Unleashing the power of artificial intelligence for diagnosing and treating infectious diseases: A comprehensive review

Infectious diseases present a global challenge, requiring accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and preventive measures. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for analysing complex molecular data and improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. Computer-aided detection (CAD) using convolutional neural networks (CNN) has gained prominence for diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious diseases such as COVID-19, HIV, and viral pneumonia. The review discusses the challenges and limitations associated with AI in this field and explores various machine-learning models and AI-based approaches. Artificial neural networks (ANN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), support vector machines (SVM), multilayer neural networks (MLNN), CNN, long short-term memory (LSTM), and random forests (RF) are among the models discussed. The review emphasizes the potential of AI to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases, highlighting the need for further research and development in this area.

Variants of SARS-CoV-2: Influences on the Vaccines' Effectiveness and Possible Strategies to Overcome Their Consequences

The immune response elicited by the current COVID-19 vaccinations declines with time, especially among the immunocompromised population. Furthermore, the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the Omicron variant, has raised serious concerns about the efficacy of currently available vaccines in protecting the most vulnerable people. Several studies have reported that vaccinated people get breakthrough infections amid COVID-19 cases. So far, five variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, resulting in successive waves of infection. These variants have shown a variable amount of resistance towards the neutralising antibodies (nAbs) elicited either through natural infection or the vaccination. The spike (S) protein, membrane (M) protein, and envelope (E) protein on the viral surface envelope and the N-nucleocapsid protein in the core of the ribonucleoprotein are the major structural vaccine target proteins against COVID-19. Among these targets, S Protein has been extensively exploited to generate effective vaccines against COVID-19. Hence, amid the emergence of novel variants of SARS-CoV-2, we have discussed their impact on currently available vaccines. We have also discussed the potential roles of S Protein in the development of novel vaccination approaches to contain the negative consequences of the variants' emergence and acquisition of mutations in the S Protein of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the implications of SARS-CoV-2's structural proteins were also discussed in terms of their variable potential to elicit an effective amount of immune response.

Genetic Variants and Protective Immunity against SARS-CoV-2

The novel coronavirus-19 (SARS-CoV-2), has infected numerous individuals worldwide, resulting in millions of fatalities. The pandemic spread with high mortality rates in multiple waves, leaving others with moderate to severe symptoms. Co-morbidity variables, including hypertension, diabetes, and immunosuppression, have exacerbated the severity of COVID-19. In addition, numerous efforts have been made to comprehend the pathogenic and host variables that contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility and pathogenesis. One of these endeavours is understanding the host genetic factors predisposing an individual to COVID-19. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have demonstrated the host predisposition factors in different populations. These factors are involved in the appropriate immune response, their imbalance influences susceptibility or resistance to viral infection. This review investigated the host genetic components implicated at the various stages of viral pathogenesis, including viral entry, pathophysiological alterations, and immunological responses. In addition, the recent and most updated genetic variations associated with multiple host factors affecting COVID-19 pathogenesis are described in the study.

An Overview on Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales

Improper use of antimicrobials has resulted in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including multi-drug resistance (MDR) among bacteria. Recently, a sudden increase in Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has been observed. This presents a substantial challenge in the treatment of CRE-infected individuals. Bacterial plasmids include the genes for carbapenem resistance, which can also spread to other bacteria to make them resistant. The incidence of CRE is rising significantly despite the efforts of health authorities, clinicians, and scientists. Many genotypic and phenotypic techniques are available to identify CRE. However, effective identification requires the integration of two or more methods. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), an advanced molecular approach, helps identify new strains of CRE and screening of the patient population; however, WGS is challenging to apply in clinical settings due to the complexity and high expense involved with this technique. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of development of Carbapenem resistance, the epidemiology of CRE infections, spread of CRE, treatment options, and the phenotypic/genotypic characterisation of CRE. The potential of microorganisms to acquire resistance against Carbapenems remains high, which can lead to even more susceptible drugs such as colistin and polymyxins. Hence, the current study recommends running the antibiotic stewardship programs at an institutional level to control the use of antibiotics and to reduce the spread of CRE worldwide.

Challenges in treatment of renal echinococcosis with gross hydatiduria and unsalvageable kidney: a case report

Introduction

Renal echinococcosis is of rare occurrence, and although often asymptomatic, it can present with various mild to drastic presentations, of which hydatiduria is pathognomonic. Diagnosis can be preliminarily established by imaging, and treatment is primarily surgical. We present a patient with renal echinococcosis treated successfully with exclusive antiparasitic pharmacotherapy after refusing surgery despite extensive renal involvement. We hope through this report to help establish future solid guidelines regarding this uncommon therapeutic approach.

Case presentation

This is a case of a 49-year-old Syrian shepherd presenting with flank pain and passage of grape-skin-like structures in urine. A diagnosis of renal echinococcosis with hydatiduria and significant parenchymal destruction was established based on exposure history, positive serology, imaging findings, and renal scintigraphy. After proper counseling, the patient refused nephrectomy and was therefore started on dual pharmacotherapy (albendazole and praziquantel) and is having an uneventful follow-up and a satisfactory response to treatment.

Conclusion

This case embodies the daily challenges physicians navigate as they uphold the ethical principles of their practice and support their patients’ autonomy while delivering the best standards of care and consulting the scientific evidence. Although surgery is the cornerstone of renal echinococcosis treatment, treating physicians should be prepared to tackle situations where surgery cannot be done and offer the best next available option for patients who refuse surgery. As data on exclusive pharmacotherapy are limited, future research should thoroughly investigate the efficacy of this uncommon approach and outline reliable recommendations, facilitating future clinical decision-making in this avenue.

Don't close the book on tocilizumab for the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia-the jury is still out: The Kuwait experience

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional observational study aims to report preliminary data from the first experience using tocilizumab for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in three of Kuwait's largest public hospitals City.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This chart review study examined the benefits of tocilizumab treatment among 127 patients diagnosed with severe coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

RESULTS

90 of 127 patients (71%) survived. Mortality was highest in the elderly with multiple medical conditions.

CONCLUSION

Despite the small sample size and retrospective nature of the work, our findings are consistent with recent studies suggesting tocilizumab administration in patients presenting with severe COVID pneumonia with associated hyperinflammatory features conferred mortality benefit.

Coxiella burnetii Endocarditis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report of a Diagnostic Challenge

Patient: Male, 43-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Q-fever endocarditis

Symptoms: Lower limb edema • shortness of breath

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: General and Internal Medicine

Kuwait association of rheumatology 2018 treatment recommendations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The Kuwait Association of Rheumatology (KAR) aimed to develop a set of recommendations for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), tailored to the unique patient population and healthcare system of Kuwait. Each recommendation was developed based on expert opinion and evaluation of clinical practice guidelines from other international and national rheumatology societies. Online surveys were conducted to collate feedback on each KAR member's level of agreement (LoA) with definitions of disease-/treatment-related terms used and the draft recommendations. Definitions/recommendations achieving a pre-defined cut-off value of ≥ 70% agreement were accepted for inclusion. Remaining statements were discussed and revised at a face-to-face meeting, with further modifications until consensus was reached. A final online survey was used to collect feedback on each KAR member's LoA with the final set of recommendation statements on a scale of 0 (complete disagreement) to 10 (complete agreement). Group consensus was achieved on 66 recommendation statements, including 3 overarching principles addressing the pharmacological treatment and management of RA. Recommendations focused on treatment of early RA, established RA, patients with high-risk comorbidities, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and screening and treatment of opportunistic infections. The KAR 2018 Treatment Recommendations for RA reported here are based on a synthesis of other national/international guidelines, supporting literature, and expert consensus considering the Kuwaiti healthcare system and RA patient population. These recommendations aim to inform the clinical decisions of rheumatologists treating patients in Kuwait, and to promote best practices, enhance alignment and improve the treatment experience for patients.

A case of Brucella melitensis endocarditis in a patient with cardiovascular implantable electronic device

Background

Brucellosis is a bacterial infection, caused by the nonmotile gram-negative aerobic coccobacilli. The clinical manifestation of brucellosis is variable, ranging from mild disease to severe disease. The gold standard test to confirm the diagnosis of brucellosis is assaying blood, bone marrow, or other body fluids or by tissue culture. Preferred first-line treatment in adults with uncomplicated, nonlocalized disease consists of doxycycline–aminoglycoside combination. The recommended duration of treatment is 6 weeks. Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infection caused by brucellosis is rare and has been reported in a few case study series. We report a case of Brucella melitensis infection of CIED where, contrary to most authorities recommending removal of device, because of the patient’s multiple comorbid conditions and age, an attempt was made to keep the device and place the patient on lifelong prophylaxis treatment.

Case report

A 70-year-old Kuwaiti male, with a background history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and sick sinus syndrome with a pacemaker fixed 1 year prior to his presentation, was diagnosed as having brucellosis. He was initially started on rifampicin and doxycycline. A transesophageal echo showed no evidence of vegetations seen at aortic valve or mitral valve. The two pacing leads, one in right atrium appendage and the other in right valve apex, looked smooth and clean with no clear adherence. Cotrimoxazole and gentamicin were added, per the 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the management of infective endocarditis. The plan was to treat the patient with an aminoglycoside for the first 3 weeks, and then de-escalate to three drugs. The patient’s fever subsided for several days following treatment, and subsequent blood cultures showed sterilization of bloodstream. He developed an acute kidney injury from aminoglycosides, which required 2 months of inpatient dialysis treatment. He was later discharged after completing a total of 3 months of antibiotic treatment. At the time of discharge, the patient’s Brucella titer was <1:160. The patient was discharged with a 2-month supply of rifampin and doxycycline.

Conclusion

In all published studies on Brucella infective endocarditis with a cardiovascular implantable device, the recommendation was for device removal and extended treatment with doxycycline combined with rifampin and/or trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, plus parenteral aminoglycosides for the first 3 weeks. There have been two cases in the literature that have studied CIED infected with brucellosis where an attempt was made to retain the device. In both cases, relapse occurred upon discontinuation of treatment. It is not clear whether lifelong antibiotic suppression treatment would prevent relapse.