Acceptability of children's testing for HIV infection during routine care activities in the Pediatrics Department of Sourô Sanou Teaching Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Background

In order to contribute to the fight against the pediatric HIV infection, we have assessed, through a study in which we have systematically proposed to carry out children's testing, the rate of acceptability and the feasibility of children's HIV testing during the routine activities of the department. We have also analyzed the reasons for the acceptability or the refusal of the child's HIV testing by the accompanying person.

Transmission events and antimicrobial susceptibilities of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus argenteus in Stockholm

ObjectivesStaphylococcus argenteus has been increasingly reported since the species was defined as a novel staphylococcal species in 2015. This study aims to investigate genetic epidemiological links and antimicrobial susceptibilities of methicillin-resistant S. argenteus isolates recovered in Stockholm.MethodsSixteen methicillin-resistant S. argenteus isolates were identified from a collection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Stockholm 2007–2018, by using whole-genome sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The genomes of the isolates were investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogeny, k-mer analysis, core-genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST), resistance traits and virulence factors. The MICs of 19 antimicrobial agents for each isolate were determined by using the broth microdilution method.ResultsOf the 16 isolates, seven, seven and two isolates were assigned to ST1223, ST2250 and ST2793, respectively, with the S. aureus MLST-scheme. Analyses based on SNPs and cgMLST revealed a likely clonal spread of methicillin-resistant S. argenteus in 2007. Four isolates were found to be resistant to non-β-lactams in antimicrobial susceptibility testing.ConclusionsA transmission event of methicillin-resistant S. argenteus in family was identified by this study. Among our limited number of isolates, non-β-lactam resistance was detected, which highlights the necessity of a continued surveillance on this emerging pathogen. S. argenteus could be correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS with the updated database, enabling its detection also in clinical laboratories.     

Microbiological changes observed over 48 weeks of treatment with inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin in individuals with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection

ObjectivesNon-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been associated with increased pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) and mortality risk. European Respiratory Society guidelines conditionally recommend inhaled antimicrobials for persons with NCFBE, P aeruginosa and three or more PEx/year. We report microbiological results of two randomized, 48-week placebo-controlled trials of ARD-3150 (inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin) in individuals with NCFBE with P aeruginosa and PEx history [Lancet Respir Med 2019;7:213–26].MethodsRespiratory secretions from 582 participants receiving up to six 28-day on/off treatment cycles were analysed for sputum P. aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli densities, P. aeruginosa susceptibilities to ciprofloxacin and nine other antimicrobials, and prevalence of other bacterial opportunists. Associations between PEx risk and sputum density, antimicrobial susceptibility and opportunist prevalence changes were studied.ResultsSputum P. aeruginosa density reductions from baseline after ARD-3150 treatments ranged from 1.77 (95% CI 2.13–1.40) versus 0.54 (95% CI 0.89–0.19) log₁₀ CFU/g for placebo (second period) to 2.07 (95% CI 2.45–1.69) versus 0.70 (95% CI 1.11–0.29) log₁₀ CFU/g for placebo (fourth period) with only modest correlation between density reduction magnitude and PEx benefit. ARD-3150 (but not placebo) treatment was associated with increased P. aeruginosa ciprofloxacin MIC but not emergence of other bacterial opportunists across the study; ciprofloxacin MIC₅₀ increased from 0.5 to 1 mg/L, MIC₉₀ increased from 4 to 16 mg/L. Other antimicrobial MIC were mostly unaffected.ConclusionMicrobiological changes over 48 weeks of ARD-3150 treatment appear modest. Ciprofloxacin susceptibility (but not other antimicrobial susceptibility) decreases were observed that did not appear to preclude PEx risk reduction benefit.     

Intestinal schistosomiasis: a very long-lived tropical parasite

We report a case of intestinal schistosomiasis in a patient who had not travelled outside Europe after migrating 20 years ago. Images of the Schistosoma mansoni eggs are shown that confirm the active nature of the infection.