Acid-fast bacteria as causative agents of skin and soft tissue infections: case presentations and literature review

ABSTRACT Acid-fast bacteria can be implicated in skin and soft tissue infections. Diagnostic identification can be challenging or not feasible by routine laboratory techniques, especially if there is no access to the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology. Here, we present two cases of skin and soft tissue infections caused by two different acid-fast bacteria, Nocardia brasiliensis and Mycobacterium marinum. They both grew on Löwenstein-Jensen medium, Sabouraud agar medium and blood agar medium. Both bacteria appeared acid-fast by Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Gram-positive by Gram stain. The identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and gene analysis. N. brasiliensis and nontuberculous mycobacterium M. marinum represent rare pathogens that cause severe skin and soft tissue infections. Failure to identify the causative agent and subsequent inappropriate or inadequate treatment may lead to severe complications or even disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Factores de riesgo asociados a evolución desfavorable en el tratamiento de las infecciones de partes blandas / Risk factors associated with unfavorable evolution in the treatment of soft tissue infections

Introducción: Las infecciones de piel y partes blandas (IPPB) son una consulta frecuente y los casos graves conllevan morbimortalidad, por lo que su identificación y manejo precoz es fundamental para mejorar el pronóstico. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo asociados a una evolución desfavorable y mortalidad en pacientes tratados por IPPB en nuestro centro. Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles de una serie consecutiva de 172 pacientes con diagnóstico de IPPB entre enero de 2018 y enero de 2019, se recolectaron variables clínicas, de laboratorio e imagenológicas. Se definió como casos aquellos que requirieron cirugía, ingresaron a una unidad de paciente crítico o fallecieron, y como controles a los pacientes con buena respuesta al tratamiento médico. Resultados: Al realizar el análisis estadístico: la leucocitosis > 12.000 cel/mm3 (OR 6,56; IC 95%; 3,21-13,42), y la PCR > 150 mg/dl (OR 7,79; IC 95%; 3,59-16,91), resultaron ser factores de riesgo para evolución desfavorable. El puntaje LRINEC elevado (25,5% vs. 15,1%, p = 0,1034) y la cirugía tardía al ingreso (31,3% vs. 16,2%, p = 0.2632) fueron más frecuente en los casos de evolución desfavorable, pero sin diferencia significativa. Discusión: El uso de parámetros clínicos, de laboratorio e imágenes es fundamental para un diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Conclusiones: La leucocitosis, la elevación de la PCR y la cirugía tardía son factores de mal pronóstico en IPPB. El puntaje LRINEC aún es controversial por su baja sensibilidad.

Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are a frequent consultation and severe cases carry morbidity and mortality, so their early identification and management is essential to improve prognosis. Aim: To identify the risk factors associated with an unfavorable evolution and mortality in patients treated for SSTI in our center. Materials and Method: A case-control study of a consecutive series of 172 patients diagnosed with SSTI between January 2018 and January 2019 was carried out, clinical, laboratory and imaging variables were collected. Cases were defined as those that required surgery, were admitted to a critical patient unit or died, and as controls were patients with a good response to medical treatment. Results: When performing the statistical analysis: leukocytosis > 12,000 cel/mm3 (OR 6.56; 95% CI; 3.21-13.42), and CRP > 150 mg/dl (OR 7.79; 95% CI; 3.59-16.91), turned out to be risk factors for unfavorable evolution. The high LRINEC score (25.5% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.1034) and late surgery on admission (31.3% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.2632) were more frequent in cases of evolution unfavorable but without significant difference. Discussion: The use of clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters is essential for an early diagnosis and timely treatment. Conclusions: Leukocytosis, elevated CRP, and late surgery are poor prognostic factors in SSTI. The LRINEC score is still controversial due to its low sensitivity.

Long term cutaneous complications related to bone conduction hearing implants. A retrospective study (2004-2018).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of cutaneous complications due to surgically implanted bone conduction hearing aids in recipients treated at a tertiary otolaryngology center. Additionally, based on the literature review, we propose a scale to standardize the report of cutaneous reactions related to transcutaneous systems to objectify future studies. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who were implanted with bone conduction hearing systems between 2004 and 2018. Patients with minimum follow up of 6 months were included. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics and clinical course was analyzed by number and skin reactions. Transcutaneous and percutaneous systems were analyzed separately. The study was approved by the local IRB. RESULTS: A total of 104 devices were implanted on 88 patients with an average follow up of 4.04 (range of 0.5 - 10 years). Out of the total of patients, 49 (55.7%) developed at least one episode of inflammatory/infectious skin reaction at surgical incision site. A total of 148 episodes of local infections during the entire follow-up period were registered, mostly mild in severity with no triggering factors identified. The majority of the initial episodes of infection occurred within the first 3 years of follow-up. Out of the total of patients, 47 (53.4%) reported pain at the surgical site at some point throughout follow-up, not associated with clinically evident infection. CONCLUSION: The incidence of skin complications in our series seemed higher compared to previous reports. Minor complications were the most common and responded well to topical treatment. No triggering factors were identified as the cause of the infections, nor to explain the frequency or the severity of such an adverse reaction. Isolated pain was present in the majority of patients with conductive hearing devices, even without signs of active infection. Due to its high incidence it should be assessed in all patients that receive an implant. Based on a search of the literature, a scale to standardize cutaneous complications of transcutaneous implants was undertaken, but further studies are needed to validate such a scale.

Fascitis necrotizante cervical: experiencia en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Ciudad de México, / Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: Experience in the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, Mexico City,

Introducción: la fascitis necrotizante cervical es una entidad poco frecuente en la cabeza y el cuello, pero su importancia está dada por la elevada tasa de mortalidad. La importancia clínica de este estudio se debe al hecho de que no hay muchos reportes de casos de esta patología en América Latina, por lo cual queremos describir la experiencia en nuestro Hospital. Objetivo: describir la experiencia en fascitis necrotizante cervical en el Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal de historias clínicas del Servicio de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello del Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, de 2011 a 2017. Resultados: se incluyeron 11 historias clínicas con diagnóstico de fascitis necrotizante cervical, de las cuales 8 (72,7 %) eran hombres y 3 (27,2%) mujeres, con una edad promedio de 49,1 años. 5 (45,4 %) pacientes debutaron con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). El origen de la infección fue odontogénico en 3 (27,2 %) pacientes. Los microorganismos más frecuentes fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus y Staphylococcus epidermidis. Los 11 pacientes (100 %) fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente e impregnados con antimicrobianos empíricos, que posteriormente fueron modificados o no según los resultados del antibiograma. La hospitalización promedio fue de 18,7 días. 3 (27,2 %) pacientes presentaron mediastinitis como complicación. Hubo 2 muertes (18,1 %). Conclusión: el diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico y quirúrgico agresivo pueden reducir significativamente la morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Cervical necrotizing fasciitis is a rare entity in the head and neck, but its importance is given by the high mortality rate. The clinical importance of this study is due to the fact that there are not many case reports of this pathology in Latin America, which is why we want to describe the experience in our hospital. Objective: To describe the experience in cervical necrotizing fasciitis at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González. Materials and methods: Descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study of medical records of the Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service of the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González, from 2011 to 2017. Results: 11 medical records with a diagnosis of cervical necrotizing fasciitis were included, of which 8 (72.7%) were men and 3 (27.2%) were women, with a mean age of 49.1 years. 5 (45.4%) patients presented with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The origin of the infection was odontogenic in 3 (27.2%) patients. The most frequent microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus anginosus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The 11 patients (100%) underwent surgery and impregnated with empirical antimicrobials, which were later modified or not, according to the results of the antibiogram. The average hospitalization was 18.7 days. 3 (27.2%) patients presented mediastinitis as a complication. There were two deaths (18.1%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and aggressive empirical and surgical antimicrobial treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

Infecciones graves de huesos, articulaciones y tejidos blandos adquiridas en la comunidad / Severe community-acquired bone, joint, and soft tissue infections

Introducción: Las infecciones de huesos, articulaciones y partes blandas, no solo han tenido una incidencia creciente en los últimos años en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario Paquito González Cueto de Cienfuegos, sino también una evolución más grave. Objetivo: Describir aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de las infecciones graves de tejidos blandos, huesos y articulaciones. Métodos: Se revisó la base de datos computadorizada del Departamento de Estadística del Hospital Pediátrico Paquito González, para identificar todos los egresos de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, con diagnóstico de celulitis o absceso de tejidos blandos, fascitis, miositis, osteomielitis, sepsis severa y shock séptico, en el periodo de enero de 2009 a diciembre de 2019. Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: localización de la infección de piel y tejidos blandos, grupo de edad, año del egreso y sitio de origen de la sepsis. Resultados: No hubo diferencias en la incidencia entre los grupos de edad. La celulitis de los miembros fue la forma clínica más frecuente. Se encontró una incidencia creciente de las infecciones de tejidos blandos. Las infecciones de huesos y articulaciones, representaron el segundo sitio de origen más frecuente de sepsis grave y el shock séptico. Conclusiones: Ha habido un aumento de las infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos que requieren ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del citado hospital en los últimos 11 años. Estas infecciones de conjunto con las infecciones de huesos y articulaciones, constituyen un problema de salud puesto que provocan sepsis grave y shock séptico con una incidencia significativa(AU)

Introduction: Infections of bones, joints and soft parts have not only had an increasing incidence in recent years at ¨Paquito González Cueto¨ University Pediatric Hospital in Cienfuegos, but also a more serious evolution. Objective: Describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of severe soft tissues, bones and joints infections. Methods: The computerized database of the Department of Statistics of ¨Paquito González¨ Pediatric Hospital was reviewed to identify all discharges from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of cellulite or soft tissue abscess, fasciitis, myositis, osteomyelitis, severe sepsis and septic shock, in the period from January 2009 to December 2019. The following variables were studied: location of skin and soft tissue infection, age group, year of discharge, and sepsis origin location. Results: There were no differences in the incidence between age groups. Limb cellulite was the most common clinical form. An increasing incidence of soft tissue infections was found. Bone and joint infections represented the second most frequent origin location of severe sepsis and septic shock. Conclusions: There has been an increase in skin and soft tissue infections that require admission to the intensive care unit of the aforementioned hospital in the last 11 years. These infections, together with bone and joint infections, constitute a health problem since they cause severe sepsis and septic shock with a significant incidence(AU)

Cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium lentiflavum after subcutaneous injection of lipolytic formula

Abstract The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections is increasing worldwide; by 2017, more than 190 species and subspecies have been documented. Although classically associated with immunosuppression, the recognition of these etiological agents in diseases affecting immunocompetent individuals and in healthcare-associated infections, such as after surgical and cosmetic procedures, makes the study of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these microorganisms relevant in medical practice. Mycobacterium lentiflavum is slow-growing and rarely affects the skin. A case of cutaneous mycobacteriosis caused by M. lentiflavum is reported in an immunocompetent patient after subcutaneous injection of a lipolytic compound, treated with clarithromycin and levofloxacin.

Epidemiología, manifestaciones clínicas y microbiología de los pacientes con fascitis necrosante en el Hospital Nacional de Niños de Costa Rica / Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and microbiology of children with necrotizing fasciitis in a Costa Rican pediatric hospital

Resumen Introducción: A pesar de la morbilidad significativa asociada a la fascitis necrosante (FN), hay pocas publicaciones al respecto y esta es la serie pediátrica más grande proveniente de Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología, características clínicas y microbiología de la FN en niños costarricenses. Pacientes y Métodos: Revisión de registros clínicos y anatomo-patológicos, período abril de 2002 a abril de 2014 en pacientes bajo 13 años de edad. Resultados: Cumplían requisito de inclusión 19/22 pacientes, 12 tenían co-morbilidad: 26% con antecedente de cirugía reciente y 21% eran neonatos. Etiología se documentó en hemocultivos en 26% y mediante cultivo de tejidos en 63% (un tercio de ellos polimicrobianos). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus fueron los agentes etiológicos más comúnmente hallados. La tasa de fatalidad fue de 42%, una de las más altas de la región. Conclusiones: La FN es una patología grave, inusual, asociada frecuentemente a neonatología y pacientes post-quirúrgicos, con etiología mixta que requiere de asociación de antimicrobianos y cirugía precoz. Su letalidad es elevada en nuestro medio, por sobre series previamente publicadas.

Abstract Background: Despite the significant associated morbidity of necrotizing fasciitis (NF), few studies have been published and this is the larger pediatric series in Latin America. Aim: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and microbiology of NF in Costa Rican children. Methods: Review of clinical and pathological records, period April 2002 to April 2014, in patients under 13 years of age. Results: 19/22 patients met the inclusion requirement, 12 had co-morbidity: 26% with a history of recent surgery and 21% were neonates. Etiology was documented in blood cultures in 26% and by tissue culture in 63% (one third of them polymicrobial). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the three most common etiologic agents. Case fatality rate was 42%, one of the highest in our region. Conclusion: NF is a serious, unusual pathology, frequently associated with neonatology and post-surgical patients, with a mixed etiology that requires the association of antimicrobials and early surgery. Its lethality is high in our setting, over previously published series.

Cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium lentiflavum after subcutaneous injection of lipolytic formula.

The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections is increasing worldwide; by 2017, more than 190 species and subspecies have been documented. Although classically associated with immunosuppression, the recognition of these etiological agents in diseases affecting immunocompetent individuals and in healthcare-associated infections, such as after surgical and cosmetic procedures, makes the study of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these microorganisms relevant in medical practice. Mycobacterium lentiflavum is slow-growing and rarely affects the skin. A case of cutaneous mycobacteriosis caused by M. lentiflavum is reported in an immunocompetent patient after subcutaneous injection of a lipolytic compound, treated with clarithromycin and levofloxacin.

Nocardiosis linfocutánea en paciente inmunocomprometido

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de un paciente, agricultor, adulto mayor, portador de hipertensión arterial, cardiopatía isquémica y cáncer de próstata con metástasis en hueso en tratamiento conservador. Acude por cuadro de 15 días de evolución con flictenas en miembro superior y fiebre. Durante su internación se aísla en la secreción de piel Nocardia brasiliensis y es tratado con trimetoprin - sulfametoxazol. En el 15° de internación se agrega una neumonía asociada a los cuidados de la salud. Posteriormente se detecta una lesión ósea destructiva en columna a nivel de L3. Sale de alta con el diagnóstico de nocardiosis linfocutánea en paciente inmunocomprometido a los 31 días de internación con buena respuesta clínica y con planes de continuar antibióticoterapia.

ABSTRACT The case of a patient, an elderly farmer who has hypertension, ischemic heart disease and prostate cancer with bone metastases in conservative treatment, is presented. He consults for a 15-day evolution case with flictenas in the upper limb and fever. During hospitalization, Nocardia basiliensis is isolated in the secretion of skin and is treated with trimethoprine - sulfamethoxazole. In the 15th day of hospitalization, health care-associated pneumonia is added. Subsequently, a destructive bone lesion in the spine is detected at the L3 level. He is discharged with the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous nocardiosis in an immunocompromised patient after 31 days of hospitalization with a good clinical response and with plans to continue antibiotic therapy.

Herbal medicines to the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections: advantages of the multi-targets action.

The research for new treatments of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) is important due to their high prevalence and number of hospitalizations. The purpose of this review is to address the pathophysiology of SSTIs to highlight the advantages of herbal medicines to their treatment, showing examples of species and compounds with multi-targets action. SSTIs have a complex physiopathology involving the microorganism, as well as inflammation and difficult healing. Therefore, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing activities are an approach possible for their treatment. Herbal medicines have a wide diversity of biological compounds, mainly phenolic compounds that may act on different targets and also have synergism between them. Therefore, a single medicine may have the four key activities that allied allow eliminating the infection, control the inflammation process and accelerating the healing process, preventing complications with chronic infections.

Rol de los estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus en infecciones de piel y partes blandas: reporte de 3 casos / Role of streptococci of the Streptococcus anginosus group in skin and soft tissue infections: report of 3 cases

Los estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (GSA) comprenden uno de los grupos que conforman el grupo viridans de estreptococos y son parte de la microbiota humana habitual de la cavidad oral, del tracto respiratorio superior y del tracto gastrointestinal. Pueden producir colecciones purulentas de órganos sólidos, abscesos cutáneos y celulitis, entre otras infecciones. Este grupo posee numerosos factores de virulencia como hialuronidasa, adhesinas, enzimas extracelulares y hemolisinas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar tres casos clínicos de infecciones asociadas a traumatismos vinculados con la cavidad oral como golpes de puño o mordeduras humanas. En todos ellos, los GSA desarrollaron como germen único, lo que pone de manifiesto su importante rol en este tipo de infecciones.

The Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) is part of the viridans group streptococci and they belong to the normal human microbiota of the oral cavity, the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. It can produce purulent collections of solid organs, cutaneous abscesses and cellulitis, among other infections. This group has numerous virulence factors such as hyaluronidase, adhesins, extracellular enzymes and hemolysins. The objective of this work is to present three clinical cases of infections associated with trauma related to the oral cavity such as fist bumps or human bites. In all of them, the SAG developed as a single organism, which highlights its important role in this type of infection.

Os estreptococos do grupo do Streptococcus anginosus (GSA) são parte de um dos grupos que constituem o grupo viridans e fazem parte da microbiota normal da cavidade oral, do trato respiratório superior e do trato gastrointestinal dos seres humanos. Podem produzir coleções purulentas de órgãos sólidos, abscessos cutâneos e celulite, entre outras infecções. Este grupo possui numerosos fatores de virulência, como hialuronidases, adesinas, enzimas extracelulares e hemolisinas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi apresentar três casos clínicos de infecções associadas a traumatismos associados à cavidade oral, decorrentes de socos ou mordidas humanas. Em todos eles os GSA se desenvolveram como germe único, o que põe de manifesto seu papel importante nesse tipo de infecções.

Characterization of patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a high-complexity military hospital / Caracterización de los pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en un hospital militar de alta complejidad

Introduction: In Colombia, there are about 500,000 members in the national armed forces who consult military health institutions. In this population, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a high-incidence pathogen. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize patients with MRSA bacteremia in the Hospital Militar Central between 2012 and 2015. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with a retrospective review of clinical histories of hospitalized patients older than 18 years of age with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The identification of the patients was made using the Whonet system, version 5.6. Results: From cultures positive for S. aureus, 24.8% were methicillin-resistant strains, with a higher prevalence in active military personnel. A similar frequency was observed for community-acquired MRSA bacteremias and those acquired at the hospital, with the community phenotype being the most frequent in both groups. The main infectious focus related to the development of bacteremia was soft tissue, followed by pulmonary tissue. There were higher complication rates in nosocomial bacteremias; 34.9% of the patients had prolonged stays attributable to complications triggered by the bacteremia. Conclusions: Active military personnel was the most affected population by MRSA, with a similar frequency in community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremias. The main infectious focus was soft tissue. Taking into account these data, studies that establish the prevalence of skin infections by MRSA should be carried out.

Introducción. En las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, cerca de 500.000 de sus miembros asisten a consulta en los establecimientos sanitarios militares. En esta población, Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SAMR) se ha convertido en un agente patógeno de gran incidencia. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes con diagnóstico de bacteriemia por SAMR en el Hospital Militar Central entre el 2012 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados y con hemocultivos positivos para S. aureus resistente a la meticilina. Para la identificación de los pacientes se empleó el sistema Whonet, version 5.6. Resultados. De los 177 cultivos positivos para S. aureus, el 24,8 % (n=44) correspondió a SAMR, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes militares activos (n=20m 45,4 %). Se observó una frecuencia similar para la bacteriemia por SAMR adquirida en la comunidad y la adquirida en el hospital, siendo más frecuente (n=37, 84 %) el fenotipo de la comunidad en ambos grupos. El principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos, seguidos por el tejido pulmonar. Se presentaron mayores tasas de complicaciones (61%, n=13) en la bacteriemia adquirida en el hospital; 34,9 % (n=15),de los pacientes tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria prolongada atribuible a las complicaciones desencadenadas por la bacteriemia. Conclusiones. La población más afectada por SAMR fueron los pacientes militares activos (n=20, 45,4 %), con una frecuencia similar de la bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad (n=18, 43,2 %) y la adquirida en el hospital (n=25, 56,8 %), y el principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos. Dados estos resultados, es necesario adelantar estudios para establecer la prevalencia de infecciones por SAMR en la piel.

Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de las infecciones de piel y partes blandas en neonatos / Clinical-epidemiological aspects of skin and soft tissue infections in newborns

Introducción: Las infecciones de piel y partes blandas constituyen una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta pediátrica, de lo cual no está exento el recién nacido, que por sus peculiaridades anatómicas, fisiológicas e inmunológicas, pueden convertirse en afecciones letales. Objetivo: Describir aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los recién nacidos con infecciones de piel y partes blandas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, prospectivo y transversal en 256 pacientes que ingresaron en el Departamento de Neonatología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler de enero de 2013 a diciembre de 2015. Se determinó la incidencia de las infecciones de piel y partes blandas, formas clínicas de presentación, edad, sexo, estadía, terapéutica utilizada y microorganismos aislados en hemocultivo. Resultados: En la muestra, 95,3 por ciento de los neonatos tenían más de 7 días de nacidos y 59,0 por ciento eran hembras. La tasa de incidencia fue de 16,1 × 100 ingresos y el 75,0 por ciento presentaba mastitis. El microorganismo más aislado en hemocultivos fue Staphylococcus aureus. El 60,9 por ciento de los pacientes recibieron monoterapia con Cefazolina. Conclusiones: La incidencia de las infecciones de piel y partes blandas fue mayor en el año 2014; los recién nacidos inician la enfermedad en la segunda semana de vida, en el sexo femenino, con una estadía hospitalaria menor de una semana. El microorganismo más aislado en hemocultivos es Staphylococcus aureus. Más de la mitad de los pacientes reciben monoterapia con Cefalosporina de primera generación como terapéutica con una evolución favorable(AU)

Introduction: Skin and soft tissue infections constitute one of the most frequent causes of pediatric consultations. Newborns are not exempt of that since their anatomic, physiological and immunological peculiarities can help to become those infections in letal ones. Objective: To describe clinical and epidemiological aspects of newborns presenting skin and soft tissue infections. Methods: An observational, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in 256 patients admitted in the Neonatology Department of William Soler Pediatric University Hospital from January, 2013 to Decmeber, 2015. There were determined: the incidence of skin and soft tissue infections, the clinical kinds, age, sex, stay, used therapy, microorganisms isolated in hemocultures. Results: In the sample, 95.3 percent of the newborns were of more than 7 days alive and 59.0 percent were female. The incidence rate was of 16.1 × 100 admissions, and 75.0 percent presented mastitis. The most isolated in hemocultures microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus. 60.9 percent of the patients had monotherapy with Cefazolin. Conclusions: The incidence of skin and soft tissue infections was higher in 2014; the disease onset in newborns in the second week of life, in females, with a hospital stay of less than a week. The most isolated in hemocultures microorganism is Staphylococcus aureus. More tan half of the patients undergone monotherapy with first generation Cephalosporines as a therapy with a favorable evolution(AU)

Caracterización fenotípica de variantes pequeñas de Staphylococcus aureus: un nuevo desafío / Phenotypic characterization of small colony variants of Staphylococcus aureus: a new challenge / Caracterizaçao fenotípica de pequenas variantes de Staphylococcus aureus: um novo desafio

En infecciones crónicas y recurrentes por Staphylococcus aureus se han descripto subpoblaciones de colonias pequeñas (VCPSa). El objetivo de este trabajo fue reconocer las características fenotípicas de VCPSa para optimizar su detección y caracterización a partir de materiales clínicos provenientes de infecciones crónicas. Se analizaron n=3 VCPSa de pacientes adultos con infecciones crónicas de tejidos blandos. Las muestras se inocularon en agar nutritivo, agar sangre, agar chocolate y agar Schaedler suplementado. Se realizaron tinción de Gram, catalasa, coagulasa libre, pruebas de dependencia para hemina, menadiona y timidina y, desarrollo/ataque del manitol en agar manitol salado. La sensibilidad antibiótica se efectuó en agar Mueller Hinton suplementado, según las pruebas de dependencia. Se investigó la presencia de proteína ligadora de penicilina anómala (PBP2´) por aglutinación con látex. Las VCPSa se detectaron en los medios de cultivo enriquecidos. Estas bacterias dieron positivas las pruebas de catalasa y coagulasa, y eran dependientes de menadiona y hemina. En los tres aislamientos se observó resistencia a cefoxitina y se detectó la PBP2´.

In chronic and recurrent infections, small colonies of Staphylococcus aureus subpopulations (SCVSa) have been observed. The objective of the present study was to recognize the phenotypic characteristics of SCVSa isolated from patients with chronic infections to optimize their detection. SCVSa of adult patients n=3 with chronic soft tissue infections were analyzed. Samples were inoculated on nutritive agar, blood-agar, chocolate agar and supplemented Schaedler agar. Subsequently, Gram stain, catalase, free coagulase, dependence tests for hemin, menadione and thymidine, and growth/fermentation of mannitol on salt mannitol agar were performed. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed by the agar diffusion method on supplemented Mueller Hinton agar, according to dependence assays results. Anomalous penicillin binding protein (PBP2') was investigated by latex agglutination. SCVSa were detected in all enriched culture media. They showed catalase and coagulase activities, and menadione and hemin dependence. By the agar diffusion test, cefoxitin resistance was found in all isolates; PBP2' was detected as well.

Nas infecções crônicas e recorrentes por Staphylococcus aureus, subpopulações de pequenas colônias (VCPSa) foram descritas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi reconhecer as características fenotípicas de VCPSa para otimizar sua detecção e caracterização a partir de materiais clínicos provenientes de infecções crônicas. Foram analisados n=3 VCPSa de pacientes adultos com infecções crônicas de tecidos moles. As amostras foram inoculadas em agar nutritivo, agar sangue; agar chocolate e agar Schaedler enriquecido. Foram realizados testes de coloração de Gram, catalase, coagulase livre, testes de dependência para hemina, menadiona e timidina, e desenvolvimento/fermentação do manitol em agar manitol salgado. A sensibilidade antibiótica foi realizada em agar Mueller Hinton suplementado, de acordo com os testes de dependência. Foi investigada a presença de proteína ligante de penicilina anômala (PBP2´) por aglutinação com látex. Os VCPSa foram detectados em meios de cultura enriquecidos. Estas bactérias deram positivas nos testes de catalase e coagulase positivos e eram dependentes de menadiona e hemina. A resistência à cefoxitina foi detectada nos três isolados e detectou-se a PBP2'.

Caracterización de los pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en un hospital militar de alta complejidad / Characterization of patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a high-complexity military hospital

Resumen Introducción. En las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, cerca de 500.000 de sus miembros asisten a consulta en los establecimientos sanitarios militares. En esta población, Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SAMR) se ha convertido en un agente patógeno de gran incidencia. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes con diagnóstico de bacteriemia por SAMR en el Hospital Militar Central entre el 2012 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados y con hemocultivos positivos para S. aureus resistente a la meticilina. Para la identificación de los pacientes se empleó el sistema Whonet, version 5.6. Resultados. De los 177 cultivos positivos para S. aureus, el 24,8 % (n=44) correspondió a SAMR, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes militares activos(n=20m 45,4 %). Se observó una frecuencia similar para la bacteriemia por SAMR adquirida en la comunidad y la adquirida en el hospital, siendo más frecuente (n=37, 84 %) el fenotipo de la comunidad en ambos grupos. El principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos, seguidos por el tejido pulmonar. Se presentaron mayores tasas de complicaciones (61%, n=13) en la bacteriemia adquirida en el hospital; 34,9 % (n=15),de los pacientes tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria prolongada atribuible a las complicaciones desencadenadas por la bacteriemia. Conclusiones. La población más afectada por SAMR fueron los pacientes militares activos (n=20, 45,4 %), con una frecuencia similar de la bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad (n=18, 43,2 %) y la adquirida en el hospital (n=25, 56,8 %), y el principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos. Dados estos resultados, es necesario adelantar estudios para establecer la prevalencia de infecciones por SAMR en la piel.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia, there are about 500,000 members in the national armed forces who consult military health institutions. In this population, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a high-incidence pathogen. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize patients with MRSA bacteremia in the Hospital Militar Central between 2012 and 2015. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with a retrospective review of clinical histories of hospitalized patients older than 18 years of age with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The identification of the patients was made using the Whonet system, version 5.6. Results: From cultures positive for S. aureus, 24.8% were methicillin-resistant strains, with a higher prevalence in active military personnel. A similar frequency was observed for community-acquired MRSA bacteremias and those acquired at the hospital, with the community phenotype being the most frequent in both groups. The main infectious focus related to the development of bacteremia was soft tissue, followed by pulmonary tissue. There were higher complication rates in nosocomial bacteremias; 34.9% of the patients had prolonged stays attributable to complications triggered by the bacteremia. Conclusions: Active military personnel was the most affected population by MRSA, with a similar frequency in community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremias. The main infectious focus was soft tissue. Taking into account these data, studies that establish the prevalence of skin infections by MRSA should be carried out.

An Update on the Treatment and Management of Cellulitis. / Actualización en el abordaje y manejo de celulitis.

Cellulitis and erysipelas are local soft tissue infections that occur following the entry of bacteria through a disrupted skin barrier. These infections are relatively common and early diagnosis is essential to treatment success. As dermatologists, we need to be familiar with the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of these infections. In this article, we provide a review of the literature and update on clinical manifestations, predisposing factors, microbiology, diagnosis, treatment, and complications. We also review the current situation in Chile.

Actividad in vitro del tedizolid y de antibióticos de comparación en aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a meticilina en infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos en siete hospitales de Colombia / In vitro activity of tedizolid and other comparator drugs in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in skin and soft tissue infections in seven Colombian hospitals

Introducción. Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM) causa infecciones graves de la piel y los tejidos blandos en los hospitales y, en los últimos años, en la comunidad. El tedizolid es una nueva oxazolidinona cuya potencia in vitro ha demostrado ser mayor que la del linezolid frente a este microorganismo. Objetivo. Conocer la actividad antimicrobiana del tedizolid y de algunos antibióticos de comparación en aislamientos de SARM causante de infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos en hospitales de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo y descriptivo a lo largo de doce meses en siete hospitales de tercer nivel de Colombia. Se recolectaron aislamientos de SARM de pacientes adultos con infección de piel y tejidos blandos. Se determinó la concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) mediante la técnica de ETEST® (bioMérieux) del tedizolid, el linezolid, la vancomicina, la daptomicina, el trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y la clindamicina. Resultados. Se obtuvieron aislamientos de SARM de 102 pacientes, de los cuales 56 (54,9 %) eran hombres; el promedio de edad fue de 46,8 años. La infección tuvo origen en la comunidad en 77 casos (75,4 %). El tipo de muestra que predominó fue el absceso (69 pacientes: 67,6 %). Todos los aislamientos fueron sensibles a tedizolid, linezolid, daptomicina, trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y vancomicina. La actividad in vitro del tedizolid fue mayor que la del linezolid. Los intervalos de la CIM del tedizolid oscilaron entre 0,125 µg/ml y 0,5 µg/ml en tanto que los del linezolid fluctuaron entre 1 µg/m y 2 µg/ml. Conclusiones. Las cepas circulantes de SARM en Colombia presentaron una gran sensibilidad al tedizolid, por lo cual sería una alternativa terapéutica para las infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos en nuestro medio.

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes severe skin and soft tissue infections in hospitals and, more recently, in the community. Tedizolid is a new second-generation oxazolidinone derivative having greater in vitro potency than linezolid against this type of microorganism. Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of tedizolid and other comparator antibiotics in MRSA isolates causing skin and soft tissue infections in Colombian hospitals. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective, multi-center descriptive study in seven tertiary-level hospitals in Colombia along a 12-month period. MRSA isolates were collected from adult patients with skin and soft tissue infections. Tedizolid, linezolid, vancomycin, daptomycin, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by ETEST® (bioMérieux). Results: MRSA isolates were obtained from 102 patients with an average age of 46.8 years of whom 56 (54.9%) were men. Infection was community-acquired in 77 cases (75.4%). Abscess-related samples predominated (69 patients: 67.6%). All isolates were susceptible to tedizolid, linezolid, daptomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and vancomycin. Tedizolid had greater in vitro activity than linezolid. Tedizolid MIC intervals ranged from 0.125 µg/mL to 0.5 µg/mL while those of linezolid ranged from 1µg/mL to 2µg/mL. Conclusions: MRSA strains circulating in Colombia are highly susceptible to tedizolid and can be considered a therapeutic alternative for hospitals and/or community-acquired skin and soft tissue infections.

Leclercia adecarboxylata, a rare cause of soft tissue infections in immunocompromised patients, case report and review of the literature / Leclercia adecarboxylata, una causa rara de infección de tejidos blandos en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Leclercia adecarboxylata is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family that has been isolated from several environmental and animal specimens, however it rarely causes diseases in human beings. It has natural resistance to several antibiotics, and has shown the ability to harbor and produce enzymes capable of hydrolyzing most of the antibiotics used in daily clinical practice, making its treatment a challenge when a strain with such characteristics causes disease. Here we report the first known case of infection by Leclercia adecarboxylata after a trauma with plant material, in a 69-year-old male patient, with poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus type 2.

Leclercia adecarboxylata es un miembro de la familia Enterobacteriaceae que ha sido aislada tanto de muestras de animales como medioambientales, sin embargo raramente produce enfermedad en seres humanos. Tiene resistencia natural a varios antibióticos y se ha encontrado que tiene enzimas capaces de hidrolizar la mayoría de los antibióticos utilizados en la práctica clínica, lo cual hace un verdadero tratar una infección por este microorganismo en humanos. Aquí reportamos el primer caso de infección por Leclercia adecarboxylata luego de un trauma con material vegetal, en un paciente de 69 años y con una diabetes tipo 2, mal controlada.

Novel Alkylimidazolium Ionic Liquids as an Antibacterial Alternative to Pathogens of the Skin and Soft Tissue Infections.

Keeping in mind the concept of green chemistry, this research aims to synthesize and characterize new ionic liquids (ILs) derived from N-cinnamyl imidazole with different sizes of alkyl chains (1, 6, 8, and 10 carbon atoms), and evaluate their antibacterial activity against Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) causative bacteria. The antibacterial screening was carried out by agar well diffusion and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Half Maximum Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) of the different ILs were determined by microdilution in broth, also Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the interaction mechanism between ILs and membranes. The MIC value in Gram-positive bacteria showed that as the hydrocarbon chain increases, the MIC value decreases with a dose-dependent effect. Furthermore, Gram-negative bacteria showed high MIC values, which were also evidenced in the antibacterial screening. The molecular dynamics showed an incorporation of the ILs with the longer chain (10 C), corresponding to a passive diffusion towards the membrane surface, for its part, the ILs with the shorter chain due to its lack of hydrophobicity was not incorporated into the bilayer. Finally, the new ILs synthesized could be an alternative for the treatment of Gram-positive bacteria causative of SSTIs.

Tigeciclina en infecciones de piel y tejidos blandos complicadas / Tigecycline in complicated skin and soft-tissue infection

Objetivo: evaluar la mejor evidencia actual disponible para generar recomendaciones con respecto a la efectividad y seguridad del uso de tigeciclina en adultos con infección de piel y tejidos blandos (IPTB). Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, seleccionando los metaanálisis y experimentos clínicos controlados (ECCs), los cuales se valoraron utilizando la herramienta SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network.), con el fin de generar tablas de evidencia según GRADE de los estudios de tigeciclina en la indicación de IPTB, para posteriormente utilizar un proceso Delphi modificado para calificar las diferentes recomendaciones. Resultados: la revisión sistemática se incluyeron 9 metaanálisis que incluyeron 5 estudios clínicos aleatorizados con 1873 pacientes, y de ellos 952 asignados al brazo de tigeciclina, no mostró inferioridad frente a los comparadores en curación clínica (RR= 0.76 IC95% 0,57 - 1.03), curación microbiológica (RR= 0.92 IC95% 0,61 - 1.38), eventos adversos serios RR 1,41 (IC95%0,97 a 2,35), ni mortalidad RR 1,9 (IC95%0,84 a 4,3). La tigeciclina puede relacionarse con mayor frecuencia de eventos adversos leves de origen gastrointestinal. Conclusión: en pacientes adultos con IPTB, se considera que el uso de tigeciclina en monoterapia en pacientes no críticamente enfermos es equivalente en eficacia a otras opciones terapéuticas antimicrobianas. Se debe considerar especialmente como terapia de ajuste en pacientes con infecciones polimicrobianas.

Objective: To assess current best evidence available to generate recommendations regarding the effectiveness and safety of tigecycline use in adults with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Materials and methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted by selecting meta-analyzes and controlled clinical trials (CCTs), which were assessed using the SIGN tool (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) in order to generate evidence tables according to GRADE of studies of tigecycline in the SSTIs indication, and then using a modified Delphi Method to score the different recommendations. Results: Nine meta-analyzes were included compounded by five randomized clinical trials with a sample size of 1873 patients, where 952 patients were assigned to tigecycline. The group of patients with tigecycline showed no inferiority to the comparator in clinical cure (RR = 0.76 95% CI 0.57 - 1.03), microbiologic cure (RR = 0.92 95% CI 0.61 - 1.38), serious adverse events RR 1, 41 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.35) or mortality RR 1.9 (95% CI 0.84 to 4.3). Tigecycline may be related to increased frequency of minor adverse events of gastrointestinal origin. Conclusion: In adult patients with SSTIs, it is considered that the use of tigecycline in monotherapy in non-critically ill patients is equivalent in effectiveness to other antimicrobial treatment options. It should be especially considered as an adjustment therapy in patients with polymicrobial infections.