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Introduction: Assessment of the denture plaque can provide a valuable report regarding the oral health of geriatric patients and the oral hygiene habits in this population group. Focusing on the current research gap on this topic in Romania, our research aims to highlight the microbial plaque on the different surfaces and types of removable poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) prostheses to qualitatively evaluate the microbial species, and to assess the combined effect of mechanical and chemical cleaning of dentures on the prosthetic microbiome.

Methods: The prosthetic plaque from four denture wearers was identified with a UV activated fluorescent revealer and digitally photographed. Swab samples according to a certain hygiene protocol were cultured on three different growth media such as blood agar (BA), bromothymol blue lactose agar (AABTL) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA).

Results: Denture plaque was variably distributed on the surface of the prostheses. Regardless of the denture type (conventional complete denture, tooth or implant supported overdenture, removable partial denture) the microbial plaque was identified at the retentive areas, especially at interdental spaces. The main plaque deposition areas were the vestibular incline of the labial flange of the maxillary denture and the lingual incline of the posterior lingual flange of the mandibular denture. The prosthetic microbiome consisted of pathogenic Gram-positive aerobes (Streptococcus spp. and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.), Gram-positive anaerobes (Actinomyces spp. and Klebsiella spp.) as well as subspecies of fungi of the genus Candida.

Conclusions: Despite its poor variety, the denture microbiome in the investigated cases hosts colonies with high pathogenic potential. Some areas of the prostheses are more likely to accumulate dental plaque. Dentists should insist through more regular checks of the patients and their caregivers on ensuring the biocontrol of the dentures, especially in frail geriatric patients exposed to greater risks related to general health.

Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the widest emerging severe viral tick-borne disease affecting humans. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) circulates by routine enzootic tick-vertebrate hosts-tick transmission cycles. We aimed to evaluate the molecular prevalence of CCHFV in ticks on a global scale.

Methods: A systematic procedure was used to perform this review and meta-analysis using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases from 1 January 2000 through 12 April 2023. Of the 2310 papers identified, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study.

Results: The overall prevalence of CCHFV was 4.0% (95%CI: 2.7-6.0%) in ticks on the global scale, with heterogeneity (I²=96.387; p=0.0001). The genus Hyalomma was shown as the most frequent tick infected with CCHFV 5.4% (95%CI: 3.3-8.7%). We found that the pooled prevalence of CCHFV was higher in Hyalomma aegyptium 27.6% (95%CI: 22.7-33.2%). The pooled prevalence was higher in Asia 5.1% (95%CI: 3.3-7.7%), and Spain 21.0% (95%CI: 3.4-66.9). The locations with annual rainfall of 401-1000 mm 6.1% (95%CI: 2.6-13.5%) and latitude of 31-40° 6.0% (95%CI: 4.1-8.9%) were associated with the greatest pooled prevalence of CCHFV in ticks.

Conclusions: Surveillance of CCHFV in ticks will give a better comprehension for the future implementation of public health interventions. The question of whether Hyalomma aegyptium is a plausible or certain vector should be the subject of further investigation.

Introduction: We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the epidemiology of Escherichia coli in bloodstream infections (BSI) of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Methods: For a comprehensive search of studies that reported the prevalence of E. coli and antibiotic resistance in bloodstream infections from 2000 to January 1, 2024, databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. The main keywords used were: Escherichia coli, epidemiology, bloodstream infection, microbial resistance, antibiotic resistance, hematopoietic malignancy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After applying eligibility criteria, and quality assessment of studies, data analysis was done by comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software.

Results: The prevalence of bacterial bloodstream infections amongst different studies varied between 8-51%. Also, bloodstream infections caused by E. coli varied between 2.5-57%. Prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) of Escherichia coli in bloodstream infections varied between 15-80%. As well, the mortality rate caused by Escherichia coli strains in bloodstream infection varied between 6.7-27.3%. Resistance to ciprofloxacin, cefepime, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, was reported to be the highest (prevalence of 100%), and the lowest was against amikacin, with a prevalence between 13-38%.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of Escherichia coli-related BSI, and subsequent mortality, especially by multidrug resistance and ESBL strains, in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, requires essential measures to prevent the spread of microbial resistance.

Introduction: Pseudoglutamicibacter cumminsii (formerly Arthrobacter cumminsii) is a microorganism rarely reported as a cause of infection. It is a Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-spore-forming bacterium belonging to the Micrococcaceae family. It is known for its environmental ubiquity, being frequently found in soil, water, and other ecological niches.

Case report: A 39-year-old woman with a history of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and multiple surgeries at the left lower extremity for osteomyelitis at the left tibia presented with a relapse of chronic osteomyelitis of the left tibia. She underwent surgical debridement, and cultures grew Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudoglutamicibacter cumminsii, according to identification with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. Targeted antimicrobial treatment with ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin-clavulanate for six weeks led to patient recovery.

Conclusions: Accurate identification by advanced diagnostic techniques is essential for effectively managing rare pathogens. Further research and reporting of cases are needed to understand better the epidemiology, pathogenesis, optimal treatment, and improved clinical outcomes associated with P. cumminsii infections.

Introduction: Actinotignum schaalii is a Gram-positive coccobacillus, and a member of the normal human microbiota. A. schaalii is considered as an emerging pathogen causing urinary tract infections among the elderly. Because of an anaerobic growth requirement and lack of knowledge on pathogenic potential following conventional microbiology laboratory techniques, A. schaalii is difficult to identify.

Case report: A previously well 24-year-old male presented to a tertiary care unit with fever, left flank pain, and dysuria for two days. He was initially treated with empiric oral ciprofloxacin by the general practitioner. Following admission, blood cultures and urine cultures were done, and empirical intra-venous piperacillin-tazobactam was started. X-ray of the pelvis revealed left-sided pyelonephritis and left ureteric calculi. A nephrostomy tube was inserted to relieve the obstruction which drained pus and was sent to microbiology laboratory in aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles. Two days later blood culture flagged positive for Gram-positive bacilli from the anaerobic bottle, and the pus from enriched anaerobic culture grew A. schaalii. The urine culture remained negative. By VITEK 2 anaerobic card and MALDI-TOF analysis, it was identified as A. schaalii. Following clinical improvement, he was discharged with oral doxycycline. Ureteric calculus was removed and remained sterile following 16s DNA analysis.

Conclusions: The urine Gram staining may have a role in detecting and considering anaerobic media to isolate A. schaalii. The novel diagnostic platforms are important to speciate the pathogen. Also, the lack of pathogen-specific breakpoints for antimicrobial susceptibilities made it a problem to decide on appropriate therapy.

Introduction: Sepsis and septic shock represent severe pathological states, characterized by the systemic response to infection, which can lead to organ dysfunction and high mortality. Early diagnosis and rapid intervention are crucial for improving survival chances. However, the diagnosis of sepsis is complex due to its nonspecific symptoms and the variability of patient responses to infections.

Methods: The objective of this research was to analyze the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock. The research method applied in the analysis of the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of sepsis and septic shock is the literature review.

Results: Among the benefits of using AI in the diagnosis of sepsis, it is noted that artificial intelligence can rapidly analyze large volumes of clinical data to identify early signs of sepsis, sometimes even before symptoms become evident to medical staff. AI models can use predictive algorithms to assess the risk of sepsis in patients, allowing for early interventions that can save lives. AI can contribute to the development of personalized treatment plans, adapting to the specific needs of each patient based on their medical history and response to treatment. The use of patient data to train AI models raises concerns regarding data privacy and security.

Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, offering powerful tools for early identification and management of this critical condition. However, to realize this potential, close collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and technology developers is necessary, as well as addressing ethical and implementation challenges.

Introduction: Urogenital tuberculosis (UGTB) is a frequent presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Recognizing this condition is paramount for healthcare providers, especially in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as it significantly influences both mortality and quality of life.

Case report: Case report This report presents the case of a 57-year-old male patient diagnosed with de novo HIV infection who presented with respiratory and urinary symptoms, and prostate abscess in a computed tomography. He was ultimately diagnosed with a tuberculous prostate abscess through real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions: Conclusions This case underscores the importance of utilizing molecular diagnostic tools in identifying UGTB, shedding light on their invaluable role in timely diagnosis.

Introduction: Acute otitis and sinusitis are common complications in patients with influenza and are responsible for increased hospitalization rates.

Methods: A five-year retrospective study (2018-2023) was conducted including all patients hospitalized for influenza (etiologic diagnosis by RT-PCR) to identify the incidence and characteristics of cases complicated with otitis and/or sinusitis. Cases associated with other viral co-infections were excluded from the analysis.

Results: We identified a cumulative rate of 20.6% (324 cases) of acute otitis (AO) and acute sinusitis (AS) among patients with influenza. Of these, 62.3% had AO, 28.1% AS, and 9.6% concomitant AO and AS. Cases of AO were predominant in the pediatric population (97.0%), while cases of AS were more common in adults (56.1%). Influenza A viruses were identified in 67.2% of patients. The infection with influenza B viruses increased the risk of acute congestive otitis media 2.1-fold (p=0.020), and influenza A viruses increased the risk of acute maxillary sinusitis 2.7-fold (p=0.029). Late presentation to the hospital, with a median of 4 days from the onset of influenza symptoms, was identified as a factor in the occurrence of AO and AS.

Conclusions: The risk of AO and AS is increased in patients with influenza, especially in the pediatric population and in late hospital presentations. These findings highlight the importance of proper monitoring and management of patients with influenza to prevent the development of complications, as well as the need to better understand the mechanisms whereby influenza viruses contribute to these secondary conditions.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 represents one of the most extensively researched pathogens in the last decade due to its major impact on humanity. Not only does this viral infection cause respiratory disturbances, but it also generates cardiovascular injury. Cardiac arrhythmias represent one of the main consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they can also occur in the context of antiviral treatment. Furthermore, arrhythmias do not always seem to be correlated with the severity of the lung injury. However, they represent a poor prognostic factor in terms of mortality, increasing the need for intensive care and the length of hospitalization.

Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 Statement, from September 2022 to October 2023, we conducted this study by examining the literature through the PubMed database using the following keywords: COVID-19, cardiac arrhythmias, and, in terms of study design, observational studies.

Results: We initially identified 266 studies across PubMed. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, we managed to include 22 studies in our review.

Conclusions: Deducing the pathophysiological mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2's ability to disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, as well as identifying associated risk factors in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, could allow targeted therapeutic interventions to decrease the risk of mortality in hospitalized patients.