Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503067
Lucía Argente-Colás , Miren Urmeneta , Sayoa Hernán-Gómez , Ana Navascués-Ortega , María-Eugenia Portillo , Miguel Fernández-Huerta
Introduction
Currently, diagnosis of dermatophyte onychomycosis relies on direct microscopic examination (DME) and fungal cultures of nail material. Herein, we aim to evaluate the clinical performance of the rapid antigen detection (RAD) assay PreventID Dermatophyte in comparison to conventional methods for the diagnosis of tinea unguium.
Methods
Between February and July 2024, 48 nail samples, collected at the Navarra University Hospital, Spain, were included in the evaluation. In addition to DME and culture, the RAD test was executed. In case of discrepancies, the qPCR assay Novaplex™ Dermatophyte was utilized.
Results
Overall, the RAD test performed well, comparable to DME or culture, with concordances of 80.9% and 80.0%, respectively. The existence of falsely-negative and falsely-positive results reinforces the use of complementary diagnostic procedures, such as DME and culture, for confirmatory testing.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the PreventID Dermatophyte test provides rapid and reliable results with acceptable performance.
{"title":"Clinical evaluation of a rapid antigen detection test for the diagnosis of tinea unguium","authors":"Lucía Argente-Colás , Miren Urmeneta , Sayoa Hernán-Gómez , Ana Navascués-Ortega , María-Eugenia Portillo , Miguel Fernández-Huerta","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503067","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503067","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Currently, diagnosis of dermatophyte onychomycosis relies on direct microscopic examination (DME) and fungal cultures of nail material. Herein, we aim to evaluate the clinical performance of the rapid antigen detection (RAD) assay PreventID Dermatophyte in comparison to conventional methods for the diagnosis of <em>tinea unguium</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between February and July 2024, 48 nail samples, collected at the Navarra University Hospital, Spain, were included in the evaluation. In addition to DME and culture, the RAD test was executed. In case of discrepancies, the qPCR assay Novaplex™ Dermatophyte was utilized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, the RAD test performed well, comparable to DME or culture, with concordances of 80.9% and 80.0%, respectively. The existence of falsely-negative and falsely-positive results reinforces the use of complementary diagnostic procedures, such as DME and culture, for confirmatory testing.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In conclusion, the PreventID Dermatophyte test provides rapid and reliable results with acceptable performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503067"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2025.503036
Julio Zarco Rodríguez , Jaime Lora-Tamayo Morillo-Velarde , Laura Morata Ruiz , Irantzu Rosselló Taberna , Xavier Oleart Martínez
Introduction
The care of patients with severe bacterial infections presents clinical, organizational, and human challenges. This study proposes a system to objectively assess the quality of humanized care in this context.
Methods
Using a multidisciplinary approach, unmet needs were identified and five strategic lines, twenty subdimensions, and a set of evaluation indicators were defined. The proposal was validated through a pilot in two hospitals.
Results
The indicators were designed to be applicable in different hospital settings to assess aspects such as treatment, care coordination, and communication. The pilot confirmed the feasibility of implementation and their usefulness for improvement planning.
Conclusions
The proposed indicator system is a useful tool to support progress toward more humanized and objectively measurable care for patients with severe bacterial infections.
{"title":"Development of humanization indicators for the care of patients with severe bacterial infections: Design and validation","authors":"Julio Zarco Rodríguez , Jaime Lora-Tamayo Morillo-Velarde , Laura Morata Ruiz , Irantzu Rosselló Taberna , Xavier Oleart Martínez","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2025.503036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2025.503036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The care of patients with severe bacterial infections presents clinical, organizational, and human challenges. This study proposes a system to objectively assess the quality of humanized care in this context.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a multidisciplinary approach, unmet needs were identified and five strategic lines, twenty subdimensions, and a set of evaluation indicators were defined. The proposal was validated through a pilot in two hospitals.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The indicators were designed to be applicable in different hospital settings to assess aspects such as treatment, care coordination, and communication. The pilot confirmed the feasibility of implementation and their usefulness for improvement planning.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The proposed indicator system is a useful tool to support progress toward more humanized and objectively measurable care for patients with severe bacterial infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503036"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145897131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503072
Laura Pérez-Martínez , Lourdes Romero , Esther Palacios , Raquel Barbero , Ana Moreno-Blanco , Rosa del Campo , José Ramón Blanco
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a substantial threat to global public health. While most efforts have focused on the acute phase SARS-CoV-2 infection, a significant proportion of individuals experience persistent symptoms after infection, known as “persistent COVID disease” (PCD). The etiology of PCD remains poorly understood, although some evidence suggests that microbiota, particularly those located in the upper respiratory tract, may play a role. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the composition of the oral microbiota, salivary cytokine, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration, between PCD and healthy controls.
Methods
We conducted an age- and sex-matched case–control study. Oral bacterial communities were profiled by 16S rDNA gene (V3–V4) amplicon high-throughput sequencing. Salivary IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were measured, and SCFA were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Cognitive and fatigue status were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS).
Results
Oral-microbiota α/β-diversity did not differ between groups; salivary cytokines were likewise similar. After Benjamini–Hochberg correction, no SCFA differences were significant (q > 0.05); valeric acid showed the strongest uncorrected signal (p = 0.02; r = 0.52) but not after adjustment (q = 0.23; power ≈0.73). CPD participants had lower MoCA and higher MFIS scores than controls (both p < 0.005).
Conclusions
The increase of valeric acid levels in PCD patients warrants further investigation to clarify its potential biological role and implications in the pathophysiology of this syndrome.
{"title":"Oral microbiota in patients with long COVID: A pilot study","authors":"Laura Pérez-Martínez , Lourdes Romero , Esther Palacios , Raquel Barbero , Ana Moreno-Blanco , Rosa del Campo , José Ramón Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a substantial threat to global public health. While most efforts have focused on the acute phase SARS-CoV-2 infection, a significant proportion of individuals experience persistent symptoms after infection, known as “persistent COVID disease” (PCD). The etiology of PCD remains poorly understood, although some evidence suggests that microbiota, particularly those located in the upper respiratory tract, may play a role. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in the composition of the oral microbiota, salivary cytokine, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration, between PCD and healthy controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted an age- and sex-matched case–control study. Oral bacterial communities were profiled by 16S rDNA gene (V3–V4) amplicon high-throughput sequencing. Salivary IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were measured, and SCFA were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Cognitive and fatigue status were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Oral-microbiota α/β-diversity did not differ between groups; salivary cytokines were likewise similar. After Benjamini–Hochberg correction, no SCFA differences were significant (<em>q</em> <!-->><!--> <!-->0.05); valeric acid showed the strongest uncorrected signal (<em>p</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.02; <em>r</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.52) but not after adjustment (<em>q</em> <!-->=<!--> <!-->0.23; power ≈0.73). CPD participants had lower MoCA and higher MFIS scores than controls (both <em>p</em> <!--><<!--> <!-->0.005).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The increase of valeric acid levels in PCD patients warrants further investigation to clarify its potential biological role and implications in the pathophysiology of this syndrome.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503072"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503053
Rosa Anna Passerotto , Gabriele Giuliano , Domenico Tarantino , Francesca Raffaelli , Francesco Taccari , Giuseppe Puma , Enrica Tamburrini , Carlo Torti , Giancarlo Scoppettuolo
Introduction
Infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria pose a significant challenge in immunocompromised patients. Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) has emerged as a promising alternative to inpatient care, allowing patients to receive intravenous antimicrobial therapy at home while potentially improving their quality of life. However, data on the efficacy and safety of OPAT in immunocompromised patients remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and clinical outcomes of OPAT in this vulnerable population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at a teaching hospital in Rome from 2020 to 2024. We included immunocompromised adult patients (≥18 years) with Gram-negative bacterial infections treated with OPAT. The primary effectiveness endpoint was treatment response. Safety endpoints included adverse events and complications.
Results
A total of 149 immunocompromised patients were included, with a median age of 64 years. The most common infections were urinary tract infections (51.7%) and bloodstream infections (16.8%). The most frequently isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (41.9%), Klebsiella spp. (22.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.1%). The overall clinical cure rate was 88.6% (132/149), while 4.0% (6/149) experienced treatment failure and 3.4% (5/149) had infection recurrence within 60 days. Nearly all patients (91.9%) completed their OPAT treatment course without interruptions. Hospital readmission occurred in 7.4% (11/149) of cases. Complications were rare (5/149, 3.4%).
Conclusion
OPAT proved to be an effective and safe strategy for managing Gram-negative infections in immunocompromised patients. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring contributed to favorable outcomes. Further studies are needed to optimize OPAT protocols in this population.
{"title":"Management of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria in severely immunocompromised hosts employing Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT): Preliminary evidence from a real-world observational study","authors":"Rosa Anna Passerotto , Gabriele Giuliano , Domenico Tarantino , Francesca Raffaelli , Francesco Taccari , Giuseppe Puma , Enrica Tamburrini , Carlo Torti , Giancarlo Scoppettuolo","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria pose a significant challenge in immunocompromised patients. Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) has emerged as a promising alternative to inpatient care, allowing patients to receive intravenous antimicrobial therapy at home while potentially improving their quality of life. However, data on the efficacy and safety of OPAT in immunocompromised patients remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and clinical outcomes of OPAT in this vulnerable population.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at a teaching hospital in Rome from 2020 to 2024. We included immunocompromised adult patients (≥18 years) with Gram-negative bacterial infections treated with OPAT. The primary effectiveness endpoint was treatment response. Safety endpoints included adverse events and complications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 149 immunocompromised patients were included, with a median age of 64 years. The most common infections were urinary tract infections (51.7%) and bloodstream infections (16.8%). The most frequently isolated pathogens were <em>Escherichia coli</em> (41.9%), <em>Klebsiella</em> spp. (22.8%), and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> (19.1%). The overall clinical cure rate was 88.6% (132/149), while 4.0% (6/149) experienced treatment failure and 3.4% (5/149) had infection recurrence within 60 days. Nearly all patients (91.9%) completed their OPAT treatment course without interruptions. Hospital readmission occurred in 7.4% (11/149) of cases. Complications were rare (5/149, 3.4%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>OPAT proved to be an effective and safe strategy for managing Gram-negative infections in immunocompromised patients. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring contributed to favorable outcomes. Further studies are needed to optimize OPAT protocols in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503053"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503078
Estela Giménez , Eliseo Albert
{"title":"CMV-specific cellular immunity in solid organ transplantation: Challenges and opportunities for clinical implementation","authors":"Estela Giménez , Eliseo Albert","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503078","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503078","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503078"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503030
Diana Ruiz-Cabrera , Francisco Montoya , Joaquín Sáez-Peñataro , José Riera , Pablo Manuel Vargas , Ester López-Suñé , María López-Pont , Marina Martinez-Illán , Alba Catala , Montse Tuset , Irene Fuertes , Xavier Forns , Jose Luis Blanco
Introduction
In the context of the global Mpox outbreak from 2022 to 2024, tecovirimat has been widely used for Mpox treatment, initially demonstrating good tolerance and low toxicity. However, recent studies suggest limited efficacy in reducing Mpox lesions.
Methods
We present the first reported case of significant hepatocellular injury associated with tecovirimat in a patient with Mpox. Pharmacovigilance databases were reviewed to identify any previously reported cases and a literature review was conducted to support the plausibility of this adverse drug reaction.
Results
A 53-year-old man without HIV infection presented with Mpox involving mucocutaneous lesions and suspected encephalitis. Forty-eight hours after initiating tecovirimat, a two-fold increase in liver enzymes was observed. After one week, peak values were recorded: AST 881 U/L, ALT 656 U/L, and LDH 1011 U/L. By the third week, thrombocytopenia (nadir 106,000/mm3) and prolonged prothrombin time (lowest value 55.3%) developed, consistent with moderate liver injury per the US DILIN severity index. Tecovirimat was discontinued on day 7 due to suspected drug-induced liver injury. A thorough evaluation ruled out alternative causes of hepatic damage. Following discontinuation, liver function tests gradually improved, and by week six post-initiation, complete resolution of hepatocellular injury and liver dysfunction was achieved without sequelae.
Conclusions
This case highlights the need for caution when prescribing tecovirimat, particularly given its uncertain clinical efficacy, and stresses the importance of close monitoring for potential hepatotoxic effects.
在2022年至2024年全球Mpox暴发的背景下,tecovirimat已被广泛用于Mpox治疗,初步显示出良好的耐受性和低毒性。然而,最近的研究表明,减少m痘病变的疗效有限。方法:我们报道了首例与替可韦莫相关的显著肝细胞损伤病例。对药物警戒数据库进行了审查,以确定任何先前报告的病例,并对文献进行了回顾,以支持这种药物不良反应的合理性。结果1例53岁男性,未感染HIV,出现m痘,伴粘膜皮肤病变,疑似脑炎。服用替可维明48小时后,观察到肝酶增加两倍。一周后测得峰值:AST 881 U/L, ALT 656 U/L, LDH 1011 U/L。到第三周,出现血小板减少(最低106,000/mm3)和凝血酶原时间延长(最低55.3%),符合美国DILIN严重程度指数的中度肝损伤。由于怀疑药物性肝损伤,在第7天停用替科维莫。彻底的评估排除了肝损伤的其他原因。停药后,肝功能测试逐渐改善,到开始治疗后第6周,肝细胞损伤和肝功能障碍完全消除,无后遗症。结论:本病例强调了在处方替科韦利莫时需要谨慎,特别是考虑到其不确定的临床疗效,并强调了密切监测潜在肝毒性作用的重要性。
{"title":"Tecovirimat hepatotoxicity in a man with Mpox infection","authors":"Diana Ruiz-Cabrera , Francisco Montoya , Joaquín Sáez-Peñataro , José Riera , Pablo Manuel Vargas , Ester López-Suñé , María López-Pont , Marina Martinez-Illán , Alba Catala , Montse Tuset , Irene Fuertes , Xavier Forns , Jose Luis Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In the context of the global Mpox outbreak from 2022 to 2024, tecovirimat has been widely used for Mpox treatment, initially demonstrating good tolerance and low toxicity. However, recent studies suggest limited efficacy in reducing Mpox lesions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We present the first reported case of significant hepatocellular injury associated with tecovirimat in a patient with Mpox. Pharmacovigilance databases were reviewed to identify any previously reported cases and a literature review was conducted to support the plausibility of this adverse drug reaction.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A 53-year-old man without HIV infection presented with Mpox involving mucocutaneous lesions and suspected encephalitis. Forty-eight hours after initiating tecovirimat, a two-fold increase in liver enzymes was observed. After one week, peak values were recorded: AST 881<!--> <!-->U/L, ALT 656<!--> <!-->U/L, and LDH 1011<!--> <!-->U/L. By the third week, thrombocytopenia (nadir 106,000/mm<sup>3</sup>) and prolonged prothrombin time (lowest value 55.3%) developed, consistent with moderate liver injury per the US DILIN severity index. Tecovirimat was discontinued on day 7 due to suspected drug-induced liver injury. A thorough evaluation ruled out alternative causes of hepatic damage. Following discontinuation, liver function tests gradually improved, and by week six post-initiation, complete resolution of hepatocellular injury and liver dysfunction was achieved without sequelae.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This case highlights the need for caution when prescribing tecovirimat, particularly given its uncertain clinical efficacy, and stresses the importance of close monitoring for potential hepatotoxic effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503030"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503054
Raquel Zaragozá González , Carlos de Leonardo Simón , Melisa Hernández Febles , Eduardo Lagarejos González , Iñigo Rúa-Figueroa , María del Val Groba Marco , María del Mar Perera Alvarez , Antonio García Quintana , María José Pena López
Introduction
Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is associated with diverse clinical manifestations. While acute infection in immunocompetent adults is generally considered mild, recent European outbreaks and an increase in severe cases highlight the need to always keep this virus in mind. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of acute PVB19 infection in immunocompetent adults requiring hospital care.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of immunocompetent patients over 14 years old diagnosed with acute PVB19 infection at a Gran Canaria tertiary hospital (2014–2024). Diagnosis was based on detection of viral DNA and/or specific IgM.
Results
Forty-three patients were included (mean age 40.6 ± 13.9 years; 44.2% male). A marked increase in cases was observed in 2024 (51.2% of total). Clinical manifestations included acute polyarthritis (37.2%), cardiac involvement (34.9%), erythema (16.3%), fever of unknown origin, meningitis, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Cardiac involvement, mostly in males, included dilated cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and myocarditis, and was associated with two deaths. Hematological abnormalities were frequent (up to 80% in cardiac patients). Two additional patients developed systemic inflammatory diseases. Serological testing alone failed to confirm diagnosis in several cases, needing molecular testing of alternative samples.
Conclusions
Our findings underscore the diverse and potentially severe presentation of PVB19 infection in immunocompetent adults. The high incidence of cardiac involvement and diagnostic challenges highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and clinical awareness. Incorporating PVB19 into differential diagnoses for hospitalized patients with unexplained inflammatory or hematological syndromes may improve timely recognition and management.
{"title":"Human parvovirus B19 infection in immunocompetent adults: A diagnostic challenge due to its multiple clinical manifestations","authors":"Raquel Zaragozá González , Carlos de Leonardo Simón , Melisa Hernández Febles , Eduardo Lagarejos González , Iñigo Rúa-Figueroa , María del Val Groba Marco , María del Mar Perera Alvarez , Antonio García Quintana , María José Pena López","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is associated with diverse clinical manifestations. While acute infection in immunocompetent adults is generally considered mild, recent European outbreaks and an increase in severe cases highlight the need to always keep this virus in mind. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of acute PVB19 infection in immunocompetent adults requiring hospital care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective study of immunocompetent patients over 14 years old diagnosed with acute PVB19 infection at a Gran Canaria tertiary hospital (2014–2024). Diagnosis was based on detection of viral DNA and/or specific IgM.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Forty-three patients were included (mean age 40.6<!--> <!-->±<!--> <!-->13.9 years; 44.2% male). A marked increase in cases was observed in 2024 (51.2% of total). Clinical manifestations included acute polyarthritis (37.2%), cardiac involvement (34.9%), erythema (16.3%), fever of unknown origin, meningitis, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Cardiac involvement, mostly in males, included dilated cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and myocarditis, and was associated with two deaths. Hematological abnormalities were frequent (up to 80% in cardiac patients). Two additional patients developed systemic inflammatory diseases. Serological testing alone failed to confirm diagnosis in several cases, needing molecular testing of alternative samples.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings underscore the diverse and potentially severe presentation of PVB19 infection in immunocompetent adults. The high incidence of cardiac involvement and diagnostic challenges highlight the need for enhanced surveillance and clinical awareness. Incorporating PVB19 into differential diagnoses for hospitalized patients with unexplained inflammatory or hematological syndromes may improve timely recognition and management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503054"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503076
Emilse Daniela Diaz Lobo , Emilio Felipe Huaier Arriuazu , Mariana Vaena , Diana Hongn , Jessica del Valle Molina , Diego Hernan Giunta , Gabriela Alejandra Blugerman , Marisa del Lujan Sanchez
Introduction
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an increasingly recognised cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. However, data on RSV burden in Latin American countries remain limited. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RSV infection in non-severely immunocompromised adults receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Argentina.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adults aged ≥60 years, or ≥50 with comorbidities, diagnosed with RSV between January 2013 and December 2019. The primary outcome was clinical status at days 0, 7, and 30 after diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, hospitalisation, ICU admission, and healthcare utilisation.
Results
Of 262 patients included (median age: 82 years), 77.5% were hospitalised at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were cough (62.2%) and dyspnea (58.0%), with abnormal chest imaging in 55.8% of cases. Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was present in 63.7% and severe LRTI in 53.4%. At 30 days, only 57.3% had fully recovered. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 7.6%. ICU admission occurred in 27.1% of patients. Factors associated with worse clinical outcomes included age >85 years, history of heart disease, hypoxemia, abnormal imaging, and ICU admission.
Conclusions
RSV infection in adults is associated with a significant clinical burden and considerable functional impairment. At 30 days post-diagnosis, only 57.3% of patients had been discharged and returned to normal activities. These findings underscore the need for improved preventive strategies and strengthened surveillance in this population.
{"title":"Respiratory syncytial virus infection in non-severely immunocompromised adults: Clinical features and outcomes from a tertiary university hospital in Argentina","authors":"Emilse Daniela Diaz Lobo , Emilio Felipe Huaier Arriuazu , Mariana Vaena , Diana Hongn , Jessica del Valle Molina , Diego Hernan Giunta , Gabriela Alejandra Blugerman , Marisa del Lujan Sanchez","doi":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an increasingly recognised cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. However, data on RSV burden in Latin American countries remain limited. We aim to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RSV infection in non-severely immunocompromised adults receiving care at a tertiary hospital in Argentina.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adults aged ≥60 years, or ≥50 with comorbidities, diagnosed with RSV between January 2013 and December 2019. The primary outcome was clinical status at days 0, 7, and 30 after diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, hospitalisation, ICU admission, and healthcare utilisation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 262 patients included (median age: 82 years), 77.5% were hospitalised at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were cough (62.2%) and dyspnea (58.0%), with abnormal chest imaging in 55.8% of cases. Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was present in 63.7% and severe LRTI in 53.4%. At 30 days, only 57.3% had fully recovered. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 7.6%. ICU admission occurred in 27.1% of patients. Factors associated with worse clinical outcomes included age >85 years, history of heart disease, hypoxemia, abnormal imaging, and ICU admission.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>RSV infection in adults is associated with a significant clinical burden and considerable functional impairment. At 30 days post-diagnosis, only 57.3% of patients had been discharged and returned to normal activities. These findings underscore the need for improved preventive strategies and strengthened surveillance in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72916,"journal":{"name":"Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica (English ed.)","volume":"44 2","pages":"Article 503076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146116798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}