The efficacy of suppressive antibiotic treatment in patients managed non-operatively for periprosthetic joint infection and a draining sinus

Objectives: Patients with prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) not suitable for curative surgery may benefit from suppressive antibiotic therapy (SAT). However, the usefulness of SAT in cases with a draining sinus has never been investigated. Methods: A multicentre, retrospective observational cohort study was performed in which patients with a PJI and a sinus tract were eligible for inclusion if managed conservatively and if sufficient follow-up data were available (i.e. at least 2 years). SAT was defined as a period of > 6 months of oral antibiotic therapy. Results: SAT was initiated in 63 of 72 (87.5 %) included patients. Implant retention during follow-up was the same in patients receiving SAT vs. no SAT (79.4 % vs. 88.9 %; pCombining double low line0.68). In total, 27 % of patients using SAT experienced side effects. In addition, the occurrence of prosthetic loosening in initially fixed implants, the need for surgical debridement, or the occurrence of bacteremia during follow-up could not be fully prevented with the use of SAT, which still occurred in 42 %, 6.3 %, and 3.2 % of cases, respectively. However, the sinus tract tended to close more often (42 % vs. 13 %; pCombining double low line0.14), and a higher resolution of pain was observed (35 % vs. 14 %; pCombining double low line0.22) in patients receiving SAT. Conclusions: SAT is not able to fully prevent complications in patients with a draining sinus. However, it may be beneficial in a subset of patients, particularly in those with pain or the hindrance of a draining sinus. A future prospective study, including a higher number of patients not receiving SAT, is needed

Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil: setting the baseline knowledge on the animal diversity in Brazil

The limited temporal completeness and taxonomic accuracy of species lists, made available in a traditional manner in scientific publications, has always represented a problem. These lists are invariably limited to a few taxonomic groups and do not represent up-to-date knowledge of all species and classifications. In this context, the Brazilian megadiverse fauna is no exception, and the Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil (CTFB) (http://fauna.jbrj.gov.br/), made public in 2015, represents a database on biodiversity anchored on a list of valid and expertly recognized scientific names of animals in Brazil. The CTFB is updated in near real time by a team of more than 800 specialists. By January 1, 2024, the CTFB compiled 133,691 nominal species, with 125,138 that were considered valid. Most of the valid species were arthropods (82.3%, with more than 102,000 species) and chordates (7.69%, with over 11,000 species). These taxa were followed by a cluster composed of Mollusca (3,567 species), Platyhelminthes (2,292 species), Annelida (1,833 species), and Nematoda (1,447 species). All remaining groups had less than 1,000 species reported in Brazil, with Cnidaria (831 species), Porifera (628 species), Rotifera (606 species), and Bryozoa (520 species) representing those with more than 500 species. Analysis of the CTFB database can facilitate and direct efforts towards the discovery of new species in Brazil, but it is also fundamental in providing the best available list of valid nominal species to users, including those in science, health, conservation efforts, and any initiative involving animals. The importance of the CTFB is evidenced by the elevated number of citations in the scientific literature in diverse areas of biology, law, anthropology, education, forensic science, and veterinary science, among others

Non-invasive diagnostic tests for Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection has been implicated in a number of malignancies and non-malignant conditions including peptic ulcers, non-ulcer dyspepsia, recurrent peptic ulcer bleeding, unexplained iron deficiency anaemia, idiopathic thrombocytopaenia purpura, and colorectal adenomas. The confirmatory diagnosis of H pylori is by endoscopic biopsy, followed by histopathological examination using haemotoxylin and eosin (H & E) stain or special stains such as Giemsa stain and Warthin-Starry stain. Special stains are more accurate than H & E stain. There is significant uncertainty about the diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive tests for diagnosis of H pylori. OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of urea breath test, serology, and stool antigen test, used alone or in combination, for diagnosis of H pylori infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic people, so that eradication therapy for H pylori can be started. SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Science Citation Index and the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Database on 4 March 2016. We screened references in the included studies to identify additional studies. We also conducted citation searches of relevant studies, most recently on 4 December 2016. We did not restrict studies by language or publication status, or whether data were collected prospectively or retrospectively. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests (urea breath test using isotopes such as13C or14C, serology and stool antigen test) against the reference standard (histopathological examination using H & E stain, special stains or immunohistochemical stain) in people suspected of having H pylori infection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened the references to identify relevant studies and independently extracted data. We assessed the methodological quality of studies using the QUADAS-2 tool. We performed meta-analysis by using the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model to estimate and compare SROC curves. Where appropriate, we used bivariate or univariate logistic regression models to estimate summary sensitivities and specificities. MAIN RESULTS: We included 101 studies involving 11,003 participants, of which 5839 participants (53.1%) had H pylori infection. The prevalence of H pylori infection in the studies ranged from 15.2% to 94.7%, with a median prevalence of 53.7% (interquartile range 42.0% to 66.5%). Most of the studies (57%) included participants with dyspepsia and 53 studies excluded participants who recently had proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics.There was at least an unclear risk of bias or unclear applicability concern for each study.Of the 101 studies, 15 compared the accuracy of two index tests and two studies compared the accuracy of three index tests. Thirty-four studies (4242 participants) evaluated serology; 29 studies (2988 participants) evaluated stool antigen test; 34 studies (3139 participants) evaluated urea breath test-13C; 21 studies (1810 participants) evaluated urea breath test-14C; and two studies (127 participants) evaluated urea breath test but did not report the isotope used. The thresholds used to define test positivity and the staining techniques used for histopathological examination (reference standard) varied between studies. Due to sparse data for each threshold reported, it was not possible to identify the best threshold for each test.Using data from 99 studies in an indirect test comparison, there was statistical evidence of a difference in diagnostic accuracy between urea breath test-13C, urea breath test-14C, serology and stool antigen test (P = 0.024). The diagnostic odds ratios for urea breath test-13C, urea breath test-14C, serology, and stool antigen test were 153 (95% confidence interval (CI) 73.7 to 316), 105 (95% CI 74.0 to 150), 47.4 (95% CI 25.5 to 88.1) and 45.1 (95% CI 24.2 to 84.1). The sensitivity (95% CI) estimated at a fixed specificity of 0.90 (median from studies across the four tests), was 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.97) for urea breath test-13C, 0.92 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.94) for urea breath test-14C, 0.84 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.91) for serology, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.90) for stool antigen test. This implies that on average, given a specificity of 0.90 and prevalence of 53.7% (median specificity and prevalence in the studies), out of 1000 people tested for H pylori infection, there will be 46 false positives (people without H pylori infection who will be diagnosed as having H pylori infection). In this hypothetical cohort, urea breath test-13C, urea breath test-14C, serology, and stool antigen test will give 30 (95% CI 15 to 58), 42 (95% CI 30 to 58), 86 (95% CI 50 to 140), and 89 (95% CI 52 to 146) false negatives respectively (people with H pylori infection for whom the diagnosis of H pylori will be missed).Direct comparisons were based on few head-to-head studies. The ratios of diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were 0.68 (95% CI 0.12 to 3.70; P = 0.56) for urea breath test-13C versus serology (seven studies), and 0.88 (95% CI 0.14 to 5.56; P = 0.84) for urea breath test-13C versus stool antigen test (seven studies). The 95% CIs of these estimates overlap with those of the ratios of DORs from the indirect comparison. Data were limited or unavailable for meta-analysis of other direct comparisons. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In people without a history of gastrectomy and those who have not recently had antibiotics or proton ,pump inhibitors, urea breath tests had high diagnostic accuracy while serology and stool antigen tests were less accurate for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.This is based on an indirect test comparison (with potential for bias due to confounding), as evidence from direct comparisons was limited or unavailable. The thresholds used for these tests were highly variable and we were unable to identify specific thresholds that might be useful in clinical practice.We need further comparative studies of high methodological quality to obtain more reliable evidence of relative accuracy between the tests. Such studies should be conducted prospectively in a representative spectrum of participants and clearly reported to ensure low risk of bias. Most importantly, studies should prespecify and clearly report thresholds used, and should avoid inappropriate exclusions

Infected primary knee arthroplasty: Risk factors for surgical treatment failure

OBJECTIVE: To present epidemiological data and risk factors associated with surgical out-comes favorable or unfavorable for the treatment of infection in infected total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 48 patients who underwent treatment of primary total knee arthroplasty for infection between January 1994 and December 2008, in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo. The variables associated with favorable outcome of surgical treatment (debridement and retention or exchange arthroplasty in two days) or unfavorable (arthrodesis or death) infection. RESULTS: A total of 39 cases of infection after primary total knee arthroplasty, 22 progressed to 17 for a favorable outcome and unfavorable outcome. Early infections (OR: 14.0, 95% CI 1.5-133.2, p = 0.016) and diabetes (OR: 11.3, 95% CI 1.4-89.3, p = 0.032) were associated with arthrodesis joint and death respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with early infection had a higher risk of developing surgical procedure with unfavorable outcome (arthrodesis) and diabetics had higher odds of death after infection of primary knee arthroplasties

Microbial diagnosis of infection and colonization of cardiac implantable electronic devices by use of sonication

Objectives: The clinical utility of sonication as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for the microbial diagnosis of cardiac implantable device-associated infections (CIDAIs) was investigated. Methods: The implants of 83 subjects were investigated, 15 with a CIDAI and 68 without a clinical infection. Clinical data were analyzed prospectively and sonication fluid cultures (83 patients, 100%) and traditional cultures (31 patients, 37.4%) were performed Results: Generator pocket infection and device-related endocarditis were found in 13 (86.7%) and four (26.7%) subjects, respectively. The mean numbers of previous technical complications and infections were higher in the infected patients compared to the non-infected patients (8 vs. 1, p < 0.001; 2 vs. 0, p < 0.031, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity for detecting CIDAI was 73.3% (11/15) and 48.5% (33/68) for sonication fluid culture, and 26.7% (4/15) and 100% (16/16) for traditional culture (p < 0.001), respectively. A higher number of organisms were identified by sonication fluid than by tissue culture (58 vs. 4 specimens; p < 0.001). The most frequent organisms cultured were Gram-positive cocci (66.1%), mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci (35.5%). Thirty-five (51.5%) non-infected subjects were considered colonized due to the positive identification of organisms exclusively through sonication fluid culture. Conclusions: Sonication fluid culture from the removed cardiac implants has the potential to improve the microbiological diagnosis of CIDAIs

Comparative phenotypic and genomic features of Staphylococci from sonication fluid of orthopedic implant-associated infections with poor outcome

Staphylococcus spp. remain the leading biofilm-forming agents causing orthopedic im-plant-associated infections (OIAI). This is a descriptive study of phenotypic and genomic features identified in clinical isolates of S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) recovered from OIAIs patients that progressed to treatment failure. Ten isolates were identified by matrix-time-of-flight laser-assisted desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and tested for antibi-otic susceptibility and biofilm formation. Genotypic characteristics, including, MLST (Multi Locus Sequence Typing), SCCmec typing, virulence and resistance genes were assessed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). All S. aureus harbored mecA, blaZ, and multiple resistance genes for aminogly-cosides and quinolones. All MRSA were strong biofilm producers harboring the complete icaADBC and icaR operon. Seven CoNS isolates comprising five species (S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. sci-uri, S. capitis and S. lugdunensis) were analyzed, with mecA gene detected in five isolates. S. haemoli-tycus (isolate 95), and S. lugdunensis were unable to form biofilm and did not harbor the complete icaADBCR operon. High variability of adhesion genes was detected, with atl, ebp, icaADBC operon, and IS256 being the most common. In conclusion, MRSA and CoNS isolates carrying genes for bio-film production, and resistance to β-lactam and aminoglycosides are associated with treatment fail-ure in OIAIs

ALTAS TAXAS DE BACTÉRIAS MULTIRRESISTENTES NAS INFECÇÕES RELACIONADAS ÀS FRATURAS: MUDANÇA DO CENÁRIO EPIDEMIOLÓGICO

Introdução: A incidência da infecção relacionada à fratura (IRF) pode variar de 0,4 a 32%, sendo ainda maior em fraturas expostas. Os principais patógenos descritos são os cocos Gram-positivo (CGP), em especial o S. aureus. Entretanto, estudos que avaliam informações epidemiológicas e microbiológicas nas IRF são escassos no Brasil. Este estudo descreve a incidência de IRF e os patógenos associado em um hospital público terciário universitário brasileiro ao longo de 3 anos de coleta de dados. Métodos: Estudo transversal, unicêntrico, com dados coletados entre março de 2020 e março de 2023 de pacientes maiores de 18 anos com fraturas ósseas fechadas e expostas submetidas à fixação ortopédica, exceto próteses articulares. Para o diagnóstico de IRF foi utilizada a definição proposta por METSEMAKERS et al (2017). Resultados: Do total de 462 pacientes incluídos, 71,6% foram do sexo masculino com média de idade de 47,6 anos (DP±20,8). As principais comorbidades foram Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (19,3%), tabagismo (19,3%) e etilismo (17,3%). As fraturas expostas foram 25,1% dos casos, sendo a classificação de Gustilo-Anderson do tipo 3-A a mais frequente (69,8%). A incidência global de IRF, em fraturas fechadas, e em fraturas expostas foi de 19,7%, 16,5%, e 29,3% respectivamente. A principal profilaxia cirúrgica foi uma cefalosporina de 1a ou 2a geração (84,6%) associada a um aminoglicosídeo (44,6%) ou isolada (43,1%). Os principais patógenos identificados foram S. aureus (22,1%), K. pneumoniae (11,6%), S. epidermidis (10,5%), demais Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (10,5%), E. coli (6,3%), P. aeruginosa (5,3%), Streptococcus spp beta-hemolítico (4,2%), outros CGP (9,5%) e outros bacilos Gram-negativo (BGN) (20,0%). A resistência à meticilina foi identificada em 60% das cepas do gênero Staphylococcus e a multidroga resistência (MDR) foi identificada em 53,7% dos BGN. Conclusão: A incidência de IRF global e em fraturas expostas foi elevada, assim como em fraturas fechadas nas quais menores valores são previstos devido à adoção sistemática da profilaxia antimicrobiana cirúrgica. A elevada frequência de BGN (43,2%) demonstrando perfil de MDR (53,7%) associada a uma alta resistência à meticilina do gênero Staphylococcus (60%) apontam para uma mudança no perfil epidemiológico de IRF e sugerem a revisão da profilaxia antimicrobiana em cirurgias ortopédicas com implantes no Brasil