Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Twenty-Two Years of Aeromonas Septicemia: Clinical Characteristics, Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns, and Mortality Predictors in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Abdullah Awadh
Abstract
Background: Aeromonas species are opportunistic pathogens causing severe bloodstream infections primarily in immunocompromised individuals. Regional epidemiologic and resistance data are scarce.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of all culture-confirmed Aeromonas septicemia cases (January 2003–September 2025) at a tertiary care center. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic records. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were performed according to CLSI guidelines using VITEK systems. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as non-susceptibility to ≥1 agent across ≥3 antimicrobial classes [24]. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified mortality predictors, adjusting for age, gender, cancer type, diabetes, neutropenia, and appropriateness of empirical therapy.
Results: Sixty-six patients (mean age 53.2 years; 53% male) were analyzed. Cancer (51.5%)—predominantly gastrointestinal—and diabetes (43.7%) were primary comorbidities. Fever (58%) and septic shock (18%) were common presentations. High resistance to β-lactams: amoxicillin–clavulanate 25% susceptible, imipenem/meropenem 67%/75%. Aminoglycosides (amikacin 96%) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin 95%) retained high efficacy. Thirty-day all-cause and sepsis-related mortality were 15% and 12%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, empirical therapy mismatch (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.4, 95% CI 2.1–73.8, p=0.005) independently predicted sepsis-related mortality.
Conclusions: Aeromonas septicemia primarily affects immunocompromised patients and shows substantial regional antimicrobial resistance. Empirical therapy selection critically influences outcomes. Rapid organism identification and susceptibility testing are essential for guiding targeted therapy and improving survival.”
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
The incidence and outcomes of hospital acquired- bloodstream infection and ventilator associated pneumonia and the impact of infectious diseases referral using data from the clinically-oriented antimicrobial resistance surveillance network for healthcare-associated infections (ACORN-HAI): An interim report
Authors: Stephanie N. Co-Chang
Abstract
Objectives: To determine the incidence of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSI), Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias (VAP) and the impact of Infectious Diseases (ID) referral on outcomes using data from the ACORN HAI surveillance network.
Methods: Adults hospitalized ≥48 h in a tertiary hospital (3/2023-3/2024) were prospectively included if HA-BSI and VAP criteria were met. ID referral was defined as formal referral to, or consultation with an ID specialist. Clinical, laboratory parameters, and 28-day outcomes were collected. The incidence of HA-BSI and VAP was calculated using the number of patients with HA-BSI or VAP as numerator, and total hospitalized adult patients as denominator; incidence density per 1000 patient-days was computed using infection episodes as numerator, and total patient-days as denominator.
Results: Among 115 patients (mean age 62.4 ± 18.1 years), 58.3% were male, and 33. 91% diabetic. HA-BSI incidence density was higher compared to VAP (1.03 vs. 46 per 1000 patient-days). Mortality (BSI 24.7%, VAP 50%, combined infection 57.1%) differed across infection types. Majority of infection episodes were referred to ID (119/143, 83.21%). Although late referrals (9/143, 6.29%), had numerically higher mortality and prolonged hospitalization, these were not statistically significant. The timing of ID referral had no statistically significant association with clinical and functional outcomes, mortality, and length of stay.
Conclusion: Overall HA-BSI and VAP rates were low, but still associated with high mortality and prolonged hospitalization. ID referral was not associated with better outcomes in this small study.”
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Culture-proven endogenous endophthalmitis: ocular and systemic clinical features and outcomes
Authors: Zhang, C
Abstract
Purpose: To report the clinical presentation, systemic associations, microbiologic spectrum, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of patients with culture-proven endogenous endophthalmitis.
Methods: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted of patients with culture-proven endogenous endophthalmitis between 2013 and 2024. Data collected included demographics, systemic and ocular findings, culture results, imaging studies, management strategies, and treatment outcomes.
Results: A total of 50 eyes from 41 patients were identified. Of these, 30/41 (73%) presented in an outpatient setting. The most common presenting symptom was blurred vision in 36/41 (88%) with only 16/41 (39%) presenting with systemic symptoms. Vitreous cultures disclosed fungal organisms in 19/41 (46%) of cases and bacterial in the remainder. Blood cultures were positive in 23/41 (56%). A systemic source of infection was identified in 23/41 (56%), most often associated with indwelling medical devices in 7/23 (30%). Intravenous drug use was present in 7/41 (17%). All patients received intravitreal antimicrobials and 25/50 (50%) underwent vitrectomy. Death associated with systemic infection occurred in only 3/41 (7%) of patients. Evisceration was performed in 2/50 (4%) eyes. Visual acuity at last follow up was ≥ 20/400 in 26/50 (52%) of eyes.
Conclusions: Endogenous endophthalmitis was associated with a fungal source in 46% of cases and was not associated with systemic symptoms in 61% of cases. In the current study, indwelling medical devices remain an important source of infection. Despite prompt treatment, visual outcomes were generally poor.”