Infection最新文献

Purpose: Water deemed fit for consumption ought to conform to minimum standards that pose no significant health risk to the consumers. Bottled and Sachet water constitutes the major source of drinking water in Lagos State Nigeria. We conducted a study to investigate the presence of fungi in the commercially available water brands in the study area.

Methods: A study collected eleven commercial water brands, including eight bottled and three sachet brands, from retail outlets. Samples with production dates ranging from 24 h to 3 weeks were filtered using membranes inoculated into SDA and incubated at 27 °C and at 37 °C. Pure fungal cultures were identified using microscopic and macroscopic features, using mycology atlas.

Results: All brands of water (bottled and sachet) analyzed grew at least one fungal isolate thus giving an absolute (100%) rate of contamination in this study. Overall, the predominant fungal pathogen was Aspergillus fumigatus sensu lato (s.l) and Aspergillus niger (n = 6, 30%), followed by Aspergillus terreus (n = 2, 10%). Other isolated fungal species were Aspergillus terreus, A. flavus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. Each of the brands was contaminated with at least one fungal pathogen and at most two.

Conclusion: The study reveals a high level of fungal contamination in retailed water, particularly in areas with at-risk populations. These fungi can cause allergic reactions or diseases in humans. The study suggests Nigeria's food and drug regulatory bodies should include routine screening for fungi in commercial water production like their bacteria counterparts.

Purpose: Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), or long COVID (LC), remains a significant burden for public health, with limited long-term data. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and evolution of PASC symptoms after ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (aSCV2) infection in a longitudinal healthcare worker (HCW) cohort.

Methods: A multicentre cohort study involving HCWs from 14 institutions was conducted in Switzerland. Infection status was based on self-reported positive swabs, with additional serology used to confirm uninfected controls. Baseline was defined as the first survey conducted in 2022 (median 18.5 months post-infection), with follow-up surveys every 6 months through November 2024. To identify PASC-specific symptoms, 24 chronic symptoms were compared between 456 aSCV2-infected and 571 uninfected participants using chi-square tests at baseline. In aSCV2-infected individuals reporting PASC-specific symptoms, symptom trajectories and subjective LC were analyzed across follow-up surveys. Functional limitations were assessed using the Post-COVID Functional Status (PCFS) scale.

Results: Thirteen of 24 symptoms were more common in aSCV2-infected individuals, with fatigue (22.8%), loss of smell/taste (11.4%), and brain fog (8.3%) being most prevalent. At baseline, 186/456 (40.8%) infected participants reported ≥ 1 PASC-specific symptom. Most symptoms declined in prevalence up to the last survey (median 47.5 months post-infection), although 41/70 (58.6%) remaining participants still reported ≥ 1 PASC symptom. Subjective LC was reported by 70/186 (37.6%) and was associated with higher symptom burden. PCFS scores showed slight impairments in most cases, although moderate-to-severe limitations often persisted.

Conclusions: PASC symptoms persisted up to four years after aSCV2 infection in a substantial proportion of HCWs.

Purpose: This review aims to discuss various marine antimicrobial sources, their bioactive agents, and their therapeutic applications and antimicrobial potential.

Methods: For this study, the relevant published research articles were meticulously searched and collected from PubMed, Science Direct, Science Open, DOAJ, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Scilit.net. Only English-language works published between 2015 and February 2025 were included in the literature search. Data collection focused on the marine antimicrobial compounds, which were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach.

Results: This review finds excellent antimicrobial potentials of various bioactive compounds isolated from diverse marine sources. For instance, Callyspongia diffusa a demospongiae which chloroform & ethyl acetate extract is very promising against bacteria K. pneumoniae, E. coli, and E. faecalis (MIC range: 0.0002-0.0004 mg/ml) and against fungi C. albicans (MIC: 0.0002-0.0008 mg/ml) and A. niger (MIC: 0.0002-0.0004 mg/ml). Antiviral marine source Nizamuddinia zanardinii brown algae which aqueous extract is very potent against HSV-2 (IC₅₀ 0.000027-0.000123 mg/ml). Stypopodium zonale brown macro algae showed promising antiprotozoal activity against L. amazonensis protozoa (IC₅₀ 0.00027 mg/ml), Bruguiera gymnorrhiza a mangrove tree showed antifungal activities against A. fumigatus (MIC: 0.01841 mg/ml), P. chrysogenum (MIC: 0.02137 mg/ml), and C. albicans (MIC: 0.009 mg/ml).

Conclusion: The findings of this review highlight the significant antimicrobial potential of marine-derived organisms as valuable sources of bioactive compounds exhibiting antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and antifungal activities. Overall, continued exploration of marine biodiversity and systematic characterization of marine-derived compounds may contribute to the development of novel and effective antimicrobial agents in the future.

Purpose: This study evaluates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Corallopyronin A (CorA) against a diverse collection of Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), comprising both laboratory strains and clinical isolates. The dataset includes methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains, as well as small colony variants (SCVs), to assess its therapeutic potential in staphylococcal infections.

Methods: A total of 116 staphylococcal strains, comprising clinical isolates and laboratory strains, were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined for a subset of 70 strains. Time-kill assays were conducted for five S. aureus strains using 4 × MIC of CorA. Additionally, checkerboard assays were performed with 11 antibiotics to evaluate potential additive or synergistic interactions.

Results: CorA demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.125 to 2 mg/L. The MIC₉₀ was 0.5 mg/L for S. aureus and 1 mg/L for CNS. Methicillin-resistant strains exhibited significantly higher susceptibility than methicillin-sensitive strains. Time-kill assays revealed a reduction of 1.5-3 log₁₀ CFU/mL in viable counts within 24 h. Minimum bactericidal concentration testing showed bactericidal activity in a subset of strains, occurring in 71% of CNS isolates and 34% of S. aureus strains, while the remaining S. aureus and CNS isolates displayed a bacteriostatic response. Checkerboard assays indicated additive interactions with glycopeptides, including dalbavancin and oritavancin.

Conclusions: CorA shows strong in vitro activity against a broad range of staphylococcal strains, particularly methicillin-resistant isolates. Its additive effects with clinically relevant antibiotics further support its potential in combination therapy for the treatment of resistant staphylococcal infections.

Purpose: Early risk stratification is critical in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. We compared the prognostic accuracy of the Severity Grading Score and the Severity Scoring Index for predicting severe outcomes and mortality in laboratory-confirmed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic accuracy studies according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from inception to November 7, 2025. Observational studies evaluating Severity Grading Score and/or Severity Scoring Index and reporting extractable prognostic accuracy data were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) were estimated using bivariate random-effects models at prespecified cutoffs for mortality prediction (Severity Grading Score ≥ 9; Severity Scoring Index ≥10). Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2.

Results: Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Ten studies evaluating Severity Grading Score (n = 1521) and four evaluating Severity Scoring Index (n = 478) were included in quantitative synthesis for mortality. Severity Grading Score showed very high specificity (0.99, 95% CI 0.95-1.00) but limited sensitivity (0.47, 95% CI 0.27-0.69), yielding a pooled DOR of 94.8. Severity Scoring Index demonstrated higher sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.88) with high specificity (0.97, 95% CI 0.91-0.99) and a pooled DOR of 100.7. Using an observed mortality prevalence of ~9%, Severity Grading Score provided strong rule-in capacity, whereas Severity Scoring Index offered superior rule-out performance.

Conclusions: Both scores are clinically useful prognostic tools in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, but with distinct roles. Severity Grading Score is better suited for confirming high-risk status, while Severity Scoring Index performs better as an early triage tool to identify patients at risk of death. Prospective head-to-head validation with standardized outcomes is warranted to guide their incorporation into clinical triage protocols and management guidelines.

Background: Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium responsible for listeriosis, presents a considerable public health risk due to its high mortality rate and ability to cause severe disease, particularly in vulnerable populations. Elucidating the pathogen's history, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and virulence mechanisms is essential for developing effective control strategies and therapeutic approaches.

Method: This comprehensive review examines L. monocytogenes, encompassing its historical context, epidemiological patterns, clinical presentation, and virulence determinants, as well as current diagnostic techniques and management guidelines. A systematic search of databases was performed to identify pertinent peer-reviewed literature, government reports, and clinical guidelines.

Results: The review underscores key features of listeriosis, including its historical development, epidemiological trends, notable outbreaks and their public health implications, Listeria pathogenesis, and virulence attributes, recent advancements in detection and prevention, and the economic and social consequences of the disease. The findings highlight the importance of listeriosis as a foodborne pathogen and underscore the need for continued research and vigilance.

Conclusion: L. monocytogenes remains a significant public health concern, requiring sustained research efforts and enhanced control measures to mitigate its impact. Future research initiatives should prioritize improving detection, prevention, and treatment strategies to alleviate the burden of listeriosis.

Background: Citrobacter spp., a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming rods, belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. They are widely distributed in natural environments, including soil, water, and sewage, and are also part of the intestinal flora of humans and animals. These bacteria often act as opportunistic pathogens, posing a severe threat to immunocompromised and the intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Therefore, the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Citrobacter strains represents a rapidly escalating clinical concern.

Objective: This review discusses the emergence of MDRCitrobacter spp. and explores the bacterial strategies and mechanisms that contribute to the development and persistence of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods: A narrative review of the published literature was conducted, focusing on clinical, experimental and surveillance studies that describe antibiotic resistance patterns and mechanisms in Citrobacter spp.

Results: Citrobacter spp. are associated with a range of infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastrointestinal diseases, neonatal meningitis, and sepsis. Recent reports indicate a growing prevalence of MDR Citrobacter, resistant to multiple antibiotic classes, including some last-resort agents. They utilize β-lactamases production, efflux pump overexpression, target-site modifications, and mobile genetic elements to acquire and spread resistance.

Conclusions: Citrobacter has evolved as a significant opportunistic pathogen. Extensive investigation into its resistance genes, regulatory pathways and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms is essential for drug development, drug repurposing and generation of alternative therapeutic options to mitigate antibiotic overuse.

Background: Aeromonas species are increasingly recognized as emerging human pathogens capable of causing a wide spectrum of infections ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Data from India describing their clinical spectrum and antimicrobial resistance patterns remain limited.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 61 culture-proven cases of Aeromonas infection identified between 2019 and 2025 at a tertiary care centre in South India. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, microbiological findings, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, treatment, and outcomes were analysed.

Results: The mean patient age was 46 years, and 57% were male. The most common clinical presentations were skin and soft tissue infections (40.9%) and bacteremia (40.9%), while pulmonary and urinary infections were less frequent. Common comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (27.8%) and chronic liver disease (14.7%), and trauma preceded infection in 16.3% of cases. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed high resistance to carbapenems, with resistance rates of 54.7% to meropenem and 27.8% to imipenem. In contrast, cephalosporins largely retained activity. Overall, 81.9% of patients recovered, whereas the mortality rate was 13.1% CONCLUSION: Aeromonas infections present with diverse clinical manifestations and may show substantial resistance to carbapenems. Early microbiological diagnosis and rational antibiotic selection are essential for optimal management and improved outcomes.

Introduction: People with profound Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-associated immunosuppression are often prone to multiple opportunistic diseases. The diagnosis can be challenging. We present a case in which a patient was diagnosed with two AIDS defining diagnoses with an overlapping clinical spectrum.

Case presentation: A 30-year-old person living with known HIV-1 infection presented for re-initiation of antiretroviral therapy after a five-year treatment interruption, reporting weight loss, night sweats, and disseminated reddish-violaceous skin lesions. Laboratory tests showed advanced immunosuppression (CD4 count 20/µl) and high viral load. Bronchoscopy demonstrated no mucosal Kaposi lesions. Histopathological analysis of gastric and duodenal biopsies revealed no evidence of Kaposi's sarcoma but showed abundant intracellular Leishmania spp. within histiocytes of the lamina propria. Molecular testing by Leishmania ITS1 PCR confirmed L. infantum from gastroduodenal tissue, whole blood and sputum. In contrast, skin biopsy displayed dermal infiltrates characteristic of Kaposi's sarcoma with concomitant leishmaniasis. The diagnoses of visceral leishmaniasis, Kaposi's sarcoma, and advanced HIV infection (WHO stage 4 / AIDS) were established. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and antiretroviral therapy was well tolerated and led to clinical improvement.

Conclusion: This case highlights how visceral leishmaniasis can mimic Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV, posing a major diagnostic challenge. Early recognition and comprehensive workup are essential, and rising climatic suitability underlines the need for heightened clinical awareness beyond classical endemic areas.

Background: Candida endocarditis (CE) is a rare but highly lethal complication of candidemia, comprising 1-2% of infective endocarditis cases, yet associated with disproportionately high mortality. Large-scale contemporary data on predictors of in-hospital death remain limited.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2022) to identify adult CE hospitalizations. Weighted descriptive statistics described the cohort, and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs.

Results: Among 1280 CE hospitalizations, in-hospital mortality was 18.8%. Predictors of higher mortality included age 45-64 years (aOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.57-4.41) and ≥ 75 years (aOR 2.11; 95% CI 1.06-4.19), hematologic malignancy (aOR 33.5; 95% CI 12.3-101), surgical ventricular assist devices (aOR 45.7; 95% CI 8.25-284), femoral (aOR 12.9; 95% CI 4.78-36.0) or subclavian (aOR 22.4; 95% CI 5.65-82.7) central venous catheters, septic shock (aOR 9.47; 95% CI 6.21-14.8), embolic stroke (aOR 10.5; 95% CI 4.72-23.9), cardiogenic shock (aOR 3.69; 95% CI 1.61-8.51), and acute kidney injury (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.04-2.60). Valve intervention significantly reduced mortality (aOR 0.04; 95% CI 0.01-0.09). Non-survivors had longer hospital stays (median 24 vs. 19 days) and nearly double the hospitalization costs ($117,808 vs. $61,178).

Conclusions: In this nationally representative cohort, CE remained highly lethal, with age, malignancy, invasive devices, and critical complications driving mortality. Valve intervention conferred substantial survival benefit, underscoring the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary care, and timely surgical evaluation.