Infectious Disease Reports

16 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antimicrobial Peptides Demonstrate Activity against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens

by Mary Garvey

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 454-469; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040046 - 14 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2167

The antimicrobial resistance crisis is an ongoing major threat to public health safety. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly susceptible to higher fatality rates and the economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As an increasing number of pathogens emerge with multi- and pan-drug [...] Read more.

The antimicrobial resistance crisis is an ongoing major threat to public health safety. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly susceptible to higher fatality rates and the economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As an increasing number of pathogens emerge with multi- and pan-drug resistance to last-resort antibiotics, there is an urgent need to provide alternative antibacterial options to mitigate disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality. As identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), critically important pathogens such as Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species are becoming resistant to last-resort antibiotics including colistin while being frequently isolated from clinical cases of infection. Antimicrobial peptides are potent amino acid sequences produced by many life forms from prokaryotic, fungal, plant, to animal species. These peptides have many advantages, including their multi-hit mode of action, potency, and rapid onset of action with low levels of resistance being evident. These innate defense mechanisms also have an immune-stimulating action among other activities in vivo, thus making them ideal therapeutic options. Large-scale production and formulation issues (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics), high cost, and protease instability hinder their mass production and limit their clinical application. This review outlines the potential of these peptides to act as therapeutic agents in the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections considering the mode of action, resistance, and formulation aspects. Clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens are highlighted according to the WHO priority pathogen list. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)

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9 pages, 1246 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Streptococcus intermedius Brain Abscess with Lung Abscess and Aortic Valve Endocarditis: A Case Report and Literature Review

by Francesca Gavaruzzi, Pierangelo Chinello, Giuseppe Cucinotta, Gianluigi Oliva, Alessandro Capone, Guido Granata, Samir Al Moghazi, Emanuela Caraffa and Fabrizio Taglietti

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 445-453; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040045 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1388

Abstract

Streptococcus intermedius is frequently associated with brain and liver abscesses, while pleuropulmonary infections are considered rarer. Even less frequent is the association of lung and brain abscesses due to this agent with infective endocarditis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old man complaining [...] Read more.

Streptococcus intermedius is frequently associated with brain and liver abscesses, while pleuropulmonary infections are considered rarer. Even less frequent is the association of lung and brain abscesses due to this agent with infective endocarditis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old man complaining of cough, fever, and headache who was diagnosed with a brain abscess due to S. intermedius, a concomitant lung abscess, and aortic native valve endocarditis. He was treated with surgical drainage of the brain abscess and a 4-week course of intravenous ceftriaxone, followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate, obtaining healing of the lesions without relapse of the infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)

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9 pages, 1267 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

HIV-1 Low-Frequency Variants Identified in Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects with Virologic Failure after 12 Months of Follow-Up in Panama

by Ambar Moreno, Claudia González, Jessica Góndola, Oris Chavarría, Alma Ortiz, Jorge Castillo, Juan Castillo Mewa, Juan Miguel Pascale and Alexander Augusto Martínez

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 436-444; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040044 - 01 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1357

Abstract

Low-frequency mutations associated with drug resistance have been related to virologic failure in subjects with no history of pre-treatment and recent HIV diagnosis. In total, 78 antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve subjects with a recent HIV diagnosis were selected and followed by CD4+ T lymphocytes [...] Read more.

Low-frequency mutations associated with drug resistance have been related to virologic failure in subjects with no history of pre-treatment and recent HIV diagnosis. In total, 78 antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve subjects with a recent HIV diagnosis were selected and followed by CD4+ T lymphocytes and viral load tests to detect virologic failure. We sequenced the basal samples retrospectively using next-generation sequencing (NGS), looking for low-frequency mutations that had not been detected before using the Sanger sequencing method (SSM) and describing the response to ART. Twenty-two subjects developed virologic failure (VF), and thirteen of them had at least one drug-resistance mutation associated with Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTI) and Protease Inhibitors (PIs) at frequency levels ≤ 1%, not detected previously in their basal genotyping test. No resistance mutations were observed to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). We identified a possible cause of VF in ART-naïve subjects with low-frequency mutations detected. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of pre-existing drug resistance for HIV-1 minority variants carried out on ART-naïve people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by analyzing the HIV-1 pol gene using NGS in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section HIV-AIDS)

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11 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Increases the Risk of Muscle Injury in Professional Male Soccer Players—A Retrospective Analysis of the Italian and Spanish Major Leagues

by Sandra Miccinilli, Marco Bravi, Giorgio Conti, Federica Bressi, Silvia Sterzi, Fabio Santacaterina and Massimo Ciccozzi

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 425-435; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040043 - 26 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1738

Abstract

A retrospective cohort study on professional soccer players from the Serie A and LaLiga was conducted to investigate the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle injuries. Players were divided into two groups based on whether they contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection (C+) or not [...] Read more.

A retrospective cohort study on professional soccer players from the Serie A and LaLiga was conducted to investigate the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and muscle injuries. Players were divided into two groups based on whether they contracted the SARS-CoV-2 infection (C+) or not (C−) during the 2020/2021 season. In the 2019–2020 season, both championships showed a similar number of muscular injuries (MI) between C+ and C− (Serie A: p = 0.194; 95% CI: −0.044 to 0.215, LaLiga p = 0.915; 95% CI: −0.123 to 0.137). In the 2020–2021 season, C+ had a significantly higher number of MI compared to C− in both championships (Serie A: p < 0.05; 95% CI 0.731 to 1.038; LaLiga: p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.773 to 1.054). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that belonging to C+ in the season 2020/2021 was the variable that most strongly influenced the probability of having a muscle injury. Survival analysis revealed a hazard ratio of 3.73 (95% CI 3.018 to 4.628) and of 5.14 (95% CI 3.200 to 8.254) for Serie A and LaLiga respectively. We found an association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and increased risk of muscle injury, emphasizing the importance of carefully considering the infection in the decision-making process for returning to sport. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection should be judged as a real injury requiring specific assessment and training programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Infections: Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Clinics and Evolution)

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8 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Enterobius vermicularis Related Acute Appendicitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

by Shabnam Chhetri, Ahmed Hamood Al Mamari, Mahmood Mausd Al Awfi, Nasser Humaid Nasser Al Khaldi, Nibras Mejbel Abed, Nenad Pandak, Faryal Khamis, Zakariya Al Balushi, Rashid Mohammed Khamis Alalawi, Sultan Al Lawati, Muna Ba’Omar, Nasser Shukaili and Seif Al-Abri

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 417-424; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040042 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

While the debate on the association between Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) and acute appendicitis has not been settled, a few case reports of this very rare encounter are beginning to come to light. E. vermicularis is one of the most common [...] Read more.

While the debate on the association between Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis) and acute appendicitis has not been settled, a few case reports of this very rare encounter are beginning to come to light. E. vermicularis is one of the most common parasitic infections around the world, and acute appendicitis, on the other hand, is also a commonly encountered condition in general surgery. However, the association between these two conditions remains controversial. Here we present a case report of a young woman with appendicitis associated with E. vermicularis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Infectious Diseases)

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14 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Detection of Mutations and Genotyping of Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated from Patients in the Rural Eastern Cape Province

by Lindiwe M. Faye, Mojisola C. Hosu, Selien Oostvogels, Anzaan Dippenaar, Robin M. Warren, Ncomeka Sineke, Sandeep Vasaikar and Teke Apalata

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 403-416; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040041 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367

Abstract

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is still a major public health concern in South Africa. Mutations in M. tuberculosis can cause varying levels of phenotypic resistance to anti-TB medications. There have been no prior studies on gene mutations and the genotyping of DR-TB in the [...] Read more.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is still a major public health concern in South Africa. Mutations in M. tuberculosis can cause varying levels of phenotypic resistance to anti-TB medications. There have been no prior studies on gene mutations and the genotyping of DR-TB in the rural Eastern Cape Province; hence, we aimed to identify DR-TB mutations, genetic diversity, and allocated lineages among patients in this area. Using Xpert^® MTB/RIF, we assessed the rifampin resistance of sputum samples collected from 1157 patients suspected of having tuberculosis. GenoType MTBDR plus VER 2.0 was used for the detection of mutations causing resistance to anti-TB medications. The next step was to spoligotype 441 isolates. The most prevalent rifampin resistance-conferring mutations were in rpoB codon S531L in INH-resistant strains; the katG gene at codon S315TB and the inhA gene at codon C-15TB had the most mutations; 54.5% and 24.7%, respectively. In addition, 24.6% of strains showed mutations in both the rpoB and inhA genes, while 69.9% of strains showed mutations in both the katG and rpoB genes. Heteroresistance was seen in 17.9% of all cases in the study. According to spoligotyping analysis, Beijing families predominated. Investigation of the evolutionary lineages of M. tuberculosis isolates can be carried out using the information provided by the study’s diversity of mutations. In locations wherein these mutations have been discovered, decision-making regarding the standardization of treatment regimens or individualized treatment may be aided by the detection frequency of rpoB, katG, and inhA mutations in various study areas. Full article

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11 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Persons from Mozambique: The Dual Role of Schooling

by Jorge Lufiande, Susana Silva, Ana Catarina Reis and Marina Prista Guerra

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 392-402; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040040 - 10 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1314

Abstract

Increasing quality of life (QoL) is both an end in itself and a means to optimize the impact of treatment in HIV-infected persons. Possibly due to cultural and social influences, the predictors of QoL vary across studies, highlighting the importance of studying specific [...] Read more.

Increasing quality of life (QoL) is both an end in itself and a means to optimize the impact of treatment in HIV-infected persons. Possibly due to cultural and social influences, the predictors of QoL vary across studies, highlighting the importance of studying specific populations. In the present study, we aimed to determine the sociodemographic (age, sex and schooling, or number of years at school) and psychosocial correlates (meaning in life, social support, positive and negative affects) of QoL in HIV-infected persons living in Mozambique, a country with a high prevalence of HIV but also with well-structured strategies to fight the disease. To that end, we made correlational analyses followed by regression models and examined potential mediation processes among predictors. All correlates were relevant except for sex. Meaning in life was the strongest predictor, while social support was the weakest. Schooling was both directly and indirectly related with QoL—in the latter case, it was mediated by meaning in life, social support and positive affect. Our findings suggest that investments in education may be highly rewarding to Mozambicans, and that satisfying needs for self-actualization and purpose may be more urgent than improving social connections. Full article

6 pages, 2646 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Intraparenchymal Lung Abscess Complicating a Primary COVID-19 Infection in a Patient with Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia: A Case Report

by Panagiotis F. Mavroudis, Lemonia Velentza, Panagiotis G. Sfyridis, Styliani Papantoniou, Georgios Kranidiotis, Efthymia Giannitsioti, Alexandra Stamati, Dimitrios Schizas, Styliani Gerakari and Emmanouil I. Kapetanakis

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 386-391; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040039 - 10 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1284

Abstract

Intraparenchymal lung abscess development associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a rare complication, with only half a dozen primary cases having been reported in the literature. We present the case of a patient with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who developed [...] Read more.

Intraparenchymal lung abscess development associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a rare complication, with only half a dozen primary cases having been reported in the literature. We present the case of a patient with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who developed a lung abscess subsequent to a primary SARS-CoV-2 infection. We present a 63-year-old male patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection and a history of Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia who developed a cavitating intraparenchymal lung abscess with an air-fluid level in his right lower lobe two weeks following admission to hospital. The patient became septic and developed acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care. He was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and aspiration drainage, but unfortunately due to his severe clinical condition died 20 days after his initial admission. The development of a lung abscess in patients with COVID-19, although rare, can be quite compromising and even prove fatal, especially in immunocompromised patients. Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Viral Infections)

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9 pages, 2335 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Severe Typhoid Fever Complicated by Superior Mesenteric and Splenic Vein Thrombosis

by Piero Veronese, Marco Pappalardo, Valentina Maffini, Monica Rubini, Alessandra Giacometti, Maria Beatrice Ruozi, Simone Cella and Icilio Dodi

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 377-385; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040038 - 08 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1458

Abstract

Typhoid fever (Typhoid or enteric fever) is still the most common bacterial bloodstream infection worldwide, caused by Salmonella typhi. The transmission route is indirect through passive vehicles such as contaminated water or food. Main clinical findings are a fever lasting more than [...] Read more.

Typhoid fever (Typhoid or enteric fever) is still the most common bacterial bloodstream infection worldwide, caused by Salmonella typhi. The transmission route is indirect through passive vehicles such as contaminated water or food. Main clinical findings are a fever lasting more than three days, abdominal symptoms, leukocytosis, and anemia. Typhoid can cause a wide range of multi-organ complications. We report a particularly severe form of this infection complicated by superior mesenteric vein and splenic vein thrombosis, an extremely uncommon manifestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Ecosystem Change, Infectious Diseases Transmission and Early Warning)

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7 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

The Medical Community’s Role in Communication Strategies during Health Crises—Perspective from European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)

by Ilia Nadareishvili, Theodore Bazas, Nicola Petrosillo, Vojko Berce, John Firth, Armando Mansilha, Mihaela Leventer, Alessandra Renieri, Mauro Zampolini and Vassilios Papalois

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 370-376; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040037 - 03 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1603

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was complicated by the spread of false information leading to what became widely called an “infodemic”. The present opinion paper was written by an ad hoc international team united under the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) umbrella and reflects [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic was complicated by the spread of false information leading to what became widely called an “infodemic”. The present opinion paper was written by an ad hoc international team united under the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) umbrella and reflects the organizations’ effort to contribute to the resolution of these issues, by highlighting and reflecting on them and by suggesting the medical community’s necessary activities resulting in the formulation of effective future communication strategies. The importance of physicians’ and other health workers’ role and mission as educators and leaders in communities in critical situations should be reassessed and upgraded. We need to equip future doctors with strong and sustainable leadership and communication skills through relevant undergraduate and postgraduate education programs, in order that compliance with preventive medical advice is increased. To avoid possible politically and otherwise biased communication in health crises of the future, European nations should establish independent advisory bodies providing evidence-based advice and participate in communication campaigns. Medical and other health professional organizations should build organizational and personal capacities of their members to enable them to reliably inform and adequately educate governments, populations, civic society, employers’ and employees’ organizations, schools and universities, and other stakeholders. Full article

10 pages, 712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

La Crosse Virus Circulation in Virginia, Assessed via Serosurveillance in Wildlife Species

by Lindsey R. Faw, Jennifer Riley and Gillian Eastwood

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 360-369; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040036 - 30 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1432

Abstract

Mosquito-borne La Crosse virus (LACV; family: Peribunyaviridae) is the leading cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States, with clinical cases generally centered in the Midwest and Appalachian regions. Incidence of LACV cases in Appalachian states has increased, such that the [...] Read more.

Mosquito-borne La Crosse virus (LACV; family: Peribunyaviridae) is the leading cause of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States, with clinical cases generally centered in the Midwest and Appalachian regions. Incidence of LACV cases in Appalachian states has increased, such that the region currently represents the majority of reported LACV cases in the USA. The amount of reported LACV cases from Virginia, however, is minimal compared to neighboring states such as North Carolina, West Virginia, and Tennessee, and non-Appalachian regions of Virginia are understudied. Here we examine the hypothesis that LACV is circulating widely in Virginia, despite a low clinical case report rate, and that the virus is circulating in areas not associated with LACV disease. In this study, we screened local mammalian wildlife in northwestern counties of Virginia using passive surveillance via patients submitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers. Blood sera (527 samples; 9 species, 8 genera) collected between October 2019 and December 2022 were screened for neutralizing antibodies against LACV, indicating prior exposure to the virus. We found an overall LACV seroprevalence of 1.90% among all wild mammals examined and reveal evidence of LACV exposure in several wild species not generally associated with LACV, including eastern cottontails and red foxes, along with established reservoirs, eastern gray squirrels, although there was no serological evidence in chipmunks. These data indicate the circulation of LACV in Virginia outside of Appalachian counties, however, at a lower rate than reported for endemic areas within the state and in other states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viruses Responsible for Encephalitis: New Advanced Research)

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6 pages, 249 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Anaplasma phagocytophilum Encephalitis: A Case Report and Literature Review of Neurologic Manifestations of Anaplasmosis

by Ronin Joshua S. Cosiquien, Nenad Stojiljkovic, Charles W. Nordstrom, Emeka Amadi, Larry Lutwick and Igor Dumic

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 354-359; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr15040035 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2074

Abstract

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen, causative agent of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA). HGA usually manifests as a non-specific febrile illness, accompanied by evidence of leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and an alteration in liver enzymes. Neurologic manifestations of anaplasmosis are rare and rarely [...] Read more.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular, Gram-negative pathogen, causative agent of Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA). HGA usually manifests as a non-specific febrile illness, accompanied by evidence of leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, and an alteration in liver enzymes. Neurologic manifestations of anaplasmosis are rare and rarely reported. We describe a 62-year-old man who developed encephalitis due to an Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection. The patient favorably responded to intravenous doxycycline and recovered without neurological sequela. In the tick endemic area, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for tick-borne diseases in patients presenting with neurological deficits. A prompt diagnosis and treatment lead to improvements in morbidity and mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)

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Infect. Dis. Rep., Volume 15, Issue 4 (August 2023) – 12 articles

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