfermedad en la que el médico de la atención primaria ejerce un papel fundamental al tener un pensamiento epidemiológico y poder realizar un diagnóstico oportuno ante la sospecha de un paciente con síntomas clínicos; y la identificación de grupos riesgo; para orientar las medidas de prevención relacionadas con la enfermedad, debido a que el agente causal utiliza el medio ambiente natural o creado por el hombre con condiciones favorables para sobrevivir y pasar al huésped susceptible(AU)

Introduction: Leptospirosis is an infectious zoonotic disease. The way the human being can become sick is related to the natural environment and its quality. Objective: To describe epidemiological aspects of leptospirosis and the influence of environmental factors on the disease incidence. Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out considering the disease's clinical forms, diagnosis and preventive treatment, as well as the influence of environmental factors on the disease incidence. Conclusions: Leptospirosis is a disease in which the primary care physician plays a fundamental role in having an epidemiological approach and being able to make a timely diagnosis when a patient is suspected with clinical symptoms, and the identification of risk groups, to guide the prevention measures related to the disease, because the causal agent uses the natural or man-made environment with favorable conditions to survive and pass to the susceptible host(AU)

Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Haitian immigrants and the risk of re-emergence of lymphatic filariasis in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a public health problem in Haiti. Thus, the emigration of Haitians to Brazil is worrisome because of the risk for LF re-emergence. METHODS: Blood samples of Haitian immigrants, aged ≥18 years, who emigrated to Manaus (Brazilian Amazon), were examined using thick blood smears, membrane blood filtration, and immunochromatography. RESULTS: Of the 244 immigrants evaluated, 1 (0.4%) tested positive for W. bancrofti; 11.5% reported as having received LF treatment in Haiti. CONCLUSIONS: The re-emergence of LF in Manaus is unlikely, due to its low prevalence and low density of microfilaremia among the assessed Haitian immigrants.

Infección por virus del Zika: una enfermedad emergente que el dermatólogo debe conocer / Zika Virus Infection: An Emerging Disease the Dermatologist Must Know About

No disponible

Seguimiento de la fiebre chikunguña: a propósito de un caso importado / Follow up of Chikungunya virus: report of an imported case

La fiebre chikunguña es una infección vírica transmitida por artrópodos. Se caracteriza por un cuadro sistémico con una fase aguda de fiebre alta, poliartralgia, dolor de espalda, cefalea y erupciones cutáneas como síntomas comunes, a la que eventualmente pueden suceder unas fases subaguda y crónica. Las manifestaciones oculares pueden estar presentes en cualquiera de ellas, en forma de conjuntivitis, uveítis y retinitis fundamentalmente. La fotofobia aislada se describe como un síntoma frecuente en niños. Se presenta un caso de fiebre chikunguña en una niña de tres años que se contagió y cursó el cuadro agudo durante un viaje a República Dominicana, en un entorno epidémico. Semanas después, ya de vuelta en España, y tras un periodo asintomático, aparecen fotofobia y molestias oculares, así como estancamiento ponderal. Se confirmó el diagnóstico mediante serología de virus chikunguña. Se describen las principales manifestaciones clínicas de esta infección, subrayando las más características de la edad infantil, así como las oftalmológicas

Chikungunya fever is a viral infection transmitted by arthropods. It is a systemic disease characterized by these cardinal symptoms in the acute phase: polyarthralgia, back pain, headache and skin eruptions, which can sometimes be followed by subacute and chronic stages. Ophthalmological manifestations, such as uveitis, retinitis or conjunctivitis, may appear in any of these phases. Isolated photophobia has been described as a common manifestation in children. A case of chikungunya is presented in a three-year-old child who got infected and underwent the acute phase of the disease during a trip to the Dominican Republic, an epidemic environment. Weeks later, already back in Spain, and after an asymptomatic period, the child showed signs of photophobia, eye pain and ponderal stagnation. The diagnosis was confirmed through viral serology, which was positive for the chikungunya virus. The main clinical manifestations of this infection will be described in this article, highlighting the ophthalmological symptoms as well as the most common ones in the pediatric age group

Prevalence and characters of Entamoeba histolytica infection in Saudi infants and children admitted with diarrhea at 2 main hospitals at south Jeddah: a re-emerging serious infection with unusual presentation

In this study, Entamoeba histolytica had high prevalence and unusual presentation by affecting high proportion of infants under 1 year; severe clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings that were known to be usually encountered in invasive amebiasis as significant leukocytosis for age, neutrophilic leukocytosis for age, and positive C-reactive protein were found among more than 50% of admitted Saudi infants and children with E. histolytica infection in our locality. E. histolytica can be a re-emerging serious infection when it finds favorable environmental conditions and host factors which are mainly attributed to inadequate breastfeeding in this study. This may occur in any other area of the world with the same risk factors, so we must be ready to tackle it with effective and more powerful preventive measures.

Serological evidence of hantavirus infection in rural and urban regions in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

Hantavirus disease is caused by the hantavirus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae. Hantavirus disease is an anthropozoonotic infection transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols from the excreta of hantavirus-infected rodents. In the county of Itacoatiara in the state of Amazonas (AM), Brazil, the first human cases of hantavirus pulmonary and cardiovascular syndrome were described in July 2004. These first cases were followed by two fatal cases, one in the municipality of Maués in 2005 and another in Itacoatiara in 2007. In this study, we investigated the antibody levels to hantavirus in a population of 1,731 individuals from four different counties of AM. Sera were tested by IgG/IgM- enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay using a recombinant nucleocapsid protein of the Araraquara hantavirus as an antigen. Ten sera were IgG positive to hantavirus (0.6 percent). Among the positive sera, 0.8 percent (1/122), 0.4 percent (1/256), 0.2 percent (1/556) and 0.9 percent (7/797) were from Atalaia do Norte, Careiro Castanho, Itacoatiara and Lábrea, respectively. None of the sera in this survey were IgM-positive. Because these counties are distributed in different areas of AM, we can assume that infected individuals are found throughout the entire state, which suggests that hantavirus disease could be a local emerging health problem.

Difteria pelo Corynebacterium ulcerans: uma zoonose emergente no Brasil e no mundo / Corynebacterium ulcerans diphtheria: an emerging zoonosis in Brazil and worldwide / Difteria por Corynebacterium ulcerans: una zoonosis emergente en Brasil y en el mundo

O artigo revisa a literatura sobre a emergência de infecções humanas causadas por Corynebacterium ulcerans em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil. Foi realizada análise de artigos publicados entre 1926 e 2011 nas bases Medline/PubMed e SciELO, bem como artigos e informes do Ministério da Saúde. Apresenta-se um esquema de triagem, rápido, econômico e de fácil execução, capaz de permitir a realização do diagnóstico presuntivo de C. ulcerans e C. diphtheriae na maioria dos laboratórios brasileiros públicos e privados. A circulação de C. ulcerans em vários países, aliada aos recentes casos de isolamento do patógeno no Rio de Janeiro, é um alerta a clínicos, veterinários e microbiologistas sobre a ocorrência de difteria zoonótica e a circulação do C. ulcerans em regiões urbanas e rurais do território nacional e/ou da América Latina.

The article is a literature review on the emergence of human infections caused by Corynebacterium ulcerans in many countries including Brazil. Articles in Medline/PubMed and SciELO databases published between 1926 and 2011 were reviewed, as well as articles and reports of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. It is presented a fast, cost-effective and easy to perform screening test for the presumptive diagnosis of C. ulcerans and C. diphtheriae infections in most Brazilian public and private laboratories. C. ulcerans spread in many countries and recent isolation of this pathogen in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, is a warning to clinicians, veterinarians, and microbiologists on the occurrence of zoonotic diphtheria and C. ulcerans dissemination in urban and rural areas of Brazil and/or Latin America.

El articulo revisa la literatura sobre la emergencia de infecciones humanas causadas por Corynebacterium ulcerans en diversos países, incluyendo Brasil. Se realizó análisis de artículos publicados entre 1926 y 2011 en las bases Medline/Pubmed y SciELO, así como artículos e informes del Ministerio Brasileño de la Salud. Se presenta un esquema de selección, rápido, económico y de fácil ejecución, capaz de permitir la realización del diagnóstico presuntivo de C. ulcerans y C. diphtheriae en la mayoría de los laboratorios brasileños públicos y privados. La circulación de C. ulcerans en varios países, aliada a los recientes casos de aislamiento del patógeno en Rio de Janeiro (Sureste de Brasil), es un alerta a clínicos, veterinarios y microbiólogos sobre la ocurrencia de difteria zoológica y la circulación de C. ulcerans en regiones urbanas y rurales del territorio nacional y/o de América Latina.