The prevalence of healthcare-associated infection in medical intensive care units in Tunisia. Results of the multi-centre nosorea1 study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) in medical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), risk factors for these infections and identify the predominant infecting organisms. METHODS: A 1-day point-prevalence study within all medical ICUs in Tunisia, all patients occupying an ICU bed over a 48-hour period were included. Rates of HAI, resistance patterns of microbiological isolates and potential risk factors for HAI were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients were collected from 15 Tunisian medical ICUs. HAI prevalence was 25.2% CI 95% [15-35].The most frequent HAIs were hospital acquired pneumonia in 19 cases (59%) and catheter related infection in 5 cases (15%). Independent factors associated with HAI occurrence were SAPSII score ≥ 33 with OR 1.047; CI 95% [1.015-1.077], p=0.003 and recent hospitalization with OR 4.14 CI 95% [1.235-13.889], p=0.021. Non-fermenting pathogens were the most frequent microorganisms reported in ICUs ecology, prior colonization and HAIs of the screened patients. CONCLUSION: HAIs are frequent in medical ICUs in Tunisia, which emphasize the importance of specific measures for surveillance and infection control in critically ill patients. Implementing a national monitoring system of HAI should be a major priority of public health in Tunisia.

Coinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pneumocystis Jirovecii in immunocompetent young woman.

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a severe opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii). The co-infection with community-acquired P. jirovecii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is exceptionally described in non immunocompromised patients. We herein report the case of a young woman, with no medical history, who developed an acute respiratory failure due to P. jirovecii pneumonia associated with miliary tuberculosis. An extensive immunological investigation ruled out any acquired or primary immunodeficiency, suggesting that she was most likely immunocompetent. This report shows that such infections are not restricted to immunocompromised hosts. Moreover, it is tempting to speculate that the development of M. tuberculosis infection in this patient could be a risk factor for transition from colonization status of respiratory tract by P. jirovecii to pneumocystosis.

[Management of massive hemoptysis: current role of interventional endoscopy]. / Prise en charge des hémoptysies massives place actuelle de l'endoscopie interventionnelle.

Massive hemoptysis represent a very serious pathology and a vital threat for the patients. In spite of the availability of several therapeutical tools, the prognosis remains dark: mortality more than 60%. We expose here, the pathophysiological mechanisms of this severe complication and the main predisposing conditions and etiologies, to then approach the contribution of new endobronchial interventional treatments. The flexible endoscopy allowing only limited acts like the instillation of adrenalin and physiological solution at 4 degrees C, can in some cases contribute to probe or endobronchial catheter installation or intubation. The rigid bronchoscopy finds in massive hemoptysis a vast field of action and will make possible to better control the bleeding and to ensure the hemostasis: thermocoagulation, laser and cryotherapy aim at the same time stopping the haemorrhage and allow specific treatment. Their results are different according to the technique. The endovascular and surgical procedures have a complementary role.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica presenting as a respiratory insufficiency: diagnosis by bronchoscopy and MRI.

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign disorder affecting the trachea and occasionally the bronchi. We report a case of TO presenting as a respiratory insufficiency. Chest radiograph revealed an irregular narrowing of the intra thoracic trachea and a parenchymal consolidation of the left lower lobe. Magnetic resonance examination of the chest showed a diffuse irregular thickening of the trachea and central bronchi, which had an intermediate signal intensity with punctiform low signal intensity suggesting calcifications and no contrast enhancement. The diagnosis was confirmed by bronchoscopy and biopsies.