scholarly journals Successful Treatment ofBacillus cereusBacteremia in a Patient with Propionic Acidemia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Fatma Deniz Aygun ◽  
Fatih Aygun ◽  
Halit Cam
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Cereus ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Propionic Acidemia ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Intravascular Catheter ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Traumatic Wound ◽  
Systemic Infections

Bacillus cereuscan cause serious, life-threatening, systemic infections in immunocompromised patients. The ability of microorganism to form biofilm on biomedical devices can be responsible for catheter-related bloodstream infections. Other manifestations of severe disease are meningitis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, and surgical and traumatic wound infections. The most common feature in true bacteremia caused by Bacillus is the presence of an intravascular catheter. Herein, we report a case of catheter-related bacteremia caused byB. cereusin a patient with propionic acidemia.

scholarly journals Designed Antimicrobial Peptides Against Trauma-Related Cutaneous Invasive Fungal Wound Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Kathryn W. Woodburn ◽  
Jesse M. Jaynes ◽  
L. Edward Clemens
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Peptides ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Structural Analog ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
First Line ◽  
Empiric Treatment ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Traumatic Wound

Cutaneous invasive fungal wound infections after life-threatening dismounted complex blast injury (DCBI) and natural disasters complicate clinical care. These wounds often require aggressive repeated surgical debridement, can result in amputations and hemipelvectomies and have a 38% mortality rate. Given the substantial morbidity associated with cutaneous fungal wound infections, patients at risk need immediate empiric treatment mandating the use of rapidly acting broad-spectrum antimicrobials, acting on both fungi and bacteria, that are also effective against biofilm and can be administered topically. Designed antimicrobial peptides (dAMPs) are engineered analogues of innate antimicrobial peptides which provide the first line of defense against invading pathogens. The antifungal and antibacterial effect and mammalian cytotoxicity of seven innovative dAMPs, created by iterative structural analog revisions and physicochemical and functional testing were investigated. The dAMPs possess broad-spectrum antifungal activity, in addition to being effective against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, which is crucial as many wounds are polymicrobial and require immediate empiric treatment. Three of the most potent dAMPs—RP504, RP556 and RP557—possess limited mammalian cytotoxicity following 8 h incubation. If these encouraging broad-spectrum antimicrobial and rapid acting results are translated clinically, these novel dAMPs may become a first line empiric topical treatment for traumatic wound injuries.

scholarly journals Role for IL-1 Family Cytokines in Fungal Infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
James S. Griffiths ◽  
Giorgio Camilli ◽  
Natalia K. Kotowicz ◽  
Jemima Ho ◽  
Jonathan P. Richardson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Current Therapies ◽  
Immunotherapy Target ◽  
Systemic Infections ◽  
Fungal Immunity ◽  
Anti Fungal

Fungal pathogens kill approximately 1.5 million individuals per year and represent a severe disease burden worldwide. It is estimated over 150 million people have serious fungal disease such as recurrent mucosal infections or life-threatening systemic infections. Disease can ensue from commensal fungi or new infection and involves different fungal morphologies and the expression of virulence factors. Therefore, anti-fungal immunity is complex and requires coordination between multiple facets of the immune system. IL-1 family cytokines are associated with acute and chronic inflammation and are essential for the innate response to infection. Recent research indicates IL-1 cytokines play a key role mediating immunity against different fungal infections. During mucosal disease, IL-1R and IL-36R are required for neutrophil recruitment and protective Th17 responses, but function through different mechanisms. During systemic disease, IL-18 drives protective Th1 responses, while IL-33 promotes Th2 and suppresses Th1 immunity. The IL-1 family represents an attractive anti-fungal immunotherapy target. There is a need for novel anti-fungal therapeutics, as current therapies are ineffective, toxic and encounter resistance, and no anti-fungal vaccine exists. Furthering our understanding of the IL-1 family cytokines and their complex role during fungal infection may aid the development of novel therapies. As such, this review will discuss the role for IL-1 family cytokines in fungal infections.

The Chemistry of Drugs to Treat Candida albicans

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (28) ◽  
pp. 2554-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelio Ortiz ◽  
Estibaliz Sansinenea
Keyword(s):  
Candida Species ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Drug Classes ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Antifungal Substances ◽  
High Level ◽  
Systemic Infections ◽  
New Compounds ◽  
Level Resistance

Background:: Candida species are in various parts of the human body as commensals. However, they can cause local mucosal infections and, sometimes, systemic infections in which Candida species can spread to all major organs and colonize them. Objective:: For the effective treatment of the mucosal infections and systemic life-threatening fungal diseases, a considerably large number of antifungal drugs have been developed and used for clinical purposes that comprise agents from four main drug classes: the polyenes, azoles, echinocandins, and antimetabolites. Method: : The synthesis of some of these drugs is available, allowing synthetic modification of the molecules to improve the biological activity against Candida species. The synthetic methodology for each compound is reviewed. Results: : The use of these compounds has caused a high-level resistance against these drugs, and therefore, new antifungal substances have been described in the last years. The organic synthesis of the known and new compounds is reported. Conclusion: : This article summarizes the chemistry of the existing agents, both the old drugs and new drugs, in the treatment of infections due to C. albicans, including the synthesis of the existing drugs.

scholarly journals Incidence and Outcomes of Home Parenteral Nutrition in Patients With Crohn Disease in Olmsted County, Minnesota

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab Bakhshi ◽  
Siddhant Yadav ◽  
Bradley R Salonen ◽  
Sara L Bonnes ◽  
Jithinraj Edakkanambeth Varayil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Short Bowel Syndrome ◽  
Crohn Disease ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Home Parenteral Nutrition ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Olmsted County ◽  
Short Bowel

Abstract Background We sought to estimate the incidence of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) use in a population-based cohort of patients with Crohn disease (CD), and to assess clinical outcomes and complications associated with HPN. Methods We used the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) to identify residents of Olmsted County, who were diagnosed with CD between 1970 and 2011, and required HPN. Results Fourteen out of 429 patients (3.3%) with CD received HPN (86% female). Eleven patients (79%) had moderate–severe CD and 12 patients (86%) had fistulizing disease. Thirteen patients (93%) underwent surgery, primarily due to obstruction. Among CD incidence cases, the cumulative incidence of HPN from the date of CD diagnosis was 0% at 1 year, 0.5% at 5 years, 0.8% at 10 years, and 2.4% at 20 years. Indications for HPN included short bowel syndrome in 64%, malnutrition in 29%, and bowel rest in 21%. The median duration of HPN was 2.5 years. There was an average weight gain of 1.2 kg at 6 months, an average weight loss of 1.4 kg at 1 year, and a further weight loss of 2.2 kg at 2 years from the start of HPN. Patients were hospitalized a mean of 5 times after the start of HPN, mainly due to catheter-related bloodstream infections and thrombosis. Conclusions Less than 4% of patients with CD need HPN. Most have moderate to severe disease with short bowel syndrome or malnutrition. Possible reasons for the patients’ weight loss could be noncompliance, and increased metabolic needs because of active disease.

scholarly journals Radiation-Inactivated Acinetobacter baumannii Vaccine Candidates

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Dollery ◽  
Daniel V. Zurawski ◽  
Elena K. Gaidamakova ◽  
Vera Y. Matrosova ◽  
John K. Tobin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acinetobacter Baumannii ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Bacterial Cells ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Protein Profiles ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Rich Media ◽  
Life Threatening

Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterial pathogen that is often multidrug-resistant (MDR) and causes a range of life-threatening illnesses, including pneumonia, septicemia, and wound infections. Some antibiotic treatments can reduce mortality if dosed early enough before an infection progresses, but there are few other treatment options when it comes to MDR-infection. Although several prophylactic strategies have been assessed, no vaccine candidates have advanced to clinical trials or have been approved. Herein, we rapidly produced protective whole-cell immunogens from planktonic and biofilm-like cultures of A. baumannii, strain AB5075 grown using a variety of methods. After selecting a panel of five cultures based on distinct protein profiles, replicative activity was extinguished by exposure to 10 kGy gamma radiation in the presence of a Deinococcus antioxidant complex composed of manganous (Mn2+) ions, a decapeptide, and orthophosphate. Mn2+ antioxidants prevent hydroxylation and carbonylation of irradiated proteins, but do not protect nucleic acids, yielding replication-deficient immunogenic A. baumannii vaccine candidates. Mice were immunized and boosted twice with 1.0 × 107 irradiated bacterial cells and then challenged intranasally with AB5075 using two mouse models. Planktonic cultures grown for 16 h in rich media and biofilm cultures grown in static cultures underneath minimal (M9) media stimulated immunity that led to 80–100% protection.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis Mimicking Crohn’s Disease

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esfandiar Shojaei ◽  
Joanna C Walsh ◽  
Nikhil Sangle ◽  
Brian Yan ◽  
Michael S Silverman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Antifungal Therapy ◽  
Immunocompetent Patient ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Disseminated Histoplasmosis ◽  
Gastrointestinal Histoplasmosis ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Inflammatory Drugs ◽  
Tissue Specimens

Abstract Disseminated histoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease usually seen in immunocompromised patients living in endemic areas. We present an apparently immunocompetent patient with gastrointestinal histoplasmosis who was initially diagnosed as biopsy-proven Crohn’s disease. Following discontinuation of anti-inflammatory drugs and institution of antifungal therapy, his GI illness completely improved. Specific fungal staining should be routinely included in histopathologic assessment of tissue specimens diagnosed as Crohn’s disease.

scholarly journals Characteristics, Treatment, and Outcomes of Patients With Severe or Life-threatening COVID-19 at a Military Treatment Facility—A Descriptive Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian P Elliott ◽  
Gregory M Buchek ◽  
Matthew T Koroscil
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Arterial Oxygen ◽  
Treatment Facility ◽  
Blood Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Military Treatment Facility ◽  
Active Duty Personnel

ABSTRACT Introduction The treatment of severe and life-threatening COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving practice. The purpose of our study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe or life-threatening COVID-19 who present to a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) with an emphasis on addressing institutional adaptations to rapidly changing medical evidence. Materials and Methods A single-center retrospective study conducted on a prospectively maintained cohort. The MTF is a 52-bed hospital within an urban setting. Patients were included in the cohort if they had laboratory-confirmed severe or life-threatening COVID-19 with positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Severe disease was defined as dyspnea, respiratory frequency ≥30/min, blood oxygen saturation ≤93% on ambient air, partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratio <300, or lung infiltrates involving >50% of lung fields within 24-48 hours. Life-threatening COVID-19 was defined as respiratory failure, septic shock, or multiple organ dysfunction. The cohort included patients admitted from June 1 through November 13. Data were collected retrospectively via chart review by a resident physician. Results In total, our MTF saw 14 cases of severe or life-threatening COVID-19 from June 1 to November 13. Patients had a median age of 70.5 years, with 7% being active duty personnel, 21% dependents, and 71% retired military members. The median time to dexamethasone, remdesivir, and convalescent plasma administration was 4.7, 6.3, and 11.2 hours, respectively. The 28-day in-hospital mortality was 0%. Conclusions Patients who present to an MTF with severe or life-threatening COVID-19 are largely retirees, with only a small fraction comprising active duty personnel. The institution of order sets and early consultation can help facilitate prompt patient care for COVID-19.

scholarly journals The Early Transcriptional Response of Human Granulocytes to Infection with Candida albicans Is Not Essential for Killing but Reflects Cellular Communications

2006 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 1493-1501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Fradin ◽  
Abigail L. Mavor ◽  
Günther Weindl ◽  
Martin Schaller ◽  
Karin Hanke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Transcriptional Response ◽  
Mononuclear Leukocytes ◽  
General Notion ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Global Transcriptional Profile ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Systemic Infections

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is a polymorphic opportunistic fungus that can cause life-threatening systemic infections following hematogenous dissemination in patients susceptible to nosocomial infection. Neutrophils form part of the innate immune response, which is the first line of defense against microbes and is particularly important in C. albicans infections. To compare the transcriptional response of leukocytes exposed to C. albicans, we investigated the expression of key cytokine genes in polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leukocytes after incubation with C. albicans for 1 h. Isolated mononuclear cells expressed high levels of genes encoding proinflammatory signaling molecules, whereas neutrophils exhibited much lower levels, similar to those observed in whole blood. The global transcriptional profile of neutrophils was examined by using an immunology-biased human microarray to determine whether different morphological forms or the viability of C. albicans altered the transcriptome. Hyphal cells appeared to have the broadest effect, although the most strongly induced genes were regulated independently of morphology or viability. These genes were involved in proinflammatory cell-cell signaling, cell signal transduction, and cell growth. Generally, genes encoding known components of neutrophil granules showed no upregulation at this time point; however, lactoferrin, a well-known candidacidal peptide, was secreted by neutrophils. Addition to inhibitors of RNA or protein de novo synthesis did not influence the killing activity within 30 min. These results support the general notion that neutrophils do not require gene transcription to mount an immediate and direct attack against microbes. However, neutrophils exposed to C. albicans express genes involved in communication with other immune cells.

Toxoplasma Appendicitis: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Diagnosis!

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anisha M. Fernandes ◽  
Maheshkumar M. Lakhe ◽  
Sanjay A. Pai
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Muscularis Propria ◽  
Immunocompromised Patients ◽  
Lymphoid Follicles ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Immunosuppressed Patients ◽  
Life Threatening

Toxoplasmosis is generally asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, but it can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of a 62-year-old man with clinical features of acute appendicitis. Histology showed a transmural infiltrate of eosinophils. In addition, there were reactive lymphoid follicles with histiocytes in the submucosa and tachyzoites in the muscularis propria. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasma appendicitis. Serological evaluation yielded negative results. Retrospective review of the history revealed that the patient was on long-term immunosuppressive therapy with methotrexate. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and is asymptomatic at 7-month follow-up. Toxoplasma appendicitis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of appendicitis in immunosuppressed patients.

ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF STAPHYLOCOCCOUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM VARIOUS CLINICAL SPECIMENS OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN TIRUPATI.

2021 ◽  
pp. 14-15
Author(s):  
Indira Ananthapadmanab asamy ◽  
V. Pavani Sai Mounika ◽  
K. Vijayakumar ◽  
C.H. Srinivasa Rao
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Susceptibility Pattern ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Systemic Infections

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide range of infections including skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening systemic infections like sepsis, endocarditis. This study ais to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S.aurues among various clinical specimens. METHODS: The study included 326 S.aurues, isolated from various clinical specimens which were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing as per CLSI guidelines. RESULTS: Among the 326 isolates, the highest were from pus specimens (47.85%), and was from Orthopaedics department (28.53%). Among the isolates, 219 (67.17%) were Methicilin resistant. All isolates were sensitive to Vancomycin, and all urine isolates were sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. The highest resistance was towards Penicillin (87.42%), Erythromycin (85.28), and Ciprooxacin (83.13%). CONCLUSION: The most effective way to prevent MRSA infection in every hospital is by performing continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance and by following an effetive antibiotic policy.

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