Coronavirus in patient with positive PCR test in cerebrospinal fluid led to generalized tonic-clonic seizure without brain lesion: a case report

SARS-CoV-2 which first was observed in Wuhan region, China in December 2019 is affected many organs, such as central nervous system. We describe a case of a 57-year-old male patient, in hospital with the loss of consciousness, in the form of lack of verbal and visual communication. He got a seizure attack for about 3 minutes in the form of generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTS) and admitted to the neurological department and was intubated. Since, the patient was not aware, awake, did not obey, corneal reflexes test was positive and his pupils were isochoric and reactive therefore, the primary diagnosis was cerebrovascular accident (CVA). On the second day after admission, although the brain computed tomography (CT) did not show brain lesion, but chest X-ray (CXR) revealed lung involvement. In addition, on third day the RT-PCR test for coronavirus RNA in and the cerebrospinal fluid and nasopharyngeal swap done and the result was positive for both of them. Therefore, treatment for the covid-19 was started. Result(s): Since, the treatment for the covid-19 was started with Atazanavir, Clindamycin and ceftriaxone, ten days after hospitalization, the lung involvement and general condition of patient got better and after two weeks he was released from the hospital. Conclusion(s): GTS should be considered as a neurological outcome of COVID-19 and medications against the coronavirus, such as Atazanavir, Clindamycin and ceftriaxone can recover the neurological deficits in these patients.Copyright© 2020, TMU Press.

Discussed Poster Abstracts – PM1

B PM1-030 b B Adverse drug reaction profile of drug interactions involving a protein kinase inhibitor indicated in chronic myeloid leukemia from pharmacovigilance databases b M. C. Pajiep, M. Lapeyre-Mestre and F. Despas I Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, France i B Introduction: b The introduction of protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has considerably improved prognosis of the disease but has also demonstrated a great potential for drug-drug interactions. Service de Médecine Interne et Infectiologie, Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses-Croix Saint-Simon, Paris, France i B Introduction: b Despite an important drug-drug interaction, it was previously suggested the clindamycin-rifampicin combination could be used in patients with bone and joints infections (BJIs) provided clindamycin is administered by continuous infusion. Most of eligible patients to the antiviral drug can benefit from it despite the risk of drug-drug interaction. Twenty patients received clindamycin without rifampicin, 19 patients received clindamycin concomitantly with rifampicin and the remaining 85 received clindamycin successively without and with rifampicin. B Results: b Among 957 patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 during the data collection period, 686 patients were included: 430 new users of a SD regimen, 161 patients who started with SD and switched to ED regimen during follow-up, and 95 new users of an ED regimen. [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Antibiotics in Paediatrics: A Boon or a Bane?

Antibiotics play an essential role in antimicrobial therapy. Among all the medications in children, the most commonly prescribed therapy is antibiotics and is currently the indispensable means to cure transmissible diseases. Several categories of antibiotics have been introduced into clinical practice to treat microbial infections. Reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics is a global need and priority. This article aims to provide better knowledge and understanding of the impact of the early use of antibiotics. This article highlights the proper use of antibiotics in chil-dren, detailing how early and inappropriate use of antibiotics affect the gut microbiome during normal body development and consequently affect the metabolism due to diabetes mellitus, obe-sity, and recurrence of infections, such as UTI. Several new antibiotics in their development stage, newly marketed antibiotics, and some recalled and withdrawn from the market are also briefly discussed in this article. This study will help future researchers in exploring the latest information about antibiotics used in paediatrics.Copyright © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Characterization and antibiogram study of pneumonia causing bacteria isolated from blood culture of children in northern Bangladesh

Children are usually affected by pneumonia, which is a common ailment caused by Pathogenic Streptococcus pneumoniae. This study's objective was to isolate and identify S. pneumoniae, which was recovered from blood samples of suspected paediatric pneumonia patients using conventional techniques, such as antibiotic sensitivity profiles and molecular approaches. In this study, forty (40) samples from three major hospitals in the Dinajpur region of Bangladesh were collected and assessed using various bacteriological, biochemical, antibiotic susceptibility test, and molecular techniques. 37.5% of the 40 samples tested positive for pneumonia, and 15 isolates were discovered. In terms of age, pneumonia was more common in children aged 3-5 years (50%) than in those aged 6 to 8 (33.33%), 9 to 11 (25%) and 12 to 15 (20%). According to the results of the current study, the study area had no statistically significant impact (P > 0.05), while age and socioeconomic status had a significant impact on the prevalence of pneumonia in patients with pneumonia (P 0.05). The age group for which pneumonia was most prevalent (at 50%) was that for children between the ages of 3-5. Poor socioeconomic status was associated with the highest prevalence of pneumonia (54.54%). By sequencing the 16S rRNA gene, S. pneumoniae was identified as S. pneumoniae NBRC102642. In the antibiotic investigation, S. pneumoniae was found to be extremely resistant to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, vancomycin, and cefexime, but responsive to erythromycin and azithromycin, as well as neomycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, and bacitracin. S. pneumoniae causes serious complications in paediatric patients, and this scenario requires prevention through vaccination and the development of new, efficient antibiotic therapies for pneumonia. If specific laboratory features of paediatric patients with pneumonia are understood, sepsis will be easier to detect early, treat, and reduce mortality.

A Case Report of Non-puerperal Uterine Inversion

Objective: Non-puerperal uterine inversion is a rare occurrence. The common etiology for this condition is uterine sarcoma, endometrial carcinoma, and myoma. Case Presentation: This case is a 44-year-old woman with a protruding malodorous vaginal mass, abdominal pain, and urinary retention. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was per-formed. Conclusion: Diagnosis of uterine inversion might be difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. © 2023 Bentham Science Publishers.

Not all shortness of breath and throat pain is COVID

Case Report: A previously, healthy 18-year-old female presents to a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department with shortness of breath, fever, and worsening throat and abdominal pain for 3 days. She had a sick contact, a teacher that tested positive for COVID-19 2 weeks prior to presentation. She denies runny/stuffy nose, cough, loss of taste/smell, or rashes/lesions. She denies any significant past medical history including allergies, as well as any history of smoking or any illicit drug use. Upon arrival to the ED, the patient was noted to be tachycardic, hypotensive and febrile. There were no desaturations. Initial physical examination revealed a generally uncomfortable female that was alert and oriented, with noted tenderness over the right anterior neck region, diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy, and painful neck range of motion. Her pharynx was noted to be erythematous without exudates or any unilateral tonsillar swelling. In the ED patient received IV fluid resuscitation and was started on norepinephrine drip, broad spectrum antibiotics. Initial lab workup revealed an anion gap metabolic acidosis, likely secondary to uremia or lactic acidosis from poor perfusion in setting of sepsis and hypovolemia. BUN and creatinine were elevated, likely due to an acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to hypovolemia. The patient was also found to have an elevated LDH, fibrinogen, and mild elevation of AST. D-Dimer was elevated at 29 000. Covid PCR, Rapid Strep, and respiratory PCR panel were negative. Her chest X-ray (CXR) was negative and ECG showed sinus tachycardia. Given the patient's history of throat and neck pain with shortness of breath, in the setting of a septic picture, a CT scan of neck, chest, abdomen was ordered prior to transferring the patient to the PICU. CT scan of the chest revealed small patches of consolidation with ground glass opacities in the right lung apex, as well as an nearly occlusive, acute thrombosis of the anterior right facial vein. The patient's initial blood cultures grew gram negative bacilli which later were revealed to be Fusobacterium necrophorum. These findings are consistent with Lemierre's syndrome. The patient was treated in the PICU on vasopressors, heparin anticoagulation, and antibiotics for 6 days and discharged with a course of Augmentin. Lemierre's syndrome is an infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. First described by Andre Lemierre in 1936, it begins as a bacterial pharyngitis, generally developing into a peritonsillar abscess or other deep space neck infection with progressive erosion into the internal jugular vein. Diagnostic criteria for Lemierre's syndrome includes radiographically evidence of thrombophlebitis of the internal vein and positive blood cultures. CT and MRI can help make the diagnosis, but are not always required. Treatment is prompt intravenous antibiotics with beta-lactamase penicillins, metronidazole, clindamycin, and third generation cephalosporins. [Figure presented] Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

Assessment of the Prescriptions of Systemic Antibiotics in Primary Dental Care in Germany from 2017 to 2021: A Longitudinal Drug Utilization Study.

(1) Background: Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, the frequency of antibiotic use should be questioned in dentistry and attention paid to the choice of the best suited substance according to guidelines. In Germany, overprescribing of clindamycin was noteworthy in the past. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the trend of antibiotic prescriptions in primary dental care. (2) Methods: Prescriptions of antibiotics in German primary dental care from 2017 to 2021 were analysed using dispensing data from community pharmacies, claimed to the statutory health insurance (SHI) funds, and compared with all antibiotic prescriptions in primary care. Prescriptions were analysed based on defined daily doses per 1000 SHI-insured persons per day (DID). (3) Results: Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (0.505 DID in 2017, 0.627 in 2021, +24.2%) in primary dental care, followed by clindamycin (0.374 DID in 2017, 0.294 in 2021, -21.4%). Dental prescriptions still made up 56% of all clindamycin prescriptions in primary care in 2021. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that the problem of overuse of clindamycin in German dentistry has improved, but still persists.

Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia and Parapneumonic Effusion in a Male Patient with Diabetes: A Case Report

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a primary health concern. They are commonly differentiated as hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections, based on their epidemiology, susceptibility findings, and molecular typing patterns. Therefore, appropriate contact precautions and isolation measures should be implemented. CA-MRSA mostly causes skin and soft-tissue infections, but the probability and incidence of it causing sepsis and invasive infections have increased dramatically in recent years. In this study, we report a case of CA-MRSA pneumonia with pan-pneumonic effusion in a 59-year-old male diabetic patient with preexisting comorbidities such as diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ST elevated myocardial infarction. The early reporting of the organism's identity and its antimicrobial susceptibility, as well as timely initiation of antibiotic therapy, aided in the successful management and cure of the patient.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): A Case with Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS)

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Skin manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported sporadically. Staphylococcus aureus occurs after viral infection due to unregulated IFN-α. We designed this reported case to pay more attention to the rare skin manifestations following COVID-19. Case Report: The patient was a 12-month-old girl who presented with fever and skin rashes. Two days before admission, erythematous rashes spread around the mouth, nose, eyes, and trunk. Erythematous lesions begin to peel the next day. RT-PCR of the nasopharynx was positive for COVID-19. Treatment with vancomycin and clindamycin was started. The patient was discharged with complete recovery of skin lesions. Conclusion: One of the early manifestations of COVID-19 in children can be fever and rash. Clinical suspicion led to more attention to complications of bacterial superinfection such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

A HARD PILL TO SWALLOW

SESSION TITLE: COVID-19 Case Report Posters 3 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Epiglottitis is an inflammation of the epiglottis which can be life-threatening in the absence of prompt intervention. Although primarily a pediatric condition, streptococcus pneumonia has been identified as a common pathogen in adults. SARS-CoV 2 has been known to affect a multitude of systems including the upper respiratory tract, but rarely the epiglottis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old female with a past history of hypertension, and hypothyroidism presented with acute onset pharyngodynia and dysphagia with a feeling of throat closing up due to swelling and difficulty speaking. She had a recent COVID-19 diagnosis and was doing well except for mild fatigue. Upon presentation, she was hemodynamically stable. Physical exam revealed posterior pharyngeal edema without any exudate, mildly edematous uvula, and no stridor. Laboratory data was pristine except for elevated inflammatory markers. Rapid streptococcal test and MRSA swab were negative. Sputum culture showed usual respiratory flora and blood cultures were negative. A neck CT showed diffuse edema without any evidence of abscess. Laryngoscopy performed by the ENT surgeon revealed diffuse edema including epiglottitis. Emergent intubation revealed supra and epiglottis edema sparing the vocal cords. The patient was given Decadron and Benadryl to help with the edema along with clindamycin and subsequently transferred to ICU for further care. She was treated with Ceftriaxone for 7 days due to a chest X-ray finding of pneumonia. As for COVID 19 treatment, she received a course of Remdesivir and Decadron. Decadron was given at an increased interval to reduce edema around the epiglottis. Her ICU course was complicated with hypotension requiring intermittent vasopressor support, and acute kidney injury from ischemic acute tubular necrosis which slowly improved. Repeat CT chest showed bibasilar consolidations with peripheral ground-glass opacities. In view of hospital-acquired pneumonia, she was started on Ertapenem. Her clinical condition improved and she was successfully extubated. She was shifted to the floors from where she was discharged without any further complications. DISCUSSION: There are only two other reported cases of COVID 19 epiglottitis. The patient's advanced age and obesity were non-modifiable risk factors, but the COVID-19 infection played a role. The virus can lead to excessive upregulation of the host inflammatory response through repeat epithelial and endothelial damage leading to a cytokine storm, which may be responsible for this presentation. A great level of attention is to be maintained while attending to these patients given the multitude of systems that can be affected. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is a potential cause of life-threatening acute epiglottitis. Early suspicion and direct visualization of the epiglottis is the key to success for early management. Reference #1: Emberey J, Velala SS, Marshall B, et al. Acute Epiglottitis Due to COVID-19 Infection. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2021;8(3):002280. Published 2021 Mar 3. doi:10.12890/2021_002280 Reference #2: Smith C, Mobarakai O, Sahra S, Twito J, Mobarakai N. Case report: Epiglottitis in the setting of COVID-19. IDCases. 2021;24:e01116. doi: 10.1016/j.idcr.2021.e01116. Epub 2021 Apr 7. PMID: 33842206;PMCID: PMC8025537. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Arunava Saha

BABESIA MICROTI INFECTION WITH LOW-GRADE PARASITEMIA CAUSING ARDS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT

SESSION TITLE: Unusual Critical Care SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 10:15 am - 11:10 am INTRODUCTION: Babesiosis can have a clinical spectrum ranging from mild illness in most cases to more severe manifestations in immunosuppressed individuals or in those with high-grade parasitemia. This patient had severe babesiosis resulting in ARDS and shock in spite of being immunocompetent and having low-grade parasitemia, making it a rare presentation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old, previously healthy woman, was admitted with high-grade fevers. Physical exam findings were normal, except for fever (103 F). Initial lab results were significant for hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Chest radiography was normal. Other microbiology studies, including COVID-19, were negative. Empiric antibiotic therapy with piperacillin-tazobactam and doxycycline was started. Peripheral smear identified rare, minute intracellular ring forms, suspicious for babesia. IV azithromycin and oral atovaquone were started. PCR was done to confirm the diagnosis and Babesia microti DNA was detected. As peripheral smear showed parasitemia of only 1% (percentage of red blood cells infected), exchange transfusion was not considered as a treatment option. Two days after admission, worsening hemodynamic and respiratory status was noted with increasing oxygen requirements. CT chest now revealed diffuse interstitial infiltrates. ARDS ensued and the patient was intubated and started on mechanical ventilation with vasopressor support. Immunodeficiency workup was normal. In view of clinical deterioration, the antimicrobials were switched from atovaquone and azithromycin to IV clindamycin and quinidine for 14 days. After a protracted ICU stay, the patient showed gradual clinical improvement, parasitemia resolved, and she was eventually discharged to a rehabilitation facility. DISCUSSION: Babesiosis is a tick-borne infectious disease endemic to the North-East and Midwest United States. Majority of the infections are self-limited. However, in immunocompromised individuals and in those with high-grade parasitemia (>10%), it manifests as a severe illness with ARDS, severe hemolysis, or shock. Diagnosis is made by identifying parasites on thin peripheral blood smears with Giemsa/Wright stains. PCR can be used for species identification and for confirming the diagnosis in cases with low-grade parasitemia (<4%). IV azithromycin plus oral atovaquone is the preferred initial regimen and IV clindamycin plus quinidine is an alternative combination that can be used in severe infection. Red blood cell exchange transfusion can be considered in patients with high-grade parasitemia or organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Babesiosis can very rarely cause ARDS and shock in immunocompetent patients with low-grade parasitemia. Prompt diagnosis and escalation of antimicrobial regimens to clindamycin and quinidine in such cases can lead to improved clinical outcomes. Exchange transfusion can serve as a treatment option in patients with high-grade parasitemia. Reference #1: Ord RL, Lobo CA. Human babesiosis: Pathogens, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment. Current clinical microbiology reports. 2015 Dec;2(4):173-81. Reference #2: Ripoll JG, Rizvi MS, King RL, Daniels CE. Severe Babesia microti infection presenting as multiorgan failure in an immunocompetent host. Case Reports. 2018 May 30;2018:bcr-2018. Reference #3: Sanchez E, Vannier E, Wormser GP, Hu LT. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: a review. Jama. 2016 Apr 26;315(16):1767-77. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Shankar Chhetri No relevant relationships by Vasudev Malik Daliparty No relevant relationships by Preethi Dendi No relevant relationships by samer talib

SEPTIC SHOCK SECONDARY TO FUSOBACTERIUM NECROPHORUM LIVER ABSCESSES AND QUESTIONABLE RELATIONSHIP WITH COVID-19 INFECTION IN A HEALTHY YOUNG FEMALE

SESSION TITLE: COVID-19 Case Report Posters 2 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Fusobacterium (FB) are anaerobic, Gram-negative bacilli found in the normal flora of the oral, gastrointestinal, vaginal and upper respiratory tract mucosa. It can cause soft tissue infections and rarely causes bacteremia, yet Fusobacterium bacteremia is associated with high rate of ICU admission, extended hospitalization and significant mortality. Pyogenic liver abscess is a rare indolent disease and is mostly secondary to bacterial infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old female with no comorbidities presented with nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, fatigue, heavy menstrual bleed, and high-grade fever. Symptoms started four days before the presentation. She reported a positive COVID-test two weeks earlier and a new IUD placement five weeks before presentation. She is sexually active with one male partner and does not use a contact barrier. On presentation, she was hypotensive, tachycardic, ill-looking with rapid shallow breathing, and fever of 100.7. EKG showed sinus tachycardia, CXR showed no pulmonary disease. Blood tests were significant for leukocytosis, elevated serum lactic acid, and elevated D-dimer. CTA chest was remarkable for two 2x3 cm liver cysts. Patient was admitted to the MICU and started on IV fluids Boluses, Norepinephrine drip, Ceftriaxone and Azithromycin. Gynecology was consulted and recommended against removing the IUD as patient had no signs of IUD infection. Patient continued to be critically sick. Gynecology team was recontacted and removed the IUD and was uninfected on culture. Antibiotics were switched to Vancomycin and Piperacillin-Tazobactam. MRI liver with contrast confirmed the diagnosis liver abscess. Patient received bedside US-guided aspiration, it was remarkable for 16 cc of frank pus. Patient showed significant improvement after procedure and was transferred to the medical floor within 24 hours. Blood culture grew F. Necrophorum and antibiotics were switched to Clindamycin. DISCUSSION: FB is part of the vaginal flora. Mucosal disruption during IUD placement can precipitate disseminated infection with liver abscesses and/or sepsis. Absence of signs of GU tract infection or a non-infective IUD doesn't rule out FB sepsis. Patient Presented five weeks after IUD placement which fits the indolent nature of pyogenic liver abscess. Four cases of F. Nucleatum bacteremia were reported recently in Belgium in COVID patients. One of the cases was healthy young female. Our similar scenario raises a question about a potential association between COVID and risk of floral septicemia. Our patient has F. necrophorum. CONCLUSIONS: Patient presenting with sepsis and liver cyst should be evaluated for liver abscess as appropriate. Recent procedures and mucosal instrumentation can precipitate liver abscess and should be considered if the timing suggest an indolent course. Further studies are needed to evaluate a potential link between COVID infection and FB bacteremia. Reference #1: Goldberg EA, Venkat-Ramani T, Hewit M, Bonilla HF. Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of patients with Fusobacterium bacteraemia. Epidemiol Infect. 2013 Feb;141(2):325-9. doi: 10.1017/S0950268812000660. Epub 2012 Apr 17. PMID: 22717143. Reference #2: Garcia-Carretero R. Bacteraemia and multiple liver abscesses due to Fusobacterium nucleatum in a patient with oropharyngeal malignancy. BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Jan 29;12(1):e228237. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228237. PMID: 30700472;PMCID: PMC6352811. Reference #3: Wolff L, Martiny D, Deyi VYM, Maillart E, Clevenbergh P, Dauby N. COVID-19-Associated Fusobacterium nucleatum Bacteremia, Belgium. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Mar;27(3):975-977. doi: 10.3201/eid2703.202284. Epub 2020 Dec 8. PMID: 33292922;PMCID: PMC7920680. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Zainab Abdulsada No relevant relationships by Ahmed Abomhya No relevant relationships by Richard Fremont

PULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS POST-TOCILIZUMAB TREATMENT IN A PATIENT WITH COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

SESSION TITLE: Global Pulmonary Cases SESSION TYPE: Global Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: COVID 19 is associated with hyper- inflammation with levels of IL 6 correlating with the severity of COVID 19. IL6 causes increased vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction and plays a major role in the development of ARDS.[1] Tocilizumab is a monoclonal antibody against the IL6 receptor which is being used for COVID pneumonia. Large randomized controlled trials including REMAP-CAP and RECOVERY reported a mortality benefit of tocilizumab in certain patients [3]. Aspergillus is a mold that causes variety of pulmonary infections depending on host's immune status. In immunocompromised hosts, it causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis [2]. Symptoms initially are similar to bronchopneumonia: cough with sputum, dyspnea, fever not responsive to antibiotics. With disease progression, patients experience pleuritic chest pain and hemoptysis. CASE PRESENTATION: 69 y/o female came to ER with complaint of dyspnea and cough. PMH significant for Diabetes. She had a recent admission for COVID 3 weeks ago during which she received tocilizumab. This time, her vitals were HR- 96 RR- 24 Temp- 99.6 BP- 124/72, Sat- 88% on 2L NC. Labs WBC 31.1 D dimer- 2.17 ABG PO2- 61. CT pulmonary angiogram was consistent with left mid lung zone cavitary mass with an air-fluid level measuring 5 x 8 cm in transverse and AP dimension. Patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin, cefepime, metronidazole). Sputum cultures, Beta glucan assay, AFB and fungal immunodiffusion panel was ordered. Beta D Glucan assay came positive. Fungal immunodiffusion panel was negative. Bronchoscopy was done and AFB, aspergillus antigen and cultures were collected. BAL aspergillus antigen came positive and KOH fungal culture grew Aspergillus Fumigatus. Voriconazole was started. She was discharged on voriconazole for 12 weeks, ceftriaxone and clindamycin for 6 weeks for antibacterial coverage with plan to repeat CT chest in 3 weeks. DISCUSSION: We use tocilizumab for COVID 19 patients requiring invasive or non invasive mechanical ventilation and CRP ≥7.5 and exclude patients with ANC <2000, platelet <50,000 and history of serious bacterial, fungal or viral infection. This patient did not have any exclusion criteria but developed invasive fungal infection 3-4 weeks later. Due to worsening hypoxia and high D dimer, initial consideration was pulmonary embolism for which CT angiogram was done and a cavitary lesion was found. Differentials were bacterial abscess, tuberculosis or fungal infection. BAL played a crucial role in diagnosing aspergillosis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with worsening respiratory symptoms post tocilizumab administration we must keep a low index of suspicion for superimposed opportunistic infections including aspergillosis. Appropriate workup including CT chest, sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage for cultures (bacterial, fungal), Beta D Glucan and fungal panel is essential for diagnosis. Reference #1: Tocilizumab in Hospitalized Patients with Severe Covid-19 Pneumonia Ivan O Rosas;Norbert Bräu;Michael Waters;et al. New England Journal of Medicine, v384 n16 (20210422): 1503-1516 Reference #2: Pulmonary aspergillosis: a clinical review M. Kousha, R. Tadi, A.O. Soubani European Respiratory Review 2011 20: 156-174;DOI: 10.1183/09059180.00001011 Reference #3: Interleukin-6 Inhibitors. Available at: https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Shaylika Chauhan No relevant relationships by Vipul Gidwani

Genotyping, virulence genes and drug resistance of MRSA strains isolated from skin and soft tissue infection in Tianjin

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the genotyping, virulence genes and drug-resistant genes of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from skin and soft tissue infections in this area. METHODS: The skin secretions of 204 patients with skin and soft tissue infections in the Fifth Central Hospital of Tianjin between Jan. 2019 and Dec. 2020 were collected, and MRSA strains identified as non-repetitive strains were isolated. The Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and Staphylococcal protein A gene (spa) genotyping and Panton-valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene carrying status were analyzed among the MRSA strains, and their relationship with drug resistance was analyzed. RESULTS: Totally 82 strains of S. aureus were isolated from the skin secretions of 204 patients with skin and soft tissue infections, including 44 strains of MRSA (53.66%). The most common SCCmec genotype was genotype III (accounting for 84.09%) and the most common spa genotype was genotype t030 (accounting for 84.09%). PVL genes encoding virulence factors were amplified in 5 strains (11.36%). The drug resistance rates of 44 MRSA strains to vancomycin and compound sulfamethoxazole were 0.00%, and all the strains were drug-resistant to penicillin. Different SCCmec and spa genotypes were highly resistant to erythromycin, cefazolin, clindamycin and levofloxacin, but the differences in drug resistance rates of different SCCmec genotypes to clindamycin and levofloxacin were significant (P < 0.05). The resistance rates of strains with PVL positive genes to chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline were significantly higher than those with PVL negative genes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Strains carrying SCCmec III and spa t030 genotypes may be the dominant strains of MRSA in skin and soft tissue infections in this area. Spa genotypes and PVL gene have certain impact on drug resistance of MRSA, and the isolated MRSA strains are all sensitive to vancomycin and compound sulfamethoxazole, which can provide a reference for anti-MRSA treatment in this area.

STUDYING THE ETIOLOGY OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN TREATED IN THE HOSPITAL

The study determined the etiological structure and sensitivity to antibacterial agents of pathogens of uncomplicated and complicated forms of pneumonia in children treated in a multidisciplinary hospital. According to the study, that timely bacteriological diagnosis in the treatment of pneumonia in childhood with an adequate selection of effective antibacterial agents helps reduce hospitalizations and the development of complicated forms of pneumonia.

Multi system Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in a 17-year Old with Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Presenting as a Retropharyngeal Abscess

Introduction: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a constellation of symptoms involving fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and >/= 2 organ systems involvement (cardiac, renal, respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic or neurologic) in a patient who is positive for current or recent COVID-19 infection by RT-PCR, serology or by antigen testing. The total number of cases reported in the United States with MIS-C is more than 3000 as of May 2021. We present a case of MIS-C presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess in a 17- year-old with dendritic cell neoplasm. Case Description: 17-yearold male with a past medical history of metastatic, recurrent, atypical dendritic tumor currently in remission presented with fever for 4 days, associated with headache, sore throat and dysphagia, with a normal examination except 3+ tonsils without midline shift. He had an asymptomatic COVID 19 infection 2 months prior to this presentation. On admit, labs revealed hyponatremic (129) dehydration and a CRP of 29. CT neck showed a well-defined retropharyngeal fluid collection. He was started on Vancomycin and Cefepime and was also given a dose of Dexamethasone. Due to clinical improvement on Day 3, the antibiotics were changed to Unasyn and Clindamycin for the presumed retropharyngeal abscess. He however became hemodynamically unstable and was taken for an emergent incision •drainage by ENT but there was no fluid to be drained. He remained intubated and admitted to the ICU. He required vasopressors because of his hemodynamic instability and broadspectrum antibiotics for concerns of sepsis. Further workup showed signs of end organ damage and inflammation including severe myocardial dysfunction (EF ∼ 20%) and a positive COVID 19 antibody. He was diagnosed with MIS-C and started on IVIG, steroids and Enoxaparin. He showed significant improvement in his clinical status, inflammatory markers and myocardial function over the next 24-48 hours following initiation of treatment. Discussion: MIS-C is believed to develop due to an abnormal immune response to the COVID 19 virus. There has only been a single case reported in a healthy individual presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess. Most of the cases of MIS-C are reported in primarily healthy children or with comorbidities like obesity and asthma but there have been very few cases reported in oncology patients possibly because of an inadequate immune response in these patients. Our case to the author's knowledge is the first case of MIS-C presenting as a retropharyngeal abscess in an oncology patient. Conclusion: It is important to identify the history of COVID 19 infection and have a high index of suspicion in unusual presentations so that early investigation and management is possible to prevent morbidity and mortality due to MIS-C.

A Case of Multifocal Necrotizing Blastomycosis Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in an Adolescent with Type 1DiabetesMellitus

Introduction: Blastomyces species are thermally dimorphic fungi endemic to North America, especially areas bordering the Mississippi, Ohio and St. Lawrence rivers, and the Great Lakes. Blastomycosis infections are estimated to occur in 3-13% in the pediatric population. Pediatric literature for blastomycosis has been mostly limited to small studies and case series. Recent literature suggests increasing rates of infections, less morbidity and mortality as compared to adults, with asthma as the most common comorbid condition. Although pulmonary disease is the most common presentation, it rarely progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Case Description: A 17- year-old female, living in the Chicago area, and with type 1 diabetes mellitus and childhood asthma, presented to the emergency room with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure after 14 days of cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fevers as high as 105°F. Her initial radiographic imaging revealed bilateral infiltrates and consolidations in the right middle and lower lobes. She was admitted to the step down unit for further care. A respiratory viral panel, including COVID-19 evaluation, was negative. She was started on low-flow nasal cannula, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, albuterol, and maintenance IV fluids. On hospital day 2, she was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit for worsening respiratory distress and escalated to high-flow nasal cannula. She was treated empirically for presumed bacterial pneumonia with ceftriaxone (7-day course), azithromycin (5-day course), cefepime (5-day course), clindamycin (2-day course), and vancomycin (14-day course). Despite this treatment, repeat chest imaging showed worsening disease and she required escalation to BiPAP for progression of her ARDS and impending respiratory failure. Karius testing results indicated Blastomyces dermatitidis at low levels typically not clinically relevant. Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage cultures demonstrated no significant pathogenic bacteria. Pathology exam of the biopsy obtained from bronchoscopy was consistent with Blastomyces. Urine antigen test was positive for both Blastomyces and Histoplasma. She clinically improved after initiating Amphotericin B lipid complex (6-day course), with transition to oral itraconazole and adjunctive therapy with IV methylprednisolone. She was discharged home after a 30-day hospital stay. Discussion: Pulmonary blastomycosis presents with a broad variety of signs and symptoms. Timely diagnosis is challenging. Pulmonary blastomycosis has no pathognomonic radiographic patterns. Severe acute pulmonary infection that fails to respond to antibacterial treatment should prompt investigation for fungal infection, including urine antigen tests for Histoplasma and Blastomyces, serum galactomannan, beta-1,3-D-glucan, and next-generation sequencing of microbial cell-free DNA (eg, Karius test). Close respiratory monitoring should occur in a pediatric intensive care unit. Conclusion: Blastomycosis is not typically in the initial differential diagnosis unless the patient has other clinical findings, fails to improve on antibacterial therapy, or has identified risk factors for exposure. Failure of prompt recognition is associated with poor outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality, increased length of hospital stay, and cost.

Clostridium perfringens Spores in Urology Hospital

Background: Clostridium spp. spores are resistant to many factors, including alcohol-based disinfectants. The presence of clostridial spores in a hospital environment may lead to infection outbreaks among patients and health care workers. Objective: This study is aimed to detect clostridial spores in the aurology hospital using C diff Banana Broth™ and assess the antibiotic sensitivity and toxinotypes of isolates. Methods: After diagnosing COVID-19 in medical staff and closing an 86-bed urology hospital in 2020 for H2O2 fogging, 58 swabs from the hospital environment were inoculated to C diff Banana Broth™, incubated at 37°C for 14 days, checked daily, and positive broths were sub-cultured anaerobically for 48 h at 37°C. After identification, multiplex PCR (mPCR) was performed for Clostridium perfringens, C. difficile toxin genes, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. Results: In this study, 16 out of 58 (~ 28%) strains of Clostridium spp. were cultured: 11-C. perfringens, 2-C. baratii, and 1 each of C. paraputrificum, C. difficile, and C. clostridioforme. 11 C. perfringens were positive for the cpa, 7-the cpb2, 2 – cpiA, and 1 – cpb toxin genes. All isolates were sensitive to metronidazole, vancomycin, moxifloxacin, penicillin/tazobactam, and rifampicin. Two out of the 11 C. perfringens strains were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin. Conclusions: Regardless of the performed H2O2 fogging, antibiotic-resistant, toxigenic strains of C. perfringens (69%) obtained from the urology hospital environment were cultured using C diff Banana Broth™, indicating the need to develop the necessary sanitary and epidemiological procedures in this hospital.

SYSTEMIC IMMUNOMODULATING THERAPIES FOR STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME AND TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS IN A COVID-19 PATIENT. A CASE REPORT

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare serious disorders that affect the skin and mucous membranes. These reactions are most commonly caused by drugs and, rarely, infections. While discontinuing the offending drug and supportive care are primordial, there are no consensus treatment guidelines on the optimal use of systemic immunomodulatory agents. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old woman, who had recently recovered from COVID-19 infection, with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap most likely triggered by dorzolamide eye drops. The patient was successfully treated with a single subcutaneous dose of etanercept combined with oral cyclosporine, corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. The progression of skin lesions ceased after administration of etanercept. In addition, a significant clinical improvement was observed a few days after treatment with immunoglobulins, without complications or important side effects.

Challenges and Promises for Obtaining New Antiprotozoal Drugs: What’s Going Wrong?

Infections by protozoa can cause some of the most serious human diseases, particularly in tropical regions. However, the number of available drugs used to treat such diseases tends to be limited with relatively high toxicity, and the vast majority of such drugs were developed in the 1920s to 1970s. The development of antiprotozoal drugs has been hindered owing in part to: (1) the highly complicated life cycles of such organisms and their ability to avoid innate immune defences;(2) challenges associated with culturing such organisms particularly in different phases of their growth and amplification;and (3) a lack of investment in biomedical research aimed at developing treatments for tropical diseases that do not tend to affect more affluent countries. Indeed, only three new drugs have entered into clinical trials in recent times, highlighting the tremendous gap in knowledge that should be bridged to more effectively treat protozoal infections.