Caracterización de pacientes con enfermedades asociadas a inmunosupresión con infecciones por Cryptosporidium spp. atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina, 2018-2023 / Description of the characteristics of patients with diseases associated with immunosuppression and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina, 2018­2023

Cryptosporidium spp. es un protozoario productor de diarrea. Los pacientes inmunocomprometidos pueden desarrollar formas clínicas graves y persistentes. Se describen las características de pacientes con enfermedad de base asociada a inmunosupresión (EAI) con infección por Cryptosporidium spp. (IC) atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina entre los años 2018 y 2023. Se analizaron datos demográficos, EAI, características de la diarrea y coinfecciones. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes con EAI e IC. La mayoría registró trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasia hematológica e inmunodeficiencia primaria. Dieciocho presentaron diarrea persistente al momento del diagnóstico. Seis pacientes registraron coinfecciones. Se debe considerar la criptosporidiosis en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedad diarreica aguda o persistente en niños con distintos tipos de EAI, como el trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasias hematológicas e inmunodeficiencias primarias.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a diarrhea-causing protozoan. Immunocompromised patients may develop severe and persistent clinical forms. Here we describe the characteristics of patients with an underlying disease associated with immunosuppression (DAI) and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina between 2018 and 2023. Demographic data, DAI, diarrhea characteristics, and co-infections were analyzed. A total of 30 patients with DAI and cryptosporidiosis were included. Most of them had undergone a solid organ transplant, had a hematologic neoplasm, or primary immunodeficiency. Persistent diarrhea was observed in 18 patients at the time of diagnosis. Co-infections were recorded in 6 patients. Cryptosporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute or persistent diarrhea in children with different types of DAI, such as solid organ transplant, hematologic neoplasms, and primary immunodeficiencies.

Mucormycosis: A sweet enemy, case series / Mucormicosis: un dulce enemigo, serie de casos.

Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by fungi of the Mucorales order that occurs in immunocompromised individuals or with loss of skin or mucosa barrier integrity. This report presents four cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis attended at a third-level hospital in Cali (Colombia) during a period of three years. All patients had different case histories and times of evolution. All four had a previous or de novo diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, with glycated hemoglobin higher than 10% on admission. We ruled out other possible pathologies that could explain their immunocompromised condition. Mucormycosis diagnosis was made with direct visualization of hyaline coenocytic hyphae on biopsies. The basis of treatment was liposomal amphotericin B and surgical debridement. Two patients presented bacterial coinfection. One asked for voluntary discharge without having completed the treatment, and another one died. The remaining two have attended controls and had an adequate evolution.

La mucormicosis es una infección fúngica poco frecuente causada por hongos del orden Mucorales, la cual se presenta en individuos inmunocomprometidos o con pérdida de la integridad de la barrera de piel o mucosas. Se reportan cuatro casos de mucormicosis rinocerebral atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel de Cali (Colombia) durante un periodo de tres años. Los cuatro pacientes presentaron diferentes cuadros clínicos y tiempos de evolución. Todos tenían diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, de novo o previo, con una hemoglobina glucosilada de ingreso mayor del 10 % y en todos se descartaron otras enfermedades que explicaran su compromiso inmunitario. La mucormicosis se diagnosticó por la visualización directa de hifas hialinas sincitiales (coenocytic) en las biopsias tomadas. El pilar del tratamiento fue la anfotericina B liposómica junto con el desbridamiento quirúrgico. Dos pacientes presentaron coinfección bacteriana. De los cuatro, uno firmó su egreso voluntario sin completar el tratamiento y otro falleció. Los dos pacientes restantes han asistido a los controles y han mostrado una adecuada evolución.

Histoplasmosis Beyond Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in a Non-HIV Population.

Histoplasmosis is an endemic and invasive mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. We conducted a retrospective study comparing immunosuppressed patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a historical cohort of people with HIV and histoplasmosis. We included 199 patients with proven or probable histoplasmosis, of which 25.1% were people without HIV. Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hematologic neoplasms, rheumatologic diseases, and transplantations were more frequent among people without HIV (P < .01). Forty-four percent of immunocompromised patients without HIV died within the first 6-week period following their diagnosis. A high suspicion index for histoplasmosis should be kept in immunosuppressed patients.

Description of the characteristics of patients with diseases associated with immunosuppression and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina, 2018-2023. / Caracterización de pacientes con enfermedades asociadas a inmunosupresión con infecciones por Cryptosporidium spp. atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina, 2018-2023.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a diarrhea-causing protozoan. Immunocompromised patients may develop severe and persistent clinical forms. Here we describe the characteristics of patients with an underlying disease associated with immunosuppression (DAI) and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina between 2018 and 2023. Demographic data, DAI, diarrhea characteristics, and co-infections were analyzed. A total of 30 patients with DAI and cryptosporidiosis were included. Most of them had undergone a solid organ transplant, had a hematologic neoplasm, or primary immunodeficiency. Persistent diarrhea was observed in 18 patients at the time of diagnosis. Co-infections were recorded in 6 patients. Cryptosporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute or persistent diarrhea in children with different types of DAI, such as solid organ transplant, hematologic neoplasms, and primary immunodeficiencies.

Cryptosporidium spp. es un protozoario productor de diarrea. Los pacientes inmunocomprometidos pueden desarrollar formas clínicas graves y persistentes. Se describen las características de pacientes con enfermedad de base asociada a inmunosupresión (EAI) con infección por Cryptosporidium spp. (IC) atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina entre los años 2018 y 2023. Se analizaron datos demográficos, EAI, características de la diarrea y coinfecciones. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes con EAI e IC. La mayoría registró trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasia hematológica e inmunodeficiencia primaria. Dieciocho presentaron diarrea persistente al momento del diagnóstico. Seis pacientes registraron coinfecciones. Se debe considerar la criptosporidiosis en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedad diarreica aguda o persistente en niños con distintos tipos de EAI, como el trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasias hematológicas e inmunodeficiencias primarias.

Manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas de la Aspergilosis Pulmonar: Informe de tres casos / Pulmonary aspergillosis, an approach to clinical and radiological manifestations. Report of three cases

RESUMEN La aspergilosis pulmonar, causada por el hongo oportunista Aspergillus, afecta principalmente a individuos inmunocomprometidos. Este reporte presenta tres casos: Una mujer de 18 años con leucemia aguda desarrolló dificultad respiratoria y patrones bilaterales de "árbol en brote" en la tomografía computarizada (TC). A pesar del tratamiento con voriconazol, falleció debido a insuficiencia respiratoria. Una mujer de 58 años con diabetes y EPOC presentó disnea y hemoptisis. Las imágenes revelaron una lesión cavitada, confirmando un aspergiloma. Se consideró la cirugía debido a la hemoptisis activa. Una mujer de 41 años con antecedentes de tuberculosis presentó fiebre y síntomas respiratorios. La TC mostró lesiones cavitadas y bronquiectasias, confirmando aspergilosis crónica. Respondió bien al voriconazol. Estos casos destacan la variabilidad en la aspergilosis pulmonar y subrayan la importancia de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para mejorar los resultados en los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary aspergillosis, caused by the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus, primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. This report presents three cases: An 18-year-old female with acute leukemia developed respiratory distress and bilateral "tree-in-bud" patterns on CT. Despite voriconazole treatment, she succumbed to respiratory failure. A 58-year-old female with diabetes and COPD had dyspnea and hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a cavitated lesion, confirming aspergilloma. Surgery was considered due to active hemoptysis. A 41-year-old female with a history of tuberculosis presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. CT showed cavitated lesions and bronchiectasis, confirming chronic aspergillosis. She responded well to voriconazole. These cases highlight the variability in pulmonary aspergillosis and underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Prurigo: review of its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.

Prurigo is a reactive, hyperplastic skin condition characterized by pruritic papules, plaques, and/or nodules. The temporal classification includes acute/subacute and chronic disease (≥ 6 weeks), with different clinical variants, synonymies, and underlying etiological factors. The immunology of chronic prurigo shows similarities with atopic dermatitis due to the involvement of IL-4 and IL-13, IL-22, and IL-31. Treatment includes antihistamines, topical steroids, dupilumab, and JAK inhibitors. Several conditions manifest clinically as prurigo-like lesions, and the correct clinical diagnosis must precede correct treatment. Furthermore, chronic prurigos represent a recalcitrant and distressing dermatosis, and at least 50% of these patients have atopic diathesis, the treatment of which may induce adverse effects, especially in the elderly. The quality of life is significantly compromised, and topical treatments are often unable to control symptoms and skin lesions. Systemic immunosuppressants, immunobiologicals, and JAK inhibitors, despite the cost and potential adverse effects, may be necessary to achieve clinical improvement and quality of life. This manuscript reviews the main types of prurigo, associated diseases, their immunological bases, diagnosis, and treatment.

Riesgo de mortalidad en candidemia en niños oncohematológicos: revisión sistemática / Mortality risk in candidemia in children with cancer and blood disorders: a systematic review

Introducción: La tasa de mortalidad de la candidemia es variable, pero puede estar influenciada por la patología de base, en especial aquella que condiciona la presencia de neutropenia. En niños con patología oncohematológica, son pocos los trabajos que han abordado la mortalidad relacionada a candidemias y sus factores asociados. Las preguntas que promueven esta revisión sistemática, son: ¿Cuáles son las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y de evolución de los pacientes pediátricos oncohematológicos con candidemia? ¿Cuál es la mortalidad relacionada con esta entidad? Materiales y métodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura. Se utilizaron los siguientes términos de búsqueda: candidemia por Candida spp. y los siguientes filtros humanos, niños y adolescentes y patología oncohematológica. Se revisaron los artículos publicados en inglés, español o francés hasta el 21 de septiembre de 2023. Las referencias bibliográficas de los artículos incluidos se revisaron manualmente para identificar estudios relevantes adicionales. Resultados: Se encontraron 66 artículos. Del análisis cualitativo realizado en sus textos completos, quedaron finalmente 4 estudios que se consideró que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Todos los artículos seleccionados sumaron 191 pacientes con diversas patologías oncohematológicas. La presencia de accesos vasculares fue frecuente en esta serie y la no extracción del catéter venoso central fue el factor más prevalente entre los que fallecieron. El agente infectante predominante fue Candida no albicans y la mortalidad osciló entre el 11,3 y el 31% con una mediana de 25%. No fue posible establecer si la especie de Candida influía en la letalidad

Introduction: The mortality rate of candidemia is variable, but may be influenced by underlying diseases, especially those causing neutropenia. In children with cancer and blood disorders, few studies have addressed mortality related to candidemia and its associated factors. The questions that motivated this systematic review were: What are the epidemiological, clinical and outcome characteristics of pediatric cancer patients with candidemia? What is the mortality related to this condition? Materials and methods: Systematic review of the literature. The following search terms were used: Candida spp., candidemia, with the following filters: human, children and adolescents, and cancer and blood disorders. Articles published in English, Spanish, or French up to September 21, 2023 were reviewed. References of included articles were manually reviewed to identify additional relevant studies. Results: 66 articles were identified. From the qualitative analysis carried out on their full texts, 4 studies that were considered to meet the inclusion criteria were finally selected. The selected articles included a total of 191 patients with various types of cancer and blood disorders. The presence of vascular access was common in this series and failure to remove the central venous catheter was the most prevalent factor among those who died. The predominant infectious agent was non-albicans Candida and mortality ranged from 11.3% to 31% with a median of 25%. It was not possible to establish whether Candida species influenced mortality.

Fiebre en pacientes inmunodeprimidos / Fever in immunocompromised patients

Introducción: La fiebre es un marcador de enfermedades infecciosas e inflamatorias que se da por una respuesta inmune innata y por diferentes mediaciones entre marcadores moleculares. En el paciente inmunodeprimido, uno o varios mecanismos inmunológicos pueden estar alterados, debido a que la respuesta inmune puede estar deprimida y la fiebre puede denotar un estado patológico grave subyacente. Se realizó una búsqueda exploratoria en las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scopus y Scielo entre septiembre y octubre de 2022. Se incluyeron los términos fiebre, pacientes inmunodeprimidos, tratamiento y sistema inmune. Se seleccionaron 41 artículos científicos con diferentes diseños epidemiológicos. Objetivo: Describir aspectos relacionados con la fisiopatología de la fiebre, el tratamiento de la presencia de fiebre en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida, así como también en pacientes receptores de trasplantes de órgano sólido y de trasplantes hematopoyéticos, pacientes neutropénicos y pacientes tratados con corticosteroides y terapia biológica. Desarrollo: El tratamiento del paciente inmunodeprimido con fiebre incluye aspectos fundamentales como una adecuada anamnesis y examen físico, además de pruebas diagnósticas orientadas para establecer la causa de la fiebre. En estos pacientes, las infecciones juegan un papel protagónico y su intervención temprana es fundamental para impactar en la morbimortalidad. Conclusiones: El paciente inmunodeprimido con presencia de fiebre presenta un panorama desafiante para su manejo médico integral. Entre otros aspectos es relevante considerar el tipo y tiempo de inmunosupresión, así como los factores de riesgo, con el fin de orientar los diagnósticos y tratamientos(AU)

Introduction: Fever is a marker of infectious and inflammatory diseases that is caused by an innate immune response and by different mediations between molecular markers. In the immunocompromised patient, one or more immunological mechanisms may be altered because the immune response may be compromised, and fever may denote a serious underlying disease state. An exploratory search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Scielo databases between September and October 2022. The terms fever immunocompromised patients, treatment, and immune system. A total of 41 scientific articles with different epidemiological designs were selected. Objective: To describe aspects related to the pathophysiology of fever, management of the presence of fever in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, as well as in patients who have received solid organ transplants and hematopoietic transplants, neutropenic patients and patients treated with corticosteroids and biological therapy. Developing: The approach to the immunocompromised patient with fever includes fundamental aspects such as an adequate history and physical examination, as well as diagnostic tests aimed at establishing the cause of the fever. In these patients, infections play a leading role and early intervention is essential to impact morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: The immunocompromised patient with the presence of fever presents a challenging panorama for his/her comprehensive medical approach. Among other aspects, it is relevant to consider the type and duration of immunosuppression, as well as the risk factors, to guide diagnoses and treatments(AU)

Immunogenicity of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) and additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adults compared with immunocompetent persons

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines data in immunocompromised individuals are scarce. This trial assessed the immunogenicity of two CoronaVac doses and additional BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine doses in immunocompromised (IC) and immunocompetent (H) individuals. Adults with solid organ transplant (SOT), hematopoietic stem cell transplant, cancer, inborn immunity errors or rheumatic diseases were included in the IC group. Immunocompetent adults were used as control group for comparison. Participants received two CoronaVac doses within a 28-day interval. IC received two additional BNT162b2 doses and H received a third BNT162b2 dose (booster). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 28 days after each dose, pre-booster and at the trial end. We used three serological tests to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N), trimeric spike (S), and receptor binding domain (RBD). Outcomes included seroconversion rates (SCR), geometric mean titers (GMT) and GMT ratio (GMTR). A total of 241 IC and 100 H adults participated in the study. After two CoronaVac doses, IC had lower SCR than H: anti-N, 33.3% vs 79%; anti-S, 33.8% vs 86%, and anti-RBD, 48.5% vs 85%, respectively. IC also showed lower GMT than H: anti-N, 2.3 vs 15.1; anti-S, 58.8 vs 213.2 BAU/mL; and anti-RBD, 22.4 vs 168.0 U/mL, respectively. After the 3rd and 4th BNT162b2 doses, IC had significant anti-S and anti-RBD seroconversion, but still lower than H after the 3rd dose. After boosting, GMT increased in IC, but remained lower than in the H group. CoronaVac two-dose schedule immunogenicity was lower in IC than in H. BNT162b2 heterologous booster enhanced immune response in both groups.

Immunogenicity of COVID-19 adsorbed inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) and additional doses of mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adults compared with immunocompetent persons

ABSTRACT Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines data in immunocompromised individuals are scarce. This trial assessed the immunogenicity of two CoronaVac doses and additional BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine doses in immunocompromised (IC) and immunocompetent (H) individuals. Adults with solid organ transplant (SOT), hematopoietic stem cell transplant, cancer, inborn immunity errors or rheumatic diseases were included in the IC group. Immunocompetent adults were used as control group for comparison. Participants received two CoronaVac doses within a 28-day interval. IC received two additional BNT162b2 doses and H received a third BNT162b2 dose (booster). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 28 days after each dose, pre-booster and at the trial end. We used three serological tests to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N), trimeric spike (S), and receptor binding domain (RBD). Outcomes included seroconversion rates (SCR), geometric mean titers (GMT) and GMT ratio (GMTR). A total of 241 IC and 100 H adults participated in the study. After two CoronaVac doses, IC had lower SCR than H: anti-N, 33.3% vs 79%; anti-S, 33.8% vs 86%, and anti-RBD, 48.5% vs 85%, respectively. IC also showed lower GMT than H: anti-N, 2.3 vs 15.1; anti-S, 58.8 vs 213.2 BAU/mL; and anti-RBD, 22.4 vs 168.0 U/mL, respectively. After the 3rd and 4th BNT162b2 doses, IC had significant anti-S and anti-RBD seroconversion, but still lower than H after the 3rd dose. After boosting, GMT increased in IC, but remained lower than in the H group. CoronaVac two-dose schedule immunogenicity was lower in IC than in H. BNT162b2 heterologous booster enhanced immune response in both groups.

[Clinical and microbiological characteristics of urinary tract infections in the first year after renal transplantation]. / Infecciones urinarias en el primer año postrasplante renal.

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most frequent infection in kidney transplant (KT) patients. The main objective was to determine the clinical and microbiological characteristics of UTIs that occur during the first year after KT. Methods: Retrospective cohort study that included patients over 18 years of age who received KT between 2009-2020 in two hospitals in Córdoba city, Argentina. Patients were followed up during the first year after the transplant by recording them in the medical records, and those who presented at least one episode of UTI were analyzed. Results: During the study period, 568 KTs were performed, of which 207 (36.4%) had at least one episode of UTI. In total, there were 419 UTI episodes, 6 (1.4%) polymicrobial UTI episodes, so a total of 426 microorganisms were identified in the urine cultures. Of the total number of episodes, 206 (49.2%) occurred between 31 and 180 days post-transplant. The main etiological agent was E. coli with 225 isolates (52.8%) followed by Klebsiella sp. with 94 (22.1%). 52.1% of all episodes were caused by multi-resistant microorganisms (MRM). Among the E. coli isolates, 94 (41.8%) were MRM. In the multivariate analysis, the risk factors associated with UTI due to MRM were a history of recurrent UTI (Odds ratio 2.43; 95% CI: 1.37-4.30) and induction with basiliximab (Odds ratio 1.53; 95% CI: 1.029-2.29). Main conclusion: UTIs occurred in more than a third of kidney transplant patients, being slightly more than half caused by MOR.

Introducción: Las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) constituyen la infección más frecuente en los trasplantados renales (TR). El objetivo principal fue determinar las características clínicas y microbiológicas de las ITU que ocurren durante el primer año posterior al TR. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, donde se incluyeron pacientes mayores 18 años que recibieron un TR entre 2009-2020 en dos hospitales de la ciudad de Córdoba. A través del registro en las historias clínicas se realizó seguimiento de los pacientes durante el primer año postrasplante y se analizaron los que presentaron al menos un episodio de ITU. Resultados: En el período de estudio, se realizaron 568 TR, de los cuales 207(36,4%) tuvieron al menos un episodio de ITU. En total hubo 419 episodios de ITU, 6(1,4%) episodios de ITU polimicrobianos, se identificaron un total de 426 microorganismos en total en los urocultivos. Del total de episodios 206(49,2%) ocurrieron entre los 31-180 días postrasplante. El principal agente etiológico fue E. coli con 225 aislamientos (52,8%) seguido de Klebsiella sp. con 94(22,1%). El 52,1% del total de episodios fueron causados por microorganismos multirresistentes (MOR). Entre los aislamientos de E. coli, 94(41,8%) fueron MOR. En el análisis multivariado los factores de riesgo asociados a ITU por MOR fueron el antecedente de ITU recurrente (Odds ratio 2.43; IC95%: 1.37-4.30) e inducción con basiliximab (Odds ratio 1.53; IC95%: 1.029-2.29). Conclusión: Las ITU se presentaron en más de un tercio de los pacientes trasplantados renales siendo un poco más de la mitad causados por MOR.

Impact of the multiplex molecular FilmArray Respiratory Panel on antibiotic prescription and clinical management of immunocompromised adults with suspected acute respiratory tract infections: A retrospective before-after study / Impacto del panel respiratorio molecular multiplex FilmArray ¿ en la prescripción de antibióticos y el manejo clínico de pacientes adultos inmunocomprometidos con sospecha de infección respiratoria aguda: un estudio retrospectivo antes/después

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of the implementation of a rapid multiplex molecular FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FRP) on the medical management of immunocompromised patients from a community general hospital. We conducted a single-center, retrospective, and before-after study. Two periods were evaluated: before the implementation of the FRP (pre-FRP) from April 2017 to May 2018 and after the implementation of the FRP (post-FRP) from January to July 2019. The inclusion criteria were immunocompromised patients over 18 years of age with suspected acute respiratory illness tested by conventional diagnostic meth-ods (pre-FRP) or the FilmArray™ Respiratory Panel v1.7 (post-FRP). A total of 142 patients were included, 64 patients in the pre-FRP and 78 patients in the post-FRP. The positive detec-tion rate was significantly higher in the post-FRP (63% vs. 10%, p <0.01). There were more patients receiving antimicrobial treatment in the pre-FRP compared with the post-FRP period (94% vs. 68%, p <0.01). A decrease in beta-lactam (89% vs. 61%, p <0.01) and macrolide (44% vs. 13%, p < 0.01) prescriptions were observed in the post-FRP. No differences were observed in oseltamivir use (22% vs. 13%, p = 0.14), changes in antimicrobial treatment, hospital admission rate, days-reduction in droplet isolation precautions, hospital length of stay (LOS), admission to intensive care unit (ICU), LOS in ICU, treatment failure and 30-day mortality. The implementa-tion of the FRP impacted patient care by improving diagnostic yield and optimizing antimicrobial treatment in immunocompromised adult patients.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación del panel respiratorio FilmArray® (FRP), un sistema automatizado de PCR multiplex, en el estándar de cuidado de pacientes adultos inmunocomprometidos en un hospital general. Es un estudio retrospectivo de un único centro con diseno antes/después. Los periodos evaluados fueron abril 2017-mayo 2018, previo a la implementación del FRP (pre-FRP), y enero 2019-julio 2019, luego de la implementación (post-FRP). Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes mayores de 18 años inmunocomprometidos con sospecha de infección respiratoria aguda a los que se les realizó, en pre-FRP, diagnóstico por métodos convencionales, y en post-FRP, el panel respiratorio FRP versión 1.7. Se incluyeron un total de 142 pacientes, 64 en pre-FRP y 78 en post-FRP. La tasa de positividad fue significativamente mayor en post-FRP frente a pre-FRP (63 vs. 10%, p<0,01). Hubo más pacientes con tratamiento antimicrobiano en pre-FRP que en post-FRP (94 vs. 68%, p <0,01). En pre-FRP hubo más pacientes tratados con betalactámicos (89 vs. 61%, p <0,01) y macrólidos (44 vs. 13%, p < 0,01). No se observaron diferencias significativas en el uso de oseltamivir (22 vs. 13%, p = 0,14), cambios en los tratamientos, número de hospitalizaciones, uso de aislamientos, duración de la estadía hospitalaria, ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, estadía en dicha unidad, falla de tratamiento y mortalidad a 30 días. El uso de FRP contribuyó a la atención del paciente mejorando el rendimiento diagnóstico y optimizando la terapia antimicrobiana en pacientes adultos inmunocomprometidos.

Invasive fusariosis.

Invasive fusariosis is a serious invasive fungal disease, affecting immunocompetent and, more frequently, immunocompromised patients. Localized disease is the typical clinical form in immunocompetent patients. Immunocompromised hosts at elevated risk of developing invasive fusariosis are patients with acute leukemia receiving chemotherapeutic regimens for remission induction, and those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. In this setting, the infection is usually disseminated with positive blood cultures, multiple painful metastatic skin lesions, and lung involvement. Currently available antifungal agents have poor in vitro activity against Fusarium species, but a clear-cut correlation between in vitro activity and clinical effectiveness does not exist. The outcome of invasive fusariosis is largely dependent on the resolution of immunosuppression, especially neutrophil recovery in neutropenic patients.

Utilidad del lavado broncoalveolar para la detección microbiológica, y factores asociados, en receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / Usefulness of bronchoalveolar lavage for microbiological detection and asssociated factors in hematopoietic stem cell transplant receivers: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las opacidades pulmonares en receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH) representan un desafío diagnóstico y son una causa de morbimortalidad. Existen grandes discrepancias con respecto a la sensibilidad diagnóstica del lavado broncoalveolar (LBA), sus complicaciones, y los factores asociados a la identificación microbiológica. OBJETIVO: Conocer la utilidad del estudio microbiológico del LBA en el diagnóstico, modificación de la conducta médica y estimar las complicaciones y mortalidad asociada al procedimiento, en receptores de TPH con opacidades pulmonares. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte, retrospectivo, en adultos receptores de TPH a los que se les realizó una broncoscopía con LBA por presentar opacidades pulmonares, en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires entre el 01/01/2011 y el 31/12/2020. RESULTADOS: De los 189 procedimientos analizados, en 79 se logró un hallazgo microbiológico (41,8%) y 122 permitieron modificar la conducta médica (64,6%). En 11 casos se observaron complicaciones graves dentro de las 12 horas (5,8%) de efectuado el LBA. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 16,8% (N = 21/125). El valor de neutrófilos en sangre previo al LBA (p = 0,037) y la presencia de nódulos pulmonares como lesión tomográfica predominante (p = 0,029) se asociaron independientemente al hallazgo microbiològico global. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestra investigación apoya la realización del LBA como herramienta diagnóstica en pacientes que reciben un TPH y presentan opacidades pulmonares.

BACKGROUND: Lung opacities are a cause of morbimortality in bone marrow transplant patients, and represent a diagnostic challenge. There are large discrepancies regarding the diagnostic sensitivity of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), its complications, and the factors associated with microbiological detection. AIM: To know the usefulness of the microbiological study of BAL in the diagnosis, in the modification in medical behavior and to estimate the complications and associated mortality of this diagnostic procedure in patients transplanted with hematopoietic progenitor cells with pulmonary opacities. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in bone marrow transplant adult patients who underwent bronchoscopy with BAL due to lung opacities at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 01/01/2011 and 12/31/2020. RESULTS: Of the 189 BAL analyzed, 79 presented a microbiological detection (41.8%) and 122 allowed to modify the medical behavior (64.6%). Severe complications were observed within 12 hours after the procedure in11 cases (5.8%). In-hospital mortality was 16,8% (N = 21/125). The value of blood neutrophils prior to bronchoalveolar lavage (p = 0.037) and the presence of pulmonary nodules as the predominant tomographic lesion (p = 0.029) were independently associated with global microbiological detection. CONCLUSION: Our research supports the performance of BAL as a diagnostic tool in bone marrow transplant patients with lung opacities.

Endocarditis due to Candida albicans in an immunocompromised patient: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Fungal endocarditis is a low-frequency disease with a challenging diagnosis, as it can be mistaken with bacterial endocarditis. Fungal endocarditis causes higher mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. In the clinical practice, the endocarditis caused by fungi represents up to 10% of all infectious endocarditis cases and has a mortality rate of nearly 50%. CASE REPORT: Here we present the case of a 53-year-old woman under corticosteroid therapy with a history of rheumatic heart disease, aortic valve replacement, and rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with fungal endocarditis caused by Candida albicans. Even though the patient received 3 years of antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole, had valve replacement surgery, and received intensive care, the patient finally worsened and died. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities and corticosteroid therapy predisposed the patient to acquire fungal endocarditis. This case highlights the importance of implementing procedures for the isolation and identification of fungi, and for carrying out antifungal-susceptibility testing, as well as establishing surveillance programs to identify infection-causing species and drug resistance patterns in hospitals. Moreover, designing and upgrading the algorithm for infectious endocarditis is the key to future improvements in diagnosis.

Culture-Negative Endocarditis in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case of Suspected Bartonella and Coxiella Co-Infection.

We present the case of a 23-year-old man with a previous deceased-donor renal transplant maintained on tacrolimus and prednisone who developed culture-negative endocarditis (CNE) of the mitral and aortic valves. He was suspected of being co-infected with Bartonella henselae and Coxiella burnetii, confirmed with serology testing. He was successfully managed with appropriate antibiotics and dual valve replacement.

Clinical, Epidemiological and Laboratory Features of Invasive Candida parapsilosis Complex Infections in a Brazilian Pediatric Reference Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The present study aimed to describe the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of invasive candidiasis by C. parapsilosis complex (CPC) in a Brazilian tertiary pediatric hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical samples were processed in the BACT/ALERT® 3D system or on agar plates. Definitive identification was achieved by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility was initially analyzed by the VITEK 2 system (AST-YS08 card) and confirmed by the CLSI protocol. Patient data were collected from the medical records using a structured questionnaire. CPC was recovered from 124 patients over an 18-month period, as follows: C. parapsilosis (83.87%), C. orthopsilosis (13.71%) and C. metapsilosis (2.42%). Antifungal resistance was not detected. The age of the patients with invasive CPC infections ranged from <1 to 18 years, and most of them came from oncology-related sectors, as these patients were more affected by C. parapsilosis. C. orthopsilosis infections were significantly more prevalent in patients from critical care units. Invasive infections caused by different pathogens occurred in 75 patients up to 30 days after the recovery of CPC isolates. Overall, 23 (18.55%) patients died within 30 days of CPC diagnosis. Catheter removal and antifungal therapy were important measures to prevent mortality. COVID-19 coinfection was only detected in one patient.

COVID-19 in immunocompromised children: comparison of SARS-CoV-2 viral load dynamics between the first and third waves.

SARS-CoV-2 dynamics across different COVID-19 waves has been unclear in immunocompromised children. We aimed to compare the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 RNA viral load (VL) during the first and third waves of COVID-19 in immunocompromised children. A retrospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted in a pediatric referral hospital of Argentina. The study included 28 admitted immunocompromised children with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thirteen acquired the infection during COVID-19 first wave (May to August 2020, group 1 (G1)) and fifteen in the third wave (January to March 2022, group 2 (G2)). RNA viral load measure and its dynamic reconstruction were performed in nasopharyngeal swabs by validated quantitative, real time RT-PCR, and linear mixed-effects model, respectively. Of the 28 children included, 54% were girls, most of them had hemato-oncological pathology (57%), and the median age was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR): 3-13). The dynamic of VL was similar in both groups (P = 0.148), starting from a level of 5.34 log10 copies/mL (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.47-6.21) in G1 and 5.79 log10 copies/mL (95% CI: 4.93-6.65) in G2. Then, VL decayed with a rate of 0.059 (95% CI: 0.038-0.080) and 0.088 (95% CI: 0.058-0.118) log10 copies/mL per day since diagnosis and fell below the limit of quantification at days 51 and 39 after diagnosis in G1 and G2, respectively. Our results evidenced a longer viral RNA persistence in immunocompromised pediatric patients and no difference in VL dynamic between COVID-19 first wave-attributed to ancestral infections-and third wave-attributed to Omicron infections.

Pulmonary and central nervous system nocardiosis: Alcoholism as an immunocompromising factor / Nocardiosis pulmonar y del sistema nervioso central: el alcoholismo como factor de inmunocompromiso

Nocardiosis is a disease with worldwide distribution. It is usually found in tropical areas and mainly affects immunocompromised patients, however, there are also cases where its infection has been reported in immunocompetent patients. This pathology is caused by bacteria known as Nocardia spp., which are gram-positive microorganisms and environmental saprophytes, and although exposure to Nocardia spp. is almost universal, only a small fraction of exposed people develops the disease. We present the case of a 47-year-old man, with no evidence of immunosuppression, from a rural area of Boyacá, who was admitted due to intense and intermittent headache accompanied by paresthesia and, finally, a decrease in consciousness. A brain magnetic resonance was performed and evidenced a fronto-temporo- occipital space-occupying lesion in the cortico-subcortical region with a compressive effect and displacement of the ventricular system cavities. It was suspected at first a neoplastic lesion or a brain abscess. The lesion was surgically resected, and its culture showed Nocardia africana/nova. In later studies a possible primary pulmonary focus was evidenced. Alcoholism was the only risk factor documented. The patient completed 6 weeks of hospital antibiotic treatment with favorable clinical and radiological evolution and was discharged with a 1-year plan of outpatient antibiotic therapy. Although Nocardia spp. mainly affects immunocompromised patients, evidence shows that this microorganism can also be a threat to individuals without traditional immunosuppression risk factors.

La nocardiosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial; de forma habitual se encuentra en zonas tropicales y afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, sin embargo, también existen casos reportados de infección en personas inmunocompetentes. Esta infección es causada por actinomicetos del género Nocardia spp. que son bacterias Gram positivas, saprófitos ambientales. Aunque la exposición a Nocardia spp. es casi universal, solo una pequeña fracción de las personas expuestas desarrollan la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 47 años, sin dato de inmunosupresión, procedente de un área rural de Boyacá, que consultó por un cuadro clínico de cefalea intensa e intermitente, con parestesias y, finalmente, alteración del estado de conciencia. Se practicó una resonancia magnética cerebral, en la que se evidenció una lesión que ocupaba espacio de localización córtico-subcortical en la región fronto-témporo-parietal izquierda, con efecto compresivo y desplazamiento de las cavidades del sistema ventricular. Se sospechó, inicialmente, una lesión neoplásica o un absceso cerebral. El paciente fue sometido a una resección quirúrgica, y el cultivo de la lesión documentó Nocardia africana/nova; en estudios posteriores, se evidenció un posible foco pulmonar primario. Como único factor de riesgo en el paciente, se documentó alcoholismo. Completó seis semanas de tratamiento antibiótico intrahospitalario con evolución clínica y radiológica, y egresó con plan de un año de terapia antibiótica ambulatoria. Aunque la enfermedad por Nocardia spp. afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, la "evidencia" clínica demuestra que este microorganismo también puede ser una amenaza para individuos sin los factores de riesgo tradicionales para inmunosupresión.

Prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation comparing tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation candidates, using tuberculin skin test and QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus, in a high-burden tuberculosis country. Adult candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation performed both tests before and those submitted to transplantation were followed up for 12 months. The prevalence of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was 17.1% and a moderate agreement between QuantiFERON-TB Gold-Plus and tuberculin skin test was observed in this population. Previous tuberculosis exposure was a risk factor for latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. No cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed during follow-up period.