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Background Although a significant number of cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) are managed at non-referral community hospitals, the impact of a bundle-of-care intervention in this setting has not yet been explored. Methods We performed a quasi-experimental before–after study with the implementation of a bundle of care for the management of SAB at five non-referral community hospitals and a tertiary care university hospital. Structured recommendations for the five indicators selected to assess quality of care were provided to investigators before the implementation of the bundle and monthly thereafter. Primary endpoints were adherence to the bundle intervention and treatment failure, defined as death or relapse at 90 days of follow-up. Results One hundred and seventy patients were included in the pre-intervention period and 103 in the intervention period. Patient characteristics were similar in both periods. Multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders showed that performance of echocardiography was the only factor associated with improved adherence to the bundle in the intervention period (adjusted OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.13–4.02). Adherence to the bundle, performance of follow-up blood cultures, and adequate duration of antibiotic therapy for complicated SAB presented non-significant improvements. The intervention was not associated with a lower rate of 90 day treatment failure (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.70–1.77). Conclusions A bundle-of-care intervention for the management of SAB at non-referral community hospitals increased adherence to quality indicators, but did not significantly reduce rates of 90 day mortality or relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma acquired outside the hospital or other healthcare settings, typically affecting previously healthy individuals. This intersociety consensus aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the antibiotic treatment of mild to moderate CAP in previously healthy children in Italy. A systematic review was conducted to identify the most recent and relevant evidence. Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, with a date restriction from 2012 to April 2024, but without language limitations. The review included studies conducted in high-income countries on antibiotic therapy in children over 3 months of age diagnosed with mild-moderate CAP. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methods. The final recommendations were obtained through a Delphi consensus of an expert panel. Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment if the child is at least immunized against Haemophilus influenzae type b (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations), while amoxicillin-clavulanate or second- or third-generation cephalosporins should be prescribed for those unimmunized or with incomplete immunization coverage for both H. influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations). Macrolides should be considered in addition to amoxicillin in children over 5 years old, if symptoms persist and the clinical condition remains good after 48 h of therapy (low/very low quality of evidence, strong recommendations). The dosage of amoxicillin is 90 mg/kg/day divided in three doses, although two doses could be considered to improve compliance (moderate quality of evidence, weak recommendations). A five-day duration of therapy is recommended, with clinical monitoring and re-assessment approximately 72 h after the start of antibiotic treatment to evaluate symptom resolution (moderate quality of evidence, strong recommendations). To improve the management of CAP in pediatric patients, we have developed this consensus based on a thorough review of the best available evidence and extensive discussions with an expert panel. However, further efforts are needed. Future research should focus on enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing antibiotic utilization, comparing the efficacy of different antibiotic regimens, and determining the optimal dosage and duration of treatment in different setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Antibiotic overuse leads to the emergence of antibiotic resistance that threatens immunocompromised cancer patients. Infections caused by MDR Gram-negative pathogens are difficult to treat and associated with high mortality. Hence, empirical therapy with standard-of-care (SOC) antibiotics could be suboptimal in these vulnerable patients. New antibiotics covering potential resistant pathogens may be considered. Methods We conducted a randomized non-inferiority study comparing safety and efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam (IPM/REL), a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination, with SOC antibiotics (cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam or meropenem) in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Patients received at least 48 h of IV antibiotics and were assessed at end-of-IV (EOIV) therapy, test of cure (TOC; Days 21–28), and late follow-up (LFU; Days 35–42). Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled (49 IPM/REL and 50 SOC). Demographics and rates of documented microbiological infections were similar in both groups. In the SOC arm, 86% of antibiotics consisted of cefepime. Patients on IPM/REL had a higher favourable clinical response at EOIV than those on SOC (90% versus 74%; P  = 0.042); however, responses were similar at TOC and LFU. Microbiological eradication was comparable at all three timepoints. Study drug-related adverse events and adverse events leading to drug discontinuation were similar in both groups, with no study drug-related mortality. Conclusions Our results suggest that compared with SOC antibiotics, predominantly cefepime, IPM/REL for empirical coverage of febrile neutropenia in cancer patients is generally safe and could be associated with a better clinical outcome at EOIV. The current SOC consisting mainly of agents that do not cover for ESBL-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteria should be reconsidered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pyogenic brain abscess is a severe neurological infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques, neurosurgical procedures, and antimicrobial therapy, managing pyogenic brain abscesses remains challenging. This article reviews the current understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pyogenic brain abscesses, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The search terms included "pyogenic brain abscess," "epidemiology," "pathogenesis," "diagnosis," "treatment," "antibiotic therapy," and "prognosis." Relevant articles published in English between 2010 and 2023 were selected, focusing on the most recent advances and evidence-based recommendations for managing pyogenic brain abscesses. Results: Pyogenic brain abscess is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, infectious disease specialists, and radiologists is necessary to manage pyogenic brain abscesses successfully. Conclusion: Early recognition, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely neurosurgical intervention are essential for improving patient outcomes and minimizing neurological sequelae. Antibiotic therapy and surgical approach should be tailored to the individual patient, considering factors such as the suspected pathogens, immune status, and the primary source of infection. Long-term follow-up is crucial, as recurrence and neurological sequelae are common among survivors. Continued research is needed to improve our understanding of this complex condition and develop more effective treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited evidence is available on the most effective diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and long-term outcomes for CAP in patients who have undergone solid organ transplantation. What is the acute and long-term morbidity and mortality after CAP in organ transplant recipients? We retrospectively analyzed hospitalizations for CAP in solid organ recipients at the largest German transplant center. The study included patients admitted between January 1, 2010, and May 31, 2021. The reported outcomes are in-hospital and 1-year mortality, risk of cardiovascular events during hospitalization and at 1 year, admission to the ICU, and risk of pneumonia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multivariable binary logistic regression using stepwise forward selection was performed to determine predictive factors for pneumonia with P aeruginosa. We analyzed data from 403 hospitalizations of 333 solid organ recipients. In > 60% of cases, patients had multiple comorbidities, with cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease being the most prevalent. More than one-half of the patients required oxygen supplementation after admission. In-hospital mortality (13.2%) and the death rate at 1 year postevent (24.6%) were higher than data reported from immunocompetent patients. We also observed high rates of acute cardiovascular events and events occurring 1 year after admission. Early blood cultures and bronchoscopy in the first 24 h significantly increased the odds of establishing an etiology. In our low-resistance setting, the burden of antimicrobial resistance was driven by bacteria from chronically colonized patients, mostly lung transplant recipients. This comprehensive analysis highlights the high morbidity associated with CAP after transplantation. It also emphasizes the need for prospective multicenter studies to guide evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for these vulnerable patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current guidelines recommend at least 2 weeks duration of antibiotic therapy (DOT) for patients with uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) but the evidence for this recommendation is unclear. To perform a systematic literature review assessing current evidence for recommended DOT for patients with SAB. The following are the methods used for this study. We searched MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, the Cochrane Database and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to March 30, 2024. References of eligible studies were screened and experts in the field contacted for additional articles. All clinical studies, regardless of design, publication status and language. Adult patients with uncomplicated SAB. Long (>14 days; >18 days; 11–16 days) vs. short (≤14 days; 10–18 days; 6–10 days, respectively) DOT with the DOT being defined as the first until the last day of antibiotic therapy. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I-tool. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Only studies presenting results of adjusted analyses for mortality were included. Data synthesis could not be performed. Eleven nonrandomized studies were identified that fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria, of which three studies reported adjusted effect ratios. Only these were included in the final analysis. We did not find any RCT. Two studies with 1230 patients reported the primary endpoint 90-day all-cause mortality. Neither found a statistically significant superiority for longer (>14 days; 11–16 days) or shorter DOT (≤14 days; 6–10 days, respectively) for patients with uncomplicated SAB. Two studies investigated the secondary endpoint 30-day all-cause mortality (>18 days; 11–16 days vs. 10–18 days; 6–10 days, respectively) and did not find a statistically significant difference. All included studies had a moderate risk of bias. Sound evidence that supports any duration of antibiotic treatment for patients with uncomplicated SAB is lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The greater predisposition to infections, as well as the possibility of a worse response to treatment, can lead to the excessive use of antimicrobials among cancer patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) has gained prominence as a tool for monitoring therapeutic responses and reducing the duration of antibiotic therapy; however, few studies have analyzed this protein in cancer patient populations. We hypothesize that cancer patients with a good response to antibiotic therapy show a faster decline in serum CRP levels, which would allow us to identify candidates for short-course treatments. Objective: To evaluate the behavior of serum CRP levels among adult cancer patients using antibiotic therapy, and its association with the duration of this treatment, therapeutic response, and clinical recurrence. Methods: This work consisted of a retrospective study with cancer patients admitted to a university hospital between September 2018 and December 2019. Adults (age ≥ 18 years) who underwent at least one course of antibiotic therapy were included. CRP behavior over the first 7 days of treatment was classified as: i) good response: when the CRP value on the fifth day of therapy reached 50% or less of the peak value detected in the first 48 h of treatment, and ii) poor response: Maintenance, within the same interval, of a CRP value > 50% of the peak value in the first 48 h. The duration of antibiotic therapy was categorized as up to seven full days or more. Outcomes were assessed by events that occurred during the 30 days of hospitalization or until hospital discharge. Primary outcome: Clinical recurrence of the index infection. Secondary outcomes: i) Death from any cause; ii) microbiological recurrence; iii) therapeutic response; iv) colitis associated with Clostridioides difficile; and v) isolation of multi-resistant bacteria, whether in clinical or surveillance samples. Results: The final analysis consisted of 212 patients, with a median age (IQ) of 59.2 (48 – 67) years old and a predominance of females (65%), who were hypertensive (35%), smokers (21%), and diabetics (17.8%). There was no difference in clinical recurrence between the two groups (8.1% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.364), with a lower 30-day mortality in the good CRP response group (32.2% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.002). Despite the tendency towards a lower occurrence of other secondary outcomes in the good response group, these differences were not statistically significant. In the poor CRP response group, outcomes like clinical recurrence, mortality, and therapeutic response were significantly worse, regardless of the duration of antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: In this study, cancer patients with a good CRP response during antibiotic therapy presented lower mortality and a higher proportion of satisfactory therapeutic responses. CRP can be a useful tool when combined with other clinical information in optimizing the duration of antimicrobial treatment in a hospitalized cancer population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is a core function of the clinical microbiology laboratory and is critical to the management of patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) to facilitate optimal antibiotic therapy selection. Recent technological advances have resulted in several rapid methods for determining susceptibility direct from positive blood culture that can provide turnaround times in under 8 h, which is considerably shorter than conventional culture-based methods. As diagnostic results do not directly produce a medical intervention, actionability is a primary determinant of the effect these technologies have on antibiotic use and ultimately patient outcomes. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies consistently show that rapid AST significantly reduces time to results and improves antimicrobial therapy for patients with BSI across various methods, patient populations and organisms. To date, the clinical impact of rapid AST has been demonstrated in some observational studies, but randomized controlled trials have not been sufficiently powered to validate many of these findings. This article reviews various metrics that have been described in the literature to measure the impact of rapid AST on actionability, antibiotic exposure and patient outcomes, as well as highlighting how implementation and workflow processes can affect these metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevention, assessment, and identification of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) represent a challenge for healthcare professionals, especially in nosocomial settings. This narrative review aims to provide a thorough assessment of the most clinically significant DDIs for antibiotics used in healthcare-associated infections. Complex poly-pharmaceutical regimens, targeting multiple pathogens or targeting one pathogen in the presence of another comorbidity, have an increased predisposition to result in life-threatening DDIs. Recognising, assessing, and limiting DDIs in nosocomial infections offers promising opportunities for improving health outcomes. The objective of this review is to provide clinicians with practical advice to prevent or mitigate DDIs, with the aim of increasing the safety and effectiveness of therapy. DDI management is of significant importance for individualising therapy according to the patient, disease status, and associated comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Switzerland and other high-income countries, one out of 3000 to 5000 term and late preterm neonates develops early onset sepsis (EOS) associated with a mortality of around 3%, while incidence and mortality of EOS in very preterm infants are substantially higher. Exposure to antibiotics for suspected EOS is disproportionally high compared to the incidence of EOS with consequences for future health and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A safe reduction of unnecessary antibiotic treatment has to be a major goal of new management strategies and guidelines. Antibiotics should be administered immediately in situations with clinical signs of septic shock. Group B streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are the leading pathogens of EOS. Amoxicillin combined with an aminoglycoside remains the first choice for empirical treatment. Serial physical examinations are recommended for all neonates with risk factors for EOS. Neonates without any clinical signs suggestive of EOS should not be treated with antibiotics. In Switzerland, we do not recommend the use of the EOS calculator, a risk stratification tool, due to its unclear impact in a population with an observed antibiotic exposure below 3%. Not all neonates with respiratory distress should be empirically treated with antibiotics. Isolated tachypnea or respiratory distress starting immediately after delivery by elective caesarean section or a clearly assessed alternative explanation than EOS for clinical signs may point towards a low probability of sepsis. On the other hand, unexplained prematurity with risk factors has an inherent higher risk of EOS. Before the start of antibiotic therapy, blood cultures should be drawn with a minimum volume of 1 ml in a single aerobic blood culture bottle. This standard procedure allows antibiotics to be stopped after 24 to 36 h if no pathogen is detected in blood cultures. Current data do not support the use of PCR-based pathogen detection in blood as a standard method. Lumbar puncture is recommended in blood culture–proven EOS, critical illness, or in the presence of neurological symptoms such as seizures or altered consciousness. The accuracy of a single biomarker measurement to distinguish inflammation from infection is low in neonates. Therefore, biomarker guidance is not a standard part of decision-making regarding the start or stop of antibiotic therapy but may be used as part of an algorithm and after appropriate education of health care teams. Every newborn started on antibiotics should be assessed for organ dysfunction with prompt initiation of respiratory and hemodynamic support if needed. An elevated lactate may be a sign of poor perfusion and requires a comprehensive assessment of the clinical condition. Interventions to restore perfusion include fluid boli with crystalloids and catecholamines. Neonates in critical condition should be cared for in a specialized unit. In situations with a low probability of EOS, antibiotics should be stopped as early as possible within the first 24 h after the start of therapy. In cases with microbiologically proven EOS, reassessment and streamlining of antibiotic therapy in neonates is an important step to minimize AMR. Conclusion: This guideline, developed through a critical review of the literature, facilitates a probability-based approach to the management of neonates at risk of early onset sepsis. What is Known: • Neonatal exposure to antibiotics is disproportionally high compared with the incidence of early onset sepsis with implications for future health and antimicrobial resistance. What is New: • A probability-based approach may facilitate a more balanced management of neonatal sepsis and antibiotic stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sternoclavicular joint arthritis is a rare condition that poses considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, leading to severe complications and a high mortality rate. Although surgical interventions are often considered necessary for advanced cases, some reports have suggested that conservative management with antibiotic therapy can be effective in certain cases. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports of successful conservative treatment in cases exhibiting aggressive spread. This report highlights a case of advanced sternoclavicular joint arthritis with bone destruction and pulmonary infiltration, successfully treated conservatively with outpatient antibiotic therapy. Case presentation: A 58-year-old Japanese male presented with a 1-month history of left-sided shoulder pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed abscess formation and clavicular bone destruction, with infiltrative shadows suggesting lung involvement. The diagnosis of sternoclavicular joint arthritis was made, and outpatient oral antibiotic therapy was initiated. The patient exhibited a marked reduction in inflammatory marker levels and symptoms, and antibiotic therapy was discontinued after 3 weeks, with no recurrence observed at a 4-month follow-up. Conclusions: This case highlights that conservative management with antibiotics can be effective for treating advanced sternoclavicular joint arthritis, emphasizing the need for individualized management and further research into non-surgical treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative bacterial infections are prevalent complications in both human and veterinary orthopedic surgery, particularly when a biofilm develops. These infections often result in delayed healing, early revision, permanent functional loss, and, in severe cases, amputation. The diagnosis and treatment pose significant challenges, and bacterial biofilm further amplifies the therapeutic difficulty as it confers protection against the host immune system and against antibiotics which are usually administered as a first‐line therapeutic option. However, the inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of numerous multidrug‐resistant organisms, which largely compromise the already imperfect treatment efficiency. In this context, the study of bacterial biofilm formation allows to better target antibiotic use and to evaluate alternative therapeutic strategies. Exploration of the roles played by mechanical factors on biofilm development is of particular interest, especially because cartilage and bone tissues are reactive environments that are subjected to mechanical load. This review delves into the current landscape of biofilm mechanobiology, exploring the role of mechanical factors on biofilm development through a multiscale prism starting from bacterial microscopic scale to reach biofilm mesoscopic size and finally the macroscopic scale of the fracture site or bone–implant interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to find statistically valid criteria to preoperatively divide acute appendicitis into simple and complicated to enable surgeons to administer the most appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy before surgery. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2022 to December 2023. Patients included were 0–14 years of age. Exclusion criteria included patients who underwent interval appendectomy or concurrent procedures at the same time of appendectomy. We divided patients into two groups: simple (group S) and complicated (group C) appendicitis according to intraoperative finding. Generalized linear model (GLM) with logit function was developed to identify the predictive variables of the type of appendicitis (S vs C) in terms of CRP value, neutrophils percentage and WBC count adjusted for age and sex of patients. Finally, principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to identify the cutoff value of statistically significant variables found in the previous analysis. Results: One hundred and twenty patients were eligible (N female = 49, N male = 71) for the study. 74 and 46 patients were included in groups S and C, respectively. In a preliminary analysis using univariate and multivariate GLM, only CRP (p value = < 0.001) and neutrophils percentage (p value = 0.02) were predictive variables for the type of appendicitis. The GLM shows a statistical lower value of CRP (adjusted odds ratio [OR] per unit, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.08–0.39]) and neutrophil percentage (adjusted OR per unit, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.16–0.86]) in the S group compared to C adjusted to age and sex. PCA analysis revealed a P-ROC cutoff of 4.2 mg/dl and 80.1 of CRP value (AUC = 84%) and neutrophil percentage (AUC = 70%), respectively. Conclusions: We will perform a prospective study giving preoperative prophylactic cefazolin to patients with a CRP value under 4.2 mg/dl and amoxicillin–clavulanate therapy to patient with CRP value over 4.2 mg/dl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Focus of this study was on subjects suffering from new onset asthma, but actually, they may involve with an infection. Objectives: The target of this study was to determine the frequency of total control of asthma in new onset asthma. Methods: this is a phase 3 randomized clinical trial. The participants were 50 new onset asthma, who feel suffering from respiratory infection, however the physician diagnosis was asthma according to wheezy chest, spirometry and clear chest roentgenogram. Age less than 18 years and pregnant women were excluded. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, doxycycline hyclate and the placebo arms. The drugs were repacked in similar in shape container. Primary endpoint was time to first recurrence. Secondary endpoints were frequency of total control of asthma, dyspnea, cough, asthma control test (ACT) score, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, eosinophil and neutrophil in blood and sputum. Results: The difference of clinical findings between two groups before the trial were not significant. Ten percent reported acute attack of asthma during last two months. Treatment with Doxycyline revealed significant improvement of clinical findings, asthma attack and ACT score after two months of treatment, however, complete resolution of clinical findings were significantly higher in Doxycyline group compare to placebo. Clinical findings and FEV1 percent predicted in Doxycyline group T2low asthma group showed significant improvement which were not depicted in T2high group. Eighteen months follow up of the subjects showed complete resolution of asthma symptoms in 12 (48%) on Doxycyline group, which was significantly higher than control group (5 (20%). Time to first exacerbation in doxycycline group was 13.6±5.64 months which was significantly longer than control group (7.49±6.95, P=0.002). Time to first exacerbation in CRP positive was significantly longer (13.64±5.35 months) than CRP negative subjects (9.67±7.76 months, P=0.02). Conclusion: Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic for preventing recurrence of asthma, in selected new subjects who suspicious for respiratory infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foot infections, a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus, are associated with heavy resource utilization, including antibiotic therapy and surgeries. However, the most common type of isolated pathogen in diabetic foot infections remains unknown. We aimed to identify the most common types of isolated pathogens in diabetic foot infections. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a specialized medical center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 96 patients diagnosed with diabetes and presented with a foot ulcer showing clinical signs of infection were included. Results: The mean age was 63.03 ± 10.88 years, and 67.7% were males. The mean duration of diabetes diagnosis was 21.86 ± 9.66 years, and the majority had foot ulcers for over six weeks. Bacteria were present in 65 patients (67.7%), Gram-negative organisms were observed in 37 patients (38.5%), and Gram-positive organisms were present in 28 patients (29.2%). In the 65 patients with bacterial culture, Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism and was observed in 18 patients (27.7%), followed by Escherichia coli in 11 (16.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 10 (15.4%). Binary regression analyses found that Gram-negative organisms were significantly more multidrug-resistant than Gram-positive organisms (P = 0.012, OR = 7.172, 95% CI = 1.542-33.352). Patient outcomes included healed ulcers (n = 10, 10.4%), minor amputation (n = 16, 16.7%), major amputation (n = 1, 1%), and debridement (n = 48, 50%). Conclusion: Gram-negative organisms were predominant in patients with diabetes and foot ulcers having clinical signs of infection. Treatment with an individualized antibiotic regimen is vital in ensuring optimal outcomes and preventing major amputations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacterial infections (BIs) are widespread in ICUs. The aims of this study were to assess compliance with antibiotic recommendations and factors associated with non-compliance. Methods: We conducted an observational study in eight French Paediatric and Neonatal ICUs with an antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) organised once a week for the most part. All children receiving antibiotics for a suspected or proven BI were evaluated. Newborns < 72 h old, neonates < 37 weeks, age ≥ 18 years and children under surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis were excluded. Results: 139 suspected (or proven) BI episodes in 134 children were prospectively included during six separate time-periods over one year. The final diagnosis was 26.6% with no BI, 40.3% presumed (i.e., not documented) BI and 35.3% documented BI. Non-compliance with antibiotic recommendations occurred in 51.1%. The main reasons for non-compliance were inappropriate choice of antimicrobials (27.3%), duration of one or more antimicrobials (26.3%) and length of antibiotic therapy (18.0%). In multivariate analyses, the main independent risk factors for non-compliance were prescribing ≥ 2 antibiotics (OR 4.06, 95%CI 1.69–9.74, p = 0.0017), duration of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy ≥ 4 days (OR 2.59, 95%CI 1.16–5.78, p = 0.0199), neurologic compromise at ICU admission (OR 3.41, 95%CI 1.04–11.20, p = 0.0431), suspected catheter-related bacteraemia (ORs 3.70 and 5.42, 95%CIs 1.32 to 15.07, p < 0.02), a BI site classified as "other" (ORs 3.29 and 15.88, 95%CIs 1.16 to 104.76, p < 0.03), sepsis with ≥ 2 organ dysfunctions (OR 4.21, 95%CI 1.42–12.55, p = 0.0098), late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR 6.30, 95%CI 1.15–34.44, p = 0.0338) and ≥ 1 risk factor for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.07–6.14, p = 0.0353). Main independent factors for compliance were using antibiotic therapy protocols (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19–0.92, p = 0.0313), respiratory failure at ICU admission (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.14–0.90, p = 0.0281) and aspiration pneumonia (OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.14–0.99, p = 0.0486). Conclusions: Half of antibiotic prescriptions remain non-compliant with guidelines. Intensivists should reassess on a day-to-day basis the benefit of using several antimicrobials or any broad-spectrum antibiotics and stop antibiotics that are no longer indicated. Developing consensus about treating specific illnesses and using department protocols seem necessary to reduce non-compliance. A daily ASP could also improve compliance in these situations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: number NCT04642560. The date of first trial registration was 24/11/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les infections cutanées bactériennes sont fréquentes chez l'enfant et ne nécessitent pas toujours une antibiothérapie par voie générale notamment pour les formes superficielles. Le lavage (à l'eau et au savon) et le rinçage soigneux de la lésion sont alors les points clés du traitement. Une analyse sémiologique doit précéder toute décision thérapeutique pour évaluer la pertinence de l'antibiothérapie, la nécessité ou non d'un drainage qui peut être spontané ou chirurgical et l'existence éventuelle de signes toxiniques qui constituent toujours des signes de gravité. Les germes les plus fréquemment en cause chez l'enfant sont Staphylococcus aureus et Streptococcus pyogenes. En raison de la faible incidence des S. aureus résistants à la méthicilline en France (< 10 %), l'antibiothérapie de première intention est l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique à laquelle on pourra ajouter un traitement anti-toxinique comme la clindamycine pour les patients présentant des signes toxiniques manifestes. Bacterial skin infections are common in children, and frequently do not require systemic antibiotic therapy, particularly for superficial forms. In these cases, washing (with soap and water) and careful rinsing of the lesion are the key points of treatment. A semiotic analysis must precede any therapeutic decision to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy, need for drainage (which may be spontaneous or surgical) and possible existence of symptoms related to toxin production, which are frequent signs of severity. The bacterial species most frequently implicated in children are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Given the low incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus in France (< 10%), the first-line antibiotic treatment is amoxicillin-clavulanate, to which an anti-toxin treatment such as clindamycin may be added for patients with overt toxin signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les connaissances sur les pathologies infectieuses et leurs traitements évoluent constamment. De nouveaux agents infectieux sont régulièrement découverts, essentiellement du fait de l'évolution des techniques d'identification notamment grâce au développement de la biologie moléculaire et de la spectrométrie de masse. Les modifications de l'épidémiologie des maladies infectieuses ne sont pas toujours explicables mais plusieurs facteurs jouent un rôle important comme l'histoire naturelle des maladies, l'impact des vaccinations, mais aussi l'usage trop souvent excessif et irrationnel des antibiotiques. La résistance aux antibiotiques est reconnue comme un des défis majeurs pour l'humanité d'autant plus que peu de nouvelles molécules ont été mises sur le marché ces dernières d'années. Celles-ci sont réservées à des infections graves dues à des bactéries résistantes aux autres antibiotiques et ne devraient pouvoir être prescrites que par des infectiologues formés à leur utilisation. La rationalisation de l'antibiothérapie est donc un des éléments clés pour réduire la résistance aux antibiotiques et la dissémination des bactéries résistantes. Dans ce guide, pour chaque situation clinique seront précisés, la ou les cibles bactériennes du traitement antibiotique, le choix antibiotique préférentiel, les alternatives thérapeutiques. Des commentaires concernant le diagnostic et le traitement de l'infection seront ajoutés si nécessaire. Knowledge of infectious diseases and their treatments is constantly evolving. New infectious agents are regularly discovered, due mainly to improvement of identification techniques, especially the development of molecular biology and mass spectrometry. While changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases are not always predictable or readily understood, several factors regularly enter into consideration, such as not only the natural history of diseases and the impact of vaccinations, but also the excessive and irrational use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is now recognized as one of the major challenges for humanity, especially since few new molecules have been put on the market in recent years. These molecules are reserved for serious infections caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics and should be prescribed only by infectious disease specialists trained in their use. Rationalization of antibiotic therapy is therefore one of the keys to reducing antibiotic resistance and the spread of resistant bacteria. In this guide, with regard to each clinical situation, the bacterial target(s) of antibiotic treatment, the preferred antibiotic choice, and the therapeutic alternatives will be specified. Comments on diagnosis and treatment of the infection will be added if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depuis près d'un demi-siècle, de nombreuses études ont démontré la valeur des paramètres pharmacocinétiques/pharmacodynamiques (PK/PD) sériques pour prédire l'éradication bactérienne ou le succès thérapeutique, d'abord dans différents modèles animaux, puis chez l'homme. Ces paramètres sont désormais la pierre angulaire du développement des antibiotiques, de la détermination de la posologie et de l'intervalle d'administration, ainsi que pour l'établissement des concentrations minimales inhibitrices (CMI) dites « critiques » permettant de classer les souches dans la zone sensible ou résistante à un antibiotique donné. Les premières études qui ont conduit à la détermination de paramètres PK/PD prédictifs ont utilisé des modèles animaux dans lesquels les CMI des antibiotiques contre la souche infectante étaient connues, ainsi que les concentrations sériques à différents moments après l'administration. Dans tous ces modèles, la forme libre de l'antibiotique, qui correspond le plus souvent à la forme active, semblait mieux corrélée à l'efficacité que la concentration totale. Depuis, les données fournies par ces modèles animaux ont été confirmées dans diverses infections rencontrées en pratique clinique : infections respiratoires hautes et basses, bactériémies, infections de la peau et des tissus mous, infections intra-abdominales, infections osseuses et articulaires acquises dans la communauté. Pour d'autres infections (osseuses ou des voies urinaires supérieures), sans avoir obtenu le même niveau de preuve, il semble indispensable de prendre en compte les paramètres PK/PD sériques. Dans le cas d'infections de tissus dans lesquels les antibiotiques diffusent mal (liquide céphalorachidien, œil...) et pour les infections de prothèses, les paramètres PK/PD locaux sont les plus prédictifs. Le choix des antibiotiques, ainsi que les doses journalières et la fréquence d'administration sont largement influencés par les paramètres PK/PD. Ils doivent être particulièrement bien connus des infectiologues et des pédiatres travaillant dans les services de soins intensifs pour une prise en charge optimale des patients infectés par des souches bactériennes moins sensibles ou présentant des caractéristiques susceptibles de modifier la pharmacocinétique des médicaments (mucoviscidose, drépanocytose, insuffisance rénale, infections sévères, etc.). En effet, pour ces patients, en particulier lorsque l'infection concerne des souches résistantes aux antibiotiques, la prescription ne peut pas être uniquement basée sur la médecine factuelle en raison de la relative rareté de ces situations. Par ailleurs, la prescription doit tenir compte des caractéristiques pharmacocinétiques et pharmacodynamiques des molécules administrées. Knowledge of infectious diseases and their treatments is constantly evolving. New infectious agents are regularly discovered, mainly due to improvement of identification techniques, especially the development of molecular biology and mass spectrometry. While changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases are not always predictable or readily understood, several factors regularly enter into consideration, such as not only the natural history of diseases, the impact of vaccinations, but also the excessive and irrational use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is now recognized as one of the major challenges for humanity, especially since few new molecules have been put on the market in recent years. These molecules are reserved for serious infections caused by bacteria resistant to other antibiotics and should only be prescribed by infectious diseases specialists trained in their use. Rationalization of antibiotic therapy is therefore one of the keys to reducing antibiotic resistance and the spread of resistant bacteria. In this guide, for each clinical situation, the bacterial target(s) of antibiotic treatment, the preferred antibiotic choice, and the therapeutic alternatives will be specified. Comments on the diagnosis and treatment of the infection will be added if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increase in antibiotic resistance is a major public health issue. The development of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods is becoming a priority to ensure early and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Objectives To evaluate sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) as a method for performing AST in less than 3 h. Methods SdFFF is based on the detection of early biophysical changes in bacteria, using a chromatographic-type technology. One hundred clinical Escherichia coli strains were studied. A calibrated bacterial suspension was incubated for 2 h at 37°C in the absence (untreated) or presence (treated) of five antibiotics used at EUCAST breakpoint concentrations. Bacterial suspensions were then injected into the SdFFF machine. For each E. coli isolate, retention times and elution profiles of antibiotic-treated bacteria were compared with retention times and elution profiles of untreated bacteria. Algorithms comparing retention times and elution profiles were used to determine if the strain was susceptible or resistant. Performance evaluation was done according to CLSI and the ISO standard 20776-2:2021 with broth microdilution used as the reference method. Results AST results from SdFFF were obtained in less than 3 h. SdFFF showed high categorical agreement (99.8%), sensitivity (99.5%) and specificity (100.0%) with broth microdilution. Results for each antimicrobial were also in agreement with the ISO 20776-2 recommendations, with sensitivity and specificity of ≥95.0%. Conclusions This study showed that SdFFF can be used as a rapid, accurate and reliable phenotypic AST method with a turnaround time of less than 3 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is an inflammatory process that starts with soft tissue inflammation caused by the intervention of oral bacteria. By modulating local immunity, it is possible to supplement or replace current therapeutic methods. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an immunostimulatory treatment with the antibiotherapy usually applied to periodontitis patients. On a model of periodontitis induced in 30 rats (divided into three equal groups) with bacterial strains selected from the human oral microbiome (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus oralis), we administered antibiotics, bacterial lysates and saline for 10 days. Clinically, no significant lesions were observed between the groups, but hematologically, we detected a decrease in lymphocyte and neutrophil counts in both the antibiotic and lysate-treated groups. Immunologically, IL-6 remained elevated compared to the saline group, denoting the body's effort to compensate for bone loss due to bacterial action. Histopathologically, the results show more pronounced oral tissue regeneration in the antibiotic group and a reduced inflammatory reaction in the lysate group. We can conclude that the proposed bacterial lysate has similar effects to antibiotic therapy and can be considered an option in treating periodontitis, thus eliminating the unnecessary use of antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, poses a significant global health concern. Among its diverse clinical manifestations, neurobrucellosis remains an infrequent yet debilitating complication. Here, we present a rare case of neurobrucellosis with unusual presentations in a 45-year-old woman. The patient's clinical course included progressive lower extremity weakness, muscle wasting, and double vision, prompting a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Notable findings included polyneuropathy, elevated brucella agglutination titers in both cerebrospinal fluid and blood, abnormal EMG-NCV tests, and resolving symptoms with antibiotic therapy. The clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and differentiation from other neurological conditions are discussed. This case underscores the importance of considering neurobrucellosis in regions where brucellosis is prevalent and highlights this rare neurological complication's distinctive clinical and radiological features. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial to mitigate the significant morbidity associated with neurobrucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spondylodiscitis is an infectious disease affecting an intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies and is often the complication of a distant focus of infection. This study aims to ascertain the regional and hospital-specific disparities in bacterial patterns and resistance profiles in spontaneous and iatrogenic spondylodiscitis and their implications for patient treatment. Methods: We enrolled patients from two German hospitals, specifically comparing a university hospital (UVH) with a peripheral non-university hospital (NUH). We documented patient demographics, laboratory results, and surgical interventions. Microbiological assessments, antibiotic regimens, treatment durations, and resistance profiles were recorded. Results: This study included 135 patients. Upon admission, 92.4% reported pain, with 16.2% also presenting neurological deficits. The primary microbial species identified in both the UVH and NUH cohorts were S. aureus (37.3% vs. 31.3%) and cog. neg. staphylococci (28.8% vs. 34.4%), respectively. Notably, a higher prevalence of resistant bacteria was noted in the UVH group (p < 0.001). Additionally, concomitant malignancies were significantly more prevalent in the UVH cohort. Conclusion: Significant regional variations exist in bacterial prevalence and resistance profiles. Consequently, treatment protocols need to consider these nuances and undergo regular critical evaluation. Moreover, patients with concurrent malignancies face an elevated risk of spondylodiscitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nontuberculous mycobacteria are environmental organisms that are increasingly causing chronic and debilitating pulmonary infections, of which Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common pathogen. MAC pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) is often difficult to treat, often requiring long-term multidrug antibiotic therapy. Is there an association between various guideline-based three-drug therapy (GBT) regimens and (1) therapy-associated adverse events or (2) regimen change/discontinuation, within 12 months of therapy initiation? In a retrospective cohort study, we examined tolerability outcomes of GBT regimens for MAC-PD in 4,626 US Medicare beneficiaries with bronchiectasis, who were prescribed a GBT as initial antibiotic treatment for presumed MAC-PD during 2006 to 2014. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) to compare the risk of adverse events and regimen change/discontinuations within 12 months of therapy initiation in various GBT regimens. The cohort had a mean age ± SD of 77.9 ± 6.1 years at treatment start, were mostly female (77.7%), and were mostly non-Hispanic White (87.2%). The risk of regimen change/discontinuation within 12 months of therapy was higher for clarithromycin-based regimens than azithromycin-based regimens (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04-1.20 with rifampin; aHR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.93-1.32 with rifabutin as the companion rifamycin), and for rifabutin-containing regimens than rifampin-containing regimens (aHR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.33-1.68 with azithromycin; aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27-1.70 with clarithromycin as the companion macrolide). The aHR comparing regimen change/discontinuation with clarithromycin-ethambutol-rifabutin and azithromycin-ethambutol-rifampin was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.43-1.64). Overall, an azithromycin-based regimen was less likely to be changed or discontinued than a clarithromycin-based regimen, and a rifampin-containing regimen was less likely to be changed or discontinued than a rifabutin-containing regimen within 12 months of therapy start. Our work provides a population-based assessment on the tolerability of multidrug antibiotic regimens used for the treatment of MAC-PD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The diagnosis of early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) remains difficult. The main aim was to study the effect of a new algorithm for EOS, which includes the level of procalcitonin in umbilical cord blood, on the exposure to antibiotic therapy of premature newborn infants. Methods: This was a monocentric, observational and retrospective study with before‐and‐after design. The duration and dose of antibiotic therapy provided as well as the morbidity and mortality were compared in two groups, one included 01 May 2015–30 November 2015 when procalcitonin was not used, and one after the change 01 November 2016–30 May 2017 when procalcitonin was used in a hospital setting in Nice, France. Results: Sixty newborn infants were included in the before group and 54 in the after group. Antibiotic therapy was stopped after 24 h for 18 newborn infants in the after group and four in the before group, and after 48 h for 26 newborn infants in the after group and 10 in the before group. Conclusion: The implementation of a new decision‐making algorithm including early procalcitonin assay of premature newborn infants significantly reduced exposure to antibiotics without modifying mortality or morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease is a renal development anomaly characterized by cystic transformation in renal parenchyma. ARPKD is more common in children. We present the case of a premature newborn, female, 36-37 weeks gestation, small for gestational age (SGA) originating from a completely unmonitored pregnancy, diagnosed upon admission to the clinic with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney. The condition complicated by a urinary tract infection with E. coli. This newborn displayed no clinical symptoms, was carefully monitored during hospitalization, and received antibiotic treatment. Antenatal ultrasound screening can aid in the early diagnosis of congenital anomalies and determining the appropriate course of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal hypoglycemia presents significant challenges in the management of small for gestational age (SGA) infants with early onset sepsis. This literature review and case report examine the clinical implications and therapeutic strategies in such cases. The study underscores the importance of timely recognition and intervention to mitigate the risks associated with hypoglycemia and sepsis in term newborns, emphasizing early glucose management and appropriate antibiotic therapy for optimal outcomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is difficult to treat when caused by difficult-to-treat (DTR) pathogens because of limited treatment options and poorer clinical outcomes. Over time, several predictive scoring systems based on risk factors for infection with multidrug resistant pathogens have been developed. We reviewed the available tools for identifying DTR pathogens as the cause of SCAP, both predictive scoring systems and rapid diagnostic methods, to develop management strategies aimed at early identification of DTR pathogens, reducing broad-spectrum antibiotic use and improving clinical outcomes. The scoring systems reviewed show considerable heterogeneity among them at the level of the region studied, the definition of risk factors, as well as which DTR pathogens are the target pathogens. The models described have shown limited effectiveness in reducing inappropriate antibiotic treatment or improving patient outcomes by themselves. However, predictive models could serve as a first step in identifying DTR pathogen infections as part of a larger detection algorithm. Rapid diagnostic tools, such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction, would be useful for the rapid identification of pneumonia-causing pathogens and their resistance mechanisms. In resource-limited settings, rapid tests should be limited to patients at high risk of developing SCAP due to DTR pathogens. We propose an integrative algorithm based on the different scores, taking into account local epidemiological data, where ideally each center should have an antimicrobial stewardship program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The eosinophil level in peripheral blood increases in response to various conditions, the most common being medication use. Since the outcome of increased levels of eosinophils can range from a benign finding to extensive damage to host organs and systemic consequences, this finding raises concern among clinicians. We aimed to assess the prevalence of prolonged antibiotic-therapy-induced eosinophilia and possible outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients admitted to the orthopedic department from December 2016 through December 2020 due to a moderate to severe diabetic foot infection and who received at least 14 days of antibiotic therapy. Patients were identified retrospectively through the orthopedic department registry, and their files were reviewed, extracting demographics, laboratory test results, antibiotic treatment, and outcomes. Results: The cohort included 347 patients; a total of 114 (32.8%) developed eosinophilia during the follow-up period. Patients who developed eosinophilia had a significantly longer duration of antibiotic treatment (p < 0.001) and a significantly longer hospitalization (p = 0.001). For multivariable analysis, the independent risk factors predicting drug-induced eosinophilia included older age, higher eosinophil count on admission (per quantile) and higher platelet count on admission (per quantile) (p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). There was no evidence of complications in patients who developed eosinophilia compared to patients who did not. No significant association with a specific type of antibiotic was found. Conclusions: We found a higher incidence of drug-induced eosinophilia than expected or previously described. The factors associated with eosinophilia included age and higher baseline eosinophil and platelet levels but not antibiotic type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital-acquired multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial meningitis and/or ventriculitis (MEN) is a severe condition associated with high mortality. The risk factors related to in-hospital mortality of patients with MDR bacterial MEN are unknown. We aimed to examine factors related to in-hospital mortality and evaluate their prognostic value in patients with MDR bacterial MEN treated in the neurointensive care unit. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of critically ill neurosurgical patients with MDR bacterial MEN admitted to our hospital between January 2003 and March 2021. Data on demographics, admission variables, treatment, time to start of intraventricular (IVT) therapy, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed. Both univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify determinants of in-hospital mortality. Results: All 142 included patients received systemic antibiotic therapy, and 102 of them received concomitant IVT treatment. The median time to start of IVT treatment was 2 days (interquartile range 1–5 days). The time to start of IVT treatment had an effect on in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.34; adjusted p = 0.030). The cutoff time to initiate IVT treatment was identified at 3 days: patients treated within 3 days had a higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sterilization rate (81.5%) and a shorter median time to CSF sterilization (7 days) compared with patients who received delayed IVT treatment (> 3 days) (48.6% and 11.5 days, respectively) and those who received intravenous antibiotics alone (42.5% and 10 days, respectively). Conclusions: Early IVT antibiotics were associated with superior outcomes in terms of the in-hospital mortality rate, time to CSF sterilization, and CSF sterilization rate compared with delayed IVT antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early, adequate antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) in young children alleviates acute symptoms and may also limit long-term sequelae. Antibiotics should ideally be prescribed only to those. As, there is no rapid point of care for a UTI using an antibiotic with the narrowest effective spectrum. Empirical treatment is universal in primary care, given that urine culture results take several days. As yet, there are no rapid point-of-care tests that give a sufficiently robust indication of an etiology and the susceptibility of infecting organisms. Guidelines generally recommend that the choice of empiric antibiotics for suspected UTI in acutely unwell children should rely on local susceptibilities choice of empiric antibiotics for suspected UTI in acutely unwell children should depend on local susceptibilities Such information is usually derived from routinely collected data. It may provide biased estimates because of variation provide biased estimates because of variation. It provides biased estimates because of variations in sampling decisions by individual clinicians, differing laboratory procedures and the inclusion of repeat samples in databases. The susceptibilities of organisms from urines submitted in routine care and organisms causing UTI from systematically obtained urines in primary care have not been directly compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver transplant recipients often require endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary complications, which can lead to infections. This retrospective single-center study aimed to identify risk factors for infectious complications following ERCP in liver transplant patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 285 elective ERCP interventions performed in 88 liver transplant patients at a tertiary care center. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an infection following ERCP. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses, Cox regression, and log-rank tests were employed to assess the influence of various factors on the incidence of infectious complications. Results: Among the 285 ERCP interventions, isolated anastomotic stenosis was found in 175 cases, ischemic type biliary lesion (ITBL) in 103 cases, and choledocholithiasis in seven cases. Bile duct interventions were performed in 96.9% of all ERCPs. Infections after ERCP occurred in 46 cases (16.1%). Independent risk factors for infection included male sex (OR 24.19), prednisolone therapy (OR 4.5), ITBL (OR 4.51), sphincterotomy (OR 2.44), cholangioscopy (OR 3.22), dilatation therapy of the bile ducts (OR 9.48), and delayed prophylactic antibiotic therapy (>1 h after ERCP) (OR 2.93). Additionally, infections following previous ERCP interventions were associated with an increased incidence of infections following future ERCP interventions (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In liver transplant patients undergoing ERCP, male sex, prednisolone therapy, and complex bile duct interventions independently raised infection risks. Delayed antibiotic treatment further increased this risk. Patients with ITBL were notably susceptible due to incomplete drainage. Additionally, a history of post-ERCP infections signaled higher future risks, necessitating close monitoring and timely antibiotic prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Medical therapy with antibiotics only and surgical drainage are the treatment options of tubo‐ovarian abscess (TOA). It is not yet known exactly which cases need surgical treatment. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the risk factors leading antibiotic therapy failure in women with TOA. Methods: We searched the following databases from inception to June 1, 2022: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus. We also searched reference lists of eligible articles and related review articles. The observational cohort, cross‐sectional, and case–control studies were included in the meta‐analysis. At least four review authors independently selected eligible articles, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. The random effect model was used in the meta‐analysis. Results: A total of 29 studies, including 2890 women, were included in the study. The age, abscess size, history of intrauterine device use, postmenopausal status, history of diabetes mellitus, fever, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, and history of pelvic inflammatory disease were found as significant risk factors for antibiotic therapy failure in women with TOA. Conclusions: The findings of this study clarified the risk factors for antibiotic therapy failure in women with TOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The BioFire FilmArray Pneumonia Panel (BFPP), a multiplex PCR panel for the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections, has been proposed as a tool for antimicrobial stewardship. Few studies evaluate real-world implementation of the BFPP and no studies focus exclusively on children. Our institution implemented BFPP testing without restrictions. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in children hospitalized at St. Louis Children's Hospital to (1) characterize the use of the BFPP in pediatric patients and (2) assess how results impacted antibiotic use. We included all BFPP tests obtained during the first year after the introduction of the test, September 2021 through August 2022. The primary outcome was change in antibiotic therapy within 24 hours of results, which was compared to the potential change in antibiotic therapy determined by two infectious diseases clinicians. Results One hundred sixty-nine tests from 126 patients were included. Nine patients were immunocompromised and 19 had chronic tracheostomy. The majority of tests were sent from tracheal aspirate specimens (92%) and from patients in an intensive care unit (94%). Only 51% of tests were obtained due to respiratory failure or suspected pneumonia. For 80% of test results, there was potential to change antibiotics, but change occurred in only 46% of tests in practice. Antibiotic escalation was more common (26%) than de-escalation (15%) or discontinuation (4.1%). Conclusions In a cohort of pediatric patients tested with the BFPP, the majority of tests were sent from tracheal aspirates and less than half of tests were associated with a change in antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the leading nosocomial infection in critical care and is associated with adverse outcomes. When VAP is suspected, starting antibiotic therapy (AT) immediately after pulmonary sampling may expose uninfected patients to unnecessary treatment, whereas waiting for bacteriological confirmation may delay AT in infected patients. As no robust data exist to choose between these strategies, the decision must balance the pre-test diagnostic probability, clinical severity, and risk of antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study in patients with suspected non-severe VAP was to compare immediate AT started after sampling to conservative AT upon receipt of positive microbiological results. The outcomes were antibiotic sparing, AT suitability, and patient outcomes. Methods: This single-center, before–after study included consecutive patients who underwent distal respiratory sampling for a first suspected non-severe VAP episode (no shock requiring vasopressor therapy or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome). AT was started immediately after sampling in 2019 and upon culture positivity in 2022 (conservative strategy). The primary outcome was the number of days alive without AT by day 28. The secondary outcomes were mechanical ventilation duration, day-28 mortality, and AT suitability (active necessary AT or spared AT). Results: The immediate and conservative strategies were applied in 44 and 43 patients, respectively. Conservative and immediate AT were associated with similar days alive without AT (median [interquartile range], 18.0 [0–21.0] vs. 16.0 [0–20.0], p = 0.50) and without broad-spectrum AT (p = 0.53) by day 28. AT was more often suitable in the conservative group (88.4% vs. 63.6%, p = 0.01), in which 27.9% of patients received no AT at all. No significant differences were found for mechanical ventilation duration (median [95%CI], 9.0 [6–19] vs. 9.0 [6–24] days, p = 0.65) or day-28 mortality (hazard ratio [95%CI], 0.85 [0.4–2.0], p = 0.71). Conclusion: In patients with suspected non-severe VAP, waiting for microbiological confirmation was not associated with antibiotic sparing, compared to immediate AT. This result may be ascribable to low statistical power. AT suitability was better with the conservative strategy. None of the safety outcomes differed between groups. These findings would seem to allow a large, randomized trial comparing immediate and conservative AT strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunosuppression management in transplant recipients is a critical component of pharmacotherapy. This becomes particularly crucial when patients are exposed to multiple medications that may lead to pharmacological interactions, potentially compromising the effectiveness of immunosuppression. We present the case of a 46-year-old patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in childhood at our hospital, who underwent bilateral lung transplantation and is undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The patient was hospitalized due to an acute pulmonary exacerbation. During the hospitalization, the patient was administered various classes of antibiotics while continuing the standard antirejection regimen of everolimus and mycophenolate. Plasma concentrations of immunosuppressants, measured after antibiotic therapy, revealed significantly lower levels than the therapeutic thresholds, providing the basis for formulating the hypothesis of a drug–drug interaction phenomenon. This hypothesis is supported by the rationale of antibiotic-induced disruption of the intestinal flora, which directly affects the kinetics of mycophenolate. These levels increased after discontinuation of the antimicrobials. Patients with CF undergoing lung transplantation, especially prone to pulmonary infections due to their medical condition, considering the enterohepatic circulation of mycophenolate mediated by intestinal bacteria, necessitate routine monitoring of mycophenolate concentrations during and immediately following the cessation of antibiotic therapies, that could potentially result in insufficient immunosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Need for parenteral administration and total duration of antibiotic therapy for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) are debated. We report our PJI management, in which outpatient care is privileged. Methods This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study of PJI managed from January 2017 to Jun 2021. Microbial diagnosis was based on surgical samples. Surgical procedures and antibiotic treatments were reported. Chronic PJI was defined by a course >1 month. Oral antibiotic therapy (OAT) was defined by exclusive use of oral antibiotics or by ≤3 days of parenteral treatments. Management failure was defined by clinical and/or microbial relapse of PJI over 24 months after surgical treatment. Results One hundred and seventy-two patients from 13 institutions were included: 103 were male (60%) and mean age was (±SD): 73 ± 12 years. Sites for PJI were mainly hip (50%) and knee (35%), being chronic infections in 70 cases (41%). The main bacterial genus in monomicrobial infections was Staphylococcus spp. (60%). We recorded 41 (24%) implant exchanges. An OAT was prescribed in 76 cases (44%), and the median (range) course for parenteral route was 6 days (4–180) for 96 cases. Median (range) duration of antimicrobials was 42 days (21–180). Management failure was observed in 7/76 (9.2%) cases treated with OAT and 15/96 (15.6%) treated with prolonged parenteral therapy. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for failure were a knee PJI [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 3.27 (1.27–8.40)] and a polymicrobial infection [4.09 (1.46–11.49)]. Conclusions OAT for 6 weeks for PJI was associated with a low rate of management failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common issue among children, often requiring antibiotic treatment. It is crucial to explore methods for the rational use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the watchful waiting approach in treating children aged 6 months to 18 years with mild to moderate AOM. Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 children with mild to moderate AOM. All patients, except those in severe or critical conditions, were placed on the watchful waiting strategy. A follow-up was conducted after 48 - 72 hours. If symptoms had improved, the watchful waiting approach continued. If medication was necessary for various reasons, these reasons were documented. Subsequently, childrenwhocompleted the watchful waiting strategy were compared to thosewho received antibiotics. The collected data were analyzed using chi-square and t-tests in SPSS Statistics for Windows (version 16.0). Results: In this study, 59 patients (59%) were treated with the watchful waiting approach; nevertheless, 41 patients (41%) received antibiotics. The presence or absence of postnasal discharge showed a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding fever (P = 0.066), enlarged tonsils (P = 0.740), snoring (P = 0.252), and bilateral involvement of the tympanic membrane (P = 0.313). Conclusions: Based on the results, the watchful waiting strategy is a cost-effective method for children aged over 6 months with mild to moderate symptoms, provided that parents cooperate fully. Clinicians should be cautious and consider alternative treatments if postnasal discharge is present, as it might indicate a higher likelihood of treatment failure with the watchful waiting approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) is associated with an increased risk of organ failure and mortality. Its early recognition and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy can save patients' lives. We systematically searched three databases on 27 October 2022. In the eligible studies, the presence of infection in necrotizing pancreatitis was confirmed via a reference test, which involved either the identification of gas within the necrotic collection through computed tomography imaging or the examination of collected samples, which yielded positive results in Gram staining or culture. Laboratory biomarkers compared between sterile necrotizing pancreatitis and INP were used as the index test, and our outcome measures included sensitivity, specificity, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Within the first 72 hours (h) after admission, the AUC of C-reactive protein (CRP) was 0.69 (confidence interval (CI): 0.62–0.76), for procalcitonin (PCT), it was 0.69 (CI: 0.60–0.78), and for white blood cell count, it was 0.61 (CI: 0.47–0.75). After the first 72 h, the pooled AUC of CRP showed an elevated level of 0.88 (CI: 0.75–1.00), and for PCT, it was 0.86 (CI: 0.60–1.11). The predictive value of CRP and PCT for infection is poor within 72 h after hospital admission but seems good after the first 72 h. Based on these results, infection is likely in case of persistently high CRP and PCT, and antibiotic initiation may be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgeons in their daily practice are at the forefront in preventing and managing infections. However, among surgeons, appropriate measures of infection prevention and management are often disregarded. The lack of awareness of infection and prevention measures has marginalized surgeons from this battle. Together, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery (GAIS), the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES), the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), the Surgical Infection Society-Europe (SIS-E), the World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS), the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST), and the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) have jointly completed an international declaration, highlighting the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance globally and the need for preventing and managing infections appropriately across the surgical pathway. The authors representing these surgical societies call all surgeons around the world to participate in this global cause by pledging support for this declaration for maintaining the effectiveness of current and future antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raoultella planticola is a rare environmental bacteria. It is currently associated with an increasing number of human infections including those of soft tissues, pancreatitis, urinary tract infections, gastro-intestinal and oropharyngeal. We report the first case of R. planticola meningitis in a newborn. The objective of this study is to report a case of neonatal meningitis caused by R. planticola and to present the difficulties of management in our working conditions. R. planticola bacterial meningitis in newborns is serious. The ability of R. planticola to be a multiresistant organism to common antibiotics underlines the need for special attention from medical personnel in this age group with early and appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinomycosis remains a rare and often underdiagnosed cause of appendicitis with only 10% of cases diagnosed prior to surgery. It is an important cause to consider particularly in the setting of an indolent infection with nonspecific symptoms. We present a 22 years old male who presented with 3 weeks history of lower abdominal pain who underwent laboratory investigations and imaging studies suggestive of acute appendicitis. He underwent an emergency laparoscopic caecectomy with histopathology of the specimen suggestive of actinomycosis. He recovered well postoperatively and was discharged home with a prolonged course of oral penicillins. Preoperative diagnosis of actinomycosis is uncommon and accounts for ~10% of cases. Definitive diagnosis is usually through histopathology or tissue/fluid culture. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgical resection and antibiotic therapy with a success rate of >90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehension of the typical distribution pattern of 99mTc‑methylenediphosphonate (MDP) is crucial for precise interpretation of bone scintigraphy. The presence of nonskeletal activity is predominantly confined to the kidneys and bladder, attributed to the standard renal excretion of 99mTc‑MDP. We discuss a 70‑year‑old woman with a known case of brucellosis using rifampin, doxycycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (co‑trimoxazole), and ciprofloxacin for the past 8 months. Anterior and posterior aspects of the whole‑body bone scan showed diffuse increased uptake in the bodies of L2 and L3 vertebrae and related intervertebral disks. However, unexpected uptake is noted in the right upper quadrant in the region of the gallbladder. Radiochemical impurities did not show during radiopharmaceutical (MDP) quality control, and the other patients showed normal distribution. This gallbladder uptake may be attributed to the altered distribution of the radiotracer and/or gallbladder injury caused by the administration of antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The nasal microbiome represents the main environmental factor of the inflammatory process in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Antibiotics and steroids constitute the mainstay of CRS therapies. However, their impact on microbial communities needs to be better understood. This systematic review summarizes the evidence about antibiotics' and steroids' impact on the nasal microbiota in patients with CRS. Methods: The search strategy was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. The authors searched all papers in the three major medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) using the PICO tool (population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes). The search was carried out using a combination of the key terms "Microbiota" or "Microbiome" and "Chronic Rhinosinusitis". Results: Overall, 402 papers were identified, and after duplicate removal (127 papers), excluding papers off-topic (154) and for other structural reasons (110), papers were assessed for eligibility; finally, only 11 papers were included and summarized in the present systematic review. Some authors used only steroids, other researchers used only antibiotics, and others used both antibiotics and steroids. With regard to the use of steroids as exclusive medical treatment, topical mometasone and budesonide were investigated. With regard to the use of antibiotics as exclusive medical treatments, clarithromycin, doxycycline, roxithromycin, and amoxicillin clavulanate were investigated. Regarding the use of both antibiotics and steroids, two associations were investigated: systemic prednisone combined with amoxicillin clavulanate and topical budesonide combined with azithromycin. Conclusions: The impact that therapies can have on the nasal microbiome of CRS patients is very varied. Further studies are needed to understand the role of the nasal microbiome, prevent CRS, and improve therapeutic tools for personalized medicine tailored to the individual patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are recognized widely for their benefits when used appropriately. However, they are often used inappropriately despite the importance of responsible use within good clinical practice. Effective antibiotic treatment is an essential component of universal healthcare, and it is a global responsibility to ensure appropriate use. Currently, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new antibiotics due to scientific, regulatory, and financial barriers, further emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. To address this issue, the Global Alliance for Infections in Surgery established an international multidisciplinary task force of 295 experts from 115 countries with different backgrounds. The task force developed a position statement called WARNING (Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance National/International Network Group) aimed at raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance and improving antibiotic prescribing practices worldwide. The statement outlined is 10 axioms, or "golden rules," for the appropriate use of antibiotics that all healthcare workers should consistently adhere in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare the results of image-guided drainage in addition to antibiotic therapy (antibiotherapy) with antibiotherapy alone in the treatment of tubo-ovarian abscesses (TOAs) and evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in predicting the success of antibiotherapy. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 194 patients hospitalized with TOA. Patients were divided into the following two groups: those who underwent image-guided drainage in addition to parenteral antibiotherapy and those who did not undergo image-guided drainage and received antibiotherapy alone. CRP levels on the day of admission (day 0), day 4 of hospitalization (day 4), and day of discharge (last day) were recorded. The percentage of decrease in CRP levels during day 4 and the last day compared with that on day 0 was calculated. Results: A total of 106 patients (54.6%) underwent image-guided drainage with antibiotherapy, whereas 88 patients (45.4%) did not undergo drainage and received antibiotherapy alone. At admission, the mean CRP level was 203.4 (± 96.7) mg/L and was similar in both groups. The mean decrease in the CRP level on day 4 compared with that on day 0 was 48.5% and was statistically higher in the group that underwent image-guided drainage. Antibiotherapy failed in 18 patients, and a statistically significant difference was observed between treatment failure and the rate of decrease in the CRP level on day 4 compared with that on day 0. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, if the CRP level measured on day 4 decreased by < 37.1% compared with that on day 0, the probability of treatment failure would increase (area under the curve = 0.755; 95% confidence interval, 0.668–0.841; sensitivity, 73.6%; specificity, 60%). Conclusions: Image-guided drainage combined with antibiotherapy in the treatment of TOA has high success rates, lower recurrence rates, and lower surgical requirement, and the mean decrease in the CRP level on day 4 can be monitored at treatment follow-up. In patients receiving antibiotherapy alone, if the CRP level on day 4 decreases by < 37.1%, the treatment protocol should be changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within nursing homes, infection control remains a public health issue. We wanted to assess the impact of protective and confinement measures on the incidence of bacterial infections in nursing homes. Secondary objectives were to evaluate this impact on the incidence of different infection types, and to study the factors influencing the prescription of antibiotics. This multicenter quantitative retrospective study compares a group of 274 patients not exposed to protective measures (March 2019 - March 2020) and a group of 269 patients exposed to them (March 2020 - March 2021). We observed a 21% decrease in antibiotic prescription (RR = 0.79; 95% CI [0.71-0.87]; p < 0.001). and a 49% decrease in antibiotic prescription for respiratory infections (RR = 0.51; 95% CI [0.37-0.69]; p < 0.001). The patient's degree of dependence was a factor influencing the antibiotic therapy used. The significant drop in the incidence of respiratory infections due to confinement and protective measures is weighted against side effects, especially involving mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of infections by Francisella orientalis represent one of the main obstacles to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) farming. It is responsible for acute mortality in fingerlings and juveniles. The main control measure available is oral antibiotic therapy. This study compared the therapeutic efficacy of the antibiotics enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline, the most commonly used antimicrobial, against francisellosis in juvenile Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). Fish were challenged with a virulent isolate of F. orientalis and treated with medicated feed containing one of two doses of oxytetracycline (100 or 300 mg/kg of live weight (LW)) or 10 mg/kg of LW of enrofloxacin. The positive and negative control groups received feed without antibiotics; the negative control group was unchallenged. The results showed that enrofloxacin at a dose of 10 mg/kg of LW is effective against francisellosis in juvenile Nile tilapia (O. niloticus). Treatment with oxytetracycline did not eliminate the pathogen from the infected host, and the surviving fish became carriers. Enrofloxacin was able to cure the fish of infection with F. orientalis. This study suggests that enrofloxacin is a better option for treating francisellosis in Nile tilapia (O. niloticus L.). It controls mortality and avoids the carrier state in the fish, thus reducing the possibility of recurrence in the affected batches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In septic two-stage revision surgery, success depends on numerous factors. Key steps are the procedure of ex- and reimplantation and the choice of spacer in the interim phase. The latter is still a matter of debate. Recently, we showed the microbial non-inferiority of a spacer technique using prosthetic cemented implants with an individualized antibiotic mixture in the cement applying a mechanically inferior cementation method. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results of these spacers in view of either an endofemoral or a transfemoral procedure. Materials and methods: Our collective consisted of 86 patients (45 endofemoral and 41 transfemoral procedures). The collective was analyzed with respect to complications, reinfection rate and clinical status at the end of the interim phase. Results of an endofemoral and transfemoral approach were compared. Results: With a median Staffelstein-Score of 60 (range 31–81) at the end of the interim phase, the first clinical results are promising. The reinfection-free rate after a median follow-up of 50 months was 90%. Spacer-related complications occurred in 8% of the total collective. Comparing the endo- and transfemoral procedure, there were no statistical differences in complications or regarding the clinical and infectiological outcome. Conclusions: In this study, we were able to show good clinical results for the presented spacer technique. With no relevant difference in outcome, the decision for an endofemoral or transfemoral technique can be based on technical deliberations. Further prospective comparative studies are necessary to show the clinical benefit of this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]