Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Mar 2015
Factors associated with subsequent nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in patients with a single sputum isolate on initial examination.
Very few studies have focused on the outcome and management of patients with a single sputum isolate of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) on initial examination. Patients with a single isolate of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. chelonae-abscessus, M. kansasii, or M. fortuitum from at least three sputum samples collected within 1 month were retrospectively identified. Those with follow-up sputum samples within 1 year were included in the analysis. ⋯ In patients with a single isolation of NTM from respiratory specimens, the presence of bronchiectasis and younger age indicates higher risk of subsequent culture-positivity and NTM-LD. Single isolation of M. fortuitum is of little clinical significance. Other patients with NTM, younger age, and more severe radiographic pulmonary lesion also warrant further attention.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Feb 2015
ReviewA comprehensive review of the Kumbh Mela: identifying risks for spread of infectious diseases.
The Kumbh Mela in India is the largest mass gathering in the world which witnessed close to 100 million visitors in 2013. An event of this magnitude presents challenges. ⋯ The context of religion and psychology of the pilgrims is also closely associated with the evolution of the risk factors and so forms an important part of the discussion. We provide a brief background to the Kumbh Mela with a description of the existing and potential risk factors that require our attention.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Feb 2015
How well does physician selection of microbiologic tests identify Clostridium difficile and other pathogens in paediatric diarrhoea? Insights using multiplex PCR-based detection.
The objective of this study was to compare the aetiologic yield of standard-of-care microbiologic testing ordered by physicians with that of a multiplex PCR platform. Stool specimens obtained from children and young adults with gastrointestinal illness were evaluated by standard laboratory methods and a developmental version of the FilmArray Gastrointestinal (GI) Diagnostic System (FilmArray GI Panel), a rapid multiplex PCR platform that detects 23 bacterial, viral and protozoal agents. Results were classified according to the microbiologic tests requested by the treating physician. ⋯ For patients who had no C. difficile testing performed, the FilmArray GI Panel identified a pathogen in 63% of cases, including C. difficile in 8%. Physician-specified laboratory testing may miss important diarrhoeal pathogens. Additionally, standard laboratory testing is likely to underestimate co-infections with multiple infectious diarrhoeagenic agents.
-
Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Jan 2015
Multicenter Study Observational StudyInvasive Candida infections in surgical patients in intensive care units: a prospective, multicentre survey initiated by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) (2006-2008).
A prospective, observational, multicentre study of invasive candidosis (IC) in surgical patients in intensive care units (ICUs) was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in 72 ICUs in 14 European countries. A total of 779 patients (62.5% males, median age 63 years) with IC were included. The median rate of candidaemia was 9 per 1000 admissions. ⋯ The most common first-line treatment was fluconazole (60%), followed by caspofungin (18.7%), liposomal amphotericin B (13%), voriconazole (4.8%) and other drugs (3.5%). Mortality in surgical patients with IC in ICU was 38.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with mortality were: patient age ≥60 years (hazard ratio (HR) 1.9, p 0.001), central venous catheter (HR 1.8, p 0.05), corticosteroids (HR 1.5, p 0.03), not receiving systemic antifungal treatment for IC (HR 2.8, p <0.0001), and not removing intravascular lines (HR 1.6, p 0.02).