RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fungal endocarditis is a low-frequency disease with a challenging diagnosis, as it can be mistaken with bacterial endocarditis. Fungal endocarditis causes higher mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. In the clinical practice, the endocarditis caused by fungi represents up to 10% of all infectious endocarditis cases and has a mortality rate of nearly 50%. CASE REPORT: Here we present the case of a 53-year-old woman under corticosteroid therapy with a history of rheumatic heart disease, aortic valve replacement, and rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with fungal endocarditis caused by Candida albicans. Even though the patient received 3 years of antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole, had valve replacement surgery, and received intensive care, the patient finally worsened and died. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and corticosteroid therapy predisposed the patient to acquire fungal endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of implementing procedures for the isolation and identification of fungi, and for carrying out antifungal-susceptibility testing, as well as establishing surveillance programs to identify infection-causing species and drug resistance patterns in hospitals. Moreover, designing and upgrading the algorithm for infectious endocarditis is the key to future improvements in diagnosis.
Asunto(s)
Candidiasis , Endocarditis , Micosis , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Candida albicans , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Candidiasis/microbiología , Fluconazol/uso terapéutico , Endocarditis/diagnóstico , Endocarditis/tratamiento farmacológico , Endocarditis/etiología , Micosis/tratamiento farmacológico , CorticoesteroidesRESUMEN
SARS-CoV-2 dynamics across different COVID-19 waves has been unclear in immunocompromised children. We aimed to compare the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load (VL) during the first and third waves of COVID-19 in immunocompromised children. A retrospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted in a pediatric referral hospital of Argentina. The study included 28 admitted immunocompromised children with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thirteen acquired the infection during COVID-19 first wave (May to August 2020, group 1 (G1)) and fifteen in the third wave (January to March 2022, group 2 (G2)). RNA viral load measure and its dynamic reconstruction were performed in nasopharyngeal swabs by validated quantitative, real time RT-PCR, and linear mixed-effects model, respectively. Of the 28 children included, 54% were girls, most of them had hemato-oncological pathology (57%), and the median age was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR): 3-13). The dynamic of VL was similar in both groups (P = 0.148), starting from a level of 5.34 log10 copies/mL (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.47-6.21) in G1 and 5.79 log10 copies/mL (95% CI: 4.93-6.65) in G2. Then, VL decayed with a rate of 0.059 (95% CI: 0.038-0.080) and 0.088 (95% CI: 0.058-0.118) log10 copies/mL per day since diagnosis and fell below the limit of quantification at days 51 and 39 after diagnosis in G1 and G2, respectively. Our results evidenced a longer viral RNA persistence in immunocompromised pediatric patients and no difference in VL dynamic between COVID-19 first wave-attributed to ancestral infections-and third wave-attributed to Omicron infections.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Femenino , Humanos , Niño , Masculino , COVID-19/diagnóstico , SARS-CoV-2/genética , ARN Viral , Estudios Retrospectivos , Carga Viral , Estudios LongitudinalesRESUMEN
Chronically immunosuppressed patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 often experience prolonged virus shedding, and may pave the way to the emergence of mutations that render viral variants of concern (VOC) able to escape immune responses induced by natural infection or by vaccination. We report herein a SARS-CoV-2+ cancer patient from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic whose virus quasispecies across multiple timepoints carried several immune escape mutations found in more contemporary VOC, such as alpha, delta and omicron, that appeared to be selected for during infection. We hypothesize that immunosuppressed patients may represent the source of VOC seen throughout the COVID-19 pandemics.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have been widely implemented in low- and middle-income countries. However, immunogenicity in immunocompromised patients has not been established. Herein, we aimed to evaluate immune response to CoronaVac vaccine in these patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 193 participants with 5 different immunocompromising conditions and 67 controls, receiving 2 doses of CoronaVac 8-12 weeks before enrollment. The study was conducted between May and August 2021, at Red de Salud UC-CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile. Neutralizing antibody (NAb) positivity, total anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G antibody (TAb) concentrations, and T-cell responses were determined. RESULTS: NAb positivity and median neutralizing activity were 83.1% and 51.2% for the control group versus 20.6% and 5.7% (both Pâ <â .001) in the solid organ transplant group, 41.5% and 19.2% (both Pâ <â .0001) in the autoimmune rheumatic diseases group, 43.3% (Pâ <â .001) and 21.4% (P<.01 or Pâ =â .001) in the cancer with solid tumors group, 45.5% and 28.7% (both Pâ <â .001) in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection group, 64.3% and 56.6% (both differences not significant) in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant group, respectively. TAb seropositivity was also lower for the solid organ transplant (20.6%; Pâ <â .0001), rheumatic diseases (61%; Pâ <â .001), and HIV groups (70.9%; Pâ =â .003), compared with the control group (92.3%). On the other hand, the number of interferon γ spot-forming T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 tended to be lower in all immunocompromising conditions but did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diverse immunocompromising conditions markedly reduce the humoral response to CoronaVac vaccine. These findings suggest that a boosting vaccination strategy should be considered in these vulnerable patients. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04888793.
Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Enfermedades Reumáticas , Vacunas Virales , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , COVID-19/prevención & control , Vacunas contra la COVID-19 , Chile/epidemiología , Humanos , Inmunidad , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Estudios Prospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Vacunas de Productos InactivadosRESUMEN
Cytomegalovirus infection is an uncommon illness that mainly affects immunocompromised subjects being associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Reactivation or reinfection of the virus causes various symptoms ranging from asymptomatic forms to severe organ-specific complications, such as severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Once diagnosed the infection it is important and necessary to establish an adequate treatment with antivirals, with the surgical option for those cases with gastrointestinal complications depending on the patients clinical situation. We report two cases of immunocompromised patients that after presenting rectal bleeding, were diagnosed of cytomegalovirus colitis, requiring urgent surgery.
La infección por citomegalovirus es poco frecuente, afecta sobre todo a sujetos inmunocomprometidos y los pacientes de este grupo tienen una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. La clínica de la reactivación o reinfección del virus puede variar desde formas asintomáticas hasta complicaciones graves específicas de órgano, como la hemorragia del tracto gastrointestinal masiva. Es de vital importancia un tratamiento adecuado con antivirales; la opción quirúrgica se reserva para las complicaciones gastrointestinales de acuerdo con la situación clínica del paciente. Se presentan los casos de dos pacientes inmunocomprometidas que luego presentar episodios de rectorragia se diagnostican con colitis por citomegalovirus que exige tratamiento quirúrgico.
Asunto(s)
Colitis/virología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/complicaciones , Hemorragia Gastrointestinal/etiología , Enfermedades del Recto/etiología , Colitis/complicaciones , Femenino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Strongylodiasis is an unattended condition caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. The Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome can develop in immunosuppressed hosts, mainly in those with depression of cellular immunity. Co-infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a risk factor for the development of severe forms of strongyloidiasis. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with Strongyloides hyperinfection and coinfection with HTLV. The diagnosis was delayed owing to its unusual epidemiology and an initial suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease. Identification of the parasite in bronchioalveolar lavage and duodenal and colonic mucosa biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Subcutaneous ivermectin was used as an anthelmintic treatment with an adequate therapeutic response.
La estrongiloidiasis es una afección desatendida causada por el parásito Strongyloides stercoralis. En los individuos inmunosuprimidos, fundamentalmente en los que tienen depresión de la inmunidad celular, puede desarrollarse el síndrome de hiperinfección por Strongyloides. La coinfección con virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de formas graves de estrongiloidiasis. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 50 años con hiperinfección por Strongyloides y coinfección con HTLV. Se demoró el diagnóstico debido a su epidemiología inusual y a la sospecha inicial de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante la identificación del parásito en muestras de lavado bronquio-alveolar y biopsias de mucosa duodenal y colónica. Se utilizó ivermectina subcutánea como tratamiento antihelmíntico con adecuada respuesta terapéutica.
Asunto(s)
Coinfección/complicaciones , Infecciones por HTLV-I/complicaciones , Estrongiloidiasis/virología , Animales , Argentina , Coinfección/tratamiento farmacológico , Coinfección/patología , Humanos , Inmunocompetencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Strongyloides stercoralis/patogenicidad , Estrongiloidiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Estrongiloidiasis/patología , SíndromeRESUMEN
La estrongiloidiasis es una afección desatendida causada por el parásito Strongyloides stercoralis. En los individuos inmunosuprimidos, fundamentalmente en los que tienen depresión de la inmunidad celular, puede desarrollarse el síndrome de hiperinfección por Strongyloides. La coinfección con virus linfotrópico de células T humanas (HTLV) es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de formas graves de estrongiloidiasis. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 50 años con hiperinfección por Strongyloides y coinfección con HTLV. Se demoró el diagnóstico debido a su epidemiología inusual y a la sospecha inicial de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante la identificación del parásito en muestras de lavado bronquio-alveolar y biopsias de mucosa duodenal y colónica. Se utilizó ivermectina subcutánea como tratamiento antihelmíntico con adecuada respuesta terapéutica.
Strongylodiasis is an unattended condition caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercoralis. The Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome can develop in immunosuppressed hosts, mainly in those with depression of cellular immunity. Co-infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a risk factor for the development of severe forms of strongyloidiasis. We present the case of a 50-year-old man with Strongyloides hyperinfection and coinfection with HTLV. The diagnosis was delayed owing to its unusual epidemiology and an initial suspicion of inflammatory bowel disease. Identification of the parasite in bronchioalveolar lavage and duodenal and colonic mucosa biopsies confirmed the diagnosis. Subcutaneous ivermectin was used as an anthelmintic treatment with an adequate therapeutic response.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Animales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estrongiloidiasis/virología , Infecciones por HTLV-I/complicaciones , Coinfección/complicaciones , Argentina , Estrongiloidiasis/patología , Estrongiloidiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndrome , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Strongyloides stercoralis/patogenicidad , Coinfección/patología , Coinfección/tratamiento farmacológico , InmunocompetenciaRESUMEN
Here we describe a bloodstream infection due to P. zopfii var. hydrocarbonea in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Identification was performed by DNA sequencing of the D1/D2 domain of 26s ribosomal DNA and by MALDI-TOF MS technique. Antifungal susceptibility tests against amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole showed the following MIC values, respectively: 0.25 mg/L, 128 mg/L, 0.064 mg/L, and 0.125 mg/L. The patient received amphotericin B treatment with a successful outcome.
RESUMEN
Clinically significant NDM-1-producing Acinetobacter schindleri has not yet been described in the literature. We report the first case of bacteraemia due to an A. schindleri strain harbouring blaNDM-1 recovered from an immunocompromised patient. Our report reinforces the fact that NDM-1 can easily be acquired by Acinetobacter species.
RESUMEN
A new real-time PCR assay for trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) DNA detection was designed, and blood samples from kidney transplant recipients and healthy individuals were screened. TSPyV-DNA was not detected in blood from healthy individuals, but 26.8% of kidney recipients presented TSPyV-DNA. This is the first report of TSPyV viremia.
Asunto(s)
Sangre/virología , ADN Viral/sangre , Enfermedades del Cabello/virología , Polyomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Polyomavirus/virología , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa , Adulto , Anciano , Humanos , Trasplante de Riñón/efectos adversos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Polyomaviridae/genética , Receptores de Trasplantes , Viremia/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Although pets provide physiological and psychological benefits to their owners, they are a potential source of zoonotic infections, especially for vulnerable individuals such as immunocompromised patients. During 1 year, we therefore performed a pilot project, which included 32 immunocompromised Chilean children and their family pets (35 dogs and 9 cats) with the aim of detecting, treating and preventing zoonotic infections. Children were examined by Infectious Diseases paediatricians and demographical and clinical information related to zoonotic infections were recorded. Pets were examined and sampled by veterinarians, who also administered missing routine vaccines and anti-parasitics. During family visits, all members were informed and educated about zoonoses and a satisfaction survey was performed. Visits also included vector control and indoor residual spraying with pyrethroids. Children were re-examined and re-tested according to the findings of their pets, and all detected zoonotic infections were treated both in children and pets. Physical examination revealed abnormalities in 18 dogs (51.4%) and three cats (33.3%). Twenty-eight (63.6%) of the pets were diagnosed with a zoonotic pathogen, and seven (15.9%) with a facultative pathogen. Most zoonotic agents were isolated from the pet's external ear and intestine. Bacteria with the highest pathogenic potential were Campylobacter jejuni and Brucella canis. In two children and their respective pets, the same zoonotic diseases were diagnosed (toxocariasis and giardiasis). Arthropods serving as potential vectors of zoonotic infections were found in 49% of dogs and 44% of cats. The pilot project was positively evaluated by the participating families. Our pilot project confirmed that pets are reservoir for various zoonotic agents in Chile and that the implementation of an integrated multidisciplinary programme was a valuable tool to prevent, diagnose and treat such zoonotic infections in vulnerable patients such as immunocompromised children.
Asunto(s)
Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Mascotas , Zoonosis/terapia , Animales , Antineoplásicos/efectos adversos , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Aves , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Gatos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Gatos , Chile/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Heces/microbiología , Heces/parasitología , Humanos , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Proyectos Piloto , Factores de Riesgo , Zoonosis/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
We, herein, describe an HIV-positive patient with toxoplasmosis of the spinal cord. We also carried out a comprehensive literature review of this topic, with emphasis on the diagnostic tools and therapeutic approach.
Se presenta el caso de un paciente seropositivo para VIH con diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis medular en conjunto con la revisión de la literatura de los pocos casos descritos hasta la fecha, con énfasis en las claves diagnósticas y la aproximación terapéutica.
RESUMEN
Kocuria rosea is an uncommon pathogen may cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patient. We report a HIV patient, who presented bacteremia caused by Kocuria rosea. He was successfully treated with vancomycin and by catheter removal.