Infections

Radiological and Imaging Evidence in the Diagnosis and Management of Microbial Infections: An Update (2023)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Vaishnav, Aditya; *Gurukiran, Gurukiran; Ighodaro, Osazuwa; Kandi, Venkataramana

Citation:
Cureus. 15(11):e48756, 2023 Nov.

Abstract:
Microbial infections are extremely prevalent throughout the world. Bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses generally cause them. Most microbial infections spread from humans to humans and from animals to humans. A vast majority of microbial infections are self-limiting. However, some microbial infections result in severe morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of microbial infections generally depends on the direct demonstration of microbes in human clinical specimens through microscopy followed by culture. Some microbes are uncultivable, and among those that are cultivable, some take a very long time to grow in the laboratory. This causes delays in the diagnosis that may result in poor patient outcomes. Serological and molecular methods like enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively, have been extensively used to diagnose infectious diseases. However, these require costly infrastructure and adequate personnel training. In this context, alternative, more efficient, and rapid detection methods for the diagnosis of microbial infections are warranted. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the role played by radiological investigations in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.

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Treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: report of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy/Healthcare Infection Society/British Infection Association Joint Working Party. (2018)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Hawkey, Peter M; *Warren, Roderic E; Livermore, David M; McNulty, Cliodna A M; Enoch, David A; Otter, Jonathan A; Wilson, A Peter R

Citation:
Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy; Mar 2018; vol. 73 ; p. iii2

Abstract:
The Working Party makes more than 100 tabulated recommendations in antimicrobial prescribing for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and suggest further research, and algorithms for hospital and community antimicrobial usage in urinary infection. The international definition of MDR is complex, unsatisfactory and hinders the setting and monitoring of improvement programmes. We give a new definition of multiresistance. The background information on the mechanisms, global spread and UK prevalence of antibiotic prescribing and resistance has been systematically reviewed. The treatment options available in hospitals using intravenous antibiotics and in primary care using oral agents have been reviewed, ending with a consideration of antibiotic stewardship and recommendations. The guidance has been derived from current peer-reviewed publications and expert opinion with open consultation. Methods for systematic review were NICE compliant and in accordance with the SIGN 50 Handbook; critical appraisal was applied using AGREE II. Published guidelines were used as part of the evidence base and to support expert consensus. The guidance includes recommendations for stakeholders (including prescribers) and antibiotic-specific recommendations. The clinical efficacy of different agents is critically reviewed. We found there are very few good-quality comparative randomized clinical trials to support treatment regimens, particularly for licensed older agents. Susceptibility testing of MDR GNB causing infection to guide treatment needs critical enhancements. Meropenem- or imipenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae should have their carbapenem MICs tested urgently, and any carbapenemase class should be identified: mandatory reporting of these isolates from all anatomical sites and specimens would improve risk assessments. Broth microdilution methods should be adopted for colistin susceptibility testing. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes should be instituted in all care settings, based on resistance rates and audit of compliance with guidelines, but should be augmented by improved surveillance of outcome in Gram-negative bacteraemia, and feedback to prescribers. Local and national surveillance of antibiotic use, resistance and outcomes should be supported and antibiotic prescribing guidelines should be informed by these data. The diagnosis and treatment of both presumptive and confirmed cases of infection by GNB should be improved. This guidance, with infection control to arrest increases in MDR, should be used to improve the outcome of infections with such strains. Anticipated users include medical, scientific, nursing, antimicrobial pharmacy and paramedical staff where they can be adapted for local use.

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Clinical risk factors predicting genital fungal infections with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment: The ABCD nationwide dapagliflozin audit (2017)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Ken Yan Thong, Mahender Yadagiri, Dennis Joseph Barnes, *David Stuart Morris, Tahseen Ahmad Chowdhury, Ling Ling Chuah, Anthony Michael Robinson, Stephen Charles Bain, Karen Ann Adamson, Robert Elford John Ryder, ABCD Nationwide Dapagliflozin Audit contributors

Citation:
Primary Care Diabetes 2017 [published online 29th June 2017]

Abstract:
Introduction

Treatment of type 2 diabetes with sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may result in genital fungal infections. We investigated possible risk factors for developing such infections among patients treated with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin.

Methods

The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) collected data on patients treated with dapagliflozin in routine clinical practice from 59 diabetes centres. We assessed possible associations of patient’s age, diabetes duration, body mass index, glycated haemoglobin, renal function, patient sex, ethnicity and prior genital fungal infection, urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence or nocturia, with the occurrence of ≥1 genital fungal infection within 26 weeks of treatment.

Results

1049 out of 1116 patients (476 women, 573 men) were analysed. Baseline characteristics were, mean ± SD, age 56.7 ± 10.2 years, BMI 35.5 ± 6.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c 9.4 ± 1.5%. Only patient sex (13.2% women vs 3.3% men) and prior history of genital fungal infection (21.6% vs 7.3%) were found to be associated with occurrence of genital fungal infections after dapagliflozin treatment, adjusted OR 4.22 [95%CI 2.48,7.19], P < 0.001 and adjusted OR 2.41 [95% CI 1.04,5.57], P = 0.039, respectively.

Conclusion

Women and patients with previous genital fungal infections had higher risks of developing genital fungal infections with dapagliflozin treatment.

Prevention and control of multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria: recommendations from a Joint Working Party (2016)

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Type of publication:
Journal article

Author(s):
Wilson, A.P.R., Livermore, D.M., Otter, J.A., *Warren, R.E., Jenks, P., Enoch, D.A., Newsholme, W., Oppenheim, B., Leanord, A., McNulty, C., Tanner, G., Bennett, S., Cann, M., Bostock, J., Collins, E., Peckitt, S., Ritchie, L., Fry, C., Hawkey, P.

Citation:
Journal of Hospital Infection, 2016, vol./is. 92/S1-S44

Link to more details or full-text: http://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(15)00314-X/pdf