International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 36 countries, for 2004-2009

The results of a surveillance study conducted by the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) from January 2004 through December 2009 in 422 intensive care units (ICUs) of 36 countries in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe are reported. During the 6-year study period, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN; formerly the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system [NNIS]) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infections, we gathered prospective data from 313,008 patients hospitalized in the consortium's ICUs for an aggregate of 2,194,897 ICU bed-days. Despite the fact that the use of devices in the developing countries' ICUs was remarkably similar to that reported in US ICUs in the CDC's NHSN, rates of device-associated nosocomial infection were significantly higher in the ICUs of the INICC hospitals; the pooled rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection in the INICC ICUs of 6.8 per 1,000 central line-days was more than 3-fold higher than the 2.0 per 1,000 central line-days reported in comparable US ICUs. The overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia also was far higher (15.8 vs 3.3 per 1,000 ventilator-days), as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (6.3 vs. 3.3 per 1,000 catheter-days). Notably, the frequencies of resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates to imipenem (47.2% vs 23.0%), Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to ceftazidime (76.3% vs 27.1%), Escherichia coli isolates to ceftazidime (66.7% vs 8.1%), Staphylococcus aureus isolates to methicillin (84.4% vs 56.8%), were also higher in the consortium's ICUs, and the crude unadjusted excess mortalities of device-related infections ranged from 7.3% (for catheter-associated urinary tract infection) to 15.2% (for ventilator-associated pneumonia).

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary for 2003-2008, issued June 2009

We report the results of the International Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2003 through December 2008 in 173 intensive care units (ICUs) in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. During the 6-year study, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) US National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN; formerly the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance system [NNIS]) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection, we collected prospective data from 155,358 patients hospitalized in the consortium's hospital ICUs for an aggregate of 923,624 days. Although device utilization in the developing countries' ICUs was remarkably similar to that reported from US ICUs in the CDC's NHSN, rates of device-associated nosocomial infection were markedly higher in the ICUs of the INICC hospitals: the pooled rate of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infections (BSI) in the INICC ICUs, 7.6 per 1000 CVC-days, is nearly 3-fold higher than the 2.0 per 1000 CVC-days reported from comparable US ICUs, and the overall rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was also far higher, 13.6 versus 3.3 per 1000 ventilator-days, respectively, as was the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), 6.3 versus 3.3 per 1000 catheter-days, respectively. Most strikingly, the frequencies of resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates to methicillin (MRSA) (84.1% vs 56.8%, respectively), Klebsiella pneumoniae to ceftazidime or ceftriaxone (76.1% vs 27.1%, respectively), Acinetobacter baumannii to imipenem (46.3% vs 29.2%, respectively), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin (78.0% vs 20.2%, respectively) were also far higher in the consortium's ICUs, and the crude unadjusted excess mortalities of device-related infections ranged from 23.6% (CVC-associated bloodstream infections) to 29.3% (VAP).

Adrenal Aging and Its Implications on Stress Responsiveness in Humans

Normal aging results in subtle changes both in ACTH and cortisol secretion. Most notable is the general increase in mean daily serum cortisol levels in the elderly, without a noteworthy alteration in the normal circadian rhythm pattern. Glucocorticoid excess seen in the elderly population can have serious consequences in both the structural and functional integrity of various key areas in the brain, including the hippocampus, amygdala, prefrontal cortex, with consequent impairment in normal memory, cognitive function, and sleep cycles. The chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels also impinge on the normal stress response in the elderly, leading to an impaired ability to recover from stressful stimuli. In addition to the effects on the brain, glucocorticoid excess is associated with other age-related changes, including loss of muscle mass, hypertension, osteopenia, visceral obesity, and diabetes, among others. In contrast to the increase in glucocorticoid levels, other adrenocortical hormones, particularly serum aldosterone and DHEA (the precursor to androgens and estrogens) show significant decreases in the elderly. The underlying mechanisms for their decrease remain unclear. While the adrenomedullary hormone, norephinephrine, shows an increase in plasma levels, associated with a decrease in clearance, no notable changes observed in plasma epinephrine levels in the elderly. The multiplicity and complexity of the adrenal hormone changes observed throughout the normal aging process, suggests that age-related alterations in cellular growth, differentiation, and senescence specific to the adrenal gland must also be considered.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics, epidemiology, and outcomes of murine typhus: A systematic review

Murine or endemic typhus, a febrile disease caused by Rickettsia typhi, is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific presentation. We sought to evaluate all available evidence in the literature regarding the clinical and laboratory manifestations, epidemiological characteristics, and outcomes of murine typhus. Pubmed was searched for all articles providing available data. In an effort to incorporate contemporary data, only studies from 1980 were included. Thirty-three case series including 2074 patients were included in final analysis. Available evidence suggests that the classic triad of fever, headache and rash is encountered in only one-third of patients. Other frequent symptoms were chills, malaise, myalgia, and anorexia. A tetrad of reported laboratory abnormalities consisting of elevated liver enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hypoalbuminemia was detected. Complications were observed in one-fourth of patients, reported mortality was extremely low, but untreated patients had notably longer duration of fever. Among epidemiological characteristics, a seasonal distribution with most cases reported during warmer months, was the most prominent finding. Murine typhus in children exhibits several different characteristics, with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sore throat reported more commonly, higher frequency of anemia, lower frequency of hypoalbuminemia, hematuria and proteinuria and a much lower rate of complications. This systematic review of published evidence provides a thorough description of the clinical and laboratory features of murine typhus and highlights important differences in children.

Antibiotic use and the risk of carbapenem-resistant extended-spectrum-{beta}-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in hospitalized patients: results of a double case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To identify the roles of various antibiotics as risk factors for carbapenem-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infection (ESBL-KP infection).

METHODS

Data were collected over 26 months in a tertiary care university hospital with established endemicity of carbapenem-resistant ESBL-KP (ESBL-CRKP). Using a case-case-control design, patients who presented an infection caused by carbapenem-susceptible ESBL-KP (ESBL-CSKP) and patients with ESBL-CRKP infection were compared with a common control group of hospitalized patients. Effects of treatment and duration of treatment with antibiotics were examined, adjusting for major non-antibiotic risk factors and controlling for confounding effects among the antibiotics via logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Ninety-six ESBL-CRKP cases, 55 ESBL-CSKP cases and 151 controls were analysed. Multivariate analysis, adjusting for major non-antibiotic risk factors, showed that the risk of ESBL-CRKP infection rose with increasing duration of prior treatment with β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations [odds ratio (OR) 1.15 per day increase; P = 0.001] and revealed that increased duration of treatment with fluoroquinolones amplified the impact of exposure to carbapenems (and vice versa) on ESBL-CRKP infection risk (OR 1.02 for interaction term; P = 0.009). Duration of prior treatment with fluoroquinolones was also associated with increased risk of ESBL-CSKP infection (OR 1.07 per day increase; P = 0.028), while prior receipt of carbapenems presented a protective effect against ESBL-CSKP infection (OR 0.21; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the major role of treatment and duration of treatment with β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations and combinations of carbapenems with fluoroquinolones. Clinicians should counterweight the potential benefits of administering these antibiotics against the increased risk of ESBL-CRKP infection.

Surgical site infections, International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 30 countries, 2005-2010

OBJECTIVE

 To report the results of a surveillance study on surgical site infections (SSIs) conducted by the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

DESIGN

 Cohort prospective multinational multicenter surveillance study.

SETTING

 Eighty-two hospitals of 66 cities in 30 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Greece, India, Kosovo, Lebanon, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, and Vietnam) from 4 continents (America, Asia, Africa, and Europe).

PATIENTS

 Patients undergoing surgical procedures (SPs) from January 2005 to December 2010.

METHODS

 Data were gathered and recorded from patients hospitalized in INICC member hospitals by using the methods and definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) for SSI. SPs were classified into 31 types according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, criteria.

RESULTS

 We gathered data from 7,523 SSIs associated with 260,973 SPs. SSI rates were significantly higher for most SPs in INICC hospitals compared with CDC-NHSN data, including the rates of SSI after hip prosthesis (2.6% vs. 1.3%; relative risk [RR], 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.8-2.4]; P < .001), coronary bypass with chest and donor incision (4.5% vs. 2.9%; RR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.4-1.6]; [P < .001); abdominal hysterectomy (2.7% vs. 1.6%; RR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.4-2.0]; P < .001); exploratory abdominal surgery (4.1% vs. 2.0%; RR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.6-2.6]; P < .001); ventricular shunt, 12.9% vs. 5.6% (RR, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.9-2.6]; P < .001, and others.

CONCLUSIONS

 SSI rates were higher for most SPs in INICC hospitals compared with CDC-NHSN data.

Recent Advances in the Pathogenesis of Mucormycoses

PURPOSE

The purposes of this review are to describe the pathogenesis of mucormycosis and to address recent research advances in understanding the mechanisms of fungal invasion and dissemination.

METHODS

Studies and reviews published in the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until December 2017 that explored or reported recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of mucormycosis were reviewed.

FINDINGS

To cause disease, fungal spores need to evade the innate immune system and germinate, leading to angioinvasion and tissue destruction. Recent studies have found that Mucorales are able to downregulate several host defense mechanisms and have identified the specific receptors through which Mucorales attach to the endothelium, facilitating their endocytosis and subsequent angioinvasion. In addition, certain conditions found to act through various mechanisms and pathways in experimental and animal studies, such as hyperglycemia, elevated iron concentrations, and acidosis (particularly diabetic ketoacidosis), increase the virulence of the fungi and enhance their attachment to the endothelium, rendering patients with uncontrolled diabetes and patients with iron overload susceptible to mucormycosis. The role and various antifungal functions of platelets and natural killer cells are highlighted, and the potential contribution of alternative therapies, such as manipulating the innate immune host defenses with granulocyte transfusions or administration of growth factors and using the antifungal effects of calcineurin inhibitors, are presented. Finally, directions and possible implications for future research are provided.

IMPLICATIONS

This article provides a comprehensive overview of research advances in the pathogenesis of infections caused by Mucorales and helps future studies develop effective treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Optimising antimicrobial use in humans - review of current evidence and an interdisciplinary consensus on key priorities for research

Addressing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a focus of the 2021 G7 meeting. A major driver of AMR and poor clinical outcomes is suboptimal antimicrobial use. Current research in AMR is inequitably focused on new drug development. To achieve antimicrobial security we need to balance AMR research efforts between development of new agents and strategies to preserve the efficacy and maximise effectiveness of existing agents. Combining a review of current evidence and multistage engagement with diverse international stakeholders (including those in healthcare, public health, research, patient advocacy and policy) we identified research priorities for optimising antimicrobial use in humans across four broad themes: policy and strategic planning; medicines management and prescribing systems; technology to optimise prescribing; and context, culture and behaviours. Sustainable progress depends on: developing economic and contextually appropriate interventions; facilitating better use of data and prescribing systems across healthcare settings; supporting appropriate and scalable technological innovation. Implementing this strategy for AMR research on the optimisation of antimicrobial use in humans could contribute to equitable global health security.

ESCMID/EUCIC clinical practice guidelines on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients colonized by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria before surgery

SCOPE

The aim of the guidelines is to provide recommendations on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in adult inpatients who are carriers of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) before surgery.

METHODS

These evidence-based guidelines were developed after a systematic review of published studies on PAP targeting the following MDR-GNB: extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), aminoglycoside-resistant Enterobacterales, fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales, cotrimoxazole-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, and pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The critical outcomes were the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by any bacteria and/or by the colonizing MDR-GNB, and SSI-attributable mortality. Important outcomes included the occurrence of any type of postsurgical infectious complication, all-cause mortality, and adverse events of PAP, including development of resistance to targeted (culture-based) PAP after surgery and incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections. The last search of all databases was performed until April 30, 2022. The level of evidence and strength of each recommendation were defined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Consensus of a multidisciplinary expert panel was reached for the final list of recommendations. Antimicrobial stewardship considerations were included in the recommendation development.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The guideline panel reviewed the evidence, per bacteria, of the risk of SSIs in patients colonized with MDR-GNB before surgery and critically appraised the existing studies. Significant knowledge gaps were identified, and most questions were addressed by observational studies. Moderate to high risk of bias was identified in the retrieved studies, and the majority of the recommendations were supported by low level of evidence. The panel conditionally recommends rectal screening and targeted PAP for fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales before transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and for extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and solid organ transplantation. Screening for CRE and CRAB is suggested before transplant surgery after assessment of the local epidemiology. Careful consideration of the laboratory workload and involvement of antimicrobial stewardship teams before implementing the screening procedures or performing changes in PAP are warranted. High-quality prospective studies to assess the impact of PAP among CRE and CRAB carriers performing high-risk surgeries are advocated. Future well-designed clinical trials should assess the effectiveness of targeted PAP, including the monitoring of MDR-GNB colonization through postoperative cultures using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing clinical breakpoints.

ESCMID generic competencies in antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship: towards a European consensus

OBJECTIVE

To develop a consensus-based set of generic competencies in antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship for European prescribers through a structured consensus procedure.

METHODS

The RAND-modified Delphi procedure comprised two online questionnaire rounds, a face-to-face meeting between rounds, and a final review. Our departure point was a set of competencies agreed previously by consensus among a UK multi-disciplinary panel, and which had been subsequently revised through consultation with ESCMID Study Group representatives. The 46 draft competency points were reviewed by an expert panel consisting of specialists in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology, and pharmacists. Each proposed competency was assessed using a nine-point Likert scale, for relevance as a minimum standard for all independent prescribers in all European countries.

RESULTS

A total of 65 expert panel members participated, from 24 European countries (one to six experts per country). There was very high satisfaction (98%) with the final competencies set, which included 35 competency points, in three sections: core concepts in microbiology, pathogenesis and diagnosing infections (11 points); antimicrobial prescribing (20 points); and antimicrobial stewardship (4 points).

CONCLUSIONS

The consensus achieved enabled the production of generic antimicrobial prescribing and stewardship competencies for all European independent prescribers, and of possible global utility. These can be used for training and can be further adapted to the needs of specific professional groups.

Clinical epidemiology, treatment and prognostic factors of extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients

Limited data exist regarding prognostic factors and optimal antimicrobial treatment of infections caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDR-AB). This retrospective cohort study included 93 adult patients who developed ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to XDR-AB in the ICU of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, from October 2012 to April 2015. XDR-AB isolates were mainly susceptible to colistin (93.5%) and tigecycline (25.8%), whereas 6 (6.5%) were pandrug-resistant. Prior to infection, patients had long durations of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay and multiple exposures to antibiotics. Median Charlson co-morbidity and APACHE II scores were 2 and 17, respectively. Mortality at 28 days of infection onset was high (34.4%) despite high rates of in-vitro-active empirical (81.7%) and definitive (90.3%) treatment. Active colistin-based combination therapy (n = 55) and monotherapy (n = 29) groups had similar 28-day mortality (27.6% vs. 30.9%, respectively) and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates over time. In multivariable Cox regression, advanced age (aHR = 1.05 per year increase, 95% CI 1.02-1.09), rapidly fatal underlying disease (aHR = 2.64, 95% CI 0.98-9.17) and APACHE II score (aHR = 1.06 per unit increase, 95% CI 0.99-1.14) were identified as independent predictors of 28-day mortality, but no difference in mortality hazards between the active colistin-based combination therapy and monotherapy groups was produced (aHR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.35-2.38). These results support the use of colistin as a first-line agent against VAP in settings where XDR-AB is endemic, but oppose the introduction of colistin-based combination therapy as standard treatment.

Fungal infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Despite reports of fungal infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), their clinical and microbiological characteristics remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to examine all available evidence regarding fungal infections in patients with IBD.

METHODS

Systematic search of PubMed (through 27 May 2017) for studies providing data on clinical, microbiological, treatment and outcome data of fungal infections in patients with IBD. The primary study outcome was to record the most common fungal species in patients with IBD. Secondary outcomes were classified into 3 categories: (i) characteristics of fungal infections; (ii) data on IBD and (iii) treatment and outcomes of fungal infections in patients with IBD.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with data on 1524 patients were included in final analysis. The most common fungal infections in patients with IBD were caused by Candida species (903 infections); the most commonly reported site of Candida infection was the gastrointestinal tract. Available evidence shows that most fungal infections occur within 12 months of IBD treatment and within 6 months when anti-TNFa agents are used.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review thoroughly describes fungal infections in patients with IBD and provides important information for the early detection and management of these infections.

Serum BAFF levels are related to angiogenesis and prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a B-cell growth factor. We measured its serum levels and correlated them with parameters of disease activity, as serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and lactate dehydrogenase, bone marrow microvascular density and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, in 50 myeloma patients, in 22 of them in plateau phase and in 20 controls. All of them were higher in patients and in advanced disease while reduced in plateau phase. BAFF correlated with all the above markers. Higher BAFF levels predicted a shorter survival, suggesting an important prognostic marker and a possible therapeutic target in myeloma.

Factors Associated with HIV Testing and HIV Treatment Adherence: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The impact of the global economic crisis on HIV-related access and care remains unclear. The objective of this systematic review of the literature was to evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors and HIV diagnosis, and adherence to treatment, following the 2008 global economic crisis.

METHOD

A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus for studies published between January 2008 and October 2016 was conducted. Studies providing data on social, demographic, economic and cultural barriers associated with HIV diagnosis and treatment were included.

RESULTS

Of 33 studies included, 22 evaluated HIV testing and 11 evaluated treatment adherence. Medical history of a sexually transmitted disease, knowledge of HIV-related risks, and age, were significantly associated with HIV testing in most of the included studies. Absence of social support, and alcohol or substance use, were the most common factors associated with adherence. Financial factors were not as commonly found to be related to access to HIV diagnosis and HIV treatment adherence, compared to knowledge of HIV-related risks and social support.

CONCLUSION

The identification of persons who are less likely to test for HIV, and to adhere to HIV treatment, may serve as a guide for public health interventions, especially in resource-limited areas.

Emergence of pan-resistance in KPC-2 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Crete, Greece: a close call

OBJECTIVES

KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP) ST258 has been rapidly expanding and is often associated with serious nosocomial infections. Last-line antibiotics such as colistin and tigecycline often remain the only treatment option. We describe here the evolving genetic background of KPC-KP isolates in Crete, Greece.

METHODS

We tested the antibiotic susceptibility of 34 clinical isolates from patients hospitalized in 2010 and 2013-14. Whole-genome sequences of these isolates were analysed for acquired resistance genes and gene mutations.

RESULTS

All KPC-KP isolates belonged to ST258 with the exception of one ST147 isolate. From 2014, 26% of isolates were non-susceptible to all antibiotics, compared with 0 of 11 isolates from 2010. Colistin resistance was associated with mutations in mgrB, which was present in 61% of isolates from 2014. Core-genome MLST analysis showed that pan-resistant isolates were closely related and appeared in two separate clusters.

CONCLUSIONS

KPC-KP is rapidly evolving to pan-resistance in Crete. We identified molecular resistance markers for pan-resistant isolates and showed that core-genome MLST is a promising tool for molecular fingerprinting of KPC-KP ST258.

Expansion of KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with various mgrB mutations giving rise to colistin resistance: the role of ISL3 on plasmids

mcr-1 has been reported as the first plasmid-encoded gene conferring colistin resistance. In KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP), however, colistin resistance is rapidly emerging through other mechanisms. Resistance is frequently due to disruption of the mgrB gene by insertion sequences, e.g. ISL3. The aim of this study was to investigate the expansion of mgrB-mutated KPC-KP isolates. In addition, the localisation and targets of ISL3 sequences within the core and accessory genome of common KPC-KP lineages were identified. A total of 29 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates collected from Italian patients were randomly selected. Whole genome sequences were analysed for resistance genes, plasmids and insertion sequences. In addition, 27 colistin-resistant KPC-KP isolates from a previous study from Crete (Greece) were assessed. Clonal expansion of KPC-KP isolates with various mutations in mgrB among all lineages was observed. In two Italian MLST ST512 isolates and eight Greek ST258 isolates, an identical copy of ISL3 was inserted in mgrB nucleotide position 133. ISL3, a transposable restriction-modification system of 8154 nucleotides, was located on pKpQIL-like plasmids and may transpose into the chromosome. In four isolates, chromosomal integration of ISL3 in diverse inner membrane proteins other than mgrB was identified. Colistin resistance is most often explained by clonal expansion of isolates with mutated mgrB. pKpQIL-like plasmids, which are omnipresent in KPC-KP, carry insertion sequences such as ISL3 that have mgrB as a target hotspot for transposition. Transposition of insertion sequences from plasmids and subsequent clonal expansion may contribute to the emerging colistin resistance in KPC-KP.

WHO global research priorities for antimicrobial resistance in human health

The WHO research agenda for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in human health has identified 40 research priorities to be addressed by the year 2030. These priorities focus on bacterial and fungal pathogens of crucial importance in addressing AMR, including drug-resistant pathogens causing tuberculosis. These research priorities encompass the entire people-centred journey, covering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of antimicrobial-resistant infections, in addition to addressing the overarching knowledge gaps in AMR epidemiology, burden and drivers, policies and regulations, and awareness and education. The research priorities were identified through a multistage process, starting with a comprehensive scoping review of knowledge gaps, with expert inputs gathered through a survey and open call. The priority setting involved a rigorous modified Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative approach, ensuring global representation and applicability of the findings. The ultimate goal of this research agenda is to encourage research and investment in the generation of evidence to better understand AMR dynamics and facilitate policy translation for reducing the burden and consequences of AMR.

A Global Declaration on Appropriate Use of Antimicrobial Agents across the Surgical Pathway

This declaration, signed by an interdisciplinary task force of 234 experts from 83 different countries with different backgrounds, highlights the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and the need for appropriate use of antibiotic agents and antifungal agents in hospitals worldwide especially focusing on surgical infections. As such, it is our intent to raise awareness among healthcare workers and improve antimicrobial prescribing. To facilitate its dissemination, the declaration was translated in different languages.

Analysis of the challenges in implementing guidelines to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant gram-negatives in Europe

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the study was to investigate major differences among European countries in implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and reasons for reduced compliance.

DESIGN

An online survey including experts in IPC and a gap analysis were conducted to identify major limitations in implementing IPC guidelines.

SETTING

Europe.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Four areas were targeted: (1) healthcare structure, (2) finances, (3) culture and (4) education and awareness. Perceived compliance to IPC measures was classified as low (<50%), medium (50% to 80%) and high (>80%). Countries were classified in three regions: North-Western Europe (NWE), Eastern Europe (EE) and Southern Europe (SE).

RESULTS

In total, 482 respondents from 34 out of 44 (77.3%) European countries participated. Respondents reported availability of national guidelines to control multidrug-resistant Gram-negatives (MDR-GN) in 20 countries (58.0%). According to participants, compliance with IPC measures ranged from 17.8% (screening at discharge) to 96.0% (contact precautions). Overall, three areas were identified as critical for the compliance rate: (1) number of infection control staff, (2) IPC dedicated educational programmes and (3) number of clinical staff. Analysis of reasons for low compliance showed high heterogeneity among countries: participants from NWE and SE deemed the lack of educational programmes as the most important, while those from EE considered structural reasons, such as insufficient single bed rooms or lacking materials for isolation, as main contributors to the low compliance.

CONCLUSIONS

Although national guidelines to reduce the spread of MDR-GN are reported in the majority of the European countries, low compliance with IPC measures was commonly reported. Reasons for the low compliance are multifactorial and vary from region to region. Cross-country actions to reduce the spread of MDR-GN have to consider structural and cultural differences in countries. Locally calibrated interventions may be fruitful in the future.

Q fever: clinical manifestations and treatment

Public awareness and advances in the diagnostic approach to Q fever have provided important information on epidemiological and clinical aspects of this zoonosis. Coxiella burnetii infection exhibits various acute or chronic clinical forms, and infection during pregnancy may jeopardize the integrity of the fetus. The presentation of infection is often nonspecific and this hinders prompt diagnosis. Therapeutic regimens vary, and treating Q fever during pregnancy and childhood is often challenging. Increasing clinical experience with C. burnetii infections has helped create treatment protocols and follow-up algorithms that have considerably improved management and prognosis. Vaccines are available, although their use is still limited.

Antibiotic Use and Antibiotic Resistance: Public Awareness Survey in the Republic of Cyprus

We aimed to assess the knowledge and understanding of antibiotic use and resistance in the general population of Cyprus, in order to inform future antibiotic awareness campaigns with local evidence. Cross-sectional survey following the methodology of the "Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness survey" of the World Health Organization, during December 2019-January 2020. A total of 614 respondents participated: 64.3% were female and most were aged 35-44 years (33.2%) or 25-34 years (31.8%). One-third had used antibiotics >1 year ago and 91.6% reported receiving advice on appropriate use from a medical professional. Despite high awareness on correct use of antibiotics, lack of knowledge was noted for specific indications, where approximately one-third believed that viral infections respond to antibiotics and 70.7% lack understanding of how antibiotic resistance develops. Higher education graduates exhibited significantly higher knowledge rates. As high as 72.3% were informed about "antibiotic resistant bacteria" from healthcare professionals or social media. Most agreed on the usefulness of most suggested actions to address antibiotic resistance, with higher proportions acknowledging the role of prescribers. Up to 47% could not identify their role in decreasing antibiotic resistance. Our study provides local evidence to inform future efforts in a country characterized by high antibiotic consumption rates.

New insights into irritable bowel syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common reason to visit a gastroenterologist. IBS was believed to be a functional disease, but many possible pathophysiologic mechanisms can now explain the symptoms. IBS patients are classified into subtypes according to their predominant bowel habit, based on the Rome IV criteria. These include diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant IBS, as well as the mixed type, a combination of the two. Usually, IBS treatment is based on the predominant symptoms, with many options for each subtype. A new promising treatment option, fecal microbiota transplantation, seems to have beneficial effects on IBS. However, treating the pathophysiological causative agent responsible for the symptoms is an emerging approach. Therefore, before the appropriate therapeutic option is chosen for treating IBS, a clinical evaluation of its pathophysiology should be performed.

Extensive Testing and Public Health Interventions for the Control of COVID-19 in the Republic of Cyprus between March and May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly affected the well-being of individuals worldwide. We herein describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 in the Republic of Cyprus during the first epidemic wave (9 March-3 May 2020). We analyzed surveillance data from laboratory-confirmed cases, including targeted testing and population screening. Statistical analyses included logistic regression. During the surveillance period, 64,136 tests (7322.3 per 100,000) were performed, 873 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed, and 20 deaths were reported (2.3%). Health-care workers (HCWs) represented 21.4% of cases. Overall, 19.1% of cases received hospital care and 3.7% required admission to Intensive Care Units. Male sex (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 3.04; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.97-4.69), increasing age (aOR: 1.56; 95%CI: 1.36-1.79), symptoms at diagnosis (aOR: 6.05; 95%CI: 3.18-11.50), and underlying health conditions (aOR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.31-3.31) were associated with hospitalization. For recovered cases, the median time from first to last second negative test was 21 days. Overall, 119 primary cases reported 616 close contacts, yielding a pooled secondary attack rate of 12% (95%CI: 9.6-14.8%). Three population-based screening projects, and two projects targeting employees and HCWs, involving 25,496 people, revealed 60 positive individuals (0.2%). Early implementation of interventions with targeted and expanded testing facilitated prompt outbreak control on the island.

Lomentospora prolificans: An Emerging Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen

Lomentospora prolificans is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals leading to disseminated disease with high mortality rates while also causing infections in healthy populations. Successful recovery from infection is difficult due to high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals. Rapid and readily available diagnostic methods, aggressive surgical debridement wherever appropriate, and effective and timely antifungal treatment are the pillars for successful management. Future research will need to clarify the environmental niche of the fungus, further investigate the pathophysiology of infection and define species-specific therapeutic targets.