Candida albicans outbreak associated with total parenteral nutrition in the neonatal unit

Background: The most frequently isolated fungi in patients using TPN belongs to the Candida genus. Various infections including venous catheter infections, fungemia, endocarditis and ophthalmitis may be encountered. Objective: Upon growth of Candida in the blood cultures from the pediatric (neonatal) unit of our hospital, a surveillance was performed in this unit and involving the health care workers. Clonal relationships of the isolates were investigated with molecular tests. Methods: Blood samples obtained from the patients in pediatric neonatal unit were studied with automatized blood culture [BacT/Alert (Bio Mérioux, France)]. Yeast isolates from environmental surveillance cultures (TPN solutions, hands of healthcare personnel, étagère, etc) and patients were identified as C. albicans with conventional methods and ID 32 C and ATB^TM Fungus 3 (Biomerieux, France) kits. Clonal similarity was determined by using AP-PCR as initial method and we have also typified all strains by the method of REP-PCR (diversilab system,bioMérieux). Finally; Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) was used for confirmation. Results: C. albicans was isolated in blood cultures of seven patients. Similar antifungal susceptibility patterns were observed in all isolates. AP-PCR and REP-PCR showed that the C. albicans isolates grown in the TPN solution and from the patients’ blood cultures were clonally same strains. PFGE analysis further confirmed this clonality. Conclusion: According to results of the molecular methods, we thought that a C. albicans outbreak had occurred in the neonatal pediatric unit, due to contamination of TPN solution.     

Rare occurrence of fatal Candida haemulonii peritonitis in a diabetic CAPD patient

A 68-year-old diabetic chronic kidney disease patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis for two years developed Candida haemulonii peritonitis without any predisposing factors. There is no effective treatment for this fungus. A peritoneal biopsy showed morphological changes of acute inflammation and chronicity.     

HIV Infection as Risk Factor for Death among Hospitalized Persons with Candidemia,South Africa, 2012–2017

We determined the effect of HIV infection on deaths among persons >18 months of age with culture-confirmed candidemia at 29 sentinel hospitals in South Africa during 2012–2017. Of 1,040 case-patients with documented HIV status and in-hospital survival data, 426 (41%) were HIV-seropositive. The in-hospital case-fatality rate was 54% (228/426) for HIV-seropositive participants and 37% (230/614) for HIV-seronegative participants (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.50–2.47; p<0.001). After adjusting for relevant confounders (n = 907), mortality rates were 1.89 (95% CI 1.38–2.60) times higher among HIV-seropositive participants than HIV-seronegative participants (p<0.001). Compared with HIV-seronegative persons, the stratum-specific adjusted mortality OR was higher among HIV-seropositive persons not managed in intensive care units (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.47–3.52; p<0.001) than among persons who were (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.00–2.43; p = 0.05). Outcomes among HIV-seropositive persons with candidemia might be improved with intensive care.     

Biomass Conversion: Fermentation Chemicals and Fuels

The management of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in the haemato-oncology setting remains a challenge. This article reviews recent guidelines relating to IFD for their similarities and differences, as well as applying the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) criteria. The guidelines’ recommendations on antifungal prophylaxis, empirical and definitive treatment of candidiasis and aspergillosis are summarized; also, minimum standards for diagnosis and follow-up are discussed. This critique of the reviewed guidelines is a practical guide to physicians and commissioners in making local policies for IFD management.     

Candida tropicalis in human disease

Candida tropicalis is one of the more common Candida causing human disease in tropical countries; the frequency of invasive disease varies by geography causing 3–66% of candidaemia. C. tropicalis is taxonomically close to C. albicans and shares many pathogenic traits. C. tropicalis is particularly virulent in neutropenic hosts commonly with hematogenous seeding to peripheral organs. For candidaemia and invasive candidiasis amphotericin B or an echinocandin are recommended as first-line treatment, with extended-spectrum triazoles acceptable alternatives. Primary fluconazole resistance is uncommon but may be induced on exposure. Physicians in regions where C. tropicalis is common need to be mindful of this lesser-described pathogen.     

双组分信号系统抑制剂对白念珠菌生长及黏附力的影响

目的研究双组分信号系统抑制剂对白念珠菌生长及黏附力的影响。方法测定双组分信号系统抑制剂乳酸依沙吖啶和氯氰碘柳胺在不同作用时间下的白念珠菌生长浓度;检测在不同浓度2种药物作用下,白念珠菌对口腔颊黏膜上皮细胞的黏附率。结果乳酸依沙吖啶和氯氰碘柳胺可以明显抑制白念珠菌的生长(P<0.05);2种药物都不同程度的抑制了白念珠菌对口腔黏膜上皮的黏附(P<0.01)。结论双组分信号系统抑制剂可以明显抑制白念珠菌的生长及黏附力。     

Successful management of fungal pericarditis and endocarditis in a neonate: A case report

Neonatal fungal endocarditis is a rare but serious infection, which does not have a well-accepted management method. This is the second report of this condition in Saudi Arabia. A preterm, very low birth weight, female neonate presented with fever and shortness of breath. An echocardiogram showed moderate pericardial effusion and two masses in the heart, one in the right ventricle and the other in the inferior portion of the posterior mitral valve of the left ventricle. Blood and pericardial fluid cultures revealed an infection with Candida albicans. The patient received a 60 days course of intravenous fluconazole and amphotericin B lipid complex. At the conclusion of treatment, she was discharged in good condition with no echocardiographic evidence of pericardial effusion or fungal vegetations. Thus, a successful outcome to a serious case of fungal endocarditis was achieved through aggressive antifungal therapy with intravenous fluconazole and amphotericin B lipid complex.     

嗜麦芽寡养单胞菌对念珠菌抑制作用观察

目的观察嗜麦芽寡养单胞菌(SMA)对常见念珠菌属,如白色念珠菌、热带念珠菌、光滑念珠菌、近平滑念珠菌、克柔念珠菌等的抑制作用。方法收集临床上20株SMA,通过革兰染色、氧化酶试验及API 20NE(法国梅里埃公司产品)进行鉴定;通过纸片法、十字交叉划线试验及共孵育试验检测SMA对念珠菌属的抑制作用。结果 20株SMA中部分菌株对常见念珠菌有显著抑制作用,但对质控菌株大肠埃希菌(ATCC 25922)、肺炎克雷伯菌(ATCC 700603)、铜绿假单胞菌(ATCC 27953)没有抑制作用。结论 SMA对常见念珠菌具有抑制作用,推测可能是与分泌一些代谢产物抑制真菌的菌丝形成有关。