Breakthrough invasive fungal infections on isavuconazole prophylaxis in hematologic malignancy & hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

Background: Isavuconazole (ISA) is a newer antifungal used in patients with history of hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic transplant and cellular therapies (HM/TCT). Although it has a more favorable side-effect profile, breakthrough invasive fungal infections (bIFIs) while on ISA have been reported.

Methods: In this single-center retrospective study evaluating HM/TCT patients who received prophylactic ISA for ≥7 days, we evaluated the incidence and potential risk factors for bIFIs.

Early administration of SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody reduces the risk of mortality in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplant patients with COVID-19.

Background: Data on severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 monoclonal antibody (SARS-CoV-2-specific mAb) use in hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HM/HCT) patients are limited. Here, we describe our experience with the use of casirivimab-imdevimab or bamlanivimab for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in HM/HCT patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review at the University of Miami Hospital and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for HM/HCT patients with COVID-19 who received casirivimab-imdevimab or bamlanivimab from November 21, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

Is the Omicron variant truly less virulent in solid organ transplant recipients?

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at high risk for severe disease with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Emerging variants of concern have disproportionately affected this population. Data on severity and outcomes with the Omicron variant in SOT recipients are limited.

Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Kidney Disease in HIV Infected Individuals - A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Kidney disease is the fourth most common cause of non-AIDS-related mortality in people living with HIV. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains the cornerstone of treatment. However, little is known about the impact of cART on disease outcomes in patients with HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) and HIV-immune complex kidney disease (HIVICK).

Unusual presentation of infection in an immunocompetent patient.

Introduction: infections are being increasingly reported in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. We describe a case of infection with an atypical presentation in an immunocompetent patient.

Case Presentation: A previously healthy 47-year-old gentleman presented with hiccups and paroxysmal spasms.

Passive transfer of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with platelet transfusions.

Background: Although over 5000 platelet transfusions occur daily in the United States, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in platelet units is not commonly evaluated for. The effects of platelet transfusions with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies remain largely unknown. We evaluated single-donor (apheresis) platelet units for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and determined if platelet transfusions passively transferred antibodies to seronegative recipients.

Hospital-Acquired Bloodstream Infections in Patients Hospitalized With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection (Coronavirus Disease 2019): Association With Immunosuppressive Therapies.

Background: Immunosuppressive therapies proposed for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management may predispose to secondary infections. We evaluated the association of immunosuppressive therapies with bloodstream-infections (BSIs) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods: This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 over a 5-month period.

A tale of caution: prolonged bacteraemia after probiotic use in an immunocompetent child.

Introduction: as a probiotic supplement is increasingly used in both adult and paediatric patient populations. There is limited awareness about potential adverse effects.

Case Presentation: We report a case of prolonged (111 days) bacteraemia after brief probiotic use in a 17-month-old immunocompetent child, without a definite focus of infection and in the absence of predisposing risk factors or underlying co-morbidities.

Mucormycosis after Coronavirus disease 2019 infection in a heart transplant recipient - Case report and review of literature.

Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection (IFI) due to several species of saprophytic fungi, occurring in patients with underlying co-morbidities (including organ transplantation). During the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been increasing reports of bacterial and fungal co-infections occurring in COVID-19 patients, including COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). We describe a case of mucormycosis occurring after COVID-19, in an individual who received a recent heart transplant for severe heart failure.

Subacute Thyroiditis from COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Introduction: The novel severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has led to the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease pandemic. There are increasing reports of extrapulmonary clinical features of COVID-19, either as initial presentations or sequelae of disease. We report a patient diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis precipitated by COVID-19 infection, as well as review the literature of similar cases.

COVID-19 in an Asymptomatic Renal Transplant Recipient Employed in the Health Care Setting: A Case Report.

During the ongoing pandemic, there have been varying presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with the concern that patients who are immunosuppressed (due to underlying medical conditions and/or therapies) are at higher risk of severe disease. We report the case of an elderly renal transplant recipient working in a long-term health care facility who was being monitored by weekly surveillance testing and tested positive for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, despite having no clinical symptoms. He recovered with supportive care, despite being on multiple long-term immunosuppressant drugs and having multiple comorbidities.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis co-infection - A case report and review of literature.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause significant global morbidity and mortality, leading to the need to study the course of the disease in different clinical circumstances and patient populations. While co-infection between COVID-19 and many pathogens has been reported, there has been limited published research regarding co-infection with . We describe a case of co-infection involving COVID-19 and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in a patient with cirrhosis, and review the current literature regarding COVID-19 and tuberculosis co-infection.

Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Renal Transplant Recipients After Influenza Vaccination.

Vaccination with the inactivated influenza vaccine is routinely recommended for all patients before and after transplant, with reduction in complications noted in transplant recipients. The vaccine is relatively well tolerated with few mild side effects. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can reactivate in both solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, with some patients progressing to disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) presenting as purulent fulminant myopericarditis and cardiac tamponade: A case report and literature review.

The vast majority of patients in the ongoing coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic primarily present with severe respiratory illness. We report a Covid-19 patient who presented with findings of acute coronary syndrome and was found to have purulent fulminant myopericarditis and cardiac tamponade. We compare our case to the previously reported instances of Covid-19-associated myocarditis.

Morphea (Localized Scleroderma) Presenting With Recurrent Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Morphea or localized scleroderma is reported to be triggered through diverse stimuli. We present a case of morphea that presented as a non-healing wound with superimposed methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) infection. In our case, morphea was thought to have been potentially triggered by a post-surgical infection.

Starvation Ketoacidosis due to the Ketogenic Diet and Prolonged Fasting - A Possibly Dangerous Diet Trend.

BACKGROUND The low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet has been popularized in the press recently, touting multiple health benefits such as weight loss and increased energy. In this diet, participants intentionally push themselves into a state of ketosis and usually do not develop metabolic complications or illness unless put under certain circumstances such as stress and prolonged fasting. CASE REPORT We report a case of starvation ketoacidosis in a 60-year-old male with well-controlled diabetes mellitus type II following a strict ketogenic diet who then underwent prolonged fasting.

Sphingolipids in COPD.

Sphingolipids are a distinct class of lipid molecules widely found in nature, principally as cell membrane constituents. After initial uncertainty about their function, sphingolipids have been increasingly recognised to be metabolically active entities involved in many biological processes, including the control of inflammation. Their role as mediators of inflammation may have significant implications for a range of lung diseases in which inflammation is a central element of pathogenesis.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum presenting with orchitis in a renal transplant recipient.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is an emerging tick-borne disease. It is spread by the black-legged deer tick Ixodes scapularis that serves as the vector for six human pathogens. HGA is still rarely reported in solid organ transplant recipients.