The impact of COVID-19 on microbiological profile and antibiotic consumption in ICU: a retrospective study in an infectious disease hospital in Brazil

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered crises in the public health sector that have complex and multifaceted interrelationships with antimicrobial resistance. It is important to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on microbiological profile, antibiotic and alcohol gel consumption in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Methods This is a retrospective study undertaken in an infectious disease hospital located in Bahia/Brazil during three periods: from March 2019 to February 2020; from March 2020 to February 2021; and from March 2021 to February 2022. It was evaluated the incidence density of Candida spp and of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE group) in blood, urine and tracheal secretion isolated 48 h after the patient's admission to the ICU, as well as the use of alcohol gel (in milliliters) and consumption of antibiotics in Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1,000 ICU patient-days in the previous year and in the first two years of COVID-19 pandemic. Results There was an increase in Candida spp. (5.81, p < 0.001, IRR = 10.47, 95 % CI 2.57‒42.62) and in carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in clinical cultures (4.71, p < 0.001, IRR = 8.46, 95 % CI 2.07‒34.60), the latter mainly in tracheal secretions (3.18, p =0.02, IRR = 11.47, 95 % CI 1.58‒83.39). A rise in the consumption of ceftriaxone and piperacillin-tazobactam, along with an increase in the utilization of alcohol gel were observed. Conclusion The shifting microbiological profile can be attributed to both the unique characteristics of patients with COVID-19 and the adjustments made to healthcare facilities' structural and work routines. Understanding these changes is essential in addressing the accelerated impact of antimicrobial resistance during the pandemic. Therefore, conducting thorough reviews of institutional practices and routines becomes critical in mitigating the consequences of antimicrobial resistance and its implications for patient care.

Bacterial meningitis in patients with sickle cell anemia in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: a report on ten cases

ABSTRACT Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a common genetic blood disorder, affecting millions worldwide. According to current evidence, individuals with SCA have more than 300 times greater risk to develop bacterial meningitis (BM) than the general population. Herein we have described the characteristics of a series of BM cases in SCA patients in Salvador, Brazil, during 13 years of hospital-based surveillance. Data on clinical presentation, laboratory parameters and outcomes were collected retrospectively by reviewing medical records. From 1999 to 2011, ten SCA patients were identified among the 2511 cases of BM (10/2511; 0.40%). These patients were more likely to be male (90%) and to be younger (median age 8.5 years). The causative agents were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 5) and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 1). The most frequent pneumococcal serotypes were 23 F (2 cases), 14, 18 F, 23B (one case each). Common medical complications were stroke (n = 3); heart failure (n = 2), respiratory problems (n = 2), renal dysfunctions (n = 2) and leg ulcers (n = 1). This study highlights the importance of S. pneumoniae as a causative agent of meningitis in individuals with SCA and shows the diversity of comorbidities associated with this condition.

Análise da desinfecção apical do canal radicular preparado em três diferentes comprimentos de trabalho, utilizando movimento rotatório contínuo ou reciprocante e duas substâncias irrigadoras: estudo in vitro / Analysis of apical root canal disinfection prepared at three different working lengths with either continuous or reciprocating movement systems and two irriganting substances: in vitro study

Resumo Introdução O preparo do canal radicular, em especial o terço apical, é fundamental para o sucesso da terapia endodôntica, pois abriga o forame radicular, local que comunica o endodonto com os tecidos perirradiculares. Objetivo A presente pesquisa avaliou a contaminação do terço apical após a instrumentação de canais radiculares em três comprimentos distintos, através de dois tipos de instrumentação automatizada (rotatória contínua ou reciprocante) e uso de duas substâncias irrigadoras. Material e método Foram selecionados 66 pré-molares superiores birradiculares, os quais tiveram suas coroas removidas e raízes separadas, totalizando 132 corpos de prova (CPs). Na primeira fase, foram estabelecidos por sorteio seis grupos experimentais divididos de acordo com o comprimento de instrumentação (aquém, além e no forame radicular) e o tipo de instrumentação (rotatória contínua ou reciprocante), tendo como irrigante o hipoclorito de sódio. Na segunda fase, foi repetido o mesmo protocolo, utilizando-se como irrigante o cloreto de sódio. Para ratificar os resultados encontrados, foram criados dois grupos controles: positivo e negativo, cada um com seis CP. Resultado Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos com instrumentação rotatória contínua ou reciprocante, nos seus diversos comprimentos de instrumentação, respeitando-se o mesmo irrigante. Os grupos irrigados com hipoclorito não apresentaram crescimento bacteriano, enquanto os irrigados com cloreto de sódio permaneceram contaminados após a instrumentação. Conclusão A ação mecânica dos instrumentos endodônticos sem o uso de substância irrigadora bactericida não promove a descontaminação apical do canal radicular e a escolha do tipo da cinemática dos instrumentos endodônticos (rotatória contínua ou reciprocante) não influencia significativamente a redução de bactérias no interior dos canais radiculares, bem como instrumentações que variam de um milímetro aquém até um milímetro além do forame também não apresentaram diferenças na redução de bactérias nesta pesquisa.

Abstract Introduction The preparation of the root canal is fundamental for the success of endodontic therapy, especially the apical third, since it contains the root foramen, where the endodontium and the periradicular tissues communicate. Objective The present study evaluated the contamination of the apical third after the root canal instrumentation in three different lengths, through two types of automated instrumentation (continuous or reciprocating rotating) and two irrigating substances used. Material and method Sixty-six biradicular maxillary premolars were selected, which had their crowns removed and roots separated, totaling 132 specimens. In the first phase, six experimental groups were divided according to the length of instrumentation (before, beyond and in the radicular foramina) and the type of instrumentation (continuous or reciprocating rotatory) with sodium hypochlorite as irrigator. In the second phase the same protocol was repeated, using sodium chloride as the irrigant. In order to confirm the results, two control groups were created: positive and negative, each with six specimens. Result For the same irrigant, no differences were found between the groups with continuous or reciprocating rotational instrumentation in their different working lengths. The groups irrigated with hypochlorite showed no bacterial growth, whereas those irrigated with sodium chloride remained contaminated after instrumentation. Conclusion Mechanical action of endodontic instruments, without bactericidal irrigating substance, does not promote the apical root canal disinfection and the choice of kinematic type of endodontic instruments (continuous or reciprocating rotatory) does not significantly influence the reduction of bacteria within the root canals as well instrumentations ranging from one millimeter before to one millimeter beyond the foramen also did not present differences in the reduction of bacteria in this research.

Clinical and bacteriological characteristics of invasive pneumococcal disease after pneumococcal 10-valent conjugate vaccine implementation in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract Invasive pneumococcal disease is a relevant public health problem in Brazil, especially among children and the elderly. In July/2010 a 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was introduced to the immunization schedule of Brazilian children under two years of age. Between July/2010 and December/2013 we conducted a case-series study on invasive pneumococcal disease in Salvador, Brazil to describe the clinical and bacteriological profile of invasive pneumococcal disease cases during the post-implementation period. Eighty-two cases were eligible. Mean age was 31 years (interquartile range, 3–42); 17.1% and 30.5% were under 2 years and 5 years, respectively. Pneumococcal meningitis (n = 64, 78.1%), bacteraemic pneumococcal pneumonia (n = 12, 14.6%) and bacteraemia (n = 6, 7.3%) were the clinical syndromes identified. Thirty-three different serotypes were found. Of these, serotype 14 (n = 12, 14.6%) was the most common, followed by 23F (n = 10, 12.2%), 12F (n = 8, 9.8%), 18 C (n = 5, 6.1%) and 6B (n = 5, 6.1%). Investigations conducted in Salvador in the pre-vaccine period did not identify serotype 12F as one of the most prevalent serotypes. Increase of serotype 12F was observed in different regions of Brazil, in the post-vaccine period. Among children under two years of age, the target group for 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 11 (78.6%) of the 14 isolated strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae belonged to vaccine serotypes; at least 50% of these children were not vaccinated. The relatively recent implementation of 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Brazil reinforces the need to maintain an active surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease cases, considering the possible increase of invasive pneumococcal disease cases related to non-vaccine serotypes and the changes on the clinical presentation of the disease.

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic diversity of Escherichia coli isolated from humans and foods

Antibiotic resistance has increased in recent years, raising the concern of public health authorities. We conducted a study of Escherichia coli isolates obtained from human and food samples to assess the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and to determine the genotype and clonal relationship of 84 E. coli isolates (48 from humans and 36 from foods). An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk diffusion method. Virulence factors were evaluated by multiplex PCR, and the clonal relationship among the resistant isolates was studied by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone. Overall, 26%, 20.2%, 15.4% and 6% of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and cephalotin, respectively. Twenty two percent of the isolates exhibited resistance to more than one antimicrobial agent. Multiple-drug resistance was mostly observed in the human isolates and involved the antibiotics ampicillin and tetracycline. None of the six virulence genes were identified among the isolates. Analysis of genetic diversity by PFGE of 31 resistant isolates, revealed 29 distinct restriction patterns. In conclusion, E. coli from humans and foods are resistant to commonly used antibiotics and are highly genetically diverse. In this setting, inappropriate use of antibiotics may be a cause of high resistance rate instead of clonal spread.

Biological, biochemical and molecular features of Trypanosoma cruzi strains isolated from patients infected through oral transmission during a 2005 outbreak in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil: its correspondence with the new T. cruzi Taxonomy Consensus (2009)

We examined strains of Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from patients with acute Chagas disease that had been acquired by oral transmission in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil (2005) and two isolates that had been obtained from a marsupial (Didelphis aurita) and a vector (Triatoma tibiamaculata). These strains were characterised through their biological behaviour and isoenzymic profiles and genotyped according to the new Taxonomy Consensus (2009) based on the discrete typing unities, that is, T. cruzi genotypes I-VI. All strains exhibited the biological behaviour of biodeme type II. In six isolates, late peaks of parasitaemia, beyond the 20th day, suggested a double infection with biodemes II + III. Isoenzymes revealed Z2 or mixed Z1 and Z2 profiles. Genotyping was performed using three polymorphic genes (cytochrome oxidase II, spliced leader intergenic region and 24Sα rRNA) and the restriction fragment length polymorphism of the kDNA minicircles. Based on these markers, all but four isolates were characterised as T. cruzi II genotypes. Four mixed populations were identified: SC90, SC93 and SC97 (T. cruzi I + T. cruzi II) and SC95 (T. cruzi I + T. cruzi VI). Comparison of the results obtained by different methods was essential for the correct identification of the mixed populations and major lineages involved indicating that characterisation by different methods can provide new insights into the relationship between phenotypic and genotypic aspects of parasite behaviour.

First insights into the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil / Primeiro ensaio sobre diversidade genética das cepas de Mycobacterium tuberculosis em Salvador, Bahia, Brasil

This study constitutes a first attempt to describe the genetic population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis circulating in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. A total of 56 confirmed cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, identified between March and June 2008, were analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (IS6110-RFLP). The study population was characterized by a predominance of males (71.43 percent) over 30 years of age (68.75 percent). Forty-one isolates were found to belong to a single pattern (73.2 percent), while 15 (26.7 percent) were found in group patterns, forming six clusters. The higher level of diversity observed is much more suggestive of endogenous reactivation than recent transmission.

Este é o primeiro estudo realizado na Bahia, Brasil, visando à descrição da estrutura da população genética circulante do Mycobacterium tuberculosis na cidade de Salvador. Um total de 56 casos confirmados de tuberculose pulmonar, identificados entre março e junho de 2008, foi analisado pelo método Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism (IS6110-RFLP). A população de estudo foi caracterizada como a maioria do sexo masculino (71,43 por cento), idade acima de 30 anos (68,75 por cento). Quarenta e um isolados (73,21 por cento) com padrão único, enquanto 15 (26,75 por cento) apresentaram padrões agrupáveis, formando seis clusters. A alta taxa de diversidade das cepas de M. tuberculosis observada é mais sugestiva de reativação endógena do que transmissão recente.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis

Respiratory infection is very common in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the antimicrobial resistance rate of isolates from CF patients is not often documented. In this study, 279 respiratory specimens of 146 patients were prospectively collected from July to December 2006. Microbiological cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility tests of the most frequently isolated bacteria were performed. Sputum and oropharyngeal swabs were processed for culture. During the study period, 50 percent of the patients harbored Staphylococcus aureus, 35 percent Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4.7 percent Haemophilus influenzae. Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected in 8 (6 percent) patients; ESBL and MBL-producing P. aeruginosa were not identified in these patients. The detection of MRSA in CF patients confirms that antimicrobial resistance patterns should be always kept under surveillance. Moreover, hygiene regulations in CF clinics should prevent a further spread of resistant bacterial strains.