Article
Microbiology
Robert J. Hart, Lisa A. Morici
Summary: The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) is a widespread pathogen causing opportunistic infections in humans and is becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. It is estimated that at least 700,000 people die each year from drug resistant microbial infections and Pa is listed as one of the most critical species in need of novel therapeutics. Current vaccine development efforts have mainly focused on preventing pulmonary infections, but the rise in nosocomial infections, bloodstream infections, and antibiotic resistance poses a major threat to global public health. Therefore, attention should be given to potential Pa vaccine candidates and a renewed effort for prophylactic vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Amir Nutman, Elizabeth Temkin, Liat Wullfhart, Vered Schechner, Mitchell J. Schwaber, Yehuda Carmeli
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major public health concern in Israel, with high mortality. This study provides insights into the incidence, antimicrobial resistance, and mortality of Ab-BSI in Israel from 2018 to 2019. The findings highlight the significant burden of Ab-BSI in both hospital and community settings, with antimicrobial resistance being a key factor contributing to higher mortality.
Review
Immunology
Sherry A. Dunbar, Christopher Gardner, Shubhagata Das
Summary: This article describes the application of two rapid, molecular bloodstream infection panels that can identify the most common pathogens and associated genetic determinants of antibiotic resistance, providing clinicians with faster information for treatment. Molecular testing methods reduce the turnaround time for diagnosing bloodstream pathogens to a few hours, helping to initiate timely and effective treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dajana Lendak, Pedro Puerta-Alcalde, Estela Moreno-Garcia, Mariana Chumbita, Nicole Garcia-Pouton, Celia Cardozo, Laura Morata, Maria Suarez-Lledo, Marta Hernandez-Meneses, Lucio Ghiglione, Francesc Marco, Jose Antonio Martinez, Josep Mensa, Ivana Urosevic, Alex Soriano, Carolina Garcia-Vidal
Summary: The study found a significant shift in the epidemiology of CRBSIs in onco-hematological neutropenic patients, with an increase in Gram-negative bacilli infections and multidrug-resistant cases. Independent factors associated with GNB-CRBSIs include longer duration of catheter placement, older age, and prior use of penicillins. Additionally, inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatments led to an increase in mortality rates over time.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Marta Klos, Estera Jachowicz, Monika Pomorska-Wesolowska, Dorota Romaniszyn, Grzegorz Kandzierski, Jadwiga Wojkowska-Mach
Summary: This study highlights the antimicrobial resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from bloodstream infections in hospitals in southern Poland. The predominant pathogen identified was Escherichia coli in internal medicine and surgery units, while Klebsiella pneumoniae was more frequently isolated in intensive care units. Enterobacteriaceae demonstrated high resistance to most antimicrobial agents.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Brandon R. Hadfield, Joseph B. Cantey
Summary: Recent advances in causes, diagnosis, management, and prevention of neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) have led to a decrease in BSI incidence, but challenges such as emerging resistance and the need for novel diagnostics remain. Ongoing efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality caused by neonatal BSI must remain a priority. This review highlights the rapid changes in the field over the past 18 months.
CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shinya Tsuzuki, Nobuaki Matsunaga, Koji Yahara, Keigo Shibayama, Motoyuki Sugai, Norio Ohmagari
Summary: This study estimated the disease burden of bloodstream infections caused by major antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in Japan from 2015 to 2018. The burden associated with AMR in Japan is substantial and has not decreased, with FQREC and 3GREC showing steady increases, while MRSA burden in Japan is larger than in the European Union/European Economic Area. These findings are expected to provide valuable information for healthcare policy makers to prioritize interventions for AMR.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Mladen Pospisil, Haris Car, Vesna Elvedi-Gasparovic, Natasa Beader, Zoran Herljevic, Branka Bedenic
Summary: This study aimed to assess the resistance determinants and therapy outcome of AmpC-producing Enterobacterales associated with bloodstream infections. The findings showed no difference in the prevalence of comorbidities and previous surgical procedures between resistant and susceptible isolates. No difference was reported in mortality rates. The study also revealed the distribution of antibiotic resistance patterns among different strains.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andreea-Loredana Golli, Oana Mariana Cristea, Ovidiu Zlatian, Adina-Dorina Glodeanu, Andrei Theodor Balasoiu, Mihaela Ionescu, Simona Popa
Summary: This study analyzed the distribution, resistance patterns and prevalence of MDR pathogens isolated in blood samples collected from patients with severe invasive infections hospitalized in the ICU. The study revealed a high prevalence of MDR strains, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rudzani C. Mashau, Susan T. Meiring, Angela Dramowski, Rindidzani E. Magobo, Vanessa C. Quan, Olga Perovic, Anne von Gottberg, Cheryl Cohen, Sithembiso Velaphi, Erika van Schalkwyk, Nelesh P. Govender
Summary: This study investigated the incidence, etiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility of culture-confirmed neonatal bloodstream infections and meningitis in South Africa. The findings revealed a high incidence risk of late-onset sepsis with provincial variations. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified as one of the dominant pathogens, and there was a decline in antibiotic susceptibility among Gram-negative bacteria.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Dariusz A. Hareza, Sara E. Cosgrove, Patricia J. Simner, Anthony D. Harris, Yehudit Bergman, Rick Conzemius, Emily Jacobs, Stephan Beisken, Pranita D. Tamma
Summary: This study investigated the clinical outcomes and optimal treatment methods for patients with ESBL-E bloodstream infections that do not produce CTX-M. The findings suggest that non-CTX-M and CTX-M ESBL-E infections are equally concerning and associated with similar clinical outcomes. Meropenem may be associated with improved survival in patients with non-CTX-M ESBL-E infections, highlighting the potential benefit of comprehensive molecular diagnostics for early antibiotic optimization in ESBL-E infections.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Isabella A. Tickler, Diane Kawa, Anne E. Obradovich, Ferric C. Fang, Fred C. Tenover
Summary: A total of 199 Gram-negative bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections and 162 from bloodstream infections were collected from 12 healthcare systems throughout the United States between May 2021 and August 2022. The study characterized the isolates that were resistant to cephalosporins or carbapenems through antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing. The results showed a wide range of carbapenemase-mediated resistance, with blaKPC-3 and blaKPC-2 being the most common carbapenemase genes identified. Additionally, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes and AmpC genes were also detected in a significant number of isolates. Importantly, some of the carbapenemase-producing organisms were still susceptible to certain antibiotics.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alemayehu Mekonnen Gezmu, Andre N. H. Bulabula, Angela Dramowski, Adrie Bekker, Marina Aucamp, Sajini Souda, Britt Nakstad
Summary: This retrospective study compared neonatal bloodstream infections in Botswana and South Africa in 2017, finding high rates of BSI and associated mortality in both neonatal units. ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified as a dominant pathogen in outbreaks in Princess Marina Hospital.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zhen Zhang, Ziyong Sun, Lei Tian
Summary: Bloodstream infections are a common consequence of infectious diseases, and appropriate antibiotic use is crucial for patient treatment. This retrospective study analyzed trends in antimicrobial resistance in common bloodstream infection-associated pathogens in Hubei Province, China.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alexander M. Aiken, Andrea M. Rehman, Marlieke E. A. de Kraker, Lola Madrid, Meron Kebede, Appiah-Korang Labi, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, Brian Nyamwaya, Eunice Kagucia, Derek Cocker, Kondwani Kawaza, Rebecca Lester, Kenneth C. Iregbu, Nubwa Medugu, Philip Nwajiobi-Princewill, Angela Dramowski, Tolbert Sonda, Asia Hemed, Sombo Fwoloshi, David Ojok, J. Anthony G. Scott, Andrew Whitelaw
Summary: This study aimed to measure the effects of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in hospitalized patients with Enterobacterales bloodstream infection in sub-Saharan Africa. The results showed that patients infected with drug-resistant bacteria had increased mortality compared to uninfected patients.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria J. Gunnarsdottir, Sigurdur M. Gardarsson, Maria J. Figueras, Claudia Puigdomenech, Ruben Juarez, Gemma Saucedo, M. Jose Arnedo, Ricardo Santos, Silvia Monteiro, Lisa Avery, Eulyn Pagaling, Richard Allan, Claire Abel, Janis Eglitis, Beate Hambsch, Michael Huegler, Andreja Rajkovic, Nada Smigic, Bozidar Udovicki, Hans-Jorgen Albrechtsen, Alma Lopez-Aviles, Paul Hunter
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Steven Rushton, Tim Winters, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: The study found that the number of non-care workers in care homes had the strongest relationship with the introduction of suspected SARS-CoV-2 cases. Higher staff levels and more severe PPE shortages were associated with higher case counts during the monitoring period. Managing staff interaction with residents and working practices could help reduce the ingress and spread of COVID-19-like illnesses within these care homes.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Julii Brainard, Charlotte C. Hammer, Paul R. Hunter, Frank Katzer, Georgina Hurle, Kevin Tyler
Summary: The study found that halofuginone (HFG) treatment can significantly reduce oocyst shedding, diarrhea burden and mortality in calves, especially when treatment is initiated before calves reach 5 days of age. Most studies reported results for animals up to at least 28 days old, with beneficial effects observed after initiating HFG treatment.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Paul R. Hunter
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kelly L. Edmunds, Laura Bowater, Julii Brainard, Jean-Charles de Coriolis, Iain Lake, Rimsha R. Malik, Lorraine Newark, Neil Ward, Kay Yeoman, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted economies and societies worldwide since early 2020, with education being particularly affected. Utilizing the HACCP framework to assess and mitigate risks associated with university student activities can help reduce the potential transmission of the virus.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Steve Rushton, Tim Winters, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This study found that factors such as population aged 65 and older, care home bed capacity, and less rurality are associated with excess COVID-19 cases and deaths. Higher deprivation was linked to higher mortality rates, while population density, travel time to local employment centers, and air quality indicators did not predict excess cases or deaths.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miguel de Franca Doria, Patricia Segurado, Marcelo Korc, Leo Heller, Blanca Jimenez Cisneros, Paul R. Hunter, Martin Forde
Summary: COVID-19 has had a severe impact on human health, social and economic aspects, leading to challenges in the management and governance of water and sanitation sectors, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Access to water and soap for handwashing remains a challenge for around 65 million people in the region, exacerbating the spread of the disease, especially among those living in poverty.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Samantha Hall, Mike van der Es, Adekemi Sekoni, Amy Price, Maria Clara Padoveze, Folasade T. Ogunsola, Lucia Yasuko Izumi Nichiata, Emilio Hornsey, Brian Crook, Ferla Cirino, Larry Chu, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This article examines the protective potential of face shields and explores the preferences and perspectives of both community and healthcare workers. The laboratory tests revealed that no face shield provides complete protection against exposure, and the level of protection is influenced by head orientation and design features.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nik Muhammad Nizam Nik Hassan, Paul R. Hunter, Iain R. Lake
Summary: This study evaluates the risk perception of an untreated water supply in a small island community in Malaysia and identifies factors such as age, income level, water odor perception, and water supply reliability perception that influence risk perception.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Sumaiya Hoque, Pedro Pinto, Claudia A. Ribeiro, Evi Canniere, Yvonne Daandels, Martine Dellevoet, Anne Bourgeois, Ourida Hammouma, Paul Hunter, Eleni Gentekaki, Martin Kvac, Jerome Follet, Anastasios D. Tsaousis
Summary: Cryptosporidium parvum is a major cause of acute enteritis in calves and poses a significant public health threat. Our study found a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium in dairy calves from farms in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, highlighting the need for further investigation and control measures for this disease.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Erica Kintz, Julii Brainard, Mike Vanderes, Roberto Vivancos, Lisa Byrne, Saira Butt, Claire Jenkins, Richard Elson, Iain Lake, Paul Hunter
Summary: A case-control study in England found that non-food exposures such as travel and childcare occupations increased the risk of infection with different serotypes of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), including O157 and O26, while day trips within the UK, exposure to dogs, and contact with soil were associated with lower infection risk. The study also revealed unique reservoirs for different serotypes.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jonathan H. Geere, Paul R. Hunter, Girish N. Swamy, Andrew J. Cook, Amarjit S. Rai
Summary: The purpose of this study was to identify clinical predictors and build prediction models for 1-year patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) after lumbar decompressive surgery for disc herniation or spinal stenosis. The study found that baseline PROMs, specific co-morbidities, work status, condition duration, previous lumbar operation, female, and smoking status were important predictors. The models developed in this study were able to predict the likelihood of achieving a satisfactory state of both disability and pain.
EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Iain R. Lake, Roger A. Morbey, Natalia R. Jones, Alex J. Elliot, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different surveillance systems were used to track cases in England. This study compared the performance of these systems in terms of case counts, prevalence, incidence, timeliness, and comprehensiveness. The results showed that the household survey system was the most comprehensive and least biased, while clinical cases, self-reporting digital app data, and emergency department attendances were useful and timely epidemic trackers.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
J. H. Geere, G. N. Swamy, P. R. Hunter, J-A. L. Geere, L. N. Lutchman, A. J. Cook, A. S. Rai
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent disc herniation (sRDH) after primary single-level lumbar discectomy, as well as the incidence and risk factors for five-year sRDH reoperation. A retrospective study was conducted using prospectively collected data and patient-reported outcome measures. The findings revealed that current smoking and higher preoperative disability were independent risk factors for sRDH. These findings have important implications for risk assessment, consent of patients, and perioperative management for spinal surgeons and rehabilitation specialists.
BONE & JOINT JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Julii Brainard, Natalia R. Jones, Isabel Catalina Swindells, Elizabeth J. Archer, Anastasia Kolyva, Charlotte Letley, Katharine Pond, Iain R. Lake, Paul R. Hunter
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review of observational and experimental studies worldwide to evaluate the effectiveness of indoor air treatment technologies in preventing respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. The results suggest that while some air treatment technologies, such as germicidal lights and high efficiency particulate air filtration, can reduce environmental and surface samples, robust evidence for their effectiveness in reducing infections in real world settings is still lacking.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2023)
