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Pallon J, Sundqvist M, Hedin K. The use and usefulness of point-of-care tests in patients with pharyngotonsillitis - an observational study in primary health care. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:15. [PMID: 38184547 PMCID: PMC10770901 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) for Group A streptococci (GAS) and point-of-care tests for C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used in patients with pharyngotonsillitis in Sweden and Denmark although CRP testing is not supported by guidelines. We aimed to describe (1) the proportion of patients tested with RADT and/or CRP, (2) the relation between test results and antibiotic prescribing, and (3) the association between CRP level and microbial aetiology. METHODS We used a post-hoc-analysis of data collected in primary health care in a prospective aetiological study of 220 patients 15-45 years old diagnosed with pharyngotonsillitis. The outcomes of RADTs and CRP tests were related to antibiotic prescribing and microbial aetiology. RESULTS A RADT was used in 94% of the patients. A CRP test was used in 50% of the patients but more commonly in those with a negative RADT (59%) than in those with a positive RADT (38%) (p = 0.005). Most (74%) CRP tests were used in patients with a negative RADT. Antibiotic prescribing differed greatly between patients with a positive RADT (96%) and patients with a negative RADT (17%) (p < 0.001). In patients with a negative RADT, there was a positive association between CRP value and antibiotic prescribing (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02-1.07; p < 0.001). Patients with CRP values ≤ 30 mg/l were seldomly prescribed antibiotics. Patients with GAS in culture had the highest median CRP (46 mg/l), which was higher than in patients without GAS (8 mg/l; p < 0.001). However, the positive predictive value for GAS never exceeded 0.60 (95% CI 0.31-0.83) at the investigated CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS The widespread use of tests is a major deviation from national guidelines. Most CRP tests were used in patients with a negative RADT, suggesting a belief in the added value of a CRP test, and the CRP result seemed to influence antibiotic prescribing. However, as an aetiological test, CRP is not useful for predicting GAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Pallon
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
- Department of Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.
| | - Martin Sundqvist
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Katarina Hedin
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Futurum, Region Jönköping County, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Metz M, Gualdoni GA, Winkler HM, Warenits AM, Stöckl J, Burgmann H, Winkler S, Oesterreicher ZA. MxA for differentiating viral and bacterial infections in adults: a prospective, exploratory study. Infection 2023; 51:1329-1337. [PMID: 36737561 PMCID: PMC9897883 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-01986-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inappropriate antibiotic prescription in patients with viral infections contributes to the surge of antibiotic resistance. Viral infections induce the expression of the antiviral protein MxA in monocytes, which is a promising biomarker to differentiate between viral and bacterial diseases. In this prospective, exploratory study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of monocyte MxA expression in adults with viral, bacterial or co-infections. METHODS We measured monocyte MxA expression using flow cytometry in a cohort of 61 adults with various viral, bacterial and co-infections including patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS Monocyte MxA expression in virus-infected patients was significantly higher compared to bacterial infections (83.3 [66.8, 109.4] vs. 33.8 [29.3, 47.8] mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]; p < 0.0001) but not co-infections (53.1 [33.9, 88.9] MFI). At a threshold of 62.2 MFI, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections was 0.9, with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.3% and 84.6%, respectively. Immunosuppressive therapy did not affect monocyte MxA expression in virus-infected patients. CONCLUSION Our findings corroborate the diagnostic performance of MxA in differentiating viral and bacterial infections but also point to an important caveat of MxA in viral-bacterial co-infections. This study extends previous reports and indicates that MxA is also a useful biomarker in immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthäus Metz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guido A Gualdoni
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heide-Maria Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Johannes Stöckl
- Institute of Immunology, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Burgmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zoe Anne Oesterreicher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Internal Medicine 2, Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Rheumatology, University Hospital of St. Poelten, 3100, St. Poelten, Austria.
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3
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Bo ZM, Tan WK, Chong CSC, Lye MS, Parmasivam S, Pang ST, Satkunananthan SE, Chong HY, Malek A, Al-khazzan BAAM, Sim BLH, Lee CKC, Lim RLH, Lim CSY. Respiratory microorganisms in acute pharyngitis patients: Identification, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness, and antibiotic resistance in private primary care, central Malaysia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277802. [PMID: 36395327 PMCID: PMC9671416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute pharyngitis (AP) is a common reason for private primary care consultations, thus providing an avenue for widespread antibiotic intake among the community. However, there is limited data on the antibiotic prescription appropriateness and resistance information in the Malaysian private primary care setting, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of isolated viruses and bacteria, antibiotic resistance patterns, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness by general practitioners (GPs) and factors affecting antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription patterns. To investigate, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 patients presenting with AP symptoms at private primary care clinics in central Malaysia from 3rd January 2016 to 30th November 2016. Throat swabs were collected from 205 AP patients for two purposes: (i) the detection of four common respiratory viruses associated with AP via reverse-transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and (ii) bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Bacterial isolates were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility screening and McIsaac scoring was calculated post-prescription based on GP selection of criteria. Generalized estimating equations analysis with multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with presence of virus and antibiotic prescription. The results showed that 95.1% (195/205) of patients had at least one of the four viruses, with rhinovirus (88.5%) being the most prevalent, followed by adenovirus (74.9%), influenza A virus (4.6%) and enterovirus (2.1%). A total of 862 non-repetitive colonies were isolated from the culture of throat swabs from 205 patients who were positive for bacteria. From a total of 22 genera, Streptococcus constitutes the most prevalent bacteria genus (40.9%), followed by Neisseria (20%), Rothia (13.0%), Staphylococcus (11%) and Klebsiella (4.9%). Only 5 patients carried group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). We also report the presence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus or VRSA (n = 9, 10.1%) among which one isolate is a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MDR-MRSA), while 54.1% (n = 111) were found to carry at least one antibiotic-resistant bacteria species. Application of the McIsaac scoring system indicated that 87.8% (n = 180) of patients should not be prescribed antibiotics as the majority of AP patients in this study had viral pharyngitis. The antibiotic prescription appropriateness by applying post-prescription McIsaac scoring was able to rule out GABHS pharyngitis in this sample with a GABHS culture-positive sensitivity of 40% (n = 2/5) and specificity of 90% (180/200). In conclusion, antibiotic-resistant throat isolates and over-prescription of antibiotics were observed and McIsaac scoring system is effective in guiding GPs to determine occurrences of viral pharyngitis to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Mian Bo
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Keat Tan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Munn Sann Lye
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Formerly Department of Community Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - Seshatharran Parmasivam
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shu Ting Pang
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Hui Yee Chong
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ameen Malek
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Renee Lay Hong Lim
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Crystale Siew Ying Lim
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Association of human myxovirus resistance protein A with severity of COVID-19. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:755. [PMID: 36171547 PMCID: PMC9517979 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07753-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this retrospective cohort study, we explored the correlation of blood human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) level with severity of disease in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods All 304 patients admitted for COVID-19 in our hospital until 30th of April 2021 were included in this study. MxA was measured from peripheral blood samples in 268 cases. Patients were divided into groups based on their level of MxA on admission. We studied baseline characteristics and severity of disease on admission based on clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarker levels in each group. Severity of disease during hospitalization was determined by the applied level of respiratory support, by the usage of corticosteroids and by the duration of hospitalization. Results Higher MxA levels on admission were associated with a shorter duration of symptoms before admission, and with more severe disease. Adjusted Odds Ratios for any respiratory support were 9.92 (95%CI 2.11–46.58; p = 0.004) in patients with MxA between 400 μg/L and 799 μg/L (p = 0.004) and 20.08 (95%CI 4.51–89.44; p < 0.001) in patients with MxA ≥ 800 μg/L in comparison with patients with initial MxA < 400 μg/L. The usage of corticosteroids was significantly higher in the high-MxA group (77%) in comparison with the intermediate-MxA group (62%, p = 0.013) and low-MxA group (47%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Higher initial levels of MxA were associated with more severe COVID-19. MxA may be a helpful additional biomarker to predict the severity of the disease.
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Rhedin S, Eklundh A, Ryd-Rinder M, Peltola V, Waris M, Gantelius J, Lindh M, Andersson M, Gaudenzi G, Mårtensson A, Naucler P, Alfvén T. Myxovirus resistance protein A for discriminating between viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infections in children - The TREND study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 28:1251-1257. [PMID: 35597507 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Discriminating between viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children is challenging, leading to an excessive use of antibiotics. Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is a promising biomarker for viral infections. The primary aim of the study was to assess differences in blood MxA levels between children with viral and bacterial LRTI. Secondary aims were to assess differences in blood MxA levels between children with viral LRTI and asymptomatic controls and to assess MxA levels in relation to different respiratory viruses. METHODS Children with LRTI were enrolled as cases at Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Nasopharyngeal aspirates and blood samples for analysis of viral PCR, MxA and CRP were systematically collected from all study subjects in addition to standard laboratory/radiology assessment. Aetiology was defined according to an algorithm based on laboratory and radiological findings. Asymptomatic children with minor surgical disease were enrolled as controls. RESULTS MxA levels were higher in children with viral LRTI (n=242) as compared to both bacterial (n=5) LRTI (p<0.01, area under the curve (AUC) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.81-0.99) and controls (AUC 0.92, 95% CI:0.88-0.95). In the subgroup of children with pneumonia diagnosis, a cut-off of MxA 430μg/l discriminated between viral (n=29) and bacterial (n=4) aetiology with 93% (95% CI: 78%-99%) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI: 51%-100%) specificity (AUC 0.98, 95% CI: 0.94-1.00). The highest MxA levels were seen in cases PCR positive for influenza (median MxA 1699μg/l, interquartile range (IQR): 732-2996) and respiratory syncytial virus (median MxA 1115μg/l, IQR: 679-2489). CONCLUSION MxA accurately discriminated between viral and bacterial aetiology in children with LRTI, particularly in the group of children with pneumonia diagnosis, but the number of children with bacterial LRTI was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Rhedin
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Annika Eklundh
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Ryd-Rinder
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska university Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ville Peltola
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Waris
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku and Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Jesper Gantelius
- Department of Protein Science, Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Solna, Sweden
| | - Magnus Lindh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Andersson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giulia Gaudenzi
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Protein Science, Division of Nanobiotechnology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SciLifeLab, Solna, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Pontus Naucler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Pediatric Emergency Unit, Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Myxovirus Resistance Protein A as a Marker of Viral Cause of Illness in Children Hospitalized with an Acute Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0203121. [PMID: 35080443 PMCID: PMC8791186 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02031-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A biomarker for viral infection could improve the differentiation between viral and bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic overuse. We examined blood myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) as a biomarker for viral infections in children with an acute infection. We recruited 251 children presenting with a clinical suspicion of serious bacterial infection, determined by need for a blood bacterial culture collection, and 14 children with suspected viral infection at two pediatric emergency departments. All children were aged between 4 weeks and 16 years. We classified cases according to the viral, bacterial, or other etiology of the final diagnosis. The ability of MxA to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections was assessed. The median blood MxA levels were 467 (interquartile range, 235 to 812) μg/L in 39 children with a viral infection, 469 (178 to 827) μg/L in 103 children with viral-bacterial coinfection, 119 (68 to 227) μg/L in 75 children with bacterial infection, and 150 (101 to 212) μg/L in 26 children with bacterial infection and coincidental virus finding (P < 0.001). In a receiver operating characteristics analysis, MxA cutoff level of 256 μg/L differentiated between children with viral and bacterial infections with an area under the curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.73 to 0.90), a sensitivity of 74.4%, and a specificity of 80.0%. In conclusion, MxA protein showed moderate accuracy as a biomarker for symptomatic viral infections in children hospitalized with an acute infection. High prevalence of viral-bacterial coinfections supports the use of MxA in combination with biomarkers of bacterial infection. IMPORTANCE Due to the diagnostic uncertainty concerning the differentiation between viral and bacterial infections, children with viral infections are often treated with antibiotics, predisposing them to adverse effects and contributing to the emerging antibiotic resistance. Since currently available biomarkers only estimate the risk of bacterial infection, a biomarker for viral infection is needed in attempts of reducing antibiotic overuse. Blood MxA protein, which has broad antiviral activity and is rapidly induced in acute, symptomatic viral infections, is a potential biomarker for viral infection. In this diagnostic study of 265 children hospitalized because of an acute infection, blood MxA cutoff level of 256 μg/L discriminated between viral and bacterial infections with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 80%. MxA could improve the differential diagnostics of febrile children at the emergency department but, because of frequently detected viral-bacterial coinfections, a combination with biomarkers of bacterial infection may be needed.
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Elevated blood MxA protein levels in children with newly diagnosed B-ALL: A prospective case-control study. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.1033655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Ivaska L, Niemelä J, Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela K, Putkuri N, Vuopio J, Vuorinen T, Waris M, Rantakokko-Jalava K, Peltola V. Detection of group A streptococcus in children with confirmed viral pharyngitis and antiviral host response. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:4059-4065. [PMID: 36163516 PMCID: PMC9512968 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04633-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Our aim was to study the detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) with different diagnostic methods in paediatric pharyngitis patients with and without a confirmed viral infection. In this prospective observational study, throat swabs and blood samples were collected from children (age 1-16 years) presenting to the emergency department with febrile pharyngitis. A confirmed viral infection was defined as a positive virus diagnostic test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] and/or serology) together with an antiviral immune response of the host demonstrated by elevated (≥ 175 µg/L) myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) blood concentration. Testing for GAS was performed by a throat culture, by 2 rapid antigen detection tests (StrepTop and mariPOC) and by 2 NAATs (Simplexa and Illumigene). Altogether, 83 children were recruited of whom 48 had samples available for GAS testing. Confirmed viral infection was diagnosed in 30/48 (63%) children with febrile pharyngitis. Enteroviruses 11/30 (37%), adenoviruses 9/30 (30%) and rhinoviruses 9/30 (30%) were the most common viruses detected. GAS was detected by throat culture in 5/30 (17%) with and in 6/18 (33%) patients without a confirmed viral infection. Respectively, GAS was detected in 4/30 (13%) and 6/18 (33%) by StrepTop, 13/30 (43%) and 10/18 (56%) by mariPOC, 6/30 (20%) and 9/18 (50%) by Simplexa, and 5/30 (17%) and 6/18 (30%) patients by Illumigene. CONCLUSION GAS was frequently detected also in paediatric pharyngitis patients with a confirmed viral infection. The presence of antiviral host response and increased GAS detection by sensitive methods suggest incidental throat carriage of GAS in viral pharyngitis. WHAT IS KNOWN •The frequency and significance of GAS-virus co-detection are poorly characterised in children with pharyngitis. •Detection of a virus and the antiviral host response likely indicates symptomatic infection. WHAT IS NEW •Group A streptococcus (GAS) was detected in 17-43% of the children with confirmed viral pharyngitis depending on the GAS diagnostic method. •Our results emphasize the risk of detecting and treating incidental pharyngeal carriage of GAS in children with viral pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Ivaska
- Departments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland. .,Emergency Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jussi Niemelä
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDepartments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XEmergency Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kirsi Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niina Putkuri
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland ,grid.452433.70000 0000 9387 9501Finnish Red Cross, Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Vuopio
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tytti Vuorinen
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Waris
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisu Rantakokko-Jalava
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Peltola
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDepartments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Saulle I, Garziano M, Fenizia C, Cappelletti G, Parisi F, Clerici M, Cetin I, Savasi V, Biasin M. MiRNA Profiling in Plasma and Placenta of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Pregnant Women. Cells 2021; 10:1788. [PMID: 34359957 PMCID: PMC8305278 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are gene expression regulators associated with several human pathologies, including those generated by viral infections. Their role in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 has been investigated and reviewed in many informative studies; however, a thorough miRNA outline in SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnant women (SIPW), at both systemic and placental levels, is missing. To fill this gap, blood and placenta biopsies collected at delivery from 15 asymptomatic SIPW were immediately analysed for: miRNA expression (n = 84) (QPCR array), antiviral/immune mRNA target expression (n = 74) (QGene) and cytokine/chemokines production (n = 27) (Multiplex ELISA). By comparing these results with those obtained from six uninfected pregnant women (UPW), we observed that, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the transcriptomic profile of pregnant women is significantly altered in different anatomical districts, even in the absence of clinical symptoms and vertical transmission. This characteristic combination of miRNA and antiviral/immune factors seems to control both the infection and the dysfunctional immune reaction, thus representing a positive correlate of protection and a potential therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Saulle
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Micaela Garziano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudio Fenizia
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gioia Cappelletti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.P.)
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Cetin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate Buzzi Children’s Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.P.)
| | - Mara Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (I.S.); (M.G.); (C.F.); (G.C.); (I.C.); (V.S.)
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Sayad E, Zeid CA, Hajjar RE, Cabrera NL, Radi Abou Jaoudeh RA, Malek AE. The burden of Arcanobacterium haemolyticum pharyngitis: A systematic review and management algorithm. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 146:110759. [PMID: 34038812 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arcanobacterium haemolyticum causes pharyngotonsillitis in children and young adults. It is rarely isolated in pharyngeal swabs as testing for it is not routine. Data on complications, management, and antibiotic susceptibility testing is limited. We sought to review the available literature on the presentation and management of A. haemolyticum pharyngotonsillitis in this age group. METHODS A systematic review of eligible studies reporting pharyngotonsillitis and related complications in children and young adults caused by A. haemolyticum was conducted. Literature from case reports, case series, and available cohorts was compiled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The initial database search yielded 63 articles, after applying exclusion criteria 17 studies were included. 191 patients were identified with a median age of 16.5 years. The most common presentation was throat pain reported in 93.7% of patients. Tonsillar exudates, fever at presentation and rash were present in more than half of the reviewed cases. The diagnosis was established by a positive culture on a pharyngeal swab in 98.8% of swabs collected. Complications described included peritonsillar abscesses, Lemierre's syndrome, pneumonia, and sepsis. Penicillin was the first line antibiotic in 81% of patients followed by macrolides in 19 patients (18%). CONCLUSIONS A. haemolyticum occurs in children and young adults and may result in complications. Our review supports its susceptibility to penicillin. We suggest a diagnostic and management algorithm to guide clinicians in targeted testing and aid with decision making regarding timely and appropriate antibiotic therapy, in an effort to reduce the burden of its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Sayad
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Lebanese American University School of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Cynthia Abou Zeid
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Rayan El Hajjar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah P.O. Box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon.
| | - Nicolo L Cabrera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | | | - Alexandre E Malek
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Presence of microorganisms in children with pharyngotonsillitis and healthy controls: a prospective study in primary healthcare. Infection 2021; 49:715-724. [PMID: 33686635 PMCID: PMC7938884 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-021-01595-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Most studies on paediatric pharyngotonsillitis focus on group A streptococci. This study, however, analyses a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses related to paediatric pharyngotonsillitis and evaluates their associated clinical symptoms and courses. Methods This observational prospective study in primary healthcare includes 77 children aged < 15 with a sore throat and 34 asymptomatic children, all of whom were sampled from the tonsils with an E-swab® for analysis with culture and PCR for 14 bacteria and 15 viruses. Patients were evaluated clinically, and their symptoms recorded in diaries for 10 days. Participants were followed up for 3 months by reviewing medical records. Results A pathogen was detected in 86% of patients and in 71% of controls (P = 0.06). Bacteria were found in 69% of patients and 59% of controls (P = 0.3), and viruses in 36% and 26%, respectively (P = 0.3). Group A streptococci was the most common finding, with a prevalence of 49% and 32%, respectively (P = 0.1). Clinical signs were not useful for distinguishing pathogens. None of the controls and 16% of the patients reconsulted for a sore throat within 3 months. Conclusion Bacteria were more common than viruses in both study groups. The high rate of pathogens in asymptomatic children interferes with diagnoses based on aetiology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-021-01595-9.
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12
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Distinguishing bacterial versus non-bacterial causes of febrile illness - A systematic review of host biomarkers. J Infect 2021; 82:1-10. [PMID: 33610683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute febrile illnesses (AFIs) represent a major disease burden globally; however, the paucity of reliable, rapid point-of-care testing makes their diagnosis difficult. A simple tool for distinguishing bacterial versus non-bacterial infections would radically improve patient management and reduce indiscriminate antibiotic use. Diagnostic tests based on host biomarkers can play an important role here, and a target product profile (TPP) was developed to guide development. OBJECTIVES To qualitatively evaluate host biomarkers that can distinguish bacterial from non-bacterial causes of AFI. DATA SOURCES The PubMed database was systematically searched for relevant studies published between 2015 and 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies comparing diagnostic performances of host biomarkers in patients with bacterial versus non-bacterial infections were included. PARTICIPANTS Studies involving human participants and/or human samples were included. METHODS We collected information following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A risk of bias assessment was performed, based on a modified QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Score 2). RESULTS We identified 1107 publications. Following screening, 55 publications were included, with 265 biomarker entries. Entries mostly comprised protein biomarkers (58.9%), followed by haematological, RNA, and metabolite biomarkers (15.5%, 8.7%, 12.5%). Sensitivity/specificity was reported for 45.7% of biomarker entries. We assessed a high overall risk of bias for most entries (75.8%). In studies with low/medium risk of bias, four biomarker entries tested in blood samples had sensitivity/specificity of more than 0.90/0.80. Only 12 additional biomarker entries were identified with sensitivity/specificity of more than 0.65/0.65. CONCLUSIONS Most recently assessed biomarkers represent well-known biomarkers, e.g. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. Some protein biomarkers with the highest reported performances include a combined biomarker signature (CRP, IP-10, and TRAIL) and human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL). Few new biomarkers are in the pipeline; however, some RNA signatures show promise. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Kawamura A, Tsuchida Y, Shoda H, Kubo K, Uchio N, Shimizu J, Fujio K. A case of granulomatous myositis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving anti-TNF-α treatment. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2020; 4:1-5. [PMID: 33086966 DOI: 10.1080/24725625.2019.1628427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A 66-year old woman with a 14-year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and uveitis was admitted to our department for evaluation of a mass in the left neck. Fourteen months prior to this admission the patient was started on golimumab. Serum creatine kinase (CK) level was elevated and myositis-specific and -associated antibodies were negative. Manual muscle test showed weakness in the neck flexor, sternocleidomastoid and deltoid muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck, erector muscle of spine, breech, thigh and lower thigh demonstrated high-intensity lesions in the muscles in short-tau inversion recovery images. Electromyography in the right deltoid detected fibrillation potentials. Muscle biopsy from the left neck mass showed granulomatous myositis. Muscle weakness improved and CK levels normalized after discontinuation of golimumab. We report a case of granulomatous myositis under anti-TNF-α treatment for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akito Kawamura
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Tsuchida
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Shoda
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Kubo
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchio
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujio
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Baj J, Sitarz E, Forma A, Wróblewska K, Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. Alterations in the Nervous System and Gut Microbiota after β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Group A Infection-Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria of PANDAS Recognition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1476. [PMID: 32098238 PMCID: PMC7073132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to review and summarize conclusions from the available literature regarding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The authors have independently reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, primarily focusing on the etiopathology, symptoms, differentiation between similar psychiatric conditions, immunological reactions, alterations in the nervous system and gut microbiota, genetics, and the available treatment for PANDAS. Recent research indicates that PANDAS patients show noticeable alterations within the structures of the central nervous system, including caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and striatum, as well as bilateral and lentiform nuclei. Likewise, the presence of autoantibodies that interact with basal ganglia was observed in PANDAS patients. Several studies also suggest a relationship between the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders like PANDAS and alterations to the gut microbiota. Further, genetic predispositions-including variations in the MBL gene and TNF-α-seem to be relevant regarding PANDAS syndrome. Even though the literature is still scarce, the authors have attempted to provide a thorough insight into the PANDAS syndrome, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Sitarz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (E.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Katarzyna Wróblewska
- North London Forensic Service, Chase Farm Hospital, 127 The Ridgeway, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 8JL, UK;
| | - Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz
- Chair and 1st Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University of Lublin, Gluska Street 1, 20-439 Lublin, Poland
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Piri R, Ivaska L, Yahya M, Toivonen L, Lempainen J, Kataja J, Nuolivirta K, Tripathi L, Waris M, Peltola V. Prevalence of respiratory viruses and antiviral MxA responses in children with febrile urinary tract infection. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 39:1239-1244. [PMID: 32048070 PMCID: PMC7088029 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-020-03836-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Blood myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) has broad antiviral activity, and it is a potential biomarker for symptomatic virus infections. Limited data is available of MxA in coinciding viral and bacterial infections. We investigated blood MxA levels in children hospitalized with a febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) with or without simultaneous respiratory virus infection. We conducted a prospective observational study of 43 children hospitalized with febrile UTI. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected at admission and tested for 16 respiratory viruses by nucleic acid detection methods. Respiratory symptoms were recorded, and blood MxA levels were determined. The median age of study children was 4 months (interquartile range, 2–14 months). A respiratory virus was detected in 17 (40%) children with febrile UTI. Of the virus-positive children with febrile UTI, 7 (41%) had simultaneous respiratory symptoms. Blood MxA levels were higher in virus-positive children with respiratory symptoms (median, 778 [interquartile range, 535–2538] μg/L) compared to either virus-negative (155 [94–301] μg/L, P < 0.001) or virus-positive (171 [112–331] μg/L, P = 0.006) children without respiratory symptoms at presentation with febrile UTI. MxA differentiated virus-positive children with respiratory symptoms from virus-negative without symptoms by an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.96. Respiratory viruses were frequently detected in children with febrile UTI. In UTI with simultaneous respiratory symptoms, host antiviral immune response was demonstrated by elevated blood MxA protein levels. MxA protein could be a robust biomarker of symptomatic viral infection in children with febrile UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruut Piri
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Lauri Ivaska
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Mohamed Yahya
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Toivonen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Lempainen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku and Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Janne Kataja
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Kirsi Nuolivirta
- Department of Paediatrics, Seinäjoki Central Hospital, Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Lav Tripathi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Waris
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku and Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Peltola
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20521, Turku, Finland.
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Greer R, Althaus T, Ling C, Intralawan D, Nedsuwan S, Thaipadungpanit J, Wangrangsimakul T, Butler C, Day N, Lubell Y. Prevalence of Group A Streptococcus in Primary Care Patients and the Utility of C-Reactive Protein and Clinical Scores for Its Identification in Thailand. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:377-383. [PMID: 31889507 PMCID: PMC7008346 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis is usually caused by a viral infection for which antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed, adding to the burden of antimicrobial resistance. Identifying who needs antibiotics is challenging; microbiological confirmation and clinical scores are used but have limitations. In a cross-sectional study nested within a randomized controlled trial, we estimated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of group A Streptococcus (GAS) in patients presenting to primary care with a sore throat and fever in northern Thailand. We then evaluated the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinical scores (Centor and FeverPAIN) to identify the presence of GAS. One hundred sixty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 35 (20.7%) had β-hemolytic Streptococci (BHS) isolated from throat swab culture, and 11 (6.5%) had GAS. All GAS isolates were sensitive to penicillin G. The median CRP of those without BHS isolation was 10 mg/L (interquartile range [IQR] ≤ 8-18), compared with 18 mg/L (IQR 9-71, P = 0.0302) for those with GAS and 14 mg/L (IQR ≤ 8-38, P = 0.0516) for those with any BHS isolated. However, there were no significant relationships between CRP > 8 mg/L (P = 0.112), Centor ≥ 3 (P = 0.212), and FeverPAIN ≥ 4 (P = 1.000), and the diagnosis of GAS compared with no BHS isolation. Identifying who requires antibiotics for pharyngitis remains challenging and necessitates further larger studies. C-reactive protein testing alone, although imperfect, can reduce prescribing compared with routine care. Targeted CRP testing through clinical scoring may be the most cost-effective approach to ruling out GAS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Greer
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Althaus
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Ling
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Daranee Intralawan
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, Chiang Rai Regional Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Supalert Nedsuwan
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, Chiang Rai Regional Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Janjira Thaipadungpanit
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Butler
- Clinical Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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17
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Russo L, Sánchez-Purrà M, Rodriguez-Quijada C, Leonardo BM, Puntes V, Hamad-Schifferli K. Detection of resistance protein A (MxA) in paper-based immunoassays with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with AuAg nanoshells. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:10819-10827. [PMID: 31135010 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr02397f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Myxovirus protein A (MxA) is a biomarker that can be used to distinguish between viral and bacterial infections. While MxA lateral flow assays (LFAs) have been successfully used for viral vs. bacterial differential diagnosis for children, the clinically relevant level of MxA for adults has been reported to be 100 times lower, which is too low for traditional LFAs. We present results applying the use of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect MxA. AuAg nanoshells (AuAg NSs) were used to enhance the Raman signal of mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA), enabling readout by SERS. The AuAg NSs were conjugated to antibodies for the biomarker of interest, resulting in a "nanotag", that could be used in a dipstick immunoassay for detection. We first optimized the nanotag parameters using anti-human IgG/human IgG as a model antibody/antigen system, and then demonstrated detection of MxA using anti-MxA antibodies. We show that SERS readout of immunoassays for MxA can quantify MxA levels at clinically relevant levels for adult viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Russo
- Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), CSIC and BIST, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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Joseph P, Godofsky E. Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship: A Growing Frontier-Combining Myxovirus Resistance Protein A With Other Biomarkers to Improve Antibiotic Use. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy024. [PMID: 29479553 PMCID: PMC5815119 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of oral antibiotics are prescribed in outpatient primary and urgent care clinics for acute respiratory infections. Effective antibiotic stewardship must include proper prescribing for outpatients as well as for those in a hospital or long-term care facility. Methods Major databases, including MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, were searched for prospective human clinical studies, including children and/or adults published between January 1966 and November 2017 that evaluated Myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) as a biomarker for diagnosing viral infections as well as both C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) as potential biomarkers for identifying and differentiating true bacterial upper respiratory infection (URI) from colonization. Results Ten prospective human studies, totaling 1683 patients, were identified that evaluated MxA as a viral biomarker in children and/or adults. Both systematic review articles, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled clinical trials that examined CRP and/or PCT as a biomarker for identifying clinically significant bacterial infections and supporting antibiotic stewardship were identified. Conclusions Quick and accurate differentiation between a viral and bacterial respiratory infection is critical to effectively combat antibiotic misuse. MxA expression in peripheral blood is a highly specific marker for viral infection. Combining MxA with other inflammatory biomarkers to test for respiratory infections offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, forming an excellent tool for antibiotic stewardship in the outpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Joseph
- Private Practice to California Infection Control Consultants, San Ramon, California
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Self WH, Rosen J, Sharp SC, Filbin MR, Hou PC, Parekh AD, Kurz MC, Shapiro NI. Diagnostic Accuracy of FebriDx: A Rapid Test to Detect Immune Responses to Viral and Bacterial Upper Respiratory Infections. J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6100094. [PMID: 28991170 PMCID: PMC5664009 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
C-reactive protein (CRP) and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) are associated with bacterial and viral infections, respectively. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of adults and children with febrile upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid CRP/MxA immunoassay to identify clinically significant bacterial infection with host response and acute pathogenic viral infection. The reference standard for classifying URI etiology was an algorithm that included throat bacterial culture, upper respiratory PCR for viral and atypical pathogens, procalcitonin, white blood cell count, and bandemia. The algorithm also allowed for physician override. Among 205 patients, 25 (12.2%) were classified as bacterial, 53 (25.9%) as viral, and 127 (62.0%) negative by the reference standard. For bacterial detection, agreement between FebriDx and the reference standard was 91.7%, with FebriDx having a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 59–93%), specificity of 93% (89–97%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 63% (45–79%), and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (94–99%). For viral detection, agreement was 84%, with a sensitivity of 87% (75–95%), specificity of 83% (76–89%), PPV of 64% (63–75%), and NPV of 95% (90–98%). FebriDx may help to identify clinically significant immune responses associated with bacterial and viral URIs that are more likely to require clinical management or therapeutic intervention, and has potential to assist with antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley H Self
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Jeffrey Rosen
- Clinical Research of South Florida, Coral Gables, FL 33134, USA.
| | - Stephan C Sharp
- Clinical Research Associates, Inc., Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - Michael R Filbin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Peter C Hou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Amisha D Parekh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, New York Methodist Hospital, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA.
| | - Michael C Kurz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Nathan I Shapiro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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