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Abstract: Failure of vancomycin in the treatment of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia has been reported despite full susceptibility of the organism to vancomycin. A retrospective observational cohort study including 137 patients with MRSA bacteraemia was performed at two centres in South Korea during 2009–2010. A total of 137 patients with MRSA bacteraemia receiving vancomycin therapy were enrolled during the study period. Isolates from 13 (9.5%) of the 137 patients had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≥1μg/mL. The 30-day cumulative survival was 53.8% for patients infected with isolates having a MIC≥1μg/mL and 79.8% for patients infected with isolates having a MIC<1μg/mL (log-rank test, P =0.026). Vancomycin MIC≥1μg/mL [hazard ratio (HR)=7.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–22.1; P =0.001], nosocomial acquisition of bacteraemia (HR=5.4, 95% CI 1.4–20.1; P =0.013), rapidly fatal underlying diseases (HR=20.5, 95% CI 3.9–106.4; P <0.001), presentation with septic shock (HR=8.4, 95% CI 3.0–23.3; P <0.001), presence of complicated infections (HR=5.6, 95% CI 2.0–15.8; P =0.001) and persistent MRSA bacteraemia for ≥3 days (HR=4.2, 95% CI 1.4–12.7; P =0.012) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with MRSA bacteraemia. In patients with high Pitt bacteraemia scores (Pitt score ≥2), the delay in initiation of vancomycin therapy was significantly different between non-survivors and survivors (2.4 days vs. 1.1 days; P =0.012). Vancomycin MIC≥1μg/mL had a significant impact on mortality of patients with MRSA bacteraemia. These findings support early consideration of alternative anti-MRSA agents in patients with MRSA bacteraemia who have high vancomycin MICs as well as prompt initiation of anti-MRSA treatment in patients with MRSA bacteraemia, especially those with high Pitt scores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In pathogen diagnostics, conventional culture-based assays remain the gold-standard; however, they are time-consuming, and shows the low positivity rate. Prior treatment with antibiotics is one of the major factors lowering the culture positivity rate. It is therefore important to evaluate the effects of prior antibiotic treatment on established detection methods and to develop sensitive and specific methods for detecting pathogens. Here, we report the detection of bacteria in samples containing antibiotics. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were chosen as model and they were independently inoculated into culture flasks along with ceftriaxone (0.5× MIC, 1× MIC, 2× MIC). After 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, samples were collected from each flask and divided into two for evaluation using microarray or BacT/Alert culture-based systems. The newly designed probes showed a detection limit of 101 CFU for E. coli and 102 CFU for K. pneumoniae with high specificities. DNA microarray obtained true positive results at approximately 4 to 24 h after antimicrobial treatment, in which the culture-based method failed to detect the pathogenic bacteria. The DNA microarray-based assay could be useful for efficient detection of pathogenic bacteria in a clinical setting, allowing for appropriate administration of antibiotics in infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A hospital outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPN) linked with an index case of community-acquired infection occurred in an urban tertiary care hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Therefore, we performed an outbreak investigation and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to trace the outbreak and investigate the molecular characteristics of the isolates. Results: From October 2014 to January 2015, we identified a cluster of three patients in the neurosurgery ward with sputum cultures positive for carbapenem-resistant KPN. An epidemiological investigation, including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis was performed to trace the origins of this outbreak. The index patient's infection was community acquired. Active surveillance cultures using perirectal swabbing from exposed patients, identified one additional patient with KPC-producing KPN colonization. WGS analyses using PacBio RSII instruments were performed for four linked isolates. WGS revealed a genetic linkage of the four isolates belonging to the same sequence type (ST307). All KPN isolates harbored conjugative resistance plasmids, which has blaKPC-2 carbapenemase genes contained within the Tn4401 "a" isoform and other resistance genes. However, WGS showed only three isolates among four KPC-producing KPN were originated from a common origin. Conclusions: This report demonstrates the challenge that KPC-2-producing KPN with the conjugative resistance plasmid may spread not only in hospitals but also in community, and WGS can help to accurately characterize the outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Utilization of echinocandins has increased since the change in insurance coverage. • Clinical outcomes did not differ from before the policy change. • Caspofungin use was associated with decreased mortality in the study period. In 2014, South Korea expanded its national health insurance coverage to include newer antifungal agents, such as echinocandins. This study aimed to investigate the effects of policy change on the prescription patterns of antifungals, medical costs and clinical outcomes of candidemia. This retrospective cohort enrolled hospitalized patients with candidemia at three tertiary care hospitals in South Korea from January 2012 to December 2015. The utilization of antifungal agents, medical costs, length of hospital stay (LOS), and mortality before and after the health-care benefit expansion were compared, and the factors associated with all-cause 28-day mortality during the study period were analyzed. A total of 769 candidemia cases were identified. The incidence of candidemia did not significantly vary during the study period (P = 0.253). The proportion of echinocandins, as the initial antifungal agent, and medical costs associated with candidemia significantly increased since the change in insurance coverage (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in LOS and mortality associated with candidemia before and after the health-care benefit expansion (P = 0.696 and 0.931, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that initial treatment with caspofungin was associated with decreased mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.784; 95% confidence interval: 0.681–0.902; reference: fluconazole). Although the utilization of newer antifungal agents and medical cost for candidemia has significantly increased since the health-care benefit expansion, there has been no change in the outcome of candidemia. However, the further increased use of newer antifungals may improve the outcome of candidemia in this country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate whether a simple scoring system based on the red blood cell distribution width (RDW), delta neutrophil index (DNI), and platelet count was associated with the prognosis of patients with sepsis, and whether this scoring system was more useful than each individual parameter. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving adult patients who received intensive therapy due to severe sepsis and septic shock from January 2010 to December 2015 at a tertiary teaching hospital in South Korea. Results: A total of 730 patients were included in this study. Each patient was rated on a scale of 0 to 3 according to the new scoring system using the platelet count, RDW, and DNI. Point values were assigned based on the following definitions: RDW > 14.5%, DNI > 5.0%, and platelet count < 150 000/mm3. The 28-day mortality rate was 12.6% (92/730). The nonsurvivors had higher scores than the survivors (2.05 ± 0.80 vs 1.06 ± 0.87, P < .001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the scoring system was an independent predictor of the 28-day mortality. The scoring system was well calibrated (P = .81 for the goodness-of-fit test) and discriminated (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.785). Conclusion: Our new scoring system using the RDW, DNI, and platelet count was useful for predicting the mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have shown that the prognosis of the treatment of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) with glycopeptides is inferior compared to treatment with β-lactam. However, there are only few studies comparing treatment with antistaphylococcal penicillin alone to glycopeptide treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of nafcillin, an antistaphylococcal penicillin, with that of glycopeptides as a definitive therapy for MSSA bacteremia.Methods: Patients with MSSA bacteremia recruited from a tertiary referral hospital were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data, and clinical outcome of the treatment were compared between a group receiving nafcillin and a group receiving glycopeptides.Results: A total of 188 patients with MSSA bacteremia were included in this study. The glycopeptide group had a higher rate of malignancy (28.6 vs. 60.8%, p < 0.001) and proportion of healthcare-associated infections (47.3 vs. 72.2%, p < 0.001) compared to the nafcillin group. The ratio of skin and soft tissue infections (30.0 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.037) and bone and joint infections (17.8 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.022), as well as levels of C-reactive protein (139.60 vs. 107.61 mg/dL, p = 0.022) were higher in the nafcillin group. All-cause 28-day mortality was significantly high in the glycopeptide group (7.7 vs. 20.6%, p = 0.013).Conclusion: In patients with MSSA bacteremia, all-cause 28-day mortality rate was higher in a group treated with glycopeptides than in a group treated with nafcillin. Therefore, the use of nafcillin should be considered as a definitive therapy for MSSA bacteremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are any unwanted/uncomfortable effects from medication resulting in physical, mental, and functional injuries. Antibiotics account for up to 40.9% of ADRs and are associated with several serious outcomes. However, few reports on ADRs have evaluated only antimicrobial agents. In this study, we investigated antibiotic-related ADRs at a tertiary care hospital in South Korea. Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study that evaluated ADRs to antibiotics that were reported at a 2400-bed tertiary care hospital in 2015. ADRs reported by physicians, pharmacists, and nurses were reviewed. Clinical information reported ADRs, type of antibiotic, causality assessment, and complications were evaluated. Results. 1,277 (62.8%) patients were considered antibiotic-related ADRs based on the World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Center criteria (certain, 2.2%; probable, 35.7%; and possible, 62.1%). Totally, 44 (3.4%) patients experienced serious ADRs. Penicillin and quinolones were the most common drugs reported to induce ADRs (both 16.0%), followed by third-generation cephalosporins (14.9%). The most frequently experienced side effects were skin manifestations (45.1%) followed by gastrointestinal disorders (32.6%). Conclusion. Penicillin and quinolones are the most common causative antibiotics for ADRs and skin manifestations were the most frequently experienced symptom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) can occur in patients without prior AIDS defining illness and can be debilitating. This study aimed to evaluate the difference in the patterns of intrinsic brain activity between patients with or without HAND for deepening our understanding of HAND. Methods: We evaluated 24 HIV-infected individuals, 12 with previously diagnosed HAND and 12 previously diagnosed without HAND, and 11 seronegative individuals. These individuals then underwent repeat NP testing and a functional brain MRI scan. For functional MRI analysis, seed-based analysis with bilateral precuneus cortex seed was applied. Results: Among the 12 individuals with previously diagnosed HAND, 3 showed improvement of their neurocognitive function and 1 was excluded for worsening liver disease. Among the 12 patients who previously had normal neurocognitive function, 2 showed neurocognitive impairment. Overall, the HAND group, who had impaired cognitive function at the time of MRI scan, showed significant decrease of resting status functional connectivity between bilateral precuneus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) compared with nonHAND group, those who had normal neurocognitive function (Corrected P<0.05). The functional connectivity with the right inferior frontal operculum and right superior frontal gyrus was positively correlated with memory and learning ability. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study found a significant difference in fMRI patterns between patients with and without HAND. Decreased functional connectivity between precuneus and PFC could be possible functional substrate for cognitive dysfunction in HIV patients, which should be characterized in a longitudinal study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a useful screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. We aimed to know whether the full MoCA and subsets of the full test are effective for detecting HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).Methods: We examined the socio-demographic, clinical, functional, and neuropsychological levels of 194 HIV-infected patients. We compared total scores and scores from each cognitive domain of MoCA between patients with and without HAND. We also examined the utility of subsets of the full test using a few selective domains. The diagnostic accuracies of MoCA and subset composition were evaluated.Results: The total scores of MoCA (P<0.001) and scores from Trail Making Test-B (P=0.020), attention domain (P=0.005), and immediate (P=0.003) and delayed recall (P=0.002) differed between patients with and without HAND. A subset composed of Trail Making Test-B, rescored serial subtraction, and immediate/delayed recall showed a 69.2% accuracy.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the MoCA and its subsets alone are not sufficient in screening for HAND. Further studies will be needed to develop a simpler and easier screening tool for HAND based on this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate the relationship between human cytomegalovirus ( HCMV) antibody status, and hypertension and functional status among elderly Koreans. Methods Patients aged ≥65 years were prospectively enrolled from March 2011 to February 2012 at a 2000-bed university hospital. We collected data including CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte count, and functional status by measuring basic activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living for all patients. In addition, HCMV immunoglobulin G levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results During the study period, 103 patients (51 men), who were admitted for treatment of infections or other diseases, were enrolled. Multivariate analysis showed that body mass index and HCMV immunoglobulin G antibody titers were independent factors associated with hypertension in elderly patients ( OR 1.347, 95% CI 1.113-1.630, P = 0.002; OR 1.023, 95% CI 1.001-1.047, P = 0.042, respectively). In univariate linear correlations, HCMV antibody levels were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure levels ( r = 0.303, P = 0.002), CD8+ T-lymphocyte count ( r = 0.313, P = 0.001) and instrumental activities of daily living scores ( r = 0.217, P = 0.028). In addition, HCMV immunoglobulin G titers were inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r = −0.268, P = 0.006). These four variables remained independently significant in multivariate correlation analysis. Conclusion These findings could provide insight into the important role of HCMV in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and decreased functional status in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 21-27. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, which negatively impact of disease progression. We investigated factors associated with the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HIV-infected patients in Korea. A total of 840 HIV-infected patients who participated in the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study from 2006 to 2012 were evaluated. Socio-demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical variables were obtained through standardized questionnaires. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HIV-infected patients was 32% and 36%, respectively. Ex-smoker and persistent symptoms for more than one week within the past six months and diagnosis of HIV infection within one year were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–2.69; OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09–2.11; OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.02–2.20) and current smoking and persistent symptoms were also associated with increased depressive symptoms (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.31–3.30; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.25–2.79). Marital status, current smoking, current drinking, and persistent symptoms were associated with both increased anxiety and depressive symptoms (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.88; OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.06–2.61; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.18–2.99). The prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among HIV-infected patients is higher than those estimated for the general population. This study shows the necessity to evaluate symptoms of anxiety and depression and suggest psychological support for HIV-infected patients who smoke or have persistent symptoms or have sexual partner or drink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis, including severe sepsis and septic shock, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) are considered as good diagnostic markers for sepsis. Thus, initial CRP and albumin levels were combined to ascertain their value as an independent predictor of 180-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 670 patients (>18 years old) who were admitted to the emergency department and who had received a standardized resuscitation algorithm (early goal-directed therapy) for severe sepsis and septic shock, from November 2007 to February 2013, at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea. The outcome measured was 180-day all-cause mortality. A multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the independent risk factors for mortality. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the predictive accuracy of the CRP/albumin ratio at admission. Results: The 180-day mortality was 28.35% (190/670). Based on the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, age, the CRP/albumin ratio at admission (adjusted HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.10, p<0.001), lactate level at admission (adjusted HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05–1.14, p<0.001), and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at admission (adjusted HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18, p<0.001) were independent predictors of 180-day mortality. The area under the curve of CRP alone and the CRP/albumin ratio at admission for 180-day mortality were 0.5620 (P<0.001) and 0.6211 (P<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: The CRP/albumin ratio was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives The use of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED; pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators [ICD], cardiac re-synchronized therapy [CRT]) implantation, one essential treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, is increasing. Infectious complications related to implants are the main reason for device removal and patient morbidity. We sought to identify the incidence of infectious complications among patients with cardiac device implantation and analyze the risk factors for infectious complications. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 1307 patients (61.5±14.2 years-old, 49.6% male) with cardiac device implantation from January 1990 to April 2013. We analyzed the incidence of infectious complications during the follow-up period. To investigate risk factors associated with infectious complications, we conducted a 1:2 matched case-control study of patients with infectious complications and controls without infectious complications who had the same implantation period and physician. Results Among 1307 patients, 12 had a confirmed device-related infection: 7 with a pocket infection and 5 with infective endocarditis. Over a total of 9091.9 device-years, the incidence of infectious complications was 1.3/1000 device-years, based on the 12 patients with an infection. ICD (5.1/1000 device-year) had a higher incidence of infectious complications than other cardiac devices, and no infectious complications were observed among patients with CRT implantation. Mean duration from the time of implantation to infection was 2.02±1.65 years. In a multivariate analysis, the number of prior procedures including wound revision or scar revision was an independent risk factor for infectious complications (OR=10.88, 95% CI 1.11->999, p=0.040). Conclusions Infection was a rare complication of cardiac device implantation, but repeated procedures were associated with infectious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent studies have implicated human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection as a possible etiological factor in cardiovascular disease. We assessed whether anti-HCMV antibody levels are associated with carotid atherosclerosis and inflammatory cytokine production in elderly Koreans. Methods Participants (age, ≥ 65 years) were prospectively enrolled from September 2012 to July 2013 at a 2000-bed university hospital. During the study period, 71 participants (29 males) were prospectively enrolled, and thirty-five (49.3%) of these individuals were in the group designated as high intima–media thickness (IMT). Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed three independent risk factors of high IMT: higher levels of anti-HCMV antibody (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, p = 0.003), Framingham score (OR 1.14, p = 0.018), and levels of IL-1β (OR 2.96, p = 0.013). Anti-HCMV antibody levels had a significantly positive correlation with max-IMT ( r = 0.523, p < 0.001), free T 4 levels ( r = 0.315, p = 0.021), and Log(TNF-α) ( r = 0.562, p < 0.001) in multivariate correlation analysis. Conclusions These findings may provide insight into the role of HCMV in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and chronic inflammation in elderly individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the clinical usefulness of the revised 2010 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Of 2,623 patients with bacteremia caused by E. coli or Klebsiella spp., 573 who had been treated appropriately with cephalosporin based on the CLSI 2009 guidelines were enrolled. There were no differences in the rates of treatment failure or mortality between the appropriately and inappropriately treated groups according to the CLSI 2010 guidelines. Additionally, in the matched case-control analysis, the treatment failure rate was higher in bacteremic patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase- (ESBL-) producing but cephalosporin-susceptible organisms than in those with ESBL-nonproducing isolates when patients with urinary tract infections were excluded (44% and 0%, resp., P=0.026). In patients with bacteremia caused by E. coli or Klebsiella spp., the revised CLSI 2010 guidelines did not lead to poorer outcomes. However, ESBL production appeared to be associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with bacteremia from sources other than the urinary tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) bacteremia has increased in recent years, and infections caused by CRPA result in higher mortality than those caused by susceptible strains. This study was performed to evaluate the risk factors for mortality and to study the impact of virulence factors and bacterial strains on clinical outcomes in patients with CRPA bacteremia. Data on 63 episodes of CRPA bacteremia that have occurred between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, in a teaching hospital (2000 beds) in Seoul, Korea, were analyzed. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score at the time of CRPA bacteremia and the capacity of CRPA to form biofilm were independent predictive factors for mortality in patients with CRPA bacteremia. In addition, the biofilm-forming ability and elastase activity of strains were correlated with APACHE II scores to measure the severity of disease and estimate predicted mortality in the patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been various efforts to identify less costly but still accurate methods for monitoring the response to HIV treatment. We evaluated a pooling method to determine if this could improve screening efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining accuracy in Seoul, South Korea. Methods: We conducted the first prospective study of pooled nucleic acid testing (NAT) using a 5 minipool + algorithm strategy versus individual viral load testing for patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) between November 2011 and August 2012 at an urban hospital in Seoul, South Korea. The viral load assay used has a lower level of detection of 20 HIV RNA copies/ml, and the cost per assay is US$ 136. The 5 minipool +algorithm strategy was applied and 43 pooled samples were evaluated. The relative efficiency and accuracy of the pooled NAT were compared with those of individual testing. Results: Using the individual viral load assay, 15 of 215 (7%) plasma samples had more than 200 HIV RNA copies/ml. The pooled NAT using the 5 minipool + algorithm strategy was applied to 43 pooled samples; 111 tests were needed to test all samples when virologic failure was defined at HIV RNA ≥ 200 copies/ml. Therefore, 104 tests were saved over individual testing, with a relative efficiency of 0.48. When evaluating costs, a total of US$ 14,144 was saved for 215 individual samples during 10 months. The negative predictive value was 99.5% for all samples with HIV RNA ≥ 200 copies/ml. Conclusions: The pooled NAT with 5 minipool + algorithm strategy seems to be a very promising approach to effectively monitor patients receiving ART and to save resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacteremia with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii with carbapenem resistance is an important healthcare-associated infection that increases morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to assess the annual incidence and clinical characteristics of such bacteremia and to identify the risk factors for infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Methods: A retrospective cohort and case-control study was conducted in 483 HSCT recipients between January 2005 and December 2011 at a single tertiary center. Thirty-eight control HSCT patients without evidence of post-transplant infection were matched with 19 patients with bacteremia due to MDR A. baumannii in a 2:1 ratio. Results: The total incidence of carbapenem-resistant-MDR A. baumannii bacteremia was 0.52 cases/10,000 patient-days. In most cases (17 of 19, 89.5%), bacteremia developed after engraftment. Pneumonia was the origin of bacteremia in all patients. Eighteen (94.7%) patients with bacteremia and 3 (8.3%) without bacteremia died. In multivariate regression analyses, the duration between admission and HSCT (odds ratio (OR) 2.19 per 1-day increase, p = 0.030) and a history of care in an intensive care unit after HSCT (OR 32.2, p = 0.021) were independent risk factors for the development of carbapenem-resistant-MDR A. baumannii bacteremia. Conclusions: We report that carbapenem-resistant-MDR A. baumannii bacteremia in HSCT recipients is a fatal infectious complication and mainly develops after engraftment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gram-negative bacteremia is common in elderly patients and, compared with younger patients, mortality rates in bacteremic elderly patients are high. ESBL-producing organisms were one of the most important risk factors associated with mortality. In addition, older age is one of risk factors for colonization or infection with ESBL-producing organisms. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risk factors of all-cause 28-day mortality in elderly patients with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacteremia. Patients aged 65 years or older, who had one or more blood cultures positive for E. coli and K. pneumoniae and who were hospitalized between January 2006 and December 2010 at a tertiary-care teaching hospital, were included. 191 bacteremic elderly patients were eligible for the study. The all-cause 28-day mortality rate was 24.6% (47/191). In multivariate analysis, prior antimicrobial therapy (p =0.014) and an elevated SOFA score (p <0.001) were independent risk factors for increased mortality, while urinary tract infection (UTI) was an independent determinant for non-mortality (p =0.011). In the current study, prior antimicrobial therapy within 30 days, an elevated SOFA score and nonurinary source of infection were significantly associated with adverse outcomes in elderly patients with ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteremia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The clinical significance of humoral immune response to nosocomial pathogens and functional status in elderly patients with sepsis is not clear. We evaluated the humoral immune to nosocomial pathogens and the effect of functional dependencies on clinical outcomes among elderly patients with sepsis. This study prospectively enrolled patients aged ≥65 years with sepsis from September 2011 to May 2012 at a 2000-bed university hospital. The data including CD4 and CD8 T-cell count, functional status by measuring basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were collected for all patients. In addition, the collected blood samples were analyzed for serum antibody levels against nosocomial pathogens using an ELISA. During the study period, 72 patients (38 males) treated with sepsis were enrolled. The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 16.7% (12/72). The mean CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio was significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors (1.08±0.72 vs. 1.93±1.42, P =0.003). Serum antibody titers to Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Enterococcus faecalis were statistically higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors. On multivariate analysis, the IADL score was independently predictive of mortality in elderly patients with sepsis (odds ratio 1.410, 95% confidence interval 1.007–1.975, P =0.046). These results suggest that IADL scores could be used as predictors to identify elderly patients with a poor prognosis of nosocomial infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has extended the life expectancy of persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently an increasing concern for HIV-infected persons. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study to evaluate and compare the 10-y cardiovascular risk of HIV-infected Koreans who had been receiving HAART for over 6 months and age- and sex-matched uninfected persons who visited a health promotion center, by calculating Framingham risk scores (FRS). Results: The average 10-y risk for cardiovascular events (FRS) was 7.07% (2-45) in the HIV group and 6.87% (1-37) in the control group ( p = 0.77), corresponding to the very low risk group. Among HIV patients, the FRS was above 10% (low to moderate cardiovascular risk) in 19.9% of the patients, and above 20% (high risk) in 1.7% of the patients. In the healthy control group, the FRS was above 10% in 16.8% and above 20% in 2.7% ( p = 0.57). The FRS was not significantly different for HIV-infected patients treated with protease inhibitor (PI)-based HAART and those treated with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based HAART (7.26 ± 6.3 and 6.81 ± 4.4, respectively, p = 0.69). Conclusions: The predicted cardiovascular risk of HIV-infected Koreans on HAART by FRS equation was low and similar to that of age- and sex-matched healthy control persons. However, the possibility remains that actual cardiovascular events could be underestimated. The next step for predicting the cardiovascular risk is to calculate the Data Collection of Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) equation risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The serum galactomannan assay (GMA) has been widely used for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). GMA is mainly used in patients with haematological malignancies or in those who have undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, there are few data from non-haematological patients. We evaluated whether GMA is useful for the diagnosis of IA in non-haematological patients. Methods: Patients who were subjected to serum GMA testing from January 2007 to December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with haematological diseases or who underwent HSCT were excluded from our analysis. According to the criteria of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group revised in 2008, the patients were categorized as proven, probable, possible, or non-IA. Proven and probable cases were defined as IA in this study. Results: Out of 778 patients, 13 (1.6%) had proven ( n =9) or probable ( n =4) IA. The sensitivity of the GMA was 23.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1-54.0%) and the specificity was 76.1% (95% CI 72.9-79.0%). The positive predictive value was 1.6% (95% CI 0.4-5.0%) and the negative predictive value was 98.3% (95% CI 96.8-99.1%). The likelihood ratios of a positive and negative test were 0.96 (95% CI 0.35-2.62) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.75-1.36), respectively. Conclusions: In this study, the sensitivity of the GMA for the diagnosis of IA was very low in non-haematological patients. Although the GMA test is considered useful for the diagnosis of IA in haematological patients, it had low diagnostic value for IA in non-haematological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite advances in therapy, sepsis still has a high mortality rate. To improve the treatment outcome, early diagnosis and treatment is essential, as reflected in many publications about biomarkers for sepsis. Recent models of automatic cell analyzers provide the delta neutrophil index (DN), which corresponds to the fraction of immature granulocytes in circulating blood. This study investigated DN as a prognostic marker in patients with bacteraemia. Methods: We retrospectively collected data on adult patients with bacteraemia admitted to an urban hospital between November 2009 and April 2010. The DN was measured at the onset of bacteraemia and at 24 and 72 h later. Factors associated with 28-day mortality were assessed using logistic regression. Results: A total of 102 patients were included in the analysis, and 24 patients died within 28 days. In the univariate analysis, appropriate antibiotic treatment, multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, history of intensive care unit (ICU) stay before the onset of bacteraemia, healthcare-associated infection, DN at 72 h after the onset of bacteraemia (DN-72 h), and platelet count at the onset of bacteraemia were significantly associated with survival. In multivariate analysis, DN-72 h (odds ratio (OR) 1.246, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.030-1.508; p = 0.023), platelet count at the onset of bacteraemia (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.977-0.995; p = 0.003), and history of ICU stay before the onset of bacteraemia (OR 4.907, 95% CI 1.045-23.051; p = 0.044) were the independent factors associated with survival. Conclusion: DN at 72 h after bacteraemia may be valuable to assess the prognosis of patients with bacteraemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a potentially morbid and costly complication of surgery. We conducted a multicentre case-control study to determine the risk factors for SSI in patients undergoing gastric surgery and to establish strategies to reduce the risk of SSI. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2008, 121 patients who developed an SSI after gastric surgery were matched with controls who had undergone surgery on the dates closest to those of the cases, at 13 centres in Korea. Results: The results of multivariate analyses showed that the independent risk factors for SSI after gastric surgery were older age ( p = 0.016), higher body mass index (BMI) ( p = 0.033), male gender ( p = 0.047), and longer duration of prophylactic antibiotic use ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Older age, higher BMI, male gender, and longer duration of prophylactic antibiotic use were independently associated with significant increases in the risk of SSI. Additional prospective randomized studies are required to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly improved the survival rate and quality of life for HIV-infected subjects, but it contributes to the development of metabolic complications including coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent studies have reported that high plasma levels of the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) were associated with a lower incidence of CAD in non-HIV infected patients. However, there has been no report of an association of sRAGE and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients receiving cART. Methods: We examined the association of circulating sRAGE in HIV-infected patients with carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) and other metabolic variables. We prospectively enrolled 76 HIV-infected patients receiving cART for ≥6 months. Results: sRAGE had a significantly negative correlation with body mass index (r =−0.324, p =0.005), waist-to-hip ratio (r =−0.335, p =0.003), systolic blood pressure (BP) (r =−0.359, p =0.002), diastolic BP (r =−0.343, p =0.004), total cholesterol (r =−0.240, p =0.037), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r =−0.284, p =0.024), log(homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) (r =−0.380, p =0.002) and carotid IMT including max-IMT and mean-IMT (r =−0.358, p =0.001 and r =−0.329, p =0.004, respectively). By the use of multiple stepwise regression analyses, systolic BP (p =0.001) and log[HOMA-IR] (p =0.001) remained significant independently. Conclusions: These results suggest that sRAGE may have a protective effect against subclinical atherosclerosis by preventing inflammatory responses mediated by the activation of cell surface RAGE in HIV-infected patients receiving cART. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Although acute hepatitis A is usually self-limited, the clinical manifestations can vary from mild to severe liver dysfunction. However, little is known about risk factors for and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in acute hepatitis A. Objectives: To identify the risk factors for and outcomes of AKI in acute hepatitis A. Study design: We identified 396 patients with acute hepatitis A, which registered between January 2006 and June 2009 at a tertiary care university hospital. Retrospective case-control studies were conducted in order to identify risk factors for AKI. Results: Thirty patients (7.6%) developed AKI. On multivariate analysis, fulminant hepatitis, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP were independent risk factors for AKI associated with hepatitis A, and higher total bilirubin, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP were independent risk factor for AKI within nonfulminant hepatitis A. Of the 30 patients with AKI, 23 (76.7%) patients fully recovered, 2 patients maintained hemodialysis after hospital discharge and 5 patients died due to hepatic failure without recovery from AKI. Among 20 patients with AKI in nonfulminant subgroup, 19 patients (95%) recovered without hemodialysis. Conclusions: AKI is not a rare complication of acute hepatitis A and severity of hepatitis and hepatic injury influence the development of AKI in acute hepatitis A. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Over the last 2 decades, Burkholderia cepacia complex has emerged as a serious human pathogen, especially in critically ill patients. B. cepacia complex has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in intensive care unit patients. However, in our literature search, we could not find studies on risk factors for mortality in patients with B. cepacia complex bacteraemia. Therefore, we investigated risk factors for mortality in B. cepacia complex bacteraemia. Methods: Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of 27 patients with 1 or more blood cultures positive for B. cepacia complex from January 2006 to October 2010 in Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The main outcome measure was overall 28-day mortality. Appropriate initial empirical antimicrobial use was defined as administration of agent(s) to which the organism was susceptible within 24 h of obtaining blood for culture. Results: The overall 28-day mortality rate was 41% (11/27). In univariate analysis, underlying diabetes mellitus (p == 0.033), inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy (p == 0.033), and an elevated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p == 0.002) were significantly associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy and an elevated SOFA score were independent risk factors for increased mortality (p == 0.032 and p == 0.028, respectively). Conclusions: An elevated SOFA score and inappropriate initial empirical antimicrobial therapy were significantly associated with adverse outcome in patients with B. cepacia complex bacteraemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for and carbapenem resistance mechanisms of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB). Isolates of XDR-AB were collected from seven tertiary care hospitals in South Korea. A case–control study for risk factor analysis was performed and the presence of the metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and OXA genes was examined. The control group consisted of adult inpatients receiving care from the same hospital. XDR-AB were isolated from 26 patients who were studied for risk factor analysis. Third-generation cephalosporin use [odds ratio (OR)=9.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–171.3; P =0.02] and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR=1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.5; P =0.004) were identified as risk factors for acquisition of XDR-AB. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed clonal epidemic isolates in hospitals. MBLs were not detected, and all 30 XDR-AB isolates had upregulated OXA-type carbapenemase genes. These results suggest that third-generation cephalosporin use and disease severity are associated with XDR-AB acquisition amongst typical adult inpatients. This study also points to intrahospital spread of XDR-AB. Upregulated OXA-type carbapenemases are prevalent in XDR-AB founded in South Korean hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts: Of 276 nonduplicate Bacteroides fragilis clinical isolates recovered from 1997 to 2004, 3 were resistant to carbapenem. cepA and cfiA alleles were detected by polymerase chain reaction in 240 (87.0%) and 11 (4.0%) of the isolates, respectively. Insertion sequence (IS) elements were found only in the 3 carbapenem-resistant B. fragilis isolates, which produced metallo-β-lactamase at a level detectable by UV spectrophotometry. Sequence analysis showed 1 new cfiA variant, cfiA 11 , and 2 novel IS elements. The cfiA 11 gene revealed 5 amino acid substitutions compared to cfiA, with 97.6% amino acid identity. The transposase, terminal inverted repeat sequence, and target site duplication sequence of the 2 novel IS elements were unique. This study reconfirmed the correlation between ISs and carbapenem resistance in B. fragilis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The accurate and rapid identification of pathogens in blood is a major challenge in clinical pathogen diagnostics because of the high mortality of sepsis. Here we report the development of DNA microarray for the identification of pathogens causing bloodstream infections. Species-specific and bacteria- and fungi-broad-ranged probes were designed to identify 50 bacteria and 7 fungi. The specificities and sensitivities of the selected probes were successfully validated by applying reference strains. To assess the performance of the DNA microarray in a clinical setting, blind tests were performed using 112 blood culture specimens that showed preliminary presence of pathogenic microorganisms by culture-based method, resulting in the correct identification of pathogens in 104 samples showing the sensitivity of 93%. In addition, closely-related species could be discriminated by the distinct hybridization patterns. This DNA microarray-based pathogen diagnosis takes approximately 10 h starting from a positive blood culture, considerably reducing time required to sufficiently identify pathogens by subsequent agar-culture and biochemical tests which requires altogether at least 1–3 days. Also, the amount of sample required for the identification of pathogens is much less than that required for biochemical assays. Thus, the DNA microarray reported here should be useful for the effective identification of microbial pathogens in blood cultures from septicemic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic bacteria is important for the treatment of patients with suitable antibiotics. Here we report the development of a diagnostic DNA microarray for the high-throughput identification of 39 pathogenic bacteria selected based on their high prevalence rate and/or difficulty of cultivation. The 23S ribosomal DNA and 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer region were used as target DNAs for pathogen detection. Universal- and species-specific probes were designed based on the unique and common sites within the target DNA sequences. New target DNA sequences were determined for the detection of 19 bacterial pathogens. The usefulness of the designed probes was validated using 39 reference bacteria and also with 515 clinical isolates from various clinical samples including blood, stool, pus, sputum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. The DNA microarray developed in this study allowed efficient detection of bacterial pathogens with the specificities of 100%. The sensitivities were 100% as well except for the two pathogens, Enterobacter cloacae (75%) and Enterococcus faecium (85%). These results suggest that the DNA microarray-based assay developed in this study outperforms current diagnostic systems with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and high-throughput detection, and thus should be useful in pathogen diagnosis in the clinical setting. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Infection is a major cause of mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study describes infectious complications in SLE patients and analyzes the risk factors for infection at the time of SLE diagnosis and during the course of SLE in a case-control study. Of 110 patients enrolled, 42 (38%) had at least 1 episode of infectious disease. The incidence of infectious disease was 4.4/100 patient-years (py) with a total follow-up duration of 954 y. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of infection at the time of SLE diagnosis were an SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) > 12 (p = 0.01), C3 levels < 90 mg/dl (p = 0.01) and positive anti-ds DNA antibodies (p < 0.01). Frequent flare-ups (p = 0.04) and follow-up duration ≥8 y (p = 0.023) were also significant risk factors for infectious diseases. It is mandatory to closely observe SLE patients with risk factors for developing infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the resistance mechanisms and clonality among 42 imipenem-non-susceptible Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated at a tertiary care hospital in Korea. Two isolates had bla VIM-2 alleles, whereas bla CMY-2- and bla DHA-1-like alleles were detected in 24 and 16 isolates, respectively, with these enzymes confirmed by sequencing for representative isolates. Transfer of bla CMY-2 and bla DHA-1 was achieved by conjugation. Addition of 300mg/L 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APB) reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of the organisms (MIC90) of imipenem and meropenem eight- and four-fold, respectively, for the bla CMY-2- and bla DHA-1-positive isolates, confirming the role of these enzymes in resistance. SDS-PAGE of outer membrane proteins for representative isolates showed lack or greatly diminished expression of OmpK35 and OmpK36 porins. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of XbaI-restricted genomic DNA revealed two closely related clusters among 23 bla CMY-2-positive isolates, whereas those with bla DHA-1 were more heterogeneous. In conclusion, reduced imipenem susceptibility among K. pneumoniae at this Korean hospital was largely co-mediated by production of plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases along with lack or greatly diminished expression of OmpK35 and OmpK36 porins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Infection by nosocomial pathogenic bacteria is increasingly becoming a major threat to the patients in the hospital. We have developed a diagnostic DNA microarray for the detection of two important nosocomial pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The diagnostic DNA microarray contains the species-specific probes of 15mer oligonucleotides designed based on the sequences of 23S ribosomal DNA. The performance of DNA microarray in diagnosing P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii was evaluated using reference bacteria as well as clinical specimens such as blood, stool, pus, sputum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Using this DNA microarray, A. baumannii could be successfully detected in 11 out of 13 clinical specimens, thus giving the sensitivity of 84.6% with the specificity of 100% and the positive predictive value of 100%. P. aeruginosa could also be detected in 25 out of 26 clinical specimens, showing the sensitivity of 96.2%, the specificity of 100%, and the positive predictive value of 100%. These results suggest that two nosocomial pathogens, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii, can be efficiently diagnosed by using the DNA microarray developed in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of recently emerging cefoxitin-resistant and induction-positive isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Proteus mirabilis. Strains of Enterobacteriaceae were isolated at a Korean tertiary care hospital between June and December 2002. Induction was tested using cefoxitin and aztreonam disks, the bla DHA allele was detected by PCR, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were also analyzed. Among the cefoxitin-resistant isolates, 2.7% of E. coli, 21.1% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 32.0% of Klebsiella oxytoca, and 8.3% of P. mirabilis isolates showed induction, and were bla DHA-1 allele positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of bla DHA-1 in P. mirabilis. The MICs of ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and aztreonam increased significantly by higher inoculum, suggesting that their clinical usefulness is limited. Presence of multiple PFGE patterns and identical patterns in some isolates suggest that the widely disseminated bla DHA-1 in Klebsiella species was because of both horizontal and clonal spread. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: CTX-M-14– and -2–like extended-spectrum β-lactamases were detected in 5 and 1 Proteus mirabilis isolates, respectively, among 92 nonduplicate strains tested from December 2002 to September 2003. This is the first report of the CTX-M-14 enzyme in P. mirabilis to the best of our knowledge and suggests that the CTX-M–type enzyme is gradually spreading to this species. bla TEM, bla SHV-1, and/or bla OXA-10 alleles were also detected in 35 ampicillin-resistant isolates tested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Unfortunately, the options for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections are extremely limited. Recently, fosfomycin and minocycline were newly introduced as a treatment option for MDR A. baumannii infection. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of the combination of colistin with fosfomycin and minocycline, respectively, as therapeutic options in MDR A. baumannii pneumonia. We examined a carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolated from clinical specimens at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The effect of colistin with fosfomycin, and colistin with minocycline on the bacterial counts in lung tissue was investigated in a mouse model of pneumonia caused by MDR A. baumannii. In vivo, colistin with fosfomycin or minocycline significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the bacterial load in the lungs compared with the controls at 24 and 48 h. In the combination groups, the bacterial loads differed significantly (p < 0.05) from that with the more active antimicrobial alone. Moreover, the combination regimens of colistin with fosfomycin and colistin with minocycline showed bactericidal and synergistic effects compared with the more active antimicrobial alone at 24 and 48 h. This study demonstrated the synergistic effects of combination regimens of colistin with fosfomycin and minocycline, respectively, as therapeutic options in pneumonia caused by MDR A. baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Elizabethkingia spp. is a non-fermenting, non-motile, oxidase-positive gram-negative aerobic bacilli that is ubiquitous in the environment, found in freshwater, saltwater and soil. Nowadays, they are emerging as nosocomial pathogens. In this study, we analyzed Elizabethkingia spp infected cases clinically and microbiologically. Methods This study was performed to evaluate the risk factors for mortality and to study the impact of microbiologic response on clinical outcomes in patient with Elizabethkingia spp Data on 210 patient of Elizabethkingia pneumonia and bacteremia that have occurred between November 1, 2005, and May 31, 2016, in a teaching hospital (2000 beds) in Seoul, Korea, were analyzed. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Elizabethkingia from sputum and blood cultures was performed by E test for rifampin, moxifloxacin and vancomycin. Results Among 210 patients, there were 157(74.8%) survivor and 53(25.2%) non-survivor. Among these patients, 129 patients (61.4%) were male and the median age was 66.5 years. There were no significant differences in the Charlson comorbidity index between survivor and non-survivor groups (P = 0.413). In the multivariate logistic regression, microbiologic failure (odds ratio [OR], 7.862; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.448–17.931; p Elizabethkingia infection (OR, 1.032; 95% CI, 1.013–1.051; P = 0.001), previous use of immunosuppressants (OR, 3.309; 95% CI, 1.334–8.210; P = 0.010), and Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system use at the time of Elizabethkingia infection (OR, 7.439; 95% CI,1.180–46.900; P = 0.033) were significantly associated with 28day mortality. Patients with moxifloxacin-resistant and vancomycin-resistant showed higher mortality rate but no statistically significant difference. Conclusion The early identification of these clinical factors in patients with Elizabethkingia infection is important to improve prognosis Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Several studies have evaluated the impact of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) combined with antimicrobial stewardship in patients with positive blood cultures; clinical outcomes improved. However, in many hospitals, antimicrobial stewardship is not available because of restricted medical resources. Thus, we investigated the impact of evaluation by MALDI-TOF MS on the clinical outcomes of patients with bacteremia and fungemia treated in a clinical setting lacking an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP).Methods: We designed a pre-post quasi experimental study and retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged > 18 years old with bacteremia and fungemia during two periods: October-December 2012 and October-December 2013. Conventional methods were used to detect microbial pathogens in 2012, and MALDI-TOF MS was employed in 2013. Clinical outcomes compared between periods were the time to pathogen identification, time to effective therapy, 30-day all-cause mortality, time to microbiological clearance, length of ICU stay, and rate of recurrence of the same bloodstream infection (BSI).Results: A total of 556 patients were enrolled; 302 patients in 2012, and 254 in 2013. The use of MALDI-TOF MS without an ASP reduced the time to pathogen identification (86.4 vs. 63.5 h, P < 0.001) but did not significantly reduce the time to effective therapy (27.4 vs. 23.2 h, P = 0.187). Also, none of the following differed significantly between the two periods: mortality (17.5 vs. 15.7%, P = 0.571), the time to microbiological clearance (3.6 vs. 3.7 days, P = 0.675), the length of ICU stay (16.8 vs. 14.7 days, P = 0.706), and the recurrence rate of the same BSI (5.0 vs. 2.8%, P = 0.183).Conclusions: The use of MALDI-TOF MS alone in a setting lacking an ASP did not afford clinical benefits. An ASP combined with MALDI-TOF MS is necessary to improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a type of diffuse interstitial lung disease characterized by the pathology of fibroblastic plugs in the lumens of the respiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. The occurrence of BOOP in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has rarely been described, and there have been no clinical case reports in Korea.Case Presentation: A 24-year-old female who had been diagnosed with HIV ten years prior was admitted due to a 1-year history of cough and sputum production and a 3-day history of fever. She had poor adherence to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) due to gastrointestinal troubles. At the time of admission, her CD4 T-cell count was 5 cells/mm(3). A high resolution computed tomography (CT) scan showed tiny centrilobular nodules with a tree-in-bud pattern in both lungs. Bacterial culture, Pneumocystis jirovecii polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Aspergillus galactomannan antigen (Ag) assay, and respiratory virus PCR were negative. Rapid chest x-ray improvement was seen after a 7-day treatment with anti-tuberculosis medication, ceftriaxone, and clarithromycin. Miliary tuberculosis seemed unlikely considering the rapid radiologic improvement and negative tuberculosis PCR results. Due to the unknown etiology, we performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to determine the cause of the diffuse lung infiltration. Pathologic findings were consistent with BOOP, while tissue acid-fast bacilli (AFB) stain and tuberculosis PCR results were negative. Tuberculosis medication and intravenous ceftriaxone were discontinued, while treatment with clarithromycin monotherapy was sustained. Five months after discharge, the patient was asymptomatic with a normal chest x-ray and as her adherence to ART improved, her CD4 T-cell count rose to 181 cells/mm(3). Clarithromycin was discontinued at that time and the patient is currently receiving regular outpatient follow-up.Conclusion: This case suggests that macrolides are a potential treatment option in HIV-infected patients with mild BOOP. In cases that are otherwise unexplained or unresponsive to treatment, BOOP should be taken into consideration and surgical biopsy performed to confirm a diagnosis of BOOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, it was examined the possibility of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causing cellular senescence in lung alveolar epithelial cells. Then, it was clarified how this cellular senescence phenomenon is associated with oxidative stress effect induced by LPS and whether antioxidants could inhibit reduced cellular viability by oxidant stress effect of LPS. In cell viability using cell counting kit-8, exposure to LPS decreased cellular viability and induced growth arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. The pre-apoptotic concentration of LPS was determined by caspase activation using a Caspase-Glo 3/7 luminescence assay kit. This concentration of LPS caused morphologic characteristics shown in senescent cells and elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity. In addition, lysosomal content associated with senescence was increased by LPS at the pre-apoptotic concentration. However, this concentration of LPS did not shorten the telomere length. Exposure to LPS resulted in the formation of hydrogen peroxide in a concentration-dependent manner. The ability of LPS to reduce cellular viability was inhibited by the presence of glutathione. This study revealed that LPS could induce cellular senescence in lung alveloar epithelial cells, and these phenomena were closely associated with hydrogen peroxide production by LPS. Taken together, it is suggested that LPS-induced cellular senescence may play an important role in limiting the tissue repair response after sepsis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most frequent cause of bacteremia/sepsis in elderly people and increasing antimicrobial resistance in uropathogens has been observed. To describe the characteristics of bacteremic UTI in elderly patients and to identify the independent risk factors of all-cause in-hospital mortality, a retrospective cohort study of bacteremic UTI patients of age over 65 was performed at a single 2000-bed tertiary hospital. Bacteremic UTI was defined as the isolation of the same organism from both urine and blood within 48h. Eighty-six elderly bacteremic UTI patients were enrolled. Community-acquired infection was the case for most patients (79.1%), and Escherichia coli accounted for 88.6% (70/79) among Gram-negative organisms. Non-E. coli Gram-negative organisms were more frequent in hospital-acquired cases and male patients while chronic urinary catheter insertion was related with Gram-positive urosepsis. The antibiotic susceptibility among Gram-negative organisms was not different depending on the source of bacteremic UTI, while non-E. coli Gram-negative organisms were less frequently susceptible for cefotaxime, cefoperazone/sulbactam, and aztreonam. All-cause in-hospital mortality was 11.6%, and functional dependency (adjusted hazard ratio=HR=10.9, 95% confidence interval=95%CI=2.2–54.6) and low serum albumin (adjusted HR=27.0, 95%CI=2.0–361.2) were independently related with increased all-cause in-hospital mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Objectives: This study was performed to identify the risk factors for recurrent catheter-related infections (CRIs) following non-tunneled central venous catheter (CVC) reinsertion after catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). Methods: A retrospective cohort was constructed from a computer database for patients who underwent reinsertion of a non-tunneled CVC after a CRBSI during the period January 2004 to December 2007. Among these patients, recurrent CRI cases were selected through an electronic chart review, and the risk factors for recurrent CRI were investigated. Results: Fifty-three patients who had had a reinserted non-tunneled CVC after a CRBSI were analyzed and 22 patients were considered as having recurrent CRIs (41.5%). Recurrent/persistent CRBSI after catheter reinsertion was observed in 16 patients, and six patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome revealed positive results of an identical organism with the initial CRBSI in semi-quantitative reinsertion-catheter tip cultures. In multivariate analysis, fungal CRBSI compared with bacterial infection (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 7.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71–35.36) and CRBSI occurrence during intensive care unit (ICU) care (adjusted HR 5.20, 95% CI 1.41–19.18) were revealed as independent risk factors for recurrent CRIs after catheter reinsertion on account of CRBSIs. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of the patients with CRBSIs revealed recurrent CRIs after catheter reinsertion. Fungal CRBSIs when compared with bacterial infections and CRBSI occurrence during ICU care were independent risk factors for recurrent CRIs following catheter reinsertion after a CRBSI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]