Decoding the historical tale: COVID-19 impact on haematological malignancy patients-EPICOVIDEHA insights from 2020 to 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic heightened risks for individuals with hematological malignancies due to compromised immune systems, leading to more severe outcomes and increased mortality. While interventions like vaccines, targeted antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies have been effective for the general population, their benefits for these patients may not be as pronounced.

Methods

The EPICOVIDEHA registry (National Clinical Trials Identifier, NCT04733729) gathers COVID-19 data from hematological malignancy patients since the pandemic's start worldwide. It spans various global locations, allowing comprehensive analysis over the first three years (2020-2022).

Findings

The EPICOVIDEHA registry collected data from January 2020 to December 2022, involving 8767 COVID-19 cases in hematological malignancy patients from 152 centers across 41 countries, with 42% being female. Over this period, there was a significant reduction in critical infections and an overall decrease in mortality from 29% to 4%. However, hospitalization, particularly in the ICU, remained associated with higher mortality rates. Factors contributing to increased mortality included age, multiple comorbidities, active malignancy at COVID-19 onset, pulmonary symptoms, and hospitalization. On the positive side, vaccination with one to two doses or three or more doses, as well as encountering COVID-19 in 2022, were associated with improved survival.

Interpretation

Patients with hematological malignancies still face elevated risks, despite reductions in critical infections and overall mortality rates over time. Hospitalization, especially in ICUs, remains a significant concern. The study underscores the importance of vaccination and the timing of COVID-19 exposure in 2022 for enhanced survival in this patient group. Ongoing monitoring and targeted interventions are essential to support this vulnerable population, emphasizing the critical role of timely diagnosis and prompt treatment in preventing severe COVID-19 cases.

Funding

Not applicable.

Switch to oral antibiotics in Gram-negative bacteraemia: a randomized, open-label, clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of switching from intravenous (IV) to oral antimicrobial therapy in patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia, after completion of 3-5 days of microbiologically active IV therapy.

METHODS

A multicentre, open-label, randomized trial of adults with monomicrobial Enterobacterales bacteraemia caused by a strain susceptible to ≥1 oral beta-lactam, quinolone, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Inclusion criteria included completion of 3-5 days of microbiologically active IV therapy, being afebrile and haemodynamically stable for ≥48 hours, and absence of an uncontrolled source of infection. Pregnancy, endocarditis, and neurological infections were exclusion criteria. Randomization, stratified by urinary source of bacteraemia, was to continue IV (IV Group) or to switch to oral therapy (Oral Group). Agents and duration of therapy were determined by the treating physicians. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as death, need for additional antimicrobial therapy, microbiological relapse, or infection-related re-admission within 90 days. Non-inferiority threshold was set at 10% in the 95% CI for the difference in the proportion with treatment failure between the Oral and IV Groups in the modified intention-to-treat population. The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04146922).

RESULTS

In the modified intention-to-treat population, treatment failure occurred in 21 of 82 (25.6%) in the IV Group, and 18 of 83 (21.7%) in the Oral Group (risk difference -3.7%, 95% CI -16.6% to 9.2%). The proportions of subjects with any adverse events (AE), serious AE, or AE leading to treatment discontinuation were comparable.

DISCUSSION

In patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia, oral switch, after initial IV antimicrobial therapy, clinical stability, and source control, is non-inferior to continuing IV therapy.

Epidemiology, Clinical, and Microbiological Characteristics of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia in Qatar

Antimicrobial resistance is a global healthcare threat with significant clinical and economic consequences peaking at secondary and tertiary care hospitals where multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR GNB) lead to poor outcomes. A prospective study was conducted between January and December 2019 for all invasive bloodstream infections (BSIs) secondary to MDR GNB in Qatar identified during routine microbiological service to examine their clinical, microbiological, and genomic characteristics. Out of 3238 episodes of GNB BSIs, the prevalence of MDR GNB was 13% (429/3238). The predominant MDR pathogens were Escherichia coli (62.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.4%), Salmonella species (6.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.3%), while out of 245 clinically evaluated patients, the majority were adult males, with the elderly constituting almost one-third of the cohort and with highest observed risk for prolonged hospital stays. The risk factors identified included multiple comorbidities, recent healthcare contact, previous antimicrobial therapy, and admission to critical care. The in-hospital mortality rate was recorded at 25.7%, associated with multiple comorbidities, admission to critical care, and the acquisition of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistant pathogens demonstrated high levels of antimicrobial resistance but noticeable susceptibility to amikacin and carbapenems. Genomic analysis revealed that Escherichia coli ST131 and Salmonella enterica ST1 were the predominant clones not observed with other pathogens.

The mortality of COVID-19 in CML patients from 2020 until 2022: results from the EPICOVIDEHA survey

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an overall improvement in patient mortality. However, haematological malignancy patients continue to experience significant impacts from COVID-19, including high rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and mortality. In comparison to other haematological malignancy patients, individuals with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) generally have better prognosis. This study, conducted using a large haematological malignancy patient database (EPICOVIDEHA), demonstrated that the majority of CML patients experienced mild infections. The decline in severe and critical infections over the years can largely be attributed to the widespread administration of vaccinations and the positive response they elicited. Notably, the mortality rate among CML patients was low and exhibited a downward trend in subsequent years. Importantly, our analysis provided confirmation of the effectiveness of vaccinations in CML patients.

Dissecting bloodstream infections in febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies, a decade-long single center retrospective observational study (2009-2019)

BACKGROUND

The use of ill-suited antibiotics is a significant risk factor behind the increase in the mortality, morbidity, and economic burden for patients who are under treatment for hematological malignancy (HM) and bloodstream infections (BSI). Such unfitting treatment choices intensify the evolution of resistant variants which is a public health concern due to possible healthcare-associated infection spread to the general population. Hence, this study aims to evaluate antibiograms of patients with BSI and risk factors associated with septicemia.

METHODS

A total of 1166 febrile neutropenia episodes (FNE) among 513 patients with HM from the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), Qatar, during 2009-2019 were used for this study. The socio-demographic, clinical, microbial, and anti-microbial data retrieved from the patient's health records were used.

RESULTS

We analyzed the sensitivity of gram-negative and gram-positive bacilli reported in HM-FN-BSI patients. Out of the total 512 microorganisms isolated, 416 (81%) were gram-negative bacteria (GNB), 76 (15%) were gram-positive bacteria (GPB) and 20 (4%) were fungi. Furthermore, in 416 GNB, 298 (71.6%) were Enterobacteriaceae sp. among which 121 (41%) were ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase) resistant to Cephalosporine third generation and Piperacillin-Tazobactam, 54 (18%) were Carbapenem-resistant or multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO). It's noteworthy that the predominant infectious agents in our hospital include E. coli, Klebsiella species, and P. aeruginosa. Throughout the study period, the mortality rate due to BSI was 23%. Risk factors that show a significant correlation with death are age, disease status, mono or polymicrobial BSI and septic shock.

CONCLUSION

Decision pertaining to the usage of antimicrobials for HM-FN-BSI patients is a critical task that relies on the latest pattern of prevalence, treatment resistance, and clinical outcomes. Analysis of the antibiogram of HM-FN-BSI patients in Qatar calls for a reconsideration of currently followed empirical antibiotic therapy towards better infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.

Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella in Qatar: Emergence and Dissemination of Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Sequence Type 383 Strains

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant, hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae is a new threat to health care. We studied the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Qatar using whole-genome sequence data. We also characterized the prevalence and genetic basis of hypervirulent phenotypes and established the virulence potential using a Galleria mellonella model. Of 100 Klebsiella isolates studied, NDM and OXA-48 were the most common carbapenemases. Core genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis indicated the presence of diverse sequence types and clonal lineages; isolates belonging to Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. quasipneumoniae sequence type 196 (ST196) and ST1416 may be disseminated among several health care centers. Ten K. pneumoniae isolates carried rmpA and/or truncated rmpA2, and 2 isolates belonged to KL2, indicating low prevalence of classical hypervirulent isolates. Isolates carrying both carbapenem resistance and hypervirulence genes were confined mainly to ST231 and ST383 isolates. One ST383 isolate was further investigated by MinION sequencing, and the assembled genome indicated that blaNDM was located on an IncHI1B-type plasmid (pFQ61_ST383_NDM-5) which coharbored several virulence factors, including the regulator of the mucoid phenotype (rmpA), the regulator of mucoid phenotype 2 (rmpA2), and aerobactin (iucABCD and iutA), likely resulting from recombination events. Comparative genomics indicated that this hybrid plasmid may be present in two additional Qatari ST383 isolates. Carbapenem-resistant, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae ST383 isolates pose an emerging threat to global health due to their simultaneous hypervirulence and multidrug resistance.

Persistence of spike-specific immune responses in BNT162b2-vaccinated donors and generation of rapid ex-vivo T cells expansion protocol for adoptive immunotherapy: A pilot study

Introduction

The BNT162b2 mRNA-based vaccine has shown high efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection but there are limited data on the types and persistence of the humoral and T cell responses to such a vaccine.

Methods

Here, we dissect the vaccine-induced humoral and cellular responses in a cohort of six healthy recipients of two doses of this vaccine.

Results and discussion

Overall, there was heterogeneity in the spike-specific humoral and cellular responses among vaccinated individuals. Interestingly, we demonstrated that anti-spike antibody levels detected by a novel simple automated assay (Jess) were strongly correlated (r=0.863, P<0.0001) with neutralizing activity; thus, providing a potential surrogate for neutralizing cell-based assays. The spike-specific T cell response was measured with a newly modified T-spot assay in which the high-homology peptide-sequences cross-reactive with other coronaviruses were removed. This response was induced in 4/6 participants after the first dose, and all six participants after the second dose, and remained detectable in 4/6 participants five months post-vaccination. We have also shown for the first time, that BNT162b2 vaccine enhanced T cell responses also against known human common viruses. In addition, we demonstrated the efficacy of a rapid ex-vivo T cell expansion protocol for spike-specific T cell expansion to be potentially used for adoptive-cell therapy in severe COVID-19, immunocompromised individuals, and other high-risk groups. There was a 9 to 13.7-fold increase in the number of expanded T cells with a significant increase of anti-spike specific response showing higher frequencies of both activation and cytotoxic markers. Interestingly, effector memory T cells were dominant in all four participants' CD8+ expanded memory T cells; CD4+ T cells were dominated by effector memory in 2/4 participants and by central memory in the remaining two participants. Moreover, we found that high frequencies of CD4+ terminally differentiated memory T cells were associated with a greater reduction of spike-specific activated CD4+ T cells. Finally, we showed that participants who had a CD4+ central memory T cell dominance expressed a high CD69 activation marker in the CD4+ activated T cells.

The Role of Post-Bronchoscopy Sputum Examination in Screening for Active Tuberculosis

Early diagnosis is a fundamental component of global tuberculosis control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of post-bronchoscopy sputum (PBS) testing as part of a tuberculosis diagnostic work-up. All new residents in the State of Qatar undergo a tuberculosis (TB) screening program. Those with abnormal chest radiology, negative sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smears, and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for M. tuberculosis, undergo an additional bronchoscopic evaluation for TB. We prospectively enrolled individuals who were going to undergo bronchoscopy to provide two PBS samples for AFB smears and mycobacterial cultures between 18 September 2018 and 12 March 2021. A total of 495 individuals, with a median age of 31 years, were included. The majority of the patients were males (329, 66.5%). The most frequent country of origin was India (131, 26.5%) followed by the Philippines (123, 24.8%). The addition of PBS to bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) testing allowed microbiological confirmation of tuberculosis in an additional 13 patients (3.9%), resulting in improved sensitivity (from 77.9% to 81.9%), negative predictive value (from 69.2% to 73.2%), and negative likelihood ratio (from 0.22 to 0.18). Where resources are available, the incorporation of routine PBS examination as part of tuberculosis diagnostic work-up can enhance the diagnostic yield.

Survival Outcome of Empirical Antifungal Therapy and the Value of Early Initiation: A Review of the Last Decade

AIM

This rapid systematic review aimed to collect the evidence published over the last decade on the effect of empirical antifungal therapy and its early initiation on survival rates.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, and Embase, in addition to a hand search and experts' suggestions.

RESULTS

Fourteen cohort studies and two randomized clinical trials reporting the survival outcome of empirical antifungal therapy were included in this review. Two studies reported the association between early empirical antifungal therapy (EAFT) and survival rates in a hematological cancer setting, and fourteen studies reported the outcome in patients in intensive care units (ICU). Six studies reported that appropriate EAFT decreases hospital mortality significantly; ten studies could not demonstrate a statistically significant association with mortality rates.

DISCUSSION

The inconsistency of the results in the literature can be attributed to the studies' small sample size and their heterogeneity. Many patients who may potentially benefit from such strategies were excluded from these studies.

CONCLUSION

While EAFT is practiced in many settings, current evidence is conflicting, and high-quality studies are needed to demonstrate the true value of this approach. Meanwhile, insights from experts in the field can help guide clinicians to initiate EAFT when indicated.

B-cell malignancies treated with targeted drugs and SARS-CoV-2 infection: A European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA)

Patients with lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) are vulnerable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Here, we describe and analyze the outcome of 366 adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) treated with targeted drugs and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosed between February 2020 and January 2022. Median follow-up was 70.5 days (IQR 0-609). Most used targeted drugs were Bruton-kinase inhibitors (BKIs) (N= 201, 55%), anti-CD20 other than rituximab (N=61, 16%), BCL2 inhibitors (N=33, 9%) and lenalidomide (N=28, 8%).Only 16.2% of the patients were vaccinated with 2 or more doses of vaccine at the onset of COVID-19. Mortality was 24% (89/366) on day 30 and 36%(134/366) on the last day of follow-up. Age >75 years (p<0.001, HR 1.036), active malignancy (p<0.001, HR 2.215), severe COVID-19 (p=0.017, HR 2.270) and admission to ICU (p<0.001, HR 5.751) were risk factors for mortality at last day of follow up. There was no difference in OS rates in NHL vs CLL patients (p=0.306), nor in patients treated with or without BKIs (p=0.151). Mortality in ICU was 66% (CLL 61%, NHL 76%). Overall mortality rate decreased according to vaccination status, being 39% in unvaccinated patients, 32% and 26% in those having received one or two doses, respectively, and 20% in patients with a booster dose (p=0.245). Overall mortality rate dropped from 41% during the first semester of 2020 to 25% at the last semester of 2021. These results show increased severity and mortality from COVID-19 in LPDs patients treated with targeted drugs.

Favipiravir for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia; a propensity score-matched cohort study

We retrospectively investigated the clinical outcomes of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients who between 23 May 2020 and 18 July 2020 received ≥ 24 h of favipiravir were assigned to the favipiravir group, while those who did not formed the non-favipiravir group. The primary outcome was 28-day clinical improvement, defined as two-category improvement from baseline on an 8-point ordinal scale. Propensity scores (PS) for favipiravir therapy were used for 1:1 matching. The unmatched cohort included 1493 patients, of which 51.7% were in the favipiravir group, and 48.3% were not receiving supplemental oxygen at baseline. Significant baseline differences between the two unmatched groups existed, but not between the PS-matched groups (N = 774). After PS-matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion with 28-day clinical improvement (93.3% versus 92.8%, P 0.780), or 28-day all-cause mortality (2.1% versus 3.1%, P 0.360). Favipiravir was associated with more viral clearance by day 28 (79.8% versus 64.1%, P < 0.001). Adverse events were common in both groups, but the 93.9% were Grades 1-3. Favipiravir therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia is well tolerated but is not associated with an increased likelihood of clinical improvement or reduced all-cause mortality by 28 days.

Remdesivir for patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia requiring high oxygen support

Background: Treatment options for patients with critical Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are limited. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with remdesivir therapy in patients with COVID-19 who require non-invasive (NIV) ventilation or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Methods: Data were retrospectively extracted for adults with COVID-19 confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between August 1, 2020 and January 28, 2021 who received ≥ 48 hours of remdesivir therapy while on NIV or IMV. Clinical improvement was defined as two-category improvement on an eight-point ordinal severity scale.

Results: A total of 133 individuals were included, of which 114 (85.7%) were on NIV and 19 (14.3%) were on IMV at the time of remdesivir initiation. The majority of the patients were males (62.4%), and the median age was 56 years. All the patients received concomitant dexamethasone therapy. Remdesivir treatment was commenced after a median of 7 days from onset of symptoms and was continued for a median of 5 days.

Clinical improvement within 28 days was achieved in 101 patients (75.9%); among which, 78.1% and 63.2% were subjected to baseline NIV and IMV, respectively. Among the 11 (8.3%) patients who died of any cause by day 28, 9 (7.9%) and 2 (10.5%) were subjected to baseline NIV and IMV, respectively. The most frequent adverse events were sinus bradycardia (21, 13.1%) and alanine transaminase increase (18, 11.3%). Almost all adverse events were classified as Grades 1–3.

Conclusion: The use of remdesivir in combination with systemic corticosteroids is associated with high recovery rates and low all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who require NIV or IMV. The results need confirmation from clinical trials of appropriate design and size.

Soluble ACE2 and angiotensin II levels are modulated in hypertensive COVID-19 patients treated with different antihypertension drugs

PURPOSE

This study examines the effect of antihypertensive drugs on ACE2 and Angiotensin II levels in hypertensive COVID-19 patients.

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is a common comorbidity among severe COVID-19 patients. ACE2 expression can be modulated by antihypertensive drugs such as ACEis and ARBs, which may affect COVID-19's prognosis. BB and CCB reduce mortality, according to some evidence. Their effect on circulating levels of ACE2 and angiotensin II, as well as the severity of COVID-19, is less well studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data were collected from 200 patients in four different antihypertensive medication classes (ACEi, ARB, BB, and CCB). Angiotensin II and ACE2 levels were determined using standard ELISA kits. ACE2, angiotensin II, and other clinical indices were evaluated by linear regression models.

RESULTS

Patients on ACEi (n = 57), ARB (n = 68), BB (n = 15), or CCB (n = 30) in this study had mild (n = 76), moderate (n = 76), or severe (n = 52) COVID-19. ACE2 levels were higher in COVID-19 patients with severe disease (p = 0.04) than mild (p = 0.07) and moderate (p = 0.007). The length of hospital stay is correlated with ACE2 levels (r = 0.3, p = 0.003). Angiotensin II levels decreased with severity (p = 0.04). Higher ACE2 levels are associated with higher CRP and D-dimer levels. Elevated Angiotensin II was associated with low levels of CRP, D-dimer, and troponin. ACE2 levels increase with disease severity in patients taking an ARB (p = 0.01), patients taking ACEi, the degree of disease severity was associated with a decrease in angiotensin II. BB patients had the lowest disease severity.

CONCLUSION

We found different levels of soluble ACE2, and angiotensin II are observed among COVID-19 patients taking different antihypertensive medications and exhibiting varying levels of disease severity. COVID-19 severity increases with elevated ACE2 levels and lower angiotensin II levels indicating that BB treatment reduces severity regardless of levels of ACE2 and angiotensin II.

COVID-19 in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients: a long-term follow-up study from the European Hematology Association survey (EPICOVIDEHA)

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at high risk of dying from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The optimal management of AML patients with COVID-19 has not been established. Our multicenter study included 388 adult AML patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and October 2021. The vast majority were receiving or had received AML treatment in the preceding 3 months. COVID-19 was severe in 41.2% and critical in 21.1% of cases. The chemotherapeutic schedule was modified in 174 patients (44.8%), delayed in 68 and permanently discontinued in 106. After a median follow-up of 325 days, 180 patients (46.4%) had died; death was attributed to COVID-19 (43.3%), AML (26.1%) or to a combination of both (26.7%), whereas in 3.9% of cases the reason was unknown. Active disease, older age, and treatment discontinuation were associated with death, whereas AML treatment delay was protective. Seventy-nine patients had a simultaneous AML and COVID-19 diagnosis, with better survival when AML treatment could be delayed (80%; P<0.001). Overall survival in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 between January 2020 and August 2020 was significantly lower than that in patients diagnosed between September 2020 and February 2021 and between March 2021 and September 2021 (39.8% vs. 60% vs. 61.9%, respectively; P=0.006). COVID-19 in AML patients was associated with a high mortality rate and modifications of therapeutic algorithms. The best approach to improve survival was to delay AML treatment, whenever possible.

Association of blaVIM-2, blaPDC-35, blaOXA-10, blaOXA-488 and blaVEB-9 β-Lactamase Genes with Resistance to Ceftazidime–Avibactam and Ceftolozane–Tazobactam in Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam are approved for the treatment of complicated Gram-negative bacterial infections including multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Resistance to both agents has been reported, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully explored. This study aimed to correlate β-lactamases with phenotypic resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam and/or ceftolozane–tazobactam in MDR-P. aeruginosa from Qatar. A total of 525 MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from clinical specimens between 2014 and 2017. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility were performed by the BD Phoenix^TM system and gradient MIC test strips. Of the 75 sequenced MDR isolates, 35 (47%) were considered as having difficult-to-treat resistance, and 42 were resistant to ceftazidime–avibactam (37, 49.3%), and/or ceftolozane–tazobactam (40, 53.3%). They belonged to 12 sequence types, with ST235 being predominant (38%). Most isolates (97.6%) carried one or more β-lactamase genes, with bla_OXA-488 (19%) and bla_VEB-9 (45.2%) being predominant. A strong association was detected between class B β-lactamase genes and both ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance, while class A genes were associated with ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance. Co-resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam and ceftolozane–tazobactam correlated with the presence of bla_VEB-9, bla_PDC-35, bla_VIM-2, bla_OXA-10 and bla_OXA-488. MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates resistant to both combination drugs were associated with class B β-lactamases (bla_VIM-2) and class D β-lactamases (bla_OXA-10), while ceftolozane–tazobactam resistance was associated with class A (bla_VEB-9), class C (bla_VPDC-35), and class D β-lactamases (bla_OXA-488).

Mycobacterium abscessus urinary tract infection in an immunocompetent host: A case report and literature review

Mycobacterium abscessus is one of the nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), which can cause many clinical spectra, predominantly pulmonary infections followed by skin and soft tissue infections. The prevalence of Mycobacterium abscessus infections has been growing worldwide over the last two decades. Urinary tract infection (UTI) secondary to M. abscessus is a rare condition, and only five cases have been described in the literature so far. Therefore, managing such a condition is challenging and based on limited evidence. Here, we report a case of an adult male with a history of previous urological procedures who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and was found to have a UTI secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus. In this case, we described our successful management approach of this rare entity of Mycobacterium abscessus infection, and we reviewed similar cases in the literature.

508. Title Favipiravir for the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019; A Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study

Background

We investigated clinical outcomes of favipiravir in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

Patients who between 23 May 2020 and 18 July 2020 received ≥24 hours of favipiravir were assigned to the favipiravir group, while those who did not formed the non-favipiravir group. The primary outcome was 28-day clinical improvement, defined as two-category improvement from baseline on an 8-point ordinal scale. Propensity scores (PS) for favipiravir therapy were used for 1:1 matching. Cox regression was used to examine associations with the primary endpoint.

Results

The unmatched cohort included 1,493 patients, of which 51.7% were in the favipiravir group, and 48.3% were not receiving supplemental oxygen at baseline (table 1). Favipiravir was started within a median of 5 days from symptoms onset. Significant baseline differences between the two unmatched groups existed, but not between the PSmatched groups (N = 774) (table 1). After PS-matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion with 28-day clinical improvement (93.3% versus 92.8%, P 0.780), or 28-day all-cause mortality (2.1% versus 3.1%, P 0.360) (Table 2). Favipiravir was associated with more viral clearance by day 28 (79.8% versus 64.1%, P < 0.001) (table 2). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards model, favipiravir therapy was not associated 28-day clinical improvement (adjusted hazard ratio 0.978, 95% confidence interval 0.862 –1.109, P 0.726) (Table 3).

Conclusion

Favipiravir therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia is well tolerated but is not associated with an increased likelihood of clinical improvement or reduced all-cause mortality by 28 days.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

1247. Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-drug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. quasipneumoniae in Qatar

Background

The molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella species is not well investigated in Qatar. The objective of this work was to characterize the genetic context of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella isolates recovered from clinical specimens.

Methods

Klebsiella isolates (n=100) were collected at 7 tertiary hospitals from 2015-2017. Identification and susceptibility testing were performed using MALDI-TOF MS and BD Phoenix system, respectively. Whole Genome Sequencing was performed on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Phylogenomic analysis, screening of resistance and virulence genes, and comparison of genetic environment of carbapenemase were carried out.

Results

Klebsiella pneumoniae was common (80), followed by K. quasipneumoniae (16), K. aerogenes (3) and K. oxytoca (1). The most prevalent were genes encoding NDM-1 (39), OXA-48 (20), OXA-232 (10) and OXA-181 (12). KPC-2 (3) and KPC-3 (2) were also identified; no carbapenemase-encoding genes could be identified in 15 isolates. Plasmid locations of 24 carbapenemase-encoding genes were determined; blaNDM-1 was localized on IncFII replicon, while blaOXA-181 and blaOXA-232 were commonly associated with ColKP3 plasmids. pOXA-48-like plasmid was detected in 17/20 isolates harboring blaOXA-48. blaKPC-3 was located on a contig with ‘traditional’ Tn4401a mobile genetic element. Sequence types (STs) were diverse and the ‘traditional’ clonal group (CG) 258 was rare. K. pneumoniae ST147 was predominant (13), followed by ST231 (7) and ST11 (5). Nine K. quasipneumoniae isolates belonged to ST196 and were highly clonal. The virulence loci such as yersiniabactin (ybt) and rmpA were not detected within the study’s K. quasipneumoniae isolates. Amongst K. pneumoniae, there were 50 ybt+ isolates; 8 isolates had rmpA, and of these, 3 belonged to ST383. K. pneumoniae serotype K2, the capsular serotype associated with invasive liver abscess syndrome, was detected in 5 isolates. Genetic relationship of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. quasipneumoniae isolates in Qatar inferred from core genome SNPs.

Conclusion

The predominant carbapenemases among clinical Klebsiella species isolates in Qatar are NDM and OXA-48 like enzymes, disseminated through various plasmids. The detection of carbapenemase-producing isolate bearing rmpA and serotype K2 reflect the presence of both multidrug resistance and hypervirulence in K. pneumoniae.

Disclosures

Yohei Doi, MD, PhD, AstraZeneca (Speaker’s Bureau)bioMerieux (Consultant)FujiFilm (Advisor or Review Panel member, Speaker’s Bureau)Gilead (Consultant)GSK (Consultant)Meiji (Consultant)MSD (Consultant)Shionogi (Consultant) Yohei Doi, MD, PhD, Astellas (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Grant/Research Support; AstraZeneca (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Speakers’ bureau; bioMerieux (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant, Speakers’ bureau; Chugai (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; Entasis (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; FujiFilm (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Advisor or Review Panel member; Gilead (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; GSK (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant; Kanto Chemical (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Grant/Research Support; MSD (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Speaking Fee; Pfizer (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Grant/Research Support; Shionogi (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Grant/Research Support, Speakers’ bureau; Teijin Healthcare (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Speakers’ bureau; VenatoRx (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant

1242. Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Fosfomycin for the Treatment of Multi-resistant Gram Negative Infections

Background

To describe the clinical use, efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) fosfomycin in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB).

Methods

Hospitalized patients who received ≥48 hours of IV fosfomycin therapy during September 27, 2017 thru January 31, 2020 were included. The primary outcome was the proportion of subjects with clinical improvement at the end of IV fosfomycin therapy; defined as resolution of baseline signs and symptoms of infection.

Results

Thirty patients were included, of which 19 (63.3%) were males, and the median age was 63.5 years (interquartile range 46─73). Frequent risk factors for GNB infection included hospitalization (23, 76%), receipt of broad-spectrum antibiotics (15, 50%), and surgery (10, 33.3%), all within the preceding 90 days. Urinary tract infection (17, 56.7%) was the most common indication for use of IV fosfomycin, followed by bacteremia (4, 13.3), and skin and soft tissue infections (4, 13.3%). Kelbsiella pneumoniae (17, 56.7%), Escherichia coli (7, 23.3%) and Pseudomonas species (4, 13.3%) were the most common target pathogens. Almost all target pathogens (29, 96.7%) were resistant in vitro to ≥1 agent from ≥3 different antimicrobial classes. The primary outcome was achieved in 22 (73.3%) patients. The most frequently observed adverse events were hypokalemia (13, 43.3%) and hypernatremia (7, 23.3%). However, the majority of adverse events were classified as Grade 1 or Grade 2 severity.

Microbiological characteristics

The table describes microbiological characteristics of the isolated organism species, resistance pattern, development of fosfomycin resistance

Management outcomes and safety profile

The table describes percentage of primary outcome (clinical success ) along with safety profile and mortality rate

Conclusion

IV fosfomycin is a potentially effective and safe option for the treatment of patient with GNB infections.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

Diversity of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14 and emergence of a subgroup with KL64 capsular locus in the Arabian Peninsula

To understand the reasons of successful spread of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14 (CRKP-ST14) in countries of the Arabian Peninsula, the resistome, capsular locus, carbapenemase carrying plasmid types, and core genome of isolates from the region were compared to global isolates. Thirty-nine CRKP-ST14 strains isolated from 13 hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia were selected for whole genome sequencing on Illumina MiSeq platform based on the variety of carbapenemase genes carried and plasmids bearing these genes. Their resistome, capsular locus, and core genome MLST were compared to 173 CRKP-ST14 genomes available in public databases. The selected 39 CRKP-ST14 produced either NDM-1, OXA-48, OXA-162, OXA-232, KPC-2, or co-produced NDM-1 and an OXA-48-like carbapenemase. cgMLST revealed three clusters: 16 isolates from five UAE cities (C1), 11 isolates from three UAE cities and Bahrain (C2), and 5 isolates from Saudi Arabia (C3), respectively, and seven singletons. Resistance gene profile, carbapenemase genes, and their plasmid types were variable in both C1 and C2 clusters. The majority of CRKP-ST14 had KL2, but members of the C2 cluster and two further singletons possessed KL64 capsular locus. Based on cgMLST comparison of regional and global isolates, CRKP-ST14 with KL64 from four continents formed a distinct cluster, suggesting a recent emergence and spread of this variant. Our findings confirmed clonal transmission coupled with likely horizontal gene transfer in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14. Dissemination of this genetically flexible, highly resistant clone warrants further monitoring.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam for the Treatment of Serious Gram-Negative Infections with Limited Treatment Options: A Systematic Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

A systematic literature review was undertaken to evaluate real-world use of ceftazidime-avibactam for infections due to aerobic Gram-negative organisms in adults with limited treatment options.

METHODS

Literature searches retrieved peer-reviewed publications and abstracts from major international infectious disease congresses from January 2015 to February 2021. Results were screened using pre-defined criteria to limit the dataset to relevant publications (notable exclusions were paediatric data and outcomes data for bacteria intrinsically resistant to ceftazidime-avibactam). Data for included publications were subjected to qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS

Seventy-three relevant publications (62 peer-reviewed articles; 10 abstracts) comprising 1926 patients treated with ceftazidime-avibactam (either alone or combined with other antimicrobials) and 1114 comparator/control patients were identified. All patients were hospitalised for serious illness and most had multiple comorbidities. The most common infections were pneumonia, bacteraemia, and skin/soft tissue, urinary tract, or abdominal infections; smaller numbers of patients with meningitis, febrile neutropenia, osteomyelitis, and cystic fibrosis were also included. Carbapenem-resistant or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CRE; n = 1718) and carbapenem-resistant, multidrug-resistant (MDR), and extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 150) were the most common pathogens. Most publications reported positive outcomes for ceftazidime-avibactam treatment (clinical success rates ranged from 45 to 100% and reported 30-day mortality from 0 to 63%), which were statistically superior versus comparators in some studies. ceftazidime-avibactam resistance emergence occurred infrequently and mostly in Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae strains.

CONCLUSION

This review provides qualitative evidence of successful use of ceftazidime-avibactam for the treatment of hospitalised patients with CRE and MDR P. aeruginosa infections with limited treatment options.

Clinical outcomes, molecular epidemiology and resistance mechanisms of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from bloodstream infections from Qatar

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR)-Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with poor clinical outcomes, at least partly due to delayed appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The characteristics of MDR-P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates have not been evaluated in Qatar. Our study aimed to examine in vitro susceptibility, clinical and molecular characteristics, and mechanisms of resistance of MDR-P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates from Qatar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included all MDR-P. aeruginosa isolated from blood cultures taken between October 2014 and September 2017. Blood cultures were processed using BD BACTEC™ FX automated system. BD Phoenix™ was used for identification, Liofilchem® MIC Test Strips for MIC determination. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina-HiSeq-2000.

RESULTS

Out of 362 P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates, 16 (4.4%) were MDR. The median patient age was 55 years (range 43-81) and all patients presented with septic shock. Most patients received meropenem (12/16) and/or colistin (10/16). Clinical response was achieved in eight patients, and five patients died within 30-days. MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates belonged to 13 different sequence types. All isolates were non-susceptible to cefepime and ciprofloxacin. The most active agents were colistin (16/16) and aztreonam (10/16). Seven isolates produced bla_VIM, and four possessed genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Aminoglycoside modifying enzymes were present in 15/16, transferable qnr-mediated quinolone resistance gene was detected in 3/16, and the novel ciprofloxacin modifying enzyme CrpP-encoding gene in one isolate.

CONCLUSION

MDR-P. aeruginosa BSIs are relatively uncommon in Qatar but are highly resistant, harbour multiple resistance genes, and are commonly associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Colistin was the only agent with consistent activity against the study isolates.Key messagesMDR-P. aeruginosa constituted <5% of P. aeruginosa blood isolates over three years.Typical risk factors for MDR infections were highly prevalent in the study population and overall clinical outcomes are consistent with those previously reported.Colistin was the only agent with consistent antibacterial activity against the study isolates.

Ecthyma gangrenosum: a rare manifestation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection in acute myelogenous leukemia patient

Ecthyma gangrenosum is a cutaneous infection typically associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, it is rarely caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia which might be overlooked leading to devastating consequences. We describe this case to avoid delays in the diagnosis and treatment of this aggressive infection, especially in immunocompromised patients.

COVID-19 infection in adult patients with hematological malignancies: a European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA)

BACKGROUND

Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients. We therefore studied baseline characteristics of HM patients developing COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality.

METHODS

The survey was supported by the Scientific Working Group Infection in Hematology of the European Hematology Association (EHA). Eligible for the analysis were adult patients with HM and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 observed between March and December 2020.

RESULTS

The study sample includes 3801 cases, represented by lymphoproliferative (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma n = 1084, myeloma n = 684 and chronic lymphoid leukemia n = 474) and myeloproliferative malignancies (mainly acute myeloid leukemia n = 497 and myelodysplastic syndromes n = 279). Severe/critical COVID-19 was observed in 63.8% of patients (n = 2425). Overall, 2778 (73.1%) of the patients were hospitalized, 689 (18.1%) of whom were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Overall, 1185 patients (31.2%) died. The primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 688 patients (58.1%), HM in 173 patients (14.6%), and a combination of both COVID-19 and progressing HM in 155 patients (13.1%). Highest mortality was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (199/497, 40%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (118/279, 42.3%). The mortality rate significantly decreased between the first COVID-19 wave (March-May 2020) and the second wave (October-December 2020) (581/1427, 40.7% vs. 439/1773, 24.8%, p value < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, age, active malignancy, chronic cardiac disease, liver disease, renal impairment, smoking history, and ICU stay correlated with mortality. Acute myeloid leukemia was a higher mortality risk than lymphoproliferative diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey confirms that COVID-19 patients with HM are at high risk of lethal complications. However, improved COVID-19 prevention has reduced mortality despite an increase in the number of reported cases.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous fosfomycin for the treatment of difficult-to-treat Gram-negative bacterial infections

We reviewed the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) fosfomycin for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) with difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR). Data were retrospectively retrieved for all hospitalized patients who received IV fosfomycin for ≥48 h for the treatment of a DTR GNB between September 27, 2017 and January 31, 2020. A total of 30 patients were included, of which 63.3% were males, and the median age was 63.5 years (IQR 46-73). The median Charlson Comorbidity Score was 6 (IQR 3.8-9). The urinary tract (56.7%) was the most frequent site of infection, and the most frequent target organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (56.7%), and Escherichia coli (23.3%). The majority (76.%) received IV fosfomycin in combination with other antibacterial agents. Clinical improvement was observed in 22 (73.3%), eradication of baseline pathogens in 20 (66.7%), 30-day all-cause mortality in 7 (23.3%), and documented emergent resistance to fosfomycin in 5 (16.7%) patients. Treatment-related adverse events were infrequent and generally mild or moderate in severity. In conclusion, IV fosfomycin is a potentially efficacious and safe treatment option for the treatment of DTR GNB infections. Randomized trials are urgently required to confirm the utility of IV fosfomycin as monotherapy and in combination with other agents.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for COVID-19-associated Candidemia

Patients with COVID-19-associated candidemia (CAC) in an intensive care unit (ICU) were matched 1:2 with those without candidemia, based on ICU admission date and length of stay in ICU being at least equal to that before candidemia in the corresponding case. The incidence rate of CAC was 2.34 per 1,000 ICU days. Eighty cases could be matched to appropriate controls. In the multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis, age (P 0.001), and sequential organ failure assessment score (P 0.046) were the only risk factors independently associated with CAC. Tocilizumab and corticosteroids therapy were not independently associated with candidemia.

LAY SUMMARY

In COVID-19 patients who need medical care in an intensive care unit, the risk of developing bloodstream Candida infection is higher in older patients and in those who have a more severe critical illness. Treatment with steroids or tocilizumab does not seem to affect the risk of candida bloodstream infection in these patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 in solid organ transplant recipients in the setting of proactive screening and contact tracing of Qatar

BACKGROUND

Clinical data on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are limited. We herein report the initial clinical experience with COVID-19 in SOT recipients in Qatar.

METHODS

All SOT recipients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 up to May 23, 2020 were included. Demographic and clinical data were extracted retrospectively from the hospital's electronic health records. Categorical data are presented as frequency and percentages, while continuous variables are summarized as medians and ranges.

RESULTS

Twenty-four SOT recipients with COVID-19 were identified (kidney 16, liver 6, heart 1, and liver and kidney 1). Organ transplantation preceded COVID-19 by a median of 60 months (range 1.7-184). The median age was 57 years (range 24-72), and 9 (37.5%) transplant recipients were females. Five (21%) asymptomatic patients were diagnosed through proactive screening. For the rest, fever (15/19) and cough (13/19) were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Five (20.8%) patients required invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Eleven (46%) patients developed acute kidney injury, including three in association with drug-drug interactions involving investigational COVID-19 therapies. Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy was modified in 18 (75%) patients, but systemic corticosteroids were not discontinued in any. After a median follow-up of 226 days (26-272), 20 (83.3%) patients had been discharged home, 2 (8.3%) were still hospitalized, 1 (4.2%) was still in the ICU, and 1 (4.2%) had died.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that asymptomatic COVID-19 is possible in SOT recipients and that overall outcomes are not uniformly worse than those in the general population. The results require confirmation in large, international cohorts.

The initial impact of a national BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Objective

This study examined the initial impact of a national BNT162b2 vaccine rollout on SARS-CoV-2 infections in Qatar.

Methods

All individuals who had completed ≥14 days of follow-up by 16 March 2021 after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine were included. This study calculated incidence rates (IR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) during days 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, 22–28, and >28 days post-vaccination. Poisson regression was used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) relative to the first 7-day post-vaccination period.

Results

A total of 199,219 individuals with 6,521,124 person-days of follow-up were included. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 1877 (0.9%), of which 489 (26.1%) were asymptomatic and 123 (6.6%) required oxygen support. The median time from first vaccination to SARS-CoV-2 confirmation was 11.9 days (IQR 7.7–18.2). Compared with the first 7-day post-vaccination period, SARS-CoV-2 infections were lower by 65.8–84.7% during 15–21, 22–28, and >28 days (P < 0.001 for each). For severe COVID-19, the incidence rates were 75.7–93.3% lower during the corresponding time periods (P < 0.001 for each).

Conclusion

The results were consistent with an early protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine against all degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity.

Molecular characterization of clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from Qatar

One hundred forty-nine carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from clinical samples obtained between April 2014 and November 2017 were subjected to whole genome sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing. Klebsiella pneumoniae (81, 54.4%) and Escherichia coli (38, 25.5%) were the most common species. Genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases were detected in 68 (45.8%) isolates, and OXA-48-like enzymes in 60 (40.3%). bla_NDM-1 (45; 30.2%) and bla_OXA-48 (29; 19.5%) were the most frequent. KPC-encoding genes were identified in 5 (3.6%) isolates. Most common sequence types were E. coli ST410 (8; 21.1%) and ST38 (7; 18.4%), and K. pneumoniae ST147 (13; 16%) and ST231 (7; 8.6%).

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for the isolation of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from critically ill patients with COVID-19

Background

We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors for the isolation of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) from critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We retrospectively matched (1:2) critical COVID-19 patients with one or more MDR GNB from any clinical specimen (cases), with those with no MDR GNB isolates (controls).

Results

Seventy-eight cases were identified (4.5 per 1000 intensive care unit (ICU) days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6–5.7). Of 98 MDR GNB isolates, the most frequent species were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (24, 24.5%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (23, 23.5%). Two (8.7%) K. pneumoniae, and six (85.7%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were carbapenem resistant. A total of 24 (24.5%) isolates were not considered to be associated with active infection. Those with active infection received appropriate antimicrobial agents within a median of one day. The case group had significantly longer median central venous line days, mechanical ventilation days, and hospital length of stay (P<0.001 for each). All-cause mortality at 28 days was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.19). Mechanical ventilation days (adjusted odds ratio 1.062, 95% CI 1.012–1.114; P=0.015), but not receipt of corticosteroids or tocilizumab, was independently associated with the isolation of MDR GNB. There was no association between MDR GNB and 28-day all-cause mortality (adjusted odds ratio 2.426, 95% CI 0.833–7.069; P= 0.104).

Conclusion

In critically ill COVID-19 patients, prevention of MDR GNB colonization and infections requires minimizing the use of invasive devices, and to remove them as soon as their presence is no longer necessary.

Successful Use of Rifamycin-Sparing Regimens for the Treatment of Active Tuberculosis in Lung Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES

Tuberculosis is an important opportunist infection that can complicate the posttransplant course of solid-organ transplant recipients. Lung transplant recipients are at higher risk of tuberculosis after transplant than are other solid-organ transplant recipients. Significant drug-drug interactions between antituberculous medications, especially rifampin, and immunosuppressant medications render treatment in this patient population especially challenging. Data on the management of tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients with rifamycin-sparing regimens are so far limited. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of active tuberculosis in lung transplant patients from a single center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cases of active tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2017 at our center were included. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Seven of 133 lung transplant recipients (5.3%) were diagnosed with active tuberculosis during the study period, corresponding to an incidence rate of 2147/100 000 person-years. Patients were diagnosed at median time of 94 days posttransplant. Fever and weight loss were the most common presenting symptoms. All patients were initially treated with a regimen consisting of isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and moxifloxacin. Isoniazid was later substituted with rifabutin in 2 patients with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis. All patients were treated for a total of 9 to 12 months, without any adverse event-related interruptions. All patients were alive at 12 months after the diagnosis of tuberculosis. There was no evidence of relapse in any of the patients after a median of 32 (range, 9-51) months of follow-up after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Rifamycin-sparing regimens appear to be safe and highly efficacious in the treatment of active tuberculosis in lung transplant recipients.

Randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of hydroxychloroquine with or without azithromycin for virologic cure of non-severe Covid-19

BACKGROUND

Hydroxychloroquine (HC) ± azithromycin (AZ) is widely used for Covid-19. The Qatar Prospective RCT of Expediting Coronavirus Tapering (Q-PROTECT) aimed to assess virologic cure rates of HC±AZ in cases of low-acuity Covid-19.

METHODS

Q-PROTECT employed a prospective, placebo-controlled design with blinded randomization to three parallel arms: placebo, oral HC (600 mg daily for one week), or oral HC plus oral AZ (500 mg day one, 250 mg daily on days two through five). At enrollment, non-hospitalized participants had mild or no symptoms and were within a day of Covid-19 positivity by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After six days, intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis of the primary endpoint of virologic cure was assessed using binomial exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and χ2 testing. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04349592, trial status closed to new participants.).

FINDINGS

The study enrolled 456 participants (152 in each of three groups: HC+AZ, HC, placebo) between 13 April and 1 August 2020. HC+AZ, HC, and placebo groups had 6 (3·9%), 7 (4·6%), and 9 (5·9%) participants go off study medications before completing the medication course (p = 0·716). Day six PCR results were available for all 152 HC+AZ participants, 149/152 (98·0%) HC participants, and 147/152 (96·7%) placebo participants. Day six ITT analysis found no difference (p = 0·821) in groups' proportions achieving virologic cure: HC+AZ 16/152 (10·5%), HC 19/149 (12·8%), placebo 18/147 (12·2%). Day 14 assessment also showed no association (p = 0·072) between study group and viral cure: HC+AZ 30/149 (20·1%,), HC 42/146 (28·8%), placebo 45/143 (31·5%). There were no serious adverse events.

INTERPRETATION

HC±AZ does not facilitate virologic cure in patients with mild or asymptomatic Covid-19.

FUNDING

The study was supported by internal institutional funds of the Hamad Medical Corporation (government health service of the State of Qatar).

β-lactamase-mediated resistance in MDR-Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Qatar

Background

The distribution of β-lactam resistance genes in P. aeruginosa is often closely related to the distribution of certain high-risk international clones. We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the predominant sequence types (ST) and β-lactamase genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR)-P. aeruginosa from Qatar

Methods

Microbiological identification and susceptibility tests were performed by automated BD Phoenix™ system and manual Liofilchem MIC Test Strips.

Results

Among 75 MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates; the largest proportions of susceptibility were to ceftazidime-avibactam (n = 36, 48%), followed by ceftolozane-tazobactam (30, 40%), ceftazidime (n = 21, 28%) and aztreonam (n = 16, 21.3%). All isolates possessed Class C and/or Class D β-lactamases (n = 72, 96% each), while metallo-β-lactamases were detected in 20 (26.7%) isolates. Eight (40%) metallo-β-lactamase producers were susceptible to aztreonam and did not produce any concomitant extended-spectrum β-lactamases. High risk ST235 (n = 16, 21.3%), ST357 (n = 8, 10.7%), ST389 and ST1284 (6, 8% each) were most frequent. Nearly all ST235 isolates (15/16; 93.8%) were resistant to all tested β-lactams.

Conclusion

MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates from Qatar are highly resistant to antipseudomonal β-lactams. High-risk STs are predominant in Qatar and their associated MDR phenotypes are a cause for considerable concern.

The first consecutive 5000 patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 from Qatar; a nation-wide cohort study

Background

There are limited data on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes at a national level, and none after 60 days of follow up. The aim of this study was to describe national, 60-day all-cause mortality associated with COVID-19, and to identify risk factors associated with admission to an intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study including the first consecutive 5000 patients with COVID-19 in Qatar who completed 60 days of follow up by June 17, 2020. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 60 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. In addition, we explored risk factors for admission to ICU.

Results

Included patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 28 and April 17, 2020. The majority (4436, 88.7%) were males and the median age was 35 years [interquartile range (IQR) 28–43]. By 60 days after COVID-19 diagnosis, 14 patients (0.28%) had died, 10 (0.2%) were still in hospital, and two (0.04%) were still in ICU. Fatal COVID-19 cases had a median age of 59.5 years (IQR 55.8–68), and were mostly males (13, 92.9%). All included pregnant women (26, 0.5%), children (131, 2.6%), and healthcare workers (135, 2.7%) were alive and not hospitalized at the end of follow up.

A total of 1424 patients (28.5%) required hospitalization, out of which 108 (7.6%) were admitted to ICU. Most frequent co-morbidities in hospitalized adults were diabetes (23.2%), and hypertension (20.7%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.041, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.022–1.061 per year increase; P < 0.001], male sex (aOR 4.375, 95% CI 1.964–9.744; P < 0.001), diabetes (aOR 1.698, 95% CI 1.050–2.746; P 0.031), chronic kidney disease (aOR 3.590, 95% CI 1.596–8.079, P 0.002), and higher BMI (aOR 1.067, 95% CI 1.027–1.108 per unit increase; P 0.001), were all independently associated with increased risk of ICU admission.

Conclusions

In a relatively younger national cohort with a low co-morbidity burden, COVID-19 was associated with low all-cause mortality. Independent risk factors for ICU admission included older age, male sex, higher BMI, and co-existing diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12879-020-05511-8.

Convalescent plasma for the treatment of patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019: A preliminary report

BACKGROUND

The role of convalescent plasma therapy for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared outcomes in a cohort of critical COVID-19 patients who received standard care (SC Group) and those who, in addition, received convalescent plasma (CP Group).

RESULTS

In total, 40 patients were included in each group. The median patient age was 53.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 42-60.5), and the majority of patients required invasive ventilation (69, 86.2%). Plasma was harvested from donors after a median of 37 days (IQR 31-46) from the first positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result and 26 days (IQR 21-32) after documented viral clearance; it was administered after a median of 10 days (IQR 9-10) from the onset of symptoms and 2.5 days (IQR 2-4) from admission to intensive care unit. The primary endpoint of improvement in respiratory support status within 28 days was achieved in 26 patients (65%) in the SC Group and 31 patients (77.5%) in the CP Group (p = .32). The 28-day all-cause mortality (12.5% vs. 2.5%; p = .22) and viral clearance (65% vs. 55%; p = .49) were not significantly different between the two groups. Convalescent plasma was not significantly associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.51-1.49; p = .62). Adverse events were balanced between the two study groups.

CONCLUSION

In severe COVID-19, convalescent plasma therapy was not associated with clinical benefits. Randomized trials are required to confirm our findings.

Clinical characteristics, microbiology, and outcomes of infective endocarditis in Qatar

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. The epidemiology, treatment options, and outcomes have changed considerably over the last two decades. The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with IE in Qatar.

Methods: Patients were identified from Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals’ electronic records, the national referral center for the State of Qatar. We included those aged ≥ 18 years with Duke Criteria-based diagnosis of IE during the period from January 2015 to September 2017. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were performed, and logistic regression analysis was used to describe the relationship between patient characteristics and all-cause in-hospital mortality. All potentially relevant variables were included in the univariate analysis, while those with p < 0.1 in the univariate logistic regression model were included in the multivariate analysis. For the final model, we calculated odds ratios (OR) adjusted for each of the variables included, along with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Data were analyzed using STATA software version 15 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas, USA). The study was approved by the Institutional Research Board with a waiver for informed consent.

Results: Fifty-seven cases were included, of which 70% were males. The mean age was 51 years ( ± 16.8 years). Eleven (19%) were associated with prosthetic valves, and 6 (11%) with implantable cardiac devices. Fever (84%), dyspnea (46%), and heart failure (37%) were the most common presentations. Only 58% of patients had known preexisting valvular heart disease or an intracardiac device. Skin infections (10 patients, 18%) were the most prevalent portals of infection, followed by venous catheters, recent valve surgery, and implantable cardiac devices. Staphylococci were implicated in 19 (34%) and Streptococcaceae in 9 (16%) patients, whereas 21 (37%) patients were culture negative. Left-side IE (49 patients, 86%) was predominant. Acute kidney injury (AKI) (17 patients, 30%) and heart failure (11 patients, 19%) were common complications. The majority of patients received targeted antimicrobial therapy with at least two active agents. Only 9 (16%) patients underwent surgical intervention. Fourteen (25%) patients died of any cause before hospital discharge. Logistic regression analysis identified septic shock [OR 57.8, 95% CI 2.6–1360.2; p < 0.01] and AKI OR 33.9, 95% CI 2.9–398.1; p < 0.01) as the only risk factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion: Staphylococci are the most common microbiological cause of IE in Qatar. Surgical intervention is uncommon, and mortality is relatively high. Our findings suggest that efforts should be directed toward improving IE prevention strategies in high-risk patients, encouraging early microbiological investigations and improving medical and surgical management.

Evaluation of in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Qatar

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam against clinical isolates of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Qatar, as well as the mechanisms of resistance.

METHODS

MDR P. aeruginosa isolated between October 2014 and September 2015 from all public hospitals in Qatar were included. The BD PhoenixTM system was used for identification and initial antimicrobial susceptibility testing, while Liofilchem MIC Test Strips (Liofilchem, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy) were used for confirmation of ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam susceptibility. Ten ceftazidime/avibactam- and/or ceftolozane/tazobactam-resistant isolates were randomly selected for WGS.

RESULTS

A total of 205 MDR P. aeruginosa isolates were included. Of these, 141 (68.8%) were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam, 129 (62.9%) were susceptible to ceftolozane/tazobactam, 121 (59.0%) were susceptible to both and 56 (27.3%) were susceptible to neither. Twenty (9.8%) isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam but not to ceftolozane/tazobactam and only 8 (3.9%) were susceptible to ceftolozane/tazobactam but not to ceftazidime/avibactam. Less than 50% of XDR isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam or ceftolozane/tazobactam. The 10 sequenced isolates belonged to six different STs and all produced AmpC and OXA enzymes; 5 (50%) produced ESBL and 4 (40%) produced VIM enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

MDR P. aeruginosa susceptibility rates to ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam were higher than those to all existing antipseudomonal agents, except colistin, but were less than 50% in extremely resistant isolates. Non-susceptibility to ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam was largely due to the production of ESBL and VIM enzymes. Ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam are possible options for some patients with MDR P. aeruginosa in Qatar.

Percutaneous coronary intervention-associated Actinomyces oris

Coronary artery interventions are safe procedures yet have a risk of stent infection, bacteremia and sepsis, events that are rare but with high morbidity and mortality sequel. A few prior cases had reported post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) infections, abscesses and sepsis due to Staphylococcus aureus, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cardiac Actinomyces infections are extremely rare. Here we report a case of a 50 year old patient who developed a post intervention Actinomyces oris epicardial abscess occluding right coronary artery with subsequent bacteremia eventually requiring open heart surgery. He was treated during and thereafter with IV penicillin and ceftriaxone for almost 8 weeks. We highlight during this review the available literature regarding risk factors, the possible theories of acquiring such bacterium at this unusual site as well as our patient's course and treatment outcome.

Tocilizumab for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019

Tocilizumab, an interleukin‐6 inhibitor, may ameliorate the inflammatory manifestations associated with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and thus improve clinical outcomes. This was a retrospective review of patients with laboratory‐confirmed severe COVID‐19 who received tocilizumab and completed 14 days of follow up. Twenty‐five patients were included, median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 50‐63) and the majority were males (92%). Co‐morbidities included diabetes mellitus (48%), chronic kidney disease (16%), and cardiovascular disease (12%). Fever (92%), cough (84%), and dyspnea (72%) were the commonest presenting symptoms. All patients received at least two concomitant investigational antiviral agents. Median oral temperature was on day 1, 3, and 7 was 38.0°C, 37.3°C (P = .043), and 37.0°C (P = .064), respectively. Corresponding median C‐reactive protein was 193 and 7.9 mg/L (P < .0001) and <6 mg/L (P = .0001). Radiological improvement was noted in 44% of patients by day 7% and 68% by day 14. Nine patients (36%) were discharged alive from intensive care unit and three (12%) died. The proportion of patients on invasive ventilation declined from (84%) at the time of tocilizumab initiation to 60% on day 7 (P = .031) and 28% on day 14 (P = .001). The majority (92%) of patients experienced at least one adverse event. However, it is not possible to ascertain which adverse events were directly related to tocilizumab therapy. In patients with severe COVID‐19, tocilizumab was associated with dramatic decline in inflammatory markers, radiological improvement and reduced ventilatory support requirements. Given the study's limitations, the results require assessment in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

Dysregulated immune response contributes to the pathogenesis of severe COVID‐19.

Tocilizumab in severe COVID‐19 resulted in a rapid decline in inflammatory markers.

This was associated with reduced ventilation support requirements.

The results need to be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.

Q-fever prosthetic valve endocarditis in a patient with SLE and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Q fever prosthetic valve endocarditis in association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been previously reported. Here, we report a 22-year-old Saudi female diagnosed with SLE and APS. She had mitral valve replacement with bio-prosthesis five years earlier for Libman-Sack endocarditis. She presented with two months' history of fever, cough, palpitations, and progressive shortness of breath. A transthoracic echocardiogram showed a degenerative mitral valve prosthesis with a large mass causing severe obstruction. Open heart surgery revealed multiple masses on the mitral valve. PCR from the resected tissues was positive for Coxiella burnetii DNA. Q fever serology showed phase two IgG 1:2048, phase one IgG 1:512, and IgM 1:1024. The valve was replaced with a bio-prosthesis. She was well at 12 months of follow-up.

163. Infective Endocarditis in Qatar: Risk Factors, Clinical Characteristics, Microbiology, and Outcomes

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and life-threatening disease. The aim of the study is to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with IE in Qatar.

Methods

Patients were identified from the electronic records of Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals, the national referral center for the State of Qatar. Those aged ≥18 years with Duke Criteria-based diagnosis of IE during the period from January 2015 to September 2017 were included. Data were analyzed using STATA software Version 15.

Results

Fifty-seven cases were included, of which 70% were males. Mean age was 51 years (± 16.8). Eleven (19%) were in association with prosthetic valves and 6 (11%) with implantable cardiac devices (Table 1). Fever (84%), dyspnea (46%) and heart failure were the commonest presentations. The majority of patients had preexisting valvular heart disease or intra-cardiac devices (Table 1). Skin infections (10, 18%) were the most prevalent portals of infection, followed by venous catheters, recent valve surgery and implantable cardiac devices (Table 1). Staphylococcus species were implicated in 19 (34%) and Streptococcaceae in 9 (16%); whereas 21 (37%) were culture-negative (Table 2). Left-side IE (49, 86%) was predominant. Acute kidney injury (AKI) (17, 30%) and heart failure (11, 19%) were common complications. The most frequently used treatment regimens included glycopeptides or Β-lactams (Table 2). Only 9 (16%) patients underwent surgical intervention. Fourteen (25%) patients died of any cause before hospital discharge. Logistic regression analysis identified septic shock and AKI as the only risk factors independently associated with in-hospital mortality (Table 3).

Conclusion

Skin infections are an important risk for IE in Qatar. The majority of patients with IE have preexisting cardiac conditions. Staphylococci are the commonest confirmed bacterial etiology of IE in Qatar, but nearly one-third of cases are culture-negative. Only a small proportion of patients with IE undergo surgical intervention and overall mortality is high. The findings suggest that efforts should be directed toward improving IE prevention strategies in high-risk patients, encourage early microbiological investigations and improved medical and surgical management.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Clinical outcomes of current medical approaches for Middle East respiratory syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory disease caused by MERS coronavirus. Because of lack of vaccination, various studies investigated the therapeutic efficacy of antiviral drugs and supportive remedies. A systematic literature search from 10 databases was conducted and screened for relevant articles. Studies reporting information about the treatment of MERS coronavirus infection were extracted and analyzed. Despite receiving treatment with ribavirin plus IFN, the case fatality rate was as high as 71% in the IFN-treatment group and exactly the same in patients who received supportive treatment only. Having chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension increased the risk of mortality (P < .05), and chronic renal disease is the best parameter to predict the mortality. The mean of survival days from onset of illness to death was 46.6 (95% CI, 30.5-62.6) for the IFN group compared with 18.8 (95% CI, 10.3-27.4) for the supportive-only group (P = .001). Delay in starting treatment, older age group, and preexisting comorbidities are associated with worse outcomes. In conclusion, there is no difference between IFN treatment and supportive treatment for MERS patients in terms of mortality. However, ribavirin and IFN combination might have efficacious effects with timely administration and monitoring of adverse events. Large-scale prospective randomized studies are required to assess the role of antiviral drugs for the treatment of this high mortality infection.

Aspergillus flavus native valve endocarditis following combined liver and renal transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

Aspergillus endocarditis is a rare infection that occurs most commonly in patients with prior cardiac surgery but cases in post-transplant recipients without prior cardiac surgery have been reported. Diagnosis is often delayed and requires high index of suspicion. We here report a case of Aspergillus endocarditis in solid organ transplant recipient.

Complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections remain a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), especially in the pre-engraftment phase. The risk of bacterial infections is mainly related to neutropenia, mucositis, and the presence of vascular lines. Most parts of the world have witnessed a shift in epidemiology toward Gram-negative bacteria; a large proportion of which are resistant to fluoroquinolones, extended-spectrum beta-lactams, carbapenems, and in some units even colistin. Meticulous infection control practices are essential for prevention of bacterial infections in HSCT. The role of routine prophylactic antibiotics is limited in settings with high rates of bacterial resistance. If used, prophylactic antibiotics should be limited to high-risk patients, and the agents are selected based on local resistance profiles. Neutropenic fever is a medical emergency in most HSCT recipients. Prompt clinical evaluation is paramount, along with the intravenous administration of appropriate empiric antimicrobials, typically an antipseudomonal beta-lactam agent. Glycopeptides should only be considered if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or Gram-positive infection is suspected. Additional Gram-negative agents, such as colistin or aminoglycosides, may be added if extensive Gram-negative resistance is expected. To mitigate increasing bacterial resistance, empiric antibiotic regimens should be rationalized or discontinued as soon as possible.

Complications of hematopoietic stem transplantation: Fungal infections

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at increased risk of invasive fungal infections, especially during the early neutropenic phase and severe graft-versus-host disease. Mold-active prophylaxis should be limited to the highest risk groups. Empiric antifungal therapy for HSCT with persistent febrile neutropenia is associated with unacceptable response rates, unnecessary antifungal therapy, increased risk of toxicity, and inflated costs. Empiric therapy should not be a substitute for detailed work up to identify the cause of fever in such patients. The improved diagnostic performance of serum biomarkers such as galactomannan and β-D-glucan, as well as polymerase chain reaction assays has allowed the development of diagnostic-driven antifungal therapy strategies for high risk patients. Diagnostic-driven approaches have resulted in reduced unnecessary antifungal exposure, improved diagnosis of invasive fungal disease, and reduced costs without increased risk of mortality. The appropriateness of diagnostic-driven antifungal strategy for individual HSCT centers depends on the availability and turnaround times for diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise, and the local epidemiology of invasive fungal infections. Echinocandins are the treatment of choice for invasive candidiasis in most HSCT recipients. Fluconazole may be used for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in hemodynamically stable patients with no prior azole exposure. The primary treatment of choice for invasive aspergillosis is voriconazole. Alternatives include isavuconazole and lipid formulations of amphotericin. Currently available evidence does not support routine primary combination antifungal therapy for invasive aspergillosis. However, combination salvage antifungal therapy may be considered in selected patients. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for the majority of HSCT recipients on itraconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole.