Pediatric tracheostomy: epidemiology and characterization of tracheal secretion - a literature review

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION Despite the benefits, tracheostomized children are susceptible to respiratory infections, since the tube is located in a strategic region where there is colonization by several bacteria and biofilm formation. Biofilm is formed when the bacteria adhere strongly to the surfaces of the tubes, providing protection against various types of aggression, such as antibiotic treatment. OBJECTIVE To carry out a literature review of the last ten years on tracheostomized pediatric patients, in order to characterize the bacteria isolated in children's tracheal secretions, and verify which ones are the most frequent. METHODS Two authors searched the Lilacs, SciELO, Medline Plus, and PubMed databases. The MeSH terms used were: 'tracheostomy' and 'tracheotomy' associated with 'infections', 'children', 'child', and 'bacterial' as qualifiers. RESULTS Of the 512 studies on the subject, 19 were selected for review. The total number of children evaluated in the studies was 4,472, with a mean age of 7.5 years. As for the bacteria found in the secretions of tracheostomized children, 12 species of bacteria were more frequent, P. aeruginosa was the predominant bacterium, followed by S. aureus (63.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (57.8%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (47.3%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (47.3%). CONCLUSION One of the main complications treated in tracheostomized patients were infections, since the respiratory system is colonized by several bacteria that can cause serious infections, which are associated with the formation of biofilms. The predominant bacterium in most of the studies was P. aeruginosa, and the second species commonly reported was S. aureus.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Apesar dos benefícios, crianças traqueostomizadas estão suscetíveis a adquirir infecções respiratórias, pois o tubo se encontra em uma região estratégica, na qual existe colonização de diversas bactérias e formação de biofilme. O biofilme é formado quando as bactérias aderem fortemente às superfícies dos tubos, conferindo proteção contra diversos tipos de agressões, como o tratamento por antibióticos. OBJETIVO Realizar uma revisão de literatura dos últimos dez anos sobre pacientes pediátricos traqueostomizados, no intuito de caracterizar as bactérias isoladas em secreções traqueais de crianças, verificando-se quais são as mais frequentes. MÉTODOS Dois autores pesquisaram nas bases de dados do Lilacs, SciELO, Medline Plus e PubMed. Termos MeSH utilizados: tracheostomy e tracheotomy usados associados a infections, children, chlid e bacterial como qualificadores. RESULTADOS Dos 512 estudos relacionados ao tema, 19 foram selecionados para a revisão. O total de crianças avaliadas nos estudos foi de 4.472, com idade média de 7,5 anos. Quanto às bactérias encontradas nas secreções de crianças traqueostomizadas, 12 espécies de bactérias foram mais frequentes; P. aeruginosa foi a bactéria predominante, seguida de S. aureus (63,1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (57,8%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (47,3%) e Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (47,3%). CONCLUSÃO Umas das principais complicações abordadas em pacientes traqueostomizados foram as infecções, já que o sistema respiratório é colonizado por diversas bactérias, que podem causar infecções graves, sendo estas associadas à formação de biofilmes. A bactéria predominante na maioria dos estudos foi a P. aeruginosa, e a segunda espécie comumente relatada foi a S. aureus.

Assessment of Viral and Atypical Bacterial Agents Using Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients Presenting with Signs of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection / Evaluación de agentes bacterianos atípicos y agentes virales utilizando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en pacientes que se presentan con signos de infección aguda de las vías respiratorias

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess viral and atypical bacterial agents using polymerase chain reaction in patients presenting with signs of acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) to Erzincan Mengucek Gazi Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. Methods: Viral and atypical bacterial agents were explored in patients presenting with RTI between February 1 and June 1, 2017. Genomic isolation was performed using a SolMag®12 fully-automated nucleic acid isolation system and SolMag® Virus Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit. Amplifications were performed using a SmartCycler-II thermocycler (Cepheid) device in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Results: Of the 120 patients, 44 (36.6%) were found to have at least one agent. Polymerase chain reaction detected influenza viruses in 28 patients, respiratory syncytial virus in seven, cytomegalovirus (CMV) in six, Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) in two, Chlamydophila pneumonia in two, Human Herpesvirus 6 in one, and Herpes simplex virus 2 in one. Also, coexistent HSV1 and CMV positivity was found in two cases. One patient had positivity in both influenza A and CMV. Among atypical bacterial agents, only two patients were found to have Chlamydophila pneumonia. There was at least one comorbid condition in 48 patients (40%). Of these subjects in whom an agent could be identified, 21 were found to have co-morbidity, while 23 were free of comorbid conditions. Antibiotherapy had been started in 109 (90.8%) of the patients after initial assessment. Sixty-four patients were admitted, and two patients died. Conclusion: Polymerase chain reaction allowed rapid detection of agents responsible for acute RTIs. We believe that this technique may contribute to appropriate use of antibiotics in patients diagnosed with atypical bacterial infection and may prevent unnecessary antibiotherapy in infections caused by viral agents.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar los agentes bacterianos atípicos y los agentes virales utilizando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en pacientes que acuden con signos de infección aguda de las vías respiratorias (IVR) al Hospital de Docencia e Investigación Erzincan Mengucek Gazi, Turquía. Métodos: Se exploraron agentes bacterianos atípicos y agentes virales en pacientes que acudieron con IVR entre el 1 de febrero y 1 de junio de 2017. El aislamiento genómico se realizó con un sistema SolMag®12 de aislamiento de ácido nucleico totalmente automatizado y un Kit SolMag® de aislamiento de ácido nucleico viral. Las amplificaciones se realizaron utilizando un aparato termociclador SmartCycler-II (Cepheid) de acuerdo con las instrucciones proporcionadas por el fabricante. Resultados: De los 120 pacientes, se determinó que 44 (36.6%) tenían al menos un agente. La reacción en cadena de la polimerasa detectó virus de la influenza en 28 pacientes, virus sincitial respiratorio en siete, citomegalovirus (CMV) en seis, herpes virus simplex 1 (HSV1) en dos, Chlamydophila pneumoniae en dos, herpes virus humano 6 en uno, y herpes virus simplex 2 en uno. Por otro lado, se halló positividad coexistente de HSV1 y CMV en dos casos. Un paciente tuvo positividad tanto para la influenza A como para CMV. Entre los agentes bacterianos atípicos, se halló sólo dos pacientes con Chlamydophila pneumonia. Hubo al menos una condición comórbida en 48 pacientes (40%). De estos sujetos en los que se podía identificar un agente, se halló que 21 tenían comorbilidad, mientras que 23 estaban libres de condiciones comórbidas. La antibioterapia había comenzado en 109 (90.8%) de los pacientes después de la evaluación inicial. Sesenta y cuatro pacientes fueron ingresados, y dos pacientes murieron. Conclusión: La reacción en cadena de la polimerasa permitió la rápida de detección de agentes responsables de IVR aguda. Creemos que esta técnica puede contribuir al uso apropiado de antibióticos en pacientes diagnosticados con infección bacteriana atípica normal y puede evitar antibioterapias innecesarias en infecciones causadas por los agentes virales.

Vigilancia epidemiológica para la identificación de casos de infección respiratoria aguda por enterovirus D68 en niños en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención durante 2014-2016 / Surveillance for the identification of cases of acute respiratory infection by enterovirus D68 in children in a tertiary level care hospital during 2014-2016

Resumen Introducción: La reemergencia de las infecciones por Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) se reportó en los EE.UU. desde agosto-octubre de 2014 (691 casos). En México, un brote se reportó en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (24 casos). Se presentan los resultados de la vigilancia epidemiológica en un hospital pediátrico nacional de tercer nivel para Enterovirus sp. (EV) y otros virus respiratorios. Método: Tras la alerta emitida por la reemergencia del EV-D68 en 2014, la vigilancia epidemiológica -que solo detectaba virus respiratorios mediante PCR en pacientes con enfermedad tipo influenza mediante toma de hisopados nasofaríngeos- se expandió para incluir niños con exacerbación de asma o dificultad respiratoria aguda. Las muestras positivas para EV fueron confirmadas y tipificadas por secuenciación. Posteriormente, se utilizó secuenciación de siguiente generación para obtener el genoma viral completo. Resultados: De 1705 muestras, 13 fueron positivas para EV. Los pacientes con EV presentaron la siguiente comorbilidad: enfermedad pulmonar crónica (7.7%), enfermedad neoplásica (15.4%), asma/rinitis alérgica (23%), neumonías de repetición (23%), y otras (23%). De las 13 muestras positivas para EV, tres resultaron positivas para EV-D68. Dichos casos requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva, no tuvieron afectación neurológica y sobrevivieron. Conclusiones: La afectación por EV-D68 de la población estudiada fue menor que lo reportado en México durante el mismo periodo. Los casos de infección por EV-D68 presentan diversa comorbilidad, aunque escasas enfermedades pulmonares, lo cual pudiera explicar la baja tasa de ataque. La presencia del sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica establecido y la prevención de infecciones pudieron haber contenido el brote.

Abstract Background: The reemergence of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections in the United States was reported from August-October 2014 (691 cases). In Mexico, an outbreak at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases was reported (24 cases). The results of epidemiological surveillance of Enterovirus sp. (EV) and other respiratory viruses in a national pediatric tertiary care level hospital are presented. Methods: Following the alert issued by the reemergence of EV-D68 in 2014, epidemiological surveillance -which only detected respiratory viruses by PCR in patients with influenza-like illness using nasopharyngeal swabs- expanded to include children with asthma exacerbation or acute respiratory distress. Positive samples to EV were confirmed and typed by sequencing. Subsequent sequencing was used to obtain the complete viral genome. Results: Of 1705 samples, 13 were positive to EV. Patients with EV presented the following comorbidities: chronic lung disease (7.7%), neoplastic disease (15.4%), allergic asthma/rhinitis (23%), recurrent pneumonia (23%), and other (23%). Of the 13 samples positive for EV, three were positive for EV-D68. These cases required invasive mechanical ventilation, presented no neurological involvement and survived. Conclusions: The impact of the population studied by EV-D68 was lower than that reported in Mexico during the same period. Cases of EV-D68 infection had multiple comorbidities, but few pulmonary comorbidities, which could explain the low attack rate. The epidemiological surveillance and infection prevention system may have contained the outbreak.

Intestinal microbiota changes after solid organ transplantation: a systematic review

Introduction: The intestinal microbiota may undergo changes after solid organ transplantation. The purpose of this systematic review was to characterize the intestinal microbiota of patients undergoing solid organ transplantation. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to July 21, 2017. Studies of patients undergoing solid organ transplantation that evaluated changes in intestinal microbiota composition and one of the following outcomes were included: post-transplant weight, new-onset diabetes after transplantation, delayed graft function, acute rejection, graft and patient survival, and post-transplant infections. Results: Out of 765 studies found in this search, two studies (86 patients) fulfilled inclusion criteria. Both studies assessed kidney transplantation recipients, and a reduction in bacterial species diversity after transplantation was observed. Changes in intestinal microbiota were associated with acute rejection in both studies. One study reported diarrhea and urinary infections, while the other one reported urinary and respiratory infections. None of them reported other outcomes of interest. Conclusion: Changes in intestinal microbiota were observed after kidney transplantation, and they were associated with higher incidence of acute rejection and infections in transplant recipients. However, data are still scarce and more studies are needed to evaluate if microbiota changes have an impact on post-transplant outcomes. (AU)

Caracterización molecular de bacterias patógenas de las vías respiratorias de pacientes peruanos con fibrosis quística / Molecular characterization of pathogenic bacteria of the respiratory tract in peruvian patients with cystic fibrosis

RESUMEN Objetivos. Caracterizar a nivel molecular las bacterias patógenas de las vías respiratorias de pacientes peruanos con fibrosis quística (FQ). Materiales y métodos. Se caracterizaron las comunidades bacterianas cultivables a partir de muestras de esputo de pacientes pediátricos y adultos con FQ registrados en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins y el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño (INSN). Para el cultivo bacteriano se utilizaron técnicas microbiológicas estándares, y para la caracterización molecular la secuenciación del gen ARNr 16S y espectrometría de masas de tipo desorción/ionización con láser asistido por matriz con tiempo de vuelo (MALDI TOF) y MALDI TOF/TOF. Resultados. Por secuenciación del ARNr 16S se identificaron 127 cepas, encontrando las bacterias patógenas Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31,5%), Staphylococcus aureus (12,6%), Pseudomonas spp. (11,8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (3,1%), otras especies mostraron baja prevalencia. El análisis por MALDI TOF permitió obtener una serie de espectros representativos de cada especie aislada, mientras que el análisis por MALDI TOF/TOF reveló péptidos y proteínas de las especies más comunes con informaciones complementarias que revelarían datos sobre su patogenicidad o sensibilidad a antibióticos. Conclusiones. Los principales microorganismos patógenos encontrados en las vías respiratorias son similares a los reportados en otros países. Estos son los primeros hallazgos en Perú que muestran la caracterización bacteriana por secuenciación del ARNr 16S, por MALDI TOF y MALDI TOF TOF. Los hallazgos permiten la identificación bacteriana de microorganismos nativos relacionados con la FQ basada en el análisis de su proteoma.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To molecularly characterize the pathogenic bacteria of the respiratory tract isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Peru. Materials and methods. Bacterial communities cultured from sputum samples of pediatric and adult patients with CF admitted to the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital and the National Institute of Child Health were characterized. Standard microbiological techniques were used for bacterial culture, and gene sequencing of 16S rRNA and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and tandem MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/TOF) were used for molecular characterization. Results. Seventeen bacterial strains were characterized by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the identified pathogenic bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.6%), Pseudomonas spp. (11.8%), and Klebsiella oxytoca (3.1%). MALDI-TOF analysis generated a series of spectra representative of each isolated bacterial species, whereas MALDI TOF/TOF analysis identified the peptides and proteins of the most common strains and provided data on pathogenicity and sensitivity to antibiotics. Conclusions. The primary pathogenic microorganisms found in the respiratory tract of patients with CF in Peru were the same as those found in other countries. This study is the first to perform 16S rRNA sequencing as well as MALDI-TOF and MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis of the bacterial pathogens circulating in Peru. The inclusion of proteomic analysis further allowed for the identification of native microorganisms involved in CF.

Bacteriemia oculta en niños atendidos en el Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río: experiencia post vacuna neumocóccica conjugada / Occult bacteremia in Sótero del Río Hospital: experience after pneumococcal conjugated vaccine

Background: Occult bacteremia (OB) is one of the possible diagnoses of children younger than 3 years with fever without source in the emergency room. Objective: describe OB in the era after introduction of pneumococcal vaccine in Chile. Patients and Methods: Prospective descriptive review of data of children with possible OB diagnosis, referred from the emergency department between 2010-2013. Results: Possible OB was diagnosed on 391 patients. 233 had focus, mainly respiratory virus and urinary tract infection. On 158 patients, probable BO was diagnosed, 20 had proven OB from which 15 had positive blood culture for Streptococcus pneumoniae. From these, 7 were fully or partially vaccinated. The serotype was identified on 14 cases: 6 were PCV10 vaccine serotypes (none of them vaccinated), 2 were serotype related (both partially vaccinated) and 6 were non vaccine serotypes (partially or totally vaccinated). Discussion: It is necessary to improve diagnostic methods for respiratory viruses and urinary tract infections and try to expand coverage of pneumococcal conjugated vaccines in the pediatric population in order to reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease in Chile.

Introducción: La bacteriemia oculta (BO) es uno de los diagnósticos que se plantean en los niños bajo 3 años de edad que se presentan con fiebre sin foco en el servicio de urgencia. Objetivo: Describir el diagnóstico de BO luego de la introducción de la vacunación universal para Streptococcus pneumoniae en Chile. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión descriptiva de seguimiento prospectivo de datos de niños con diagnóstico de BO posible derivados del SU entre 2010 y 2013. Resultados: Se diagnosticó BO posible en 391 pacientes. En 233 pacientes se encontró foco, siendo infecciones respiratorias virales e infección urinaria las más frecuentes. En 158 pacientes se diagnosticó BO probable, en 20 BO probada y 15 tuvieron hemocultivos positivos para S. pneumoniae. De estos últimos 7 estaban total o parcialmente vacunados. Se identificó serotipo en 14 casos: 6 serotipos vaccinales incluidos en PCV10 (ninguno vacunado), 2 serotipos relacionados (ambos parcialmente protegido) y 6 serotipos no vaccinales (parcial o totalmente vacunados). Discusión: Es necesario mejorar las técnicas diagnósticas de infecciones respiratorias virales e infección urinaria e intentar ampliar la cobertura de las vacunas neumocóccicas conjugadas en la población pediátrica, para reducir el riesgo de enfermedades neumocóccicas invasoras en Chile.

Infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas: descripción de los egresos del hospital Roberto del Río en el año 2016 / Acute respiratory infections low: description of the discharges of the hospital Roberto del Río in 2016

Las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) son la principal causa de hospitalización en lactantes, y una de las principales causas de muerte de niños entre un mes y 4 años. Constituyen un problema de salud pública durante los meses de otoño e invierno, con una sobredemanda de atención en los servicios de urgencia y requerimiento de camas en los distintos centros hospitalarios, guardando este fenómeno directa relación con la epidemia del virus respiratorio sincicial (VRS), el principal agente etiológicoi-ii. En los últimos años se han implementado una serie de medidas que han permitido desarrollar un mejor manejo de las IRAB, como el uso de nuevos esquemas de vacunación, la disminución del uso irracional de antibióticos, la implementación de salas IRA en atención primaria para el manejo de las infecciones respiratoriasiii, uso de protocolos actualizados para manejo de patología respiratoriaiv, aumento del recurso humano durante la campaña de invierno en los servicios públicos de salud, y avances en infraestructura. Los virus son la principal causa de IRAB, siendo el VRS el más frecuente, seguido por rinovirus, virus influenza, parainfluenza, metapneumovirus, y adenovirus. Éste último, hasta hace algunos años era la segunda causa viral de IRAB, importante agente en infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud y causa de secuelas respiratorias en muchos casosv-vi. Esto pone de manifiesto la importancia de determinar la etiología de las IRAB en pacientes hospitalizados, más cuando la clínica e imagenología no permiten diferenciarlos. Conocer la etiología condicionará medidas terapéuticas a tomar, necesidad de aislamiento, y seguimiento de casos especiales. Esto cobra particular importancia en los lactantes, quienes por presentar un menor desarrollo de la vía respiratoria e inmadurez inmunológica, tienen las más altas tasas de hospitalización y padecen los cuadros más gravesvii. De acuerdo a datos del Departamento de Estadísticas e Información de Salud (DEIS) del año 2011, las infecciones respiratorias fueron la principal causa de egresos hospitalarios de niños y adolescentes en el país con un 21,7% del total. Específicamente en el Hospital Roberto del Rio la situación fue similar, correspondiendo a un 33,3% de las altas. En el siguiente reporte se describen las características de las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas de niños y adolescentes egresados del Hospital Roberto del Río a lo largo del año 2016.

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are the main cause of outpatient visits during cold months and hospitalization in infants. Through an observational, descriptive study, we analyzed the medical attentions at the Emergency Department (ED) and the hospitalizations occurred during 2016 in Hospital Roberto del Río. We included demographic variables, date of admission, diagnosis at discharge, etiologic agent and requirement of intensive care unit. Respiratory infections were the main cause of outpatient visits to the ED, being 21.7%. They are also the major cause of hospital discharge (1,856 cases, 23.8% of total). 61% of hospitalized cases were male, ant the mail affected group was those under 2 years of age (74.4%). In 93% of cases with detected etiological agent, a virus was found, 57, 9% being respiratory syncytial virus. Sixty nine percent of admission occurred during June and September and 15, 2% patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. We hope the current data helps policy maker in further years.

Aporte de la biología molecular en el diagnóstico de infecciones respiratorias agudas / Contribution of multiplex respiratory molecular panel to the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections

Objective: To assess the performance of multiplex-PCR for diagnosis of respiratory viruses in parallel with direct fluorescence assay (DFA). We assessed the performance and co-infection diagnosis of molecular respiratory panel PCR (MRP-PCR) and DFA in hospitalized and outpatients. Results: 8535 samples were included, 1792 tested by MRP-PCR (46.9% positive) and 6743 by DFA (35.1% positive). MRP-PCR diagnosed co-infection in 21.3% and DFA in 1.8% of the samples. Rhinovirus was the most common virus in any age group. In 210 patients both tests were done; 100 were positive by MRP-PCR and 18 by DFA. Positive concordance value was 6.2%. 85 samples were positive only by MRP-PCR and in 42 of them only novel respiratory viruses were identified. Performance of MRP-PCR was statistically significant compared DFA for traditional respiratory viruses. Discussion: Multiplex PCR has shown better sensitivity, may expand the etiologic spectrum of respiratory infections and detect a higher number of co-infections.

Objetivo: Evaluar la contribución del panel respiratorio molecular por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa-multiplex (PRM-RPC) en paralelo a la de inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD) al diagnóstico de infecciones respiratorias. Analizamos y comparamos el rendimiento y diagnóstico de co-infección de PRM-RPC con IFD en pacientes hospitalizados y ambulatorios. Resultados: Se analizaron 8535 muestras; 1792 por PRM-RPC (46,9% positivas) y 6743 por IFD (35,1% positivas). La co-infección fue 21,3% por PRM-RCP y 1,8% por IFD. El virus más frecuente fue rinovirus a toda edad. Se analizaron 210 pacientes por ambos métodos; resultaron positivas 100 por PRM-RPC y 18 por IFD, concordancia positiva de 6,2%. 85 muestras fueron solo positivas por PRM-RPC, 42 diagnosticaron nuevos virus respiratorios. El rendimiento de PRM-RPC fue significativamente mayor que el de IFD para virus respiratorios tradicionalmente diagnosticados. Conclusiones: La RCP-multiplex tiene mejor sensibilidad, podría expandir el espectro etiológico de infecciones respiratorias y detectar un mayor número de co-infecciones comparado a IFD.

The epidemiology and clinical features of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates

Abstract Objectives This retrospective study was aimed to explore the epidemiological and clinical profiles of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates. Methods From 2011 to 2014, 1322 hospitalized neonates with lower respiratory tract infections were screened for Mycoplasma pneumoniae by detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies using Serion ELISA classic Mycoplasma pneumoniae kits. Results Mycoplasma pneumoniae was identified in 89 (6.7%) patients. The age ranged from 1 day to 28 days with a median of 22 days. The male to female ratio was 1.15:1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection peaked in spring (from March through May) and winter (from December through February). Compared with non-Mycoplasma pneumoniae infected neonates, those with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection were older, presented fever more frequently, and had less tachypnea. Conclusions Mycoplasma pneumoniae could be an important etiologic agent for respiratory tract infection in neonates. In neonates Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was usually associated with older age, presence of fever, and less tachypnea. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in neonates tends to be a mild process.

Is Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae a neglected respiratory pathogen.

Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae is a member of Viridans streptococci, associated with chronic obstructive lung disease and lower respiratory infection. It is non-capsulated, bile insoluble and optochin susceptible in ambient air but intermediate or resistant in 5%CO2. But, its role as a pathogen is yet to be established. The objective of the study was to detect the prevalence and to determine the clinical significance of S.pseudopneumoniae in sputum samples. The study period was 5 months. Good quality sputum samples (>25 neutrophils and <10 epithelial cells/LPF) of patients suspected of LRTIs, were inoculated onto chocolate agar. Alpha haemolytic colonies were identified by testing for capsule by India ink preparation, bile solubility and optochin susceptibility in ambient air and 5%CO2. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion method. Out of 66 alpha haemolytic colonies, 4 were S.pseudopneumoniae, 17 were S.pneumoniae and 45 were other Viridans streptococci. Antibiotic sensitivity patterns of S.pseudopneumoniae and S.pneumoniae were analyzed. S.pseudopneumoniae is misinterpreted as S.pneumoniae unless specifically looked for. As there is scant information available, studies have to be encouraged for better determination of clinical importance of S.pseudopneumoniae. This will help in right diagnosis and successful treatment.

Evaluation of tests to predict metallo-β-lactamase in cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-(CF) Pseudomonas

Double disks synergy test (DDST) and combined disks test (CD) were evaluated to predict the presence of metallo-β-lactamase in 70 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis patients. DDST CAZ-EDTA 1 cm and CD IMP-EDTA tests showed the best accuracy (94.3%). Furthermore, for other combinations, accuracy unsatisfactory was obtained.

Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Gram Negative Bacilli Isolated from the Lower Respiratory Tract of Ventilated Patients in the Intensive Care Unit.

The causative organisms vary according to the patients’ demographics in the ICU, methods of diagnosis, the durations of hospital and ICU stay. It is necessary to study different etiological organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for generating local antibiotic policy. Aims: To study the causative organisms and determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the lower respiratory tract isolates from patients admitted to ICU. Methods and Material: Endotracheal aspirates from 200 patients admitted to the ICU were cultured, identified and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by standard methods. Results: From 200 specimens, 69(34.5%) were culture positive. Total 96 isolates were recovered, from these 92 (96.87%) isolates were gram negative bacilli (GNB). In 34.78% specimens, two isolates were recovered. The most common Gram- negative organism being Acinetobacter spp. (31.25%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (21.87%), E-coli (21.87%) and Pseudomonas Spp. (17.7%). All GNBs were 100% sensitive to polymyxin B and colistin and resistant to piperacillin, ceftazidime and cotrimoxazole. 50% E-coli and 38% of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were ESBL (extendedspectrum b-lactamase) producers. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the trend in antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of gram negative bacilli in intensive care unit. It is the most important for specific treatment of ventilator associated pneumonia patients and to generate local data periodically to decide empiric antimicrobial therapy.

Gripe ou resfriado? Sinusite ou rinite? / Influenza or cold? Sinusitis or rhinitis?

Resfriado comum e gripe são habitualmente confundidos, principalmente se o resfriado for mais intenso. Coriza é rotulada tanto como alergia como sinusite. Os processos inflamatórios das vias aéreas superiores envolvidos nessas entidades clínicas conjugam fatores comuns, embora tenham etiologias diferentes. Graças a isso, diagnósticos equivocados geram tratamento inadequado, geralmente com emprego desnecessário de antibióticos. O resfriado comum e a gripe (influenza) são infecções virais do trato respiratório, assim como a maioria das rinossinusites. Já a rinite é, em sua maior parte, manifestação da atopia respiratória.

Common cold and flu are usually confused, especially if the cold is more intense. Many times, coryza is labeled as being allergy or sinusitis. The inflammation of the upper airways involved in these clinical entities combine common factors, although they have different etiologies. As a result, misdiagnosis generates inadequate treatment, usually with unnecessary use of antibiotics. The common cold and the flu (influenza) are viral infections of the respiratory tract, as well as most cases of rhinosinusitis. On the other hand, rhinitis is, most of the time, a manifestation of respiratory atopy.

Prevalence of nosocomial stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in Assiut University Hospitals

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging multidrug-resistant global opportunistic pathogen and is acquiring increasing importance as a nosocomial pathogen. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of nosocomial S. maltophilia infections and the important risk factors associated with such infections in Assiut University Hospitals. This study included 362 patients with nosocomial infections admitted to different wards and intensive care units [ICU] from March 2011 to March 2012. A total of 690 different clinical samples according to the site of infection were collected from them. The samples were processed and diagnosed by conventional bacteriological methods. A total of 35 strains of S. maltophilia were isolated from 362 patients [9.6%]. The commonest clinical manifestations were lower respiratory tract infections [71.43%], wound infections [17.14%], bacteraemia [8.57%] and urinary tract infections [2.86%]. The chest ICU showed the highest percentage of isolation [14.75%]. Previous antibiotic intake was found to be a significant risk factor for nosocomial Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections. We conclude that nosocomial Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections are significant in Assiut University Hospitals with lower respiratory tract infections being the commonest and previous antibiotic intake an important risk factor

Spectrum and potency of ceftaroline against leading pathogens causing community-acquired respiratory tract and skin and soft tissue infections in Latin America, 2010

Ceftaroline, the active metabolite of the prodrug ceftaroline fosamil, is a cephalosporin with in vitro bactericidal activity against Gram-positive organisms, including methicillinsusceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus, β-haemolytic and viridans group streptococci, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as common Gram-negative organisms. In this study a total of 986 isolates collected in 2010 from patients in 15 medical centers in five Latin American countries from the Assessing Worldwide Antimicrobial Resistance Evaluation Program were identified as community-acquired respiratory tract or skin and soft tissue infection pathogens. Ceftaroline was the most potent agent tested against S. pneumoniae with a MIC90 value (0.12 µg/mL) that was eight-fold lower than ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, and linezolid. Its spectrum of coverage (100.0% susceptible) was similar to tigecycline, linezolid, levofloxacin and vancomycin. Against Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, ceftaroline was the most active agent tested. The activity of ceftaroline against S. aureus (including MRSA) was similar to that of vancomycin and tetracycline (MIC90,1 µg/mL) and linezolid (MIC90,2 Jg/mL). The 1-haemolytic streptococci exhibited 100.0% susceptibility to ceftaroline. Ceftaroline activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp. was similar to that of ceftriaxone and ceftazidime. These parenteral cephalosporin agents have potent activity against non-extended-spectrum These parenteral cephalosporin agents have potent activity against non-extended-spectrum-lactamase-phenotype strains, but are not active against extended-spectrum β-lactamase-phenotype strains. These results confirm the in vitro activity of ceftaroline against pathogens common in communityacquired respiratory tract and skin and soft tissue infection in Latin America, and suggest that ceftaroline fosamil could be an important therapeutic option for these infections.

Aislamientos bacterianos de muestras respiratorias de pacientes pediátricos con fibrosis quística y su distribución por edades / [Bacterial isolates from respiratory samples of pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis and their distribution by ages].

The bacterial isolates from respiratory samples of 50 pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis, their distribution by ages and antimicrobial resistance pattern as well as the intermittence of isolations and coinfections, were investigated. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 72

of patients, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (58

), and the Burkholderia cepacia complex (12

). The frequency of resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates to ß-lactam antibiotics was low (13.8

). Fifty percent of S. aureus isolates was methicillin-resistant, and 57.1

of H. influenza was ampicillin resistant due to ß-lactamase production. In children under 4 years-old, S. aureus was predominant, followed by P. aeruginosa and H. influenzae. This order of predominance was observed in all the groups studied, except in that of children between 10 and 14 years-old. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter xylosoxidans isolates were intermittent and accompanied by other microorganisms. Finally, we observed a great variety of bacterial species, which imposes stringent performance requirements for microbiological studies in all respiratory samples of these patients.

role of procalcitonin as a guide for the diagnosis, prognosis, and decision of antibiotic therapy for lower respiratory tract infections

Objectives: To assess the value of PCT as a rapid and sensitive marker for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections necessitating antimicrobial treatment and comparing this marker with other markers of infections including C-reactive protein [CRP] and total white-blood cell counts [WBCs]

Patients and methods: Sixty Patients were enrolled in the study, they were subjected to complete history taking, physical examination, laboratory investigations including complete blood count, blood gases, blood chemistry, bacteriological culture for sputum and blood, serology for atypicals, and PCR for respiratory viruses, serum C-reactive protein [CRP] and PCT levels were measured. The patients were divided into two groups, group 1 included 26 patients who were culture negative for bacterial infection and group 2 included 34 patients who were culture positive. Group 2 patients were given antibiotic therapy according to the culture sensitivity

Result: The results revealed that, there was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 patients as regards age, sex, clinical manifestations, final diagnosis, white blood cell counts, blood gases, number of admitted patients, intensive care unit admission and length of hospital stay. A significant increase of PCT and CRP levels was detected in group 2 compared to group 1 at initial diagnosis. At cutoff value >0.5 ng/ml, PCT gave a sensitivity of 94.1%, specificity of 88.4%, positive predictive value [PPV] of 91.4%, negative predictive value [NPV] of 92% and diagnostic efficiency of 91.6% for diagnosis of respiratory tract bacterial infections. However, at a cutoff value >8 mg/L, CRP gave a sensitivity of 85.2%, specificity of 76.9%, PPV of 82.8%, NPV of 80% and diagnostic efficiency of 81.7%. After antibiotic therapy PCT and CRP levels dropped in group 2 patients as compared to their pre-treatment levels

Conclusion: Serum PCT level could be used as a novel marker of lower respiratory tract bacterial infections for diagnosis, prognosis and follow up of therapy. This reduces side-effects of an unnecessary antibiotic use, lowers costs, and in the long-term, leads to diminishing drug resistance

Application of fnbA gene as new target for the species-specific and quantitative detection of Staphylococcus aureus directly from lower respiratory tract specimens by real time PCR.

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), particularly in mechanically ventilated patients. We used the fibronectin-binding protein A gene (fnbA) for the species-specific and quantitative detection of S. aureus directly from lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens by a Taq Man real time PCR. For this reason, a total of 269 lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens collected from patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia were assayed. Amplification of fnbA in serial dilutions ranged from 10 9 CFU/ ml to 10 2 CFU/ml. Standard curve of triplicate every dilution had slope 3.34 ± 0.1 and R 2 > 0.99 with SD 0.1. Based on these data, the sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed real time PCR targeting the fnbA gene were both 100%. The Cohen's Kappa test showed the Kappa value of 1.0. The fnbA gene is a potential marker for the species-specific detection of S. aureus and can be used to detect this bacterium in any clinical specimens by real time PCR. Moreover, this method reduces the time needed for quantitative detection of Staphylococcus aureus from LRT specimens to nearly 2 hours compared to 1 to 4 days for culture and provided sensitivity equal to or greater than culture.