Journal of Infection in Developing Countries最新文献

Introduction: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a diverse group of environmental microorganisms, most non-pathogenic. Most people come into contact with NTM during their lives. Still, the infection occurs in people with previous lung comorbidities, weakened immune systems, and the elderly. This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with NTM.

Methodology: The research was conducted in the form of a retrospective study, which included 23 patients with a diagnosis of NTM who were treated at the Clinic for Tuberculosis and Interstitial Lung Diseases of the Institute of Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina in Sremska Kamenica from 2014 to 2023.

Results: Patients were predominantly male (15, 65.2%). The most common type of NTM was Mycobacterium xenopi in 8 patients (34.8%), as well as the way of establishing the diagnosis in patients who had negative direct microscopy and culture confirmation (12, 52.2%), followed by positive direct microscopy and culture confirmation (10, 43.5%). Smokers were the most frequent (10, 55.6%). The most common comorbidity was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10, 43.5%). A statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of the method of proof across different types of non-tuberculous mycobacterium infections (Fisher's exact test = 21.928; p = 0.006). Fatal outcomes were seen in 17.6% of patients.

Conclusions: A detailed history, evaluation of clinical features, radiological findings, and microbiological samples are required in patients with suspected NTM infection. Raising suspicion and speeding up diagnostic procedures in these patients is of great importance for the timely initiation of treatment and reduction of mortality.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly accelerated the development of diagnostic techniques. Real‑time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR) was the method of choice for diagnosis and was considered as the gold standard. However, limited specificity of RT-PCR was noticed during the pandemic. This research aimed to develop a combined highly specific immune-based and highly sensitive molecular-based diagnostic technique.

Methodology: Groups of chicken were immunized with commercial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) N, S, and E antigens. The IgY antibodies were purified from eggs using a High-Trap IgY affinity column. Three unique DNA barcodes were designed, synthesized, and amplified using 5'-amine-labeled forward primers. DNA barcodes purified form PCR products were coupled to IgY antibodies using the (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) - N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC-NHS) coupling chemistry. ELISA; SDS-PAGEs; immunoblot (IB); and uniplex-, duplex- and multiplex immuno-PCR (IPCR) were used to confirm system validity.

Results: Amplification of single barcodes using RT-PCR showed a Ct value of 15, with no significant variation when amplified in duplex or multiplex formats. Chicken IgY-DNA barcode conjugation and reactivity were verified using IB and ELISA. IPCR resulted in efficient amplification of all three DNA barcodes in uniplex, duplex, and multiplex formats after binding to commercial N, S, and E antigens.

Conclusions: The successful combination of the specific antibody-based techniques, low-cost chicken IgY antibodies, and RT-PCR sensitivity achieved in this study present a promising approach to meet the demand for sensitive and accurate diagnostics. This generic platform can be adopted in any analyte detection system.

Introduction: The hospital environment is an important source of nosocomial infections. Surfaces in the hospital facilities may be considered as microbial reservoirs that can cause patient contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of surfaces and equipment in the Mohammed V Hospital, located in Al-Hoceima, Morocco.

Methodology: A total of 360 samples of surfaces were collected by swabbing from 5 service departments (intensive care unit (ICU), maternity, neonatology, operating room, and pediatric) over a period of 1 year (January-December 2021). The samples were analyzed at the provincial public health laboratory of Al-Hoceima. Isolation and identification of bacteria were performed according to conventional bacteriology methods.

Results: The results indicated that 34.4% (124/360) samples were contaminated. The ICU was the most contaminated service and the frequency of contaminated samples was 50%. The most contaminated sampling sites were soap for hand washing (27.4%), trolleys (25.8%), and sinks (22.6%). Gram-positive bacteria represented 51.6% of the contaminants. The most isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (50%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.5%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.4%). Extended spectrum beta lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae represented 31.7% of the contaminants. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) accounted for 17.6% of the contaminants.

Conclusions: This study provided important data that can guide the nosocomial infection control committee to manage the risks related to contaminated hospital surfaces through the establishment of an adequate risk analysis strategy.

Introduction: Livestock is vital to Angola's economy, with cattle farming being especially important in Bié Province. Productivity is hampered by tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) infestation, causing damage and potential transmission of pathogens. Despite known tick diversity in Angola, recent data for Bié Province are lacking.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to August 2024 in Bié Province across 11 localities, covering commercial and family-based cattle systems. Systematic random sampling was used to examine 686 cattle for ticks during early dry and rainy seasons. Ticks were collected from 7 anatomical regions and morphologically identified; the data were analyzed for seasonal variation, spatial distribution, and gender ratio.

Results: A total of 3,136 adult ticks were collected from 686 cattle (30.3% infestation rate). Ten species across 3 genera were identified, namely Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, and Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus evertsi mimeticus was the most prevalent (27.9%), followed by R. evertsi evertsi (13.2%), R. (Boophilus) decoloratus (13.1%), and Amblyomma variegatum (12.3%). Tick abundance was quite similar between seasons, and females predominated (51.1%). Infestation varies by commune.

Conclusions: The findings reveal substantial tick diversity in Bié Province and confirm ongoing exposure of cattle to multiple species.

Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a major public health concern for the pediatric population. Diarrheal surveillance in Venezuela following the implementation of the rotavirus vaccines has been discontinuous, resulting in a lack of knowledge of the true epidemiological burden. This study investigated retrospectively the occurrence of enteropathogenic virus infections and potential changes in the etiological pattern of diarrheal disease in Venezuelan children during the post-vaccination period.

Methodology: Stool samples from 150 children with AGE and 148 controls under five years old collected in 2012-2013, were analyzed using molecular assays by rotavirus, norovirus, human adenovirus, human astrovirus, and Aichi virus. Clinical and sociodemographic associations were assessed.

Results and conclusions: At least one virus was found in 66 (44%) of the children with AGE, and in 12 (8.1%) of the control group (p < 0.0001), mostly under 24 months old. Norovirus and rotavirus prevailed significantly in the AGE group (19.3% and 18%, respectively) compared to the control group (4.7% and 0%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Astrovirus, adenovirus, and Aichi virus were found in 5.3% or less of the children. Malnutrition, lack of breastfeeding, absence of rotavirus vaccination, and lower socioeconomic status were more frequent among AGE children than in controls (p = 0.014). This study suggests that rotavirus continued circulating widely even after vaccine introduction. It emphasizes the importance of norovirus and other viruses (adenovirus, astrovirus, and Aichi virus) as potentially emerging causes of pediatric diarrhea. Future strategies for precise health management and prevention of viral diarrhea should include surveillance using molecular methods alongside sanitation efforts and measures to reduce poverty and malnutrition.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to determine the rates of biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n: 136) isolates from different samples collected from intensive care patients; and to determine the synergistic effects of the combination of ceftazidime and colistin, and the inhibitory effect of baicalin on biofilm formation in strong biofilm-producing bacteria (3+).

Methodology: Previous studies have performed biofilm grading based on microplate absorbance measurement to phenotype the biofilm formation rate. The in vitro synergistic efficacy of the combination of colistin and ceftazidime was evaluated using the checkerboard method for strains with 3+ biofilm test results. In addition, sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC; MIC/2, MIC/4, MIC/8) values of the biofilm inhibitory effect of baicalin were determined.

Results: The biofilm microplate method identified 5.15% of the isolates producing strong (3+) biofilms. Baicalin inhibited biofilm formation by 67.00-90.64% at sub-MIC concentration of 512 µg/mL, in 7 strong biofilm-producing isolates. These findings suggest that baicalin is a potential adjunctive therapy for disrupting biofilms, although the combination of ceftazidime and colistin may not be effective in this context.

Conclusions: No synergistic effect of ceftazidime and colistin antibiotics was detected in high biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolates from an intensive care unit, and it was determined that certain concentrations of baicalin were effective in biofilm formation.

Introduction: African Swine Fever (ASF) poses a significant threat to swine populations and the global pork industry. Effective surveillance is critical for early detection and control of the disease. However, active surveillance programs may face challenges in sensitivity, particularly in regions like Serbia, where ASF is an emerging concern.

Methodology: This study evaluated the sensitivity of active surveillance efforts for ASF in Serbia, focusing on sampling strategies, diagnostic methods, and data analysis. Surveillance activities included field sampling in high-risk areas, testing of domestic pigs and wild boars, and assessment of diagnostic accuracy for early detection.

Results: The analysis revealed low sensitivity in the current active surveillance framework, attributed to suboptimal sampling density, limited diagnostic reliability, and logistical constraints in high-risk regions. These limitations potentially delay ASF detection, increasing the risk of disease spread and complicating control measures.

Conclusions: Enhancing ASF surveillance in Serbia requires improving sampling strategies, deploying advanced diagnostic tools, and addressing logistical challenges to increase detection sensitivity and safeguard the swine industry.

Introduction: Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) is a commensal that mainly colonizes in the microflora of the genitourinary tracts and is associated with urogenital tract infections. There are reports of central nervous system (CNS) infections in neonates caused by M. hominis. Nevertheless, M. hominis CNS infections in non-neonatal patients are extremely rare. Herein, we have reported a case of a man who suffered from intracranial infection secondary to M. hominis after neurosurgical operation. Additionally, we reviewed the relevant published literature to raise awareness on such infections and highlight the importance of proper treatments.

Case presentation: A 68-year-old man underwent emergence craniotomy for intracerebellar hemorrhage. He presented with a moderate fever unresponsive to piperacillin-tazobactam on the seventh day after the surgery. His body temperature continued to increase, and he presented with signs of CNS infection. The antimicrobial therapy was switched to meropenem and vancomycin. No obvious reduction in the body temperature was observed. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained previously revealed tiny point colonies which were morphologically consistent with M. hominis and subsequently confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Thus, M. hominis induced intracranial infection was diagnosed, and a combination therapy with moxifloxacin and minocycline was implemented. Fortunately, the patient's body temperature decreased to normal range after effective antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions: Based on the lesson of our case and a thorough review of published literature, the possibility of M. hominis induced CNS infections after neurosurgical intervention should not be ignored, especially when there is no response to standard antimicrobial therapy.

Introduction: Annually, scabies affects more than 400 million people worldwide and is an important public health problem. This study investigated the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with scabies at a major dermatologic clinic in Turkiye in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology: A retrospective evaluation was performed on outpatients diagnosed with scabies between 2014 and 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0.

Results: In total, 759 of the 48,381 patients (1.6%) who visited the dermatology outpatient clinic were diagnosed with scabies. The incidence rate of scabies was 0.5-0.9% before the pandemic, which increased to 3.1-4.4% in 2020-2022. Cases were more common in October-December (36.5%), and 57.9% of patients were 18-44 years old. Those aged 1-6 years showed an increased rate of scabies from 3% to 7.8% during the pandemic. There was no significant difference according to gender or nationality. All patients complained of itching, and 35% had a history of contact with individuals who were diagnosed with scabies. The recurrence rate was 27.3%. Lesions of 73.1% of patients showed a generalized distribution, as well as local lesions on the hands (7.9%), genital area (6.4%), trunk (4.0%), arms (3.0%), legs (2.8%), feet (1.6%), and head (1.2%).

Conclusions: The results emphasize that scabies can develop regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, and periods such as pandemics may delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to a higher occurrence of the disease.