Klebsiella pneumoniae infections after liver transplantation:Drug resistance and distribution of pathogens,risk factors,and influence on outcomes

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease.However,LT recipients are susceptible to infection,which is the leading cause of early mortality after LT.Klebsiella pneumoniae infections(KPIs)in the bloodstream are common in LT recipients.We hypothesized that KPIs and carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infections may affect the outcomes of LT recipients.AIM To assess KPI incidence,timing,distribution,drug resistance,and risk factors following LT and its association with outcomes.METHODS This retrospective study included 406 patients undergoing LT at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,a tertiary hospital,from January 2015 to January 2023.We investigated the risk factors for KPIs and assessed the impact of KPIs and CRKP infections on the prognosis of LT recipients using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS KPI incidence was 7.9%(n=32),with lung/thoracic cavity the most frequent site of infection;the median time from LT to KPI onset was 7.5 d.Of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates,43(97.7%)and 34(77.3%)were susceptible to polymyxin B or ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline,respectively;>70%were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam,ceftazidime,cefepime,aztreonam,meropenem,and levofloxacin.Female sex[odds ratio(OR)=2.827,95%confidence interval(CI):1.256-6.364;P=0.012],pre-LT diabetes(OR=2.794,95%CI:1.070-7.294;P=0.036),day 1 post-LT alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels≥1500 U/L(OR=3.645,95%CI:1.671-7.950;P=0.001),and post-LT urethral catheter duration over 4 d(OR=2.266,95%CI:1.016-5.054;P=0.046)were risk factors for KPI.CRKP infections,but not KPIs,were risk factors for 6-month all-cause mortality post-LT.CONCLUSION KPIs occur frequently and rapidly after LT.Risk factors include female sex,pre-LT diabetes,increased post-LT ALT levels,and urethral catheter duration.CRKP infections,and not KPIs,affect mortality.

Prevalence of Enteric Pathogens Associated with Infections among Table Egg Consumers in Some Primary Health Establishments in the Center Region of Cameroon

Method: In Cameroon limited data are available regarding the prevalence of enteric bacteria associated with table egg consuming infections. As such, a situational-based study was performed in patients with complains of stomach disorders after egg consumption. Data related to sociodemographic characteristics and other factors were collected using a structured based questionnaire. Stool culture of utmost importance in stomach disorders patients and serum were collected for typhoid serological test. Results: A total of 207 participants took part in the survey, Results indicated nontyphoidal Salmonella infections were highest in the 3 areas of study with Mfoundi (73.44%) having the highest level of infection compared to other bacterial infection. other enteric bacteria associated to this infection were E. coli serotype 157, Aeromonas, Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloaca and typhi salmonella. Meanwhile salmonelosis caused by typhic salmonella had highest prevalence in the Lekie Division (13.11%) as a result of poor hygienic practices associated with the conservation and preparation of eggs, Stool culture was observed to detect more positive cases in the diagnosis of typhoid fever than Widal test, but with no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between the stool culture and Widal test in the 3 areas of study. Conclusion: this study revealed that egg consumers are pruned to enteric bacterial and salmonella infections depending on how and where egg is consumed.

Five-year analysis of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance of ocular infections from two large tertiary comprehensive hospitals in east China

AIM:To analyze the spectrum of isolated pathogens and antibiotic resistance for ocular infections within 5y at two tertiary hospitals in east China.METHODS:Ocular specimen data were collected from January 2019 to October 2023.The pathogen spectrum and positive culture rate for different infection location,such as keratitis,endophthalmitis,and periocular infections,along with antibiotic resistance were analyzed.RESULTS:We included 2727 specimens,including 827(30.33%)positive cultures.A total of 871 strains were isolated,530(60.85%)bacterial and 341(39.15%)fungal strains were isolated.Gram-positive cocci(GPC)were the most common ocular pathogens.The most common bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis(25.03%),Staphylococcus aureus(7.46%),Streptococcus pneumoniae(4.59%),Corynebacterium macginleyi(3.44%),and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(3.33%).The most common fungal genera were Fusarium spp.(12.74%),Aspergillus spp.(6.54%),and Scedosporium spp.(5.74%).Staphylococcus epidermidis strains showed more than 50%resistance to fluoroquinolones.Streptococcus pneumoniae and Corynebacterium macginleyi showed more than 90%resistance to erythromycin.The percentage of bacteria showing multidrug resistance(MDR)significantly decreased(χ^(2)=17.44,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:GPC are the most common ocular pathogens.Corynebacterium macginleyi,as the fourth common bacterium,may currently be the local microbiological feature of east China.Fusarium spp.is the most common fungus.More than 50%of the GPC are resistant to fluoroquinolones,penicillins,and macrolides.However,the proportion of MDR strains has been reduced over time.

Role of nutrition in diabetes mellitus and infections

In this editorial,we have commented on the article that has been published in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors have described a case of unilateral thyroid cyst and have opined that the acute onset of infection may be linked to diabetes mellitus(DM).We have focused on the role of nutrition in the association between DM and infection.Patients with DM are at a high risk of infection,which could also be attributed to nutrition-related factors.Nutritional interventions for patients with diabetes are mainly based on a low-calorie diet,which can be achieved by adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet.However,dietary fiber supplementation is recommended to maintain the diversity of the gut microbiota.Furthermore,high-quality protein can prevent the increased risk of infection due to malnutrition.Supplementation of vitamins C,vitamins A,vitamins D,and folic acid improves blood sugar control and facilitates immune regulation.Mineral deficiencies augment the risk of infection,but the relationship with diabetes is mostly U-shaped and a good intake should be maintained.

Assessment of pathogens and risk factors associated with bloodstream infection in the year after pediatric liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Bloodstream infection(BSI)is one of the most significantly adverse events that can occur after liver transplantation(LT)in children.AIM To analyze the profile of BSI according to the postoperative periods and assess the risk factors after pediatric LT.METHODS Clinical data,collected from medical charts of children(n=378)who underwent primary LT,were retrospectively reviewed.The primary outcome considered was BSI in the first year after LT.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for BSI and respective odds ratios(ORs).RESULTS Of the examined patients,106(28%)experienced 162 episodes of pathogen-confirmed BSI during the first year after LT.There were 1.53±0.95 episodes per children(mean±SD)among BSIcomplicated patients with a median onset of 0.4 mo post-LT.The most common pathogenic organisms identified were Coagulase-negative staphylococci,followed by Enterococcus spp.and Streptococcus spp.About half(53%)of the BSIs were of unknown origin.Multivariate analysis demonstrated that young age(≤1.3 year;OR=2.1,P=0.011),growth failure(OR=2.1,P=0.045),liver support system(OR=4.2,P=0.008),and hospital stay of>44 d(OR=2.3,P=0.002)were independently associated with BSI in the year after LT.CONCLUSION BSI was frequently observed in patients after pediatric LT,affecting survival outcomes.The profile of BSI may inform clinical treatment and management in high-risk children after LT.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Musa sp.leaf extracts against multidrug resistant clinical pathogens causing nosocomial infection

Objective:To investigate different Musa sp.leave extracts of hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol were evaluated for antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens causing nosocomial infection by agar well diffusion method and also antioxidant activities.Methods:The four different Musa species leaves were extracted with hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol.Antibacterial susceptibility test,minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum inhibitory bacterial concentration were determined by agar well diffusion method.Total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity was determined.Results:All the Musa sp.extracts showed moderate antibacterial activities expect Musa paradisiaca with the inhibition zone ranging from 8.0 to 18.6 mm.Among four species ethyl acetate extracts of Musa paradisiaca showed highest activity against tested pathogens particularly E.coli,P.aeruginosa and Citrobacter sp.The minimum inhibitory concentrations were within the value of 15.63-250μg/ml.and minimum bactericidal concentrations were ranging from 31.25-250μg/mL.Antioxidant activity of Musa acuminate exhibited maximum activity among other three Musa species.Conclusions:The present study concluded that among the different Musa species,Musa paradisiaca displayed efficient antibacterial activity followed by Musa acuminata against multidrug resistant nosocomial infection causing pathogens.Further,an extensive study is needed to identify the bioactive compounds,mode of action and toxic effect in.vivo of Musa sp.

Uropathogens of Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes at the Douala Referral Hospital, Cameroon: A Case-Control Study

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in pregnancy and accounts for a high burden of maternal and perinatal morbidity/mortality and health expenditure. The burden of this condition has been understudied in Cameroon. We aimed to determine the uropathogens of urinary tract infection in pregnancy, and the maternal-fetal outcomes of UTI at the Douala Referral Hospital. Methods: We conducted an analytic matched case-control study of 206 pregnant women with evidence of urinary tract infection (103 cases) and those without (103 controls) who underwent antenatal care and gave birth at the DRH from January 2019 to April 2019. Socio-demographic, laboratory and maternal-fetal outcome data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Escherichia coli (51.5%), Proteus mirabilis (15.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (11.7%) and Klebsiella sp. (6.8%) were the predominant uropathogens of UTI. Maternal outcomes of UTI were puerperal pyelonephritis (AOR 3.1;95% CI: 1.11 - 3.55, p = 0.0023), preterm labor (AOR 4.4;95% CI: 1.0 - 2.7, p = 0.008) and preterm birth (AOR 4.6;95% CI 1.9 - 22.9, p = 0.05). Furthermore, low birth weight (AOR 2.1;95% CI: 0.8 - 5.6, p = 0.05), neonatal infection (AOR 13;95% CI: 0.9 - 191.6, p = 0.04) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (AOR 2.5;95% CI: 1.7 - 3.6, p = 0.003) were fetal outcomes of UTI. Conclusion: Escherichia coli was the main uropathogenic agent of UTI during pregnancy. Maternal outcomes of UTI were puerperal pyelonephritis, preterm labor and delivery while fetal outcomes include: low-birth weight, neonatal infection and neonatal intensive care admission. Prompt diagnosis of this condition is the cornerstone to avoid adverse outcomes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Protocols for Fever Caused by Exogenous Pathogens (Upper Respiratory Infection)

Fever caused by exogenous pathogens,also called upper respiratory infection( URI),refers to a classification of exogenous diseases induced by invasion of six pathogenic factors into the body leading to disharmony betw een nutrient Qi and defensive Qi and imbalance of Yin and Yang. As an extremely common symptom or sign,it is frequently seen in various processes of acute and chronic diseases. In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) has achieved a certain efficacy in the treatment of fever caused by exogenous pathogens,such as modified formulae,Chinese patent drugs,self-made formulae,acupuncture,moxibustion and so on.This article mainly explored the key points of common syndromes,TCM nursing methods and health guidance of fever caused by exogenous pathogens,in order to further develop the advantages of TCM,improve its efficacy and standardize its nursing behavior.

Urgent call for attention to diabetes-associated hospital infections

In this editorial,we discuss the recent article by Zhao et al published in the World Journal of Diabetes,which highlights the importance of recognizing the risk indicators associated with diabetes mellitus(DM).Given the severe implications of healthcare-associated infections(HAIs)in hospitalized individuals-such as heightened mortality rates,prolonged hospitalizations,and increased costs-we focus on elucidating the connection between DM and nosocomial infections.Diabetic patients are susceptible to pathogenic bacterial invasion and subsequent infection,with some already harboring co-infections upon admission.Notably,DM is an important risk factor for nosocomial urinary tract infections and surgical site infections,which may indirectly affect the occurrence of nosocomial bloodstream infections,especially in patients with DM with poor glycemic control.Although evidence regarding the impact of DM on healthcare-associated pneumonias remains inconclusive,attention to this potential association is warranted.Hospitalized patients with DM should prioritize meticulous blood glucose management,adherence to standard operating procedures,hand hygiene practices,environmental disinfection,and rational use of drugs during hospitalization.Further studies are imperative to explore the main risk factors of HAIs in patients with DM,enabling the development of preventative measures and mitigating the occurrence of HAIs in these patients.

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.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Profile of Multidrug Resistance Gram-Negative Pathogens Isolated from Wound Infections at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Retrospective Study

Background: There is a high mortality and morbidity associated with multidrug resistance pathogens. The high rate of MDR isolates is gradually becoming a threat to the coverage of antibiotics including the clinical outcome of infected patients. Methods: A 5-year laboratory based antibiotic susceptibility data from January 2016 to December 2020 was reviewed to determine the most prevalent MDR pathogens isolated from samples taken from patients with wound infections at Pietersburg and Mankweng Hospitals. Results: A total of 792 pathogens were analyzed. The most prevalent isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.7%), Escherichia coli (16%), Proteus mirabilis (13.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (9.1%) and Klebsiella oxytoca (3.8%). The overall prevalence of MDR isolates in this study was 38.1%. The distribution of MDR prevalence amongst these isolates was K. pneumoniae (20.8%), P. aeruginosa (18.8%), P. mirabilis (17.5%), E. coli (15.9%) and A. baumannii (8.3%). Of the 9 antibiotic agents tested, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, tigecycline and cefepime had the highest levels of resistance. The highest level of resistance was conferred by K. pneumoniae having 63% of isolates identified as MDR. The study could not determine statistical significance of any determinant of MDR. Conclusion: The study revealed that there is high rate of MDR pathogens (38.9%) in Limpopo. Majority of the pathogens were K. pneumoniae from surgical ward, which also conferred high resistance levels. A proportion of the MDR pathogens was identified as A. baumannii CRE pathogens and is noteworthy in implementation aggressive infection prevention and control strategies.

Risk Factors and Distribution of Pathogens for Pulmonary Infection in Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objective:To investigate risk factors and distribution of pathogens for pulmonary infection in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Methods:The clinical data of 285 patients with severe acute pancreatitis were retrospectively analyzed.Sputum specimens of patients with lung infections were studied.Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to screening the factors correlating to lung infections.Results:Gram-negative bacilli were the principal microorganisms isolated from those lung infections,and these bacterial pathogens demonstrated a marked pattern of antibiotic resistance.It was identified that age(OR 1.05,95%CI 1.01-1.09,p=0.01),Ranson scores(OR 3.01,95%CI 1.13-8.03,p=0.03)and surgical treatment(OR4.27,95%CI 1.03-17.65,p=0.04)were independent risk factors of lung infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.Conclusion:Analysis of pathogen spectrum and drug sensitivity will contribute to choosing antibiotics empirically.And preventive measures aimed at risk factors could help reduce the incidence of lung infections in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

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.

The Increased Frequency of Carbapenem Resistant Non Fermenting Gram Negative Pathogens as Causes of Health Care Associated Infections in Adult Cancer Patients

Background and Aim: Multi drug resistant Non fermenting gram negative bacilli (NFGNB) have emerged as a major cause of health-care associated infections especially in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of NFGNB as a cause of health-care associated infections (HAI) in cancer patients and determine their resistance pattern. Patients and Methods: During the study period, 158 NFGNB isolates were collected. Microscan Walk Away 9 was used for identification and testing for the metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) was done by Imipenem-EDTA combined disk synergy test (CDST-IPM). Results: NFGNB represented 29.0% of infections caused by gram negative organisms. Carbapenem resistance, the multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotype, and MBL production were documented in 70%, 63%, and 59% of NFGNB isolates, respectively. MDR-NFGNB rates were significantly higher among hospitalized patients, medical department and those with longer duration of hospital stay (p = 0.034, 0.026, 0.019;respectively) than non MDR-NFGNB. Conclusion: A high level of carbapenem and multi-drug resistance were detected among the non-fermenter pathogens isolated from hospitalized cases and were more frequently encountered in high risk adult cancer patients requiring longer duration of hospitalization. The MDR-NFGNB are constituting important causes of health-care associated infections in cancer patients.

Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources,primarily under the influence of UVB radiation.This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes,encom-passing immune function,cell growth,differentiation,insulin regulation,and cardiovascular well-being,along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body.Moreover,vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation,making it a critical component of overall health.Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections,including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Vita-min D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals.Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings,indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases.Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections th-rough a multitude of mechanisms,such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system.Additionally,vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin–angiotensin system,suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19.While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted,the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.

Retrospective study of the incidence, risk factors, treatment outcomes of bacterial infections at uncommon sites in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND Bacterial infections(BI)negatively affect the natural course of cirrhosis.The most frequent BI are urinary tract infections(UTI),pneumonia,and spontaneousbacterial peritonitis(SBP).AIM To assess the relevance of bacterial infections beyond the commonly recognized types in patients with cirrhosis and to investigate their relationship with other clinical variables.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients with cirrhosis and BI treated between 2015 and 2018 at our tertiary care center.BIs were classified as typical and atypical,and clinical as well as laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups.RESULTS In a cohort of 488 patients with cirrhosis,we identified 225 typical BI(95 UTI,73 SBP,72 pulmonary infections)and 74 atypical BIs,predominantly cholangitis and soft tissue infections(21 each),followed by intra-abdominal BIs(n=9),cholecystitis(n=6),head/throat BIs(n=6),osteoarticular BIs(n=5),and endocarditis(n=3).We did not observe differences concerning age,sex,or etiology of cirrhosis in patients with typical vs atypical BI.Atypical BIs were more common in patients with more advanced cirrhosis,as evidenced by Model of End Stage Liver Disease(15.1±7.4 vs 12.9±5.1;P=0.005)and Child-Pugh scores(8.6±2.5 vs 8.0±2;P=0.05).CONCLUSION Atypical BIs in cirrhosis patients exhibit a distinct spectrum and are associated with more advanced stages of the disease.Hence,the work-up of cirrhosis patients with suspected BI requires detailed work-up to elucidate whether typical BI can be identified.

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.

Spontaneous Infection of Ascites Fluid at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background: Spontaneous ascites fluid infection (SAFI) is an extremely serious and frequently encountered complication in cirrhotic patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of SAFI and the factors associated with it in the largest hospital in Cotonou. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted from January 2013 to July 2019, at the National and University Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, Benin. All patients followed in the University Clinic of Hepato-Gastroenterology and diagnosed with SAFI were included. Results: Eighty-two patients were included, predominantly males (69.5%), with a mean age of 51.5 ± 14.5 years. Among them, 32 had SAFI, i.e., a prevalence of 39%. Of the 32 cases of SAFI, the culture of ascites fluid was positive in 6 cases (18.7%). The most frequent germ found in SAFI was Escherichia coli (5 patients, 83.3%). The factors associated with SAFI in this study were: abdominal pain (p = 0.004), increased bilirubinemia (p = 0.009), decreased prothrombin level 20 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: SAFI was common in cirrhotic patients in the department. Certain clinical and paraclinical factors were associated with it, as was the severity of cirrhosis. Early diagnosis and aetiological management of cirrhosis could reduce its frequency.

Reinfection and Risk Factors of SARS-CoV-2 during an Omicron Wave 2022 in Shanghai

Multiple waves of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) outbreaks have affected numerous countries worldwide. The first case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was reported in Hong Kong in August 2020^([1]), leading to increased interest in the effectiveness of natural immunity acquired from primary infection. While data reports vary across countries, all findings indicate that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provides substantial protection against reinfection^([2]). However, natural immunity from infection with previous non-Omicron or early Omicron sub-lineages offers lower levels of protection against Omicron reinfection, with rates below 60%^([3]) and approximately 75%[4], respectively.