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The swift rise of antibiotic resistance, coupled with limited new antibiotic discovery, presents a significant hurdle to global public health, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions. Recently, collateral sensitivity (CS), the phenomenon in which resistance to one antibiotic increases vulnerability to another, has come to light as a potential path forward in this attempt. Targeting either unidirectional or reciprocal CS holds promise for constraining the emergence of drug resistance and notably enhancing treatment outcomes. Typically, the alteration of bacterial physiology, such as bacterial membrane potential, expression of efflux pumps, cell wall structures, and endogenous enzymatic actions, are involved in evolved collateral sensitivity. In this review, we present a thorough overview of CS in antibiotic therapy, including its definition, importance, and underlying mechanisms. We describe how CS can be exploited to prevent the emergence of resistance and enhance the results of treatment, but we also discuss the challenges and restrictions that come with implementing this practice. Our review underscores the importance of continued exploration of CS mechanisms in the broad spectrum and clinical validation of therapeutic approaches, offering insights into its role as a valuable tool in combating antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella infection, which is common in pastoral areas. Neurological involvement in brucellosis is relatively rare. But since 1993, continuous studies have been reporting neurological complications of brucellosis, collectively referred to as neurobrucellosis. A bibliometric analysis of existing literature outlines current research progress and gaps and provides guidance for the clinical treatment of neurobrucellosis, promoting patient health in the process of guiding clinical practice, and improving their quality of life. Methods: CiteSpace and VOSviewer are software tools to visualize research trends and networks. By selecting specific areas of interest and configuring the right parameters, the tools can visualize past research data. The study retrieved the literature from the Web of Science Core Collection Database and downloaded it in plain text file format. Citespace6.1.6, VOSviewer v1.6.20, and Microsoft Excel 16.59 were used for analyzing the following terms: countries, institutions, authors' cooperation, journals, keywords, and co-citation. Results: There are eight key results. (1) The publication volume shows a general upward trend. (2) Turkey is the country with the highest publication volume and contributing institutions. (3) Giambartolomei GH, Gul HC, and Namiduru M are the authors with the highest number of publications. (4) Neurology is the journal that published the highest number of related articles (n = 12). (5) "Diagnosis," "meningitis," and "features" are the top three frequently occurring keywords. (6) Keyword clusters show "antibiotic therapy" and "cerebrospinal fluid" have future study value. (7) The burst analysis of the keywords also indicates that "cerebrospinal fluid" may become a prominent keyword in future research. (8) The co-citation analysis concludes three categories of the cited articles, which are diagnosis, therapy, and complications, indicating the past research direction. Conclusion: This study highlights the complexity of neurobrucellosis, presenting the need for advanced diagnostic techniques and multifaceted treatment approaches. While antibiotics remain the cornerstone of therapy, the use of corticosteroids to mitigate inflammatory responses shows promise, albeit with concerns about potential sequelae and relapse. Future research should focus on refining therapeutic strategies that address both the direct effects of infection and the broader immunological impacts to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractory osteomyelitis is typically defined as a chronic infection that persists or recurs despite definitive surgical management and antibiotic therapy. Cases often involve complex wounds or fractures and can be challenging to treat, resulting in multiple courses of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and numerous surgeries over periods of months to years. Adjuncts to improve resolution of these complicated infections are sorely needed. Here, we describe the case of a 47-year-old active duty military member who sustained an open right ankle fracture during a skydiving accident that was subsequently complicated by refractory osteomyelitis. The patient failed more than three courses of combined medical and surgical management over a 9-month period before undergoing adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), ultimately resulting in resolution of the infection. Adjunctive HBOT for treatment of conditions such as refractory osteomyelitis may be an underutilized resource in part because of a general paucity of high-quality data in the literature supporting its use, as well as a relative lack of availability of this resource. Nonetheless, the overall accumulating body of evidence indicates that the use of adjunctive HBOT in select patients with refractory osteomyelitis is safe and effective and further research may be warranted given its relevance and potential impact to military populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Puerperal infection is one of the four main causes of maternal mortality. A giant intrauterine mass caused by puerperal infection is a rare form of infection. The delay in treatment may result in the removal of the uterus. Case Presentation: We report a case of a large intrauterine mass resulting from puerperal infection, in which the uterus was salvaged through antibiotic treatment and curettage. The patient was a 27-year-old female, who presented with a large intrauterine mass, accompanied by fever and abdominal pain 35 days after vaginal delivery. The large intrauterine mass was ultimately pathologically confirmed to be necrotic smooth muscle tissue instead of residual pregnancy tissue. Conclusion: In most cases, the intrauterine mass after pregnancy is residual pregnancy tissue. Early identification and management are critical to ensure a good prognosis for patients. Obstetricians and pregnant women should be fully aware of the hazards of puerperal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella infection, which is common in pastoral areas. Neurological involvement in brucellosis is relatively rare. But since 1993, continuous studies have been reporting neurological complications of brucellosis, collectively referred to as neurobrucellosis. A bibliometric analysis of existing literature outlines current research progress and gaps and provides guidance for the clinical treatment of neurobrucellosis, promoting patient health in the process of guiding clinical practice, and improving their quality of life. Methods: CiteSpace and VOSviewer are software tools to visualize research trends and networks. By selecting specific areas of interest and configuring the right parameters, the tools can visualize past research data. The study retrieved the literature from the Web of Science Core Collection Database and downloaded it in plain text file format. Citespace6.1.6, VOSviewer v1.6.20, and Microsoft Excel 16.59 were used for analyzing the following terms: countries, institutions, authors' cooperation, journals, keywords, and co-citation. Results: There are eight key results. (1) The publication volume shows a general upward trend. (2) Turkey is the country with the highest publication volume and contributing institutions. (3) Giambartolomei GH, Gul HC, and Namiduru M are the authors with the highest number of publications. (4) Neurology is the journal that published the highest number of related articles (n = 12). (5) "Diagnosis," "meningitis," and "features" are the top three frequently occurring keywords. (6) Keyword clusters show "antibiotic therapy" and "cerebrospinal fluid" have future study value. (7) The burst analysis of the keywords also indicates that "cerebrospinal fluid" may become a prominent keyword in future research. (8) The co-citation analysis concludes three categories of the cited articles, which are diagnosis, therapy, and complications, indicating the past research direction. Conclusion: This study highlights the complexity of neurobrucellosis, presenting the need for advanced diagnostic techniques and multifaceted treatment approaches. While antibiotics remain the cornerstone of therapy, the use of corticosteroids to mitigate inflammatory responses shows promise, albeit with concerns about potential sequelae and relapse. Future research should focus on refining therapeutic strategies that address both the direct effects of infection and the broader immunological impacts to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of antibiotic resistance, researchers are exploring alternative ways to treat bacterial infections that are resistant to multiple drugs. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a bacterium that is commonly encountered in clinical settings and is known to be resistant to several drugs. Due to the increase in drug-resistant infections caused by this bacteria, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative treatment options such as phage therapy and combination therapy. Despite the success of phages in some cases, there are some limitations in their clinical application that can be overcome by combining phages with other substrates such as nanoparticles to improve their function. The integration of nanotechnology with phage therapy against A. baumannii promises to overcome antibiotic resistance. By exploiting the targeted delivery and controlled release capabilities of nanoparticles, we can enhance the therapeutic potential of phages while minimizing their limitations. Continued research in this field will undoubtedly pave the way for more effective and precise treatments against A. baumannii infections and provide hope in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [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]

Carbapenem-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) have become a major health care concern in many countries, against which anti-infective strategies are limited and which require adequate infection control interventions. Knowing the different modes of transmission of CRPA in intensive care units (ICUs) would be helpful to adapt the means of prevention. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was conducted between January 1, 2017 and February 28, 2022 to identify the risk factors for the acquisition of CRPA in ICUs. During the study period, 147 patients were included (49 cases and 98 controls). Among the 49 patients, 31 (63%) acquired CRPA in clusters and 18 (37%) sporadically. A univariate analysis showed that 4 variables were associated with CRPA acquisition, including (1) prior antibiotic prescriptions, (2) admission to rooms 203 and 207, (3) severity of illness at admission, and (4) use of mechanical ventilation. Multivariate analysis identified 3 factors of CRPA acquisition, including admission to room 203 (odds ratio [OR] = 29.5 [3.52-247.09]), previous antibiotic therapy (OR = 3.44 [1.02-11.76]), and severity of condition at admission (OR = 1.02 [1-1.04]). Our study suggests the role of a contaminated environment in the acquisition of CRPA in the ICU, along with antibiotic use. • Inert surfaces and water points are commonly contaminated by Pseudomona s aeruginosa. • There is a relationship between sporadic acquisition and the environment. • Antibiotic prescription is associated with CRPA acquisition. [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]

The management of prosthetic joint infections is a complex and multilayered process that is additionally complicated by the formation of bacterial biofilm. Foreign material provides the ideal grounds for the development of an intricate matrix that hinders treatment and creates a difficult environment for antibiotics to act. Surgical intervention is often warranted but requires appropriate adjunctive therapy. Despite available guidelines, several aspects of antibiotic therapy with antibiofilm activity lack clear definition. Given the escalating challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, extended treatment durations, and tolerance issues, it is essential to ensure that antimicrobials with antibiofilm activity are both potent and diverse. Evidence of biofilm-active drugs is highlighted, and alternatives to classical regimens are further discussed. [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]

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a frequent pathology. Treatment consists in drainage of the collection, associated to probabilistic antibiotic therapy. The usefulness of cytobacteriological testing (CBT) of the drainage pus is controversial. A retrospective study of patients managed for PTA between 2013 and 2020 in our university hospital was performed. The main objective was to assess the usefulness of CBT in the management of PTA. The secondary objectives were to determine the bacteriological profile involved in the onset of PTA and to assess the rate of bacterial resistance to antibiotics prescribed on a probabilistic basis. The study included 207 patients: 70 outpatients (33%) and 137 inpatients (67%). Probabilistic antibiotic therapy was implemented in 100% of patients. CBT was performed systematically and was negative in 106 patients, revealing oropharyngeal flora in 40% of cases, polymicrobial flora in 50% and sterile samples in 10%. In the 101 patients with positive CBT, the bacteria isolated were penicillin-sensitive in 99%. All patients were successfully treated. In the light of the bacteriological results, no changes were made to the probabilistic antibiotic therapy introduced on admission. CBT on drainage pus had no impact on the management of PTA. CBT is therefore unnecessary in patients with no comorbidities and no signs of severity at admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Half of hospitalized patients receive antibiotics, but they are rarely involved in shared decision making (SDM) on antibiotic therapy. We sought to understand the association between patient empowerment and their involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. From March 2021 to April 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on hospitalized patients receiving antibiotic therapy for ≥1 day in a 1600-bed adult general hospital in Singapore. The questionnaire included seven items (five-point Likert scale) on involvement in SDM from SDM-Q-9 and 10 items (four-point Likert scale) on patient empowerment from HCEQ-10. A multi-variable logistic regression model was constructed to assess for independent associations between the three constructs of patient empowerment and involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. Of 636 hospitalized patients, mean age was 57.6 (SD 15.5) years, 61% were males and 37% had tertiary-level education. The majority (90%) were aware that they were on antibiotic therapy, but only 11% of them knew the name of the antibiotic given. After adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, and duration of hospital stay, patients with a high-level of involvement in decisions (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.19–6.01), interactions with healthcare professionals (AOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.03–3.02), and degree of control over their hospital care (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.15–3.12) were more likely to have a high-level of involvement in SDM on antibiotic therapy. Empowering hospitalized patients with involvement in decisions, interactions with healthcare professionals, and control of their hospital care can increase their participation in SDM on antibiotic therapy in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary abscess is a complication of lung infection with localized necrosis and purulent cavity formation. Pulmonary abscesses are typically managed using antibiotic therapy with anatomic surgical resection reserved as a rescue. Percutaneous drainage is considered relatively contraindicated in some centers due to perceived risk of bronchopleural fistula. However, drain placement has been frequently employed at our institution. The purpose of this study was to review and describe our longitudinal experience. Medical records of children diagnosed with lung abscess and treated with percutaneous drainage from 2005 through 2023 were reviewed. Patient clinical parameters, follow-up imaging, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Percutaneous drainage (n = 24) or aspiration alone (n = 4) under imaging guidance was performed by interventional radiologists for 28 children with lung abscesses. A single catheter (8–12 Fr) was deployed in the pulmonary abscess cavity and remained for a median of 6 days (IQR: 6–8 days). The median hospital stay was 10 days (IQR: 8.8–14.8 days). The technical success rate for percutaneous drainage or aspiration of primary pulmonary abscesses was 100% (26/26). Two children were later diagnosed with secondarily infected congenital pulmonary airway malformations that were both successfully drained and ultimately surgically resected. The abscess cavities resolved in all patients and catheters were removed upon clinical, radiographic, and laboratory improvement. Complications included the presence of two bronchopleural fistula, both of which were treated with immediate pleural drain placement. Percutaneous drainage of pulmonary abscesses is an effective therapeutic option in children and can be considered alongside antibiotics as part of the initial treatment for pulmonary abscesses. Bronchopleural fistula can occur, but at a lower frequency than previously reported. Level V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the review and synthesis of mo­dern data of scientific publications from the Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the register of professional scientific publications of Ukraine on the causes, consequences, and methods of correcting secondary lactase deficiency in children. The features of secondary lactase deficiency in antibiotic therapy and other pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract that develop with the use of antibacterial drugs are described. The authors present their own data on the treatment of secondary lactase deficiency caused by antibiotic therapy in school-age children. It has been found that the use of the lactase enzyme in children with secon­dary lactase deficiency, which has developed on the background of antibiotic therapy, leads to positive dynamics of clinical manifestations already on the third day of taking the drug, and it is a more effective method of correcting these symptoms compared to only dietary recommendations and limited consumption of lactose products. The criteria proposed for prescribing a hydrogen breath test to diagnose secondary lactase deficiency developed on the background of antibiotics are as follows: the presence of clinical manifestations (diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting) that occurred during antibiotic therapy and are aggravated by the use of lactose-containing products; repeated courses of antibacterial drugs (every 3–4 months) according to the anamnesis; changes in the results of the coprogram (yellow, mushy, foamy feces with an acidic odor, the presence of mucus, fecal pH less than 5.5, a small amount of iodophilic flora); no signs of inflammatory bowel disease according to the results of the coprogram (blood, leukocytes); negative results of rapid tests for the detection of Clostridium difficile toxins A and B in the feces. The use of these criteria to diagnose secondary lactase deficiency associated with antibiotics will improve the frequency of its detection and the reasonable prescription of lactase drugs to reduce the severity of clinical manifestations of lactase deficiency and restore the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract more quickly.

Background. The problem of obtaining certified planting material with biotechnological methods is important for expanding commercial and homestead plantations of hazelnut cultivars in Belarus. Materials and methods. Regenerated plants of cv. ‘Akademyk Yablokov’, representing the genus Corylus L., were a model object for studying in vitro morphogenesis and effectiveness of antibiotics against bacterial contamination, so that a protocol could be developed to obtain healthy planting material of hazelnut cultivars. The plants produced during this study were included in the duplicate ex situ collection of nut crops preserved in vitro in the active growth state. Results. Single exposure to the antibiotic kanamycin monosulfate at a concentration of 100 mg/L during antibiotic therapy in the stage of in vitro micropropagation eliminated bacterial infection in 83.3% of regenerated plants, and twofold exposure in 100%. Further cultivation revealed its phytotoxic aftereffect manifested in the form of necrosis on most of the regenerated plants and a decrease in the activity of gemmogenesis and growth. Neither single nor twofold exposure to cefotaxime sodium salt at a concentration of 90 mg/L caused elimination of bacterial infection, but gemmogenesis and regenerated plant growth retained their activity during subsequent cultivation on antibiotic-free media. The best development parameters were observed on a modified Murashige–Skoog medium with 6 mg/L 6-BA, 0.01 mg/L IBA, and 0.1 mg/L GA3 (average number of shoots: 2.2; number of microcuttings: 2.3), and a modified DKW medium with 6 mg/L 6-BA, 0.01 mg/L IBA, and 0.1 mg/L GA3 (average number of shoots: 2.05; microcuttings: 2.9). The use of zeatin as a cytokinin to stimulate adventitious morphogenesis or activate the growth of axillary meristems at a concentration of 5 or 6 mg/L was not as effective as 6-BA.

Aims: This study aimed to assess the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with combined intravenous (IV) and topical antibiotic therapy in patients undergoing treatment for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), utilizing the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria for classification. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 162 knees (162 patients) that received treatment for PJI post-TKA with combined IV and topical antibiotic infusions at a single academic hospital from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2022. The incidence of AKI was evaluated using the KDIGO criteria, focussing on the identification of significant predictors and the temporal pattern of AKI development. Results: AKI was identified in 9.26% (15/162) of the cohort, predominantly presenting as stage 1 AKI, which was transient in nature and resolved prior to discharge. The analysis highlighted moderate anaemia and lower baseline serum creatinine levels as significant predictors for the development of AKI. Notably, the study found no instances of severe complications such as wound dehiscence, skin erosion, or the need for haemodialysis following treatment. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the combined use of IV and topical antibiotic therapy in the management of PJIs post-TKA is associated with a low incidence of primarily transient stage 1 AKI. This indicates a potentially favourable renal safety profile, advocating for further research to confirm these outcomes and potentially influence treatment protocols in PJI management. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(10):525–534.

Abstract 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 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 Background One of the greatest and most effective strategies to decrease the likelihood of discovering antibiotic-resistant bacteria in patients receiving critical care is to shorten the duration of antibiotic therapy. Objectives To assess the utility of procalcitonin compared to traditional inflammation markers like C-reactive protein in an antimicrobial stoppage in patients with septic shock. Methods This was a comparative, prospective, randomized, observer-blind clinical experiment conducted on 60 septic patients hospitalized in intensive care units at Benha University hospitals between May 2021 and May 2022. Groups for PCT and CRP patients were separated. The full clinical history, co-morbidities that were related, and patient history were recorded. The baseline PCT and CRP values were determined on days 4, 7, 10, and 14. They were contrasted with sepsis ratings obtained from the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and the Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Days 4, 7, and 10 were used to evaluate the antibiotic's efficacy. Results There was no correlation between CRP levels and APACHE II and SOFA scores on days 1, 4, and 7, but on days 7 and 10, PCT levels were strongly linked with both (P

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]

Abstract 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.

Daishi Shimada,1 Masafumi Seki1,2 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital, Sendai City, Japan; 2Division of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka City, JapanCorrespondence: Masafumi Seki, Division of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Yamane 1397-1, Hidaka City, Saitama, 350-1298, Japan, Tel +81-42-984-4392, Fax +81-42-984-0280, Email sekimm@saitama-med.ac.jpBackground: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a pathogenic respiratory virus that is considered to affect not only children but also adults, especially elderly persons aged ≥ 65 years. However, in Japan, the annual epidemic situation and severity of RSV infections in these adults have not yet been clarified, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: The epidemic of RSV, especially the number of adults with RSV infection during the COVID-19 period, was retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the clinical features of patients aged ≥ 65 years (older group) and those aged ≤ 64 years (younger group) were compared.Results: A total of 58 patients were found to have RSV infections from April to August 2021. Ten were adults, and five each were detected in June and July, respectively. Of the 10 adult patients, three were in the older group and were more often infected by their grandchildren, and seven were in the younger group. All older patients had underlying diseases, including diabetes mellitus. In addition, the older group showed more severe inflammation, such as increased white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels, and received antibiotic therapy, whereas no antibiotics were used for the younger group. Two of the three older patients were admitted to our hospital, but survived.Conclusion: These data suggest that RSV infection in adult patients was related to the increase in pediatric RSV patients and that the infection season had shifted to summer, similar to other countries. Among the adult RSV patients, those aged ≥ 65 years were more often infected by their grandchildren and received antibiotics because of their more severe inflammatory status than patients aged ≤ 64 years during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.Keywords: antibiotic therapy, C-reactive protein, pediatric, underlying disease, viral pneumonia

Abstract Background Despite advances in surgical techniques and care, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, pulmonary issues, shock, and pancreatic fistula are common postoperative challenges. A key concern in PD outcomes is the high incidence of infectious complications, especially surgical site infections (SSI) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Bacteriobilia, or bile contamination with microorganisms, significantly contributes to these infections, increasing the risk of early postoperative complications. The occurrence of SSI in patients who undergo hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgeries such as PD is notably higher than that in patients who undergo other surgeries, with rates ranging from 20 to 55%. Recent research by D'Angelica et al. revealed that, compared to cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam considerably lowers the rate of postoperative SSI. However, these findings do not indicate whether extending the duration of antibiotic treatment is beneficial for patients at high risk of bacterial biliary contamination. In scenarios with a high risk of SSI, the specific agents, doses and length of antibiotic therapy remain unexplored. The advantage of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis following PD has not been established through prospective studies in PD patients following biliary drainage. Methods This is an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR multicenter, open-labelled randomized, controlled, superiority trial comparing 2 broad-spectrum antibiotic (piperacillin/tazobactam) treatment modalities to demonstrate the superiority of 5-day postoperative antibiotic therapy to antibiotic prophylaxis against the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. The primary endpoint of this study is the overall SSI rate, defined according to the ACS NSQIP, as a composite of superficial SSI, deep incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI. In addition, we will analyze overall morbidity, antibiotic resistance profiles, the pathogenicity of bacteriological and fungal cocontamination, the impact of complications after bile drainage and neoadjuvant treatment on the bacteriological and fungal profile of biliculture and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion This FRENCH24-ANIS study aims to evaluate 5-day post-operative antibiotic therapy combined with antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. Trial registration ClinicaTrials.gov number, NCT06123169 (Registration Date 08–11–2023); EudraCT number 2021–006991-18; EUCT Number: 2024–515181-14–00.

Abstract Pneumonia is a common infection in patients of all ages. Determining its etiology and selecting antibiotic therapy are challenging for physicians in both private practice and hospitals. Moreover, the coronavirus disease pandemic revealed the importance of prevention and treatment of secondary bacterial pneumonia in patients hospitalized with viral respiratory infections. This review focuses on the types of bacteria that cause pneumonia and provides new insights into antibiotic therapy for bacterial pneumonia. Moreover, it also reviews the current state of knowledge regarding secondary bacterial pneumonia.

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 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

Abstract Bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae are a significant challenge in managing hematological malignancies. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology of Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections specifically in patients with hematological malignancies, delineate the patterns of initial antibiotic therapy, assess the prevalence of resistant strains, identify risk factors for these resistant strains, and evaluate factors influencing patient outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a single center from January 2017 to December 2020, focusing on 182 patients with hematological malignancies who developed Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections. We compared the 30-day mortality rates between patients receiving appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic treatments, including the effectiveness of both single-drug and combination therapies. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate logistic and Cox regression were used to identify factors influencing mortality risk. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 30.2% for all patients. The 30-day all-cause mortality rates were 77.2% and 8.8% in patients who received inappropriate initial treatment and appropriate initial treatment (p

Introduction: Acute appendicitis (AA) represents the most frequent surgical emergency. Perforation was long considered the ultimate outcome of AA, prompting appendectomy; which remains the standard treatment. New data have clarified the role of the appendix, justifying conservative treatment. This narrative review aims to summarize the evidence regarding the non-operative treatment (NOT) of AA in adults. Methods: The literature search was performed via the PubMed Medline database. Our criteria-based selection resulted in a total of 48 articles for review. Results: Recent trials and meta-analyses have assessed NOT, which support primary antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated AA. Although it has a significant recurrence and failure rate, NOT does not appear to increase the risk of appendicular perforation. Moreover, NOT compared with appendectomy, seems to be associated with less morbidity, lower cost of care and preserved quality of life. Conclusion: First-line NOT seems to be a reasonable approach for the treatment of uncomplicated CT-confirmed AA. Careful patient screening would definitely enhance the success rate.

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]

Background: Despite advances in surgical techniques and care, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, pulmonary issues, shock, and pancreatic fistula are common postoperative challenges. A key concern in PD outcomes is the high incidence of infectious complications, especially surgical site infections (SSI) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Bacteriobilia, or bile contamination with microorganisms, significantly contributes to these infections, increasing the risk of early postoperative complications. The occurrence of SSI in patients who undergo hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgeries such as PD is notably higher than that in patients who undergo other surgeries, with rates ranging from 20 to 55%. Recent research by D'Angelica et al. revealed that, compared to cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam considerably lowers the rate of postoperative SSI. However, these findings do not indicate whether extending the duration of antibiotic treatment is beneficial for patients at high risk of bacterial biliary contamination. In scenarios with a high risk of SSI, the specific agents, doses and length of antibiotic therapy remain unexplored. The advantage of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis following PD has not been established through prospective studies in PD patients following biliary drainage. Methods: This is an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR multicenter, open-labelled randomized, controlled, superiority trial comparing 2 broad-spectrum antibiotic (piperacillin/tazobactam) treatment modalities to demonstrate the superiority of 5-day postoperative antibiotic therapy to antibiotic prophylaxis against the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. The primary endpoint of this study is the overall SSI rate, defined according to the ACS NSQIP, as a composite of superficial SSI, deep incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI. In addition, we will analyze overall morbidity, antibiotic resistance profiles, the pathogenicity of bacteriological and fungal cocontamination, the impact of complications after bile drainage and neoadjuvant treatment on the bacteriological and fungal profile of biliculture and cost-effectiveness. Conclusion: This FRENCH24-ANIS study aims to evaluate 5-day post-operative antibiotic therapy combined with antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. Trial registration: ClinicaTrials.gov number, NCT06123169 (Registration Date 08–11–2023); EudraCT number 2021–006991-18; EUCT Number: 2024–515181-14–00. [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]

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) can be primary or secondary, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Primary bloodstream infections (BSIs) are defined as infections where no clear infection source is identified, while secondary BSIs originate from a localized infection site. This study aims to compare patterns, outcomes, and medical costs between primary and secondary BSIs and identify associated factors. Conducted at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece, from May 2016 to May 2018, this single-center retrospective cohort study included 201 patients with confirmed BSIs based on positive blood cultures. Data on patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, hospitalization costs, and laboratory parameters were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Primary BSIs occurred in 22.89% (46 patients), while secondary BSIs occurred in 77.11% (155 patients). Primary BSI patients were younger and predominantly nosocomial, whereas secondary BSI was mostly community-acquired. Clinical severity scores (SOFA, APACHE II, SAPS, and qPitt) were significantly higher in primary compared to secondary BSI. The median hospital stay was longer for primary BSI (21 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, mortality rates were higher in primary BSI (43.24% vs. 26.09%). Total care costs were significantly higher for primary BSI (EUR 4388.3 vs. EUR 2530.25, p = 0.016), driven by longer hospital stays and increased antibiotic costs. This study underscores the distinct clinical and economic challenges of primary versus secondary BSI and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antimicrobial therapy. Further research should focus on developing specific management guidelines for primary BSI and exploring interventions to reduce BSI burden across healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peri-implantitis (PI) is a current concern whose understanding and resolution are ongoing. We aimed to evaluate in vivo a new treatment with antibacterial properties, based on bacterial lysates obtained from the strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus oralis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. This research was conducted on 30 rats with PI which were divided into three groups and treated with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory (AAi) drugs, bacterial lysates (BLs), and saline (C), respectively. The monitoring period included the clinical and paraclinical examination where hematological, immunological, imaging, and histopathological analysis were performed. No particular clinical signs were observed, but the radiological examination showed the loss of all implants in group C, in contrast to group BL which had the highest survival rate of devices. White cells showed a decrease from the PI period, as did the immunological analysis. Only IL-6 showed an increase in the AAi and BL groups. Histopathologically, the C group presented a high degree of bone destruction, and in the BL group, many attenuated inflammatory phenomena appeared compared to the AAi animals. Bacterial lysates have similar effects to antibiotic-based therapeutic regimens for PI, and their future use may help to improve the current therapeutic management of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pneumonia is a common infection in patients of all ages. Determining its etiology and selecting antibiotic therapy are challenging for physicians in both private practice and hospitals. Moreover, the coronavirus disease pandemic revealed the importance of prevention and treatment of secondary bacterial pneumonia in patients hospitalized with viral respiratory infections. This review focuses on the types of bacteria that cause pneumonia and provides new insights into antibiotic therapy for bacterial pneumonia. Moreover, it also reviews the current state of knowledge regarding secondary bacterial pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), influencing oncogenesis, immune responses, and treatment outcomes. Studies have identified microbial species like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, that promote PDAC progression through various mechanisms. Additionally, the gut microbiome affects immune cell activation and response to immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T therapy. Specific microbes and their metabolites play a significant role in the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Alterations in the gut microbiome can either enhance or diminish responses to PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade therapy. Additionally, bacterial metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) impact antitumor immunity, offering potential targets to augment immunotherapy responses. Modulating the microbiome through fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, and antibiotics shows promise in PDAC treatment, although outcomes are highly variable. Dietary modifications, particularly high-fiber diets and specific fat consumption, influence microbiome composition and impact cancer risk. Combining microbiome-based therapies with existing treatments holds potential for improving PDAC therapy outcomes, but further research is needed to optimize their effectiveness. [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]