Knowledge of“Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections(2011)”:A survey of intensive care unit nursing staffs in China

Aims and objectives:To evaluate intensive care unit(ICU)nurses'knowledge of the updated guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections;to identify the factors that affect the nurses'knowledge and to explore the barriers to adherence to evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice in China.Methods:Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in Chinese ICUs from January 2013 to March 2014.The nurses'demographic information,knowledge of the guidelines,and barriers to adherence were assessed by a validated questionnaire and then analyzed statistically.Results:The questionnaires were completed by 455 ICU nurses from 4 provinces of China.The mean score was 8.17 of 20,and higher scores were significantly associated with province,years of experience,and years of ICU experience.Forty-nine(10.7%)nurses had not heard of the guidelines,whereas 231(50.7%)nurses heard of the guidelines but did not receive training for them.Trained nurses'scores were higher than untrained nurses'scores.The three main barriers to compliance with the guidelines were an unfamiliarity with them,an excessive workload due to a shortage of nurses,and a lack of training.Conclusions:ICU nurses'knowledge of the updated guidelines is quite low,which could be a potential risk factor for patient safety.Multidisciplinary interventions and continuous.

Catheter-related infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus in a patient with motor neurone disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium abscessus(M.abscessus)is a rapidly growing mycobacterium and ubiquitous in the environment,which infrequently causes disease in humans.However,it can cause cutaneous or respiratory infections among immunocompromised hosts.Due to the resistance to most antibiotics,the pathogen is formidable and difficult-to-treat.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present a case of catheter-related M.abscessus infections in a patient with motor neurone disease.Catheter and peripheral blood cultures of the patient showed positive results during Gram staining and acid-fast staining.The alarm time of catheter blood culture was 10.6 h earlier than that of peripheral blood.After removal of the peripherally inserted central catheter,secretion and catheter blood culture were positive.M.abscessus was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing.CONCLUSION For catheter-related M.abscessus infection,rapid diagnosis and timely and adequate antimicrobial therapy are crucial.

Clinical analysis of central venous catheter-related infections in patients in the emergency ICU

BACKGROUND:Catheter-related infection(CRI)of the central vein is a common cause of nosocomial infection.This study was undertaken to investigate the pathogen culturing and risk factors of CRI in emergency intensive care unit(EICU)in order to provide the beneficial reference.METHODS:From January 2008 to December 2010,a total of 1 363 patients were subjected to catheterization.In these patients,the peak CRI rate of the patients was determined by bacterial cultivation and blood bacterial cultivation.RESULTS:CRI happened in 147 of the 1 363 patients using the central venous catheter.The peak rate of CRI was 10.79%,with an incidence of 3.05 episodes per 1 000 catheter days.Of the147 patients,46.94%had gram-negative bacilli,40.14%had gram-positive cocci,and 12.92%had fungi.Unconditional logistic regression analysis suggests that multiple catheterization,femoral vein catheterization,the application of multicavity catheter,and the duration of catheterization were the independent risk factors for CRI.CONCLUSION:The risk factors for catheter-related infections should be controlled to prevent the occurrence of nosocomial infection.

Prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter-related infections in very low-birthweight infants by using a central line bundle guideline with a standard checklist

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using a central line bundle(CLB)guideline with a standard checklist in the prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)-related infections(CRIs)in very low-birth-weight infants(VLBWIs).Methods:Fifty-seven VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion at a hospital in Qingdao,China,between November 2012 and June 2013,were monitored with the CLB guideline and a standard checklist.Fifty-three VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion were monitored by standard hospital procedures.The incidence of CRIs was compared between the two groups.Results:The incidence of infection significantly decreased from 10.0%catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The indwelling catheter time significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group(31.9±15.0days vs.24.8±7.4 days,respectively,p<0.05).Colonization infections also decreased from 6.9% catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections decreased from 3.1%catheter days in the control group to 0%catheter days in the study group.Conclusion:The use of a CLB guideline with a standard checklist could be an effective and feasible protocol for preventing CRIs and prolonging indwelling catheter timein VLBWIs.

Reducing the Prevalence of Catheter-Related Infections by Quality Improvement: Six-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: Peripheral venous catheter (PVC) insertion is a crucial nursing action during life support. Several factors that increase the risk of thrombophlebitis associated with PVCs have been reported. Objective: We wish to evaluate the impact of a quality improvement regarding PVC treatment for patients with coronary heart diseases. Method: A longitudinal, quantitative observational study was carried out in 2008 and 2013 in a hospital in southern Sweden with 360 consecutive patients suffering from acute chest pain. New routines for PVC treatment were included in the hospital with daily inspection according to a checklist. A structured observation protocol was used to survey the prevalence of thrombophlebitis between 2008 and 2013. Also, we examined the relationship between the location and luminal diameters of PVCs. Results: The student’s t-test showed significant differences between 2008 and 2013 with respect to luminal diameter of PVCs (p = 0.002), prevalence of thrombophlebitis (p = 0.003) and number of days with PVC left in situ (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings emphasize the value of using systematic daily inspections and checklists to achieve quality and safety in patients with acute chest pain having PVC-based treatment.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Prospects and challenges for the application of tissue engineering technologies in the treatment of bone infections

Osteomyelitis is a devastating disease caused by microbial infection in deep bone tissue.Its high recurrence rate and impaired restoration of bone deficiencies are major challenges in treatment.Microbes have evolved numerous mechanisms to effectively evade host intrinsic and adaptive immune attacks to persistently localize in the host,such as drug-resistant bacteria,biofilms,persister cells,intracellular bacteria,and small colony variants(SCVs).Moreover,microbial-mediated dysregulation of the bone immune microenvironment impedes the bone regeneration process,leading to impaired bone defect repair.Despite advances in surgical strategies and drug applications for the treatment of bone infections within the last decade,challenges remain in clinical management.The development and application of tissue engineering materials have provided new strategies for the treatment of bone infections,but a comprehensive review of their research progress is lacking.This review discusses the critical pathogenic mechanisms of microbes in the skeletal system and their immunomodulatory effects on bone regeneration,and highlights the prospects and challenges for the application of tissue engineering technologies in the treatment of bone infections.It will inform the development and translation of antimicrobial and bone repair tissue engineering materials for the management of bone infections.

The Place of Nursing Theory in the Management of Post-Operative Infections in a Hospital Environment: Case of Cibitoke District Hospital

Introduction: Post-operative infections, such as surgical site infections (SSIs), are a significant concern in healthcare settings. Nurses play a crucial role in the prevention and management of these infections. The use of nursing theory could contribute to the prevention of SSIs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nursing theory in the management of surgical site infections (SSIs) in a hospital environment. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using descriptive and analytical methods to assess the role of nursing theory in the management of Post-operative infections (POI) in a hospital setting in October 2023. The study population consisted of nurses working in the Surgery, Emergency, and Maternity units at Cibitoke District Hospital. A sample size of 71 nurses working full or part time in the Surgery were invited to participate in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, and SPSS version 21.0 software was used for analysis. Results: The study found that nursing theory did not have any statistically significant place in the management of POI (p-value = 0.523). However, the results showed that experience was the only significant factor influencing the management of POI (p-value = 0.004). This is explained by the analysis of the net effects of the explanatory variable where we noticed that those who had more experience were more likely to manage post-operative infections. The participants’ knowledge regarding nursing theory in the management was poor as they scored less than 30% in all the variables used to measure their knowledge. Conclusion: The study revealed that nurses’ knowledge of nursing theories and their applications in the management of SSIs was poor. Continuing professional development, curriculum review, and in-service training were highly recommended.

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used for Treating Urinary Tract Infections in N’Djamena (Chad)

Introduction: Infection disease is a real publique health problem. The rise of resistance for modern antibiotic in infections treatment imposed us order alternatives. The study objective was to contribute in the knowledge of medicinal plants uses in urinary infections treatment in N’Djamena (Chad) in view for amelioration the traditional medicine in future. Methodology: The study was conducted in the city of N’Djamena in the Republic of Chad that interviewed 60 traditherapists on using 11 plants for urinary tract infections treatment. The methodology of this study consisted of the knowledge of medicinal plants that used by traditherapists, and the plants identification was done in the laboratory of IRED at Farcha. Results: A total of 60 traditherapists was interrogated on the plants used in the treatment of urinary tract infections among the population of N’Djamena. The majority of traditherapists interrogated in this study were male with the rate of 61.67% against female with the rate of 38.33%. The age range of traditherapists was between 20 to 80 years, 25 (41.67%) from the age range between 30 - 50 years and 35 (58.33%) in age range from 50 to 70 years. For the origin of their knowledge, the study showed that 72% of traditherapists inherited the knowledge from their family, while 15% inherited from the family and from training. The ethnic groups of the traditherapists were Sara (16%), Maraba (12%) and Massa (11%). According to the results, 18.33% were illiterates, 49% attended primary school and 33.34% the secondary school. Our study found that 11 species of plants belonging to 11 families were used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and the Ziziphus spina-christi was the most represented. According to traditherapists the Ziziphus spina-christi, Cassia obovata and Euphorbia hirta were the most frequent plants used in the urinary tract infections treatment. The parts of plants used in the treatment were leaves and bark, grained leaves and entire plants with the proportion of 50%, 16.67 and 15% respectively. Conclusion: This study revealed that the medicinal plants are variously used in the treatment of infection urinary tract in the city of N’Djamena.

Risk Factors in Surgical Site Infections

Purpose of the Research: Our study aimed to determine and understand the risk factors of surgical site infections in patients operated on in general surgery wards. Method of Research: Between May 2008 and November 2008, 422 consecutive patients who underwent emergency and elective surgeries, excluding breast, goitre and laparoscopic surgeries, were included in the study to determine surgical site infections and risk factors. The patients’ risk factors were selected in the preoperative period, and postoperative 3rd, 7th, and 30th days were checked by the physician responsible for conducting the study regarding surgical site infection. Results and Conclusion: Surgical site infections were defined as incisional and organ/space based on NNIS data. Gender, diabetes mellitus, malignancy, degree of contamination, ASA score ≥ 3, preoperative skin cleansing, duration of intensive care unit stay, duration of hospital stay, growth in wound culture, duration of surgery and incision length were determined as risk factors increasing CAI rates. Especially the degree of contamination, duration of intensive care unit stay, hospitalisation, duration of operation, and growth in wound culture were decisive factors in the development of CAI. As a result of our study, in the light of these data, we concluded that to prevent the development of CAI can be modified, interventions to foreseeable factors can be assessed.

Beta-lactam antibiotic resistance among Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections in Vietnam:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the evolving patterns of antimicrobial resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics in Escherichia coli isolates from urinary tract infection patients in Vietnam,covering the period from 2005 to 2022.Methods:29 Descriptive studies published between 2010 and 2022 in English and Vietnamese were included in the analysis.Data on resistance rates to beta-lactam antibiotics,including cephalosporins and carbapenems,were extracted and analyzed.Weighted pooled resistance rates were calculated using random-effects models.Annual trends in resistance were assessed using linear regression analysis.Results:Among the beta-lactam antibiotics studied,Escherichia coli exhibited varying levels of resistance,with cephalosporins showing higher resistance rates compared to carbapenems.Weighted pooled resistance rates were 66%for cefotaxime,65%for ceftriaxone,54%for ceftazidime,and 56%for cefepime.In contrast,carbapenems demonstrated lower resistance rates,with weighted pooled resistance rates ranging from 3%to 4%for meropenem,ertapenem,and imipenem.Resistance rates were also observed for amoxicillin/clavulanate(35%),ticarcillin/clavulanate(26%),and piperacillin/tazobactam(12%).Significant annual increases in resistance were noted for imipenem(0.56%,P<0.001).Conclusions:This study highlights the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in Vietnam and emphasizes the importance of prudent antibiotic use and the regular monitoring of resistance patterns.These insights are useful for guiding healthcare professionals in optimizing treatment strategies and for policymakers in formulating evidence-based clinical guidelines to combat antibiotic resistance effectively.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Infections in Sickle Cell Children in Two Referral Hospitals in Niamey, Niger

Introduction: Infections are significant causes of mortality in sickle cell children in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to determine the clinical profile and bacterial ecology of infections in children with sickle-cell disease in two referral hospitals in Niamey. Patients and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 2018 to July 2020 in two referral hospitals in Niamey. All children aged one (1) to 15 years with sickle cell disease admitted for suspected infection, including at least one bacterial culture, were studied. Bacteriological analysis was performed using the appropriate culture media, using BactAlert (Reference 4700003 BTA3D60 BioMérieux). Results: Over 36-months, 350 children with a mean age of 10.9 months were admitted. The sex ratio was 1.2. The SS electrophoretic profile was the most common (93.4%). Immunization status was up to date in 66% of patients. Fever was the common reason for consultation (55.1%). Infection was confirmed in 62 patients (17.7%). The primary diagnoses were bacterial gastroenteritis (24.2%) and urinary tract infection (19.4%). Blood cultures were isolated from Salmonella typhi (13.0%) and Escherichia coli (8.7%). Klebsiella spp (7.1%) and Escherichia coli (5.0%) were detected in cytobacteriological examination of urine. Salmonella typhi (23.5%) and Escherichia coli (5.9%) were isolated on coproculture. Conclusion: Bacterial ecology appears not different from that usually observed in sickle-cell children. Salmonella and Escherichia coli were predominant.

Bacteriological Profile of Effusion Fluids Infections at Charles De Gaulle University Pediatric Hospital from 2017 to 2020

Introduction: Microbiology of effusion fluids in children in Burkina Faso is characterized by the scarcity of data. This work aimed to study the bacteriological and antibiotics susceptibility profile of bacteria involved in effusion fluid infections in paediatrics in order to improve the choice of probabilistic antibiotics therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was used in children aged 0 to 15 years from 2017 to 2020 at the Charles De Gaulle Pediatric University Hospital Center (CHUP-CDG) in Ouagadougou. Classical bacteriology methods such as macroscopy, Gram staining, identification galleries and antibiotics susceptibility testing were used. Results: Of 231 samples, 64 bacteria were isolated. The most common bacterial strains of pleural fluid were Staphylococcus aureus (25%) and 40% for Enterobacteriaceae. Of the peritoneal fluid, 77% were Enterobacteriaceae with 57% Escherichia coli;and from joint fluid, 33% were S. aureus and 22% for P. aeruginosa. The overall susceptibility profile showed 29% extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), 10% methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and 8% carbapenemases. Conclusion: Bacteriological profile is characterized by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA. The most active antibiotics were macrolides, aminoglycosides, and cefoxitin (methicillin) for Gram-positive cocci, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides for Gram-negative bacilli. Then, the monitoring of antibiotics resistance must be permanent.

Incidences and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Koutiala, Mali

Purpose: This paper aims to assess the incidences and risk factors for surgical site (ISO) infections in the general surgery department of the Koutiala District Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study from August 1, 2017 to October 31, 2020 involving all patients who underwent laparotomy in the general surgery department of the Koutiala District Hospital. Patients who were not operated on and who did not have a laparotomy were not included. Age, sex, frequency, patient history, National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) index, time to occur, bacteriological test results and course of infection were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients were registered. The average age was 34.2 ± 21.2 years old. Eleven patients were 60 years old or older. The hospital incidence rate was 4.3% and the community incidence rate was 6.1 cases per 100,000 population. The concept of smoking was noted in 15 patients. Patients were operated on in emergency 84% of cases. Peritonitis was the most common initial lesion with 32% of cases. Our patients had an NNIS index greater than 0 in 84% of cases. The time to develop infection from the surgical site was less than 3 days in 8 patients (16% of cases). Depending on the depth of the infection, it was superficial (cutaneous) in 39 patients (78%) and deep (subcutaneous and organic) in 11 patients (22%). Escherichia coli was the most common germ with 72% followed by staphylococcus aureus at 24%. We noted 22% morbidity. The median length of hospitalization was 9 ± 2.2 days. Conclusion: ISO is common in our service. Prevention and mastery require knowledge of risk factors.

Distribution of pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial sensitivity of eye infections in Suzhou

AIM:To investigate the types of bacteria in patients with eye infections in Suzhou and their drug resistance to commonly used antibacterial drugs.METHODS:The clinical data of 155 patients were retrospectively collected in this study,and the pathogenic bacteria species and drug resistance of each pathogenic bacteria were analyzed.RESULTS:Among the 155 patients(age from 12 to 87 years old,with an average age of 57,99 males and 56 females)with eye infections(160 eyes:74 in the left eye,76 in the right eye and 5 in both eyes,all of which were exogenous),71(45.81%)strains were gram-positive bacteria,23(14.84%)strains were gram-negative bacteria and 61(39.35%)strains were fungi.Gram-positive bacteria were highly resistant to penicillin and erythromycin(78.87%and 46.48%respectively),but least resistant to vancomycin at 0.Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to cefoxitin and compound sulfamethoxazole(100%and 95.65%respectively),but least resistant to meropenem at 0.Comparison of the resistance of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to some drugs revealed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in the resistance of both to cefoxitin,cotrimoxazole,levofloxacin,cefuroxime,ceftriaxone and ceftazidime,and both had higher rates of resistance to gram-negative bacteria than to gram-positive bacteria.The distribution of bacterial infection strains showed that Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common strain in the conjunctiva,cornea,aqueous humor or vitreous body and other eye parts.Besides,Fusarium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also among the most common strains of conjunctival and corneal infections.CONCLUSION:Gram-positive bacteria are the dominant bacteria in eye infections,followed by gram-negative bacteria and fungi.Considering the resistance of gramnegative bacteria to multiple drugs,monitoring of bacteria should be strengthened in eye bacterial infections for effective prevention and control to reduce complications caused by eye infections.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Surgical Area at the Kara Teaching Hospital

Objective: To report the management of skin and soft tissue infections in the surgical area of Kara University Hospital in Togo. Material and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, in the general surgery and orthopedic trauma departments. The study focused on soft tissue infections of the pelvic and thoracic limbs and analyzed epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary data. Results: We registered 165 patients, comprising 109 men and 56 women.The sex ratio (F/H) were 0.51. The mean age was 45 years with extremes ranging from 23 to 90 years. Farmers (64.8%) followed by housewives (34.0%) were the social strata most affected. The consultation period varied between 1 and 90 days. The pathologies found were necrotizing fasciitis (53.3%), erysipelas (18.2%), infected limb wounds (12.1%), pyomyositis (9.7%), and necrotizing dermo-hypodermitis (1.8%). The main procedures performed were necrosectomy and grafting (62.9%), sample necrosectomy (18.8%), drainage (9.7%), and pelvic limb amputation (1.2%). Follow-up was favorable in 86.7% of cases. The study noted a death rate of 13.3% due to septic shock secondary to a delay in consultation. Conclusion: Skin and soft tissue infections were a common reason for surgical hospitalization at Kara University Hospital, with a high mortality rate due to delayed consultations.

Global Burden of Fungal Infections and Antifungal Resistance from 1961 to 2024: Findings and Future Implications

Background: Antifungal resistance (AFR) is a global public health problem with devastating effects, especially among immunocompromised individuals. Addressing AFR requires a One Health approach including Antifungal Stewardship (AFS). This study aimed to comprehensively review global studies published on fungal infections and AFR and to recommend solutions to address this growing problem. Materials and Methods: This was a narrative review that was conducted using published papers on fungal infections, AFR, and AFS between January 1961 and March 2024. The literature was searched using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Results: This found that there has been an increase in fungal infections globally, especially among immunocompromised patients. Due to this increase in fungal infections, there has been a proportionate increase in the use of antifungal agents to prevent and treat fungal infections. This increased use of antifungal agents has worsened the problem of AFR contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Globally, fungal infections have contributed to 150 million infections annually and 1.7 million deaths per year. By the year 2023, over 3.8 million people died from fungal infections. Addressing AFR remains a challenge because the treatment of antifungal-resistant infections is difficult. Finally, the treatment of fungal infections is a global challenge exacerbated by the limited number of antifungal agents to treat invasive fungal infections. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that fungal infections and AFR are prevalent across humans, animals, agriculture, and the environment. Addressing this problem requires the provision of solutions such as improving the awareness of AFR, conducting further research on the discovery of new antifungal agents, and implementing AFS programs. If this global problem is not addressed, the morbidity and mortality associated with AFR will continue to rise in the future.

Dynamic changes and clinical value of lipocalin 2 in liver diseases caused by microbial infections

Lipocalin 2(LCN2)plays a pivotal role in iron metabolism,particularly in the context of microbial infection resistance(e.g.,viruses,bacteria,parasites,etc.).LCN2 combats microbial infection by directly assisting the body in competing with microorganisms for iron,inducing immune cells to secrete various cytokines to enhance systemic immune responses,or recruiting neutrophils to infectious sites.The liver serves as the primary organ for LCN2 secretion during microbial infections.This review encapsulates recent advances in dynamic changes,clinical values,and the effects of LCN2 in infectious liver diseases caused by various microbial microorganisms.

Monocyte and macrophage function in respiratory viral infections

Pulmonary macrophages,such as tissue-resident alveolar and interstitial macrophages and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages,are the major macrophages present in the lungs during homeostasis and diseased conditions.While tissue-resident macrophages act as sentinels of the alveolar space and play an important role in maintaining homeostasis and immune regulation,recruited macrophages accumulate in the respiratory tract after acute viral infections.Despite sharing similar anatomical niches,these macrophages are distinct in terms of their origins,surface marker expression,and transcriptional profiles,which impart macrophages with distinguished characteristics in physi-ological and pathophysiological conditions.In this review,we summarize the current view on these macrophage populations,their shared functions,and what makes them distinct from each other in the context of homeostasis andrespiratoryviral infections.

Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Aged 0 - 5 Years in the Yénawa District of Cotonou (Benin) in 2023

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections remain one of the main causes of mortality in children aged 0 to 5. This work aimed to study the associated factors with the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in children 0 to 5 years old in Yénawa, Cotonou in 2023. Subjects and Method: It was an analytical cross-sectional study of children aged 0 - 5 years and their mothers in Yénawa, selected by four-degree random sampling. The sampling size, calculated using the Schwartz formula, was 126 children and 126 mothers. The dependent variable was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections. The independent variables were classified into four groups: socio-demographic and economic characteristics, behavioral factors, child-related factors, and environmental factors. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using STATA version 15 software. Associated factors were investigated by bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression, at the 5% significance level. Results: A total of 126 children aged 0 - 5 years and 126 mothers were surveyed, aged 23.5 (11 - 36) months and 30 (18 - 48) years respectively. The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 74.60% (CI95% = 66.89 to 82.30). The associated factors were the mother’s age between 18 and 28 (OR = 10.77;CI95% = 1.89 to 61.27;p = 0.007), the use of charcoal/wood for cooking (OR = 7.36;IC = 1.99 to 27.10;p = 0.003)), children's poor personal hygiene (OR = 8.87;IC = 2.92 to 26.97;p 0.001)), and cohabitation with domestic animals (OR = 7.27;IC = 1.67 to 31.71;p = 0.015). Conclusion: Communicating with mothers about the factors identified will help reduce the prevalence of acute respiratory infections in children aged 0 to 5.