Infectious Disease Reports

9 pages, 829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Use of Permethrin 5% Cream in Galicia (Spain) between 2018 and 2021

by Severo Vázquez-Prieto, Antonio Vaamonde and Esperanza Paniagua

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 222-230; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020023 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1618

Drug utilization studies can provide direct insights into how a drug is used in real-world conditions and can give a rough estimate of the proportion of the study population treated with it. In the present work, we examined the consumption of permethrin 5% [...] Read more.

Drug utilization studies can provide direct insights into how a drug is used in real-world conditions and can give a rough estimate of the proportion of the study population treated with it. In the present work, we examined the consumption of permethrin 5% cream in the four provinces of Galicia (a Spanish autonomous community) and described the seasonal variability and the annual evolution of its consumption between 2018 and 2021. A descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective study of the consumption of this drug, expressed in defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID), was carried out. The results obtained revealed differences between the amounts consumed in the four Galician provinces (p < 0.001). No specific geographical pattern was observed; however, the results suggested a marked seasonality and a slightly increasing global trend in the consumption of permethrin 5% cream throughout the study period. Since the only authorized indication of this drug in the study area is the treatment of scabies, this work may give an idea of the epidemiological situation of the disease in Galicia and serve to establish public health strategies against this parasitosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Parasitological Diseases)

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12 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Willingness of Healthcare Workers to Recommend or Receive a Third COVID-19 Vaccine Dose: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan

by Mohammad Abu Lubad, Munir A. Abu-Helalah, Israa F. Alahmad, Malak M. Al-Tamimi, Mohammad S. QawaQzeh, Ahlam M. Al-kharabsheh, Hamed Alzoubi, Ahmad H. Alnawafleh and Khalid A. Kheirallah

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 210-221; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020022 - 06 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2347

Abstract

Background: The availability of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide necessitates measuring healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) willingness to recommend or receive these vaccines. Therefore, we conducted a local study in Jordan to assess HCWs’ willingness to recommend or receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and [...] Read more.

Background: The availability of COVID-19 vaccines worldwide necessitates measuring healthcare workers’ (HCWs’) willingness to recommend or receive these vaccines. Therefore, we conducted a local study in Jordan to assess HCWs’ willingness to recommend or receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and the predictors of such a decision. A cross-sectional study investigated Jordanian HCWs’ willingness regarding a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine using a self-administered online questionnaire through WhatsApp, a mobile phone application. A total of 300 HCWs participated in the current study. Of these HCWs, 65.3% were physicians, 25.3% were nurses, and 9.3% were pharmacists. HCWs’ overall willingness regarding a third vaccine dose was 68.4% (49.4% certainly and 19.0% probably), whereas the overall willingness of HCWs to recommend a third dose to their patients was 73.3% (49.0% certainly and 24.3% probably). Males had significantly higher willingness than females (82.1% vs. 60.1%, p < 0.05). Physicians reported more willingness than nurses and pharmacists. HCWs’ willingness was not significantly affected by direct contact with a patient infected with COVID-19 or by a personal history of COVID-19 infection. Only 31% of HCWs were certainly willing to recommend the vaccine to their patients with chronic diseases, and only 28% of the participants were certainly willing to recommend it to people aged 65 or older. HCWs’ willingness to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is limited in Jordan. This has affected their certainty in recommending this vaccine to their patients or people older than 60. Decision-makers and health-promotion programs in Jordan should focus on addressing this public health problem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine Preventable Diseases)

6 pages, 236 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Outcomes and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 in Patients with Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study

by Zachary Hartnady, Benjamin Krehbiel, Ashley Stenzel and David Tierney

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 204-209; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020021 - 05 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1766

Abstract

The outcomes and characteristics of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB) represent an evolving area of literature. This retrospective cohort study (March 2020–January 2021) within a large United States health system evaluated clinical and demographic characteristics, illness severity, [...] Read more.

The outcomes and characteristics of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB) represent an evolving area of literature. This retrospective cohort study (March 2020–January 2021) within a large United States health system evaluated clinical and demographic characteristics, illness severity, complications, and mortality associated with acute COVID-19 infection in patients with TB (n = 31) compared to a matched (1:3) COVID-19 cohort without TB (n = 93). In the COVID-19 + TB cohort, TB was active in 32% and latent in 65% of patients, most patients (55%) had pulmonary TB, and 68% had previously undergone treatment for their TB. Patients with COVID-19 + TB infection had higher rates of hospitalization (45% vs. 36%, p = 0.34), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (16% vs. 8%, p = 0.16), and need for mechanical ventilation (13% vs. 3% p = 0.06). Discordant with those higher rates of markers typically denoting more severe illness, TB patients with acute COVID-19 did not have longer length-of-stay (5.0 vs. 6.1 days, p = 0.97), in-hospital mortality (3.2% vs. 3.2%, p = 1.00), or 30-day mortality (6.5% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.63). This study, while having limitations for extrapolation, cautions the notion that patients with COVID-19 and TB infers worse outcomes and adds to the growing body of literature on the interaction between these two infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriosis)

16 pages, 607 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Communicable Diseases Prevalence among Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Haitham Taha, Jo Durham and Simon Reid

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 188-203; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020020 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

Background: Communicable diseases remain a significant global health issue. The increase in refugees and asylum seekers associated with conflicts may alter the burden of communicable diseases in host countries. We conducted a systematic review of the prevalence of TB, HBC, HCV, and HIV [...] Read more.

Background: Communicable diseases remain a significant global health issue. The increase in refugees and asylum seekers associated with conflicts may alter the burden of communicable diseases in host countries. We conducted a systematic review of the prevalence of TB, HBC, HCV, and HIV among refugees and asylum seekers by regions of asylum and origin. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from initiation to the 25 December 2022. Prevalence estimates were pooled into a random-effect model and were stratified by the region of origin and asylum. Meta-analysis was conducted to explore the heterogeneity of the included studies. Results: The most-reported asylum region was The Americas, represented by the United States of America. Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean was the region of the most-reported origin. The highest reported prevalence of active TB and HIV was among African refugees and asylum seekers. The highest reported prevalence of latent TB, HBV and HCV was among Asian and Eastern Mediterranean refugees and asylum seekers. High heterogeneity was found regardless of the communicable disease type or stratification. Conclusion: This review provided insights about refugees’ and asylum seekers’ status around the world and attempted to connect refugees’ and asylum seekers’ distribution and the burden of communicable diseases. Full article

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8 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Case of Oral-Vancomycin-Induced Rash in a Patient with Acute Kidney Injury

by Milena Cardozo, Angadbir S. Parmar, Libardo Rueda Prada and Fnu Shweta

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 180-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020019 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2073

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Its incidence has increased during the last decade in the community among individuals with no previous risk factors; however, morbidity and mortality are still considered high in elderly patients. Oral Vancomycin [...] Read more.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Its incidence has increased during the last decade in the community among individuals with no previous risk factors; however, morbidity and mortality are still considered high in elderly patients. Oral Vancomycin and Fidaxomicin are the first lines of treatment for CDI. The systemic bioavailability of oral Vancomycin is thought to be undetectable due to its poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, routine monitoring is not warranted. Only 12 case reports were found in the literature that described adverse reactions associated with oral Vancomycin and its related risk factors. We present a case of a 66-year-old gentleman with severe CDI and acute renal failure who was started on oral Vancomycin upon admission. On day five of treatment, he developed leukocytosis associated with neutrophilia, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytes, with no evidence of active infection. Three days later, he developed a pruritic maculopapular rash in more than 50% of his body surface area. Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) was ruled out since the patient only had three inclusion criteria for this diagnosis. No clear inciting agent was found. Oral Vancomycin was stopped and supportive treatment was supplied for a presumed Vancomycin-induced allergic reaction. The patient had an excellent response, with complete resolution of the rash and leukocytosis in less than 48 h. By reporting this case, we want to raise awareness among clinicians to remember that, albeit rare, oral Vancomycin can be the cause of adverse drug reactions in patients with severe illnesses. Full article

9 pages, 1226 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Fatal Case of Progressive Mpox in a Patient with AIDS—Viral Enteropathy and Malabsorption Demanding the Use of Full Parenteral ARV and Endovenous Cidofovir

by João Caria, Francisco Vara-Luiz, Inês Maia, Anneke Joosten, Luís Val-Flores, Hélder Pinheiro, Diana Póvoas, Nuno Germano and Fernando Maltez

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 171-179; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020018 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2086

Abstract

We report a fatal case of disseminated mpox infection that progressed over more than three months in an HIV-infected patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Mucocutaneous, pleuropulmonary, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal involvement was documented. This course of disease resembles progressive vaccinia, a [...] Read more.

We report a fatal case of disseminated mpox infection that progressed over more than three months in an HIV-infected patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Mucocutaneous, pleuropulmonary, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal involvement was documented. This course of disease resembles progressive vaccinia, a formerly reported disease caused by uncontrolled replication of smallpox vaccination orthopoxviruses in immunosuppressed patients. Severe small bowel involvement jeopardized normal oral tecovirimat and antiretroviral therapy absorption. This problem prompted the use of full parenteral antiretrovirals and endovenous cidofovir. Although a remarkable decrease in HIV viral load occurred in six days, mpox infection continued to progress, and the patient died of septic shock. This case offers new clinical insights on the presentation of severe disease in AIDS patients. Moreover, this case alerts for the need for prompt therapy initiation in patients at risk of ominous clinical progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Human Monkeypox Research)

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13 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Voices from the Patients: A Qualitative Study of the Integration of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Primary Healthcare Services in O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

by Ntandazo Dlatu, Kelechi Elizabeth Oladimeji and Teke Apalata

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 158-170; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020017 - 06 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2110

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB), a disease of poverty and inequality, is a leading cause of severe illness and death among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In South Africa, both TB and HIV epidemics have been closely related and persistent, posing a significant burden for [...] Read more.

Tuberculosis (TB), a disease of poverty and inequality, is a leading cause of severe illness and death among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In South Africa, both TB and HIV epidemics have been closely related and persistent, posing a significant burden for healthcare provision. Studies have observed that TB-HIV integration reduces mortality. The operational implementation of integrated services is still challenging. This study aimed to describe patients’ perceptions on barriers to scaling up of TB-HIV integration services at selected health facilities (study sites) in Oliver Reginald (O.R) Tambo Municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. We purposely recruited twenty-nine (29) patients accessing TB and HIV services at the study sites. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and presented as emerging themes. Barriers identified included a lack of health education about TB and HIV; an inadequate counselling for HIV and the antiretroviral drugs (ARVs); and poor quality of services provided by the healthcare facilities. These findings suggest that the O.R. Tambo district needs to strengthen its TB-HIV integration immediately. Full article

8 pages, 399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Study of Tick Bites Associated with Neurological Disease in a Level Three University Hospital in Switzerland

by Patrick Thalmann, Simone Ehrhard, Artur Summerfield and Meret Elisabeth Ricklin

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(2), 150-157; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15020016 - 01 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1592

Abstract

Background: Ticks represent very important vectors of human and zoonotic pathogens, and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are diagnosed with increasing frequency. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to describe patients presenting with a complaint of tick bite in the emergency department (ED) [...] Read more.

Background: Ticks represent very important vectors of human and zoonotic pathogens, and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are diagnosed with increasing frequency. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to describe patients presenting with a complaint of tick bite in the emergency department (ED) of a large university hospital in Switzerland. Methods: Data were collected by searching for keywords in the routine clinic database to identify cases from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2020. The patients’ data were screened for preexisting diseases and demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: We included 415 patients collected over a period of 8 years, with highest admission frequencies from May to July. Of these, 82% were outpatients, 15.9% admitted to a hospital ward, and five to intensive care. The patients were allocated to three groups. The first group represented patients with erythema chronica migrans (ECM), which is pathognomonic for Lyme borreliosis (n = 45). Accordingly, 89% of cases in this group of patients were treated with antibiotics. The second group represented patients with other tick bite-associated erythema (n = 139). In this group, no particular clinical symptoms or laboratory findings were found. Finally, the largest group represented patients in which the tick bite was no longer visible (n = 201). This group of patients had significantly more evidence of neurological disorders (52%) and were treated at a higher rate with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (29%) or antiviral (13%) drugs. Although the vaccination status for tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was not systematically evaluated, at least 10% of the latter group was vaccinated, indicating another source for neurological disease. Furthermore, only 14% of the tested patients were positive for IgM or IgG against TBEV. Conclusion: This retrospective study indicates the presence of many undiagnosed neurological diseases following tick bites that could be caused by TBEV or an unknown infectious agent. Taken together, although tick bites were not very frequently seen in the present tertiary ED, the frequent presence of neurological symptoms demands a more systematic assessment of vaccination status and TBEV serology as well as further diagnostic evaluations in patients that report tick bites and neurological symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infection Prevention and Control)

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Infect. Dis. Rep., Volume 15, Issue 2 (April 2023) – 8 articles

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