Comparison of β-1-3-D-Glucan and Mannan Biomarker Assays with Serological Tests for the Diagnosis of Candidemia.

Invasive candidiasis, including bloodstream infection (candidemia), encompasses the most severe forms of infection. Several species-specific and non-specific serological assays are commercially available to aid in diagnosis. This study compared the performance of five such biomarker assays.

A qualitative interview study applying the COM-B model to explore how hospital-based trainers implement antimicrobial stewardship education and training in UK hospital-based care.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat caused by the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in healthcare and other settings. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is a broad multi-component health services intervention that promotes and monitors the judicious use of antimicrobials to preserve their future effectiveness. A main component of AMS is education and training (E&T).

Absence of Azole Antifungal Resistance in Isolated from Root Vegetables Harvested from UK Arable and Horticultural Soils.

The emergence of azole-resistant (AR) complicates the treatment of aspergillosis and can nearly double the mortality from invasive aspergillosis (IA). AR has been isolated from many different environmental sites and indoor environments and thus presents a significant risk for susceptible patients. Local surveillance of environmental AR can guide antifungal prescribing and improve patient outcomes.

Positive Aspergillus PCR as a marker of azole resistance or sub-therapeutic antifungal therapy in patients with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Background: Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a progressive respiratory disease, caused most commonly by A fumigatus, with significant morbidity and mortality. Azole resistance in A fumigatus is a growing concern worldwide, with resistance to itraconazole reported in up to 50% of patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether a positive Aspergillus PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a marker of resistance in CPA patients on azole therapy.

A Multispecies Cluster of GES-5 Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Linked by a Geographically Disseminated Plasmid.

Background: Early and accurate treatment of infections due to carbapenem-resistant organisms is facilitated by rapid diagnostics, but rare resistance mechanisms can compromise detection. One year after a Guiana Extended-Spectrum (GES)-5 carbapenemase-positive Klebsiella oxytoca infection was identified by whole-genome sequencing (WGS; later found to be part of a cluster of 3 cases), a cluster of 11 patients with GES-5-positive K. oxytoca was identified over 18 weeks in the same hospital.

Invasive fungal infections in the immunocompromised host: Mechanistic insights in an era of changing immunotherapeutics.

The use of cytotoxic chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant and inflammatory disorders is beset by considerable adverse effects related to nonspecific cytotoxicity. Accordingly, a mechanistic approach to therapeutics has evolved in recent times with small molecular inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways involved in disease pathogenesis being developed for clinical use, some with unparalleled efficacy and tolerability. Nevertheless, there are emerging concerns regarding an association with certain small molecular inhibitors and opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal diseases.

Evaluating training for a simulated team in complex whole procedure simulations in the endovascular suite.

Introduction: Simulators supporting the development of technical skills for complex procedures are gaining prominence. Safe performance of complex procedures requires effective team interactions. Our research group creates 'whole' procedure simulations to produce the psychological fidelity of clinical settings.