Advances in research on the role of biliary tract microecology in gallstone formation / 中国基层医药

Cholelithiasis, a prevalent disease of the digestive system, is characterized by its intricate and diverse mechanisms, which are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors. Recently, with the widespread application of molecular biology techniques, the role of the biliary tract microecological environment in the pathogenesis of gallstones has garnered increasing attention. This review includes the most recent and pertinent literature on the association between biliary tract microecology and gallstones, summarizing the latest research advancements in this field. Furthermore, it delves into the role of the biliary tract microecology in the formation of both cholesterol and pigment gallstones.

Unmet needs in the management of psoriasis in Latin America: a systematic review

Abstract Background Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 2%. Currently, despite the difficulties faced every day by patients and physicians in low-resource countries, literature describing the exact needs of psoriasis treatment in Latin America remains scarce. Objective To investigate the unmet needs in psoriasis treatment in Latin America. Methods The authors conducted a systematic review following PRISMA statements in PubMed, Embase, and LILACS of studies published from January 2011 to March 2021 addressing challenges in psoriasis treatment in Latin America. Results The search strategy identified 3,837 articles, of which 19 were included in the final analysis. Most were from Brazil (58%; n = 11), all were observational, and most were cross-sectional (84%; n = 16). Difficulties faced by psoriasis patients in Latin America included the high prevalence of opportunistic and endemic infections (42% of the studies addressed this matter; n = 8), delay in diagnosis (5%; n = 1), work productivity impairment (16%; n = 3), limited access to medication/medical care (37%; n = 7), poor adherence to treatment (5%; n = 1) and poor adherence to guidelines (11%; n = 2). Study limitations Number and quality of studies currently available on this subject. Conclusions Current psoriasis guidelines do not always account for epidemiological, financial, and cultural characteristics. Most studies available are from Brazil, which might not accurately represent Latin America as a whole. In a region where neglected diseases and scarce resources remain a reality, it is imperative that dermatological training be offered to primary care providers, allowing for standardized conduct and earlier diagnosis.

Radiological presentation of active pulmonary tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients: a retrospective study of four cases and a review of the literature / Apresentação radiológica da tuberculose pulmonar ativa em transplantados renais: um estudo retrospectivo de quatro casos e revisão da literatura

Abstract Although kidney transplantation is the best therapeutic option for patients with chronic kidney disease, the immunosuppression required greatly increases susceptibility to infections that are responsible for high post-transplant mortality. Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) represents a major cause of such infections, and its early diagnosis is therefore quite important. In view of that, we researched the manifestations of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients, through chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT), as well as determining the number of cases of active pulmonary TB occurring over a 3.5-year period at our institution. We identified four cases of active pulmonary TB in kidney transplant recipients. The CT scans provided information complementary to the chest X-ray findings in all four of those cases. We compared our CT findings with those reported in the literature. We analyzed our experience in conjunction with an extensive review of the literature that was nevertheless limited because few studies have been carried out in lowand middle-income countries, where the incidence of TB is higher.

Resumo Apesar de o transplante renal ser a melhor opção terapêutica para pacientes com doença renal crônica, a imunodepressão decorrente desse tratamento eleva muito a suscetibilidade desses pacientes a infecções, responsáveis por altas taxas de mortalidade pós-operatórias. A tuberculose (TB) pulmonar é uma significativa causa dessas infecções, sendo muito importante o seu diagnóstico precoce. Assim, nós pesquisamos as manifestações da TB pulmonar ativa nessa população de transplantados renais por meio de radiografias simples e tomografia computadorizada (TC) do tórax, também para estabelecer o número de casos de TB pulmonar ativa em nossa instituição após levantamento de 3,5 anos. Encontramos quatro casos de TB pulmonar ativa em pacientes transplantados renais. A TC forneceu informações adicionais em relação às radiografias de tórax em 100% dos casos analisados. Comparamos os nossos achados de TC com os relatados na literatura. Somamos a experiência obtida com extensa revisão da literatura, ainda limitada nessa questão, com poucos estudos realizados em países em desenvolvimento onde a incidência de TB é maior.

Características sociodemográficas y epidemiológicas de pacientes con inicio clínico de sida en Santiago de Cuba / Sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with clinical onset of AIDS in Santiago de Cuba i: en

Introducción: Uno de los desafíos del milenio a nivel mundial es combatir el avance de la epidemia del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sida. Objetivo: Caracterizar a la población de pacientes con inicio clínico de sida según variables sociodemográficas y epidemiológicas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo, desde el 2017 hasta el 2021, de 87 personas diagnosticadas con inicio clínico del sida en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba. En el análisis estadístico se emplearon medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión, así como la distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas; también, se computaron intervalos de confianza de 95 % para las proporciones de las variables seleccionadas. Resultados: La edad promedio en la serie fue de 42 años (79,3 %); asimismo, predominaron el sexo masculino (91,9 %), el estado civil soltero (91,9 %), la vinculación laboral (72,4 %), los colores de la piel mestizo (52,8 %) y negro (39,3 %) y la procedencia urbana (73,5 %). El coito anal fue la principal forma de contagio (84,0 %), en tanto la mayoría de los afectados de ambos sexos (65,2 % en el masculino y 66,7 % en el femenino) no usaban el preservativo y en los hombres primó la homosexualidad (55,0 %). Conclusiones: El inicio clínico del sida predominó en hombres jóvenes solteros, con vínculo laboral, entre los cuales fueron muy significativas las conductas sexuales de riesgo.

Introduction: One of the millennium challenges worldwide is to fight the advance of the human immunodeficiency virus/aids. Objective: To characterize the sick population with clinical onset of AIDS according to sociodemographic and epidemiologic variables. Methods: An observational and descriptive study was carried out, from 2017 to 2021, of 87 people diagnosed with clinical onset of AIDS in Santiago de Cuba province. In the statistical analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion were used, as well as the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies; also, confidence intervals of 95% were computed for the proportions of selected variables. Results: The average age in the series was 42 years (79.3%), likewise, there was a prevalence of the male sex (91.9%), single as marital status (91.9%), working bond (72.4%), mixed race (52.8%) and black skin color (39.3%), and the urban origin (73.5%). The anal coitus was the main way of infection (84.0%), while the majority of the affected individuals of both sexes (65.2% in males and 66.7% in females) did not use condoms and homosexuality predominated among men (55.0%). Conclusions: The clinical onset of AIDS prevailed in young and single men, with working bond, among whom risky sexual behaviors were very significant.

Criptococosis meníngea: características y desenlace clínico en un hospital de tercer nivel de Bogotá, Colombia / Meningeal cryptococcosis: characteristics and clinical outcome in a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: La criptococosis meníngea es una infección oportunista universal que presenta factores pronósticos variables, especialmente en pacientes inmunosuprimidos. Objetivo: Identificar variables clínicas y paraclínicas asociadas con el desenlace, al final de la hospitalización, en pacientes con criptococosis meníngea atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel en Bogotá, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo. La información se obtuvo por medio de registros de historias clínicas de pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado de criptococosis meníngea durante el periodo 2016-2021. Resultados: Se analizaron 54 casos, el 85,2 % de ellos de sexo masculino, con una mediana de edad de 38 años. El síntoma principal fue cefalea (74,1 %), con un promedio de duración de 30 días antes del ingreso. El 83,3 % tenía diagnóstico de VIH, con niveles de CD4 por debajo de 50 células/mm3 y recuentos elevados de carga viral. El líquido cefalorraquídeo mostró en más del 50 % hipertensión intracraneal, pleocitosis de predominio linfocitario, hiperproteinorraquia e hipoglucorraquia. El tipo de patógeno aislado más frecuente fue C. neoformans var neoformans. Las variables más prevalentes en el grupo de pacientes que fallecieron fueron la presencia de pleocitosis en LCR (p = 0,025), cultivo para hongo positivo (p = 0,02) y aislamiento C. neoformans var neoformans (p = 0,03). Discusión: La criptococosis meníngea es una patología frecuente en hombres en la cuarta década de la vida y con infección por VIH, sin embargo, los factores relacionados con la mortalidad parecen variar dependiendo de la localización geográfica. Conclusión: En nuestro estudio los factores más prevalentes fueron la presencia de pleocitosis en LCR, cultivo positivo, aislamiento de C. neoformans var neoformans.

Introduction: Meningeal cryptococcosis is a universal opportunistic infection that presents variable prognostic factors, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: To identify clinical and paraclinical variables associated with the outcome at the end of hospitalization in patients with meningeal cryptococcosis treated at a tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational study. The information was obtained through records of medical records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of meningeal cryptococcosis during the period 2016-2021. Results: 54 cases were analyzed. 85,2 % men, with a median age of 38 years. The main symptom was headache (74,1 %), with an average duration of 30 days prior to admission. 83,3 % had a diagnosis of HIV, with CD4 levels below 50 cell/mm3 and high viral load counts. The cerebrospinal fluid showed in more than 50 % intracranial hypertension, pleocytosis of lymphocyte predominance, hyperprotein- orrhachia and hypoglycorrhachia. The most frequent type of pathogen isolated was C. neoformans var neoformans. And the most prevalent variables in the group of patients who died were the presence of pleocytosis in CSF (p = 0,025), culture for positive fungus (p = 0,02) and isolation of C. neoformans var neoformans (p = 0,03). Discussion: Meningeal cryptococcosis is a frequent pathology in men, in the fourth decade of life and with HIV infection, however, the factors related to mortality seem to vary depending on the geographical location. Conclusion: In our study, the most prevalent factors were the presence of pleocytosis in CSF, positive culture, isolation of C. neoformans var neoformans.

Sarcoma de Kaposi, sífilis e neurocriptococose em paciente HIV positivo / Kaposi's sarcoma, syphilis and neurocryptococcosis in an HIV-positive patient

A infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) tornou-se um problema de saúde pública em todo o mun-do nas últimas décadas. A principal característica do HIV é a supressão do sistema imunológico pelo ataque aos linfócitos T CD4+ que enfraquece o sistema imunológico e torna o indivíduo suscetível a infecções oportunistas, neoplasias secundárias e doenças neurológicas. Este estudo objetiva relatar e discutir o caso de um paciente HIV positivo que apresentou concomitantemente Sarcoma de Kaposi (SK), sífilis e neurocriptococose, todas doenças relacionadas ao HIV. Trata-se de um paciente masculino, 31 anos, que procurou o serviço do hospital de referência com lesões cutâneas violáceas em face, membros superiores e tórax, com três meses de evolução. Ao exame dermatológico exibiu placas eritematovioláceas infiltrativas, com bordas regulares, elevadas, descamativas e com diâmetros variáveis. Obteve sorologia positiva para anticorpos anti-HIV e VDRL, iniciando protocolos de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) e de tratamento para sífilis. O paciente retornou ao serviço 30 dias após alta hospitalar, com queixa de cefaleia de forte intensidade, refratária à analgesia com opioides, associada a vômitos persistentes. Re-alizada tomografia computadorizada de crânio, sem alterações, e, posteriormente, punção liquórica que evidenciou a presença de criptococo. Iniciado esquema terapêutico para neurocriptococose e realizadas outras duas punções liquóricas para alívio do quadro álgico. Este relato está de acordo com o que presume a literatura médica, reafirmando que pacientes HIV positivos apresentam maior predisposição para condições como o SK, a sífilis e a neurocriptococose. Dessa forma, o estudo ilustra com ineditismo a ocorrência simultânea de complexas manifestações clínicas no mesmo paciente imunossuprimido (AU).

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a worldwide public health problem in recent decades. The main characteristic of HIV is the suppression of the immune system by attacking CD4+ T lymphocytes, which weakens the immune system and makes the individual susceptible to opportunistic infections, secondary neoplasms, and neurological diseases. This study aims to report and discuss the case of an HIV-positive patient who presented concomitantly Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), primary syphilis, and neurocryptococcosis, all HIV-related. This is a 31-year-old male patient who sought care at the reference hospital with violaceous skin lesions on the face, upper limbs and chest, with a three-month evolution. Dermatological examination showed infiltrative erythematous-violet plaques, with regular, elevated, scaly edges and varying diameters. He obtained positive serology for anti-HIV and VDRL antibodies, initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) and treatment protocols for primary syphilis. The patient re-turned to the service 30 days after hospital discharge, complaining of severe headache, refractory to analgesia with opioids, associated with persistent vomiting. Cranial computed tomography was performed and did not demonstrate alterations; later CSF puncture showed the presence of cryptococcus. A therapeutic scheme for neurocryptococcosis was started, and two other CSF punctures were performed to relieve the pain. This report agrees with the medical literature, reaffirming that HIV-positive patients present a greater predisposition to conditions such as KS, syphilis, and neurocryptococcosis. Thus, the study illustrates with uniqueness the simultaneous occurrence of complex clinical manifestations in the same immunosuppressed patient (AU),

Dental consensus on HSCT - Part II: dental Care during HSCT

ABSTRACT During the state of immune vulnerability in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the patient has an increased risk of developing a vast number of complications, including severe problems in the oral cavity. These situations require professional oral care to act in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, as well as to develop prevention protocols to minimize patient's complications. Oral mucositis, opportunistic infections, bleeding, specific microbiota, taste, and salivary alterations are complications that can occur during HSCT and interfere with various aspects, such as pain control, oral intake, nutrition, bacteremia and sepsis, days of hospitalization and morbidity. Several guidelines have been published to address the role of professional oral care during the HSCT, we describe a consensus regarding these recommendations.

Mucormicosis invasora en pacientes con COVID-19: reporte de 2 casos / Invasive mucormycosis during COVID-19 infection. Report of two cases

COVID-19 disease is associated with a significant number of opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections such as mucormycosis. The prevalence of the latter is rare, estimated to be between 0.005 and 1.7 per million inhabitants. Risk factors include hematological diseases, Diabetes Mellitus with poor metabolic control, solid organ transplantation, neutropenia, and prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids. We report two males aged 60 and 75 years with pulmonary and tracheobronchial invasive mucormycosis, respectively. Both patients had a deficient metabolic control of their diabetes as a predisposing risk factor added to severe COVID-19 infection. High suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for prompt treatment, especially considering the associated high morbidity and mortality of this fungal infection.

Characteristics of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals with suboptimal immune reconstruc-tion in Guangxi / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the characteristics of opportunistic infections(OIs)in HIV-infected indi-viduals with suboptimal immune reconstitution after ART treatment so as to provide a reference for preventing and managing HIV infections.Methods The clinical data including opportunistic infections specifically were acquired from 112 HIV-infected individuals with suboptimal immune reconstitution from the outpatient department of Wuming Hospital,Guangxi Medical University.The impact of baseline CD4+T lymphocyte counts on the incidence,type,and mixed infection rates of the opportunistic infections were analyzed.Results The opportunistic infection rate among the 112 HIV-infected individuals with suboptimal immune reconstitution was 42.86%,among which fungal infections were the most commonly seen.The opportunistic infection rate of the patients with a baseline of CD4+T lymphocyte counts≤50/μL was significantly higher than that of the patients with a baseline of CD4+T lymphocyte counts>50/μL,and there was no significant difference in the type of opportunistic infections as well as the rate of mixed infections.Conclusion HIV-infected people with suboptimal immune reconstitution in Guangxi are susceptible to HIV OIs.Among them,the group with a baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte counts≤50/μL has a higher rate of OIs,mainly fungal infections.

Predictive value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index for opportunistic infection among acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To explore the predictive value of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) for opportunistic infection among acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.Methods:From March 2020 to March 2022, a total of 220 AIDS patients treated in Honghu Center for Disease Control and Prevention were enrolled and they were divided into opportunistic infection group (178 cases) and non-infection group (42 cases) according to whether infection occurred; they were also assigned to bacterial infection group (22 cases), fungal infection group (63 cases) and mixed infection group (93 cases) according to different etiological characteristics. The general data were collected and CAR, SII were calculated according to laboratory indicators. Logistic regression was used to screen the risk factors affecting opportunistic infections or different etiological infections. The predictive value of CAR and SII on opportunistic infection and different etiological infections were compared by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The CD 4+T cell count, lymphocyte count were lower in the opportunistic infection group and the CRP, CAR, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, SII were higher in the opportunistic infection group compared with non-infection group, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that CAR and SII were the independent risk factors of opportunistic infection ( P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of CAR to predict opportunistic infection was 0.886(95% CI 0.837 - 0.925), the specificity and sensitivity was 97.0% and 69.1%; the AUC of SII to predict opportunistic infection was 0.743(95% CI 0.680 - 0.799), the specificity and sensitivity was 52.4% and 88.2%. The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that CAR, monocyte count and SII were the independent risk factors for bacterial infection ( P<0.05). CAR and SII were the independent risk factors for fungal infection ( P<0.05). CD 4+ T cell count, CAR and SII were the independent risk factors for mixed infection ( P<0.05). The AUC of CAR to predict bacterial, fungal and mixed infection were 0.898(95% CI 0.797 - 0.960), 0.828(95% CI 0.742 - 0.895) and 0.923(95% CI 0.864 - 0.962), the optimum critical value were 0.49, 0.43, 0.40, the specificity were 98.7%, 95.2% and 92.9%, the sensitivity were 72.7%, 66.7% and 80.6%. The AUC of SII to predict bacterial, fungal and mixed infections were 0.627(95% CI 0.497 - 0.744), 0.782 (95% CI 0.633 - 0.811) and 0.780(95% CI 0.700 - 0.847), the optimum critical value were 385.13, 379.27, 390.10, the specificity were 55.4%, 52.4% and 54.8%, the sensitivity were 77.3%, 85.7% and 90.3%. Conclusions:CAR and SII can be used as predictors of AIDS opportunistic infection.

Tuberculosis y otras causas de morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con VIH/sida / Tuberculosis and other causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV/AIDS

Introducción: A diferencia de lo descrito en países desarrollados, en los que se informan las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles como causa de hospitalización en pacientes con VIH, en este estudio las principales causas de admisión hospitalaria y muerte fueron las infecciones oportunistas, particularmente la tuberculosis, algo similar a lo reportado en otros países de ingresos bajos en América y África Occidental, aun con la disponibilidad de la terapia antirretroviral. Objetivos: Se determinaron las causas más frecuentes de morbilidad y mortalidad hospitalaria en pacientes con VIH. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio de pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de VIH durante un año, en un hospital de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Resultados: De 151 pacientes, el 76% era del sexo masculino, con 37 años en promedio. El 56.3% conocía el diagnóstico de infección por VIH. Las principales causas de hospitalización y muerte fueron las enfermedades definitorias de sida, entre las que las formas meníngeas, como criptococosis, toxoplasmosis, sífilis y leucoencefalopatía en conjunto, siguen a la tuberculosis; el 93.5% de los fallecidos tenía recuento de CD4 menor de 200 células/mm3 (p = 0.007). Conclusión: De manera similar a lo informado en pacientes adultos jóvenes con VIH en países de bajos ingresos económicos, las infecciones oportunistas fueron la principal causa de hospitalización y muerte, relacionada con inmunosupresión intensa, estadios avanzados de la enfermedad y falta de terapia antirretroviral. Los resultados refuerzan la importancia del diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento de la infección por VIH, así como la profilaxis de las infecciones oportunistas prevenibles.

Introduction: Unlike what has been described in developed countries where chronic non-communicable diseases are reported as the cause of hospitalization in patients with HIV, in this study the main cause of hospital admission and death were opportunistic infections, particularly tuberculosis similar to what was reported in other low-income countries in the Americas and West Africa even with the availability of antiretroviral therapy. Aim: The most frequent causes of hospital morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV were determined. Material and methods: The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients admitted with a diagnosis of HIV for one year in a Guayaquil General Hospital were analyzed. Results: Of 151 patients, 76% were male with an average age of 37 years old. 56.3% knew the diagnosis of HIV infection. The main cause of hospitalization and death were AIDS-defining diseases where the meningeal forms: cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, syphilis and leukoencephalopathy together follow tuberculosis, and 93.5% of the deceased had a CD4 count of fewer than 200 cells/ mm3 (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Similar to what was reported in young adult patients with HIV in low-income countries, opportunistic infections were the main cause of hospitalization and death, related to severe immunosuppression, advanced stages of the disease, and without antiretroviral therapy. The results reinforce the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection and the prophylaxis of preventable opportunistic infections.

Genes involucrados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador / Genes involved with antimicrobial resistance in Ecuadorian hospitals

INTRODUCCIÓN. La resistencia a los antimicrobianos es un problema de salud pública actual asociado con alta mortalidad, hospitalización prolongada, alternativas terapéuticas reducidas, mayores costos económicos y la posibilidad de brotes hospitalarios. OBJETIVO. Describir los principales genes involucrados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó una descripción retrospectiva no experimental, de artículos indexados relacionados con resistencia antimicrobiana en hospitales del Ecuador, con evidencia desde el año 2009 al 2022. La revisión de bibliografías se llevó a cabo en bases de datos como Pubmed, Science Direct y Google Scholar. RESULTADOS. De un grupo original de 77 artículos, se seleccionaron 33 documentos. En Ecuador, varios estudios han descrito los mecanismos moleculares involucrados en la resistencia bacteriana. Sin embargo, en bacterias menos comunes, falta investigación sobre los genes asociados. CONCLUSIONES. Las principales bacterias multirresistentes descritas en Ecuador son Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli y Acinetobacter baumanni, las cuales presentan genes involucrados en la producción de carbapenemasas (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). Estas bacterias presentan altos niveles de resistencia a los antibióticos y son objeto de vigilancia epidemiológica por parte del sistema nacional de salud. A nivel local, otras bacterias presentan mecanismos de resistencia a los carbapenémicos (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter sp.), pero no existen descripciones detalladas del genotipo, sus características microbiológicas o la clínica del paciente. El conocimiento de las tasas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos en los diferentes hospitales, la implementación de un plan de administración de antibióticos, el uso correcto de los equipos de protección personal, el aislamiento de las personas con infecciones multirresistentes, así como el trabajo colaborativo entre las diferentes áreas del hospital, son esenciales para reducir la propagación de estos patógenos.

INTRODUCTION. Antimicrobial resistance is a current public health problem associated with high mortality, prolonged hospitalization, reduced therapeutic alternatives, increased economic costs, and the potential for hospital outbreaks. OBJECTIVE. To describe the main genes involved with antimicrobial resistance in hospitals in Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A retrospective non-experimental description of indexed articles related to antimicrobial resistance in hospitals in Ecuador was carried out, with evidence from 2009 to 2022. The review of bibliographies was carried out in databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. RESULTS. From an original group of 77 articles, 33 papers were selected. In Ecuador, several studies have described the molecular mechanisms involved in bacterial resistance. However, in less common bacteria, research on the associated genes is lacking. CONCLUSIONS. The main multidrug-resistant bacteria described in Ecuador are Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumanni, which present genes involved in the production of carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). These bacteria present high levels of antibiotic resistance and are subject to epidemiological surveillance by the national health system. Locally, other bacteria present mechanisms of resistance to carbapenemics (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., Serratia marcescens, Citrobacter sp.), but there are no detailed descriptions of the genotype, their microbiological characteristics or the patient's clinic. Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance rates in different hospitals, the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship plan, the correct use of personal protective equipment, the isolation of individuals with multidrug-resistant infections, as well as collaborative work between different areas of the hospital, are essential to reduce the spread of these pathogens.

Caracterização das infecções que acometem o usuário no momento do diagnóstico para o Hiv/Aids / Characterization of infections that affect the user at the moment of diagnosis for Hiv/Aids / Caracterización de las infecciones que afectan a los usuarios en el momento del diagnóstico del Vih/Sida

: O estado do Pará, de 2009 a 2019, apresentou um aumento de 46,5% na taxa de detecção de aids. O que destaca a importância de estudos para a avaliação e acompanhamento deste público. Objetivo: Analisar as infecções que acometem os usuários de um centro de referência no momento de seu diagnóstico para a infecção pelo HIV. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, realizado em um centro de referência da cidade de Santarém, Pará. A amostra foi de 332 prontuários de pacientes diagnosticados para o HIV nos anos de 2016 e 2017. A coleta de dados buscou informações sociodemográficas, clínicas e imunológicas dos pacientes no momento do diagnóstico para a infecção pelo HIV. Os dados foram organizados e analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial, adotando- se p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se prevalência do sexo masculino (67%), faixa etária de 15-24 anos (32,2%), solteiros (59%), com vínculo empregatício (64,5%), contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ ≥200 céls/mm3 (54,8%) e carga viral detectável (75,3%). A Candidíase (25%) e a Tuberculose (25%) predominaram como infecções oportunistas (IO), e a Sífilis (67,5%) como outras infecções. Conclusão: Conforme método proposto e os dados já informados, conclui-se que o diagnóstico para a Sífilis se associou ao sexo masculino, bem como a situação de contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ <200 céls/mm3 se associou com a presença de alguma infecção oportunista, da instalação da Candidíase e da Tuberculose.

Introduction: The state of Pará, from 2009 to 2019, showed a 46.5% increase in the AIDS detection rate. What stands out the importance of studies for the evaluation and monitoring of this public. Objective: Analyze the infections that affect the users of a reference center at the moment of diagnosis for HIV infection. Methods: Descriptive study, carried out in a reference center in the city of Santarém, Pará. The sample consisted of 332 records of patients diagnosed with HIV in the years 2016 and 2017. The data collection sought sociodemographic, clinical and immunological information of the patients at the moment diagnosis for HIV infection. The data were organized and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting p <0.05. Results: There was a prevalence of males (67%), aged 15-24 years (32.2%), single (59%), with employment (64.5%), CD4 + T lymphocyte count ≥200 cells/mm3 (54.8%) and detectable viral load (75.3%). Candidiasis (25%) and Tuberculosis (25%) predominated as opportunistic infections (IO), and Syphilis (67.5%) as other infections. Conclusion: According to the proposed method and the data already reported, it is concluded that the diagnosis for Syphilis was associated with the male gender, as well as the situation of CD4 + T lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm3 was associated with the presence of some opportunistic infection, of the installation of Candidiasis and Tuberculosis.

Introducción: El estado de Pará, de 2009 a 2019, presentó un aumento del 46,5% en la tasa de detección del SIDA. Lo que pone de manifiesto la importancia de los estudios para la evaluación y el seguimiento de este público. Objetivo: Analizar las infecciones que sufren los usuarios de un centro de referencia en el momento de su diagnóstico de infección por VIH. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, realizado em um centro de referência da cidade de Santarém, Pará. La muestra fue de 332 historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de VIH en los años 2016 y 2017. La recogida de datos buscaba información sociodemográfica, clínica e inmunológica de los pacientes en el momento del diagnóstico de la infección por VIH. Los datos se organizaron y analizaron mediante estadísticas descriptivas e inferenciales, adoptando p<0,05. Resultados: Se observó la prevalencia del sexo masculino (67%), el grupo de edad de 15 a 24 años (32,2%), la soltería (59%), el empleo (64,5%), el recuento de linfocitos T CD4+ ≥200 células/mm3 (54,8%) y la carga viral detectable (75,3%). La candidiasis (25%) y la tuberculosis (25%) predominaron como infecciones oportunistas (IO), y la sífilis (67,5%) como otras infecciones. Conclusión: De acuerdo con el método propuesto y los datos ya informados, se concluye que el diagnóstico de Sífilis se asocia al sexo masculino, así como la situación de contagio de linfocitos T CD4+ <200 células/mm3 se asocia a la presencia de alguna infección oportunista, a la instauración de la Candidiasis y a la Tuberculosis.

COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis with Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus in Young Males - A Tertiary Care Experience

Abstract Introduction Patients with a history of or active COVID-19 infection are predisposed to the development of opportunist bacterial and fungal infections. A rising incidence of a rare occurring fungal infection earlier, called mucormycosis, has been reported in abundance across the globe since March 2021, especially in India just as the second wave of COVID-19 began, caused by the trifecta of hyperglycemia (new-onset or exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes), oxygen therapy (invasive or noninvasive ventilation), and prolonged intake of steroids. Objective The present study aimed at assessing the prevalence of post-COVID mucormycosis in males of younger age group and spread of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Methods A case-control study was performed over a period of 3 months among 60 male patients with confirmed diagnosis of mucormycosis. Individuals < 40 years old were included in the case group (n = 30), while those > 40 years old were included as controls (n = 30). Disease spread was assessed in three types of ROCM, that is, rhinomaxillary, rhino-orbital, and rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. Results In the control group, the mean age was 48.47 years old, the mean HbA1c was 10.62 ± 1.88%, with most of them suffering from rhino-orbital mucormycosis. In the case group, the mean age was 31.57 years old, with a mean HbA1c of 10.11 ± 2.46%, and most patients had rhinomaxillary mucormycosis. The duration of steroid intake and mode of oxygen therapy were found to be significant in the severity of ROCM. Conclusion Rising cases of post-COVID mucormycosis have brought to light the fatal consequences of prolonged use of steroids and oxygen therapy towards the development and spread of ROCM among young and middle-aged males.

Micosis diseminadas en pacientes con SIDA en un hospital de referencia

RESUMEN Introducción: las micosis diseminadas siguen aumentando su incidencia en pacientes inmunodeprimidos originando elevadas tasas de morbimortalidad. Los factores de riesgo más importantes asociados al desarrollo de infecciones oportunistas en pacientes infectados con el VIH son recuentos bajos de linfocitos T CD4+ y falta de adherencia al tratamiento con antirretrovirales. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas de las micosis diseminadas en pacientes con SIDA internados en el Departamento de Medicina Interna del Hospital Nacional, Itauguá, Paraguay, desde 2016 al 2018. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo y retrospectivo de corte transverso. Se incluyeron a todos los varones y mujeres mayores de 18 años con SIDA diagnosticados con micosis diseminada. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Itapúa, Paraguay. Resultados: Se incluyeron 80 pacientes de los cuales 52 fueron varones con una edad media de 40 años ±10 años. La micosis más frecuente fue la candidiasis diseminada en 39 pacientes (49,5%), seguida por la criptococosis en 19 pacientes (23%). Del total de los pacientes, 69 (87%) tenían recuentos de CD4+ 100.000 copias y 41 sujetos (51%) habían abandonado el tratamiento antirretroviral. Los órganos más afectados fueron el tubo digestivo y aparato respiratorio. La mortalidad se observó en 17 casos (21%). Entre éstos, 11 (63%) sujetos presentaron falla renal y 9 (55%) estaban caquécticos. Conclusión: se encontró predominio de sexo masculino con una edad media de 40 años. La mayoría de los pacientes tenían carga viral elevada y recuento de CD4+ bajos. La micosis más frecuente fue la candidiasis. Uno de cada cuatro pacientes presentó criptococosis, con mayor frecuencia a nivel meníngeo. La mortalidad por micosis diseminada fue 21%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Disseminated mycoses continue to increase their incidence in immunosuppressed patients, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. The most important risk factors associated with the development of opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients are low CD4+ T lymphocyte counts and lack of adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of disseminated mycoses in patients with AIDS admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine of the Hospital Nacional of Itauguá, Paraguay from 2016 to 2018. Materials and methods: Prospective and retrospective descriptive cross-sectional observational study. All men and women older than 18 years with AIDS and diagnosed with disseminated mycosis were included. The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine of the National University of Itapúa, Paraguay. Results: Eighty patients were included, of which 52 were men with a mean age of 40 years ±10 years. The most frequent mycosis was disseminated candidiasis in 39 patients (49.5%), followed by cryptococcosis in 19 patients (23%). Of the total number of patients, 69 (87%) had CD4+ counts 100,000 copies, and 41 subjects (51%) had discontinued antiretroviral treatment. The most affected organs were the digestive tract and the respiratory system. Mortality was observed in 17 cases (21%) and among these, 11 (63%) subjects had renal failure and 9 (55%) were cachectic. Conclusion: Male predominance was found with a mean age of 40 years. Most of the patients had high viral load and low CD4+ counts. The most frequent mycosis was candidiasis. One in four patients presented cryptococcosis, most frequently at meningeal level. Mortality due to disseminated mycosis was 21%.

Cryptosporidium spp. en muestras de lavado broncoalveolar de pacientes VIH/sida en un hospital de Guayaquil, Ecuador / Cryptosporidium spp. in bronchoalveolar lavage samples of HIV/AIDS patients in a hospital in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Introducción: Cryptosporidium spp. son parásitos que causan infecciones respiratorias principalmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Objetivo: Detectar Cryptosporidium spp. en el lavado broncoalveolar (BAL) de pacientes VIH positivos y con síndrome respiratorio. Métodos: Se seleccionaron 60 muestras de BAL y se analizaron mediante microscopía óptica con tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen y PCR de punto final; esta última es una técnica eficiente para el diagnóstico de patógenos oportunistas. Se recolectaron datos clínicos y epidemiológicos de cada paciente. Resultados: La prevalencia hallada en este estudio mediante PCR de punto final fue del 5 %. Los signos y síntomas que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia, sobre todo en el grupo etario de 31 a 40 años, fueron fiebre, tos y disnea; sin embargo, no se obtuvieron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas a ninguna de las variables y no se pudo visualizar parásitos mediante la tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen. Conclusión: Cryptosporidium spp. puede causar infecciones pulmonares de difícil reconocimiento clínico, pues se confunde con otras infecciones oportunistas. En el presente estudio no puede establecerse si la detección del ADN parasitario correspondió a una verdadera infección o solamente a colonización, lo que es importante para implementar técnicas con mayor sensibilidad para el diagnóstico. Se debe considerar relevante la prevalencia encontrada en Ecuador, al ser inusualmente alta en comparación con países cercanos como Brasil(AU)

Introduction: Cryptosporidium spp. are parasites that cause respiratory infections mainly in immunocompromised patients. Objective: To detect Cryptosporidium spp. in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of HIV-positive patients with respiratory syndrome. Methods: Sixty samples of BAL were selected and analyzed by optical microscopy with Ziehl-Neelsen staining and end-point PCR. The latter is an efficient technique for the diagnosis of opportunistic pathogens. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected from every patient. Results: In this study, the prevalence by end-point PCR was 5%. The most frequent signs and symptoms, mainly in the age group 31-40 years old, were fever, cough, and dyspnea. However, no significant statistical associations to any variable were obtained, and no parasites were observed with the Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. can cause pulmonary infections that are difficult to identify clinically, since they are confused with other opportunistic diseases. The current study could not establish whether the detection of parasitic DNA corresponded to a real infection or only to colonization, which is important to implement diagnostic techniques with greater sensitivity. The prevalence found in Ecuador should be considered relevant, as it is unusually high in comparison with nearby countries such as Brazil(AU)

Non invasive tests for diagnosis of parasitic infections of CNS

Central nervous system (CNS) infections are among the most devastating diseases with high mortality and morbidity. In the pre-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) era, the occurrence of CNS infections was very infrequent. However, in the past four decades or so, with a global increase in the immunocompromised population, the incidence of opportunistic infections of the CNS has changed. This includes a global increase in the incidence of parasitic infections such as Toxoplasma gondii. Infections such as neurocysticercosis and cerebral malaria are quite prevalent in developing countries. Early diagnosis of these infections is crucial for instituting accurate therapy and preventing mortality and morbidity. Despite advances in neuroimaging techniques, laboratory diagnosis remains the mainstay for confirmation of diagnosis. We present an update on the noninvasive tests available for laboratory diagnosis of parasitic infections of the CNS.

Risk Factors of Ulcerative Colitis Complicated With Opportunistic Intestinal Infection / 胃肠病学

Background: The risk of opportunistic infection in ulcerative colitis (UC) is significantly higher than that in healthy subjects, and has adverse impact on clinical outcome. Aims: To analyze the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal infection in UC patients and explore the risk factors of UC complicated with opportunistic infection. Methods: Clinical data of patients with UC hospitalized in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2012 to December 2020 were collected retrospectively. Information on demography, clinical characteristics, laboratory, endoscopic and pathological findings, as well as the medication histories were recorded; the factors associated with opportunistic intestinal infection were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 275 UC patients were included, with an opportunistic intestinal infection rate of 26.2%; among which, rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein ‑ Barr virus (EBV), fungi, Clostridium difficile, amoeba, and multiple infection were 13.5%, 14.5%, 5.1%, 1.5%, 1.1%, and 9.1%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic analysis demonstrated that severe disease activity (OR=6.517, 95% CI: 1.487‑28.552, P=0.013) and albumin <30 g/L (OR=3.895, 95% CI: 1.590 ‑ 9.544, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for CMV infection. The independent risk factors for EBV infection included severe disease activity (OR=11.260, 95% CI: 2.249‑56.382, P=0.003), albumin <30 g/L (OR=2.548, 95% CI: 1.096‑5.927, P=0.030) and C‑reactive protein (CRP) elevation (OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.007‑1.086, P=0.019). While for intestinal fungal infection, the risk in patients with chronic relapsing type UC was lower (OR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.087‑0.886, P=0.030). Intestinal multiple infection was mainly composed of viral infection, and the independent risk factors were similar to those of CMV and EBV infection. Conclusions: Most of the opportunistic intestinal infection in UC patients is viral infection. Disease activity, inflammatory response and reduced albumin are risk factors for intestinal viral infection in UC patients, while the risk of fungal infection is only related to clinical subtyping.

Opportunistic Infections and associated factors among HIV infected patients on anti-retroviral treatment at Bombo Hospital in Tanga Region, Tanzania

Background: A substantive number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) develop Opportunistic Infections (OIs). The introduction of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in Tanzania led to a significant decline in opportunistic infections and a slower progression to AIDS, but OIs are still prevalent. This study was set to determine the magnitude of OIs and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) attending care and treatment clinic at Bombo Regional Referral hospital, Tanga region. Materials And Methods: A cross­sectional descriptive study was conducted on HIV/AIDS patients on ART attending Bombo Hospital in Tanga from July to October 2019. A non-probability, consecutive sampling technique was employed to obtain study participants. Data were collected using available data obtained from the patients' files, hospital record books and interviews of study participants by using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into the computer using Excel 2013, cleaned and analysed using Epi Info version 7.2.2.6. Any p-value of < 0.05, at a 95% confidence interval was regarded as statistically significant. Results : The study showed that out of the 360 participants, 126 cases (35.0%) of OIs were reported. Pulmonary Tuberculosis had the highest prevalence of 18.0% among PLHIV while other opportunistic Infections altogether contributed 17.0%. Late ART initiation (OR=10.9, 95% CI: 6.5 ­ 18.3, p-value <0.001), Poor drug adherence (OR=19, 95% CI: 9.0 ­ 39.7, p-value <0.001), female gender (69% vs. 31%), which was however, not statistically significant (p-value ­ 0.904), Informal and Primary School education (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 ­ 1.6, p-value 0.04) being married (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.3 ­ 3.4, p ­ value 0.004) and widowed/widower (OR=7.7, 95% CI: 1.7 ­ 33.7, p ­ value 0.007) respectively were found to be associated with OIs to PLHIV.CONCLUSION : The rate of OIs still high among PLHIV, Pulmonary Tuberculosis is the leading disease with 18.0% of all OIs symptomatic patients. Delay in ART initiation after positive test results, poor drug adherence and moderate malnutrition have been identified as major risk factors affecting 66.0%, 70.0%, 71%of PLWHA with OIs. We recommend early initiation of ART, Education on ART adherence and refilling of large quantities of ARV drugs to individuals working far from their homes.

Epidemiological profile and follow-up of patients with pulmonary disease by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in Baixada Santista area, São Paulo

ABSTRACT Objective To present the frequency and species diversity of non-tuberculous mycobacteria, estimate the prevalence of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, describe the epidemiological profile, and determine the follow-up of patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease living in a region with a high burden of tuberculosis. Methods This a retrospective cohort observational study using data records obtained from the Instituto Adolfo Lutz - Santos and from the São Paulo Sistema de Vigilância de Tuberculose do Estado de São Paulo in the period between 2000 and 2009. The studied variables were: socio-demographic characteristics, current and past history of tuberculosis, aspects related to diagnosis, and treatment and associated diseases. Results We included 319 non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolates in the study, corresponding to 257 patients. The species Mycobacterium kansasii (28.5%) and Mycobacterium fortuitum (16.6%) presented the higher occurrence. In 10.9% (24) of the patients, there was a criterion for confirming a case of pulmonary disease due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In relation to gender and age, male and individuals over 50 years old were the most frequent. Considering the confirmed cases, 47.8% had a past history of tuberculosis. Conclusion The lack of information about the cases is evident, since pulmonary disease due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria is not mandatory. The therapeutic regimen according to the identified species is fundamental for success in combating the infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Besides that, information about the regional epidemiology of pulmonary disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria and the search for associations with other comorbidities are important to establish the correct treatment. In order to improve surveillance of pulmonary diseases by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, we suggest the implantation of a sentinel surveillance and of population-based studies.