A Prospective Quasi-Experimental Study of Multifaceted Interventions Including Computerized Drug Utilization Evaluation to Improve an Antibiotic Stewardship Program.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine and evaluate interventions that improve an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in reduction of the amount of antibiotic use and errors in drug utilization evaluation (DUE) form completion. METHODS: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the multifaceted interventions (preauthorization with computerized DUE, self-supervised checklists, and short active reminders of the antibiotic guidelines recommendations) incorporating an ASP among hospitalized internal medicine patients in a Thai tertiary care center. The preintervention period was from January to December 2018, and the postintervention period was from February 2019 to January 2020. RESULTS: A total of 9188 and 9787 patient data were analyzed during the preintervention and postintervention periods, respectively. The overall median antibiotic use (defined daily dose/1000 bed-days) was significantly decreased in the postintervention period compared with the preintervention period (867.68 versus 732.33; P < 0.001). The reduction in antibiotic use was predominantly observed among broad-spectrum antibiotics, including cefoperazone/sulbactam (15.35 versus 9.75; P = 0.04), cefepime (13.09 versus 6.37; P = 0.003), ciprofloxacin (32.99 versus 17.83; P < 0.001), piperacillin/tazobactam (99.23 versus 91.93; P = 0.03), meropenem (2.01 versus 0.99; P < 0.001), imipenem/cilastatin (9.53 versus 4.59; P = 0.04), and colistin (74.70 versus 22.34; P < 0.0001). The overall rate of errors in DUE form completion was significantly decreased after the intervention (40% versus 28%; P < 0.001). The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections/colonization was significantly lower in the postintervention period (0.27 versus 0.12/1000 bed-days; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study multifaceted interventions incorporating ASP were associated with significant reduction in the amount of broad-spectrum antibiotic use, DUE form completion errors, and incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infection/colonization.

Safety profiles of homologous and heterologous regimens containing three major types of COVID-19 vaccine among people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Existing data on adverse effects (AEs) of homologous and heterologous COVID-19 vaccine regimens among people living with HIV (PLHIV) are limited. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among Thai PLHIV during 2021-2022. Vaccine types and AEs were collected using an online survey. RESULTS: Of the 398 vaccinated PLHIV, 92% had CD4 count ≥200 cells/µL and 96% were virologically suppressed at enrolment; 38% received two doses and 62% received three doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Inactivated, viral vector and mRNA were the most common vaccine types received as the first, second, and booster doses, respectively. For the first and second vaccine doses, the most common AEs were fever (15% and 11%) and injection site pain (11% and 11%). The mRNA vaccine significantly caused more overall AEs, injection pain, fatigue, and rashes than the other two types. For a booster dose, viral vector vaccine significantly caused more injection site pain and headache than the other two types. The majority of AEs of the first, second and booster doses spontaneously recovered without treatment. By multivariable analysis, receipt of viral vector or mRNA vaccine and age less than 40 years were independently associated with AEs of the primary series vaccines, while having AEs from the previous dose and female sex were independent factors associated with AEs of a booster vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested the safety of homologous and heterologous regimens containing the three types of COVID-19 vaccines among PLHIV and identified those who required close monitoring for vaccine AEs.

Risk categorization and outcomes among healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19: A cohort study from a Thai tertiary-care center.

BACKGROUND: A risk categorization tool for healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to COVID-19 is crucial for preventing COVID-19 transmission and requires validation and modification according to local context. METHODS: From January to December 2021, a prospective cohort study was conducted among Thai HCWs to evaluate the performance of the specifically-created risk categorization tool, which classified HCWs into low-risk (LR), intermediate-risk (IR), and high-risk (HR) groups based on types of activities, duration of exposure, and protective methods used during exposure. Subsequent measures were determined for the HCWs based on the risk categories. RESULTS: 1891 HCWs were included; 52%, 25% and 23% were LR, IR, and HR, respectively. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 1.3%, 5.1% and 27.3% of LR, IR and HR HCWs, respectively (P <0.001). Independent factors associated with COVID-19 were household or community exposure [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1588.68; P <0.001), being HR (aOR, 11.94; P <0.001), working at outpatient departments (aOR, 2.54; P <0.001), and no history of COVID-19 vaccination (aOR, 2.05; P = 0.01). The monthly rates of COVID-19 among LR, IR, and HR HCWs significantly decreased after the incremental rate of full vaccination. In-hospital transmission between HCWs occurred in 8% and was mainly due to eating at the same table. CONCLUSION: The study risk categorization tool can differentiate risks of COVID-19 among the HCWs. Prevention of COVID-19 should be focused on HCWs with the identified risk factors and behaviors associated with COVID-19 development and encouraging receipt of full vaccination.

Real-life effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine during the Omicron variant-dominant pandemic: how many booster doses do we need?

The surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the Omicron variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 necessitates researches to inform vaccine effectiveness (VE) and other preventive measures to halt the pandemic. A test-negative case-control study was conducted among adults (age ≥18 years) who were at-risk for COVID-19 and presented for nasopharyngeal real-time polymerase chain reaction testing during the Omicron variant-dominant period in Thailand (1 January 2022-15 June 2022). All participants were prospectively followed up for COVID-19 development for 14 days after the enrolment. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated and adjusted for characteristics associated with COVID-19. Of the 7971 included individuals, there were 3104 cases and 4867 controls. The adjusted VE among persons receiving 2-dose, 3-dose, and 4-dose vaccine regimens for preventing infection and preventing moderate-to-critical diseases were 33%, 48%, 62% and 60%, 74%, 76%, respectively. The VE were generally higher among those receiving the last dose of vaccine within 90 days compared to those receiving the last dose more than 90 days prior to the enrolment. The highest VE were observed in individuals receiving the 4-dose regimen, CoronaVac-CoronaVac-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-BNT162b2 for both preventing infection (65%) and preventing moderate-to-critical diseases (82%). Our study demonstrated increased VE along with an increase in number of vaccine doses received. Current vaccination programmes should focus on reducing COVID-19 severity and mandate at least one booster dose. The heterologous boosters with viral vector and mRNA vaccines were highly effective and can be used in individuals who previously received the primary series of inactivated vaccine.

Comparing real-life effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccine regimens during the delta variant-dominant pandemic: a test-negative case-control study.

Data on real-life vaccine effectiveness (VE), against the delta variant (B.1.617.2) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 among various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine regimens are urgently needed to impede the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a test-negative case-control study to assess the VE of various vaccine regimens for preventing COVID-19 during the period when the delta variant was the dominant causative virus (≥ 95%) in Thailand (25 July 2021-23 Oct 2021). All individuals (age ≥18 years) at-risk for COVID-19, presented for nasopharyngeal real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing, were prospectively enrolled and followed up for disease development. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated with adjustment for individual demographic and clinical characteristics. Of 3353 included individuals, there were 1118 cases and 2235 controls. The adjusted VE among persons receiving two-dose CoronaVac plus one BNT162b2 booster was highest (98%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 87-100), followed by those receiving two-dose CoronaVac plus one ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 booster (86%; 95% CI 74-93), two-dose ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (83%; 95% CI 70-90), one CoronaVac dose and one ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 dose (74%; 95% CI 43-88) and two-dose CoronaVac (60%; 95% CI 49-69). One dose of CoronaVac or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 had a VE of less than 50%. Our study demonstrated the incremental VE with the increase in the number of vaccine doses received. The two-dose CoronaVac plus one BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 booster regimens was highly effective in preventing COVID-19 during the rise of delta variant.

Effectiveness of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for transurethral resection of the prostate in the era of antibiotic resistance.

The results of this study demonstrate the lower incidence of posttransurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) urinary tract infection (UTI) among patients receiving appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (AAP) versus inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (27% vs 47%; P < .001). Preoperative urine culture procurement and APP are critical for post-TURP UTI prevention in the era of antibiotic resistance.

Use of Template Documents with Guidance to Improve the Quality of Human Subjects Research Protocol Submissions to a Thai Research Ethics Committee.

A pre-post study was conducted to evaluate the utility of template documents specifically created to assist research protocol submissions to a Thai research ethics committee (REC). A total of 172 protocols during the 2014-2016 preintervention period were matched to 172 protocols during the 2017-2019 postintervention period by type of principal investigator and REC review category. The intervention was associated with a significant reduction in initial REC requirement deficiencies in the information sheet and informed consent form, resubmission turn-around time by the principal investigator, and time form protocol submission to REC approval. The most significant postintervention improvements were for information about the consent process and listed risks of study participation. In this study, utilization of a structured protocol template with guidance instructions was associated with measurable improvement in the quality of research protocol submissions and REC review process.

T-SPOT®.TB test and clinical risk scoring for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection among Thai healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is important to identify healthcare workers (HCWs) benefiting from preventive therapy. Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) are sensitive and specific tests for LTBI diagnosis. However, in settings where IGRAs are not available, clinical risk assessment may be used as an alternative to diagnose LTBI. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs of a tertiary-care university hospital in Thailand. All HCWs underwent T-SPOT®.TB test (T-SPOT) and assessment of LTBI clinical risks. Clinical risks associated with T-SPOT positivity were determined by multivariable logistic regression analysis and were given scores accordingly. The performance of the clinical risk scoring was evaluated in comparison to T-SPOT. RESULTS: Among 140 enrolled HCWs, 125 (89%) were females, the median age was 27 years and 23 (16%) had T-SPOT positivity. Independent factors associated with T-SPOT positivity were age ≥30 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.95; P = 0.002), working duration ≥60 months (aOR 3.75, P = 0.004) and frequency of TB contact ≥6 times (aOR 8.83, P = 0.005). The study's clinical risk scoring had the area under the curve by receiver operating curve analysis of 0.76 (P < 0.001) using T-SPOT positivity as a reference standard. The score of ≥3 had the best performance in diagnosing LTBI with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 70%, 71%, 32% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this setting where LTBI was prevalent among HCWs but IGRAs are not widely available, the clinical risk scoring may be used as an alternative to diagnose LTBI in HCWs.

HIV incidence among men who have sex with men and transgender women in four provinces in Thailand.

The HIV epidemic in Thailand is concentrated in key populations, with the highest rates in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG). Previous studies of HIV incidence in these groups have been limited mostly to Bangkok. We measured HIV incidence in MSM and TG in four provinces and evaluated factors associated with incident infections to inform public health prevention efforts. An analysis was conducted using data collected during a prospective observational cohort study during April 2015-May 2018 in outpatient clinics in five hospitals across four provinces in Thailand. MSM and TG aged ≥18 years, who were not known to be HIV-infected, and who reported anal intercourse with a male or TG without a condom in the past six months were enrolled. Participants were followed-up every 6 months for 18 months with questionnaires and HIV testing. A total of 40 HIV seroconversions occurred during follow-up, resulting in an HIV incidence of 3.5 per 100 person-years (95% CI 2.5, 4.8). Multivariate analyses indicated that identifying as gay (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 4.9; 95% CI 1.7-14.2), having receptive anal sex in the past six months (AHR 3.6; 95% CI 1.4-9.5), using alcohol (AHR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3-8.3), and taking alkyl nitrites (AHR 4.4; 95% CI 1.7-11.2) in the past six months were all independently associated with HIV infection. Overall this study found a lower HIV incidence in the highest risk population in Thailand compared with similar studies in Bangkok. Accelerated prevention efforts are needed to make the goal of 'zero new infections' possible in Thailand.

Does polypharmacy affect treatment outcomes of people living with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy?

Polypharmacy poses risks associated with drug-drug interactions, increased adverse effects, pill burden, poor compliance and unfavorable treatment outcomes. Whether polypharmacy affects treatment outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is largely unknown. A prospective study was conducted among PLHIV followed-up at a tertiary-care clinic of an academic medical center during January 2012 to December 2017. The clinic provided comprehensive HIV care with multidisciplinary team approach focusing on treatment adherence. Polypharmacy was defined as concurrent use of 5 or more non-antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for at least one year. Of the 248 PLHIV included, 23 (9%) received polypharmacy. PLHIV with polypharmacy were older (median age 45 vs. 36 years), were more likely to have underlying diseases (65% vs. 18%) and had lower median initial CD4 counts (40 vs. 214 cells/mm3). The rates of virologic suppression at 12 months after ARV therapy were 96% and 92% in polypharmacy and non-polypharmacy groups, respectively (P = 0.70), while the median CD4 cell count increase was higher among the non-polypharmacy group at 12 months (207 vs. 403 cells/mm3; P < 0.001). There were no differences in rates of adverse effects and experienced drug-drug interactions. Hospitalization due to HIV-related diseases within 12 months after ARV initiation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 11.63, P = 0.004] and lower 3-item score for ARV adherence (aOR 0.49, P = 0.01) were independently associated with failure of virologic suppression at 12 months. These findings suggest that polypharmacy did not affect the virological outcomes among our PLHIV. Patients with the characteristics associated with virological failure should be closely monitored.

Disseminated Mycobacterium scrofulaceum Infection in a Patient with Anti-Interferon-γ Autoantibodies: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Mycobacterium scrofulaceum is an environmental mycobacterial species rarely reported to cause disseminated infection in adults. We report the case of a disseminated M. scrofulaceum infection in a 55-year-old nonhuman immunodeficiency virus-infected Thai man with anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies. The clinical signs of the infection improved after the induction regimen with amikacin, rifampicin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin, followed by the consolidation regimen with ethambutol, clarithromycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Our review of previous reported cases of this infection indicates its association with immune deficiency, complex treatment, and a high rate of unfavorable outcomes.

Subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated infections among hospitalized patients with CRE colonization: Impact of antibiotic use and other factors.

We demonstrated a 20% rate of subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated infections among hospitalized CRE carriers. Independent factors associated with the infections were number of colonization sites, central-line insertion, and receiving vancomycin before colonization. These findings underscore the importance of antibiotic stewardship and device-related infection control measures to prevent CRE infections.

Educational Interventions Improved Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice to Prevent HIV Infection among HIV-Negative Heterosexual Partners of HIV-Infected Persons.

A 1-year quasi-experimental study was conducted among HIV-noninfected heterosexual partners of HIV-infected patients cared at a Thai tertiary care hospital. The educational interventions comprised a 1-hour educational session, a condom use teaching session, focus group discussion, and free HIV testing. Of the 88 seronegative partners enrolled, 53 and 35 underwent the educational interventions once and twice, respectively. After the educational interventions, the median score for knowledge on HIV infection and transmission prevention significantly increased (28 versus 21; P < .001). After the interventions, higher proportions of the participants would use treatment of the HIV-infected partners (77% versus 58%) and preexposure prophylaxis (59% versus 38%) as methods to prevent HIV transmission and have a regular HIV blood test every 6 months (94% versus 81%). Among the 35 participants who participated in the educational interventions twice, most of the knowledge and positive attitudes were retained. The rates of regular HIV testing every 6 months had increased significantly from baseline to 1 year later (29% to 74%, respectively). None of the participants developed HIV infection. These findings suggest that the study interventions could improve knowledge about HIV infection and transmission prevention, attitude and practices toward prevention, and increase regular HIV testing among the seronegative partners.

Nocardia intracranial mycotic aneurysm associated with proteasome inhibitor.

We report a case of Nocardia farcinica ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysm associated with bortezomib and corticosteroid treatment in a multiple myeloma patient. The patient was treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and moxifloxacin together with surgical repairment of intracranial mycotic aneurysm.

HIV risk, risk perception and uptake of HIV testing and counseling among youth men who have sex with men attending a gay sauna.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are amongst populations at-risk for HIV acquisition in Thailand. In youth MSM (aged 15-24 years), the incidence of HIV infection has substantially increased. However, data on HIV risk, risk perception and HIV testing and counseling (HTC) uptake among youth MSM in hotspots are limited. METHODS: A subanalysis of a prospective study among Thai MSM attending a gay sauna was conducted. HIV risk and risk perception were assessed by an anonymous survey. The MSM were categorized as having actual "low-risk", "moderate-risk" and "high-risk" for HIV acquisition based on the validated study risk categorization tool. HTC was provided on-site with result notification within 1 h. HIV care establishment appointment was arranged by the counselors for HIV-infected participants. Care engagement within 1 year of diagnosis was subsequently assessed. RESULTS: There were 358 MSM participants; 87 (24%) were youth MSM. Comparing to other MSM, youth MSM had significantly higher median number of lifetime sexual partners [2 (IQR 1-9) vs. 1 (IQR 0-1); P < 0.001), were more-likely to ever exchange sex for money (44% vs. 9%; P < 0.001) and have sexual partner who exchanged sex for money (8% vs. 1%; P < 0.001). Rates of consistent condom use in the past 3 months for anal, oral and vaginal sexes were low and not significantly different between youth and other MSM (51% vs. 61%, 26% vs. 35% and 72% vs. 61%, respectively). By using the study risk categorization tool, there were 68 youth MSM with moderate or high-risk for HIV acquisition, of which 43 (63%) had false perception of low HIV risk. Youth MSM were more likely than other MSM to accept HTC [68% vs. 33%, P < 0.001)] and to be first-time testers (42% vs. 28%, P = 0.07). By HTC, the rates of HIV infection tended to be higher among youth MSM comparing to other MSM [14/59 (24%) vs. 11/89 (12%); P = 0.07]. Among the 14 youth MSM newly-diagnosed with HIV infection, only 6 (43%) showed-up for continuity care after 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Youth MSM had substantial high HIV risk, false perception of low HIV risk and low rate of care engagement but demonstrated considerable rate of HTC uptake. Strategies to improve access to HTC, risk perception and linkage to care are needed for HIV prevention and management among the youth MSM.

A randomized controlled study of intervention to improve continuity care engagement among HIV-infected persons after release from jails.

Short-term stay, multiple jail admissions and social and financial difficulties are significant obstacles for continuity care engagement (CCE) after release among HIV-infected jail detainees. However, data existing on interventions or strategies to increase post-release CCE among this population are limited. We conducted a randomized controlled study among HIV-infected detainees at Cook County Jail during 2011-2014. The intervention group received telephone contact within 2-4 days of release by a continuity clinic coordinator, who scheduled and informed the ex-detainees of their appointment date within 6 weeks post-release plus standard of care, while the control group received standard of care. The standard of care included comprehensive discharge planning, offering substance abuse treatment and provision of information on how to self-schedule an appointment with the chosen clinics. Of the 166 detainees enrolled, 56 were excluded due to being sent to prison or re-incarcerated within 6 weeks. The final cohort included 55 detainees in each of the groups. The rate of CCE within 6 weeks after release was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (58% vs. 33%; P = .007). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being in the control group was the only factor associated with no CCE within 6 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 2.66; 95% confidence interval 1.18-6.00; P = .02). The study findings suggest that the simple telephone contact intervention significantly improved CCE among HIV-infected jail detainees.