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.

The ever-changing microenvironment of Staphylococcus aureus in cutaneous infections

Background:Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for the majority of skin and soft tissue infections,which are often diagnosed at a late stage,thereby impacting treatment efficacy.Our study was designed to reveal the physiological changes at different stages of infection by S.aureus through the combined analysis of variations in the skin microenvironment,providing insights for the diagnosis and treatment of S.aureus infections.Methods:We established a murine model of skin and soft tissue infection with S.aureus as the infectious agent to investigate the differences in the microenvironment at different stages of infection.By combining analysis of the host immune status and histological observations,we elucidate the progression of S.aureus infection in mice.Results:The results indicate that the infection process in mice can be divided into at least two stages:early infection(1–3 days post-i nfection)and late infection(5–7 days post-i nfection).During the early stage of infection,notable symptoms such as erythema and abundant exudate at the infection site were observed.Histological examination revealed infiltration of numerous neutrophils and bacterial clusters,accompanied by elevated levels of cytokines(IL-6,IL-10).There was a decrease in microbial alpha diversity within the microenvironment(Shannon,Faith's PD,Chao1,Observed species,Simpson,Pielou's E).In contrast,during the late stage of infection,a reduction or even absence of exudate was observed at the infected site,accompanied by the formation of scabs.Additionally,there was evidence of fibroblast proliferation and neovascularization.The levels of cytokines and microbial composition gradually returned to a healthy state.Conclusion:This study reveals synchrony between microbial composition and histological/immunological changes during S.aureus-i nduced SSTIs.

The Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Patients with Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections after Treatment with Linezolid or Vancomycin

Background: Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) due to Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), are associated with significant morbidity. Re-ducing MRSA carriage has been a focus of infection control interventions. The prevalence of MRSA colonization after successful treatment of a MRSA cSSSI is unknown. Methods: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing linezolid and vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA cSSSI. Adult patients that had a colonization culture, confirmed MRSA cSSSI, received at least one dose of study treatment, and had an outcome recorded at end of study. Patient, clinical characteristics and prevalence of colonization were compared by treatment regimens. A multivariate regression model identified predictors of MRSA colonization at EOS. Results: There were 456 patients evaluated. The prevalence of MRSA colonization was higher for vancomycin treated patients compared to linezolid treated patients at end of treatment (EOT) (28% vs. 5%, p < 0.001) and EOS (34% vs. 22%, p < 0.01). Independent predictors of colonization at EOS after treatment for a MRSA cSSSI included diagnosis, primarily driven by abscess, black race, treatment with vancomycin, MRSA mixed infection and male gender. Conclusion: Patients treated with linezolid for a cSSSI had less MRSA colonization at EOT and EOS compared to those treated with vancomycin. Multiple independent predictors of MRSA colonization were identified. Additional studies evaluating the relationship of MRSA colonization after treatment of cSSSI are needed.

Study of the Effectiveness of Papaver Sp. Alkaloids as Future Therapeutic Alternatives against Enterococcus Sp. Causing Hospital-Acquired Septicemic Infections

Background and Objective: In recent years, control of Enterococcus sp. It has been proven in the local medical environment to be a cause of acquired septicemia in various age groups, and medical instruments are considered an effective means of transmitting enterococcal septicemia, and catheters are at the forefront in terms of danger. Based on this risk, this study aimed to monitor the spread of Enterococcus sp., which causes blood poisoning acquired from catheters, and to compare its response to antibiotics with that of those isolated from clinical samples in children, as a first study locally. The effectiveness of alkaloids of different types of Papaver sp. In Syrian plants, they were tested against infection with this bacteria. Materials and Methods: The study dealt with two parts: The first part included collecting clinical samples from the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus/bacterial diagnostic laboratories/then isolating and diagnosing the bacteria by following a set of tests to identify the most prevalent genera and species and comparing their prevalence rate with Enterococcus. The second part;It included collecting plant samples, confirming the species taxonomically, then extracting alkaloids from plant parts (fruit, stem, Flowers), then comparing the extent of resistance of bacterial strains to antibiotics compared to the Enterococcus sp., and then confirming the antibacterial activity of the Papaver sp. alkaloids against Enterococcus sp. Result:In its first part, the study confirmed the significant contribution of the Enterococcus sp. to infections acquired from various sources, largely in catheter tip infections (9.09%) and to a lesser extent in other sources (3.7%), The second part was to confirm the effective-ness of the alkaloid extract of the Papaver sp., especially the two species Papaver syriacum, and Papaver dubium, against Enterococcus sp. with areole diameters that ranged between (15 - 26 mm) for the fruit extract and at a minimum inhibitory concentration (3.12 - 6.25 mml) and then the stem (5 - 20 mm). And the effectiveness of the Flowers extract is very weak to almost non-existent. Conclusions: The catheter and medical sources surrounding the patient constitute a dangerous source of multi-resistant Enterococcus sp., which poses a real threat to the lives of children, with new mechanisms represented by colonization of the skin and the ability to form biofilms Surfaces of medical instruments, with are resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. As an alternative and effective modern source to limit its spread in the future, the alkaloid extract of the fruits and stems of the wild Papaver sp. has proven a strong antibiotic effect, especially the two types: Papaver syriacum and Papaver dubium.

Effectiveness of <i>Thymus vulgaris</i>Essential Oil in the Treatment of Skin Infections in Dogs

Currently, there are no data in the literature on the topical treatment with Thymus vulgaris essential oil (EO) in bacterial skin infections of dogs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Thymus vulgaris EO for topical use in dogs with skin 18 half-breed dogs, affected by skin infections housed in a rescue shelter were studied. The bacteria isolated from these dogs were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The susceptibility of the isolated microorganisms to Thymus vulgaris L. EO was estimated in vitro by bacteriological test (CLSI 2015), in comparison to some antimicrobials drugs (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, doxycy-cline, thiamphenicol and marbofloxacin) and to Citrus bergamia EO. The dogs, divided in two groups at random, were treated topically for 7 days with Thymus vulgaris L. EO (Group 1: n. 10 animals) and Citrus bergamia Risso e Poiteau EO (Group 2: n. 8 animals) respectively. The bacteria isolated were: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (7 samples), Staphylococcus sciuri (4), ESBL Escherichia coli (3) and Proteus mirabilis (4). In all animals treated with Thymus vulgaris EO, the clinical signs decreased rapidly within 5 days from the administration, with complete remission 7 days after the treatment. No bacterial growth was observed from skin swabs after 7 days of treatment. None of the treated animals showed local or general side effects. The use of Thymus vulgaris EO could be a possible alternative or additional treatment to antibiotics in dermatological infections, particularly in cases refractory to conventional therapy.

The Frequency of Skin Tumors and Infections in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Background: Autoimmune diseases are a vast array of organ-specific as well as systemic diseases, whose pathogenesis results from the activation of B and T lymphocytes reacting against antigens of the body’s own tissues (defined as self). Objective: To record skin tumors and infections in all autoimmune diseases gathered together in a one pathological state, compared with renal transplant recipients and normal control. Patients and Methods: Four hundred patients with different autoimmune diseases were examined. Fifty patients with pemphigus (15 males, 35 females) are aged from 20 - 70 (41.23 ± 3.89) years. Fifty patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (50 females) are aged from 17 - 45 (30.58 ± 10.08) years. One hundred patients with vitiligo (59 males, 41 females) are aged from 9 - 71 (42.89 ± 5.28) years. One hundred patients with alopecia areata (42 males, 58 females) are aged from 7 - 52 (38.67 ± 9.52) years. One hundred patients with psoriasis (56 males, 44 females) are aged from 7 - 71 (47.36 ± 8.62) years were evaluated. One hundred twenty kidney transplant recipients’ (101 males, 19 females) ages ranged from 14 - 70 (45.43 ± 4.63) years. All patients were examined thoroughly for any cutaneous manifestations and tumors and the findings were compared with the general population as a control group, which consisted of 500 healthy control individuals whose ages ranged from 20 - 71 (44.53 ± 11.48) years. This case series, descriptive, controlled study was performed in Baghdad Teaching Hospital from June 2014 to October 2015. Results: In renal transplant recipients, the findings were observed as follow herpetic infection in 30(25%), bacterial 12(10%) while fungal 24(20%) patients. These infections appeared early in the course of immunosuppression. While the tumors were noticed, the benign tumors were the commonest manifestations, which included viral warts in 45(37.5%) followed by actinic keratosis 15(12.5%), seborrheic keratosis 14(11.6%), sebaceous hyperplasia 13(10.8%) and keratoacanthoma 1(0.8%). While the malignant tumors were basal cell carcinoma 4(3.3%) followed by squamous cell carcinoma 3(2.5%), and kaposi’s sarcoma 4(3.3%), Bowen’s disease 1(0.8%). These malignancy usually appeared late in the course of immunosuppression. In pemphigus, viral warts were observed in 4(8%) cases;fungal infection was seen in 4(8%) cases and bacterial infections in 2(4%) of cases and herpetic infection in only 1(2%) of case;no tumors were found in all patients. In vitiligo, viral warts were observed in 2(2%) cases, while seborrhic keratosis and sebaceous hyperplasia were observed in 1(1%) case;herpetic and fungal infections were seen in 3(3%) of cases while bacterial infections were recorded in 2(2%) of cases but no tumors were found in all patients. In alopecia areata viral warts were observed in 9(9%) of cases, sebaceous hyperplasia in 1(1%) case, herpetic and bacterial in 3(3%) of cases and fungal in 4(4%) of cases;no tumors were found in all patients. In systemic lupus erythymatosus (SLE) viral warts were observed in 4(8%) of cases, herpetic infection in 12(12%) of cases, fungal infection in 10(20%) of cases, bacterial infection in 3(3%) of cases and sebaceous hyperplasia in only 1(2%) of case, but no tumors were seen. In psoriasis, viral warts were observed in 14(14%) of cases, herpetic infection in 10(10%) of cases, bacterial infection in 3(3%) of cases, fungal infection in 2(2%) of cases, sebaceous hyperplasia in 2(2%) of cases and seborrhiec hyperkeratosis in 1(1%) case, while no tumors were demonstrated. In healthy control individuals, herpetic infection was present in 36(7.2%) and viral warts in 52(10.4%) individuals, fungal infection in 29(5.8%) of individuals and regarding tumors solar keratosis was present in 24(4.8%);basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were present in 2(0.4%) individuals of each. Conclusions: Patients with autoimmune diseases were protected against infections and tumors while kidney transplant recipients had no such protection although all these groups were on prolonged immunosuppression.

Characterization of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>infections among children in an outpatient clinic, China

Objective: We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and identify antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates from children with skin and soft tissue infections attending an outpatient clinic in Southern China. Method: An observational study of outpatient pediatric patients was conducted in a rural area of Guangxi. Infections were characterized in 230 patients and staphylococcal isolates tested for susceptibility to a range of antibiotics. Results: Among the 307 patients, 38.5% were infants. Culture yielded Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in 230 patients, of which 24 (10.4%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Staphylococcal strains were most isolated from hand, foot and umbilicus. The 1-12 mon group had the highest staphylococcal infection rate (86%), followed by the 6-12 year group, but MRSA was more common in the older children (19.5% of S. aureus). MRSA had significantly more resistance than MSSA to chloromycin (46% vs 11%), clindamycin (67% vs 19%), gentamicin (33% vs 2%), rifampicin (25% vs 2.9%), and sulphamthoxazole-trimethoprim (17% vs 3%). Conclusion: S. aureus remains a leading cause of pediatric skin and soft tissue infections. Over 10% of isolates were methicillin-resistant with high rates of resistance to non-beta lactam antibiotics, reducing options for therapy and limiting choices for empirical treatment.

Skin Manifestations of HIV Infection in Children in Pediatric Services of Conakry University Hospital (Guinea)

Introduction: Dermatological manifestations during HIV infection play a diagnostic and prognostic role. They are observed in 83% - 98% of patients at the late stage of AIDS and 58% - 75% at an early stage of AIDS. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin diseases in HIV in children, describes the demographic profile and identify key dermatoses. Material and methods: This was a prospective study of descriptive kind conducted from August 25, 2009 to February 25, 2010. It involved children infected with HIV followed in pediatric services at the University Hospital of Conakry. All children were examined by an experienced dermatologist. The diagnosis of dermatosis was made according to the clinical signs. The stages of HIV infection were determined according to the WHO classification. Each child received retroviral serology rapid tests according to national algorithm. Results: Among 119 HIV-positive children 65 showed mucocutaneous manifestations, there are 34 girls and 31 boys, all HIV-1 infected with 66.16% in stage III disease. The average age was 7 years, ranging from 11 months to 15 years. 66.15% of the children were from married mothers and more than half of the mothers were illiterate. They were all positive for HIV1. Oral candidiasis (38.46%), prurigo (29.23%) and molluscum contagiosum (7.69%) were the most common skin diseases;52.31% had at least two associated dermatoses. The candidiasis-prurigo combination (26.47%) was the most common. Dermatosis was often associated with other conditions: malaria (30.76%), pulmonary tuberculosis (25.61%) and malnutrition (12.30%). Discussion: With 65 cases diagnosed in six months our study shows that skin diseases are common in HIV among children in Guinea. The prevalence and socio-demographic characteristics are close to those reported by sub saharian and North African authors. A special feature of the study is that most mothers are illiterate and are infected with HIV, which would have favored the contamination of these children. Conclusion: In Sub-Saharan Africa where the rate of pediatric HIV infection is increasing, it is important to identify the mucocutaneous manifestations for optimal care.

Helicobacter pylori and skin autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune skin diseases are characterized by dysregulation of the immune system resulting in a loss of tolerance to skin self-antigen(s). The prolonged interaction between the bacterium and host immune mechanisms makes Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) a plausible infectious agent for triggering autoimmunity. Epidemiological and experimental data now point to a strong relation of H. pylori infection on the development of many extragastric diseases, including several allergic and autoimmune diseases. H. pylori antigens activate cross-reactive T cells and induce autoantibodies production. Microbial heat shock proteins(HSP) play an important role of in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases because of the high level of sequence homology with human HSP. Eradication of H. pylori infection has been shown to be effective in some patients with chronic autoimmune urticaria, psoriasis, alopecia areata and Schoenlein-Henoch purpura. There is conflicting and controversial data regarding the association of H. pylori infection with Beh et's disease, scleroderma and autoimmune bullous diseases. No data are available evaluating the association of H. pylori infection with other skin autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo, cutaneous lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. The epidemiological and experimental evidence for a possible role of H. pylori infection in skin autoimmune diseases are the subject of this review.

Successful rescue of acute liver failure and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis following varicella infection: A case report and review of literature

Herein we report a case of acute liver failure(ALF) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH) induced by varicella infection, successfully rescued by a combination therapy of acyclovir, supportive care, and immunosuppression with dexamethasone and etoposide. A previously healthy 16-year-old boy presented with generalized rash, fever, severe abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function within 4 d. Chickenpox was suspected, and acyclovir and intravenous immunoglobulin were started on admission. However, the patient's condition deteriorated overnight with soaring transaminases, severe coagulopathy and encephalopathy. On the fourth day of admission, pancytopenia emerged, accompanied by hypofibrinogenemia and hyperferritinemia. The patient was diagnosed with ALF. He also met the diagnostic criteria of HLH according to the HLH-2004 guideline. Polymerase chain reaction(PCR) amplifications of varicella-zoster virus(VZV) were positive, confirming that VZV was a causative trigger for ALF and HLH. In view of the devastating immune activation in HLH, immunosuppression therapy with dexamethasone and etoposide was administered, in addition to high dose acyclovir. The patient's symptoms improved dramatically and he finally made a full recovery. To our knowledge, this is only the second report of a successful rescue of ALF associated with HLH, without resorting to liver transplantation. The first case was reported in a neonate infected by herpes simplex virus-1. However, survival data in older children and adults are lacking, most of whom died or underwent liver transplantation. Our report emphasizes the clinical vigilance for the possible presence of HLH, and the necessity of extensive investigation for underlying etiologies in patients presenting with indeterminate ALF. Early initiation of specific therapy targeting the underlying etiology, and watchful immunosuppression such as dexamethasone and etoposide, together with supportive therapy, are of crucial importance in this life-threatening disorder.

New skin closure system facilitates wound healing after cardiovascular implantable electronic device surgery

The manuscript describes the efficacy of a new skin closure system(Zip Line?) for wound closure after pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator surgery. The system is particularly useful when wound healingis difficult with traditional methods and in patients at high risk for surgical site infections(SSIs). This skin closure option is easy and quick to apply and remove, and produces excellent cosmetic results. Although it is associated with a minimal expense upcharge, the benefits, including the potential for decrease in SSI, make it attractive and worth considering for skin closure in device patients, particularly those at increased risk of complications.

Subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus following cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,the cosmetic intervention related infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM)are increasing as the informal cosmetic treatments are performed.However,many dermatologists are inexperienced in the diagnosis and management of similar cases.Here we report a case of subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus(M.abscessus)following cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old woman presented with multiple abscesses and nodules on her forehead and both temporal sites for half a month after cosmetic injections of botulinum toxin.Her lesions did not show any alleviation after 2-wk prescription of antibiotics.Laboratory examinations indicated that she had no sign of immunodeficiency and the whole body of computed tomography did not find any systemic infection or diseases.The pathology of skin tissue showed inflammatory cell infiltration with the negative results of Periodic acid Schiff(PAS)and Acidfast staining and the culture yielded no microbiome.Afterwards,the puncture on abscess was performed and M.abscessus was successfully isolated.The pathogen was identified by acid-fast staining and DNA sequencing.The patient was treated with the strategy of clarithromycin,ofloxacin,and amikacin according to the result of drug sensitivity test and got complete remission of the lesions.CONCLUSION The case presents the whole process of diagnosis and management of NTM infection after cosmetic intervention and highlights the diagnostic thoughts.In a word,the mycobacterium infection should be aware in patients after cosmetic performance.

Fecal microbiota transplant and dermatologic disorders:A retrospective cohort study assessing the gut microbiome’s role in skin disease

BACKGROUND There is indication that fecal microbiota transplant(FMT)has the potential to alter the course of chronic skin disease,but few studies have investigated this phenomenon beyond case reports.Research with larger sample sizes is needed to provide a more thorough assessment of possible associations and to establish a broader foundation upon which to base hypotheses.AIM To identify associations between FMT and skin conditions,particularly infectious and inflammatory etiologies,and the role of dermatology post-FMT.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving a chart review of all patients whom received FMT between January 2013 and December 2019 at a single academic medical center.Dermatologic follow-up was assessed for the two years after FMT or through March 2020 for more recent procedures.Dermatologic diagnoses and visits within the study time frame were recorded and assessed for trends.This study was exploratory in nature.Descriptive statistics were calculated,and the t-test,Pearson’s chi-squared test,and Fisher’s exact test were used to calculate P values.RESULTS Median age was 38(range,17-90).In total,109 patients who underwent 111 fecal microbiota transplant events were included.Twenty-six events(23.4%)involved a dermatology office visit post-procedure,and of these events,20 out of the 26(76.9%)had an infectious or inflammatory skin condition.The mean time to first visit was 10.0(±7.0)mo.The most common diagnoses were dermatophyte,wart(s),and dermatitis,though no specific diagnoses predominated in a way indicating FMT had a significant impact.More patients with a post-FMT skin disease diagnosis had a history of Crohn’s disease compared to those without(P=0.022),but results could be affected by a small sample size.CONCLUSION Our study is limited by its retrospective nature,but the findings allow a glimpse at dermatologic conditions post-FMT.Few significant associations were found,but potential associations between FMT and skin disease should be further investigated,preferably in prospective studies,to identify how FMT might be of use for treating infectious and inflammatory skin diseases.

Severe monobacterial necrotizing soft tissue infection by group A Streptococcus:A surgical emergency

Eight percent of necrotizing soft tissue infections(NSTI) are attributable to group A Streptococci(GAS),and among these,50%develop streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.The reported mortality associated with NSTI reaches 32%.We present cases of two healthy individuals with minor GAS skin infection which developed to a rapidly progressed NSTI and sepsis despite of the antibiotic treatment,aiming to discuss the lessons learned from the course and management of these patients.

Modified skin bridge technique for ilio-inguinal lymph node dissection:A forgotten technique revisited

Ilio-inguinal lymph node dissection(IILD) is a commonly performed surgical procedure for a number of malignant conditions involving mainly the male and female genitalia, and the skin; however the postoperative morbidity of IILD, due to high frequency of flap necrosis, wound infection and seroma formation, has always been a major concern for the surgeons. The aim of the study is to highlight a modified skin bridge technique of IILD using two parallel curvilinear incisions to minimize postoperative skin flap necrosis. This technique was successfully employed in 38 IILD during May 2012 to November 2013. None of the patient had flap necrosis. Two patients developed seroma while another two patients had superficial surgical site infection; they were managed conservatively. Modified skin bridge technique for IILD is an effective method to minimize flap necrosis without compromising the oncological safety.

Tuberculin Skin Reaction among Healthy People and Patients with Arthritis in the Southern Israeli Region

Introduction: Reactivation of latent tuberculosis is a major complication of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors. Therefore, screening for latent TB is recommended before initiation of this treatment. The aim of the study was to compare Tuberculosis skin test (TST) size reaction between healthy people and patients, with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Ankylosising spondylitis (AnS) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Patients and Methods: Results of TST of 133 healthy subjects were compared with the results of TST of 79 patients, suffering from RA, AnS and PsA. A χ2 test was used to compare the difference between the groups. A value of p 0.05 was considered significant. Active tuberculosis (TB) was excluded by chest X-ray and through patient’s history. The results of TST reaction were grouped according to the CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and prevention) recommendation, e.g. 0 - 4 mm, 5 - 9 mm, 10 - 15 mm and >15 mm. Results: Among RA patients 80% received Methotrexate (MTX), 50% Prednisone and 20% other DMARDs. 20% of patients suffering from AnS received MTX, 80%—NSAIDs, and among patients with PsA 70% received MTX, 30%—Salazopirin. There was no significant difference in history of bacilli Calmette-Guerine vaccination between the groups. There was no significant difference in TST reaction distribution between healthy subjects and patients with RA—p > 0.5. TST reaction distribution differed significantly between healthy people and AnS (p 0.05) and PsA (p 0.001) patients. The overall tendency in these two patients’ groups was towards high positive TST, especially among PsA patients. Conclusion: Our results showed that RA patients may present TST reaction as healthy people. The high percent of our AnS and PsA patients that showed TST reaction above15 mmneed further exploration. We conclude that it may be not appropriate to use TST to recognize LTBI in our population.

Comparison between Quanti-FERON-TB Gold In-Tube test and tuberculin skin test for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis in children: A cross-section study

Objective: To compare Quanti-FERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test and tuberculin skin test (TST) for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 64 participants who were between 3 months and 14 years old and had close contact with smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were included. Both QFT-GIT test and TST were done and the results were analyzed by SPSS software and Kappa test. Results: The distribution of gender and age according to QFT-GIT and TST results were matched (P>0.05). Overall agreement between QFT-GIT and TST for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children was 75%. In addition, the contingency coefficient was 0.257, and the Kappa measure of agreement was 0.246 (P=0.034). Conclusions: Compared to TST, QFT-GIT shows no apparent advantage for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in children.

Does “Latent Tuberculosis Infection” (LTBI)” Really Exist? Genealogy of a Medical Nosology

Introduction: The diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is based on secular ways: chest radiography and tuberculin skin test (TST). In front of a recent enthusiasm for LTBI, this paper reports a historical perspective of this concept. Method: Bibliometric analysis and literature review from medical databases, using the terms “latent tuberculosis infection (“LTBI”), “primary tuberculosis”, “tuberculin skin test”, “tuberculosis”, and from reference books on tuberculosis. Results: In the PubMED/MEDLINE search for LTBI, a total of 7787 articles were found between 1901 and 2020, 95% from 2000 to 2020. In the first part of the 20th century, LTBI term was used for sub-clinical tuberculosis disease, the latency being also called “primary tuberculosis” or “abortive tuberculosis infection”. From 1960, randomized prospective therapeutic studies mentioned “tuberculosis chemoprophylaxis”. By the end of the 20th century, the epidemic of AIDS impeded tuberculosis decrease, making LTBI search more efficient. In 2000, the American Thoracic Society and the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention proposed the systematic used of LTBI, relayed through public health policies. A significant higher scientific production about LTBI was noted, supported by IGRA tests commercialization. Conclusion: In the recent years, health public policies, combined with epidemiologic and economic factors, strengthened the use of LTBI terminology.

Disseminated infection by Fusarium solani in acute lymphocytic leukemia:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,the rate of immunosuppressed patients has increased rapidly.Invasive fungal infections usually occur in these patients,especially those who have had hematological malignances and received chemotherapy.Fusariosis is a rare pathogenic fungus,it can lead to severely invasive Fusarium infections.Along with the increased rate of immune compromised patients,the incidence of invasive Fusarium infections has also increased from the past few years.Early diagnosis and therapy are important to prevent further development to a more aggressive or disseminated infection.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 19-year-old male acute B-lymphocytic leukemia patient with fungal infection in the skin,eyeball,and knee joint during the course of chemotherapy.We performed skin biopsy,microbial cultivation,and molecular biological identification,and the pathogenic fungus was finally confirmed to be Fusarium solani.The patient was treated with oral 200 mg voriconazole twice daily intravenous administration of 100 mg liposomal amphotericin B once daily,and surgical debridement.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered to expedite neutrophil recovery.The disseminated Fusarium solani infection eventually resolved,and there was no recurrence at the 3 mo follow-up.CONCLUSION Our case illustrates the early detection and successful intervention of a systemic invasive Fusarium infection.These are important to prevent progression to a more aggressive infection.Disseminate Fusarium infection requires the systemic use of antifungal agents and immunotherapy.Localized infection likely benefits from surgical debridement and the use of topical antifungal agents.

Recent Progress in Diagnosis Methods for Latent Tuberculosis Infection and Its Clinical Applications

Most people with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection can partly develop active tuberculosis (TB). Therefore, diagnosis of this condition bears significance in early TB prevention. To date, the main methods for diagnosis of latent TB infection (LTBI) include tuberculin skin test and interferon γ release test. These two methods feature their own advantages and disadvantages. Although new diagnostic markers continually emerge, no uniform diagnostic criteria are available for TB detection. This study summarizes several methods for diagnosis of LTBI and new related markers and their application value in clinical practice.