Genomic investigation and clinical correlates of the β-lactam: NaHCO responsiveness phenotype among methicillin-resistant isolates from a randomized clinical trial.

NaHCO responsiveness is a novel phenotype where some methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates exhibit significantly lower minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to oxacillin and/or cefazolin in the presence of NaHCO. NaHCO responsiveness correlated with treatment response to β-lactams in an endocarditis animal model. We investigated whether treatment of NaHCO-responsive strains with β-lactams was associated with faster clearance of bacteremia.

Does Adjunctive Clindamycin Have a Role in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia? A Protocol for the Adjunctive Treatment Domain of the Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The use of adjunctive antibiotics directed against exotoxin production in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is widespread, and it is recommended in many guidelines, but this is based on limited evidence. Existing guidelines are based on the theoretical premise of toxin suppression, as many strains of S. aureus produce toxins such as leukocidins (eg, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, exfoliative toxins, and various enterotoxins).

Host test based on tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, interferon gamma-induced protein-10 and C-reactive protein for differentiating bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections in adults: diagnostic accuracy study.

Objectives: To assess the performance of a test (called BV), integrating the blood levels of three immune proteins into a score, to differentiate bacterial from viral infection among adults with suspected lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI).

Methods: Prospective diagnostic accuracy study, enrolling febrile adults >18 years with LRTI signs or symptoms for less than 7 days presenting to several hospitals' emergency departments in Israel. The main exclusion criterion was immunodeficiency.

Unlocking the DOOR-how to design, apply, analyse, and interpret desirability of outcome ranking endpoints in infectious diseases clinical trials.

Background: Desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) outcomes, with or without response adjusted for antibiotic risk (RADAR), are increasingly used in infectious diseases randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the advantage of being able to combine multiple clinical outcomes and antibiotic duration in a single metric. However, it remains poorly understood, and there is considerable heterogeneity in its use.

Objectives: In this scoping review, we explain how to design, use and analyse a DOOR endpoint, and highlight several pitfalls and potential improvements that can be made to DOOR/RADAR.

The Impact of Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections on Mortality: A Retrospective Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.

Background: The mortality toll of nosocomial infections drives infection control efforts. We aimed to assess the contemporary mortality associated with nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs).

Methods: Retrospective propensity-matched cohort study conducted in 1 hospital in Israel between January 2010-December 2020.

Immunogenicity trends 1 and 3 months after second BNT162B2 vaccination among healthcare workers in Israel.

Objectives: We evaluated the antibody response to the BNT162B2 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) to identify factors associated with decreased immunogenicity.

Methods: This prospective cohort study included consenting HCWs who completed a questionnaire regarding background illnesses, medications, and post-vaccination allergic reactions or rash. All HCWs were tested for anti-spike antibodies (LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay) 1 and 3 months after the second vaccine dose.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in a patient with neuro pulmonary nocardiosis following hematopoietic cells transplantation (HCT).

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is increasingly reported in various HIV negative patients with immunosuppression, but the relationship with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is not well defined. We report a case of IRIS in a patient infected with pulmonary and CNS Nocardiosis following HCT due to primary myelofibrosis.

How I manage a patient with MRSA bacteraemia.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections are common and associated with a high mortality of 15-25%. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infection accounts for 10-40% of cases, and has an even higher mortality.

Tofacitinib reduced death or respiratory failure at 28 d in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Guimarães PO, Quirk D, Furtado RH, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;385:406-15.

Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in Israel, 2010-2019.

In a multicenter, nationwide, retrospective study of patients hospitalized with spotted fever group rickettsiosis in Israel during 2010-2019, we identified 42 cases, of which 36 were autochthonous. The most prevalent species was the Rickettsia conorii Israeli tick typhus strain (n = 33, 79%); infection with this species necessitated intensive care for 52% of patients and was associated with a 30% fatality rate. A history of tick bite was rare, found for only 5% of patients; eschar was found in 12%; and leukocytosis was more common than leukopenia.

In vivo fitness of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains in murine infection is associated with treatment failure in human infections.

Objectives: Mortality among patients with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections varies between studies. We examined whether in vivo fitness of CRAB strains is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with CRAB infections.

Methods: Isolates were collected from patients enrolled in the AIDA trial with hospital-acquired pneumonia, bloodstream infections and/or urinary tract infections caused by CRAB.

From hydroxychloroquine to ivermectin: what are the anti-viral properties of anti-parasitic drugs to combat SARS-CoV-2?

Background: Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we still lack effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs with substantial impact on mortality rates except for dexamethasone. As the search for effective antiviral agents continues, we aimed to review data on the potential of repurposing antiparasitic drugs against viruses in general, with an emphasis on coronaviruses.

Methods: We performed a review by screening in vitro and in vivo studies that assessed the antiviral activity of several antiparasitic agents: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), mefloquine, artemisinins, ivermectin, nitazoxanide (NTZ), niclosamide, atovaquone and albendazole.

β-lactam antibiotics vs. vancomycin for the early treatment of enterococcal bacteraemia: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: The efficacy of vancomycin compared with ampicillin for enterococcal infections is unknown. This study aimed to compare their efficacy among patients with enterococcal bacteraemia.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study including adults aged >16 years with enterococcal bacteraemia, treated with β-lactam antibiotics active against Enterococcus spp.

Standard pre-travel consultation versus shorter consultation combined with smartphone support: a randomized controlled trial.

Immediate and long-term recalls of a pre-travel consultation are suboptimal. We aimed to assess the role of online consultation for travellers. We randomized travellers into two study groups.

The epidemiology of typhoid fever in the Dhulikhel area, Nepal: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Typhoid fever (TF) continues to cause considerable morbidity and mortality in Nepal, but only limited epidemiologic data is available about TF outside Kathmandu.

Methods: As part of an interventional trial, we performed a prospective cohort study of bacteremic TF patients in Dhulikhel Hospital between October 2012 and October 2014. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and microbiologic data were recorded.

Pocket-size point-of-care ultrasound in rural Uganda - A unique opportunity "to see", where no imaging facilities are available.

Background: In the developing world, only a small minority of patients have access to radiological services. Over the past decade, technological developments of ultrasound equipment have led to the emergence of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), which is widely used by healthcare professionals of nearly all specialties. We hypothesized that physicians with only basic POCUS training, but with telemedicine support, can use POCUS successfully in rural hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa.

Plasmodium malariae in Israeli Travelers: A Nationwide Study.

Background: Little is known about Plasmodium malariae, a relatively rare cause of malaria in returned travelers. Recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) use for malaria diagnosis has enhanced specificity of P. malariae detection.