Tocilizumab in Patients Hospitalized with Covid-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pneumonia is often associated with hyperinflammation. Despite the disproportionate incidence of Covid-19 among underserved and racial and ethnic minority populations, the safety and efficacy of the anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab in patients from these populations who are hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia are unclear. METHODS: We randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) patients hospitalized with Covid-19 pneumonia who were not receiving mechanical ventilation to receive standard care plus one or two doses of either tocilizumab (8 mg per kilogram of body weight intravenously) or placebo. Site selection was focused on the inclusion of sites enrolling high-risk and minority populations. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation or death by day 28. RESULTS: A total of 389 patients underwent randomization, and the modified intention-to-treat population included 249 patients in the tocilizumab group and 128 patients in the placebo group; 56.0% were Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% were Black, 12.7% were American Indian or Alaska Native, 12.7% were non-Hispanic White, and 3.7% were of other or unknown race or ethnic group. The cumulative percentage of patients who had received mechanical ventilation or who had died by day 28 was 12.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5 to 16.9) in the tocilizumab group and 19.3% (95% CI, 13.3 to 27.4) in the placebo group (hazard ratio for mechanical ventilation or death, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.97; P = 0.04 by the log-rank test). Clinical failure as assessed in a time-to-event analysis favored tocilizumab over placebo (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.93). Death from any cause by day 28 occurred in 10.4% of the patients in the tocilizumab group and 8.6% of those in the placebo group (weighted difference, 2.0 percentage points; 95% CI, -5.2 to 7.8). In the safety population, serious adverse events occurred in 38 of 250 patients (15.2%) in the tocilizumab group and 25 of 127 patients (19.7%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized patients with Covid-19 pneumonia who were not receiving mechanical ventilation, tocilizumab reduced the likelihood of progression to the composite outcome of mechanical ventilation or death, but it did not improve survival. No new safety signals were identified. (Funded by Genentech; EMPACTA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04372186.).

Update on diagnosis and treatment of fungal meningitis: lessons from recent outbreaks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recently, fungal meningitis outbreaks have occurred in association with neuraxial and epidural anesthesia in immunocompetent patients. Herein, we describe the course of those outbreaks, their diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and lessons learned. RECENT FINDINGS: Two outbreaks of Fusarium solani meningitis during 2022-2023 were associated with epidural anesthesia in two distant cities in Mexico (Durango and Matamoros). The initial etiological agent identification was delayed due to insensitivity of cultures. A Fusarium solani qPCR was validated and positive in 38% cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from Durango, while BD-Glucan allowed early diagnosis of the index case in Matamoros. Antifungal treatment with voriconazole and liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) was recommended. Overall mortality was 51%. Once the cause was confirmed, some patients received fosmanogepix. SUMMARY: Fungal meningitis outbreaks due to filamentous fungi are usually associated with direct epidural inoculation. They result in severe presentations and high mortality. Early diagnosis should be suspected, BD-Glucan CSF testing screening is recommended. Aggressive antifungal treatment based on antifungal susceptibility testing should be administered as early as possible. The advent of molecular diagnostic methods and new antifungal drugs may allow for timely diagnosis and treatment, increasing the chances of survival.

Geotrichum spp: An overlooked and fatal etiologic agent in immunocompromised patients. A case series from a referral center in Mexico.

Geotrichum spp. is an emergent pathogen. We aimed to describe Geotrichum spp. invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients from Mexico. We reviewed cases with Geotrichum spp. isolated in clinical samples, from 2001 to 2019. Descriptive analysis was used for clinical data. Twenty patients with proven/probable Geotrichum spp. IFI were analyzed. The median age was 43; 55% were males. Hematologic malignancy was found in 60% (12/20); 75% (15/20) received systemic immunosuppressors. The most common presentation was lower respiratory tract infection. In-hospital mortality was 45% (9/20). Geotrichum spp. should be acknowledged as a pathogen causing atypical pneumonia in immunocompromised Latin American patients. LAY SUMMARY: Geotrichum spp. causes invasive infection in immunocompromised hosts. We describe a case series of 20 patients from Mexico City. Hematologic malignancy was the most common comorbidity. Clinical presentation was mainly lower respiratory tract infection. Mortality was high despite antifungal therapy.

Predictors of Poor Outcomes in Young Non-Comorbid Patients with COVID-19.

Background: Prognostic factors in previously healthy young patients with COVID-19 remained understudied. Objectives: The objective of the study was to identify factors associated with in-hospital death or need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in young (aged ≤ 65 years) and previously healthy patients with COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study that included patients admitted with COVID-19. The primary outcome was in-hospital death/need for IMV. Secondary outcomes included need for IMV during follow-up, days on IMV, length of stay (LOS), hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP), and pulmonary embolism (PE). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Among 92 patients, primary outcome occurred in 16 (17%), death in 12 (13%), need for IMV in 16 (17%), HAP/VAP in 7 (8%), and PE in 2 (2%). Median LOS and IMV duration were 7 and 12 days, respectively. Independent associations were found between the primary outcome and male sex (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.1, 95%CI 1.1-46.0, p < 0.05), D-dimer levels > 1000ng/mL (aOR 9.0, 95%CI 1.6-49.1, p < 0.05), and RT-PCR Ct-value ≤ 24 on initial swab samples (aOR 14.3, 95%CI 2.0-101.5, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In young and non-comorbid COVID-19 patients, male sex, higher levels of D-dimer, and low SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Ct-value on an initial nasopharyngeal swab were independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality or need for IMV. (Rev Invest Clin. 2022;74(5):268-75).

Effect of Tocilizumab in Mortality among Patients with Severe and Critical Covid-19: Experience in a Third-Level Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Trials evaluating safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) show contradictory results. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of tocilizumab in hospital mortality among patients with severe COVID-19 in a third-level medical center. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Primary outcome was death during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), days on IMV, ventilator-free days (VFDs), length of hospital stay (LOS), and development of hospitalacquired infections (HAIs). Bivariate, multivariate, and propensity score matching analysis were performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 99/794 (12%) patients received tocilizumab. Male patients, health care workers, and patients with increased inflammatory markers received tocilizumab more frequently. No difference in hospital mortality was observed between groups (34% vs. 34%, p = 0.98). Tocilizumab was not independently associated with mortality. No significant treatment effects were observed in propensity score analysis. IMV was more frequent (46% vs. 11%, p < 0.01) and LOS was longer (12 vs. 7 days, p < 0.01) in the tocilizumab group, reflecting increased severity. Although HAIs were more frequent in the tocilizumab group (22% vs. 10%, p < 0.01), no difference was seen after adjusting for IMV (38% vs. 40%, p = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, tocilizumab was not associated with decreased hospital mortality among patients with severe COVID-19.

Prevention of COVID-19 superspreading events in buses boarded by presymptomatic cases.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 superspreader events have occurred when symptomatic individuals without wearing face masks boarded buses. OBJECTIVE: To report the risk of superspreader events when presymptomatic individuals boarded buses to-gether with unvaccinated passengers, but with non-pharmacological preventive interventions being maintained. METHODS: Prospec-tive study of health personnel transported in buses to a COVID-19 vaccination center for two weeks. Open windows, correct use of face masks and exclusion of symptomatic individuals were mandatory. Prospective surveillance identified workers with COVID-19 within 14 days after vaccination. Each asymptomatic passenger of buses where cases were identified was monitored for a similar time period. Voluntary screening results were available for workers who were tested in the month before or after vaccination. RESULTS: 1,879 workers boarded 65 buses. On-board time ranged from three to eight hours. Twenty-nine cases of COVID-19 and four asymptomatic cases were identified among 613 passengers of 21 buses. Median time between vaccina-tion and COVID-19 symptoms onset was six days. One case of suspected transmission on a bus was identi-fied. CONCLUSIONS: Strict nonpharmacological preventive interventions substantially reduced the risk of COVID-19 super-spreader events in buses boarded by presymptomatic individuals.

ANTECEDENTES: Ha ocurrido superpropagación de COVID-19 cuando individuos sintomáticos sin uso de cubrebocas abordaron autobuses. OBJETIVO: Reportar el riesgo de superpropagación cuando individuos presintomáticos abordaron autobuses junto con pasajeros no vacunados pero se mantuvieron intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospec­tivo de personal de salud transportado durante dos semanas en autobuses a un centro de vacunación contra COVID-19. Fue obligatorio llevar ventanas abiertas, uso correcto de cubrebocas y exclusión de personas con síntomas. La vigilancia prospectiva identificó a trabajadores con COVID-19 los 14 días siguientes a la vacunación. Cada pasajero asintomático de autobuses donde se detectaron casos fue vigilado durante un periodo de tiempo similar. Los resultados de tamizaje voluntario estuvieron disponibles para los trabajadores que se realizaron prueba el mes previo o el siguiente a la vacunación. RESULTADOS: 1879 trabajadores abordaron 65 autobuses. El tiempo a bordo varió de tres a ocho horas. Veintinueve casos de COVID-19 y 4 casos asintomáticos fueron identificados entre 613 pasajeros de 21 autobuses. La mediana de tiempo entre la vacunación y el inicio de síntomas en casos de COVID-19 fue de seis días. Fue identificado un caso de transmisión sospechada en autobús. CONCLUSIONES: Las intervenciones preventivas no farmacológicas estrictas redujeron sustancialmente el riesgo de superpropagación de COVID-19 en autobuses ocupados por individuos presintomáticos.

Accuracy of galactomannan testing on tracheal aspirates in COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the performance of two galactomannan (GM) assays (Platelia Aspergillus EIA, Bio-Rad® , and Aspergillus GM LFA, IMMY® ) in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples of consecutive critically ill patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We included critically ill patients, performed GM-EIA and GM-Lateral Flow Assay (GM-LFA) in TA and followed them until development of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) or alternate diagnosis. CAPA was defined according to the modified AspICU criteria in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for GM-EIA, GM-LFA, the combination of both or either positive results for GM-EIA and GM-LFA. We explored accuracy using different breakpoints, through ROC analysis and Youden index to identify the optimal cut-offs. We described antifungal treatment and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: We identified 14/144 (9.7%) patients with CAPA, mean age was 50.35 (SD 11.9), the median time from admission to CAPA was 8 days; 28.5% received tocilizumab and 30-day mortality was 57%. ROC analysis and Youden index identified 2.0 OD as the best cut-off, resulting in sensitivity and specificity of 57.1% and 81.5% for GM-EIA and 60% and 72.6% for GM-LFA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of GM in tracheal aspirates improved after using a cut-off of 2 OD. Although bronchoalveolar lavage testing is the ideal test, centres with limited access to bronchoscopy may consider this approach to identify or rule out CAPA.

COVID-19: WHAT'S NEXT?

Since December 2019, when severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 emerged in Wuhan, China, this virus and the resulting disease, coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has spread worldwide. What has occurred in this year and a half goes beyond anything we have dealt with, as humankind, in the past two centuries, perhaps obscured only by war. An incredible number of articles, whether scientific or in the press, have been published, making it impossible to discern between what is biological and what is social in nature. Here, we aim to reflect on the basic structure of the virus and associate its behavior to that of determining factors of the human condition that may be modifiable soon. Needless to say, we find our effort clearly incomplete, and that both scientific and social aspects regarding COVID-19 or any other pandemic encountered in the future, will be constantly changing, from their beginning to their end.

Surge in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias and Bloodstream Infections in An Academic Referral Center Converted to Treat COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important adverse events that must be prevented. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to report and study possible changes in HAI rates as well as their causes after the COVID-19 hospital surge capacity response (HSCR) in an academic referral center. METHODS: This was a before-after observational study. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program (prospective surveillance, prevention bundles, antibiotic stewardship, continuing education, and feedback) was transiently disrupted after the start of HSCR (March 2020). HAI rates were compared before (January 2019-February 2020) and after (April-July 2020) HSCR, and plausible predisposing factors in affected patients were compared. RESULTS: An increase in the HAI rate from 6.2 to 11.8 cases/1000 patient-days was noted between periods due to increases in ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. More critically ill patients were admitted during HSCR, and use of invasive devices increased. Prone positioning and infusion of muscle relaxants became commonplace. The nurse-to-patient ratio in the intensive care unit decreased, and 4 h shifts were introduced to avoid fatigue. The BSI rate decreased after the IPC program with additional measures was reintroduced in May 2020. CONCLUSIONS: The strain on the workforce and modifications to the IPC program very possibly underlay the findings. IPC programs continue to be essential during the pandemic.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 and Asymptomatic Carriage in Healthcare Workers of a COVID-19 Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) asymptomatic carriage (AC) in healthcare workers (HCWs) have been scarcely characterized. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study factors associated with COVID-19 and AC in HCWs of a COVID-19 academic medical center. METHODS: This is a case-control study. Cases were either symptomatic or asymptomatic HCWs with a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result between March 16 and May 21 of 2020. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were calculated by means of multivariable logistic regression. In addition, each subject was followed for 14 days to inform outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred thirty of 249 (52.2%) symptomatic HCWs had COVID-19; 10 were hospitalized but none died. Of 987 asymptomatic HCWs,37 (3.7%) were AC; 6 of the remaining 950 asymptomatic HCWs with a negative PCR test result were found to be presymptomatic COVID-19 cases the following 14 days. Nurses were more frequently present in the COVID-19 group (51.5% vs. 37.0%), but multivariable analysis rendered non-significant results. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, and working place, factors found to be associated with AC were: working in wards as a nurse (aOR = 9.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-80.22, p = 0.045), kitchen personnel (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI = 1.55-10.83, p = 0.005), and being a physician (aOR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03-0.54, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: HCW category was the predominant factor associated with AC of SARS-CoV-2 in this study.

Latent Tuberculosis in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies to Prevent Disease Activation in an Endemic Population.

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) affects one-fourth of the world´s population. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at an elevated risk of developing active tuberculosis infection (ATBI). In this retrospective study of donors and HSCT recipients who underwent transplantation between February 2000 and June 2018, our aim was to determine the prevalence of LTBI and ATBI and to describe diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in an HSCT population in an endemic region. The cohort of 409 participants included 125 allogeneic HSCT (allo-HSCT) recipients, 165 autologous HSCT (auto-HSCT) recipients, and 119 HSCT donors. Patients were evaluated pre-HSCT with tuberculin skin test and thoracic imaging. LTBI was diagnosed in 26.2% of the cohort. Cases represented 20% of the auto-HSCT population, 20% of the allo-HSCT population, and 41.2% of the donor population. Pre-HSCT evaluation to rule out ATBI was performed in 62.6% of the cohort; all results were negative. Isoniazid was administered to 73.3% of those with LTBI. Within subgroups, 91.7% of HSCT recipients and 51% of donors received treatment. The median duration of therapy pre-HSCT was 70 days in recipients and 48 days in donors. The incidence of post-HSCT ATBI was 0 at 1-year follow-up. The incidence of LTBI in our population was higher than expected and still might have been underestimated owing to diagnostic test limitations. The absence of incident ATBI suggests that recipients, as opposed to donors, must receive LTBI treatment. Prevention of infectious complications in the HSCT population should be prioritized to improve clinical outcomes. Prospective data from collaborative working groups is needed to determine the best diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in this vulnerable patient population.

Invasive Candidiasis.

Invasive candidiasis (IC) is the most frequent health care associated invasive fungal infection. It is also associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. The most frequent etiologic agent is Candida albicans, but non-albicans species are increasing and associated with reduced antifungal susceptibility and outbreaks. Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant species recently described. IC presents as a spectrum of disease, going from fungemia to deep-seated candidiasis, and to septic shock with multiorgan failure. Diagnosis of IC is challenging. Several biomarkers and molecular methods are available for improving diagnosis. Early initial treatment with echinocandins is the treatment of choice. Step-down therapy when antifungal susceptibility is available is possible. Several new antifungal agents for the treatment of IC are in clinical development.

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN MEXICO CITY: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY.

BACKGROUND: Regional information regarding the characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 is needed for a better understanding of the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study to describe the clinical features of COVID-19 patients diagnosed in a tertiary-care center in Mexico City and to assess differences according to the treatment setting (ambulatory vs. hospital) and to the need of intensive care (IC). METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort, including consecutive patients with COVID-19 from February 26, 2020 to April 11, 2020. RESULTS: We identified 309 patients (140 inpatients and 169 outpatients). The median age was 43 years (interquartile range, 33-54), 59.2% men, and 18.6% healthcare workers (12.3% from our center). The median body mass index (BMI) was 29.00 kg/m2 and 39.6% had obesity. Compared to outpatients, inpatients were older, had comorbidities, cough, and dyspnea more frequently. Twenty-nine (20.7%) inpatients required treatment in the IC unit (ICU). History of diabetes (type 1 or 2) and abdominal pain were more common in ICU patients compared to non-ICU patients. ICU patients had higher BMIs, higher respiratory rates, and lower room-air capillary oxygen saturations. ICU patients showed a more severe inflammatory response as assessed by white blood cell count, neutrophil and platelet count, C-reactive protein, ferritin, procalcitonin, and albumin levels. By the end of the study period, 65 inpatients had been discharged because of improvement, 70 continued hospitalized, and five had died. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbidities, either middle-age obese or elderly complaining of fever, cough, or dyspnea, were more likely to be admitted. At admission, patients with diabetes, high BMI, and clinical or laboratory findings consistent with a severe inflammatory state were more likely to require IC.

Azole resistance and cyp51A mutation screening in Aspergillus fumigatus in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Fungicide exposure in the environment has driven the emergence of azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus worldwide. A screening test allows identification of resistant isolates. OBJECTIVES: We screened clinical samples for azole-resistant Aspergillus through azole-containing agar plates and identified mutations in the cyp51A gene of A. fumigatus. METHODS: Aspergillus isolates from clinical samples collected in a tertiary care centre from 2014 to 2017 were screened for azole resistance. Samples were subcultured in azole-containing agar plates. Isolates with a positive screening test were subject to DNA extraction, DNA amplification and sequencing of the cyp51A gene (coding and promoter regions). Clinical data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: We screened 43 Aspergillus isolates from 39 patients for azole resistance. Three isolates from three patients grew on azole-containing agar plates: two A. fumigatus and one Aspergillus flavus. PCR analysis and cyp51A sequencing identified the TR34/L98H mutation in both A. fumigatus isolates. The prevalence of cyp51A mutations among A. fumigatus was 8.3% (2/24). Both patients with TR34/L98H mutants were azole naive and presented with invasive aspergillosis; one had multiple myeloma and the other was a liver retransplant recipient. They suffered progressive disease and failed voriconazole therapy. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of azole-resistant A. fumigatus with the TR34/L98H mutation in two azole-naive patients with refractory invasive aspergillosis in Mexico.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Febrile Neutropenia During Induction Chemotherapy in Adults With Acute Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Few studies regarding infectious causes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in Mexico are available. AIMS: We aimed to describe clinical and microbiological characteristics of FN episodes during induction chemotherapy in adults with acute leukemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective cohort from a Mexican tertiary care center included adults with newly diagnosed acute leukemia between January 2014, and December 2018. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Univariate analyses for associations between clinical characteristics and FN and/or death were made; logistic regression analysis was performed to assess relationships with FN. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were modeled for antimicrobial prophylaxis and FN. Ninety-five patients were included. Median age was 28 (IQR 20-43), 49 (52%) were males, and 74 (78%) developed FN (74/95). Among these, 98% had an identified source of infection (73/74) and 65% had >1. Common infections were urinary tract infection (24%), bacterial sinusitis (20%), and bacterial pneumonia (19%). Gram-negatives were the most frequently isolated microorganisms (69%), followed by Gram-positives (21%), and fungi (9%). Antimicrobial prophylaxis was inversely associated with FN (aOR = 0.07, CI 0.008-0.060, p = 0.02). Invasive fungal diseases were associated with 30-day mortality (aOR = 9.46, 95% CI 1.66-54.05). CONCLUSION: Infections caused 98% of the FN episodes. Gram-negative bacteria are the most common pathogens.

Cephalotin Versus Dicloxacillin for the Treatment of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteraemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: First-line treatments for methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia are nafcillin, oxacillin, or cefazolin. Regional shortages of these antibiotics force clinicians to use other options like dicloxacillin and cephalotin. This study aims to describe and compare the safety and efficacy of cephalotin and dicloxacillin for the treatment of MSSA bacteraemia. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a referral centre in Mexico City. We identified MSSA isolates in blood cultures from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2022. Patients ≥ 18 years of age, with a first episode of MSSA bacteraemia, who received cephalotin or dicloxacillin as the definitive antibiotic treatment, were included. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality. RESULTS: We included 202 patients, of which 48% (97/202) received cephalotin as the definitive therapy and 52% (105/202) received dicloxacillin. In-hospital all-cause mortality was 20.7% (42/202). There were no differences in all-cause in-hospital mortality between patients receiving cephalotin or dicloxacillin (20% vs. 21%, p = 0.43), nor in 30-day all-cause mortality (14% vs. 18%, p = 0.57) or 90-day all-cause mortality (24% vs. 22%, p = 0.82). No severe adverse reactions were associated with either antibiotic. CONCLUSIONS: Cephalotin and dicloxacillin were equally effective for treating MSSA bacteraemia, and both showed an adequate safety profile.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir against symptomatic treatment in high-risk COVID-19 outpatients to prevent hospitalization or death during the Omicron era: a propensity score-matched study.

Background: Even though worldwide death rates from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have decreased, the threat of disease progression and death for high-risk groups continues. Few direct comparisons between the available severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antivirals have been made. Objective: We aimed to compare two SARS-CoV-2 antivirals (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir) against all-cause hospitalization or death. Design: This is a propensity score-matched cohort study. Methods: We included all high-risk outpatients with COVID-19 in a tertiary referral center in Mexico City from 1 January 2022 to 31 July 2023. The primary outcome was all-cause hospitalization or death 28 days after symptom onset. The secondary outcome was COVID-19-associated hospitalization or death 28 days after symptom onset. Logistic regression analysis for characteristics associated with the primary outcome and a multi-group comparison with Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were performed. Results: Of 1566 patients analyzed, 783 did not receive antiviral treatment, 451 received remdesivir, and 332 received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range: 46-72), 62.5% were female and 97.8% had at least one comorbidity. The use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with an absolute risk reduction of 8.8% and a relative risk reduction of 90% for all-cause hospitalization or death. The use of remdesivir was associated with an absolute risk reduction of 6.4% and a relative risk reduction of 66% for all-cause hospitalization or death. In multivariable analysis, both antivirals reduced the odds of 28-day all-cause hospitalization or death [nirmatrelvir/ritonavir odds ratio (OR) 0.08 - 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.19, remdesivir OR 0.29 - 95% CI: 0.18-0.45]. Conclusion: In high-risk COVID-19 outpatients, early antiviral treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir was associated with lower 28-day all-cause hospitalization or death.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir against symptomatic treatment in high-risk COVID-19 outpatients In this study, we included high-risk non-hospitalized patients with confirmed mild COVID-19. We compared those who received antiviral treatment (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir) against those who only received symptomatic treatment. The aim was to detect differences in hospitalization or death 28 days after symptom onset. We analyzed 1566 patients: 783 did not receive antiviral treatment, 451 received remdesivir, and 332 received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Most patients were female and over 60 years old. The most common comorbidities were chronic hypertension (44%), diabetes mellitus (26%), and autoimmune diseases (25%); systemic immunosuppression was registered in 35% of patients. Hospitalization or death 28 days after symptom onset occurred in 168 patients (136 in the symptomatic treatment group, 27 in the remdesivir group, and 5 in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group). Considering multiple variables like age, sex, comorbidities, and previous vaccination, both antivirals significantly reduced the odds of hospitalization or death (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.19; remdesivir odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.45).

Histoplasmosis Beyond Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in a Non-HIV Population.

Histoplasmosis is an endemic and invasive mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. We conducted a retrospective study comparing immunosuppressed patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a historical cohort of people with HIV and histoplasmosis. We included 199 patients with proven or probable histoplasmosis, of which 25.1% were people without HIV. Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hematologic neoplasms, rheumatologic diseases, and transplantations were more frequent among people without HIV (P < .01). Forty-four percent of immunocompromised patients without HIV died within the first 6-week period following their diagnosis. A high suspicion index for histoplasmosis should be kept in immunosuppressed patients.

Histoplasma capsulatum prosthetic joint infection.

Immunocompromised patients are at risk of opportunistic infections. This is a 67-year-old woman with systemic sclerosis and knee osteoarthritis who underwent left total knee arthroplasty in 2009. In 2018 she underwent surgery for presumed aseptic loosening. Inflammation and purulent fluid were found; implant was removed and replaced with a static spacer. Three weeks later, H. capsulatum was isolated. She was successfully treated with itraconazole for 18 months; cultures on revision spacer replacement surgery were negative.