Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly Syndrome--Can the Diagnostic Criteria Be Improved?

Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly Syndrome (HMSS) was described and defined before sensitive tests for malaria were available. We present a series of seven individuals who were referred to our clinics with possible HMSS. Chronic malaria was demonstrated in those successfully treated but not in those who failed to respond to therapy. This observation suggests that the newer molecular malaria assays have a role to play in the identification of individuals who are likely to respond to treatment for HMSS in non-endemic regions

Enzymatic capacities of metabolic fuel use in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and responses to food deprivation: insight into the metabolic organization and starvation survival strategy of cephalopods

Food limitation is a common challenge for animals. Cephalopods are sensitive to starvation because of high metabolic rates and growth rates related to their "live fast, die young" life history. We investigated how enzymatic capacities of key metabolic pathways are modulated during starvation in the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) to gain insight into the metabolic organization of cephalopods and their strategies for coping with food limitation. In particular, lipids have traditionally been considered unimportant fuels in cephalopods, yet, puzzlingly, many species (including cuttlefish) mobilize the lipid stores in their digestive gland during starvation. Using a comprehensive multi-tissue assay of enzymatic capacities for energy metabolism, we show that, during long-term starvation (12 days), glycolytic capacity for glucose use is decreased in cuttlefish tissues, while capacities for use of lipid-based fuels (fatty acids and ketone bodies) and amino acid fuels are retained or increased. Specifically, the capacity to use the ketone body acetoacetate as fuel is widespread across tissues and gill has a previously unrecognized capacity for fatty acid catabolism, albeit at low rates. The capacity for de novo glucose synthesis (gluconeogenesis), important for glucose homeostasis, likely is restricted to the digestive gland, contrary to previous reports of widespread gluconeogenesis among cephalopod tissues. Short-term starvation (3-5 days) had few effects on enzymatic capacities. Similar to vertebrates, lipid-based fuels, putatively mobilized from fat stores in the digestive gland, appear to be important energy sources for cephalopods, especially during starvation when glycolytic capacity is decreased perhaps to conserve available glucose

Clinical features and management of human monkeypox: a retrospective observational study in the UK

Background Cases of human monkeypox are rarely seen outside of west and central Africa. There are few data regarding viral kinetics or the duration of viral shedding and no licensed treatments. Two oral drugs, brincidofovir and tecovirimat, have been approved for treatment of smallpox and have demonstrated efficacy against monkeypox in animals. Our aim was to describe the longitudinal clinical course of monkeypox in a high-income setting, coupled with viral dynamics, and any adverse events related to novel antiviral therapies. Methods In this retrospective observational study, we report the clinical features, longitudinal virological findings, and response to off-label antivirals in seven patients with monkeypox who were diagnosed in the UK between 2018 and 2021, identified through retrospective case-note review. This study included all patients who were managed in dedicated high consequence infectious diseases (HCID) centres in Liverpool, London, and Newcastle, coordinated via a national HCID network. Findings We reviewed all cases since the inception of the HCID (airborne) network between Aug 15, 2018, and Sept 10, 2021, identifying seven patients. Of the seven patients, four were men and three were women. Three acquired monkeypox in the UK: one patient was a health-care worker who acquired the virus nosocomially, and one patient who acquired the virus abroad transmitted it to an adult and child within their household cluster. Notable disease features included viraemia, prolonged monkeypox virus DNA detection in upper respiratory tract swabs, reactive low mood, and one patient had a monkeypox virus PCR-positive deep tissue abscess. Five patients spent more than 3 weeks (range 22–39 days) in isolation due to prolonged PCR positivity. Three patients were treated with brincidofovir (200 mg once a week orally), all of whom developed elevated liver enzymes resulting in cessation of therapy. One patient was treated with tecovirimat (600 mg twice daily for 2 weeks orally), experienced no adverse effects, and had a shorter duration of viral shedding and illness (10 days hospitalisation) compared with the other six patients. One patient experienced a mild relapse 6 weeks after hospital discharge. Interpretation Human monkeypox poses unique challenges, even to well resourced health-care systems with HCID networks. Prolonged upper respiratory tract viral DNA shedding after skin lesion resolution challenged current infection prevention and control guidance. There is an urgent need for prospective studies of antivirals for this disease

Seroepidemiology and risk factors for sporadic norovirus/Mexico strain.

Risk factors associated with transmission of sporadic norovirus (NV; formerly Norwalk-like virus)/Mexico strain were identified in a seroepidemiological study conducted in rural Mexico. Acquisition of Mexico strain IgA antibodies was age-related; 34% of 1-4-year-olds were seropositive, compared with 81% of adults (P<.001). After 12 months, 42% of 1-4-year-olds showed a seroresponse to Mexico strain, compared with 27% of adults (P<.01). Personal and domestic hygiene measures, such as hand washing, general cleanliness of the mother's clothing, and the type of room assigned for cooking were significantly associated with odds of a seroresponse. For infants, having a dog in or near the home was a risk factor for seroresponse (P<.01), whereas, for older children, the mother's involvement in agricultural activities was a risk factor (P<.001). This study provides initial evidence of risk factors associated with sporadic NV infection. Data indicate some similarities to risk factors associated with outbreaks of NV infection

Retrospective analysis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis management and outcome at a tertiary care hospital in the UK.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyse retrospectively management and outcomes of the diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFOM) multi-disciplinary team at St Thomas' Hospital, London.MethodsPatients admitted during 2015 with diagnosis of DFOM were included. Data were obtained from medical and microbiology records.Results275 patients were admitted for DF infection in 2015: 45.1% had OM (75% males). 40% were newly diagnosed with DF ulcer (DFU). 81% patients had X-ray and 28% had MRI. Bone infection was confirmed by MC&S in 53% cases. 930 microbiological isolates were obtained: 63% were Gram-positive microorganisms [S.aureus and MRSA (~40%), CoNS (20%), and E.faecalis (8%)]. All MRSA were vancomycin and linezolid sensitive. 23.2% isolates were vancomycin-resistant enterococci. 24% isolates were Gram-negative organisms: P.aeruginosa (42%), E.coli (13%), and E.cloacae (12%). Meropenem resistance was low; 5.4% P.aeruginosa, 87.5% A.baumanii. 76% patients received co-amoxiclav; 41% received ≥3 antibiotics; 17% received >3 months antibiotics. Hospital mean-length of stay was 26.1 days. Ulcer time-to-heal was >6 months in 25% patients. 22% ulcers healed without surgery, 60% healed after minor amputation, 12% patients had major amputation.ConclusionDespite current MDT approach, many patients progress to amputation. DF-OM still represents a challenging clinical condition, requiring further study to develop better management guidelines