Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of fluoroquinolone and non-fluoroquinolone treatment in patients with Elizabethkingia meningoseptica bacteraemia

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Infection and Death in Critically Ill Patients with Pulmonary Infection with Elizabethkingia Spp

Purpose

Elizabethkingia spp. infections have recently increased, and they are difficult to treat because of intrinsic antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary infection with Elizabethkingia spp. and reveal the risk factors for infection and death.

Patients and Methods

In this retrospective case-control study, patients were divided into infection and control groups based on the bacterial identification results. Patients in the infection group were further divided into survival and death groups according to their hospital outcomes. Clinical characteristics between different groups were compared. We further analyzed antimicrobial susceptibility testing results of the isolated strains.

Results

A total of the 316 patients were divided into infection (n = 79), 23 of whom died, and control (n = 237) groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that glucocorticoid consumption (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.14-4.81; P = 0.02), endotracheal intubation (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 1.62-8.64; P = 0.002), and colistin exposure (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.01-6.29; P = 0.046) were significantly associated with pulmonary infection with Elizabethkingia spp. Advanced age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.15; P = 0.046), high acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.01-1.45; P = 0.037), and low albumin level (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.96; P = 0.025) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality of infected patients. Elizabethkingia spp. was highly resistant to cephalosporins, carbapenems, macrolides, and aminoglycoside, and was sensitive to fluoroquinolones, minocycline, and co-trimoxazole in vitro.

Conclusion

Glucocorticoid consumption, tracheal intubation, and colistin exposure were associated with pulmonary infection with Elizabethkingia spp. for critically ill patients. Patients with advanced age, high APACHE II score, and low albumin level had higher risk of death from infection.

Clinical manifestations, antimicrobial resistance and genomic feature analysis of multidrug-resistant Elizabethkingia strains

BACKGROUND

Elizabethkingia is emerging as an opportunistic pathogen in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility, virulence factors, and genome features of Elizabethkingia spp.

METHODS

Clinical data from 71 patients who were diagnosed with Elizabethkingia-induced pneumonia and bacteremia between August 2019 and September 2021 were analyzed. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on seven isolates, and the results were compared with a dataset of 83 available Elizabethkingia genomes. Genomic features, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results and clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 56.9 ± 20.7 years, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 29.6% (21/71). Elizabethkingia strains were obtained mainly from intensive care units (36.6%, 26/71) and emergency departments (32.4%, 23/71). The majority of the strains were isolated from respiratory tract specimens (85.9%, 61/71). All patients had a history of broad-spectrum antimicrobial exposure. Hospitalization for invasive mechanical ventilation or catheter insertion was found to be a risk factor for infection. The isolates displayed a high rate of resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems, but all were susceptible to minocycline and colistin. Genomic analysis identified five β-lactamase genes (blaGOB, blaBlaB, blaCME, blaOXA, and blaTEM) responsible for β-lactam resistance and virulence genes involved in stress adaptation (ureB/G, katA/B, and clpP), adherence (groEL, tufA, and htpB) and immune modulation (gmd, tviB, cps4J, wbtIL, cap8E/D/G, and rfbC). Functional analysis of the COGs revealed that "metabolism" constituted the largest category within the core genome, while "information storage and processing" was predominant in both the accessory and unique genomes. The unique genes in our 7 strains were mostly enriched in KEGG pathways related to microRNAs in cancer, drug resistance (β-lactam and vancomycin), ABC transporters, biological metabolism and biosynthesis, and nucleotide excision repair mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

The Elizabethkingia genus exhibits multidrug resistance and carries carbapenemase genes. This study presents a comparative genomic analysis of Elizabethkingia, providing knowledge that facilitates a better understanding of this microorganism.

Antibiotics Versus Placebo for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Findings From a Cochrane Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To summarize key findings from a Cochrane review of the benefits and safety of antibiotic therapy compared with placebo (or vehicle) for acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We included placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared topical antibiotics with placebo. We followed Cochrane methods for trial selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one RCTs involving 8805 participants with acute bacterial conjunctivitis were included. Fifteen (71%) RCTs examined fluoroquinolone (FQ) drops, 3 tested macrolides, alone or in combination with steroids, and another 3 compared other non-FQ antibiotics. Intention-to-treat estimates suggested that compared with placebo, antibiotics may increase clinical recovery by 26% (risk ratio [RR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.46) at the end of therapy (5 RCTs, 1474 participants). Modified intention-to-treat estimates, in which only participants with laboratory-confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis were analyzed, indicated that antibiotics were associated with 53% higher likelihood of microbiological cure as compared with placebo (RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.34-1.74; 10 RCTs, 2827 participants). Non-FQs (RR: 4.05; 95% CI: 1.36-12.00), but not FQs (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.90), were likely to increase treatment-associated ocular complications such as eye pain, discomfort, and allergic reactions; the certainty of level of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate level certainty of evidence suggested that antibiotics may increase the likelihood of clinical recovery and microbiological clearance compared with placebo. Very low-level certainty of evidence suggested that antibiotics may be associated with potential harm in patients with acute bacterial conjunctivitis, but the potential risk of bias from study design, inconsistency in outcome measurement, and reporting limit the evidence to very low certainty.

Probability of outbreaks and cross-border dissemination of the emerging pathogen: a genomic survey of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica

IMPORTANCE

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an emerging infectious agent associated with life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. However, there are limited data available on the genomic features of E. meningoseptica. This study aims to characterize the geographical distribution, phylogenetic evolution, pathogenesis, and transmission of this bacterium. A systematic analysis of the E. meningoseptica genome revealed that a common ancestor of this bacterium existed 90 years ago. The evolutionary history showed no significant relationship with the sample source, origin, or region, despite the presence of genetic diversity. Whole genome sequencing data also demonstrated that E. meningoseptica bacteria possess inherent resistance and pathogenicity, enabling them to spread within the same hospital and even across borders. This study highlights the potential for E. meningoseptica to cause severe nosocomial outbreaks and horizontal transmission between countries worldwide. The available evidence is crucial for the development of evidence-based public health policies to prevent global outbreaks caused by emerging pathogens.

Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica in bullfrog Rana catesbeiana isolated in Taiwan

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a hazardous bacterium for agriculture production and human health. The present study identified E. meningoseptica from the bullfrog, human and reference strain BCRC 10677 by API 20NE, 50S ribosome protein L27 sequencing and pulse field gel electrophoresis to differentiate isolates of E. meningoseptica from aquatic animals and humans. All isolates from bullfrogs and humans were identified as E. meningoseptica by DNA sequencing with 98.8%-100% sequence identity. E. meningoseptica displayed significant genetic diversity when analysed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). There were six distinct pulsotypes, including one pulsotype found in bullfrog isolates and five pulsotypes found in human isolates. However, E. meningoseptica from bullfrog exhibited one genotype only by PFGE. Overall, molecular epidemiological analysis of PFGE results indicated that the frog E. meningoseptica outbreaks in Taiwan were produced by genetically identical clones. The bullfrog isolates were not genetically related to other E. meningoseptica from human and reference isolates. This research provided the first comparisons of biochemical characteristics and genetic differences of E. meningoseptica from human and bullfrog isolates.

A Case of Community-Acquired Elizabethkingia meningoseptica

Many nosocomial infections commonly arise as a result of contaminated water sources in the hospital setting, such as sinks, air-conditioning systems, ventilation devices, and catheters. Among the microorganisms found in these environments is Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, a gram-negative bacterium first discovered in 1959 by Elizabeth O. King. This bacterium is a rare cause of meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, and skin and soft tissue infections in hospital settings. This case report examines a unique community-acquired transmission of E. meningoseptica in a 78-year-old male patient with an extensive medical history who presented with acute fever and confusion coupled with multiple recent falls. Examination and culturing of an open wound on a dry blister of the left lower extremity revealed the presence of E. meningoseptica.

Antibiotics versus placebo for acute bacterial conjunctivitis

BACKGROUND

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva and is one of the most common ocular disorders in primary care. Antibiotics are generally prescribed on the basis that they may speed recovery, reduce persistence, and prevent keratitis. However, many cases of acute bacterial conjunctivitis are self-limited, resolving without antibiotic therapy. This Cochrane Review was first published in The Cochrane Library in 1999, then updated in 2006, 2012, and 2022.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and side effects of antibiotic therapy in the management of acute bacterial conjunctivitis.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2022, Issue 5), MEDLINE (January 1950 to May 2022), Embase (January 1980 to May 2022), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov), and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases in May 2022.   SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which any form of antibiotic treatment, with or without steroid, had been compared with placebo/vehicle in the management of acute bacterial conjunctivitis. This included topical and systemic antibiotic treatments.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently reviewed the titles and abstracts of identified studies. We assessed the full text of all potentially relevant studies and determined the included RCTs, which were further assessed for risk of bias using Cochrane methodology. We performed data extraction in a standardized manner and conducted random-effects meta-analyses using RevMan Web.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 21 eligible RCTs, 10 of which were newly identified in this update. A total of 8805 participants were randomized. All treatments were topical in the form of drops or ointment. The trials were heterogeneous in terms of their eligibility criteria, the nature of the intervention (antibiotic drug class, which included fluoroquinolones [FQs] and non-FQs; dosage frequency; duration of treatment), the outcomes assessed and the time points of assessment. We judged one trial to be of high risk of bias, four as low risk of bias, and the others as raising some concerns. Based on intention-to-treat (ITT) population, antibiotics likely improved clinical cure (resolution of clinical symptoms or signs) by 26% (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.46; 5 trials, 1474 participants; moderate certainty) as compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis showed no differences by antibiotic class (P = 0.67) or treatment duration (P = 0.60). In the placebo group, 55.5% (408/735) of participants had spontaneous clinical resolution by days 4 to 9 versus 68.2% (504/739) of participants treated with an antibiotic. Based on modified ITT population, in which participants were analyzed after randomization on the basis of positive microbiological culture, antibiotics likely increased microbiological cure (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.74; 10 trials, 2827 participants) compared with placebo at the end of therapy; there were no subgroup differences by drug class (P = 0.60). No study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. Patients receiving antibiotics had a lower risk of treatment incompletion than those in the placebo group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.78; 13 trials, 5573 participants; moderate certainty) and were 27% less likely to have persistent clinical infection (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.81; 19 trials, 5280 participants; moderate certainty). There was no evidence of serious systemic side effects reported in either the antibiotic or placebo group (very low certainty). When compared with placebo, FQs (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.90) but not non-FQs (RR 4.05, 95% CI 1.36 to 12.00) may result in fewer participants with ocular side effects. However, the estimated effects were of very low certainty.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this update suggest that the use of topical antibiotics is associated with a modestly improved chance of resolution in comparison to the use of placebo. Since no evidence of serious side effects was reported, use of antibiotics may therefore be considered to achieve better clinical and microbiologic efficacy than placebo. Increasing the proportion of participants with clinical cure or increasing the speed of recovery or both are important for individual return to work or school, allowing people to regain quality of life. Future studies may examine antiseptic treatments with topical antibiotics for reasons of cost and growing antibiotic resistance.

Emerging Prevalence and Clinical Features of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Infection in Southwest China: A 9-Year Retrospective Study and Systematic Review

Background

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections have gradually emerged as life-threatening nosocomial infections worldwide, accompanied by increasing incidence, multidrug resistance and poor outcomes. However, the epidemiology and clinical features of E. meningoseptica infection are still limited in mainland China.

Methods

Patients with E. meningoseptica infections from 2011 to 2019 in southwestern China were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical features, infection patterns and outcomes were extracted from medical records and analyzed. A comprehensive systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines from conception to August 23, 2021.

Results

Ninety-two patients were ultimately included, with the prevalence rapidly rising from 0 in 2011 to 0.19 per 1000 inpatients in 2019. A total of 93.48% of E. meningoseptica isolates were multidrug resistant, including 100% resistance to carbapenem. Furthermore, 75% of E. meningoseptica infections were concomitant with other pathogens. The mortality of our cohort was 36.96%, with risk factors for mechanical ventilation (OR=9.51, P=0.004), male sex (OR=0.27, P=0.031) and more concomitant pathogens. After propensity score matching, central venous catheters, exposure to carbapenem and antifungal drugs, and underlying tumors were associated with E. meningoseptica infection. Sixteen articles were also summarized, with reported mortality rates ranging from 11.0% to 66.6%. Blood and respiratory tract were the common sources. Piperacillin/tazobactam, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolone and minocycline were the most sensitive antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic treatment was the most commonly reported risk factor for mortality.

Conclusion

Nosocomial infection with E. meningoseptica has become an emerging problem with high mortality in southwestern China. Inappropriate antibiotic treatment and central venous catheters are risk factors for infection and death and should receive adequate attention.

Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory features of patients infected with Elizabethkingia meningoseptica at a tertiary hospital in Hefei City, China

Background

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a bacterium causing potential nosocomial infections and is associated with a high mortality rate; however, the date of patients in the Hefei population who have been diagnosed with this infection is generally limited.

Purpose

The clinical and laboratory data of patients from a tertiary hospital in Hefei City who had E. meningoseptica infection were evaluated in this retrospective analysis.

Patients and methods

From May 2017 to November 2021, there were 24 patients infected with E. meningoseptica in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Data were gathered from the hospital's electronic medical records for all patients.

Results

The most prevalent symptom among the 24 patients was fever (83.3%), followed by edema (41.7%), cough (37.5%), altered consciousness (41.7%), and sputum (37.5%), and laboratory results presented with anemia (75%), hypoproteinemia (75%), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (66.7%), neutrophilia (54.2%), and leukocytosis (50.0%). Hepatic disease (1 vs. 7, P = 0.009) was the only significant risk factor for underlying diseases. The mean value of lymphocyte (LYMPH#) (1.4 vs. 0.83 × 10⁹/L, P = 0.033) counts was higher in the survival group than death group, while both anemia (8 vs. 10, P = 0.024) and hypoproteinemia (8 vs. 10, P = 0.024) occurred more frequently in the death group compared with the survival one.

Conclusion

Fever was the most common symptom and the only significant factor of underlying diseases was hepatic disease (P = 0.009) that often occurred in death groups. In this investigation, the risk factors for death in patients were anemia, hypoproteinemia, and lymphocyte count. The susceptibility of some quinolones, piperacillin-tazobactam, and cotrimoxazole was relatively high, suggesting that they may be the preferred drugs for the treatment of E. meningoseptica infection. As E. meningoseptica can produce biofilm to pollute the hospital environment and cause infection in patients, the disinfection of the hospital environment should be strengthened and medical staff should pay attention to aseptic operations.

Antimicrobial activities of sitafloxacin and comparators against the clinical isolates of less common nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of sitafloxacin and comparators against 320 clinical isolates of less common nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB) were assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using broth microdilution method. In terms of MIC_50/90 values, sitafloxacin was highly active against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (0.25/1 mg/L), Burkholderia cepacia complex (0.25/2 mg/L), Achromobacter xylosoxidans (0.25/1 mg/L), and Chryseobacterium gleum (1/2 mg/L), but less active for Elizabethkingia (1/8 mg/L) and Chryseobacterium indologenes (16/32 mg/L). Sitafloxacin was more active than other fluoroquinolones against these NFGNB except Chryseobacterium. The results are helpful for clinicians to be aware of the role of sitafloxacin in managing the infections caused by these NFGNB.

Neonatal Meningitis with Septicemia by Elizabethkingia meningoseptica: A Case Report

Elizabethkingia is ubiquitary aerobic bacillus abundantly found in the community as well as hospital environments. Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an emerging nosocomial pathogen with an elemental ability to acclimate and survive in diversified environmental circumstances. Prompt diagnosis and an early therapeutic intervention are preponderant in the management of these infections. We report a case of meningitis with septicemia caused by E. meningoseptica in a 1-day-old outborn neonate. The child was stabilized with anticonvulsants and, based on laboratory findings, the neonate was started on ciprofloxacin in addition to symptomatic management. The child responded well to the treatment and was discharged on day 7 after treatment initiation. Perceptive treatment protocols backed with accurate laboratory evidence remain instrumental to avert unpropitious outcomes while combatting rare multidrug-resistant opportunistic infections.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Bacteremia and Meningitis: A Case Report

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (Chryseobacterium meningosepticum) is a gram-negative aerobic organism with yellow pigments. Although extremely rare, human infections associated with this organism have been reported. Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is usually resistant to most antibiotics. Herein, we present a case of a 70-year-old woman suffering from Elizabethkingia meningoseptica bacteremia and meningitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for an improved patient outcome. Physicians and microbiologists should be equipped with adequate knowledge regarding this infection and its treatment.

A Case Series of Elizabethkingia meningosepticum Bacteremia in the Cancer Population

Elizabethkingia meningosepticum (E.meningosepticum) is a ubiquitous microorganism previously known as Chryseobacterium meningosepticum. It is emerging as a pathogen responsible for bacteremia in the immunocompromised population, particularly in cancer patients and those with a history of prolonged hospital stay and frequent instrumentations. A retrospective chart review of all cases over 10 years at the Moffitt Cancer Center showed a total of three patients with E.meningosepticum infection. The first patient (history of multiple myeloma) underwent endoscopy complicated by aspiration pneumonia and positive blood culture for E.meningosepticum infection. The second patient (current acute myelogenous leukemia) had neutropenic fever in the setting of a recent chest port infection. Blood culture from the chest port showed E. meningosepticum. The third patient (history of esophageal adenocarcinoma and acute myelogenous leukemia) had a history of recent pneumonia and cellulitis who presented with recurrent neutropenic fever. Blood culture was positive for E. meningosepticum. E.meningosepticum bacteremia has a high 28-day mortality rate (41%). As these three cases illustrate, early identification of the pathogen along with empiric treatment with a fluoroquinolone and/or minocycline is indicated to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Comparison of three species of Elizabethkingia genus by whole-genome sequence analysis

Elizabethkingia are found to cause severe neonatal meningitis, nosocomial pneumonia, endocarditis and bacteremia. However, there are few studies on Elizabethkingia genus by comparative genomic analysis. In this study, three species of Elizabethkingia were found: E. meningoseptica, E. anophelis and E. miricola. Resistance genes and associated proteins of seven classes of antibiotics including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, quinolones, sulfonamides and glycopeptides, as well as multidrug resistance efflux pumps were identified from 20 clinical isolates of Elizabethkingia by whole-genome sequence. Genotype and phenotype displayed a good consistency in beta-lactams, aminoglycosides and glycopeptides, while contradictions exhibited in tetracyclines, quinolones and sulfonamides. Virulence factors and associated genes such as hsp60 (htpB), exopolysaccharide (EPS) (galE/pgi), Mg2+ transport (mgtB/mgtE) and catalase (katA/katG) existed in all clinical and reference strains. The functional analysis of the clusters of orthologous groups indicated that 'metabolism' occupied the largest part in core genome, 'information storage and processing' was the largest group in both accessory genome and unique genome. Abundant mobile elements were identified in E. meningoseptica and E. anophelis. The most significant finding in our study was that a single clone of E. anophelis had been circulating within diversities of departments in a clinical setting for nearly 18 months.

Palladium-Catalyzed C2-Regioselective Perfluoroalkylation of the Free (NH)-Heteroarenes

A highly regioselective and atom-efficient strategy for the construction of fused free (NH) heteroarenes through a palladium-catalyzed perfluoroalkyl insertion reaction has been accomplished. This protocol employed multiple iodofluoroalkanes as practical and available perfluoroalkyl sources to provide an operationally simple and versatile route for the synthesis of perfluoroalkylated indoles. Moreover, indoles without the assistance of guide groups were utilized as substrates, achieving C(sp²)-H site-selective functionalization of indoles in yields up to 95%. Furthermore, this protocol was also used for late-stage C2 perfluoroalkylation of bioactive compounds such as auxin, tryptophan, and melatonin analogues.

Neonatal Meningitis and Septicemia Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Elizabethkingia anophelis Identified by 16s Ribosomal RNA: An Emerging Threat

Elizabethkingia anophelis infections are emerging, especially among premature newborns, immunocompromised, and critically ill patients. The importance of correctly identifying this Gram-negative organism lies in the fact that it is associated with fatal complications such as meningitis, acute pulmonary edema, congestive cardiac failure, septic shock, and death. In addition, it is inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics which are used to treat Gram-negative bacilli. Here, we report a case of E. anophelis related meningitis and septicemia in a preterm neonate along with a brief review of literature.

Comparative Genomics and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Elizabethkingia Isolates Reveal Nosocomial Transmission and In Vitro Susceptibility to Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines, and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole

The Elizabethkingia genus has gained global attention in recent years as containing sporadic, worldwide, nosocomial pathogens. Elizabethkingia spp. are intrinsically multidrug resistant, primarily infect immunocompromised individuals, and are associated with high mortality (∼20 to 40%). As yet, gaps remain in our understanding of transmission, global strain relatedness, antimicrobial resistance, and effective therapy. Over a 16-year period, 22 clinical and 6 hospital environmental isolates were collected from Queensland, Australia. Identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) (Vitek MS) and whole-genome sequencing was compared with a global strain data set. Phylogenomic reconstruction robustly identified 22 Elizabethkingia anophelis, 3 Elizabethkingia miricola, 2 Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, and 1 Elizabethkingia bruuniana isolates, most of which branched as unique lineages. Global analysis revealed that some Australian E. anophelis isolates are genetically closely related to strains from the United States, England, and Asia. Comparative genomics of clinical and environmental strains identified evidence of nosocomial transmission in patients, indicating probable infection from a hospital reservoir. Furthermore, broth microdilution against 39 antimicrobials revealed almost ubiquitous resistance to aminoglycosides, carbapenems, cephalosporins, and penicillins. Like other international strains, our isolates expressed susceptibility to minocycline and levofloxacin and the less common trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Our study demonstrates important new insights into the genetic diversity, environmental persistence, and transmission of and potential effective therapy for Australian Elizabethkingia species.

Molecular Characteristics and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles of Elizabethkingia Clinical Isolates in Shanghai, China

Purpose

To investigate molecular characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates of Elizabethkingia in Shanghai, China.

Methods

Elizabethkingia isolates were collected in a university-affiliated hospital in 2012–2015 and 2017–2018. They were re-identified to species level by 16S rRNA gene and species-specific gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, screening for metallo-beta-lactamase production, identification of antimicrobial resistance genes and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed.

Results

Among 52 Elizabethkingia isolates, E. anophelis was the most prevalent species (67.3%), followed by E. meningoseptica (26.9%). High carriage rates of bla_CME, bla_BlaB and bla_GOB genes were consistent with the poor in vitro activity of most β-lactams including carbapenems. Nevertheless, β-lactamase inhibitors increased susceptibility rates significantly for cefoperazone and piperacillin. Susceptibility rates for minocycline, tigecycline, rifampin and levofloxacin were 100%, 78.8%, 76.9% and 71.2%, respectively. Ser83Ile or Ser83Arg substitution in the DNA gyrase A unit was associated with resistance to fluoroquinolones. MIC₅₀/MIC₉₀ values of vancomycin and linezolid were 16/16 mg/L and 16/32 mg/L, respectively. Molecular typing showed twenty-one different types of PFGE and more than one indistinguishable isolates were observed in each of the eight subtypes.

Conclusion

Tetracyclines, tigecycline, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, rifampin and fluoroquinolones demonstrated high rates of in vitro activity against clinical isolates of Elizabethkingia. Both genetic diversity and clonality were observed from this health-care facility. Our report provides potential alternative treatment options for Elizabethkingia infections.

Elizabethkingia Infections in Humans: From Genomics to Clinics

The genus Elizabethkingia has recently emerged as a cause of life-threatening infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Several new species in the genus Elizabethkingia have been proposed in the last decade. Numerous studies have indicated that Elizabethkingia anophelis, rather than Elizabethkingia meningoseptica, is the most prevalent pathogen in this genus. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry systems with an extended spectrum database could reliably identify E. anophelis and E. meningoseptica, but they are unable to distinguish the remaining species. Precise species identification relies on molecular techniques, such as housekeeping gene sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. These microorganisms are usually susceptible to minocycline but resistant to most β-lactams, β-lactam/β-lactam inhibitors, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides. They often exhibit variable susceptibility to piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Accordingly, treatment should be guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Target gene mutations are markedly associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Knowledge on the genomic characteristics provides valuable insights into in these emerging pathogens.

Invasive paediatric Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections are best treated with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolone

Objectives

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a multi-drug-resistant organism that is associated with high mortality and morbidity in newborn and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to identify the best antimicrobial therapy for treating this infection.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 2010 to 2017 in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore. Paediatric patients aged 0 to 18 years old with a positive culture for E. meningoseptica from any sterile site were identified from the hospital laboratory database. The data collected included clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility and treatment, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Thirteen cases were identified in this study. Combination therapy with piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or a fluoroquinolone resulted in a cure rate of 81.8  %. The mortality rate was 15.4  % and neurological morbidity in patients with bacteraemia and meningitis remained high (75 %).

Conclusions

Treatment with combination therapy of piperacillin/tazobactam and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or a fluroquinolone was effective in this study, with low mortality rates being observed.

Comparison of Clinical Manifestations, Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns, and Mutations of Fluoroquinolone Target Genes between Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Elizabethkingia anophelis Isolated in Taiwan

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and Elizabethkingia anophelis are two major pathogens in the genus Elizabethkingia. Studies have revealed that Elizabethkingia anophelis is frequently misidentified as E. meningoseptica. Therefore, our aim was to explore the clinical and molecular differences between these two species. The database of a clinical microbiology laboratory in a university-affiliated hospital of Taiwan was searched to identify patients with Elizabethkingia infections between January 2005 and June 2018. Species were reidentified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Twenty E. meningoseptica and 72 E. anophelis samples were collected from consecutive patients. E. meningoseptica was significantly more frequently isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid than was E. anophelis. The most susceptible antibiotic for all Elizabethkingia isolates was minocycline (91.3%), followed by levofloxacin (52.2%), tigecycline (23.9%), and piperacillin tazobactam (23.9%). Compared with E. anophelis, E. meningoseptica was significantly less susceptible to piperacillin tazobactam, minocycline, and levofloxacin. Regarding nonsynonymous substitutions in the quinolone-resistance determining regions of DNA gyrase, six sites were recognized in E. meningoseptica and one site was recognized in E. anophelis. E. meningoseptica had a significantly higher rate of fluoroquinolone target gene mutations than did E. anophelis. Because of less susceptibility to multiple antibiotics than E. anophelis, empirical antimicrobial therapy of E. meningoseptica should be more rigorous.

Comparisons of clinical features and outcomes between Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and other glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia in adult ICU patients

BACKGROUND

Clinical information of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (EM) bacteremia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients is limited and the impact on outcomes uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features and impact of EM bacteremia compared to other glucose non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (GNF-GNB) bacteremia in ICU patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 70 patients who developed GNF-GNB bacteremia after ICU admission, including 19 cases of EM bacteremia (19/70, 27.1%). The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

The patients with EM bacteremia had a lower rate of appropriate antibiotic therapy (15.8% vs. 62.7%, p < 0.001) and a longer time to appropriate antibiotic therapy (76.8 ± 46.4 vs. 35.1 ± 38.7 h, p < 0.001), but with a less severity in acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and shock status (p < 0.05) at the onset of bacteremia, compared to those with non-EM bacteremia. The in-hospital mortality between those with EM bacteremia and non-EM bacteremia was similar (63.2% vs. 51.0%, p = 0.363). However, primary bacteremia was more frequently noted in EM compared with non-EM group (57.9% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.011), and odds ratio 4.294 (95% confidence interval 1.292-14.277, p = 0.017) in multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Among the patients with GNF-GNB bacteremia, the numbers of the cases with primary bacteremia and inappropriate therapy were significantly more in EM group than those in non-EM group.

Molecular typing and profiling of topoisomerase mutations causing resistance to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin in Elizabethkingia species

Objectives

Several Elizabethkingia species often exhibit extensive antibiotic resistance, causing infections associated with severe morbidity and high mortality rates worldwide. In this study, we determined fluoroquinolone susceptibility profiles of clinical Elizabethkingia spp. isolates and investigated the resistance mechanisms.

Methods

In 2017–2018, 131 Elizabethkingia spp. isolates were recovered from specimens collected at tertiary care centers in northern Taiwan. Initial species identification using the Vitek MS system and subsequent verification by 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Elizabethkingia anophelis (n = 111), E. miricola (n = 11), and E. meningoseptica (n = 9). Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was determined using the microbroth dilution method, and fluoroquinolone resistance genes were analyzed by sequencing.

Results

Among Elizabethkingia spp. isolates, 91% and 77% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, respectively. The most prevalent alterations were two single mutations in GyrA, Ser83Ile, and Ser83Arg, detected in 76% of the isolates exhibiting fluoroquinolone MIC between 8 and 128 μg/ml. Another GyrA single mutation, Asp87Asn, was identified in two quinolone-resistant E. miricola strains. None of the isolates had alterations in GyrB, ParC, or ParE. We developed a high-resolution melting assay for rapid identification of the prevalent gyrA gene mutations. The genetic relationship between the isolates was evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR that yielded diverse pulsotypes, indicating the absence of any temporal or spatial overlap among the patients during hospitalization.

Conclusion

Our analysis of fluoroquinolone-resistant Elizabethkingia spp. isolates provides information for further research on the variations of the resistance mechanism and potential clinical guidance for infection management.

Comparison of clinical characteristics of bacteremia from Elizabethkingia meningoseptica and other carbapenem-resistant, non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli at a tertiary medical center

BACKGROUND

Acquired carbapenem resistance among non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB), such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii complex (ACB complex), is a serious problem in nosocomial infections. We previously reported that patients infected with the intrinsically carbapenem-resistant Elizabethkingia meningoseptica were associated with high mortality. However, little information is available regarding the clinical outcome of E. meningoseptica bacteremia when compared to that of other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study that included consecutive patients with E. meningoseptica, carbapenem-resistant ACB complex, carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia at a Taiwanese medical center in 2015. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with E. meningoseptica bacteremia and those with other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB bacteremia.

RESULTS

We identified 30 patients with E. meningoseptica, 71 with carbapenem-resistant ACB complex, 25 with S. maltophilia, and 17 with carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa bacteremia. The clinical characteristics, disease severity, and previous antibiotic exposures were similar between patients with bacteremia either due to E. meningoseptica or other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB. Patients with E. meningoseptica bacteremia had a higher rate of appropriate empirical antibiotics than those with other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB and was less associated with central venous catheterization. The 28-day mortality rates were similar between patients with E. meningoseptica and the other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB bacteremia (46.7% vs 46%, p = 0.949).

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate of E. meningoseptica bacteremia was as high as other carbapenem-resistant NFGNB infections. The emerging E. meningoseptica infection calls for active surveillance and continued awareness from clinical physicians for this serious carbapenem-resistant infection.

Emerging Infection with Elizabethkingia Meningoseptica in Neonate. A Case Report

Background

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica are Gram-negative rod bacteria which are commonly found in the environment. The bacteria have also been associated with nosocomial infections, having been isolated on contaminated medical equipment, especially in neonatal wards.

Case report

Here, we present the case of a premature female infant born at 33 weeks’ gestational age, with neonatal meningitis. The onset was marked by fever, in the 5th day of life, while in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The patient was commenced on Gentamicin and Ampicillin, but her clinical condition worsened. Psychomotor agitation and food refusal developed in the 10th day of life, and a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis was made based on clinical and cerebrospinal fluid findings. A strain of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sensitive to Vancomycin, Rifampicin and Clarithromycin was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid. First-line antibiotic therapy with Meropenem and Vancomycin was adjusted by replacing Meronem with Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Rifampicin. The patient’s clinical condition improved, although some isolated febrile episodes were still present. The cerebrospinal fluid was normalized after 6 weeks of antibiotic treatment, although periventriculitis and tetraventricular hydrocephalus were revealed by imaging studies. Neurosurgical drainage was necessary.

Conclusion

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica can cause severe infection, with high risk of mortality and neurological sequelae in neonates. Intensive care and multidisciplinary interventions are crucial for case management.