European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2017
ReviewZika virus infection in Vietnam: current epidemic, strain origin, spreading risk, and perspective.
Zika virus infection and its associated microcephaly have being receiving global concern. This infection has spread widely since the first outbreak was recorded in Africa in 1952. Now, it has been reported in over 70 countries on five continents including Africa, North and South America, Asia, and Europe. ⋯ This country has also reported the first case of a microcephaly-born baby which was probably linked to Zika virus infection. However, information on the Zika virus epidemic in Vietnam is still limited. This brief report intends to update the current Zika virus epidemic, and to discuss challenges and perspectives in controlling this infection in Vietnam.
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2017
Multicenter Study Observational StudyImpact of appropriateness of empiric therapy on outcomes in community-onset bacteremia by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebisella pneumoniae definitively treated with carbapenems.
Despite a significant increase of bloodstream infection caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the community-setting, information regarding clinical outcomes of inappropriate empiric therapy (IAT) in patients with those infections is limited. A multicenter-retrospective cohort study was conducted in four hospitals. A total of 249 adults were identified to have community-onset bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and definitively treated with carbapenems. ⋯ Multivariate analysis using propensity score analysis indicated that inappropriateness of empiric therapy was not an independent risk factor for 30-day death. ICU care, respiratory tract infection and underlying liver, renal and connective tissue diseases were significantly associated with mortality. In patients with bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae in the community-setting, delay in appropriate therapy was not associated with an increased rate of death if the patients were definitively treated with carbapenems.
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Oct 2017
Emergence of Clostridium difficile tcdC variant 078 in Marseille, France.
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the epidemiology of hypervirulent Clostridium difficile ribotypes from January 2013 to February 2017 in the Marseille area of southern France. By using the Xpert Clostridium difficile Epi polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and sequencing the tcdC gene, we characterised C. difficile isolates from symptomatic patients diagnosed with C. difficile infection (CDI) in Marseille university hospitals. We first tested retrospectively 278 C. difficile samples isolated from January 2013 to December 2014 and observed a high prevalence of isolates with tcdC mutations and deletions previously described in both hypervirulent ribotypes RT027 and RT078 (16.4% and 10.7%, respectively). ⋯ The present study is the first report of the emergence of CDI caused by tV078 in southern France. We showed the simultaneous circulation and sequential spread of hypervirulent ribotypes, such as RT027 and tV078. This emphasises the need for an efficient surveillance system for CDI with ribotyping and an optimised management of CDI caused by hypervirulent strains.
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Sep 2017
Efficacy of palivizumab prophylaxis on the frequency of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infections in preterm infants: determination of the ideal target population for prophylaxis.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in high-risk infants is an effective intervention for the prevention of severe disease. The aim of this study was to determine the ideal target preterm population that might benefit from palivizumab prophylaxis by establishing the main risk factors for acute RSV-related infections. Former premature infants born with a gestational age ≤37 weeks and ≤1 year of age at the beginning of the RSV season and admitted with respiratory infection were included. ⋯ All infants with a gestational age ≥29 weeks and without palivizumab prophylaxis developed RSV infection. Palivizumab prophylaxis should be implemented into guidelines to cover preterm infants with a gestational age >29 weeks. Palivizumab prophylaxis should also be considered in high-risk infants ≤6 months of age during the RSV season.
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Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2017
ReviewDrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: latest developments.
Gonorrhea is the second most frequently reported notifiable disease in the United States and is becoming increasingly common in Europe. The purpose of this review was to assess the current state of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in order to evaluate future prospects for its treatment. An exhaustive literature search was conducted to include the latest research regarding drug resistance and treatment guidelines for gonorrhea. ⋯ Currently, the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have established surveillance programs to assess, on a yearly basis, the development of gonococcal resistance. Current treatment guidelines are being threatened by the increasing number of ceftriaxone-, cefixime-, and azithromycin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains being detected worldwide. This has led the scientific community to develop new treatment options with new molecules in order to persevere in the battle against this "superbug".